Abstract: A method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that allows the relative timing of nearby video pictures to be encoded in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, the display time difference between a current video picture and a nearby video picture is determined. The display time difference is then encoded into a digital representation of the video picture. In a preferred embodiment, the nearby video picture is the most recently transmitted stored picture. For coding efficiency, the display time difference may be encoded using a variable length coding system or arithmetic coding. In an alternate embodiment, the display time difference is encoded as a power of two to reduce the number of bits transmitted.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a decoding unit; a printing unit; an error detecting unit; and a control unit. The decoding unit decodes code data, which is obtained by encoding image data with a variable-length code on a line-to-line basis, into the image data. The printing unit performs a printing process on the basis of the image data which is decoded from the code data by the decoding unit. The error detecting unit compares a decoding amount indicating the amount of code data decoded in a predetermined range by the decoding unit with a predetermined decoding amount and outputs an error signal when the decoding amount is different from the predetermined decoding amount. The control unit controls the printing unit to stop the printing process when the error signal is output from the error detecting unit.

Abstract: Techniques and tools for encoding and decoding motion vector information for video images are described. For example, a video encoder yields an extended motion vector code by jointly coding, for a set of pixels, a switch code, motion vector information, and a terminal symbol indicating whether subsequent data is encoded for the set of pixels. In another aspect, an encoder/decoder selects motion vector predictors for macroblocks. In another aspect, a video encoder/decoder uses hybrid motion vector prediction. In another aspect, a video encoder/decoder signals a motion vector mode for a predicted image. In another aspect, a video decoder decodes a set of pixels by receiving an extended motion vector code, which reflects joint encoding of motion information together with intra/inter-coding information and a terminal symbol. The decoder determines whether subsequent data exists for the set of pixels based on e.g., the terminal symbol.

Abstract: Provided is an encoding apparatus including a frequency decomposition unit, a superimposition processing unit, and a transmission unit. The frequency decomposition unit is configured to frequency-decompose image data into a low-frequency-component: image and a plurality of high-frequency-component images. The superimposition processing unit is configured to superimpose the plurality of frequency-decomposed high-frequency-component images to generate a single superimposed high-frequency-component image. The transmission unit is configured to transmit the low-frequency-component image and the superimposed high-frequency-component image as compressed image data.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of compressing image data are provided. The method of compressing data comprises calculating differences between values of predetermined pixels from among pixels constructing an image and values of reference pixels respectively corresponding to the predetermined pixels; ordering bits, which correspond to bit strings of the differences, into bit planes; and coding the bit planes according to priority of the bit planes.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and processor executable code for high quality wide-range multi-layer image compression of a sequence of video images. A non-transient electronic storage media stores the processor executable code configured and is capable of causing one or more processors to compress a sequence of digitized video images. The method includes generating a hierarchy of processed images from a digitized video image, determining a plurality of regions within each processed image, each region being selected based on lossless coding efficiency; and applying a lossless variable-length coding independently to each such region.

Abstract: Lossless compression of fragmented image data is disclosed. In some embodiments, a stream of information comprising data elements having statistical characteristics is received. An encoded output is produced by an encoder comprising a data compressor that implements a variable length code that is adapted to the statistical characteristics of the data elements. The output and information from which the variable length code can be derived are stored.

Abstract: Encoding data includes: determining multiple patterns for computing one-dimensional transforms over a first array of data elements. Each pattern includes multiple subsets of data elements of the first array. Each subset included in a first pattern has substantially the same number of data elements as each of the other subsets included in the first pattern. Each data element of the first array is included in a single one of the subsets included in the first pattern. At least one subset included in the first pattern consists of data elements that are not in a contiguous sequence along a single dimension. Encoding the data includes: computing, for each pattern, multiple one-dimensional transforms over data elements of respective subsets included in the pattern selecting a set of transform coefficients from a group of multiple sets of transform coefficients; and encoding the selected set of transform coefficients to represent the first array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that allows the relative timing of nearby video pictures to be encoded in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, the display time difference between a current video picture and a nearby video picture is determined. The display time difference is then encoded into a digital representation of the video picture. In a preferred embodiment, the nearby video picture is the most recently transmitted stored picture. For coding efficiency, the display time difference may be encoded using a variable length coding system or arithmetic coding. In an alternate embodiment, the display time difference is encoded as a power of two to reduce the number of bits transmitted.

