Video encoding and video/audio/data multiplexing device
A buffer architecture and latency reduction mechanism for buffering uncompressed/compressed information. This combination provides for proficient division of the encoding task and quicker through put time. A single chip digital signal processing device for real time video/audio compression comprises a plurality of processors, including a video input processor, a motion estimation processor, a digital signal processor, and a bitstream processor, wherein processing and transfer of the signals within the device is done in a macroblock-by-macroblock manner. The device can include a multiplexing processor that is comprised of a storage unit which buffers a compressed video bitstream and a processor which retrieves the compressed video bitstream from the storage unit and produces a multiplexed data stream whereby the compressed video bitstream is processed in a pipeline manner.
1. A multiplexing processor comprising:
a first storage unit operable to buffer video data coming into the multiplexing processor and transfer said video data to a memory unit external to the multiplexing processor, thereby adjusting between an incoming data communication rate and an external memory communication rate;
a second storage unit operable to receive said video data from said external memory unit and buffer said video data, thereby adjusting between said external memory communication rate and an internal multiplexor processing rate; and
a processor operable to retrieve said video data from said second storage unit and produce a multiplexed data stream.
2. A multiplexing processor according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a third storage unit operable to buffer a digitized audio/user data signal and transfer it to said processor, thereby adjusting between a digitized audio/data rate and said internal multiplexor processing rate.
3. A multiplexing processor according to claim 2 , further comprising:
a fourth storage unit operable to buffer said multiplexed data stream and transfer it to an external receiving device, thereby adjusting between said internal multiplexor processing rate and an external receiving device communication rate.
4. A multiplexing processor according to claim 1 , wherein said first storage unit is connected to a memory controller external to the multiplexing processor, wherein said first storage unit is operable to buffer said incoming video data in a real time variable rate and wherein said external memory controller is operable to transfer said video data in a burst to said external memory unit.
5. A multiplexing processor according to claim 1 , wherein said second storage unit is operable to transfer said video data in a real time variable rate to said processor, and wherein said external memory unit is operable to transfer said video data in a burst to said second storage unit.
6. A multiplexing processor according to claim 2 , wherein said third storage unit is connected to an external audio source, wherein said third storage unit is operable to transfer said digitized audio/user data signal to said processor in a real time variable rate and said external audio source is operable to transfer said digitized audio/data signal in a burst to said third storage unit.
7. A multiplexing processor according to claim 1 , wherein said external memory unit acts as a temporary video buffer, accumulating video data when said processor is unable to accept said video data.