Design and implementation of a scalable system architecture for embedded multimedia terminal

Abstract

Currently the extensive application of embedded multimedia processing calls for requirement of hardware acceleration and multi-function expansion, it firmly requires an scalable and efficient design of system architecture for embedded multimedia processing terminal. At first, system architecture with distinct structures and reasonable modules is designed, a simplified multimedia framework is designed for embedded application, which includes a scheduler and a multimedia processing engine based on FFMPEG. The design of engine interfaces focuses on compatibility and scalability to deal with a variety of applied requirements. Then, embedded multimedia processing software is implemented based on the system architecture design. A scheduling program which schedules modules is implemented. A media player engine with scalable software interfaces is developed. Eventually, on Real 6410 platform, an embedded multimedia system is built, which makes use of LINUX Framebuffer device driver interface to display video and ALSA library to play audio for testing the system. The actual operation result proves that system architecture design simplifies the multimedia processing and supports multiple media formats as well as hardware acceleration. The scalability and efficiency make it suitable for embedded application.