<
graphics, file format, algorithm> (Or "interlacing") An
aspect of a
graphics storage format or transmission
algorithm that treats
bitmap image data non-sequentially
in such a way that later data adds progressively greater
resolution to an already full-size image. This contrasts
with
sequential coding.
Progressive coding is useful when an image is being sent
across a slow communications channel, such as the
Internet,
as the low-resolution image may be sufficient to allow the
user to decide not to wait for the rest of the file to be
received.
In an interlaced
GIF89 image, the
pixels in a row are
stored sequentially but the rows are stored in interlaced
order, e.g. 0, 8, 4, 12, 2, 6, 8, 10, 14, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11,
13, 15. Each vertical scan adds rows in the middle of the
gaps left by the previous one.
PNG interlaces both horizontally and vertically using the
"
Adam7" method, a seven pass process named after Adam
M. Costello.
Interlacing is also supported by other formats.
JPEG
supports a functionally similar concept known as {
Progressive
JPEG}. [
How does the algorithm differ?]
JBIG uses
progressive coding.
See also
progressive/sequential coding.
[
"Progressive Bi-level Image Compression, Revision 4.1",
ISO/IEC JTC1/SC2/WG9, CD 11544, 1991-09-16].
(2000-09-12)