Linear Systems

The main objective of this course is to acquire a working knowledge of media coding algorithmia, standards, their present state of the art and limitations and their use in telecommunications. Students who successfully complete this course should meet the following programme outcomes. In particular: a) an ability to apply theoretical knowledge to engineering problems. b) analytical skills, synthesis capabilities and an ability to integrate knowledge from different disciplines. c) acquisition of critical thinking capabilities and broad education necessary to understand the economical impact of the coding technologies, standards and governmental regulations on the development of telecommunication services. d) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning. 1) Theoretical knowledge on media coding and the problems and solutions for their transmission over modern communications networks. 2) An ability to choose, apply and adapt a media coder to meet identified needs such as quality, bandwidth, delay or complexity constraints by conducting experiments in the laboratory and interpreting the results. 3) Skills for reading and interpretation of standards specifications.

CB1: Students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that builds on the foundation of general secondary education, and is usually at a level that, while relying on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study. CB2: Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. CG2: Knowledge, understanding and ability to apply corresponding legislation in force throughout the professional career of Technical Engineer of Telecommunications; aptitude for dealing with compulsory specifications, regulations and norms. CG3: Knowledge of basic and technological subject areas which enable acquisition of new methods and technologies, as well as endowing the technical engineer with the versatility necessary to adapt to any new situation. CG6: Aptitude for dealing with obligatory specifications, regulations and norms. ECRT15: Knowledge of telecommunications norms and regulations at the national, European and international levels. ETEGISC6: Ability to analyze, codify, process and transmit multimedia information using analog and digital signal processing techniques.  RA1: Knowledge and Understanding. Knowledge and understanding of the general fundamentals of engineering, scientific and mathematical principles, as well as those of their branch or specialty, including some knowledge at the forefront of their field. RA3: Design. Graduates will have the ability to make engineering designs according to their level of knowledge and understanding, working as a team. Design encompasses devices, processes, methods and objects, and specifications that are broader than strictly technical, including social awareness, health and safety, environmental and commercial considerations. RA5: Applications. Graduates will have the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems, conduct research, and design engineering devices or processes. These skills include knowledge, use and limitations of materials, computer models, process engineering, equipment, practical work, technical literature and information sources. They must be aware  of all the implications of engineering practice: ethical, environmental, commercial and industrial. RA6: Generic competences. Graduates will have the generic skills necessary for engineering practice, and which are widely applicable. First, to work effectively, both individually and as a team, as well as to communicate effectively. In addition, demonstrate awareness of the responsibility of engineering practice, social and environmental impact, and commitment to professional ethics, responsibility and standards of engineering practice. They must also have knowledge of business and project management practices, as well as risk management and control, and understand their limitations. Finally, have the capacity for continuous learning.

Topic 0. Fundamentals of the digitalization of multimedia information. Topic 1. Speech coding Topic 2. Audio coding Topic 3. Image coding Topic 4. Video coding Topic 5. Coded multimedia information transmission

The course structure consists of two different types of session: lectures and laboratory exercises. LECTURES (4 ECTS) The mathematical principles of media coders are presented in the lectures mostly aided with slides and multimedia demonstrations to illustrate certain aspects. The economical impact of the bandwidth occupation in communication networks and the standarization of the media coders is a fundamental issue emphasized in the lectures. The algorithms needed to design a coder to meet specific constraints are explained. The economical implications of choosing among the different media coders available are always emphasized in the lectures: mainly, the trade-offs between quality, computational requirements, delay and bandwidth. The impact of governmental regulations on matters such as the assignation of radio-frequency bands and the process of producing standards are also explained in the lectures. Up to date examples and news on multimedia processing algorithms are always sought in the lectures even presenting protocols not yet well established, showing trends and emphasizing evolution thus promoting the idea of the need of a life-long learning. LABORATORY PRACTICE (2 ECTS) Four laboratory assignments (one for each media covered in the subject program) are aimed at achieving an understanding of the coding methods and an ability to design and conduct experiments by changing the free parameters of the coders and analyzing their consequences and trade-offs. The students empirically observe the trade-offs between employed bandwidth, quality, delay and complexity and are asked to decide on the free parameters that configure a coder. In addition, four introductory lab assignments crafted as challenges are included before each of the 4 central topics. Some programming skills are required in the lab projects though they are not specifically worked upon. Also reading and interpretation skills of media standards especifications are develop in one of the lab assignments.