Abstract: A Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a multi-view image are provided. The method of encoding a multi-view image includes determining whether each of pictures included in multi-view image sequences is a reference picture referred to by other pictures included in the multi-view image sequences for inter-view prediction, and encoding the pictures using at least one of inter-view prediction and temporal prediction based on the determination result, thereby efficiently encoding and decoding the multi-view image at high speed.

Abstract: A method for transcoding from an H.264 format to a VC-1 format. The method generally comprises the steps of (A) decoding an input video stream in the H.264 format to generate a picture having a plurality of macroblock pairs that used an H.264 macroblock adaptive field/frame coding; (B) determining a mode indicator for each of the macroblock pairs; and (C) coding the macroblock pairs into an output video stream in the VC-1 format using one of (i) a VC-1 field motion compensation mode coding and (ii) a VC-1 frame motion compensation mode coding as determined from the mode indicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that allows the relative timing of nearby video pictures to be encoded in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, the display time difference between a current video picture and a nearby video picture is determined. The display time difference is then encoded into a digital representation of the video picture. In a preferred embodiment, the nearby video picture is the most recently transmitted stored picture. For coding efficiency, the display time difference may be encoded using a variable length coding system or arithmetic coding. In an alternate embodiment, the display time difference is encoded as a power of two to reduce the number of bits transmitted.

Abstract: A Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a multi-view image are provided. The method of encoding a multi-view image includes determining whether each of pictures included in multi-view image sequences is a reference picture referred to by other pictures included in the multi-view image sequences for inter-view prediction, and encoding the pictures using at least one of inter-view prediction and temporal prediction based on the determination result, thereby efficiently encoding and decoding the multi-view image at high speed.

Abstract: An optimized method and system for entropy coding is described. The system may include an input module to receive a digital image, a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) module to obtain a plurality of DCT coefficients associated with the digital image, a statistics generator to generate statistics associated with the plurality of DCT coefficients, a placement module to store the generated statistics in the plurality of DCT coefficients and entropy coder to generate uniquely decodable (UD) codes for the plurality of DCT coefficients. The entropy coder may utilize the statistics stored in the plurality of DCT coefficients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for transmitting a current image of a sequence of digital images between a server device and a client device which are connected by a communication network. Each image of the sequence is encoded in a multi-resolution format, each resolution comprising a set of non independent elementary entities. The method of the invention comprises detecting motion, carried out on spatial entities defined with respect to said elementary entities, between the current image and a reference image, then determining a first set of elementary entities comprising the elementary entities relating to said at least one moving spatial entity and determining a second set of elementary entities which are necessary for reconstructing said moving spatial entities. Finally, at least part of each of the elementary entities of said first and second sets is sent to the client device.

Abstract: Particular embodiments include a method, an apparatus, and logic embodied in tangible computer-readable medium that when executed carries out a method of encoding an ordered sequence of quantized transform coefficients of a block of image data. One embodiment is a context adaptive variable length coding method that includes position coding the positions of zero-valued and non-zero valued coefficients by either a mixed method that encodes either the run length of zeroes preceding a non-zero coefficient or the run length of nonzero-valued coefficients preceding a zero-valued coefficients. Another includes position coding that uses a variable length code for two parameters respectively indicating the number of zero-valued coefficient positions and nonzero-valued coefficient positions still to be coded.

Abstract: Provided that a first segment is an earliest time segment included in a discrete time segment, and a second segment is a time segment subsequent to the first segment, a positive second-segment parameter that corresponds to a weakly monotonically increasing function value of an average amplitude of prediction residuals in a time segment including the second segment is used as a parameter for variable length coding of prediction residuals in the second segment. In addition, a value that corresponds to a weakly monotonically increasing function value of the sum of the second-segment parameter and a positive additional value that corresponds to an index representing the prediction effectiveness of time-series signals in the time segment including the second segment is used as a parameter for variable length coding of the prediction residual at a certain discrete time in the first segment.

Abstract: A Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a multi-view image are provided. The method of encoding a multi-view image includes determining whether each of pictures included in multi-view image sequences is a reference picture referred to by other pictures included in the multi-view image sequences for inter-view prediction, and encoding the pictures using at least one of inter-view prediction and temporal prediction based on the determination result, thereby efficiently encoding and decoding the multi-view image at high speed.

