Method and apparatus for processing a data series including processing priority data

• US 7,502,070 B2
• Filed: 07/24/2003
• Issued: 03/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Arakawa, Hiroshi, Etoh, Minoru, Yamaguchi, Takao
• Primary Examiner(s): Kostak; Victor R
• Application Number:
  US10/626,271
• Publication Number:
  US 20040120345A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,056 Days
• Field of Search: 375/240.01, 375/240.02, 375/240.08, 375/240.26, 348/460, 348/465, 348/552, 725/58, 725/51, 725/55, 725/60, 725/61, 725131-134, 725139-142, 725151-153, 725/112, 725/113, 725/35, 725/36, 726/30, 705/52
• US Class Current: 348/387.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1854 Scheduling and prioritising arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1887 Scheduling and prioritising arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/00 Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/102 characterised by the element, parameter or selection affected or controlled by the adaptive coding
• 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 19/142 Detection of scene cut or scene change
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/156 Availability of hardware or computational resources, e.g. encoding based on power-saving criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/164 Feedback from the receiver or from the transmission channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/176 the region being a block, e.g. a macroblock
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/18 the unit being a set of transform coefficients
• 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 19/46 Embedding additional information in the video signal during the compression process H04N19/517, H04N19/68, H04N19/70 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/50 using predictive coding H04N19/61 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/51 Motion estimation or motion compensation
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/523 with sub-pixel accuracy
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/61 in combination with predictive coding
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 19/87 involving scene cut or scene change detection in combination with video compression
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/234327 by decomposing into layers, e.g. base layer and one or more enhancement layers
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/236 Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream multiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2368 : Multiplexing of audio and video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/238 : Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network, e.g. adapting the transmission rate of a video stream to network bandwidth; Processing of multiplex streams hybrid fiber coaxial [HFC] networks for downstream channel allocation for video distribution H04L12/2801; flow control in packet networks H04L47/10; real-time communication protocols in data switching networks H04L65/00; scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests H04L67/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2381 : Adapting the multiplex stream to a specific network, e.g. an Internet Protocol [IP] network transmission of MPEG streams over ATM H04L12/5601
• 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 21/4341 : Demultiplexing of audio and video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 : Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4363 : Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4381 : Recovering the multiplex stream from a specific network, e.g. recovering MPEG packets from ATM cells transmission of MPEG streams over ATM H04L12/5601
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44008 : involving operations for analysing video streams, e.g. detecting features or characteristics in the video stream arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition of video in broadcast systems H04H60/59
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6137 : involving transmission via a telephone network, e.g. POTS
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/643 : Communication protocols network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP], H04L65/65
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6437 : Real-time Transport Protocol [RTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6543 : for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording remote booting in general G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6547 : comprising parameters, e.g. for client setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6587 : Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands, viewpoint selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/84 : Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors systems specially adapted for using meta-information in broadcast systems H04H60/73
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/854 : Content authoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/85406 : involving a specific file format, e.g. MP4 format
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8547 : involving timestamps for synchronizing content
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 : Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/152 : Multipoint control units therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/24 : Systems for the transmission of television signals using pulse code modulation H04N21/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/52 : Systems for transmission of a pulse code modulated video signal with one or more other pulse code modulated signals, e.g. an audio signal or a synchronizing signal assembling of a multiplex stream by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, remultiplexing of multiplex streams, insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, assembling of a packetised elementary stream at server side H04N21/236; disassembling of a multiplex stream, remultiplexing of multiplex streams, extraction or processing of Service Information, disassembling of packetised elementary stream at client side H04N21/434

Abstract

A reception control section 11 for receiving the information including data and its transmission format information from a memory or communication channel, a separating section 12 for analyzing and separating received information, a transmitting section 13 for transmitting information to a memory or transmission channel, a video extending section 14 for extending a video, and video-extension control section 15 control the processing state of said video extending section 14 for extending at least one or more videos and a video synthesizing apparatus constituted with a video synthesizing section 16 for synthesizing videos in accordance with extended information, an output section 17 for outputting a synthesized result, and a terminal control section 18 for controlling the above means makes it possible to synthesize a plurality of videos at the same time and correspond to a dynamic change of transmission format information.

