Stream synchronization method and apparatus for MPEG playback system

• US 5,815,634 A
• Filed: 12/14/1994
• Issued: 09/29/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cirrus Logic Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Cirrus Logic Incorporated
• Inventors: Rosenau, Mark A., Ort, Jeffrey G., Chang, Richard, Sung, Chih-Ta, Chan, Tzoyao, Daum, Daniel T.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRAN, THAI Q
• Application Number:
  US08/358,610
• Time in Patent Office: 1,385 Days
• Field of Search: 358/335, 358/339, 358/310, 358/341, 358/342, 358/343, 358/337, 358/320, 360/33.1, 360/19.1, 369/48, 348/515, 348/423
• US Class Current: 386/203
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/393 Arrangements for updating the contents of the bit-mapped memory
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00007 Time or data compression or expansion audio compression based on psychoacoustics G10L19/00; data processing for reproducing audio data at different playback speeds G10L21/04; video compression H04N19/00; data compression per se H03M7/30
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/10527 Audio or video recording; Data buffering arrangements G11B20/12 - G11B20/18 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/213 Read-only discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/10 Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/105 of operating discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/3027 used signal is digitally coded
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/3036 Time code signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/132 Sampling, masking or truncation of coding units, e.g. adaptive resampling, frame skipping, frame interpolation or high-frequency transform coefficient masking
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/42 characterised by implementation details or hardware specially adapted for video compression or decompression, e.g. dedicated software implementation H04N19/635 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/423 characterised by memory arrangements H04N19/433 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/427 Display on the fly, e.g. simultaneous writing to and reading from decoding memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/587 involving temporal sub-sampling or interpolation, e.g. decimation or subsequent interpolation of pictures in a video sequence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/61 in combination with predictive coding
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4143 embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4305 Synchronising client clock from received content stream, e.g. locking decoder clock with encoder clock, extraction of the PCR packets arrangements for synchronising receiver with transmitter by comparing receiver clock with transmitter clock H04L7/0012; arrangements for synchronising receiver with transmitter wherein the receiver takes measures against momentary loss of synchronisation H04L7/0083
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43072 of multiple content streams on the same device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4341 Demultiplexing of audio and video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/775 between a recording apparatus and a television receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/85 : on discs or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8042 : involving data reduction
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8063 : using time division multiplex of the PCM audio and PCM video signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8216 : using time division multiplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/87 : Regeneration of colour television signals H04N9/80 takes precedence

Abstract

A multimedia system including an audio/video decoder/decompresser for decoding/decompressing a compressed encoded audio/video data stream to generate video images for display and audio signals for audible reproduction. The multimedia system includes an integrated system and video decoder with an audio/video synchronization circuit for substantially synchronizing the display of video images with audio playback. In addition, a step control is provided to allow for viewing of video images on a frame-by frame basis or to freeze or play video in slow motion. When step control is activated, audio output is muted. Audio data corresponding to displayed video is transmitted to the muted audio decoder. An internal system clock may be suppressed to the system clock counter. An external CPU may provide system clock start times corresponding to video frames to be displayed. The external CPU may increment the system clock counter by a an amount corresponding to the difference between a successive frame or number of frames. When nominal playback is resumes, the audio and video data streams are substantially in synchronization.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling playback of audio and video signals from an encoded data stream comprising at least audio data packets, video data packets, audio presentation time stamps and video presentation time stamps, said apparatus comprising:

a system decoder for receiving the encoded data stream and separating said data stream into an encoded audio data stream comprising at least audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps and an encoded video data stream comprising at least said video data packets and video presentation time stamps;

a first audio presentation time stamp detector, coupled to said system decoder, for detecting the presence of an audio presentation time stamp in the encoded audio data stream;

a system time clock counter for receiving a start count, incrementing said start count according to a predetermined clock frequency and outputting a system time clock;

a video decoder, coupled to said system decoder and said system time clock counter, for receiving said system time clock and said encoded video data stream and decoding said encoded video data stream in synchronization with said system time clock;

an audio decoder for receiving said audio data packets from the encoded audio data stream and decoding said audio data packets;

a second audio presentation time stamp detector, coupled to said audio decoder, for detecting the presence of an audio presentation time stamp in the encoded audio data stream and outputting a load signal to said system time clock counter when audio data packets corresponding to said audio presentation time stamp are decoded; and

