Contex’ WIDEimageNET and JETimageNET both offer this new JPEG format as one of their many file formats that a user can save their document to.

“Customers have asked for this critical file format compatibility and Contex is the first to offer this critical breakthrough in what will become the new industry standard for saving scanned files within the wide format industry for GIS, CAD and Photography” states Jorgen Rasmussen, Director of Development for Contex A/S.

JPEG 2000 is the latest series of standards from the JPEG committee. The original standard for digital images, JPEG was developed 15 years ago, and with the major increase in computer technology since them, it was felt to be time for a new standard capable of handling many more aspects than simply making the digital image files as small as possible. JPEG 2000 uses 'wavelet' technology, and as well as being better at compressing images (up to, and exceeding 20% more), it can allow an image to be retained without any distortion or loss of data. Simply sending the first part of such a 'lossless' file to a receiver can result in a “lossy” version appearing (like present JPEG) - but continuing to transmit the file results in the fidelity getting better and better until the original image is restored. 

One early use of JPEG 2000 will be as a base file format in image archives and databases. Traditionally, image archives store multiple copies of an individual files at varying resolutions and quality levels so that they can supply appropriate image data on request.  In addition, considerable metadata is held about each image to allow it to be easily classified and retrieved.  This is critical to GIS applications, such as maps and aerial photographs, or similar applications where the need for an extreme file compression of large data files.  However, JPEG2000 provides virtually no loss of image quality, and more importantly, without artifacts found in the traditional JPEG format.

JPEG 2000 files typically can have extensive metadata stored with them, in a standard compliant XML environment.  As well as allowing selected metadata from an image database to be distributed to its users, this does permit interchange of image files with metadata between databases, and removes the need for an extensive manual data entry stage when cataloguing new images.  In addition, the files can be stored at high quality in a lossless, color managed environment, with conversion to lower resolution or lower quality performed 'on the fly'.  The ability of part of a JPEG 2000 file to be used for generation of such modified images also means that it becomes practical to provide other capabilities on demand.

One example might be to watermark each image as delivered, not only with details which communicate authorship or ownership, but also transactional information.  This could include licensing restrictions, details of the customer, or information which would allow the image to be easily recognized through some automated process designed to test for breaches of copyright.
 
About Contex:

Contex Scanning Technology is the leading manufacturer with the largest installed population world wide of wide-format color and monochrome scanners as well as expert developers of advanced scanning and copying software for these products. Contex’ recent acquisition adds the exciting and superior technology of 3D printer to its product family. Through its worldwide distribution, Contex provides scanning and copying solutions to companies and public agencies in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, reprographics, graphics art, CAD, GIS and more.

Information about Contex, its products and image capture and enhancement solutions can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.contex.com