Abstract: A JPEG image file is retrieved in response to receiving a request for an image file. The JPEG image file includes a header. A key associated with the JPEG image file is determined. A Huffman table chunk is identified in the header. A predetermined number of bytes within the header starting at the beginning of the Huffman table chunk is encrypted, using the key, to generate an encrypted image file. The encrypted image file is transmitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JEPG) file achieves fast decoding speed by enabling efficient locating of restart markers at a decoder. The method and apparatus determining a location to insert at least one restart marker by analyzing an image, performing entropy-encoding, by dividing the image into a plurality of segments based on the determined location in order to insert the restart marker, and inserting the restart marker to the determined location in order to insert the reset maker with respect to each of the plurality of entropy-encoded segments.

Abstract: Methods, medium, and machines which compress, enhance, encode, transmit, decode, decompress and display digital video images. Real time compression is achieved by sub-sampling each frame of a video signal, filtering the pixel values, and encoding. Real time transmission is achieved due to high levels of effective compression. Real time decompression is achieved by decoding and decompressing the encoded data to display high quality images. A receiver can alter various setting including, but not limited to, the format for the compression, image size, frame rate, brightness and contrast. In a Doppler improvement aspect of the invention, Doppler velocity scales are incorporated into grayscale compression methods using two bits. Variable formats may be selected and Doppler encoding can be turned on and off based on the image content. Frames or sets of pixels may be distinguished by automated analysis of the characteristics of an image, such as the presence of Doppler enhanced pixels.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus sequentially performing image processing on multiple pieces of band data composing image data. The image processing apparatus includes a RAM and a JPEG encoding circuit. The RAM has a buffer area of a fixed length. The JPEG encoding circuit sequentially performs variable-length encoding on multiple pieces of band data, sequentially writes the band data subjected to the encoding from the beginning of the buffer area, and writes subsequent band data subjected to the encoding from the beginning of the buffer area if the end of the band data subjected to the encoding is positioned in a boundary area having a certain length including an ending part of the buffer area.

Abstract: A method of entropy encoding image or video data may include entropy encoding a number of blocks independently and in parallel to generate a number of bit streams. At least one of the number of bit streams may include an assumed value in place of a value that would be determined by another bit stream. The method may also include selectively correcting the assumed value based on a value in another one of the number of bit streams. The number of bit streams may be combined into an output, entropy encoded bit stream corresponding to the number of blocks.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided that generate a plurality of code words representative of data to be encoded. The code words may be generated to have first and second portions with each first portion including information that is representative of a predetermined characteristic of an associated second portion and each second portion including information that is representative of a respective portion of the data. A plurality of blocks may also be defined with each block including one or more bitplanes of the second portions of the code words. The plurality of blocks may be sequenced to achieve progressive representations of the encoded content in accordance with schemes to order the data according to priority of content. Content may be provided a level of error protection commiserate with its priority.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: a controller configured to receive information for displaying at least a portion of an image, and in response thereto to generate a scale ratio K for scaling compressed image data corresponding to the image; a partial image decoder configured to receive the compressed image data and the scale ratio and in response thereto to decode and scale the compressed image data by the scale ratio K and to output a portion of the decoded and scaled image data, wherein the portion corresponds to an area of the image to be displayed on a display device; a frame buffer configured to store the portion of the decoded and scaled image data output by the partial image decoder; and a video processor configured to receive the data from the frame buffer and to further scale the data for display on the display device.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses, computer readable storage media with instructions that carry out methods, and methods of (a) coding quantized transform coefficients as occur in image compression to form codewords, and (b) decoding a bitstream comprising the codewords. The coding combines a position identifying method to identify the relative position of clusters of consecutive non-zero-valued quantized transform coefficients, an amplitude event identifying method to identify amplitude events in the clusters of non-zero-valued quantized transform coefficients, and a coding method to code the position events, amplitude events, and signs of the amplitudes in the clusters. The coding method is particularly applicable to an ordered series of quantized transform coefficients where clusters are likely-to-occur.

