COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES FOR SUBSTANTIALLY LOSSLESS DIGITAL IMAGE DATA STORAGE

A method for compressing digital image of more than a first predetermined number into the first predetermined number of bits in a substantially lossless manner includes determining a plurality of ranges in which input image data falls and comparing current image data with the plurality of ranges. The method further includes preserving a second predetermined number of bits of the current image data based upon which of the plurality of ranges the current image data falls to encode the current image data as an image value comprising the first predetermined number of bits. A system includes means for determining a plurality of ranges in which input image data falls and means for comparing current image data with the plurality of ranges, the means for comparing coupled to the means for determining. The system further includes means for preserving a second predetermined number of bits of the current image data based upon which of the plurality of ranges the current image data falls to encode the current image data as an image value comprising the first predetermined number of bits, the means for preserving coupled to the means for determining and the means for comparing.