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Image compression

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Image compression, a vital digital technology technique, facilitates the efficient storage and transmission of images by reducing the image file size without considerable impact on its quality. This process utilizes various methods including lossy and lossless techniques, transform coding, color quantization, among others. Tracing back to the 1940s, the evolution of image compression has seen significant milestones like the inception of the Discrete Cosine Transform in 1973 and the development of JPEG in 1992. Progressive compression techniques are also employed, enhancing user experience by enabling images to load progressively. The sphere of image compression also tackles issues like JPEG copy protection to avert unauthorized usage or modification of images. Additionally, there are numerous standards in image and other data compression types, for instance, DEFLATE and JPEG2000 for images, H.261, H.262, H.263 for video, and G.711, G.726, G.729 for audio, which are instrumental in guaranteeing interoperability[1].

Terms definitions
1. interoperability. In the field of technology and systems, interoperability is the capacity for diverse systems or products to interact and share information without hindrance. This includes several types such as syntactic interoperability, responsible for common data formats and protocols, and semantic interoperability, which enables meaningful interpretation of data. Cross-domain interoperability supports data transmission across multiple entities. Standards for interoperability assist in developing products that can collaborate seamlessly. Post facto interoperability holds importance in competitive environments where leading products establish market standards. Obstacles such as data hindrance and absence of open standards exist, however, solutions can be found in enhancing infrastructure interoperability and advocating for open standards. Specialized interoperability, like that found in NATO forces or eGovernment services, is vital for successful cooperation and efficient service provision.
Image compression (Wikipedia)

Image compression is a type of data compression applied to digital images, to reduce their cost for storage or transmission. Algorithms may take advantage of visual perception and the statistical properties of image data to provide superior results compared with generic data compression methods which are used for other digital data.

Comparison of JPEG images saved by Adobe Photoshop at different quality levels and with or without "save for web"
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