LDPC codes for robust transmission of images over wireless channels

We propose a novel scheme based on low density parity check (LDPC) codes for channel coding in a robust wireless image transmission system. These codes, which have received intense research attention recently, can achieve reliable transmission at rates approaching the channel capacity. Moreover, they offer an implementation advantage over Turbo codes in terms of decoder complexity. To minimize latency in image reception, we consider the case where the image has been source coded using baseline JPEG. An additional level of unequal error protection is provided by applying Reed-Solomon codes to the JPEG header and marker segments. Finally, we present examples and simulation results that characterize the system performance for SNR per bit ranging from 1.6 to 2.1 dB.