Directional graph weight prediction for image compression

Graph-based models have recently attracted attention for their potential to enhance transform coding image compression thanks to their capability to efficiently represent discontinuities. Graph transform gets closer to the optimal KLT by using weights that represent inter-pixel correlations but the extra cost to provide such weights can overwhelm the gain, especially in the case of natural images rich of details. In this paper we provide a novel idea to make graph transform adaptive to the actual image content, avoiding the need to encode the graph weights as side information. We show that an approach similar to spatial prediction can be used to effectively predict graph weights in place of pixels; in particular, we propose the design of directional graph weight prediction modes and show the resulting coding gain. The proposed approach can be used jointly with other graph based intra prediction methods to further enhance compression. Our comparative experimental analysis, carried out with a fully fledged still image coding prototype, shows that we are able to achieve significant coding gains.