Abstract: A Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a multi-view image are provided. The method of encoding a multi-view image includes determining whether each of pictures included in multi-view image sequences is a reference picture referred to by other pictures included in the multi-view image sequences for inter-view prediction, and encoding the pictures using at least one of inter-view prediction and temporal prediction based on the determination result, thereby efficiently encoding and decoding the multi-view image at high speed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for compressing and/or decompressing a set of dot-matrix font characters. According to a compression method, each dot-matrix font character is divided into a horizontal image including horizontal (stroke) image pattern(s), a vertical image including vertical (stroke) image pattern(s), and a residual image including residual image pattern(s) obtained by removing the horizontal and vertical images from the original character. Then, the Huffman coding is applied to each of a set of the horizontal image patterns, a set of the vertical image patterns, and a set of the residual image patterns, respectively, to produce compressed horizontal codes for the horizontal image patterns in a horizontal Huffman table, compressed vertical codes for the vertical image patterns in a vertical Huffman table, and compressed residual codes for the residual image patterns in a residual Huffman table.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coding images geometric vector quantization (GVQ) having an over-complete dictionary which produces a sparse vector of coefficients as it contains large runs of zeros. The sparse encoding is particularly well suited for use with run-length entropy coding techniques. Image blocks are sparse coded using GVQ, with the vector of coefficients converted to RUN-LENGTH symbols, and binarized into a set of binary symbols. At least a portion of the binary symbols are used as contexts which can be selected when performing binary arithmetic coding of the binary coded RUN and LENGTH data to generate a bit stream containing the encoded image that provides enhanced compression.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a number of significant digits coding unit encoding information concerning the maximum number of significant digits as the number of significant digits of coefficient data having the largest absolute value in each of groups set in units of the predetermined number of plural coefficient data generated from image data; a zero-run coding unit encoding zero-run formed by a group including only coefficient data a value of which is “0”; an absolute value coding unit encoding absolute values of respective coefficient data other than zero-run with respect to each group; and a sign coding unit encoding positive and negative signs of respective coefficient data other than zero-run with respect to each group.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using pattern vectors for image coding and decoding. The method comprises converting a block of image data into a set of transform coefficients, quantizing the transform coefficients such that a number of the coefficients become zero, constructing a single entity or bit vector indicating which coefficients are non-zero, coding the single entity or bit vector as an integer using an adaptive, semi-adaptive or non-adaptive arithmetic coder, coding the values of the coefficients in any fixed order, using an adaptive, semi-adaptive or non-adaptive arithmetic coder, or some other coder, and coding all coefficients except the zero coefficients. The system and method of decoding data relate to the corresponding hardware and process steps performed by the decoder when decoding a bitstream coded as described herein.

Abstract: A variable-length code decoding apparatus has a first table storing part capable of converting the variable-length codes into first decoded data comprising successive zeros, a second table storing part capable of converting a variable-length code and for which corresponding decoded data comprises no zeros, a third table storing part capable of converting a variable-length code comprising a code length of N and for which corresponding decoded data comprises no zeros or capable of converting a combination of the variable-length codes, a bit shifting part configured to shift the input bitstream by a specific number of bits, a fourth table storing part capable of converting a variable-length code at a header of the bit-shifted input bitstream into fourth decoded data, a combining part configured to combine the second or the third decoded data and the fourth decoded data.

Abstract: There is provided a method for processing a variable length code encoded image having a plurality of scan lines, wherein each scan line has a number of original code blocks including a differentially encoded parameter. The method includes defining a subarea of the image having parts of a number of the scan lines, extracting the subarea, generating a set of auxiliary code blocks having an auxiliary differentially encoded parameter based on the first differentially encoded parameter of a first code block of a first current scan line in the subarea, and associating the auxiliary code blocks with the subarea. There is also provided an apparatus and a computer program product thereof.

Abstract: A method of decoding data that is encoded with a set of prefix codes begins by receiving the data at a computing device, and then compiling native machine code from the prefix code set for execution by a processing unit of the computing device. The machine code implements a binary tree of prefix codes that corresponds to the prefix code set. The data is decoded by traversing the prefix code tree, which is effected by executing the machine code with the processing unit.

Abstract: In summary, the present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for calculating an estimate of the amount of toner coverage required for printing print data defined in a compressed data stream. The estimate is obtained with reduced processing by obtaining coverage data from a partially decompressed formed of the data stream and using this to obtain the coverage estimate, thus removing the need to do a full de-compression of the data stream. For example the coverage data is a count of toned pixels for at least one intensity level.

