System and Method Of Video Decoder Resource Sharing

A mobile device comprising:

• a video decoder for decoding an encoded input data stream to provide a decoded output data stream for display on the mobile device;
• a processor for executing applications associated with a respective encoded input data stream for display on the mobile device;
• a memory for storing input buffers for providing data from an encoded input data stream to the video decoder when required by a respective associated application;
• and
• a system controller for:
• receiving an event identifying a change in the video decoder allocation between applications is required;
• instructing the application assigned to the video decoder prior to receiving the event to release the video decoder, wherein the associated input buffer is placed in a suspended state until the video decoder is re-associated with the respective application;
• and
• associating an input buffer associated with the application of the event to the video decoder to decode the respective input data stream to the decoded output data stream.

A computer readable memory containing instruction which when executed by a processor perform a method of video decoding resource sharing, the method comprising:

• associating a video decoder with a first input buffer for a first encoded input data stream from a first application, the video decoder processing the first encoded input data stream to generate a decoded output data stream for display;
• detecting an event associated with a second application that identifies a change in the video decoder allocation between the first encoded input data stream from the first application to a second encoded input data stream from the second application is required;
• instructing the first application to release the video decoder;
• and
• associating the video decoder with a second input buffer for the second encoded input data stream from the second application to provide the decoded output data stream for display, when the first application releases the video decoder wherein the first input buffer is maintained in a suspended state while the second encoded input data stream is processed by the video decoder.