System method and apparatus for seamlessly splicing data

摘要

A plurality of bit streams are seamlessly spliced. Separate decoders decode each bit stream. A controller selects the decoded pictures according to a re-encoding range in the vicinity of a splicing point of the bit streams. Pictures presenting a reordering of the streams are excluded in the selection of the decoded pictures. An encoder re-encodes the pictures within the re-encoding range. When it is determined that crossover motion compensation exists between pictures of different streams, the controller changes the motion prediction direction of the problematic picture. The controller changes a motion prediction picture type of a picture which is improperly motion predicted with reference to another stream. A quantization characteristic or motion vectors for the new picture type are generated by the controller. The controller effects the encoding in accordance with a target amount of bits to prevent a breakdown of a buffer and a discontinuation of an amount of data occupancy thereof. A multiplexer multiplexes the original streams with the re-encoded stream to produce a seamless bit stream.

主权项

1. A splicing apparatus for splicing a first encoded stream and a second encoded stream at a splicing point, said splicing apparatus comprising:
decoding means for decoding a first predetermined section including a first splicing point set in the first encoded stream at a first picture that immediately precedes said first splicing point, the first picture exhibiting a picture type I, P or B, and for decoding a second predetermined section including a second splicing point set in the second encoded stream at a second picture that immediately follows said second splicing point, the second picture exhibiting a picture type I, P or B, for generating first and second video data including said first and second pictures, respectively; re-encoding means for splicing said first and second video data at the respective first and second splicing points to generate a re-encoded stream such that said first picture is followed immediately by said second picture in said re-encoded stream; reconfiguring means for reconfiguring the picture type of said first picture when said first picture is a B-picture and for reconfiguring the picture type of said second picture when said second picture is not an I-picture to prevent reference prediction between the first and second encoded streams in the re-encoded stream; and splice control means for controlling said re-encoding means to generate the re-encoded stream with the reconfigured picture type.