Suffix-constrained codes for progressive and robust data compression: Self-multiplexed codes

This paper addresses the issue of robust transmission of Variable Length Codes (VLCs) encoded sources over error-prone channels. A new class of codes, called self-multiplexed codes, is introduced. Their performance in terms of compression is the same as the one of classical VLCs (e.g. Huffman codes). Their property in terms of energy distribution on respective transitions of the codetree allows to confine error propagation to transitions bearing low reconstruction energy. Simulation results reveal high performances in terms of signal to noise ratio.