An international working group has introduced an updated version of the JPEG image file format. Dubbed JPEG XS, the technology seeks to allow high-quality images to be compressed and sent with less delay, using less energy.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch
The group, known as the Joint Photographic Experts GroupExternal link (JPEG), was behind the original JPEG file format that came out some 25 years ago. It is headed by an engineer at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).
Applications for the new JPEG file format include virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, space imaging, drones, and self-driving cars, an EPFL press release said on Monday.External link It relies on a compression process that allows very high-quality images and videos to be streamed over broadband networks, like 5G and WiFi, while using less energy.
“For the first time in the history of image coding, we are compressing less in order to better preserve quality, and we are making the process faster while using less energy,” said Touradj Ebrahimi, head of the JPEG working group and an EPFL professor.
“The idea is to use [fewer] resources, and use them more wisely. This is a real paradigm shift.”
Less lag time
JPEG XS files have potential uses in areas where images and videos must be sent quickly with low latency – the lag time between a signal input and the resulting displayed image. Examples of technologies where high-quality, low-latency images are especially important include drones and self-driving cars.
The low energy consumption of the new process makes the JPEG XS useful for technologies ranging from the everyday, like smartphones, to the extra-terrestrial: the European Space Agency (ESA) is interested in using the format for space probe images.
Ebrahimi and his colleagues have conducted tests that show that the new file format works well, although final approval from the International Standardization Organization (ISO), anticipated in 2019, is still required before JPEG XS-based services and products can be launched. The JPEG working group is a joint project of the ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
“To be able to use JPEG XS, consumers will need to own the next generation of devices. In terms of software, they will probably just need to run an update, like they do from time to time on their computers and smartphones anyway,” Ebrahimi explained.
More
More
Out of Geneva: the gif marks a milestone
This content was published on
Happy birthday to the gif – animated images that made their first entrance onto our screens via the world’s largest atom smasher in Geneva.
Swiss money laundering office registers record number of reports
This content was published on
The Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) registered a record number of reports of suspicious activity last year.
Two teens accused of planning terror attack released from custody
This content was published on
The Schaffhausen judiciary has released the two teenagers from custody who allegedly planned bomb attacks in Switzerland.
OECD: Sluggish economic activity slowing growth in Switzerland
This content was published on
Sluggish economic activity at the start of the year is weighing on growth in Switzerland, with GDP expected to fall to 1.1% in 2024.
Report finds mistakes which led to Swiss government data breach
This content was published on
Mistakes were made by both the government and internet company Xplain in the case of a criminal cyber-attack on the Bern-based IT business.
Swiss government wants better gender balance in federal administration
This content was published on
New Swiss government personnel management targets say there must be even more female managers in the federal administration.
Swiss national science foundation funded over 5,000 projects in 2023
This content was published on
In 2023, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) provided a total of CHF961 million worth of funding towards research projects.
Switzerland invites 160 delegations to June Ukraine peace talks
This content was published on
Russia is currently not among the delegations invited to talks aimed at helping bring about peace in the conflict between Moscow and Ukraine.
Survey: air travel most popular way to go on holidays for Swiss
This content was published on
Despite the climate crisis, flying is the most popular mode of transport for private travel – particularly among young, urban and high-income travellers.
Swiss government to use phone data to identify asylum seekers
This content was published on
From April 2025, authorities plan to be able to analyse data from mobile phones, computers and other data carriers to identify asylum seekers.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Progress toward a ‘digital Switzerland’ is advancing, but slowly
This content was published on
Even though the country has acknowledged it’s time to improve digital services and education, we still have a long way to go.
Zurich scientists monitor forest diversity – and health – from the sky
This content was published on
Researchers have developed a method for mapping plant diversity and ecosystem functioning – from the scale of a single plant to an entire forest.
Switzerland to introduce Europe’s first drone traffic control system
This content was published on
The system aims to prevent accidents involving drones in Swiss skies. A tests phase will start in June 2018, reported the Swiss News Agency on Monday.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.