On the use of binary and gray code schemes for continuous-tone picture representation

The paper discusses the idea of iterating the conversion of a continuous-tone picture from binary to Gray code representation. A simple recursive function is defined by means of which the value of the ith bit representing a picture point's grey level after the mth iteration is determined. The resulting rearrangement of grey levels as well as that of the bits throughout the planes is discussed next. The iteration is shown to repeat after 2″ steps, where n is the number of bit planes representing the picture. A data compression scheme is developed on the basis that prior to exact repetition, approximate repetitions take place during the iterations, and the resulting picture is almost the same as the original.