Patent ID: 6567471
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: G11B,H04N

Abstract:
A splicing apparatus for splicing a plurality of source encoded streams, comprising:splicing-point setting means for setting a splicing point for said plurality of source encoded streams; decoding means for decoding pictures included in said plurality of source encoded streams in a region of said splicing point to generate decoded video data, wherein a decoding-side decodes spliced streams and includes a video buffer verifier (VBV) characterized by a data occupancy; re-encoding means for re-encoding said decoded video data to generate re-encoded streams; spliced-stream producing means for switching between said source encoded streams and said re-encoded streams to produce said spliced streams; and splice control means for controlling said re-encoding means and said spliced-stream producing means so as to prevent a discontinuity of said spliced streams when said spliced streams are decoded, wherein said splice control means calculates a target amount of bits for re-encoding said decoded video data in re-encoding by said re-encoding means so as to prevent a discontinuity of a locus of said data occupancy of said VBV buffer at a switching point between said source encoded streams and said re-encoded streams or the splicing points of said re-encoded streams, and said re-encoding means encodes said decoded video data in accordance with said target amount of bits supplied from said splice control means.