Patent ID: 6310915
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for transcoding a previously encoded video signal to a second encoded representation thereof comprising the steps of:(a) receiving k>1 previously encoded pictures of a previously encoded video signal in a buffer,(b) scanning each of said k previously encoded pictures in said buffer to gather information on each of said k previously encoded pictures,(c) allocating an encoding parameter to one of said k previously encoded pictures, which precedes each other one of said k previously encoded pictures in encoded order of said previously encoded video signal, based on said information gathered for each of said k previously encoded pictures,(d) decoding said one previously encoded picture, to produce a decoded picture,(e) re-encoding said decoded picture, to generate a re-encoded picture in a second encoded representation of said video signal, said re-encoding being performed in a fashion which depends on said encoding parameter allocated thereto,(f) splicing an end of said previously encoded video signal together with a beginning of another encoded video signal for sequential transfer to said channel,wherein said step (a) further comprises the step of storing a picture at an end of said previously encoded video signal and at least one picture at a beginning of said another video signal in said look ahead buffer,wherein said step (c) further comprises the step of gathering information regarding said at least one encoded pictures at a beginning of said another encoded video signal and said picture at an end of said previously encoded video signal, andwherein in step (e), said picture at an end of said previously encoded video signal is re-encoded in accordance with an encoding parameter allocated based on information gathered for said picture and for said pictures at a beginning of said another encoded video signal.