J. A. Garcia, Rosa Rodriguez-Sánchez, J. Fdez-Valdivia,
and J. Martinez-Baena.
Here we propose a video coding scheme to improve the moving target detection at very low bit rate, based on two key features: energy-based quantizer formation, and optimized inter-quantizer and intra-quantizer prioritization. The Rational Embedded wavelet VIdeo Coding (REVIC) is a fully implemented software video codec of low-complexity and without motion compensation to provide also additional simplicity, adaptivity and error resilience. It is shown to be quite effective in video coding of moving targets (e.g., military vehicles) at very low bit rates, while retaining the attributes of complete embeddedness for progressive transmission and scalability by fidelity and resolution. The proposed coding technique improves the explanatory power of decoded sequences (to achieve maximum target detection) versus bitrate performance for a video compression system. The explanatory power of compressed sequences is important in surveillance applications, where trained video analysts may utilize decoded sequences to support decision processes in strategic, operational and tactical tasks.