JP2005528849A - System for multimedia rendering on portable devices - Google Patents

Abstract

【Task】
A multimedia system for rendering multimedia content (208) in a portable device having an embedded processor (304). A portable device includes one or more rendering resources. A multimedia object (318) is generated based on the multimedia content (208), a format handler is associated with the multimedia object (318), the selected rendering resource is controlled using the format handler, and the multimedia object (318) ) To perform the operation of rendering the multimedia content (208).

Description

  The present invention relates generally to multimedia processing, and more particularly to a system for multimedia rendering in a portable device having an embedded controller.

  Advances in technology have resulted in smaller and more powerful personal computer devices. For example, various types of portable mobile phones, PDAs, and paging devices currently exist. They are small and lightweight and are easily carried by the user. In general, these devices include embedded controllers with limited memory resources. For example, the amount of available memory is limited by the small size of the device.

  However, there is an increasing need for these devices to handle larger amounts of data and to execute more sophisticated programs. For example, users need remote access to interactive devices such as game programs that require portable devices to achieve fast and efficient rendering of multimedia applications and content. For example, users want to use their portable devices to view and listen to multimedia content such as video clips, animations, movies, and audio such as music content provided in MP3 format, for example. ing.

  In order to render multimedia content on a portable device, it is necessary to control the rendering resources of the device. For example, one type of portable device may include a small low-resolution display screen or audio speaker, and another type of portable device may include a large high-resolution display and a two-speaker stereo feature. Thus, each type of portable device may have a different multimedia rendering resource for rendering multimedia content. Thus, compatibility issues must be overcome when providing multimedia content for use on a variety of portable devices having a variety of configurations and rendering resources.

  One technique used to overcome compatibility issues requires that the multimedia content is in a format that is specially compatible with the rendering resources available on the portable device.

  For example, if a content developer wants to create video content for use on a specific portable device, the developer will be exactly compatible with the video rendering resources available on this portable device. Tailor the video content to have sex.

  Unfortunately, creating multimedia content tailored to each portable device so that the content is rendered is expensive and inefficient. For example, content developers will need to modify content for different portable devices, thereby creating multiple versions of the same content. Content developers will also have to constantly update their content as new rendering resources become available.

  Therefore, what is needed is a system that allows multimedia to be rendered on a variety of portable devices without having to tailor the content to adapt to the different rendering resources available on each device. The system should operate to provide an extensible architecture that allows all types of multimedia content to be rendered and allows new rendering to be rendered as new multimedia formats are developed It is.

  In one or more embodiments, a multimedia system including methods and apparatus is provided for rendering multimedia content on a portable device. For example, a portable device may be a cell phone with limited memory resources that execute program instructions that render multimedia content using the available rendering resources of the device and an embedded controller. . In one or more embodiments, the multimedia system is a small and efficient implementation that uses little resources, particularly for use in portable devices that have embedded controllers with limited memory resources. Very suitable.

  In one embodiment, the system consists of a set of format handlers that control the rendering resources of the device. Each format hand is designed to process multimedia content with a special format. This controls the rendering resources of the device to render this content. For example, each format handler renders (plays and understands) a multimedia audio (or specially formatted) or video file. The format handler determines what resources the content requires, reads this file, and calls the correct resource. The portable device includes a high level application program interface (API) that the format handler uses to perform the task. Individual format handlers can be included in the portable device at manufacture as part of a multimedia system or can be downloaded dynamically. Thus, one or more embodiments of the multimedia system utilize a set of format handlers, which allows multiple multimedia in various portable devices without having to tailor content based on the rendering resources available at each device. It is possible to operate to render media content. In addition, the multimedia system provides an extensible architecture that allows system expansion by adding new format handlers to render new content types that have been developed.

  This multimedia system architecture is beneficial to both multimedia users and developers. For example, this allows developers to write their own format handlers for use on the wireless platform. The system then benefits from multimedia users by providing a simple interface so that all types of content can be rendered without having to know the exact configuration of the rendering device.

  In one embodiment, a method is provided for rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor. The portable device further comprises one or more rendering devices. The method includes generating a multimedia object based on the multimedia content, associating the multimedia object with a format handler, and using the format handler to control a selected rendering resource, Rendering the multimedia content.

