Multidimensional Layered Forward Error Correction Using Rateless Codes

Modern layered or scalable video coding technologies generate a video bit stream with various inter layer dependencies due to references between the layers. This work proposes a method for extending forward error correction (FECs) codes following dependency structures within the media. The proposed layer-aware FEC (L-FEC) generates repair symbols so that protection of less important dependency layers can be used with protection of more important layers for combined error correction. The L-FEC approach is exemplary applied to rateless LT and Raptor codes. Gains for more important layers can be achieved without increasing the total FEC code rate. The performance gain of the L-FEC is shown by simulation results with receiver-driven layered multicast transmission using scalable video coding (SVC) with a Raptor-based L-FEC.