a step controller, coupled to said system time clock counter, said first audio presentation time stamp detector, and said audio decoder, for receiving a step control signal and allowing input of a start count to said system time clock counter from an external source.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said a system time clock counter is coupled to said first audio presentation time stamp detector and receives said audio presentation time stamp as a start count when a load signal is received.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said step controller, upon reception of said step control signal suppresses the reception of said audio presentation time stamp as a start count by said system time clock counter.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said step controller, upon reception of said step control signal suppresses said predetermined clock frequency to said system time clock counter.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said step controller, upon reception of said step control signal, selectively passes audio data corresponding to a start count in said system time clock counter to said audio decoder.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a latch, coupled to said first audio presentation time stamp detector, for storing a detected audio presentation time stamp from the encoded audio data stream.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first video data FIFO, coupled to said system decoder, for receiving and storing video data packets and video presentation time stamps from said encoded video data stream.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first audio data FIFO, coupled to said system decoder, for receiving and storing audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps from said encoded audio data stream.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said audio decoder further comprises a second audio data buffer, for receiving the encoded audio data stream from said first audio data FIFO and storing audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first audio presentation time stamp detector outputs a buffer full handshake signal to said first audio data FIFO when a second audio presentation time stamp is detected in the encoded audio data stream prior to receiving a load signal from said second audio presentation time stamp detector such that at most only one audio presentation time stamp is stored in said second audio data buffer.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said system decoder further comprises:

a parser for separating the encoded data stream into an encoded audio data stream comprising audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps and an encoded video data stream comprising video data packets and video presentation time stamps; and

a memory having addressable storage, coupled to said parser, for addressing addressable storage to selectively store and read the encoded audio data, the encoded video data, or decoded video data to and from addressable storage.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said video decoder further comprises:

a decoder, coupled to the memory, for decoding the encoded video data and generating decoded video data; and

a synchronizer, coupled to said decoder and said memory, for comparing a video presentation time stamp with the system time clock and when the comparison exceeds a predetermined threshold, substantially synchronizing the generation of the decoded video data by the decoder with the addressing of addressable storage by the memory.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the synchronizer determines that the video time value exceeds a system time clock value by the predetermined threshold, and

a sequence of addressing addressable storage containing decoded video data by the memory is modified by repeating a sequence of addresses to substantially synchronize the generation of the decoded video data by the decoder with the addressing of addressable storage by the memory.

14. A method for controlling the playback of audio and video signals from an encoded data stream including step control, the method comprising the steps of:

in a combined system and video decoder, receiving the encoded data stream comprising at least audio data packets, video data packets, audio presentation time stamps and video presentation time stamps, and separating said encoded data stream into an encoded audio data stream comprising at least audio data packets and said audio presentation time stamps and an encoded video data stream comprising at least said video data packets and said video presentation time stamps;

detecting, in said combined system and video decoder the presence of an audio presentation time stamp in the encoded audio data stream;

storing, in said combined system and video decoder, a detected audio presentation time stamp from the encoded audio data stream;

setting in said combined system and video decoder, a system time clock counter to a start count corresponding to the detected audio presentation time stamp and incrementing said start count according to a predetermined clock frequency and outputting a system time clock; and

decoding/decompressing said encoded video data stream in synchronization with said system time clock,

wherein said method of step control further comprises the steps of;

receiving a step control signal;

suppressing the reception of said audio presentation time stamp as a start count by said system time clock counter;

allowing input of a start count to said system time clock counter from an external source; and

selectively passing audio data corresponding to a start count in said system time clock counter to said audio decoder.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said step of setting a system time clock counter further comprises the steps of:

receiving a load signal; and

loading said audio presentation time stamp as a start count.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:

detecting, in said audio decoder, the presence of an audio presentation time stamp in the encoded audio data stream and outputting a flag as the load signal when audio data packets corresponding to said audio presentation time stamp are decoded.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of receiving, in a second audio data buffer in said audio decoder, the encoded audio data stream from said first audio data FIFO and storing audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of outputting, from the first audio presentation time stamp detector, a buffer full handshake signal to the first audio data FIFO when a second audio presentation time stamp is detected in the encoded audio data stream prior to receiving a load signal from said second audio presentation time stamp detector such that at most only one audio presentation time stamp is stored in the second audio data buffer.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of receiving and separating comprises the steps of:

