Efficient mobile video access in wireless environments

A novel middleware-based system providing effective and efficient video access for mobile users communicating over low bandwidth error-prone wireless links is proposed. The middleware, implemented as mobile proxy server located at the mobile support station, is chosen for the seamless integration of mobile users and video servers by hiding the specific details of the underlying system. For efficient video transmission, our three-dimensional significant-linked connected component analysis video codec is well suited for wireless environments, is used. To cope with wireless transmission errors, we propose an multilayer error control mechanism, which incorporates synchronization, unequal forward error protection, and retransmission. As a result, mobile users experience better picture quality, less jerky video, and shorter delays when accessing video files.