JPEG 2000 backward compatible error protection with Reed-Solomon codes

In this paper, a backward compatible header error protection mechanism is described. It consists of the addition of a dedicated marker segment to a JPEG 2000 codestream, that will contain the error correction data generated by a block error correction code (e.g. a Reed Solomon code). This mechanism allows to leave the original data intact, hence providing backward compatibility with the already standardised JPEG 2000. Neither side information from higher level, nor extra signalling encapsulation is needed, as the required information is directly embedded in the codestream and also protected. Finally, it is shown how this mechanism can be used for perform unequal error protection of the whole JPEG 2000 stream. Index Terms — error correction, header protection, ReedSolomon codes, JPEG 2000, unequal error protection.