Nael Hirzalla

Bio: Nael Hirzalla is an academic researcher from University of Ottawa. The author has contributed to research in topics: Query language & Multimedia database. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 16 publications receiving 299 citations. Previous affiliations of Nael Hirzalla include Ottawa University & Cirrus Logic.

A temporal model for interactive multimedia scenarios

Abstract: Many authoring tools let authors create scenarios, but very few let them create an active multimedia scenario that will not only play itself back, but will change course dynamically, depending on user interactions. Our temporal model provides a new way to represent asynchronous and synchronous temporal events, allowing authors to create scenarios that offer viewers seamless, transparent options.

Method and apparatus for recognizing video sequences

Abstract: A method of detecting video sequences involves creating on-the-fly candidate digital signatures uniquely characteristic of successive groups of frames in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. The candidate digital signatures are compared with at least one signature of a stored sequence created in accordance with the predetermined algorithm. A candidate is identified as corresponding to the stored sequence in the event of a positive match.

Towards an Ontology for Software Product Quality Attributes

Abstract: Recently, Quality Assurance concept has been developed increasingly to be included in many of our life existing fields; financial, industrial, trading, computing, etc. Software Quality Product Attributes (SWQAs) have been created as a matter of applying the QA concept on the results of web or desktop application development process, to fit the products with the organizational and global market standards and goals, and to provide it with a competitive advantage value. Web application or software product quality is composed of many attributes such as portability, usability, reliability, modularity. During the recent years, many researchers discussed and presented software attributes in their works which showed that till now there is a lack of consensus on the semantic of many of concepts and terminologies used in this field. Our work is focusing on studying Software Product Quality Attributes concepts and terminologies. We conduct several experiments to extract the main concepts for SWQAs. The results show that there is a number of concepts that are frequently used to describe these attributes. Summarizing and formalizing the semantic of the attributes into these concepts presents a common understanding and agreement on the semantic of SWQPAs which can be used by software engineers, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders.

Method of processing a video stream

Abstract: A method of processing a video stream, involves contemporaneously selecting first and second pairs of frames in the video stream with a predetermined period. The second pairs of frames have a longer period than the first pairs. For each of the first and second pairs of frames, there is determined a difference value representing the number of pixels whose value has changed between the first and second frames of the pair. A particular logic level is generated depending on whether this difference value exceeds a predetermined threshold. The generated logic levels are then compared with a decision map to identify cuts in the video stream.

A data model and a query language for multimedia documents databases

Abstract: A multimedia application involves information that may be in a form of video, images, audio, text and graphics, need to be stored, retrieved and manipulated in large databases. In this paper, we propose an object-oriented database schema that supports multimedia documents and their temporal, spatial and logical structures. We present a document example and show how the schema can adress all the structures described. We also present a multimedia query specification language that can be used to describe a multimedia content portion to be retrieved from the database. The language provides means by which the user can specify the information on the media as well as the temoral and spatial relationships among these media.

Modular intelligent transportation system

Abstract: A modular intelligent transportation system, comprising an environmentally protected enclosure, a system communications bus, a processor module, communicating with said bus, having a image data input and an audio input, the processor module analyzing the image data and/or audio input for data patterns represented therein, having at least one available option slot, a power supply, and a communication link for external communications, in which at least one available option slot can be occupied by a wireless local area network access point, having a communications path between said communications link and said wireless access point, or other modular components.

Metadata enabled push-pull model for efficient low-latency video-content distribution over a network

Abstract: Method, system, computer program and computer program product for a metadata enabled push-pull model and method for efficient low-latency video-content distribution over a network. Metadata is used as a vehicle and mechanism to enable intelligent decisions to be made on content distribution system operation. Metadata is data that contains information about the actual content, and in some cases, the metadata may also contain portions of the content or a low-resolution preview of the content. Aspects of the invention are directed toward the distribution of metadata throughout the network in a way that facilitates efficient system operation as well as optionally but advantageously providing set of services such as tracking, reporting, personalization, and the like.

Spatio-temporal indexing for large multimedia applications

Abstract: Multimedia applications usually involve a large number of multimedia objects (texts, images, sounds, etc.). Spatial and temporal relationships among these objects should be efficiently supported and retrieved within a multimedia authoring tool. In this paper, we present several spatial, temporal and spatio-temporal relationships of interest, and propose efficient indexing schemes, based on multidimensional (spatial) data structures, for large multimedia applications that involve thousands of objects. Evaluation models of the proposed schemes are also presented, as well as hints for the selection of the most appropriate one, according to the multimedia author's requirements.

Multifunction multimedia device

Abstract: A method for interpreting messages, user-defined alert conditions, voice commands and performing an action in response is described. A method for annotating media content is described. A method for presenting additional content associated with media content identified based on a fingerprint is described. A method for identifying that an advertisement portion of media content is being played based on a fingerprint derived from the media content is described. A method of one media device recording particular media content automatically in response to another media device recording the particular media content is described. A method of concurrently playing media content on multiple devices is described. A method of publishing information associated with recording of media content is described. A method of deriving fingerprints by media devices that meet an idleness criteria is described. A method of loading, modifying, and displaying a high definition frame from a frame buffer is described. A method of recording or playing media content identified based on fingerprints is described.