Perceptual quality adaptation (PQA) algorithm for 3GP and multi-tracked MPEG-4 content over wireless IP networks

Many adaptive delivery mechanisms have been devised for streaming multimedia over best-effort IP networks, such as the Internet. Most of these adaptive schemes do not consider the user's perception of quality when making adaptations. We describe a Perceptual Quality Adaptation algorithm (PQA) and prototype system architecture that uses knowledge of user perceived quality to make adaptation decisions using an optimum adaptation trajectory. This optimum adaptation trajectory indicates how encoding quality should be adapted (upgraded/downgraded) with respect to user perceived quality in response to rapidly fluctuating network conditions. We present simulation results that demonstrate the behavior of a perceptual quality adaptation algorithm.