Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
This work introduces a multiple-description product code which aims at optimally generating multiple, equally-important wavelet image descriptions. The codes used are a concatenated channel code including a row (outer) code based on RCPC codes with CRC error detection and a source-channel column (inner) code consisting of the scalable SPIHT image coder and an optimized array of unequal protection Reed-Solomon erasure- correction codes. By systematically matching the unequal protection codes to the embedded source bitstream using a simple, fast optimizer that can run in real time, we allow image quality to degrade gracefully as fade worsens and maximize expected image quality at the receiver. This approach to image transmission over fading channels offers significant improvements in both peak and expected image quality when compared to current state-of-the-art techniques. Our packetization scheme is also naturally suited for hybrid packet-network/wireless channels, such as those used for wireless Internet access.
Sachs et al. (Wed,) studied this question.