Application Layer Joint Coding for Image Transmission over Deep Space Channels

In this paper a method to realize the joint application layer coding for image transmission over deep space channels has been presented. In more technical detail, both image compression, based on algorithms such as JPEG2000 and CCSDS, and encoding techniques, such as LDPC codes, to protect the sent images are simultaneously applied by the proposed mechanism. It acts on the bases of the deep space channel conditions, in terms of Bit Error Rate, and it is based on the Multi-Attribute Decision Making theory. In practice, the proposal is aimed at protecting the essential informative contents of images sent through a deep space network and, at the same time, allows minimizing the load offered (the total amount of data to transmit) by the overall application layer coding process to the deep space network. The presented mechanism has been tested through simulations. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the proposal and open the door to further developments of the method in real systems.