The system architecture of the Heidelberg transport system

Abstract

HeiTS, the Heidelberg Transport System, is designed for communication of continuous-media data. The purpose of HeiTS is the exchange of digital audio and video with quality of service guarantees. The system environment of HeiTS has to coordinate real-time and non-real-time functions. Most parts of HeiTS run in user space; it uses some kernel-based mechanisms such as a real-time CPU scheduler and device drivers. On top of HeiTS exists a control system which allows for the construction of applications controlling continuous-media streams. This paper describes the architecture of HeiTS and the mechanisms of its system environment we have implemented on AIX and OS/2 platforms.