Abstract:
A method of encoding a local time base embedded in the compressed data is disclosed. The local time base is encoded in two parts. The first part has a modulo time base that indicates the specific interval in the reference time base and the second part has a time base increment relative to the reference time. Two forms of time base increment is used to allow for the possibility of different encoding order and displaying order. A mechanism for the synchronization of multiple compressed streams with local time base is also described. A time base offset mechanism is also used to allow finer granularity synchronization of the multiple compressed streams.
Abstract:
An image capture and transmission system includes first and second imaging devices. A timing signal generator produces a timing signal. A common drive circuit operates for driving the first and second imaging devices at equal timings determined by the timing signal. A first signal processor operates for converting an output signal of the first imaging device into first digital video data. A second signal processor operates for converting an output signal of the second imaging device into second digital video data. The first digital video data and the second digital video data are processed into a stream of packets. The packet stream is transmitted to, for example, a network.
Abstract:
A method and system (30, 30', 100, 100', 100'', 100''') remultiplex video program bearing data (TS1-TS5, TS10-TS20), using a descriptor based system (122, 124, 129-4) for timely outputting transport packets, using a descriptor and transport packet caching technique (116, 122, 124, 114) for decoupling the synchronous receipt and transmission of transport packets from any asynchronous processing (160, 120, 130, S2, 402, S4, 404), using descriptors for managing scrambling and descrambling control words (129-9), optimizing bandwidth of transport streams by replacing null transport packets with transport packet data, and using a technique (180) for locking multiple internal reference clock generators (113).
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for transmitting MPEG-4 data synchronized to MPEG-2 data is disclosed. The apparatus for transmitting MPEG-4 data synchronized to MPEG-2 data includes: an object separation unit for extracting MPEG-4 object data from MP4 data, separating meta information from the object data, and generating program information and synchronization information; a conversion unit for converting the MPEG-4 object data to MPEG-4 packets of which data structure is the same as that of MPEG-2 data, based on the program information and synchronization information; and a multiplexing unit for multiplexing the MPEG-4 packets with the MPEG-2 data.
Abstract:
A method and system for the insertion of local signals (165), including digital media advertisements, into statistically multiplexed streams (135) is presented. The rate control (120) and timing information is computed and is used to specify the insertion time and rate parameters for digital advertisements. In one embodiment, a maximum bit rate over the advertisement duration is specified. The maximum bit rate may be constant or may vary in time, such that high bit rate portions of the advertisement are supported. High bit rate portions of the advertisements in different program streams may be staggered, such that the total bandwidth required does not exceed a maximum, but allowing for high bit rate portions of advertisements. Custom bit rate profiles for advertisements may also be defined, with the profiles being defined at a high granularity or a low granularity.
Abstract:
Upon implementing multi-functional TV broadcast and the like, it is desired to obtain information that pertains to a main image or that the user wants occasionally, if it does not pertain to the main image, in the form of an image as sub data with a small information size which is appended to the main image. For this purpose, MPEG4 data of sub TV information multiplexed in an MPEG2 datastream of the received and selected digital TV broadcast program is detected, and it is checked based on that detection result if MPEG4 data is included in the MPEG2 datastream. If MPEG4 data is included, an MPEG4 datastream is demultiplexed from the MPEG2 datastream, MPEG2 and MPEG4 data are respectively demultiplexed into sound, image, and system data, the demultiplexed data are decoded, and the output formats of MPEG2 image and sound data and MPEG4 scene and sound data are set.
Abstract:
An interactive cable television system utilizes a standard cable television distribution network for simultaneously providing a plurality of viewers with an interactive television program comprising a plurality of signals related in time and content. Video signals (1) are transmitted in a digital format, more than one signal being multiplexed onto a data stream on a single channel. The video signals (1) may be compressed for efficiency. A receiver (7), in conjunction with a signal selector (8), selects a particular NTSC channel for playback, then selects a particular video signal from the data stream, and decompresses the video signal for playback. Seamless switching between video signals on different channels is provided. In an alternative embodiment, the various signals which comprise the interactive program are switched at the head end (300) rather than at the receiver (7). The multiple choice control unit (9) selects a desired signal by relating the multiple choice selections of the user through a relay box (17) back to a remotely located switching station. The switching station routes the correct video signal down the appropriate cable channel for the particular user.
Abstract:
An interactive cable television system utilizes a standard cable television distribution network for simultaneously providing a plurality of viewers with an interactive television program comprising a plurality of signals related in time and content. Video signals (1) are transmitted in a digital format, more than one signal being multiplexed onto a data stream on a single channel. The video signals (1) may be compressed for efficiency. A receiver (7), in conjunction with a signal selector (8), selects a particular NTSC channel for playback, then selects a particular video signal from the data stream, and decompresses the video signal for playback. Seamless switching between video signals on different channels is provided. In an alternative embodiment, the various signals which comprise the interactive program are switched at the head end (300) rather than at the receiver (7). The multiple choice control unit (9) selects a desired signal by relating the multiple choice selections of the user through a relay box (17) back to a remotely located switching station. The switching station routes the correct video signal down the appropriate cable channel for the particular user.
Abstract:
A system for adding monitoring capability to equipment located within a video, audio and/or data production facility. A sampling device is connected to a data communications network and transmits a continuous representation of the video, audio or data being sampled over a data communications network in response to commands from an operator station. To accommodate monitoring of large numbers of sampling devices on a single network, the sampling device may encode and/or compress the video, audio or data being monitored prior to transmitting the sample over the network. The sampling device may also further reduce its contribution to network loading by providing an instant sample of the stream being sampled, such as a single video frame, either a single time, or repeatedly at regular predetermined time intervals.