METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CHANNEL ERROR PROTECTION FOR A SOURCE CODED BIT STREAM

摘要

Unequal channel error protection is provided for a bit stream, e.g., a progressive source coded bit stream, by puncturing of a channel code. The channel code h as a specified rate associated with a corresponding level of error protection, and is used to code a first portion of the bit stream. The channel code is subsequently punctured for at least a second portion of the bit stream so as to provide a rate higher than that of the designated rate. Commencement of the puncturing is deliberately delayed by an amount determin ed based at least in part on a memory of the channel code. Advantageously, the delay prevents propagation of errors in a channel decoder used to decode the channel coded bit stream. The progressive bit stream may be a progressive source coded video or audio bit stream, any other type of progressive information bit stream, or a partitioned source coded bi t stream.