Patent ID: 6795503
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method of coding video signals of a plurality of macroblocks for output in video packets of limited length, comprising the steps of:(a) coding each macroblock by using a variable-length code, thereby generating successive coded macroblocks; (b) storing each coded macroblock in a buffer; (c) calculating a resulting total code length of the coded macroblocks stored in the buffer, as each coded macroblock is stored in the buffer; (d) comparing said total code length with a predetermined value related to the limited length of the video packets; (e) outputting all of the coded macroblocks stored in the buffer, except the coded macroblock coded most recently, for use as a video packet, and causing the macroblock coded most recently to be coded again, if said total code length exceeds said predetermined value; (f) calculating a predicted code length of a next coded macroblock if said total code length is less than said predetermined value; (g) adding the predicted code length to said total code length and comparing a resulting sum with said predetermined value; and (h) outputting all of the coded macroblocks stored in the buffer for use as a video packet if said resulting sum exceeds said predetermined value.