  In another embodiment, a multimedia system is provided for rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor. This portable device comprises one or more rendering resources. The multimedia system includes generation media logic that operates to generate a multimedia object based on the multimedia content. The system also includes selection logic that operates to associate the format handler with the multimedia object. The system also includes format handling logic that controls the selected rendering and renders multimedia content from the multimedia object.

  In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium with computer-executable instructions for rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor is provided. The portable device further comprises one or more rendering resources. The instruction, when executed, creates a multimedia object based on the multimedia content, associates the format hand with the multimedia object, and uses the format handler to control the selected rendering resource. And rendering a multimedia content from the multimedia object.

  In another embodiment, a multimedia system is provided for rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor. The portable device further comprises one or more rendering resources. The multimedia system comprises means for generating a multimedia object based on the multimedia content. The system also includes means for associating a format handler with the multimedia object. The system also includes means for controlling selected rendering resources and rendering multimedia content from multimedia objects using a format handler.

  Other aspects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent after a review of the drawings described, the detailed description of the invention, and the claims.

  This application claims the benefit of priority from co-pending US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 385,942, entitled “Multimedia Processing,” filed on June 4, 2002. This application also claims priority benefit from a co-pending US provisional patent application entitled "Multimedia Processing" filed April 25, 2003. The disclosures of both provisional patent applications mentioned above are incorporated by reference in the entity for all purposes.

  The foregoing aspects and attendant advantages of the embodiments described herein will become more readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  The following detailed description describes a multimedia system that includes a method and apparatus for rendering multimedia content in a portable device. In one or more embodiments, the portable device has an embedded controller and limited resources (ie, limited memory capacity), and the system uses the device's available rendering resources to Operates to render media content.

  In one or more embodiments, the multimedia system executes on a device that is used to simplify the operation of the device, for example by providing generalized calls to device-specific resources. Interact with the environment. One such runtime environment is the Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless (BREW) developed by QUALCOMM, Inc. (San Diego, California). In the following description, the multimedia system is implemented on a portable device running a runtime environment such as the BREW software platform. However, one or more embodiments of the multimedia system are suitable for use with another type of runtime environment to render multimedia content on a portable device.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a data network 100 that includes a portable wireless device 102 that includes an embedded controller and is suitable for implementing one embodiment of a multimedia system for rendering multimedia content. For example, the device 102 includes one embodiment of a multimedia system 104, hereinafter referred to as “IMMedia”. In the network 100, the wireless device 102 communicates with the network server 106 via the wireless network 108 using the wireless communication channel 110.

  In one embodiment, the device 102 comprises a mobile phone that transmits and / or receives audio information over the wireless network 108. However, one or more embodiments of the described multimedia system are suitable for use with other types of portable devices. For example, other suitable portable devices include, but are not limited to, any type of virtual portable device including a PDA, electronic mail device, pager, tablet computer, mobile phone, or multimedia rendering resource including.

  Device 102 also receives multimedia applications or content over wireless network 108. For example, the multimedia applications 112 and 114 are downloaded from the network server 106 to the device 102. In addition, multimedia content 116 may also be downloaded from the network server 106 to the device 102. It is also possible to download multimedia applications or content to the device 102 from any other network entity connected to the wireless network 108.

  In one embodiment, device 102 is also connected directly to a local system, such as local workstation 118, via a direct link 120. In one embodiment, the local workstation 118 uses the direct link 120 to download multimedia applications or content to the device 102. For example, multimedia application 122 is downloaded from workstation 118 to device 102 using link 120.

  The IMedia system 104 is downloaded from the server 106 to the device 102 and operates on the device 102 to render multimedia applications or content. In another embodiment, the IMedia system 104 is downloaded from the workstation 118 to the device 102 via the link 120 or installed on the device during manufacture.

  In one embodiment, the IMedia system 104 is provided on a computer readable medium such as a floppy disk and loaded into the system 118 for transmission to the device 102. In another embodiment, IMMedia system 104 is stored on a computer readable medium, such as a memory card (not shown), and plugged directly into device 102 so that it can run on device 102. Thus, the device 102 acquires the IMedia system 104 by wireless transmission, wired transmission, or by acquiring directly from a memory device.

