JBIG2 is the most used image compression software. It is mainly used for bi-level images. JBIG2 was developed by the Joint Bi-level Image Experts Group. When used, JBIG2 tends to generate files that are about one-third to one-fifth of the size of a standard Fax Group 4 image. If this comparison is taken further, the JBIG2 image size is between one-half and one-quarter as compared to the image compression induced by JBIG. JBIG was the predecessor to JBIG2—introduced in 2000, JBIG2 has evolved as the international standard for image compression.
Decoding JBIG2 Compression Standards
The JBIG2 format is the result of a complex algorithm that is more suited for black and white images. The compression strategy used in JBIG2 relies on the use of substitution along with symbol recognition. This helps to achieve significant compression in digitalized files. The main algorithm used in JBIG2 compression includes scanning pixels of an image, particularly for similarly-organized shapes. Such similarities are picked-up and used by the JBIG2 compression method. This helps to define symbols for all shapes. Rather than depending upon the saved data of every image, the JBIG2 compression method uses a table for the most commonly-used symbols. Thus, faster and better compression is achieved, up to 100:1. JBIG2 is equally impressive in handling texts, halftones and most types of binary images. This is also called flexible compression, where the compression process is implemented at unbelievable speeds.
JBIG2 Compression & ISO
The progressive nature of JBIG2 can be understood from the fact that the imaging industry has used various types of compression algorithms before. It is common knowledge in this niche that most of these document imaging algorithms have simply failed to impress. However, the JBIG2 compression algorithm seems to have the answers to most problems in this niche. JBIG2 uses the T.84 ISO standard which makes it openly available to the public and helps to sustain the highest level of performance. The JBIG2 compression format is further assisted by the presence of some compression filters. These are used when handling PDF documents. This essentially means that when PDF formats and JBIG2 compression are combined, the resulting compression ratios and clarity of images produced is the best.
More JBIG2 Compression Advantages
PDF JBIG2 compression images can be seen on nearly every kind of PC configuration. ISO has recently endorsed the PDF documentation format and this also covers JBIG2 compression methodology. JBIG2 compression also takes into account the symbol table that is used along with the text characters saved in PDF documents. JBIG2 compression is about six-to-seven times superior to any of the Group 4 Compression Standards. This rightly makes JBIG2 a much better alternative when striving for the best and most cost-effective image optimization solutions.
Delving Deeper into JBIG2 Compression
JBIG2 compression also helps to resolve all types of storage problems. It can address problems like those related to storage media. This is why JBIG2 is considered the global benchmark when compressing black and white images. JBIG2 compression nearly eliminates the dependence on storage media. Even when compared with the simplest of formats like TIFF, JBIG2 compression is the clear winner with astonishingly better compression performance. This is why images that have been compressed via JBIG2 tend to be transmitted faster and have such an impressive display. This also translates into better archiving & storage performance and limits restrictions related to storage space.