Patent ID: 6594271
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: H04J,H04N

Abstract:
A multi-channel statistical multiplexing encoder, comprising:a plurality of channel encoders with respective buffers for receiving respective data sources; an opportunistic data processor with a respective buffer for receiving a respective data source; a packet multiplexer for receiving encoded data from the channel encoders and the opportunistic data processor for forming a transport stream; and a quantization level processor associated with the packet multiplexer; wherein: the channel encoders and the opportunistic data processor send bandwidth need parameters thereof to the quantization level processor; the quantization level processor provides bandwidth allocations and a global quantization level to the channel encoders and the opportunistic data processor according to the bandwidth need parameters; the channel encoders and the opportunistic data processor encode their respective data sources according to the global quantization level and the respective bandwidth allocations; the opportunistic data processor generates its bandwidth need parameter: (a) by scaling a bandwidth need thereof by a function of the global quantization level, and (b) according to a threshold quantization level; and the opportunistic data processor generates its bandwidth need parameter such that essentially no bandwidth is allocated to the opportunistic data processor when the global quantization level exceeds the threshold quantization level.