Patent ID: 6512775
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A programmable bitstream parser for parsing a digital bitstream having both data information and programming information, and for providing parsed data to a data memory, comprising:(a) a buffer for receiving and temporarily storing a segment of said digital bitstream; (b) a mode selector, coupled to said buffer to determine whether one or more bits of said bitstream segment represent a mode selection code, and selecting a parser mode in response to said mode selection code to place said bitstream parser in a data mode when said mode selection code is a data mode selection code and in a program mode when said mode selection code is a program mode selection code; (c) a control circuit, coupled to said buffer to receive and store one or more bits of said bitstream segment from said buffer when said bitstream parser is in said program mode and reprogramming said control circuit with newly received program information, and using said program information to generate one or more parsing signals when said bitstream parser is in said data mode; and (d) a data processor, coupled to said buffer and to said control circuit to receive one or more bits of said bitstream segment from said buffer and said parsing signals from said control circuit when said bitstream parser is in said data mode, parse said received bits in accordance with said parsing signals, and provide said parsed data to said data memory.