  Network 100 also includes other types of portable devices such as wireless and non-wireless. These devices can then be used in various network types and communication architectures to render multimedia content, including wireless and non-wireless networks, private and public networks, switched and non-switched networks, direct links, and any combination thereof Communicate with other network entities or servers 106 that are using to download one or more embodiments of IMMedia system 104.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a device 102 that includes one embodiment of an IMedia system 104 that operates to render multimedia content. The device 102 includes processing logic 202 connected to an internal data bus 204 and a stack memory 216. In addition, an instruction memory 206, a multimedia application / content memory 208, a heap memory 210, a user interface 212, a display logic 216, an audio logic 218, and an input / output (I / O) interface 214 are connected to the internal data bus 204. Has been.

  During operation of device 102, processing logic 202 executes program instructions stored in instruction memory 206 and generates runtime environment 220. The runtime environment 220 is a BREW environment or other suitable runtime environment. In order to support instruction execution, processing logic 202 uses stack memory 216 to temporarily store program data or instructions. For example, the processing logic 202 stores constants, variables, program addresses, pointers, instructions, or other information items in the stack memory 216. In another embodiment, the processing logic 202 temporarily stores information in the heap memory 210. The heap memory consists of virtually any type of memory suitable for storing and retrieving information by processing logic 202.

  In one or more embodiments, the processing logic 202 comprises a CPU, gateway, hardware logic, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Accordingly, the processing logic 202 generally comprises logic to execute machine readable instructions.

  Instruction memory 206 comprises RAM, ROM, FLASH, EEROM, or any other suitable type of memory, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the instruction memory 206 is located internally with respect to the device 102. In another embodiment, the instruction memory 206 comprises a memory device or a removable memory card that is selectively added to the device 102 and connected to the internal bus 204. Thus, the instruction memory 206 can comprise virtually any type of memory that can store instructions executed by the processing logic 202.

  User interface 212 obtains user input from, for example, a keypad, pointing device, touchpad, or other input mechanism that allows a user to interact with device 102. The display logic 216 includes logic for outputting information to the device display. For example, the device includes an LCD, LED, or other type of display device. Audio logic 218 comprises logic for outputting audio information to a device speaker, remote speaker or audio system, or other type of sound resource. For example, a pair of remote speakers obtain the output of audio logic 218 and render audio information to the device user. Accordingly, display logic 216 and audio logic 218 may comprise any combination of hardware and / or software to allow device 102 to render visual or audio information to a device user.

  The I / O interface 214 operates to send and receive information to and from the device 102, external devices, systems and / or networks. For example, in one embodiment, the I / O interface 214 operates to send and receive information over a wireless data network using, for example, the communication link 106. For example, the transceiver includes circuitry that modulates information received from the processing logic 202 and converts the modulated information into a high frequency signal suitable for wireless transmission. Similarly, the transceiver also includes circuitry for converting the received high frequency communication signal into a signal suitable for demodulation and subsequent processing performed by processing logic 202.

  In another embodiment, the I / O interface 214 operates to send and receive information via a hardwire communication link such as a telephone line to communicate with a remote system over a public data network such as the Internet. Has a transceiver.

  In yet another embodiment, the I / O interface 214 comprises circuitry that operates to communicate with a local device such as the local workstation 116 using the link 120. The I / O interface 214 may also include circuitry (such as serial or parallel port logic) for communicating with a printer, or a local computer, or a device such as a floppy disk or memory card. Thus, the I / O interface 214 is comprised of any type of hardware, software, or combination thereof that allows the device 102 to communicate with other locally or remotely located devices and systems.