separating the encoded data stream into an encoded audio data stream comprising audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps and an encoded video data stream comprising video data packets and video presentation time stamps; and

addressing addressable storage to selectively store and read the encoded audio data, the encoded video data, or decoded video data to and from addressable storage.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said step of decoding/decompressing the video data further comprises the steps of:

decoding the encoded video data and generating decoded video data; and

comparing a video presentation time stamp with the system time clock and when the comparison exceeds a predetermined threshold, substantially synchronizing the generation of the decoded video data with the addressing of addressable storage.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein said comparing step further comprises the steps of:

determining that the video time value exceeds a system time clock value by the predetermined threshold, and

modifying a sequence of addressing addressable storage containing decoded video data by repeating a sequence of addresses to substantially synchronize the generation of the decoded video data with the addressing of addressable storage.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein said method of step control further comprises the step of:

suppressing the reception of said audio presentation time stamp as a start count by said system time clock counter.

23. The method of claim 14, wherein said method of step control further comprises the step of:

muting said audio decoder.

24. The method of claim 14, wherein said method of step control further comprises the step of:

suppressing said predetermined clock frequency to said system time clock counter.

25. The method of claim 14, wherein said method of step control further comprises the step of:

selectively passing audio data corresponding to a start count in said system time clock counter to said audio decoder.

26. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of storing, in a first audio data FIFO in said combined system and video decoder, audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps from said encoded video data stream.

27. A multimedia system for reading, decoding, and decompressing encoded audio/video data into video data for display on a plurality of display types and into audio data for reproduction on a plurality of sounds reproduction devices, the multimedia system comprising:

a system decoder receiving the encoded data stream comprising at least audio data packets, video data packets, audio presentation time stamps and video presentation time stamps, and separating said encoded data stream into an encoded audio data stream comprising at least audio data packets and said audio presentation time stamps and an encoded video data stream comprising at least said video data packets and said video presentation time stamps;

a first audio presentation time stamp detector, coupled to said system decoder, for detecting the presence of an audio presentation time stamp in the encoded audio data stream;

a system time clock counter, coupled to said first audio presentation time stamp detector, for receiving a start count and incrementing said start count according to a predetermined clock frequency and outputting a system time clock;

a video decoder, coupled to said system decoder and said system time clock counter, for receiving said system time clock and said encoded video data stream and decoding/decompressing said encoded video data stream in synchronization with said system time clock;

an audio decoder, for receiving said audio data packets from the encoded audio data stream and decoding/decompressing said audio data packets;

a second audio presentation time stamp detector, coupled to said audio decoder, for detecting the presence of an audio presentation time stamp in the encoded audio data stream and outputting a load signal to said system time clock counter when audio data packets corresponding to said audio presentation time stamp are decoded; and

a step controller, coupled to said system time clock counter, said first audio presentation time stamp detector, and said audio decoder, for receiving a step control signal and allowing input of a start count to said system time clock counter from an external source.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said system time clock counter is coupled to said first audio presentation time stamp detector and receives said audio presentation time stamp as a start count when a load signal is received.

29. The multimedia system of claim 28, wherein said step controller, upon reception of said step control signal suppresses the reception of said audio presentation time stamp as a start count by said system time clock counter.

30. The multimedia system of claim 27, wherein said a step controller, upon reception of the step control signal mutes said audio decoder.

31. The multimedia system of claim 27, wherein said step controller, upon reception of said step control signal suppresses said predetermined clock frequency to said system time clock counter.

32. The multimedia system of claim 27, wherein said step controller, upon reception of said step control signal, selectively passes audio data corresponding to a start count in said system time clock counter to said audio decoder.

33. The multimedia system of claim 27, wherein said combined system and video decoder further comprises:

a latch, coupled to said first audio presentation time stamp detector, for storing a detected audio presentation time stamp from the encoded audio data stream.

34. The multimedia system of claim 27, wherein said combined system and video decoder further comprises a first audio data FIFO, coupled to said system decoder, for receiving and storing audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps from said encoded video data stream.

35. The multimedia system of claim 34, wherein said audio decoder further comprises a second audio data buffer, for receiving the encoded audio data stream from said first audio data FIFO and storing audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps.

