Robert J. Gove

The MVP: a highly-integrated video compression chip

The author introduces a new highly-integrated processing chip for performing a variety of functions, however this chip is particularly well suited for video compression algorithms. Applications include multimedia PCs, virtual reality 3D graphics, full-duplex videoconferencing, HDTV, and color hardcopy. He has architected the multimedia video processor, or MVP, to provide a yet unattainable level of performance from a single chip, although with the programmability typically found in todays general-purpose computers. While advanced semiconductor design and process techniques have been used for its design, the key to the advantage of this component lies in optimization of the architecture for real-time video and graphics processing. He analyses video compression application requirements, describe the MVP architecture, and poses its potential as a very capable solution for a wide range of markets.<<ETX>>

MediaStation 5000: integrating video and audio

MediaStation 5000 is a highly integrated desktop multimedia system implemented on a single PC plug-in board. It performs multistandard compression, high-speed image processing, and fast 2D and 3D graphics functions. The Texas instruments Multimedia Video Processor (MVP), a single-chip multiprocessing device with a highly parallel internal architecture, provides the systems processing power and programmability.<<ETX>>

The Multimedia Video Processor (MVP): a chip architecture for advanced DSP applications

The Texas Instruments Multimedia Video Processor (MVP), a single-chip multi-processing DSP for performing a variety of functions, provides unprecedented computing power and programmability. The MVP is particularly well suited for image and video applications. Utilizing a flexible parallel architecture, the chip can satisfy many video, audio, imaging and graphics functions, such as those required for desktop multimedia.<<ETX>>

Real-time MPEG video codec on a single-chip multiprocessor

We present a software implementation of a real-time MPEG video codec on the MediaStation 5000 multimedia system. Unlike other compression systems whose sole function is the encoding or decoding of video data, the MediaStation 5000 is capable of performing various real-time operations involving a wide range of multimedia data, including image, graphics, video, and even audio. This programmability is provided by Texas Instruments TMS320C80, better known as Multimedia Video Processor (MVP), which is a single-chip multiprocessing device with highly parallel internal architecture. The MVP integrates a RISC processor, four DSP-like processors, an intelligent DMA controller, video controllers, and a large amount of SRAMs onto a single chip. Since the MVP contains such a high degree of parallel features, developing the MPEG software and mapping it to the MVP requires a thorough study of the algorithms and a good understanding of the processor architecture. By exploiting the advanced features of the MVP, the MediaStation 5000 can achieve the MPEG compression and decompression of video sequences in real time.

Strategies for mapping algorithms to mediaprocessors for high performance

For multimedia applications, mediaprocessors can achieve performance comparable to that of ASICs while remaining programmable and multifunctional. But a detailed understanding of the underlying architecture and algorithms is essential for developing efficient code. The authors present general strategies for mapping algorithms to mediaprocessors and discuss trends in mediaprocessing.

Image computing requirements for the 1990s: from multimedia to medicine

Although the computer industry has begun incorporating new features in their newest computers and workstations, it has not been clear how best to utilize these new media to improve the productivity of the user. One problem stems from relative separation of various disciplines. For example, three distinct disciplines have evolved from visual information processing: image processing, computer graphics, and pattern recognition. All of them manipulate image data in some ways. The main difference between them is the domain where each discipline takes the input and produces the output. Recognizing the importance of merging the three distinct disciplines into one so that the image data can be successfully incorporated into the future computer technology, a new discipline, denoted as image computing, has been established to provide for consistency and efficiency in managing image data. In conjunction with other technologies such as video and computer-generated audio, image computing will play a key role in developing an integrated information processing platform that will be used in many areas in the 1990s. Some of the areas where image computing technology can be applied are presented. Requirements specific to each application are also described. Functions required of a typical computing workstation will be listed and each requirement will be investigated in detail. We describe how the continuing advances in technology will benefit image computing, and predict how the software algorithms of the future will be employed in image computing. We also introduce some possible future products that incorporate image computing technology.

Digital Display Systems Based on the Digital Micromirror Device

This paper describes the development of digital display systems based on the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD), a new spatial light modulator developed at Texas Instruments. A description of the DMD and its operation is provided, followed by a discussion of display system development.

Architectures for single-chip image computing

This paper will focus on the architectures of VLSI programmable processing components for image computing applications. TI, the maker of industry-leading RISC, DSP, and graphics components, has developed an architecture for a new-generation of image processors capable of implementing a plurality of image, graphics, video, and audio computing functions. We will show that the use of a single-chip heterogeneous MIMD parallel architecture best suits this class of processors--those which will dominate the desktop multimedia, document imaging, computer graphics, and visualization systems of this decade.

PC sound and video compression boards for information infrastructure

The term multimedia implies the combination of many different forms of information including computer graphics, text, video and audio, along with data distribution mechanisms and storage systems that can provide such data with real time or interactive response [1]. Until recently, almost all systems were limited in their ability to manipulate video data.

New Dithering Technique For Realistic Color Image Synthesis On Binary-RGB Displays

A new technique for the displaying of continuous-tone color pictures on a bi-level, tri-primary display or a display with limited numbers of colors displayable has been investigated. The significance of this technique is that it can provide pleasing and realistic images on a standard, low-cost, RGB graphic display, which is in abundant use in the personal computer community. Specific hardware has been constructed to acquire images from a video camera and generate these images on several personal computer (PC) color graphic system monitors. The time to process the digitized 24-plane, RGB image into the dithered 3-plane, RGB image is less than one second. Images have been created for several potential applications including a semiconductor failure analysis expert system.