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.
