Multistandard video decoder and decompression system for processing encoded bit streams including storing data and methods relating thereto

Abstract

A pipeline video decoder and decompression system handles a plurality of separately encoded bit streams arranged as a single serial bit stream of digital bits and having separately encoded pairs of control codes and corresponding data carried in the serial bit stream. The pipeline system employs a plurality of interconnected stages to decode and decompress the single bit stream, including a start code detector. When in a search mode, the start code detector searches for a specific start code corresponding to one of multiple compression standards. The start code detector responding to the single serial bit stream generates control tokens and data tokens. A respective one of the tokens includes a plurality of data words. Each data word has an extension bit which indicates a presence of additional words therein. The data words are thereby unlimited in number. A token decode circuit positioned in certain of the stages recognizes certain of the tokens as control tokens pertinent to that stage and passes unrecognized control tokens to a succeeding stage. A reconfigurable decode and parser processing means positioned in certain of the stages is responsive to a recognized control token and reconfigures a particular stage to handle an identified data token. Methods relating to the decoder and decompression system include processing steps relating thereto.

1 . A method of storing data, comprising: 
 receiving a sequence of data words of a first predetermined width and different respective formats;    splitting the data words of the received sequence to form new data words of a new sequence, the new data words having a second predetermined width;    packing the consecutive new data words consecutively in a token buffer of a second width without holes between the packed new data words; and    unpacking the data words to reproduce the new sequence of new data words.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 writing a block of data from the token buffer to a random access memory device configured to store words of the second width.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 expanding out run length code in the unpacked words.    
     
     
         4 . An inverse modeler, comprising: 
 a data unpacker to unpack data words received from an input terminal to a different length format;    a data expander coupled to the data unpacker; and    a data padder to pad data tokens received from the expander.    
     
     
         5 . The inverse modeler of  claim 4 , wherein the data expander expands out run length codes into runs of zeros followed by a level in the packed data.  
     
     
         6 . The inverse modeler of  claim 5 , wherein the data padder pads the last word of the expanded tokens.  
     
     
         7 . The inverse modeler of  claim 4 , wherein the data unpacker deletes data between a flush signal and a block end signal.