Video rate buffer for use with push dataflow

An encoding method for enabling a push dataflow bitstream without causing a modeled data buffer of predetermined memory size for the pushed data at a decoder to overflow or underflow, comprising the steps of:

• encoding data to provide the bitstream for communication to a decoder;
• wherein:
• the encoded data comprises at least one video or visual object (VO) with at least one video or visual object layer (VOL), including an associated header, followed by at least one video or visual object plane (VOP);
• and
• a field in the VOL header designates an occupancy of the buffer just before removal of the first VOP following the VOL header from the buffer;
• and
• using a simulation to simulate the decoder buffer and control the bitstream in response to the simulation to preclude overflow or underflow of the decoder buffer.

A decoder apparatus, comprising:

• a data buffer of predetermined memory size;
• and
• means for receiving a push dataflow bitstream that is obtained by encoding data in accordance with a model of the buffer so that the modeled buffer does not overflow or underflow;
• wherein:
• the encoded data comprises at least one video or visual object (VO) with at least one video or visual object layer (VOL), including an associated header, followed by at least one video or visual object plane (VOP);
• and
• a field in the VOL header designates an occupancy of the modeled buffer just before removal of the first VOP following the VOL header from the modeled buffer.

A method for providing a push dataflow bitstream at a decoder, comprising the steps of:

• providing a data buffer of predetermined memory size at the decoder;
• and
• receiving the push dataflow bitstream at the decoder, wherein said bitstream is obtained by encoding data in accordance with a model of the buffer so that the modeled buffer does not overflow or underflow;
• wherein:
• the encoded data comprises at least one video or visual object (VO) with at least one video or visual object layer (VOL), including an associated header, followed by at least one video or visual object plane (VOP);
• and
• a field in the VOL header designates an occupancy of the modeled buffer just before removal of the first VOP following the VOL header from the modeled buffer.