36. The multimedia system of claim 35, wherein said first audio presentation time stamp detector outputs a buffer full handshake signal to said first audio data FIFO when a second audio presentation time stamp is detected in the encoded audio data stream prior to receiving a load signal from said second audio presentation time stamp detector such that at most only one audio presentation time stamps is stored in said second audio data buffer.

37. The multimedia system of claim 36, wherein said system decoder further comprises:

a parser for separating the encoded data stream into an encoded audio data stream comprising audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps and an encoded video data stream comprising video data packets and video presentation time stamps; and

a memory having addressable storage, coupled to said parser, for addressing addressable storage to selectively store and read the encoded audio data, the encoded video data, or decoded video data to and from addressable storage.

38. The multimedia system according to claim 37, wherein said video decoder further comprises:

a decoder, coupled to the memory, for decoding the encoded video data and generating decoded video data; and

a synchronizer, coupled to said decoder and said memory, for comparing a video presentation time stamp with the system time clock and when the comparison exceeds a predetermined threshold, substantially synchronizing the generation of the decoded video data by the decoder with the addressing of addressable storage by the memory.

39. The multimedia system of claim 38 wherein the synchronizer determines that the video time value exceeds a system time clock value by the predetermined threshold, and

a sequence of addressing addressable storage containing decoded video data by the memory is modified by repeating a sequence of addresses to substantially synchronize the generation of the decoded video data by the decoder with the addressing of addressable storage by the memory.

40. The multimedia system of claim 27 further comprising a graphics controller, coupled to the video decoder and a video monitor, for displaying the decoded video data as an image on the video monitor.

41. The multimedia system of claim 27 further comprising a graphics controller, coupled to the video decoder and a digital display, for displaying the decoded video data as an image on the digital display.

42. The multimedia system of claim 27 further comprising a television signal encoder, coupled to the video decoder and a television display, for generating television data from the decoded video data and displaying the television data as an image on the television display.

43. The multimedia system of claim 27 further comprising a digital to analog converter, coupled to the audio decoder for generating an analog audio signal from decoded audio data.

44. The multimedia system of claim 43 further comprising an audio amplifier, coupled to the digital to analog converter, for amplifying the magnitude of the analog audio signal.

45. An apparatus for controlling playback of audio and video signals from an encoded data stream comprising at least audio data packets, video data packets, audio presentation time stamps and video presentation time stamps, said apparatus comprising:

a system decoder for receiving the encoded data stream and separating said data stream into an encoded audio data stream comprising at least audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps and an encoded video data stream comprising at least said video data packets and video presentation time stamps;

a system time clock counter for receiving a start count, incrementing said start count according to a predetermined clock frequency and outputting a system time clock;

a video decoder, coupled to said system decoder and said system time clock counter, for receiving said system time clock and said encoded video data stream and decoding said encoded video data stream in synchronization with said system time clock;

an audio decoder for receiving said audio data packets from the encoded audio data stream and decoding said audio data packets;

an audio presentation time stamp detector, coupled to said audio decoder, for detecting the presence of an audio presentation time stamp in the encoded audio data stream and outputting a load signal to said system time clock counter when audio data packets corresponding to said audio presentation time stamp are decoded.

46. A method for controlling the playback of audio and video signals from an encoded data stream including step control, the method comprising the steps of:

in a combined system and video decoder, receiving the encoded data stream comprising at least audio data packets, video data packets, audio presentation time stamps and video presentation time stamps, and separating said encoded data stream into an encoded audio data stream comprising at least audio data packets and said audio presentation time stamps and an encoded video data stream comprising at least said video data packets and said video presentation time stamps;

detecting, in said combined system and video decoder the presence of an audio presentation time stamp in the encoded audio data stream;

storing, in said combined system and video decoder, a detected audio presentation time stamp from the encoded audio data stream;

receiving, in audio decoder, the encoded audio data stream and storing audio data packets and audio presentation time stamps;

decoding/decompressing said audio data packets in said audio decoder;

setting in said combined system and video decoder, a system time clock counter to a start count in response to a detected audio presentation time stamp and incrementing said start count according to a predetermined clock frequency and outputting a system time clock; and

decoding/decompressing said encoded video data stream in synchronization with said system time clock.