Dual-decoder-model scheduling for H.264 video transmission over wireless networks

In this paper, a dual-decoder-based scheduling algorithm is proposed for H.264 video transmission over wireless networks. In the algorithm, the packet is scheduled by the packet quality contribution index (PQCI). The PQCI is defined and estimated not only by the quality distortion made for the current frame, but also by that made for the frames which directly or indirectly related with the current frame. A dual-decoder-model algorithm is proposed for the PQCI estimation. A novel architecture with two simulated decoders in the sender is developed. The simulations show that the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms the conventional methods in terms of received video qualities.

I. Introduction

With the rapid growth of the demand for multimedia application, the multimedia service, such as the high quality wireless video service, is becoming more and more important. The cellular system, such as High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) [1] and IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX) [2], aim to provide enough data rates to facilitate multimedia communication over wireless networks. However, the Quality of Service (QoS) of video service still suffers from the effect of limited radio resources and the time-varying nature of wireless networks.