Abstract: A method for propagating an error between video frames of a video stream wherein data in a single macroblock is propagated from a first video frame to a second video frame via inter-frame coding. Once integrated into the second video frame, the macroblock may be utilized as the basis for intra-frame coding within the second video frame. Intra-frame coding within the second video frame allows for any error in the data contained in the macroblock to propagate through the second video frame while minimizing the amount of the second video frame dedicated to propagation the existing error(s). Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the application of stress to a decoder, to cause an error in the decoder, and propagation of the error between video frames of a video stream.

Abstract: An adaptive trellis decoder system employs a state transition trellis with a predetermined number of states for decoding a group of interleaved data packets. The trellis decoder system also accommodates data interruptions and transitions between different types of data. The system decodes groups of interleaved trellis encoded data packets with a single trellis decoder in response to a synchronization signal derived from the interleaved encoded data. The decoder employs a state transition trellis with a predetermined number of states. The state transition trellis may be reset to a predetermined state in response to a detected synchronization interval in the encoded data. The decoder may also decode re-aligned data produced by removing intervening synchronization intervals from the interleaved encoded data, in response to a detected synchronization interval.

Abstract: An adaptive trellis decoder seamlessly switches between multiple input signal formats. The trellis decoder employs a code sequence detection system, described in the context of an exemplary Viterbi decoding system, that detects codes in an input interleaved packet data signal. The code sequence detection system also reduces the delay (latency) between the input of encoded data and the output of decoded data. The code sequence detection system provides branch metric values in response to the input interleaved packet data signal which exhibits one of a plurality of signal formats, e.g., partial response and normal formats. A Viterbi decoder decodes the packet data signal to produce a decoded output in response to the branch metric values which include a substantially replicated value associated with one of the formats. The Viterbi decoder includes a comparison network that provides decision data in response to branch metric values associated with the trellis encoded data packets.

Abstract: An adaptive trellis decoder seamlessly switches between multiple operational modes. The trellis decoder employs a code sequence detection system that detects codes in input interleaved packet data. The code sequence detection system also reduces the delay (latency) between the input of encoded data and the output of decoded data. The code sequence detection system processes video data in the form of groups of interleaved trellis encoded data packets and includes a traceback network that identifies a sequence of antecedent trellis states, in accordance with a state transition trellis. The traceback network identifies the antecedent states for collocated interleaved packets in response to decision data associated with trellis state transitions. Output trellis decoded data is provided in response to the identified sequence of antecedent trellis states. The decoder can also provide a plurality of trellis decoded data sequences.

Abstract: An adaptive trellis decoder seamlessly switches between multiple operational modes. The decoder switches between multiple modes and accommodates data type transitions using a single state transition trellis with a predetermined number of states. The system decodes trellis encoded video data encoded in different formats respectively containing different numbers of levels associated with different modes. The decoder system adaptively operates in response to a configuration signal distinguishing between the modes, and employs a state transition trellis with the same number of trellis decoding states for decoding encoded data of different formats. The state transition decoding trellis may also be reset to a predetermined state in response to a synchronization signal generated as a result of a transition from one type of data to another or in response to a mode change.