Technique of Error Concealment for Block-Based Image Coding Using Genetic Algorithm

Since real world communication channels are not error free, the coded data transmitted on them may be corrupted, and block based image coding systems are vulnerable to transmission impairment. So the best neighborhood match method using genetic algorithm is used to conceal the error blocks. Experimental results show that the searching space can be greatly reduced by using genetic algorithm compared with exhaustive searching method, and good image quality is achieved. The peak signal noise ratios(PSNRs) of the restored images are increased greatly.

Frame erasure concealment in wideband speech coding based on large hidden Markov model

Frame erasure concealment is studied to solve the problem of rapid speech quality reduction due to the loss of speech parameters during speech transmission. A large hidden Markov model is applied to model the immittance spectral frequency （ISF） parameters in AMR-WB codec to optimally estimate the lost ISFs based on the minimum mean square error （MMSE） rule. The estimated ISFs are weighted with the ones of their previous neighbors to smooth the speech, resulting in the actual concealed ISF vectors. They are used instead of the lost ISFs in the speech synthesis on the receiver. Comparison is made between the speech concealed by this algorithm and by Annex I of G. 722. 2 specification, and simulation shows that the proposed concealment algorithm can lead to better performance in terms of frequency-weighted spectral distortion and signal-to-noise ratio compared to the baseline method, with an increase of 2.41 dB in signal-to-noise ratio （SNR） and a reduction of 0. 885 dB in frequency-weighted spectral distortion.

An error resilient scheme for H.264 video coding based on distortion estimated mode decision and nearest neighbor error concealment

Although H.264 video coding standard provides several error resilience tools, the damage caused by error propagation may still be tremendous. This work is aimed at developing a robust and standard-compliant error resilient coding scheme for H.264and uses techniques of mode decision, data hiding, and error concealment to reduce the damage from error propagation. This paper proposes a system with two error resilience techniques that can improve the robustness of H.264 in noisy channels. The first technique is Nearest Neighbor motion compensated Error Concealment (NNEC) that chooses the nearest neighbors in the reference frames for error concealment. The second technique is Distortion Estimated Mode Decision (DEMD) that selects an optimal mode based on stochastically distorted frames. Observed simulation results showed that the rate-distortion performances of the proposed algorithms are better than those of the compared algorithms.

Error concealment in pixel based Wyner-Ziv video coding

In the Wyner-Ziv(WZ) video coding paradigm, a virtual correlation channel is assumed between the quantized source and the side information(SI) at the decoder, and channel coding is applied to achieve compression. In this paper, errors caused by the virtual correlation channel are addressed and an error concealment approach is proposed for pixel-based WZ video coding. In the approach, errors after decoding are classified into two types. Type 1 errors are caused by residual bit errors after channel decoding, while type 2 errors are due to low quality of SI in part of a frame which causes SI not lying within the quantization bin of a decoded quantized pixel value. Two separate strategies are respectively designed to detect and conceal the two types of errors. Simulations are carried out and results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Analysis and application of error concealment tools in AVS-M decoder

Audio Video coding Standard (AVS) is the latest audio and video coding standard of China. AVS Part 7 (also known as AVS-M) targets mobility applications where error concealment is of great importance. This paper first briefly introduces the general concept of error concealment. Then two error concealment schemes are proposed and implemented on AVS-M decoder under different test conditions. Simulation results of the schemes and suggestions on how to use these tools are also provided.

Content-adaptive robust error concealment for packet-lossy H.264 video streaming

In this paper, we present a spatio-temporal post-processing error concealment (EC) algorithm designed initially for a H.264 video-streaming scheme over packet-lossy networks. It aims at optimizing the subjective quality of the restored video under the constraints of low delay and computational complexity, which are critical to real-time applications and portable devices having limited resources. Specifically, it takes into consideration the physical property of motion field in order to achieve more meaningful perceptual video quality, in addition to the improved objective PSNR. Further, a simple bilinear spatial interpolation approach is combined with the improved boundary-match (B-M) based temporal EC approach according to texture and motion activity analysis. Finally, we propose a low complexity temporal EC method based on motion vector interpolation as a replacement of the B-M based approach in the scheme under low-computation requirement, or as a complement to further improve the scheme's performance in applications having enough computation resources. Extensive experiments demonstrated that the proposal features not only better reconstruction, objectively and subjectively, than JM benchmark, but also robustness to different video sequences.

