Patent ID: 7020198

Claim:
A method for allocating bits for coding a sequence of pictures in a bitstream received at a digital video transcoder, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an assumed length N′ of a particular group of pictures (GOP) of said bitstream; (b) providing an assumed bit budget as a function of said assumed length N′; (c) allocating bits for coding a first picture of said particular GOP in accordance with said assumed bit budget; (d) determining a picture type of a second picture that immediately follows said first picture; (e) adjusting said assumed bit budget according to said picture type of said second picture; and (f) allocating bits for coding said second picture in accordance with said adjusted bit budget; wherein if said first and second pictures are I-pictures, the method further comprises: determining an actual distance M″ between said first picture and the next closest subsequent I-picture of said bitstream according to the picture type of said second picture; and adjusting said assumed bit budget in accordance with said actual distance M″.