We compare several wavelet-based coders in the encoding of still image
s. Two image-quality metrics are used in our comparative study: a perc
eption-based, quantitative picture quality scale and the conventional
distortion measure, peak signal-to-noise ratio. Coders are evaluated i
n the rate-distortion sense. The effects of different wavelets, quanti
zers, and encoders are assessed individually. Two representative wavel
ets, three quantizers, three encoders, and the combinations of these c
omponents are compared. Our results provide insight into the design is
sues of optimizing wavelet coders, as well as a good reference for app
lication developers to choose from an increasingly large family of wav
elet coders for their applications. (C) 1996 Society of Photo-Optical
Instrumentation Engineers.