Network-aware perceptual error concealment method for H.264 video with side information

In order to improve the video quality of transmission with data loss,a spatial and temporal error concealment method was proposed,which considered both the state information of the network and the perceptual weight of the video content.The proposed method dynamically changed the reliability weight of the neighboring macroblock,which was used to conceal the lost macroblocks according to the packet loss rate of the current channel state.The perceptual weight map was utilized as side information to do weighted pixel interpolation and side-match based motion compensation for spatial and temporal error concealment,respectively.And the perceptual weight of the neighboring macroblocks was adaptively modified according to the perceptual weight of the lost macroblocks.Compared with the method used in H.264 joint model,experiment results show that the proposed method performs well both in subjective video quality and objective video quality,and increases the average peak signal-to-noise ratio(PSNR) of the whole frame by about 0.4 dB when the video bitstreams are transmitted with packets loss.

Temporal Error Concealment Technique for MPEG-4 Video Streams

Concerning inter4v mode employed widely in MPEG-4 video, a new temporal error concealment scheme for MPEG-4 video sequences is proposed, which can selectively interpolate one or four motion vectors （MVs） for the missing macroblock （ MB ） according to the estimated MB coding mode. Performance of the proposed scheme is compared with the existing schemes with multiple testing sequences at different bit error rates. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can mask the impairments caused by transmission errors more efficiently than 0 MV and average MV methods by consuming more time for different bit error rates. It has an acceptable image quality close to that obtained by the selective motion vector matching （ SMVM ） algorithm, while taking less than half of cycles of operations. The proposed concealment scheme is suitable for low complexity video real-time implementations.

Temporal Shape Error Concealment for Video Objects

A novel temporal shape error concealment technique is proposed, which can he used in the context of object-based video coding schemes. In order to reduce the effect of the shape variations of a video object, the curvature scale space （CSS） technique is adopted to extract features, and then these features are used for boundary matching between the current frame and the previous frame. Because the temporal, spatial and sta- tistical video contour information are all considered, the proposed method can find the optimal matching, which is used to replace the damaged contours. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves better subjective, objective qualities and higher efficiency than those previously developed methods.

A MODIFIED EDGE-ORIENTED SPATIAL INTERPOLATION ALGORITHM FOR CONSECUTIVE BLOCKS ERROR CONCEALMENT

This paper proposes a low-complexity spatial-domain Error Concealment (EC) algorithm for recovering consecutive blocks error in still images or Intra-coded (I) frames of video sequences. The proposed algorithm works with the following steps. Firstly the Sobel operator is performed on the top and bottom adjacent pixels to detect the most likely edge direction of current block area. After that one-Dimensional (1D) matching is used on the available block boundaries. Displacement between edge direction candidate and most likely edge direction is taken into consideration as an important factor to improve stability of 1D boundary matching. Then the corrupted pixels are recovered by linear weighting interpolation along the estimated edge direction. Finally the interpolated values are merged to get last recovered picture. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms obtain good subjective quality and higher Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) than the methods in literatures for most images.

SPATIAL ERROR CONCEALMENT BASED ON MOJETTE TRANSFORM

This letter presents a novel spatial error concealment algorithm for the H.264 video coding. The error concealment algorithm is based on directional interpolation. Mojette transform is used to estimate the orientation features of the damaged blocks,and the image is interpolated in the appro-priate directions. The proposed method is compared with bilinear interpolation algorithm in the ref-erence implementation of H.264 and all directional interpolation. Experimental results prove that the proposed algorithm has better subjective and objective image reconstruction quality.

A NOVEL TEMPORAL ERROR CONCEALMENT METHOD BASED ON FUZZY REASONING FOR H.264

In this paper,a fuzzy reasoning based temporal error concealment method is proposed. The basic temporal error concealment is implemented by estimating Motion Vector (MV) of the lost MacroBlock (MB) from its neighboring MVs. Which MV is the most proper one is evaluated by some criteria. Generally,two criteria are widely used,namely Side Match Distortion (SMD) and Sum of Absolute Difference (SAD) of corresponding MV. However,each criterion could only partly describe the status of lost block. To accomplish the judgement more accurately,the two measures are considered together. Thus a refined measure based on fuzzy reasoning is adopted to balance the effects of SMD and SAD. Terms SMD and SAD are regarded as fuzzy input and the term ‘similarity’ as output to complete fuzzy reasoning. Result of fuzzy reasoning represents how the tested MV is similar to the original one. And k-means clustering technique is performed to define the membership function of input fuzzy sets adaptively. According to the experimental results,the concealment based on new measure achieves better performance.

