Patent ID: 7139241
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for processing a digitally encoded multimedia stream of data that is in packets including processing prior to transmission, multiplexing, and splicing to prevent underflow of a decoder buffer of a predetermined size, each frame having a presentation time stamp and a decoding time stamp, said method comprising the steps of: a) determining, prior to transmission of a data stream, a potential data underflow for said decoder buffer by a process of emulation when said decoder buffer is less than said predetermined size; b) adding a predetermined value to said presentation time stamp when said potential data underflow is determined in step a); and c) adding said predetermined value to said decoding time stamp when said potential data underflow is determined in step, a); whereby a buffer underflow of said decoder buffer is prevented, wherein said predetermined value added to said presentation time stamp is an amount T determined by the relationship: where: B=the size of said decoder buffer; x=the size of said current buffer; S=the bit rate of said transport stream; P=a uniform size of said packets; and H=a minimum header size for each of said packets, wherein a maximum number of null packets deleted is by the relationship: where: N=a number of packets.