DCT-based embedded coding scheme for stereo image

Recently, embedded coder of stereo image has attracted a lot of attentions not only because of limit transmission bandwidth but human visual system can perceive a sharp 3D image even when one of the images is coded as a lower quality image. In this paper, we propose a novel DCT-based embedded stereo coder. Firstly, an adaptive Delaunay Triangulation (DT) mesh-based disparity estimation (DE) algorithm is used for obtaining disparity vectors. Then, we utilize Markov Random Field (MRF) model to further optimize disparity vectors, which results in more smooth disparity field. Moreover, an improved DCT-based bit-plane coder providing embedded bit stream is made use of encoding residual image. Different from conventional VLC-table bit-plane coding algorithm, this algorithm imposes context-based arithmetic coding algorithm, whose context models are specially designed by studying the characteristics of bit planes. Proven by experimental results, our coder outperforms traditional stereo coders 0.2-1.8dB. Meanwhile, it can provide embedded bit streams for adapting to channel bandwidth.