Abstract: In summary, the present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for calculating an estimate of the amount of toner coverage required for printing print data defined in a compressed data stream. The estimate is obtained with reduced processing by obtaining coverage data from a partially decompressed formed of the data stream and using this to obtain the coverage estimate, thus removing the need to do a full de-compression of the data stream. For example the coverage data is a count of toned pixels for at least one intensity level.

Abstract: An intra-prediction mode optimization method and image compression method/device are disclosed. To properly determine an intra-prediction mode for a target block of an image, a control block is selected from reference blocks of the target block, and an intra-prediction mode adopted in the control block is regarded as a control mode. Assuming that the target block is encoded according to the control mode as well, the prediction efficiency of the target and control blocks is assessed. When the intra-prediction efficiency, under the control mode, of the target block is better than that of the control block, the control mode is determined to be the intra-prediction mode of the target block and an intra-prediction pattern of the target block can be obtained. Otherwise, another one of the reference blocks is selected to be the control block and the control mode is refreshed, to repeat the intra-prediction efficiency assessment.

Abstract: With the use of a vector quantization technique, an index image, which is obtained by replacing an image on a block-by-block basis, each block consisting of a predetermined number of pixels, with any of a plurality of different pixel patterns and representing the pixel patterns by index values of the respective pixel patterns, is decoded by referring to a code book containing the pixel patterns and the index values of the pixel patterns in association with each other. When decoding an index image on the block-by-block basis into pixel patterns corresponding to the index values, the pixel pattern of each block is scaled, and additionally pixels near a contour in the pixel pattern after scaling are redrawn based on contour vector information corresponding to the pixel pattern.

Abstract: Methods and systems for data compression and decompression in a graphics processing system are provided. For example, in at least one embodiment, a method comprises distributing the graphics data values of a pixel block about zero to minimize redundancy, and the pixel block includes a plurality of quadrants. The method further comprises determining whether to encode the distributed graphics data values, and responsive to a determination to encode the distributed graphics data values, encoding at least one graphics data value of one of the quadrants depending on an encoding indicator. The encoding includes determining an entropy parameter and dividing each positive data value by the entropy parameter yielding an entropy part and a noise part.

Abstract: Methods, medium, and machines which compress, enhance, encode, transmit, decode, decompress and display digital video images. Real time compression is achieved by sub-sampling each frame of a video signal, filtering the pixel values, and encoding. Real time transmission is achieved due to high levels of effective compression. Real time decompression is achieved by decoding and decompressing the encoded data to display high quality images. A receiver can alter various setting including, but not limited to, the format for the compression, image size, frame rate, brightness and contrast. In a Doppler improvement aspect of the invention, Doppler velocity scales are incorporated into grayscale compression methods using two bits. Variable formats may be selected and Doppler encoding can be turned on and off based on the image content.

Abstract: A method and system for entropy coding can comprise, in response to detecting a first symbol combination comprising first run information indicating a first number of contiguous zero coefficients is greater than a cut-off-run value, assigning a first codeword to a first symbol combination, wherein the first codeword comprises an escape code from a first-level VLC table; and in response to a second symbol combination comprising second run information indicating a second number of contiguous zero coefficients is less than or equal to the cut-off-run value, assigning a second codeword to the second symbol combination, wherein the second codeword is from the first-level VLC table. The system and method can further comprise collecting coding statistics for a set of candidate symbol combinations and adjusting a mapping between codewords of the first-level VLC table and a subset of the set of candidate symbol combinations based on the coding statistics.

Abstract: An image encoding apparatus, an image encoding method, and an image encoding program capable of minimizing image degradation, controlling a code amount in units smaller than a picture, and ensuring that encoding of the picture is completed within a certain time period is provided. A symbol number estimating device estimates the total bin number of a plurality of macro blocks constituting a picture. An entropy encoding selector outputs the entropy encoding mode selecting signal to an entropy encoder using the inputted bin number, in order to select one of a CABAC device or a VLC device. A CPU performs image encoding by executing a control program stored in a program storing portion.

