Patent ID: 7885471

Claim:
A method for automatically combining layers in a multi-layer bitstream using computer hardware having a processing device and operably connected to a transmission medium, said method comprising: a) receiving with said processing device a bitstream comprising encoded image coefficients and encoded block pattern (Cbp) information wherein said Cbp information identifies regions in said bitstream that comprise transform coefficients; b) decoding with said processing device said Cbp information; c) parsing with said processing device said bitstream by using said Cbp information to identify bitstream regions comprising transform coefficients; d) scaling with said processing device first-layer transform coefficients in said bitstream to match a characteristic of a second-layer in said bitstream; e) adding with said processing device said scaled, first-layer transform coefficients to second-layer transform coefficients to form combined coefficients in a combined layer; and f) calculating with said processing device combined Cbp information for said combined layer wherein said combined Cbp information identifies regions in said combined layer that comprise transform coefficients.