Method and system for utilizing a global optimal approach of scalable algorithms

A scalable programmable processing device comprising:

• at least one scalable application operable in plurality of modes each having a different complexity of operations characteristic;
• a QOS resource manager for tracking how much computing resources are available for use by said at least one scalable application;
• a strategy manager for determining whether said available resources are suitable for operation of said scalable application in a given one of said modes;
• and,
• a local resource control 1120 responsive to said strategy manager and for selecting, in response to a determination by said strategy manager that said available resources are not suitable for operation of said at least one application in said given mode to select another of said modes for said at least one application;
• wherein, said QOS manager and strategy manager are mutually responsive to one another and said at least one scalable application is responsive to said local resource control.

A scalable MPEG2 compatible video decoder comprising:

• at least one variable length decoder;
• at least one inverse quantizer coupled to said variable length decoder;
• at least one inverse discrete cosine transform coupled to said inverse quantizer;
• at least one motion compensator coupled to said variable length decoder;
• a summing junction coupled to said inverse discrete cosine transform and motion compensator;
• and,
• a controller;
• wherein at least one of said variable length decoder, inverse quantizer, inverse discrete cosine transform and motion compensator is coupled to said controller and responsive thereto to operate in one of a plurality of modes each having a given complexity characteristic for an acceptable distortion level of an output of said decoder;
• and,
• wherein said controller selects said one of said modes based upon said given complexity characteristics.