Efficient methods for encoding regions of interest in the upcoming JPEG2000 still image coding standard

The general method for generating the regions of interest (ROI) mask needed for encoding ROI in the upcoming JPEG2000 still image coding standard is presented. A simple method for the generation of the ROI mask for rectangular-shaped ROI is then proposed. Finally to simplify the decoder when dealing with arbitrary shaped ROIs, a method for ROI coding that does not require any shape information to be transmitted to the decoder is described. A small coding penalty is associated with this method, while it makes it possible to have arbitrarily shaped ROI without the need of shape information and ROI mask generation at the decoder. The proposed methods have been included in the Final Committee Draft of JPEG2000 Part I.