H.264 decoder on embedded dual core with dynamically load-balanced functional paritioning

Abstract

In this paper, we address the problem of mapping H.264 main profile decoder on embedded dual core with dynamic load balancing. H.264 decoder is mapped to dual core system with a few hardware accelerators by proposed functional partitioning which enables simple interface with hardware accelerator and small memory usage for inter-core communication. We also propose dynamic load balancing method for the functional partitioning. The load balancing is done by mapping a few selected functions to each core dynamically at macroblock level. In this case, buffer level information is enough for making decision which core runs those functions. Because of this simple decision criterion and mechanism, performance loss for load balancing process can be negligible and it is also possible to extend the proposed load balancing method to multi-core systems easily. Experimental result shows that the proposed load balancing method reduces the waiting overhead dramatically and the reduced amount is 82.3% of the total waiting overhead.