Implementing Real-time Video Decoding On Multimedia Processors By Complexity Prediction Techniques

This paper presents a new technique capable of predicting the processing time of video decoding tasks. The proposed method provides a solution to the problem of guaranteeing, at the same time, real-time performance and an eficient use of the processing power. It gives the possibility of implementing optimal resource allocation strategies, and it is the key for providing a high quality of services when the required processing resources exceed the available ones. The technique is based on the collection and transmission in the compressed video bit-stream, of suitable statistics of the decoding process. The described technique, which is of general application on any processor platform, has been included in the new MPEG-4 IS0 standard.