Patent ID: 6181746
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method of decoding encoded input image data associated with input images, storing the decoded input image data in frames in unit store areas in a memory, and reading the decoded input image data in frames for display, the method comprising:setting the number of unit store areas in the memory to a value less than the maximum number of frames associated with continuous display;when there is an available unit store area that is empty or contains data not needed for subsequent decoding or display at a beginning of a frame display period,initiating a decode operation of a particular input image substantially at a same time as the beginning of the frame display period to produce decoded input image data, and storing the decoded input image data as a frame in the available unit store area;when there is no unit store area that is empty or that contains data not needed for subsequent decoding or display at the beginning of a frame display period,initiating a decode operation of the particular input image at a given time that is delayed from the beginning of the frame display period to produce decoded input image data and storing the decoded input image data in parts of a unit store area from which a frame is being read for display as the unit store area becomes available when decoded input image data in that unit store area are read for display.