  During operation of device 102, execution of program instructions by processing logic 202 causes IMMedia system 104 to be generated. For example, when executed, IMMedia instructions that operate the IMMedia system 104 may be stored in the instruction memory 206. The IMedia system 104 interacts with the runtime environment 220 to render multimedia applications and content on the device 102. For example, multimedia applications and content are downloaded to the device 102 via the wireless network 108 and stored in the memory 208. In one embodiment, the IMedia system 104 obtains multimedia content stored in the memory 208 via the internal bus 204, processes the content, and via the runtime environment 220 to render the device's rendering resources. Render on device 102 by interacting with (ie display logic, audio logic, etc.). The IMedia system 104 also operates to process and render streaming multimedia content. For example, streaming multimedia content downloaded from the network 108 to the device 102 is rendered on the device 102 using the IMedia system 104. Note that the configuration of device 102 is just one configuration suitable for implementing one embodiment of IMMedia system 104 for rendering multimedia applications and content. It is also possible to implement the IMedia system 104 using other devices or device configurations within the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 shows a detailed block diagram of one embodiment of an IMedia system for use with device 102. The device 102 includes native hardware 302. The hardware 302 includes processing logic 202 and may optionally include a multimedia processor 304 specially designed to process multimedia information. Native hardware 302 includes logic to operate the device's rendering resources (ie, display logic 216, etc.), and processing logic 202 and multimedia processor 304 operate to control these resources. This will be assumed without further description.

  The device 102 also includes native multimedia software 306 with audio 1 308, audio 2 310, and video 312 modules. These modules represent low-level software modules that communicate directly with native hardware 302 and are used to control selected rendering resources. For example, the video module 312 communicates with the multimedia processor 304 to control video rendering resources. Although one embodiment is shown, it is possible to have fewer or more multimedia software modules 306, which communicate with all types of native hardware 302. Yes. Accordingly, other native hardware 302 and software 306 configurations are possible within the scope of the present invention.

  In operation, the device 102 executes program instructions and creates a runtime environment 200, which in one embodiment is a BREW environment. Thereafter, IMMedia instructions may be executed to cause IMMedia system 104 to render multimedia content associated with the runtime environment. For example, the IMMedia command is downloaded to the device via the wireless network 108 and stored in the command memory 206.

The IMedia system 104 operates to summarize multimedia content handling and define a framework for the multimedia interface. In one embodiment, IMMedia system 104 operates to provide the following features.
1. Provides general and easy access to device multimedia features and capabilities.
2. Shield complex ASIC-level multimedia APIs and resource management.
3. Provide building blocks for developing complex multimedia applications.
4). Optionally, the media type is derived based on file extension, file content, or signature in the file.

  The IMedia system 104 includes a generated media utility 324, a media data structure 326, and format handlers 314, 316, 318, 320. Shown as part of the IMedia system 104 is an IMedia abstract 328 that shows the basic IMedia objects that are created during the operation of the IMedia system 104. A detailed description of the elements of the IMedia system is provided below.

(IMEDIA abstraction)
The IMedia abstraction 328 is an abstract interface that enables registration and handling of multimedia content types. The IMedia abstraction 328 maintains a reference to the media data in the media data structure 326.

(Media data structure)
Media data structure 326 operates to encapsulate a media data source or sink. This allows the IMedia system 104 to stream media data from various sources or to various destinations. In one embodiment, media data structure 326 is formed from data structure logic with processing logic 202 that executes program instructions to generate media data structure 326 in memory 210.

(Generation media utility)
The generate media utility 324 performs several functions. First, the generate media utility 324 operates to obtain a multimedia application or content for rendering. For example, the multimedia application or content is stored in the memory 208, which includes function calls to the generated media utility 324. Second, the generate media utility 324 processes the multimedia content and generates an IMedia object 328 based on information included in the media data 326. After the creation of the IMMedia object, media data is set, and the IMMedia object is set to the ready state. In one embodiment, the generated media utility 326 generates an IMedia object 328 in the memory 210 and generates generated media logic with processing logic 202 that executes program instructions that perform the functions of the generated media utility described herein. Formed from.

  In one embodiment, the generate media utility 326 associates with the IMedia object 328 with selection logic comprising processing logic 202 that executes program instructions to select a format handler to perform other functions described herein. Contains. For example, the selection logic evaluates the data structure 326 associated with the media content and determines which format handler to select.

(Format handler)
In one embodiment, IMMedia system 104 comprises a set of format handlers (FH). For example, the IMMedia system 104 includes MIDI 314, MP3 316, MPEG4 318, and ADCPM 320 format handlers. These format handlers provide an interface 322 between the IMedia object 328 and the multimedia rendering hardware and software of the device 102. In one embodiment, the format handler uses a common instruction set so that multimedia applications or content can utilize the same instructions that instruct the format handler to perform similar tasks such as play, stop, rewind, etc. Interpret. Any number of format handlers can be used. New format handlers can then be added to render new types of multimedia content. In one embodiment, the format handler is formed from format handling logic with processing logic 202 that executes program instructions to perform the functions of the format handler described herein.