Claims

1. A transmitting apparatus comprising:

a transmitting unit operable to transmit transmission format information to a receiving apparatus;

wherein said transmission format information includes an identifier, set-up information and starting time information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be activated by said receiving apparatus, said starting time information indicating a starting time for activating said content at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for the receiving apparatus to set-up prior to activating said content at the future point of time;

wherein said transmitting unit is operable to repeatedly transmit the transmission format information that includes the starting time information indicating a same starting time for activating said content at the future point of time; and

wherein said content is transmitted to the receiving apparatus before the starting time for activating said content.

2. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 1,

wherein said starting time information includes at least one of a flag, a counter, or a timer.

3. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said content includes at least one of program data, audio data, or video data.

4. A transmitting apparatus comprising:

a transmitting unit operable to transmit transmission format information to a receiving apparatus;

wherein said transmission format information includes an identifier, set-up information and processing term information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be activated by the receiving apparatus, said processing term information indicating a term for processing said content in the receiving apparatus at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for the receiving apparatus to set-up prior to processing said content at the future point of time;

wherein said transmitting unit is operable to repeatedly transmit the transmission format information that includes the processing term information indicating a same term for processing said content at the future point of time; and

wherein said content is transmitted to the receiving apparatus before the term for processing said content.

5. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 4,

wherein said processing term information includes at least one of a flag, a counter, or a timer.

6. A receiving apparatus comprising:

a receiving unit operable to receive transmission format information,

said transmission format information including an identifier, set-up information and starting time information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be activated by said receiving apparatus, said starting time information indicating a starting time for activating said content at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for said receiving apparatus to set-up prior to activating said content at the future point of time;

a storing unit operable to store said content; and

a control unit operable to activate said content based on said identifier and based on a comparative result of a current time and said starting time,

wherein said content is stored in the storing unit before the starting time for activating said content.

7. The receiving apparatus according to claim 6,

wherein said starting time information includes at least one of a flag, a counter, or a timer.

8. The receiving apparatus according to claim 6,

wherein said control unit is operable to activate said content free of manually entered information.

9. The receiving apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said receiving apparatus is operable to estimate a setup time required for activating said content.

10. A receiving apparatus comprising:

a receiving unit operable to receive transmission format information,

said transmission format information including an identifier, set-up information and processing term information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be activated by said receiving apparatus, said processing term information indicating a term for processing said content in said receiving apparatus at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for said receiving apparatus to set-up prior to processing said content at the future point of time, and

a control unit operable to activate said content based on said identifier and based on a comparative result of a current time and said term for processing,

wherein the receiving unit receives said content before the term for processing said content.

11. The receiving apparatus according to claim 10,

wherein said processing term information includes at least one of a flag, a counter, or a timer.

12. The receiving apparatus according to claim 10,

wherein said control unit is operable to activate said content free of manually entered information.

13. The receiving apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said receiving apparatus is operable to estimate a setup time required for processing said content.

14. A communication system comprising a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus, said transmitting apparatus including:

a transmitting unit operable to transmit transmission format information to said receiving apparatus, said transmission format information includes an identifier, set-up information and starting time information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be activated by said receiving apparatus, said starting time information indicating a starting time for activating said content in said receiving apparatus at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for said receiving apparatus to set-up prior to activating said content at the future point of time, and

said transmitting unit is operable to repeatedly transmit the transmission format information that includes the starting time information indicating a same starting time for activating said content at the future point of time; and

said receiving apparatus including;

a receiving unit operable to receive transmission format information from said transmitting apparatus, and

a control unit operable to activate said content based on said identifier and based on a comparative result of a current time and said starting time,

wherein said content is transmitted to said receiving apparatus before the starting time for activating said content.

