High performance predictor blending lossless image coder

In the paper a highly efficient algorithm for lossless image coding is described. The algorithm is a predictor blending one, a sample estimate is computed as a weighted sum of estimates given by subpredictors, here 27 ones, hence the name Blend-27. The subpredictors varies from 15 based on 1-3 neighbouring pixels, to much more powerful even if working alone. The predictor blending formula is adaptive, and favors locally the best sub-predictors in a neighborhood. The algorithm is a cascade one: some sub-predictors are followed by two consecutive NLMS filters. Additionaly, in the fourth cascade stage sub-predictor bias cancellation can be done. Update formulas on NLMS coefficients and description of twelve bias canceling methods can be found in [1]. Entropy coder is a highly sophisticated arithmetic one, it is described in [1].