Data structure and methods for providing an interactive program guide
First Claim
1. A method for providing a plurality of video streams having common predictive-coded information, comprising:
- providing a plurality of video streams;
encoding the video streams;
isolating first intra-coded information and the predictive-coded information from a first video stream of the video streams;
isolating a second intra-coded information from a second video stream of the video streams;
packetizing the first intra-coded information, the second intra-coded information and the predictive-coded information; and
multiplexing the first intra-coded information, the second intra-coded information and the predictive-coded information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A data structure suited to efficiently representing a plurality of image streams including common and non-common portions. Specifically, a plurality of similar group of picture (GOP) data structures representing the corresponding plurality of image streams including common and non-common portions is adapted to provide a first encoded stream comprising only P-picture and B-picture access units of one of the similar GOP data structures, and a corresponding plurality of encoded streams comprising only respective I-picture access units of the similar GOP data structures. In this manner, the redundant P-picture and B-picture access units within the encoded streams are eliminated, thereby greatly reducing the bandwidth or memory resources needed to transmit or store the plurality of image streams.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for providing a plurality of video streams having common predictive-coded information, comprising:
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providing a plurality of video streams;
encoding the video streams;
isolating first intra-coded information and the predictive-coded information from a first video stream of the video streams;
isolating a second intra-coded information from a second video stream of the video streams;
packetizing the first intra-coded information, the second intra-coded information and the predictive-coded information; and
multiplexing the first intra-coded information, the second intra-coded information and the predictive-coded information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
said encoding is performed substantially in compliance with MPEG.
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4. The method of claim 3, wherein:
said multiplexing produces an output stream comprising a program stream substantially in compliance with MPEG.
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5. The method of claim 3, wherein:
said multiplexing produces an output stream comprising a transport stream substantially in compliance with MPEG.
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6. The method of claim 1, wherein said multiplexing produces an output stream, said second encoded video stream being retrieved from said output stream according to the steps of:
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demultiplexing said output stream to retrieve intra-coded information of said second encoded video stream and predictive coded information of said first encoded video stream; and
arranging retrieved intra-coded information of said second encoded video stream and predictive coded information of said first encoded video stream to form an encoded video stream representative of said second video stream.
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7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
decoding said encoded video stream representative of said second video stream to produce imagery associated with said second video stream.
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8. The method of claim 1, wherein:
said video streams are encoded using a common profile to provide an ensemble of encoded video signals.
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9. The method of claim 8, wherein:
said common profile includes a common timing signal such that said encoded video streams are formed in a synchronized manner.
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10. The method of claim 1, wherein said imagery represented by said first and second video streams comprises imagery supportive of an electronic program guide.
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11. The method of claim 10, wherein:
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said imagery supportive of an electronic program, guide comprises a program guide screen including at least a first guide region and a second guide region;
said first guide region including relatively static imagery and occupying a first portion of said program guide screen; and
said second guide region including relatively dynamic imagery independent of the still imagery and occupying a second portion of said program guide screen;
wherein said output stream comprises intra-coded information representing at least said relatively static imagery and predictive information representing relatively dynamic imagery.
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12. The method of claim 1, wherein:
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said isolating further comprises isolating intra-coded information from at least one additional video stream within said plurality of video streams;
said packetizing further comprises packetizing the intra-coded information associated with said from at least one additional video stream within said plurality of video streams; and
said multiplexing further comprises multiplexing said intra-coded information associated with said from at least one additional video stream.
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Specification