Optimal coding rate and power allocation for the streaming of scalably encoded video over a wireless link

Scalably encoded information results in files which can be truncated at an arbitrary point and decoded, as supported by the JPEG-2000 (image) and MPEG-4 (video) standards. This work introduces a tractable, yet flexible analytical model for resource management involving scalably encoded video. Each segment of video of a predetermined length yields a file that can be truncated and decoded independently of other segments. The problem is set up as a joint optimization of transmission power, and coding rate (where to truncate?). The analysis reveals that any one of these variables uniquely determines the other. The terminal should truncate the file at the point that maximizes quality per unit of power employed.