Whole Frame Error Concealment with Refined Motion Extrapolation and Prescription at Encoder for H.264/AVC

Packet losses usually result in frame losses in low bit rate video streaming over error prone networks. The whole frame error concealment （EC） algorithm is then necessary for the decoder to improve the video quality. A refined bidirectional motion vector extrapolation was developed to improve the motion vector estimation precision by alleviating the effect of overlapped and hole regions with an adaptive overlapped block motion compensation to reduce block artifacts. A prescription-based framework was then developed to improve the error concealment at the encoder side. Simulations show that the EC algorithm at the decoder side outperforms the existing methods by 2-8 dB. Moreover, the prescription-based framework at the encoder side provides further peak signal to noise ratio improvement.

An Error Concealment Approach Based on H.263 Video Decoding in Pixel Domain

The video bit stream coded by H.263 recommendation is vulnerable to channel errors. For coded information, bit errors could result in error propagation, loss of synchronization and severe data loss. All of these will lead to the descent of image qualities in the end. In this paper, in order to solve this problem, we present a receiver based error concealment algorithm that uses information in pixel domain to detect errors and resynchronization, identify the location of the affected blocks and estimate erroneous data. The concealment algorithm is kept simple, no additional bit rate is required, and no modification is necessary to an existing encoder, so the real time decoding and concealment are possible. Computer emulation results show that the image quality after error concealment is significantly improved.

Time-delay signature concealment of polarizationresolved chaos outputs in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with variable-polarization filtered optical feedback

Through employing permutation entropy and the self-correlation function, the time-delay signature （TDS） of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser （VCSEL） with variable-polarization filtered optical feedback （VPFOF） is evaluated theoretically. The work shows that the feedback rate η, polarizer angle Op, and filter bandwidth A have an obvious influence on the TDS. The evolution maps of the TDS in parameter space （η, A） and （ηθp） are simulated for searching the chaos with weak TDS. Furthermore, compared with a VCSEL with polarization-preserved filtered optical feedback and a VCSEL with variable-polarization mirror optical feedback, this VPFOF-VCSEL shows superiority in TDS suppression.

Separate-layer balanced waterflooding development technology for thick and complex carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East

Based on the waterflooding development in carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,in order to solve the problem of the poor development effects caused by commingled injection and production,taking the thick bioclastic limestone reservoirs of Cretaceous in Iran-Iraq as an example,this paper proposes a balanced waterflooding development technology for thick and complex carbonate reservoirs.This technology includes the fine division of development units by concealed baffles and barriers,the combination of multi well type and multi well pattern,and the construction of balanced water injection and recovery system.Thick carbonate reservoirs in Iran-Iraq are characterized by extremely vertical heterogeneity,development of multi-genesis ultra-high permeability zones,and highly concealed baffles and barriers.Based on the technologies of identification,characterization,and sealing evaluation for concealed baffles and barriers,the balanced waterflooding development technology is proposed,and three types of balanced waterflooding development modes/techniques are formed,namely,conventional stratigraphic framework,fine stratigraphic framework,and deepened stratigraphic framework.Numerical simulations show that this technology is able to realize a fine and efficient waterflooding development to recover,in a balanced manner,the reserves of thick and complex carbonate reservoirs in Iran and Iraq.The proposed technology provides a reference for the development optimization of similar reservoirs.

One Case of Primary Thrombocythemia with Concealed Hypokalemia Complicated by Acute Myocardial Infarction