In one embodiment, a common instruction set provides a mechanism for instructing format handlers to render multimedia content and passing parameters and states. Samples of instructions included in this common instruction set are as follows.
1. IMedia_SetMediaParm (); Sets FH parameters.
2. IMedia_GetMediaParm (); Get parameters from FH.
3. IMMedia_SetMediaData (); sets media data.
4). IMMedia_GetMediaData (); Acquires media data.
5. IMMedia_GetClassID (); Acquires the class ID.
6). IMedia_GetState (); Acquires the state.
7). IMedia_RegisterNotify (); Register callback using FH.
8). IMMedia_Play (); A play command is given to the FH.
9. IMMedia_Stop (); A stop command is given to FH.
10. IMedia_SetRect (); sets video parameters.

  For example, the IMMedia_SetMediaParm () instruction is included in an IMMedia object that instructs the format handler to set specific parameters, settings, or variables associated with the format handler. For example, parameters associated with a format handler designed to render MPEG video can be set using IMMedia_SetMediaParm (). In another embodiment, the particular format handler also interprets additional instructions (not shown) that are included in the IMedia object 328 and are used to control the particular function of the resource being controlled.

  In one embodiment, the format handler is software that runs on a portable device as part of the IMedia system 104. In another embodiment, the format handler can be a combination of hardware and software. In addition, the format handler can be added to the IMMedia system when it becomes available and the IMMedia system becomes extensible, and new types of multimedia content can be rendered when it becomes available.

In operation, the format handler registers itself (your MIME type) with the runtime environment. They can be detected by multimedia applications querying MIME types or emulating a list of format handlers supported (registered) in the system. Each format handler provides a selection of functions including, but not limited to:
1. Providing the following application program interface (API).
a. Play multimedia content and execute records, including control functions such as seek, pause, and resume.
b. Set and / or obtain audio and video control parameters.
c. Handling asynchronous events from IMMedia objects.
2. Send asynchronous media events through registered callback functions.
3. Management of device multimedia rendering resources.
4). Management of state devices that can be extended by derived classes.

  FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a state machine 400 that is managed by a format handler that renders multimedia content, such as a format handler 318. The initial state of the format handler is idle 402. Once the format handler is associated with the IMMedia object, the format handler state becomes ready 404. From the ready 404 state, the format handler proceeds to either the play 406 or record 408 state based on commands related to the multimedia content. From the state of play 406 and record 408, the format handler enters the state of play_pause 410 or record pause 412. From these states, the state of the corresponding play 406 and record 408 can be resumed. The format handler can also go to the stop 414 state or return to the ready 404 state.

  Thus, using state machine 400, each format handler can control the device's rendering resources and render multimedia applications or content (IMMedia objects) associated with the format handler. In another embodiment, the format handler may implement a different state machine other than the one shown in FIG. Further, in another embodiment, additional states can be defined that can be used during the rendering process.

  FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method 500 for rendering multimedia content in a portable device.

At block 502, the multimedia application or content is created using the IMedia constructor. This renders on the portable device. For example, the application developer creates an IMedia object using the creation media utility 324. The number of IMedia objects and capabilities such as simultaneous playback or recording depend on the device. All IMMedia objects follow the basic state machine shown in FIG. In one embodiment, the steps shown below are:
Can be used to create and use IMMedia objects.

1. Generation of media data structure and its initialization based on media data source / sink. AEEMediaData is defined as follows.

2. Initialization of members of the above structure based on the information in the table below.

  At block 504, the multimedia content is downloaded to the portable device for rendering. For example, an application or content is downloaded to the device via the wireless data network 108. This content is rendered as streaming content or stored in memory and later rendered.

  At block 506, a media data structure is generated and initialized based on sink characteristics or media sources included in the acquired content. For example, the media data structure is stored in the media data structure 326. In one embodiment, the media type is derived based on the file extension, file content, or signature included in the file.