15. A communication system comprising a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus, said transmitting apparatus including:

a transmitting unit operable to transmit transmission format information to said receiving apparatus, said transmission format information includes an identifier, set-up information and processing term information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be content to be used by said receiving apparatus, said processing term information indicating a term for processing said content in said receiving apparatus at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for said receiving apparatus to set-up prior to processing said content at the future point of time, and

said transmitting unit is operable to repeatedly transmit the transmission format information that includes the processing term information indicating a same term for processing said content at the future point of time;

said receiving apparatus including;

a receiving unit operable to receive transmission format information from said transmitting apparatus, and

a control unit operable to activate said content based on said identifier and based on a comparative result of a current time and said term for processing said content,

wherein said content is transmitted to the receiving apparatus before the term for processing said content.

16. A method of transmitting comprising:

transmitting transmission format information to a receiving apparatus;

wherein said transmission format information includes an identifier, set-up information and starting time information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be activated by the receiving apparatus, said starting time information indicating a starting time for activating said content in the receiving apparatus at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for the receiving apparatus to set-up prior to activating said content at the future point of time,

wherein the transmission format information including the starting time information indicating a same starting time for activating said content at the future point of time is repeatedly transmitted to the receiving apparatus; and

wherein said content is transmitted to the receiving apparatus before the starting time for activating said content.

17. A method of transmitting comprising:

transmitting transmission format information to a receiving apparatus;

wherein said transmission format information includes an identifier, set-up information and processing term information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be activated by the receiving apparatus, said processing term information indicating a term for processing said content in the receiving apparatus at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for the receiving apparatus to set-up prior to processing said content at the future point of time,

wherein the transmission format information including the processing term information indicating a same term for processing said content at the future point of time is repeatedly transmitted to the receiving apparatus; and

wherein said content is transmitted to the receiving apparatus before the term for processing said content.

18. A method of receiving comprising:

receiving transmission format information, said transmission format information including an identifier, set-up information and starting time information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be activated by a receiving apparatus, said starting time information indicating a starting time for activating said content in the receiving apparatus at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for the receiving apparatus to set-up prior to activating said content at the future point of time, and

activating said content based on said identifier and based on a comparative result of a current time and said starting time,

wherein said content is transmitted to the receiving apparatus before the starting time for activating said content.

19. A method of receiving comprising:

receiving transmission format information, said transmission format information including including an identifier, set-up information and processing term information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content to be activated by a receiving apparatus, said processing term information indicating a term for processing said content in the receiving apparatus at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for the receiving apparatus to set-up prior to processing said content at the future point of time, and

activating said content based on said identifier and based on a comparative result of a current time and said term for processing said content,

wherein said content is transmitted to the receiving apparatus before the term for processing said content.

20. A method of communicating comprising:

transmitting transmission format information, said transmission format information includes an identifier, set-up information and starting time information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content, said starting time information indicating a starting time for activating said content at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for a receiving apparatus which receives the transmission format information to set-up prior to activating said content at the future point of time;

wherein the transmission format information including the starting time information indicating a same starting time for activating said content at the future point of time is repeatedly transmitted; and

receiving the repeatedly transmitted transmission format information; and

activating said content based on said identifier and based on a comparative result of a current time and said starting time,

wherein said content is transmitted before the starting time for activating said content.

21. A method of communicating comprising:

transmitting transmission format information, said transmission format information includes an identifier, set-up information and processing term information related to said identifier, said identifier identifying content, said processing term information indicating a term for processing said content at a future point of time and said set-up information including an estimated time required for a receiving apparatus which receives the transmission format information to set-up prior to processing said content at the future point of time;

wherein the transmission format information including the processing term information indicating a same term for processing said content at the future point of time is repeatedly transmitted; and

receiving the repeatedly transmitted transmission format information; and

activating said content based on said identifier and based on a comparative result of a current time and said term for processing said content,

wherein said content is transmitted before the term for processing said content.