Patent ID: 6151359
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A system for synchronizing data buffers using a variable rate transmission channel, the system comprising:an encoder buffer;an encoder for periodically generating a synchronization control signal from an instantaneous value of a delay of data passing through the encoder buffer, said instantaneous value of a delay being substantially equal to a difference between the time of removal of said data from said encoder buffer and the time of arrival of said data to said encoder buffer and said synchronization control signal including at least a parameter calculated periodically and being substantially equal to a constant minus said difference, and for encoding input data and the synchronization control signal into a compressed data bitstream;a decoder buffer synchronized with the encoder buffer using the synchronization control signal;a variable rate transmission channel operatively connecting the encoder buffer and the decoder buffer for providing transmission from the encoder buffer and reception to the decoder buffer of the compressed data bitstream and the synchronization control signal, based on the instantaneous value of a delay of data passing through the encoder buffer; anda decoder for receiving and decoding the compressed data bitstream and the synchronization control signal and for extracting from the synchronization control signal an instantaneous decoder delay value to establish synchronization, wherein the parameter is substantially equal to the instantaneous decoder delay value, and wherein said instantaneous decoder delay value is determined based on an instantaneous arrival time at said encoder buffer and an instantaneous removal time from said encoder buffer of said data encoded within said compressed data bitstream to arrive at said encoder buffer and to be removed from said encoder buffer, and wherein said instantaneous decoder delay value is determined before said data bitstream is transmitted to said decoder buffer, such that said instantaneous decoder delay value is encoded within the synchronization control signal and indicates, prior to arrival of said encoded data at said decoder, when said data is to be removed from said decoder buffer.