Optimization of dynamic UEP schemes for embedded image sources in noisy channels

We present an optimization algorithm for 3-rate dynamic unequal error protection (UEP) schemes for embedded image bit streams transmitted over noisy channels. A theoretical upper bound for UEP gains is also given. Simulation results demonstrate about 0.3 dB improvements over the optimal equal error protection (EEP) schemes at the price of negligible overheads and off-line computation load. The progression of the source bit streams is still kept. Furthermore, it is discovered that for binary symmetric channels (BSCs) with bit error rate (BER) satisfying ε⩽10^-1, at most 3 protection levels are enough to squeeze out almost all the UEP gains