CORAL:: collective rationality for the allocation of bits

The effectiveness of a coding method can be improved through a space-varying filterbank tree representation of the image, and this property can be conveniently exploited using appropriate bit allocation strategies among the spatial segments of the image. We examine the conditions for achieving a rational agreement on the distribution problem by stating axioms that its solution must obey in absence of a priori knowledge about regions of interest. First, a measure of benefit avoiding certain forms of behavioral inconsistency is to be assigned to each possible bit allocation in such a way that each region's preference may be inferred between any two bit allocations from their respective benefits. Second, individual regions are to agree on an allocation of bits, which is then to be brought about by a joint strategy. But under what conditions is their agreement rational? We propose a characterization of rational agreement whose solution is an application of a general procedure for cooperative action, where each may benefit only on terms that permit proportionately equal benefits to others. Experimental results are given to evaluate the performance of the strategy of collective rationality for the allocation of bits (CORAL), based on a validated predictor for visual distinctness from digital imagery. (C) 2003 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.