Method for configuring a statistical multiplexer to dynamically allocate communication channel bandwidth

A statistical multiplexing process for a plurality of encoded data streams sharing access to a communication channel comprising the steps of:

• assigning a rate to each variable rate encoder that generates one of said plurality of encoded data streams, and to each fixed rate encoder that generates one of said plurality of encoded data streams;
• populating a table having a predetermined number of entries using said assigned rates
• wherein each entry in said table is allocated to one of (i) one of said plurality of encoded data streams and (ii) a variable rate data stream of idle packets;
• and
• using each table entry in said table to select an encoded data stream that sends the next packet to the communication channel.

A statistical multiplexing process for a plurality of encoded data streams sharing a communication channel comprising the steps of:

• collecting data for each variable rate encoded data stream from a variable rate encoder in said plurality of encoded data streams to generate a distortion parameter that characterizes said variable rate encoded data stream;
• generating for each variable rate encoded data stream said distortion parameter that characterizes a quality of said variable rate encoded data stream;
• adjusting a number of packets allocated to each of said variable rate encoded data streams in a selected time period if said distortion parameter is outside a predetermined range;
• populating a table using said adjusted number of allocated packets wherein said table populating step further comprises:
• i) allocating an entry in said table to one of A) a variable rate encoded data stream in a plurality of variable rate encoded data streams that are included in said plurality of encoded data streams and B) a variable encoded data stream of idle packets;
• ii) storing in said entry a pointer to said variable rate encoded data stream upon said entry being allocated to said variable rate encoded data stream;
• and
• iii) repeating steps i) to ii) for each entry in said table;
• switching to said table so that said table is used by a statistical multiplexer to determine the variable rate encoded data stream that sends the next packet to said communication channel.