We apply the concept of network-consciousness to image compression, an approach that does not simply optimize compression, but which optimizes overall performance when compressed images are transmitted over a lossy packet-switched network such as the Internet. Using an Application Level Framing philosophy, an image is compressed into path MTU-size Application Data Units (ADUs) at the application layer. Each ADU carries its semantics, that is, it contains enough information to be processed independently of all other ADUs. Therefore each ADU can be delivered to the receiving application out-of-order, thereby enabling faster progressive display of images. We explain why this approach is useful in general and specifically for wireless/heterogeneous environments.
展开▼