Abstract: An optimized method and system for entropy coding is described. The system may include an input module to receive a digital image, a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) module to obtain a plurality of DCT coefficients associated with the digital image, a statistics generator to generate statistics associated with the plurality of DCT coefficients, a placement module to store the generated statistics in the plurality of DCT coefficients and entropy coder to generate uniquely decodable (UD) codes for the plurality of DCT coefficients. The entropy coder may utilize the statistics stored in the plurality of DCT coefficients.

Abstract: The present invention enables a circuit configuration to be simplified. An image encoding device (100) receives an input image (91) that is line-scanned in units of MBs as scan blocks, each constituted by a plurality of 4×4 blocks, while being scanned in units of 4×4 blocks as encoding blocks, each constituted by a plurality of pixels. The image encoding device (100) selects a VLC (variable length) table corresponding to a table selection index nC, which is an average value of the numbers nB and nA of nonzero coefficients as encoding values on which variable-length encoding is performed in upper-adjoining and left-adjoining 4×4 blocks of a 4×4 block as an encoding target in quantization coefficients as encoding target data based on the input image (91).

Abstract: A method comprises determining a plurality of time intervals Tp and Tn within a variable bit rate (VBR) representation of an image sequence. The time intervals Tp are those in which a number of blocks of information per unit time is greater than a baseline value. The time intervals Tn are those in which a number of blocks of information per unit time is less than the baseline value. A second representation of the image sequence is created in which some blocks of information Bp are removed from the time intervals Tp and interlaced with blocks of information Bn in the time intervals Tn to reduce a variation in a number of blocks of information per unit time between the time intervals Tp and Tn.

Abstract: An encoder includes a separation unit separating image data into a plurality of data blocks, a variable length encoding unit variable-length-encoding the data blocks separated by the separation unit so as to generate variable length code sequences, a code block generating unit generating code blocks variable-length-decoded in parallel from a start end and a termination end by combining two variable length code sequences generated by the variable length encoding unit, and a bit stream generating unit generating a bit stream such that a boundary between the code blocks is recognized.

Abstract: A method of entropy encoding image or video data may include entropy encoding a number of blocks independently and in parallel to generate a number of bit streams. At least one of the number of bit streams may include an assumed value in place of a value that would be determined by another bit stream. The method may also include selectively correcting the assumed value based on a value in another one of the number of bit streams. The number of bit streams may be combined into an output, entropy encoded bit stream corresponding to the number of blocks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing entropy encoding on a fine granular scalability layer. A method of entropy encoding on a plurality of current coefficients of a quality layer among a plurality of quality layers of an image block divided into the plurality of quality layers, includes determining a coding pass with respect to each of the current coefficients, selecting a context model with respect to each of the current coefficients using at least one lower coefficient corresponding to each of the current coefficients if the coding pass is a refinement pass, and performing arithmetic encoding a group of coefficients having a same selected context model among the current coefficients by using the selected context model.

Abstract: An ammonium phosphate containing fire retardant is combined with a fluoropolymer and/or a penetrating barrier, borate-containing formulation having resistance to water damage with protective properties coming from materials such as used in food packaging and cosmetics and/or a medium-to-long chain polar carboxyl substance, and/or a medium-to-long chain polar carboxyl substance without borate, so as to make a composition. The composition can be aqueous. It can be a liquid of light to moderate viscosity, or may be a concentrated or dried version, which may contain a neutral ammonium phosphate and perhaps other ingredient(s) such as a mold inhibitor, an insecticide, a stain protector, and so forth and the like. The mold inhibitor can have especial activity against toxic black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum). The insecticide may be a termiticide.

Abstract: In an image coding apparatus, a transformation unit acquires a transformation coefficient by executing frequency transformation to an image. An extraction unit extracts a plurality of bits each from the transformation coefficient. A coding unit executes variable-length coding to the plurality of bits including a most significant bit, and executes fixed-length coding to the plurality of bits including a least significant bit. In an image decoding apparatus, an extraction unit extracts a plurality of bits from a code string. A decoding unit executes variable-length decoding to the plurality of bits including a most significant bit, and executes fixed-length decoding to the plurality of bits including a least significant bit. A connection unit acquires a transformation coefficient by connecting the plurality of bits each decoded. An inverse transformation unit generates the image by executing frequency-inverse transformation to the transformation coefficient.