In many cases, signal processing algorithms for embedded systems are developed and verified theoretically sound for embedded systems applications. The investigation of embedded systems applying advanced signal processing techniques can improve system performance. Therefore, embedded systems with real-time signal processing are becoming more and more important for multimedia applications for both academia and industry. Although embedded systems play an important role, many challenging issues remain to be resolved. Research on embedded systems with real-time signal processing demands an essentially multi-disciplinary approach, exploiting ideas from areas as diverse as signal processing techniques, computational intelligence and embedded system design. To accomplish its real-time performance, trade-off analysis is needed during the actual applications.

In this special issue, we intend to bring together researchers in the related fields to demonstrate the latest developments and solutions regarding various aspects of real-time signal processing tools in embedded systems. This special issue is destined to solve the embedded system issues between the theory and practice of signal processing to real time applications. We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts to understand the real-time signal processing for embedded systems. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Real-time digital images & watermarking
• Modeling of multimedia systems
• Secure and Privacy-aware Image Processing
• Real-time signal compression and analysis
• Multimedia systems design methodologies and case studies
• Multimedia processors and reconfigurable architectures
• Spatial and temporal estimation and protection of media streams
• Learning systems for signal and information processing and evidential reasoning for recognition
• Soft computing approaches for embedded multimedia systems
• Software optimization and compiler techniques
• Real time signal processing & vision
• Expert system for embedded system
• Color and illumination processing