Patent ID: 6259733
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for determining a bit rate need of a plurality of variable rate video channels in a video encoder, comprising the steps of:processing video data from a current picture in each respective channel to determine at least a spatial activity and a temporal activity thereof;determining a bit rate demand for each current picture according to the associated spatial activity and temporal activity;determining an overall available bit rate for transmitting the current pictures in a multiplexed data stream;determining, in an initial iteration, an initial allocated bit rate for each current picture according to a ratio of bit rate demand thereof to a sum of the bit rate demands from each current picture;determining a bit rate surplus or deficit between the overall available bit rate and a sum of the initial allocated bit rates; andadjusting, in at least one successive iteration, the initial allocated bit rate for at least some of the current pictures according to the surplus or deficit, and a ratio of bit rate demand thereof to a sum of the bit rate demands thereof.