OViA Media Framework (OMF)
The software layer of a conventional multimedia system is optimized to implement an ideal multimedia system that consists of four elements.
About the OMF
Multimedia processing such as audio and video playback requires two functions: configuration management to manage the combination of element technologies needed to implement specific multimedia applications and their settings; and sequence control to manage the flow of processing with time. In the past, customers had to develop additional applications for both configuration management and sequence control, as part of their proprietary multimedia applications. The sequence control software, however, has to be modified whenever the hardware performance was changed. Also, the addition of new media processing functions required a major rewrite of the software.
platformOViA has configuration management and sequence control built into its software as a multimedia driver. By using this multimedia driver through defined multimedia interfaces, customers can develop software without having to be concerned with the lower layers. The use of platformOViA permits the reuse of middleware for multiple digital AV appliances, mobile phones, and automotive information systems.
Merits of introducing the OMF
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Improvement of design asset management |
| By adopting standardized multimedia interfaces, it has become possible to easily construct applications, simply by considering the OMF interface. This allows customers to develop highly reusable and productive software, thus improving the value of their design assets.
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Changes to the system configuration can be handled easily |
| Applications constructed by considering the OMF interface can make use of these design assets in a flexible manner. Because the OMF system interface eliminates the issue of system dependency, it is easy to migrate applications to more advanced but nevertheless platformOViA-based hardware, as well as to different areas. As a result, customers can make effective use of their valuable design assets in a range of devices that offer greater levels of functionality and diversification.
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Simplified building of multimedia systems |
| An OMF-equipped system offers an MCC for each multimedia function such as an audio player or a DTV player. This makes it possible to control multimedia functions on a per MCC basis without having to be concerned with the complex system configuration that results from incorporating multimedia functions. |
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Structure of the OMF
The OMF has optimized the software layers that have made up a multimedia system so far to achieve an ideal multimedia system. The base framework offered by the OMF enables customers to develop a system that flexibly meets their needs. Applications thus developed can introduce new technologies quickly from other areas, and can be migrated smoothly into high-level hardware compliant with platformOViA.
Points of the OMF
- The base framework offered by the OMF enables customers to develop a system that flexibly meets their needs.
- Multimedia interfaces are standardized, thereby improving the design asset values of customers such as the reusability and productivity of applications.
- In an OMF-equipped system, multimedia functions can be controlled in units of Media Component Chains (MCCs), without the need to be concerned about the complicated system structure. This enables customers to easily create a multi-functional, high-performance multimedia system.
Elements of the OMF
| Name
| Role
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| Base framework |
- Eliminates the issue of system dependency, and manages and controls the execution of the components incorporated into the system.
- Provides two interfaces, an OMF interface and an MC interface.
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| Chain controller (CCtrl) |
Controls the execution of multiple MCs in units of media functions. |
| Media component (MC) |
General-purpose component that is a minimum unit for media functions. |
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Media Component chain configuration examples
The OMF enables the selection and incorporation of MCCs that are suitable for the media functions required by customers.
The group of MCs that configure an MCC can be shared by an MCC that realizes another multimedia function. This allows customers to easily build a multi-function, high-performance multimedia system.
A CCtrl controls the implementation of those groups of MCs on a per multimedia function basis, thus achieving the solutions required by customers.
