Andrew M Kelly

US Patent:

62193589, Apr 17, 2001

Filed:

Sep 11, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/151868

Inventors:

Howard G. Pinder - Norcross GA
Andrew O. Kelly - Gainesville GA

Assignee:

Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. - Lawrenceville GA

International Classification:

H04J 302

US Classification:

370537

Abstract:

The rate of insertion of data, such as MPEG table packets, into an outgoing bit stream is varied by a packet handler. The packet handler, which is located in a modulator in a cable television system headend, comprises control logic and a packet router. The actual insertion rate of the outgoing data is based on the bit stream's available capacity for insertion of data and the desired insertion rate of the data. When the available capacity for insertion equals or exceeds the desired insertion rate, the actual insertion rate equals the desired insertion rate. When the available capacity for insertion is less than the desired insertion rate, the actual insertion rate is reduced from the desired insertion rate. The present invention dynamically determines the available capacity for insertion and adjusts the actual insertion rate.