Statistical multiplexer having protective features from extraneous messages generated by redundant system elements
First Claim
1. A statistical multiplexer for multiplexing at least two bit streams each comprising video signals into a single multiplexed encoded bit stream, comprising:
- a plurality of primary encoders each receiving one of the bit streams and generating an encoded bit stream;
at least one backup encoder that is activated and on-line in the event of a failure of one of the plurality of primary encoders, said backup encoder receiving the bit stream that would otherwise be directed to the failed primary encoder;
at least two multiplexers such that at any given time one of the multiplexers is in an active state and the other is in a backup state, said multiplexer in the active state receiving each of the encoded bit streams from the encoders and generating a multiplexed encoded bit stream, said multiplexer in the backup state transitioning to the active state and receiving each of the encoded bit streams from the encoders in the event of a failure in the other multiplexer;
a rate processor for adjusting a distribution of bit rate allocation among the plurality of primary encoders;
a communications channel operatively associated with the encoders, the multiplexers and the rate processor, said communication channel supporting messages among and between the encoders, the multiplexers and the rate processor; and
wherein the encoders, the multiplexers, and the rate processor employ a dynamic identity allocation arrangement for identifying a source of the messages such that messages originating from the encoders indicate whether the source is a primary or backup encoder and messages originating from the multiplexers include a character selected from among a predetermined sequence of characters that is incremented to the next character in the sequence each time one of the multiplexers transitions between an active and a backup state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A statistical multiplexer is provided for multiplexing at least two bit streams, which each comprise video signals, into a single multiplexed encoded bit stream. The statistical multiplexer includes a plurality of primary encoders 120 each receiving one of the bit streams and generating an encoded bit stream and at least one backup encoder 130 that is activated and on-line in the event of a failure of one of the plurality of primary encoders 120. The backup encoder 130 receives the bit stream that would otherwise be directed to the failed primary encoder 120. The statistical multiplexer also includes at least two multiplexers 140,160 such that at any given time one of the multiplexers 140,160 is in an active state and the other is in a backup state. The multiplexer in the active state receives each of the encoded bit streams from the encoders and generates a multiplexed encoded bit stream. The multiplexer in the backup state transitions to the active state and receives each of the encoded bit streams from the encoders in the event of a failure in the other multiplexer. A rate processor 150 is provided for adjusting a distribution of bit rate allocation among the plurality of primary encoders 120. A communications channel is operatively associated with the encoders 120, 130, the multiplexers 140, 160 and the rate processor 150. The communication channel supports messages among and between the encoders 120, 130, the multiplexers 140, 160 and the rate processor 150. The encoders 120, 130, the multiplexers 140, 160, and the rate processor 150 employ a dynamic identity allocation arrangement for identifying a source of the messages such that messages originating from the encoders 120, 130 indicate whether the source is a primary 120 or backup encoder 130 and messages originating from the multiplexers 140, 160 include a character selected from among a predetermined sequence of characters that is incremented to the next character in the sequence each time one of the multiplexers 140, 160 transitions between an active and a backup state.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A statistical multiplexer for multiplexing at least two bit streams each comprising video signals into a single multiplexed encoded bit stream, comprising:
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a plurality of primary encoders each receiving one of the bit streams and generating an encoded bit stream;
at least one backup encoder that is activated and on-line in the event of a failure of one of the plurality of primary encoders, said backup encoder receiving the bit stream that would otherwise be directed to the failed primary encoder;
at least two multiplexers such that at any given time one of the multiplexers is in an active state and the other is in a backup state, said multiplexer in the active state receiving each of the encoded bit streams from the encoders and generating a multiplexed encoded bit stream, said multiplexer in the backup state transitioning to the active state and receiving each of the encoded bit streams from the encoders in the event of a failure in the other multiplexer;
a rate processor for adjusting a distribution of bit rate allocation among the plurality of primary encoders;
a communications channel operatively associated with the encoders, the multiplexers and the rate processor, said communication channel supporting messages among and between the encoders, the multiplexers and the rate processor; and
wherein the encoders, the multiplexers, and the rate processor employ a dynamic identity allocation arrangement for identifying a source of the messages such that messages originating from the encoders indicate whether the source is a primary or backup encoder and messages originating from the multiplexers include a character selected from among a predetermined sequence of characters that is incremented to the next character in the sequence each time one of the multiplexers transitions between an active and a backup state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for multiplexing at least two bit streams each comprising video signals into a single multiplexed encoded bit stream, said method comprising the steps of comprising:
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encoding a plurality of bit streams with a plurality of primary encoders, or, in event of a failure of one of the primary encoders, with a remaining primary encoder and a backup encoder;
multiplexing the plurality of encoded bit streams with one of a plurality of multiplexers such that at any given time one of the multiplexers is in an active state and the other is in a backup state;
adjusting a distribution of bit rate allocation among the plurality of primary encoders; and
transmitting messages among at least the encoders and the multiplexers using a dynamic identity allocation arrangement for identifying a source of the messages such that messages originating from the encoders indicate whether the source is a primary or backup encoder and messages originating from the multiplexers include a character selected from among a predetermined sequence of characters that is incremented to the next character in the sequence each time one of the multiplexers transitions between an active and a backup state. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification