Low bit-rate scalable video coding with 3-D set partitioning in hierarchical trees (3-D SPIHT)

In this paper, we propose a low bit-rate embedded video coding scheme that utilizes a 3-D extension of the set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPI HT) algorithm which has proved so successful in still image coding. Three-d imensional spatio-temporal orientation trees coupled with powerful SPIHT so rting and refinement renders 3-D SPIHT video coder so efficient that it pro vides comparable performance to H.263 objectively and subjectively when ope rated at the bit rates of 30 to 60 kbits/s with minimal system complexity, Extension to color-embedded video coding is accomplished without explicit b it allocation, and can be used for any color plane representation. In addit ion to being rate scalable, the proposed video coder allows multiresolution al scalability in encoding and decoding in both time and space from one bit stream. This added functionality along with many desirable attributes, suc h as full embeddedness for progressive transmission, precise rate control f or constant bit-rate traffic; and low complexity for possible software-only video applications, makes the proposed video coder an attractive candidate for multimedia applications.