Methods and apparatus for packetization of content for transmission over a network

• US 20060288117A1
• Filed: 05/11/2006
• Published: 12/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Walker, Gordon Kent, Collins, Bruce, Nagaraj, Thadi M., Raveendran, Vijayalakshmi R., Silberger, Amnon, Radhakrishnan, Dhinakar, Balraj, Sajith
• Granted Patent: US 8,842,666 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/236
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/66 Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/612 for unicast
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/70 Media network packetisation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/22 Parsing or analysis of headers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/28 Timers or timing mechanisms used in protocols

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for packetization of content for transmission over a network. A method is provided that includes generating one or more content packets from the multimedia content, wherein the content packets are associated with a time reference, and adding a sync header to the one or more content packets to form one or more application layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to the time reference. An apparatus includes encoding logic configured to generate one or more content packets from the multimedia content, wherein the content packets are associated with a time reference, and packetization logic configured to add a sync header to the one or more content packets to form one or more application layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to the time reference.

Claims

1. A method for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the method comprising:

generating one or more content packets from the multimedia content, wherein the content packets are associated with a time reference; and

adding a sync header to the one or more content packets to form one or more application layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to the time reference.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said generating comprises encoding the multimedia content to produce the one or more content packets.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating the sync header to comprise a random access point identifier.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating the sync header to comprise a frame rate indicator.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating the sync header to comprise a component indicator, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a sync layer directory.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising generating the sync layer directory to comprise a video reference indicator that indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

8. Apparatus for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the apparatus comprising:

encoding logic configured to generate one or more content packets from the multimedia content, wherein the content packets are associated with a time reference; and

packetization logic configured to add a sync header to the one or more content packets to form one or more application layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to the time reference.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the packetization logic further comprises logic configured to generate the sync header to comprise a random access point identifier.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the packetization logic further comprises logic configured to generate the sync header to comprise a frame rate indicator.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the packetization logic further comprises logic configured to generate the sync header to comprise a component indicator, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the packetization logic further comprises logic configured to generate a sync layer directory.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the packetization logic further comprises logic configured to generate the sync layer directory to comprise a video reference indicator that indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

14. Apparatus for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the apparatus comprising:

means for generating one or more content packets from the multimedia content, wherein the content packets are associated with a time reference; and

means for adding a sync header to the one or more content packets to form one or more application layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to the time reference.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said means for generating comprises means for encoding the multimedia content to produce the one or more content packets.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising means for generating the sync header to comprise a random access point identifier.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising means for generating the sync header to comprise a frame rate indicator.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising means for generating the sync header to comprise a component indicator, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising means for generating a sync layer directory.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising means for generating the sync layer directory to comprise a video reference indicator that indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

21. A computer-readable medium having a computer program comprising one or more instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, operates to provide packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the computer program comprising:

instructions for generating one or more content packets from the multimedia content, wherein the content packets are associated with a time reference; and

instructions for adding a sync header to the one or more content packets to form one or more application layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to the time reference.

22. The computer program of claim 21, wherein said instructions for generating comprise instructions for encoding the multimedia content to produce the one or more content packets.

23. The computer program of claim 21, further comprising instructions for generating the sync header to comprise a random access point identifier.

24. The computer program of claim 21, further comprising instructions for generating the sync header to comprise a frame rate indicator.

25. The computer program of claim 21, further comprising instructions for generating the sync header to comprise a component indicator, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

26. The computer program of claim 21, further comprising instructions for generating a sync layer directory.

27. The computer program of claim 26, further comprising instructions for generating the sync layer directory to comprise a video reference indicator that indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

28. At least one processor configured to perform a method for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the method comprising:

generating one or more content packets from the multimedia content, wherein the content packets are associated with a time reference; and

adding a sync header to the one or more content packets to form one or more application layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to the time reference.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said generating comprises encoding the multimedia content to produce the one or more content packets.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising generating the sync header to comprise a random access point identifier.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising generating the sync header to comprise a frame rate indicator.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising generating the sync header to comprise a component indicator, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

33. The method of claim 28, further comprising generating a sync layer directory.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising generating the sync layer directory to comprise a video reference indicator that indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

35. A method for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the method comprising:

processing one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets;

extracting a sync header from the one or more application layer packets to produce one or more content layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to a time reference; and

synchronizing the one or more content layer packets based on the time indicator.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising extracting a random access point identifier from the sync header.

37. The method of claim 35, further comprising extracting a frame rate indicator from the sync header.

38. The method of claim 35, further comprising extracting a component indicator from the sync header, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

39. The method of claim 35, further comprising receiving a sync layer directory.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising extracting a video reference indicator from the sync layer directory, wherein the video reference indicator indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

41. Apparatus for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the apparatus comprising:

receiving logic configured to process one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets; and

de-packetization logic configured to extract a sync header from the one or more application layer packets to produce one or more content layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to a time reference, and to synchronize the one or more content layer packets based on the time indicator.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the de-packetization logic further comprises logic configured to extract a random access point identifier from the sync header.

43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the de-packetization logic further comprises logic configured to extract a frame rate indicator from the sync header.

44. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the de-packetization logic further comprises logic configured to extract a component indicator from the sync header, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

45. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the de-packetization logic further comprises logic configured to receive a sync layer directory.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the de-packetization logic further comprises logic configured to extract a video reference indicator from the sync layer directory, wherein the video reference indicator indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

47. Apparatus for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the apparatus comprising:

means for processing one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets;

means for extracting a sync header from the one or more application layer packets to produce one or more content layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to a time reference; and

means for synchronizing the one or more content layer packets based on the time indicator.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising means for extracting a random access point identifier from the sync header.

49. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising means for extracting a frame rate indicator from the sync header.

50. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising means for extracting a component indicator from the sync header, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

51. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising means for receiving a sync layer directory.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising means for extracting a video reference indicator from the sync layer directory, wherein the video reference indicator indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

53. A computer-readable medium having a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, operate to provide packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the computer program comprising:

instructions for processing one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets;

instructions for extracting a sync header from the one or more application layer packets to produce one or more content layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to a time reference; and

instructions for synchronizing the one or more content layer packets based on the time indicator.

54. The computer program of claim 53, further comprising instructions for extracting a random access point identifier from the sync header.

55. The computer program of claim 53, further comprising instructions for extracting a frame rate indicator from the sync header.

56. The computer program of claim 53, further comprising instructions for extracting a component indicator from the sync header, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

57. The computer program of claim 53, further comprising instructions for receiving a sync layer directory.

58. The computer program of claim 57, further comprising instructions for extracting a video reference indicator from the sync layer directory, wherein the video reference indicator indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

59. At least one processor configured to perform a method for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the method comprising:

processing one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets;

extracting a sync header from the one or more application layer packets to produce one or more content layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to a time reference; and

synchronizing the one or more content layer packets based on the time indicator.

60. The method of claim 59, further comprising extracting a random access point identifier from the sync header.

61. The method of claim 59, further comprising extracting a frame rate indicator from the sync header.

62. The method of claim 59, further comprising extracting a component indicator from the sync header, wherein the component indicator indicates whether a selected application layer packet is associated with a base or enhancement layer.

63. The method of claim 59, further comprising receiving a sync layer directory.

64. The method of claim 63, further comprising extracting a video reference indicator from the sync layer directory, wherein the video reference indicator indicates that a selected application layer packet is associated with a selected type of video frame.

65. A method for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the method comprising:

receiving one or more content blocks, wherein the one or more content blocks comprises a frame header;

determining that a selected content block includes an error;

assuming that a selected frame header associated with the selected content block comprises one or more selected values; and

processing the one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets.

66. The method of claim 65, further comprising receiving the one or more content blocks in one or more physical layer packets.

67. The method of claim 65, wherein said determining comprises determining that the selected content block includes the error by processing a checksum associated with the selected content block.

68. The method of claim 65, further comprising marking a selected application packet associated with the selected block to indicate an error condition.

69. The method of claim 65, further comprising assuming the one or more selected values indicate a selected length and selected position of the selected content block.

70. Apparatus for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the apparatus comprising:

input logic configured to receiving one or more content blocks, wherein the one or more content blocks comprises a frame header; and

de-packetization logic configured to determine that a selected content block includes an error, assume that a selected frame header associated with the selected content block comprises one or more selected values, and process the one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets.

71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein said input logic is configured to receive the one or more content blocks in one or more physical layer packets.

72. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein said de-packetization logic is configured to determine that the selected content block includes the error by processing a checksum associated with the selected content block.

73. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein said de-packetization logic is configured to mark a selected application packet associated with the selected block to indicate an error condition.

74. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein said de-packetization logic is configured to assume the one or more selected values indicate a selected length and selected position of the selected content block.

75. Apparatus for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the apparatus comprising:

means for receiving one or more content blocks, wherein the one or more content blocks comprises a frame header;

means for determining that a selected content block includes an error;

means for assuming that a selected frame header associated with the selected content block comprises one or more selected values; and

means for processing the one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets.

76. The apparatus of claim 75, further comprising means for receiving the one or more content blocks in one or more physical layer packets.

77. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein said means for determining comprises means for determining that the selected content block includes the error by processing a checksum associated with the selected content block.

78. The apparatus of claim 75, further comprising means for marking a selected application packet associated with the selected block to indicate an error condition.

79. The apparatus of claim 75, further comprising means for assuming the one or more selected values indicate a selected length and selected position of the selected content block.

80. A computer-readable medium having a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, operates to provide packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the computer program comprising:

instructions for receiving one or more content blocks, wherein the one or more, content blocks comprises a frame header;

instructions for determining that a selected content block includes an error;

instructions for assuming that a selected frame header associated with the selected content block comprises one or more selected values; and

instructions for processing the one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets.

81. The computer program of claim 80, further comprising instructions for receiving the one or more content blocks in one or more physical layer packets.

82. The computer program of claim 80, wherein said instructions for determining comprise instructions for determining that the selected content block includes the error by processing a checksum associated with the selected content block.

83. The computer program of claim 80, further comprising instructions for marking a selected application packet associated with the selected block to indicate an error condition.

84. The computer program of claim 80, further comprising instructions for assuming the one or more selected values indicate a selected length and selected position of the selected content block.

85. At least one processor configured to perform a method for packetization of multimedia content for distribution over a network, the method comprising:

receiving one or more content blocks, wherein the one or more content blocks comprises a frame header;

determining that a selected content block includes an error;

assuming that a selected frame header associated with the selected content block comprises one or more selected values; and

processing the one or more content blocks to produce one or more application layer packets.

86. The method of claim 85, further comprising receiving the one or more content blocks in one or more physical layer packets.

87. The method of claim 85, wherein said determining comprises determining that the selected content block includes the error by processing a checksum associated with the selected content block.

88. The method of claim 85, further comprising marking a selected application packet associated with the selected block to indicate an error condition.

89. The method of claim 85, further comprising assuming the one or more selected values indicate a selected length and selected position of the selected content block.