  At block 508, an IMedia object is created using the associated data structure. For example, the generate media utility 324 is used to generate an IMMedia object. The IMedia object returns in the ready state 404.

  In block 510, an optional step is performed to register the notification function if it is desired to obtain an asynchronous event from the IMMedia object.

  At block 512, the IMedia object is associated with the format handler and the multimedia application or content is rendered on the portable device. For example, the format handler provides a state machine 400 of arbitrary functionality to render multimedia content.

  At block 514, the content is rendered and released after the IMedia object is no longer needed.

(Example)
The following shows an example to show how an IMedia object is created in one embodiment. This example includes references to corresponding blocks in the method of FIG. 5, and it is assumed that the runtime environment used by portable device 102 is a BREW environment. Thus, “CAPp” is an instance of the BREW applet global structure.

  In one or more embodiments included in the present invention, a multimedia system including methods and apparatus renders multimedia applications and content on a portable device having an embedded controller and limited resources. To work. Accordingly, while one or more embodiments of the method and apparatus are illustrated and described, various changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. It will be understood that it is possible. Accordingly, the disclosure and description made herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims rather than limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a data network including a portable wireless device with an embedded controller suitable for implementing one embodiment of a multimedia system for rendering multimedia content. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the portable device shown in FIG. 1, including one embodiment of a multimedia system that operates to render multimedia content. FIG. 3 shows a detailed block diagram of one embodiment of the multimedia system of FIG. FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a state machine managed by a format handler to render multimedia content. FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method for rendering multimedia content in a portable device.

Claims (14)

A method of rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor and comprising one or more rendering resources, the method comprising:
Generating a multimedia object based on the multimedia content;
Associating a format handler with the multimedia object;
Controlling a selected rendering resource using the format handler and rendering the multimedia content from the multimedia object.   The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a multimedia data structure based on the multimedia content. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling comprises:
Implementing a state machine in the format handler to control the selected rendering resource;
Rendering the multimedia content in the format handler using the state machine. A multimedia system for rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor and comprising one or more rendering resources, the multimedia system comprising:
Generating media logic that operates to generate a multimedia object based on the multimedia content;
Selection logic that operates to associate a format handler with the multimedia object;
Format handling logic that controls selected rendering resources and operates to render the multimedia content from the multimedia object.   5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising data structure logic for generating a multimedia data structure based on the multimedia content. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: the format handling logic.
Logic to implement a state machine in the format handler and control the selected rendering resource;
Logic for rendering the multimedia content in the format handler using the state machine. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions for rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor and comprising one or more rendering resources, the instructions being executed If
Generating a multimedia object based on the multimedia content;
Associating a format handler with the multimedia object;
Controlling selected rendering resources with the format handler and performing a method comprising rendering the multimedia content from the multimedia object.   8. The method of claim 7, further comprising generating a multimedia data structure based on the multimedia content. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the controlling comprises
Implementing a state machine in the format handler and controlling the selected rendering resource;
Rendering the multimedia content in the format handler using the state machine. A multimedia system for rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor and comprising one or more rendering resources, the multimedia system comprising:
Means for generating a multimedia object based on the multimedia content;
Means for associating a format handler with the multimedia object;
Means for controlling a selected rendering resource using the format handler and rendering the multimedia content from the multimedia object.   12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means for generating a multimedia data structure based on the multimedia content. The apparatus of claim 10.
The means for controlling the selected rendering resource includes:
Means for implementing a state machine in the format handler and controlling the selected rendering resource;
Means for rendering the multimedia content in the format handler using the state machine. A multimedia system for rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor and comprising one or more rendering resources, the multimedia system comprising:
One or more format handlers that operate to control one or more rendering resources in the portable device;
A generation utility that operates to generate a multimedia object from the multimedia content and associate a selected format handler with the multimedia object;
The selected format handler renders the multimedia content from the multimedia object. A method of rendering multimedia content in a portable device having an embedded processor and comprising one or more rendering resources, the method comprising:
Encoding the multimedia content using a media construct;
Sending the multimedia content to the portable device;
Generating a multimedia object based on the media construct;
Associating a format handler with the multimedia object;
Controlling a selected rendering resource using the format handler and rendering the multimedia content from the multimedia object.

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