Where Does the Codec Engine Fit into My Architecture?

1.3Where Does the Codec Engine Fit into My Architecture?

The application code (or the middleware it uses) calls the Codec Engine APIs. Within the Codec Engine, the VISA APIs use stubs and skeletons to access the core engine and the actual codecs, which may be local or remote.

The following figure shows the general architecture of an application that uses the Codec Engine. It also shows the user roles involved in creating various portions of the application. See Section 1.4, What Are the User Roles? for more on user roles.

Role 4:

Application

Author

Application

media middleware

Codec Engine Runtime

Role 3: Core Engine APIs

Engine

Integrator

Core Engine

Runtime

Role 2:

Server

Integrator

Core Engine SPIs

VISA APIs

Video Encode

stubs

Video Encode

skeleton

VISA SPIs

Role 1:

Algorithm

Creator

MP4 Encode VC1 Encode

The application (or middleware it uses) calls the core Engine APIs and the VISA APIs. The VISA APIs use stubs to access the core engine SPIs (System Programming Interfaces) and the skeletons. The skeletons access the core engine SPIs and the VISA SPIs. The VISA SPIs access the underlying algorithms.

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Texas Instruments Codec Engine Server manual Where Does the Codec Engine Fit into My Architecture?, Role 3 Core Engine APIs

Codec Engine Server specifications

Texas Instruments Codec Engine Server (CES) is a powerful software framework designed to handle audio and video processing on embedded systems. It serves as a bridge between high-level application programming and low-level codec implementations, simplifying the development of multimedia applications. The Codec Engine's primary focus is on optimizing media codecs for applications such as telecommunications, video conferencing, multimedia playback, and streaming services.

One of the standout features of the CES is its ability to support multiple codecs simultaneously, allowing developers to efficiently decode and encode various media formats in real time. This flexibility is crucial for applications that demand high-quality audio and video processing without compromising performance. Furthermore, the CES architecture promotes modular design, enabling developers to swap in and out different codec implementations based on specific project requirements.

The CES leverages advanced technologies including simultaneous multithreading, which maximizes the processing power of multi-core processors. With this capability, developers can allocate threads efficiently across multiple cores, tackling demanding tasks without latency. Additionally, the framework supports dynamic codec allocation, meaning that resources can be managed and adjusted on-the-fly as needed, ensuring optimal performance in varying conditions.

Another significant characteristic of the CES is its compatibility with various Texas Instruments DSP (Digital Signal Processor) platforms. This ensures that developers can take advantage of the specialized capabilities of TI's hardware, including their power management features and high-performance processing capabilities. The integration of hardware and software within the CES architecture allows for optimized resource utilization, leading to energy-efficient applications.

The development process is further streamlined through the use of a comprehensive API (Application Programming Interface) that provides access to codec functionalities while abstracting the complexities of underlying hardware. This allows developers to focus on building high-level features without getting bogged down in low-level programming details.

In conclusion, Texas Instruments Codec Engine Server stands out as a robust solution for developers aiming to create high-performance media applications. Its support for multiple codecs, efficient resource management, and compatibility with TI DSP platforms make it an indispensable tool in the multimedia processing space. By facilitating seamless interaction between hardware and software, CES empowers developers to deliver richer multimedia experiences in their applications.