Rate-distortion optimized data partitioning for video using backward adaptation

While data partitioning, in conjunction with unequal error protection, provides superb error resiliency, insufficient video quality when only the base partition is available prevents its wide deployment in high-quality video applications. We develop a new scheme for data partitioning of motion-compensated DCT coded video in an operational rate-distortion context. Unlike the conventional data partitioning scheme, which adapts the DCT break points at slice or video packet level, our new partitioning algorithm adapts the partitioning points at as low as the DCT block level with virtually no overhead using backward adaptation; hence it produces superior video quality over the conventional data partitioning scheme. Simulation results show that significant PSNR gain can be achieved using the new algorithm.