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

We propose a low bit-rate embedded video coding scheme that utilizes a 3-D extension of the set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) algorithm which has proved so successful in still image coding. Three-dimensional spatio-temporal orientation trees coupled with powerful SPIHT sorting and refinement renders 3-D SPIHT video coder so efficient that it provides comparable performance to H.263 objectively and subjectively when operated at the bit rates of 30 to 60 kbits/s with minimal system complexity. Extension to color-embedded video coding is accomplished without explicit bit allocation, and can be used for any color plane representation. In addition to being rate scalable, the proposed video coder allows multiresolutional scalability in encoding and decoding in both time and space from one bit stream. This added functionality along with many desirable attributes, such as full embeddedness for progressive transmission, precise rate control for constant bit-rate traffic, and low complexity for possible software-only video applications, makes the proposed video coder an attractive candidate for multimedia applications.