Patent ID: 6064748
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for embedding an additional low data-rate bitstream in a digital video stream and retrieving the additional low data-rate bitstream from a digital video encoded version of the digital video stream, the digital video encoded version of the digital video stream having a plurality of data segments with header information and at least two digital video encoding format choices for each data segment, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing the additional low data-rate bitstream, the additional low data-rate bitstream having bit values that are to be embedded in the digital video stream;(b) using each bit value to select which one of the at least two digital video encoding format choices will be used to encode data segments of the digital video stream, the selected digital video encoding format choices being readable from the header information;(c) digital video encoding the data segments of the digital video stream according to the digital video encoding format choice that is selected for each data segment;(d) reading the selected digital video encoding format choice from the header information for each data segment of the digital video encoded version of the digital video stream;(e) identifying the bit values represented by the selected digital video encoding format choice read from the header information for each data segment; and(f) concatenating the identified bit values to regenerate the additional low data-rate bitstream.