Reduced complexity embedded 3-D wavelet video coding

We propose an embedded 3-D wavelet based video coding technique with reduced complexity. The key idea is the use of a composite block-tree hierarchical structure to link blocks of wavelet coefficients in spatial, temporal and color planes in such a way that a large number of the insignificant sets are coded together. The proposed technique integrates the set partitioning strategies of hierarchical trees and blocks into a single algorithm, resulting in improvement in the coding efficiency and reduction in the computational complexity. Simulation results show the performance improvement in coding efficiency and up to 50% reduction in the computational complexity over the 3-D SPIHT video coder.