Medical history summary: Male, 47 years old, was admitted to the hospital due to “dizziness accompanied by chest tightness and pain for more than 8 days”. One week ago, the patient experienced chest tightness, chest pain accompanied by profuse sweating for 3 hours and underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at a local hospital. The procedure revealed left main stem occlusion with subsequent left main stem to left anterior descending artery percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). After the procedure, the patient experienced hemodynamic instability, recurrent ventricular fibrillation, and critical condition, thus transferred to our hospital for further treatment. Symptoms and signs: The patient is in a comatose state, unresponsive to stimuli, with bilateral dilated pupils measuring 2.0 mm, exhibiting reduced sensitivity to light reflex, and recurrent fever. Coarse breath sounds can be heard in both lungs, with audible moist rales. Irregular breathing pattern is observed, and heart sounds vary in intensity. No pathological murmurs are auscultated in any valve auscultation area. Diagnostic methods: Coronary angiography results at the local hospital showed complete occlusion of the left main stem, and left main stem to left anterior descending artery percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed. However, the distal guidewire did not pass through. After admission, blood tests showed a Troponin T level of 1.44 ng/ml and a Myoglobin level of 312 ng/ml. The platelet count was 1390 × 109/L. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity was measured at 201.9%. Bone marrow aspiration biopsy showed active bone marrow proliferation and platelet clustering. The peripheral blood smear also showed platelet clustering. JAK-2 gene testing was positive, confirming the diagnosis of primary thrombocytosis. Treatment methods: The patient is assisted with mechanical ventilation and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation to improve coronary blood flow. Electrolyte levels are closely monitored, especially maintaining plasma potassium levels between 4.0 and 4.5 mmol/l. Hydroxyurea 500 mg is administered for platelet reduction. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are used rationally to prevent further infarction or bleeding. Antiarrhythmic, lipid-lowering, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and heart failure treatment are also provided. Clinical outcome: The family members chose to withdraw treatment and signed for discharge due to a combination of reasons, including economic constraints and uncertainty about the prognosis due to the long disease course. Acute myocardial infarction has gradually become one of the leading causes of death in our country. As a “green channel” disease, corresponding diagnostic and treatment protocols have been established in China, and significant progress has been made in emergency care. There are strict regulations for the time taken from the catheterization lab to the cardiac intensive care unit, and standardized treatments are provided to patients once they enter the intensive care unit. Research results show that the incidence of acute myocardial infarction in patients with primary thrombocythemia within 10 years is 9.4%. This type of disease is rare and difficult to cure, posing significant challenges to medical and nursing professionals. In order to benefit future patients, we have documented individual cases of treatment and nursing care for these patients. The research results show that these patients exhibit resistance to traditional oral anticoagulant drugs and require alternative anticoagulants. Additionally, there are significant differences in serum and plasma potassium levels among patients. Therefore, when making clinical diagnoses, it is necessary to carefully distinguish between the two. Particularly, nursing personnel should possess dialectical thinking when supplementing potassium levels in patients in order to reduce the incidence of malignant arrhythmias and mortality rates.

Application of geophysical methods in fine detection of urban concealed karst:A case study of Wuhan City,China

The construction of modern livable cities faces challenges in karst areas,including ground collapse and engineering problems.Wuhan,with a population of 13.74×10^(6) and approximately 1161 km^(2)of soluble rocks in the urban area of 8569.15 km^(2),predominantly consists of concealed karst areas where occasional ground collapse events occur,posing significant threats to underground engineering projects.To address these challenges,a comprehensive geological survey was conducted in Wuhan,focusing on major karstrelated issues.Geophysical methods offer advantages over drilling in detecting concealed karst areas due to their efficiency,non-destructiveness,and flexibility.This paper reviewed the karst geological characteristics in Wuhan and the geophysical exploration methods for karst,selected eight effective geophysical methods for field experimentation,evaluated their suitability,and proposed method combinations for different karst scenarios.The results show that different geophysical methods have varying applicability for karst detection in Wuhan,and combining multiple methods enhances detection effectiveness.The specific recommendations for method combinations provided in this study serve as a valuable reference for karst detection in Wuhan.

Multi-Level Error Detection and Concealment Algorithm to Improve Speech Quality in GSM Full Rate Speech Codecs

Digital mobile telecommunication systems, such as the global system for mobile （GSM） system, want to further improve speech communication quality without changing the channel encoders and decoders. Speech quality is most affected by residual bit errors in received speech frames. Conventional methods use binary decision strategies for error detection and concealment in frames. This paper presents a multi-level error detection and concealment algorithm for GSM full rate speech codec systems. The algorithm uses multi-source knowledge to detect and conceal speech frame errors at the frame, parameter, and even bit levels. Tests show that most corrupted frames can be appropriately concealed by this algorithm, resulting in MOS gains of more than 50% for real-world data tests.

Edge-Oriented Spatial Interpolation for Error Concealment of Consecutive Blocks

This paper proposes a low-complexity spatial-domain error concealment （EC） algorithm for recovering consecutive blocks error in still images or intra-coded （I） frames of video sequences. The proposed algorithm works with the following steps. Firstly the Sobel operator is performed on the top and bottom adjacent pixels to detect the most probable edge direction of current block area. After that one-dimensional （1-D） matching is used on the available block boundaries. Displacement between edge direction candidate and most probable edge direction is taken into consideration as an important factor to improve stability of 1-D boundary matching. Then the corrupted pixels are recovered by linear weighting interpolation along the estimated edge direction. Finally the interpolated values are merged to get last recovered picture. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms obtain good subjective quality and higher PSNR than the methods in literatures for most images.