Robust image communication over wireless channels

Typical image compression algorithms produce data streams which require a v ery reliable communication - they are not designed for transmission in an e nvironment in which data may be lost or delayed, as provided by current and next-generation wireless communication networks. Compression and transmiss ion provisions that avoid catastrophic failure caused by lost, delayed, or errant packets are therefore imperative in order to provide reliable visual communication over such systems. This robustness is obtained by modifying the source coding and/or adding channel coding. This article presents an ov erview of both lossy and lossless source coding techniques and combined sou rce/channel techniques providing robustness, presenting examples of success ful techniques.