Abstract: In order to cope with format conversion of user data, the bit rate value and VBV (Video Buffering Verifier) buffer size value in a sequence header of an input code and the VBV delay value in a picture header of the input code are modified to obtain an intermediate code (305 to 309), and additional information (300) is generated for distinguishing GOP (Group of Pictures) user data (307) from the other main data. A VBV buffer simulation is performed using this additional information (300) to multiplex the GOP user data in a picture user data region to a data amount such that the operation does not fail, whereby an output code is generated.

Abstract: A priority control value, which is smaller as the priority of access by each of requesters is higher, decreases with the lapse of time when an access request is issued. When the access is completed, the priority control value increases by a priority decrease value (PERIOD). When there is no access request, the priority control value decreases to a reference priority value (TMIN) and is then maintained at the reference priority value. Access permission is given to the one of the requesters issuing requests which has the smallest priority control value. As a result, proper arbitration is performed at a high speed with a simple hardware configuration.

Abstract: A priority control value, which is smaller as the priority of access by each of requesters is higher, decreases with the lapse of time when an access request is issued. When the access is completed, the priority control value increases by a priority decrease value (PERIOD). When there is no access request, the priority control value decreases to a reference priority value (TMIN) and is then maintained at the reference priority value. Access permission is given to the one of the requesters issuing requests which has the smallest priority control value. As a result, proper arbitration is performed at a high speed with a simple hardware configuration.

Abstract: In order to cope with format conversion of user data, the bit rate value and VBV (Video Buffering Verifier) buffer size value in a sequence header of an input code and the VBV delay value in a picture header of the input code are modified to obtain an intermediate code (305 to 309), and additional information (300) is generated for distinguishing GOP (Group of Pictures) user data (307) from the other main data. A VBV buffer simulation is performed using this additional information (300) to multiplex the GOP user data in a picture user data region to a data amount such that the operation does not fail, whereby an output code is generated.

Abstract: An image processing device having a plurality of cores which attains more efficient memory access than conventionally attained. In the image processing device employing pipeline processing, a memory access section 20 executes data transfer between an operation section 10 including a plurality of cores each performing operation for image processing and an external memory 2. The memory access section 20 has an access schedule storage portion 22 which stores types of data transfers per stage, and executes data transfer between the operation section 10 and the external memory 2 in accordance with the storage contents of the access schedule storage portion 22. A system control section 30 sets the types of data transfers in the access schedule storage portion 22 at a stage preceding the stage at which the data transfers are executed.

Abstract: An external memory interface in a DVMPEG converter inputs/outputs DV data, which has been decoded by a DV decoder, to/from an external memory. Moreover, a format converter receives data, which is read out from the external memory via the external memory interface, and converts the format thereof from a DV format to an MPEG format. Then, an MPEG encoder encodes the DV data whose format has been converted so as to produce MPEG data. Thus, it is possible to provide a DVMPEG converter having a small circuit scale.