Architectural principles and techniques for distributed multimedia application support in operating systems

Abstract

We propose some architectural principles we have found useful for the support of continuous media applications in a microkernel environment. In particular, we discuss i) the principle of upcall-driven application structuring whereby communications events are system rather than application initiated, ii) the principle of split-level system structuring whereby key system functions are carried out co-operatively between kernel and user level components and iii) the principle of decoupling of control transfer and data transfer. Under these general headings a number of particular mechanisms and techniques are discussed. Our suggestions arise from experiences in implementing a Chorus based real-time and multimedia support infrastructure within the SUMO project.