On using error correction for Mobile Augmented Reality applications

Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) is an emerging field with a wide variety of applications involving the intricate challenges of computer vision. However, Mobile Augmented Reality for Inspection and Tele-Assistance (MARITA) is a relatively unknown entity which opens up new challenges in the field of wireless communications along with the existing computer vision hurdles. MARITA aims at providing augmented reality based solution for real-time assistance to a person in a remote area. The existing 3G technologies although good, do not provide enough up-link bandwidth to facilitate real-time video transmission. The time varying communication channel adds to the problem by introducing errors resulting in packet drops. Thus achieving reliable communication is a challenge. Error correction codes are often used to counter this problem. However, real-time constraints in video communication restrict the use powerful codes which may introduce considerable delay in transmission because of the complex encoding or decoding process. This paper addresses the issue by using appropriate error correction codes such as Reed-Solomon (RS) codes and Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes. A set LDPC codes considered have been obtained form the idea of Projective Geometry. In this paper, we present results obtained by applying these codes for video transmission in real-time achieved by our prototype implementation.