CORBA-based middleware framework for distributed multimedia systems

Abstract

In recent years, computer and communication technology has advanced rapidly. Advancement in computing has created powerful multimedia capable computers, and advancement in communications has made it possible to connect these computing devices using diverse networks across geographically distributed areas. Currently, most of the multimedia capability of computers is used in a stand-alone mode. There are emerging applications such as distance learning, telemedicine, group collaboration, video conferencing, etc. that require use of distributed multimedia capability. Currently, a very limited number of tools exists that facilitate creation of distributed multimedia applications. This dissertation presents architecture and implementation of a middleware framework for distributed multimedia systems. The framework extends CORBA request-reply functionality by providing streaming services for audio and video data. The CORBA distributed object environment is used for control and interaction with media objects. Media devices negotiate the use of transport protocols and media formats at bind time. The framework uses JAVA to accommodate the heterogeneity of various computing platforms. Prototype applications that use the framework are described. Performance results of the framework in a LAN and a WAN environment are shown.