Video multiplexor-encoder and decoder-converter

A video multiplexor-encoder for receiving, time-division multiplexing and encoding a plurality of video signals representing a plurality of video images for transfer and simultaneous display thereof in a pattern of a plurality of video windows on a video display device, the video multiplexor-encoder comprising:

• a video multiplexor for receiving multiplex control data and in accordance therewith receiving and time-division multiplexing a plurality of video signals which represent a plurality of corresponding video images;
• an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the video multiplexor for receiving and converting the time-division multiplexed plurality of video signals to a digital multiplexed video signal;
• memory means coupled to the analog-to-digital converter for receiving and storing the digital multiplexed video signal, and for receiving and storing display control data which selectively represent a position, size and relative visibility priority for each one of the plurality of corresponding video images within a display pattern of a plurality of video windows;
• and
• a digital-to-analog converter coupled to the memory means for receiving and converting the stored display control data and the stored digital multiplexed video signal to an analog, encoded, multiplexed video signal.

A video decoder-converter for receiving, decoding and converting an encoded, time-division multiplexed video signal representing a plurality of video images for simultaneous display thereof in a pattern of a plurality of video windows on a video display device, the video decoder-converter comprising:

• an analog-to-digital converter for receiving and converting an encoded, time-division multiplexed video signal which includes display control data to a digital, encoded multiplexed video signal which includes digital control data corresponding to the display control data, wherein the display control data selectively represent a position, size and relative visibility priority for each one of a plurality of video images within a display pattern of a plurality of video windows;
• computer means coupled to the analog-to-digital converter for receiving the digital, encoded multiplexed video signal and copying the digital control data included therein;
• display memory means coupled to the analog-to-digital converter for receiving a plurality of memory write addresses and in accordance therewith receiving and storing the digital, encoded multiplexed video signal, and for retrieving and outputting the stored digital, encoded multiplexed video signal as a video display signal which represents the plurality of video images within the display pattern of the plurality of video windows;
• and
• address generator means coupled to the computer means and the display memory means for receiving the copied display control data and in selective accordance therewith providing the plurality of memory write addresses.

A video multiplexing-encoded method for receiving, time-division multiplexing and encoding a plurality of video signals representing a plurality of video images for transfer and simultaneous display thereof in a pattern of a plurality of video windows on a video display device, the video multiplexing-encoding method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a plurality of asynchronous video signals which represent a plurality of corresponding video images;
• selectively time-division multiplexing the plurality of video signals for providing a multiplexed video signal;
• and
• selectively encoding the multiplexed video signal by combining display control data therewith.

A video decoding-converting method for receiving, decoding and converting an encoded, time-division multiplexed video signal representing a plurality of video images for simultaneous display thereof in a pattern of a plurality of video windows on a video display device, the video decoding-converting method comprising the steps of:

• receiving an encoded, time-division multiplexed video signal which includes display control data;
• decoding the encoded, time-division multiplexed video signal by copying the display control data included therein;
• and
• converting the encoded, time-division multiplexed video signal in selective accordance with the copied display control data to provide a unified video signal which represents the plurality of video images within the display pattern of the plurality of video windows.

A video multiplexor-encoder for receiving, time-division multiplexing and encoding a plurality of video signals representing a plurality of video images for transfer and simultaneous display thereof in a pattern of a plurality of video windows on a video display device, the video multiplexor-encoder comprising:

• a video multiplexor for receiving multiplex control data and in accordance therewith receiving and time-division multiplexing a plurality of video signals which represent a plurality of corresponding video images;
• an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the video multiplexor for receiving and converting the time-division multiplexed plurality of video signals to a digital multiplexed video signal;
• memory means coupled to the analog-to-digital converter for receiving and storing the digital multiplexed video signal, and for receiving and storing display control data;
• and
• a digital-to-analog converter coupled to the memory means for receiving and converting the stored display control data and the stored digital multiplexed video signal to an analog, encoded, multiplexed video signal.

A video decoder-converter for receiving, decoding and converting an encoded, time-division multiplexed video signal representing a plurality of video images for simultaneous display thereof in a pattern of a plurality of video windows on a video display device, the video decoder-converter comprising:

• an analog-to-digital converter for receiving and converting an encoded, time-division multiplexed video signal which includes display control data to a digital, encoded multiplexed video signal;
• computer means coupled to the analog-to-digital converter for receiving the digital, encoded multiplexed video signal and copying the digital control data included therein;
• display memory means coupled to the analog-to-digital converter for receiving a plurality of memory write addresses and in accordance therewith receiving and storing the digital, encoded multiplexed video signal, and for retrieving and outputting the stored digital, encoded multiplexed video signal as a video display signal which represents the plurality of video images within the display pattern of the plurality of video windows;
• and
• address generator means coupled to the computer means and the display memory means for receiving the copied display control data and in selective accordance therewith providing the plurality of memory write addresses.