BROCOM - Terminal Software Architecture
Abstract |
Project group |
Related material
Abstract
Introduction
The objective of the Brocom Terminal Software Architecture subproject is to develop an embedded Linux, Java, and XML based software architecture for different kinds of multimedia terminals. The emphasis is put on mobile devices ranging from handheld (e.g., PDA, multimedia phone) to portable ones. The application software platform will be similar to Multimedia Home Platform (MHP), which will be extended so that it supports mobile applications. Also, better support for Extensible Markup Language (XML) will be developed so that XML can be used as general application data format. The actual applications will come both from digital television and mobile worlds.
Subproject Overview
The research group is participating in the Otadigi consortium. Otadigi, depicted in figure 1, has built a digital terrestrial television network, following Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial (DVB–T) standard. Otadigi enables to broadcast live audiovisual content along interactive MHP applications in the Otaniemi area. Currently, MHP applications, such as an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and a stand-alone Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL) player, have been tested in commercial Set-top Boxes (STBs). In addition, optimisation techniques for broadcast transmission have been studied.
Figure 1. Otadigi Broadcast System
The software architecture defined in the project, which is called Ubik, is depicted in figure 2. The goal is to provide a platform with restricted capabilities (e.g., memory, process time, etc.) meeting multimedia requirements. These requirements include interaction channel and broadcast reception methods (i.e., Heterogeneous Network module), wireless support for external devices (i.e., Wireless Support module), visualization of complex graphics and effective handling of user input (i.e., Graphical System module), and synchronization of video and audio (i.e., Video Player module). In addition, MHP and XML APIs provide the necessary support for the development of applications (i.e., Java Runtime + Application Programming Interface module). Finally, use of intelligent middleware in order to minimize user workload (i.e., Application Manager module) and key applications development complete the basic requirements.
Figure 2. Ubik Architecture
Status
In March 2003 took place the first release of Ubik in CD-ROM format. It included the basic graphics framework, basic XML support, and a number of applications (e.g., Teletext). During the rest of the year, the framework has been updated and improved in different ways: bugs correction, Java Media Framework (JMF) support, and XML user agent integration (i.e., X-Smiles). Here, there are screenshots of X-Smiles running in Ubik and an E-learning demo developed using SMIL+XForms hybrid documents. In addition, the first implementation of the intelligent middleware was done. Finally, the subproject has been active in the Otadigi subproject developing a number of digital television applications (i.e.,a simple Ice Hockey application, an EPG, and a stand-alone SMIL player), that can be enjoyed using commercial set-top boxes
Future Work
The future work of the subproject will concentrate on the following topics. First, the subproject intends to study low-level application (i.e., native) development (e.g., 3D games for consumer devices) and digital television mobile reception (i.e., DVB-T and DVB-H). Second, in relation to Otadigi the subproject is researching ways of minimising the XML APIs’ size and will implement a new version of the Teletext based on this study. In addition, the subproject will research and implement Bluetooth study cases for digital television environments. Moreover, broadcast optimisation mechanisms will be further investigated. Finally, the intelligent middleware work will continue and it will be integrated into the Ubik platform.
Screenshots
Figure 3. Ice Hockey Application (left) and EPG (right) in Otadigi
Figure 4. SMIL Player as an Enhancement Program (left) and as a Digital Teletext (right) in Otadigi
Figure 5. Digital Teletext in Ubik
Figure 6. X-Smiles in Ubik
Figure 7. E-Learning Demo Developed Using SMIL+XForms Hybrid Documents in Ubik
Updated by cesar 25.05.04