Abstract: The method of embedded zero tree wavelet code(EZW) is one kind of effective image coding method. The research for the zero tree method finds too many zero trees root in the output code of EZW and the high time complexity of the original EZW encoding algorithm. To reduce the number of bits for zero tree root, a fixed RLC is proposed to encode the continuous zero trees. In this algorithm the lifting wavelet is employed to reduce the time complexity of EZW. Experiment result shows that the proposed algorithm can improve the image compression ratio and the coding efficiency comparing with the traditional EZW algorithm.

Key words: image compression, lifting wavelet transform, EZW algorithm, run-length coding