초록 ▼

A system for utilizing the available bit rate in a constrained variable bit rate channel is described. The system receives one or more encoded information streams, each having a variable bit rate. Rate control circuitry controls the rate of transmission of the encoded information streams so that the

A system for utilizing the available bit rate in a constrained variable bit rate channel is described. The system receives one or more encoded information streams, each having a variable bit rate. Rate control circuitry controls the rate of transmission of the encoded information streams so that the variable bit rate of the streams is transformed into a constrained variable bit rate, in which the variable bit rate is limited to a predetermined maximum value. A multiplexer multiplexes the encoded information streams for transmission over a channel. The channel may comprise a 6 MHz television channel. The multiplexer also multiplexes the encoded information streams with a secondary information stream for transmission over the channel. For purposes of multiplexer selection of information streams, the secondary information stream is assigned a lower priority than the encoded information streams. The encoded information streams may, for example, carry video data, whereas the secondary information stream may, for example, carry application data. The multiplexer may select from among the encoded information streams according to a round-robin scheme. The rate of the secondary information stream depends upon the rates of the encoded information streams. The rate of the secondary information stream may be controlled by a transmission control protocol, where the rate is adjusted by adjusting a transmit window of the protocol.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for communicating information onto a channel, the method comprising the steps of:receiving at least one encoded information stream having a variable bit rate that is varied by external control other than the variations that can inherently occur in the information

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for communicating information onto a channel, the method comprising the steps of:receiving at least one encoded information stream having a variable bit rate that is varied by external control other than the variations that can inherently occur in the information stream due to time-varying data and placing the encoded information stream into a buffer; andcontrolling the rate of transmission of the at least one encoded information stream based on the degree of fullness of the buffer so that the variable bit rate of the at least one encoded information stream is transformed into a constrained variable bit rate.