Method and system for image processing including mixed resolution, multi-channel color compression, transmission and decompression

A method of multi-channel colors image decompression comprising:

• separating a compressed colors image into foreground colors, background colors and edge information;
• decompressing said foreground colors, background colors and edge information to obtain decompressed foreground colors, background colors and edge information;
• resolution synthesizing said decompressed foreground colors and background colors to obtain resolution synthesized foreground colors and background colors;
• and
• multiplexing said resolution synthesized foreground colors and background colors in accordance with said decompressed edge information to obtain a reconstructed color image.

A method of transmitting an original color image using multi-channel color image processing comprising:

• separating said original color image into background colors, foreground colors and edge information;
• reducing resolution of said background colors and foreground colors to obtain reduced resolution background colors and foreground colors, said edge information having higher resolution than said reduced resolution background colors and foreground colors;
• selectively and independently compressing said reduced resolution background colors and foreground colors and said edge information to obtain compressed background colors, foreground colors and edge information;
• packaging said compressed background colors, foreground colors and edge information to obtain an encoded color image;
• and
• transmitting said encoded color image.

A multi-channel color image processing system, comprising:

• an input device;
• a processor in communication with said input device;
• an imaging device in communication with said processor for generating a reconstructed image;
• and
• a memory device in communication with said processor and configured for storing computer instructions implementing a method of multi-channel color image processing for execution by said processor, said method comprising:
• receiving an original color image;
• separating said original color image into background colors, foreground colors and edge information;
• reducing resolution of said background colors and foreground colors to obtain reduced resolution background colors and foreground colors, said edge information having higher resolution than said reduced resolution background colors and foreground colors;
• selectively and independently compressing said reduced resolution background colors and foreground colors and said edge information to obtain compressed background colors, foreground colors and edge information;
• packaging said compressed background colors, foreground colors and edge information to obtain an encoded color image;
• and
• transmitting said encoded color image.

A data storage medium containing computer instructions implementing a procedure for multi-channel color image processing, said procedure comprising:

• analyzing a color image to determine foreground colors, background colors and edge information;
• selectively and independently reducing resolutions of said foreground colors and said background colors to obtain reduced resolution foreground colors and background colors;
• selectively reducing resolution of said edge information to a higher resolution than that of said reduced resolution foreground colors and background colors to obtain reduced resolution edge information;
• and
• selectively and independently compressing said reduced resolution foreground colors, background colors and edge information.

A codec for multi-channel color image processing, wherein said codec includes:

• analyzing a color image to determine foreground colors, background colors and edge information;
• selectively and independently reducing resolutions of said foreground colors and said background colors to obtain reduced resolution foreground colors and background colors;
• selectively reducing resolution of said edge information to a higher resolution than that of said reduced resolution foreground colors and background colors to obtain reduced resolution edge information;
• and
• selectively and independently compressing said reduced resolution foreground colors, background colors and edge information.