Showing papers in "IEEE MultiMedia in 1995"

A tutorial on MPEG/audio compression

Abstract: This tutorial covers the theory behind MPEG/audio compression. While lossy, the algorithm can often provide "transparent", perceptually lossless compression, even with factors of 6-to-1 or more. It exploits the perceptual properties of the human auditory system. The article also covers the basics of psychoacoustic modeling and the methods the algorithm uses to compress audio data with the least perceptible degradation. >

The QOS Broker [distributed multimedia computing]

Abstract: In human affairs, brokers are intermediaries with specialized knowledge who work toward a mutually desirable outcome through negotiation. The QOS Broker is a software engineering technique that uses this principle to arrange for the delivery of end-to-end quality of service in distributed multimedia systems. An experimental prototype using a telerobotics application helped identify the technique's limitations and system requirements. >

Distributed multimedia and QOS: a survey

Abstract: Quality of service (QOS) is increasingly important for all components within distributed multimedia systems, as this survey reveals. We discuss the QOS parameters found in communication protocols, operating systems, multimedia databases and file servers, as well as those directly affecting the human user. >

Video acceptability and frame rate

Abstract: The advantage of degrading the QoS of a multimedia session is that it reduces the network bandwidth required for distributed multimedia applications, increasing the number of users that a multimedia server can support concurrently. Experimentation shows that users perceive a reduced frame rate for a continuous-media stream differently, depending on the content.

Composition and search with a video algebra

Abstract: A new data model called algebraic video provides operations for composing, searching, navigating,and playing back digital video presentations. A prototype system helps find video segments of interest from existing collections and create new video presentations with algebraic combinations of these segments. >

A consumption model for targeted electronic advertising

Abstract: Information distribution networks will give consumers access to rich media-based electronic content in both business and home settings. Electronic advertising will become an integral component of such networks, subsidizing consumption while providing a new service for consumers without invading their personal space. The consumption model presented in this article explains how consumer-driven advertising might develop-and why it probably won't be soon. >

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.

Analyzing the multimedia operating system

Abstract: What makes an operating system able to handle multimedia? This survey outlines the main features an operating system must possess-from resource management to file system issues-with an emphasis on scheduling, and it provides a vision of the optimal multimedia system architecture. >

MHEG explained

Abstract: The upcoming MHEC standard, under development by ISO's Multimedia Hypermedia Experts Group, defines a system-independent encoding of the structure information used for storing, exchanging, and executing multimedia presentations. This article describes the building blocks of an MHEG-encoded presentation through a running example. Our experience involved using MHEG in a networked multimedia kiosk, for which we present a complete MHEG runtime environment. >

Building multiuser interactive multimedia environments at MERL

Abstract: Building multiuser interactive multimedia environments at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) is a highly interdisciplinary activity that involves the efforts of more than a dozen people. Our prototype systems involve expertise in computer graphics, animation, networking, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, computer vision, spoken language understanding, graphic design, learning theory, and drama. The relationship among the three areas of work at MERL discussed in this project report is a simple three-layer tier. At the bottom, supporting everything, are high-speed networks. On top of the networks we built a piece of middleware called the Scalable Platform for Interactive Environments, or Spline for short. Finally, Diamond Park is an experimental environment we are building using Spline.

Hypermedia authoring

Abstract: Authoring involves identifying the links within information and structuring them to enhance accessibility. Developers of large hypermedia systems, or systems likely to require maintenance over a period of time, must select a structured approach to authoring or risk greatly inflated development costs, a less than desired level of functionality, and difficulties in use and maintenance.

Distance learning with digital video

Abstract: The use of emerging multimedia technologies in education will cause a major shift in the educational services paradigm that promises major advantages over present analog distance learning systems. However, the difficulties encountered with the simultaneous introduction of new services and new technologies often impede the accomplishment of set goals. A more prudent and feasible first step might well be to use the new technologies while following existing paradigms. Such a step will then facilitate the transition to new services that capitalize on the new technologies. Abiding by this principle, researchers at Stanford are developing a prototype on-line distance learning system based on recent advances in digital video compression, video servers, and multimedia networking to deliver live and stored video lectures and seminars to students at their desktops. For the sake of concreteness, we are designing this system with the Stanford University Instructional Television Network in mind, as a first step beyond existing video-based instructional services. The prototype system and extensions, however, are general enough to apply to other environments and application domains. >

A media taxonomy

Abstract: This media taxonomy serves both research and development of multimedia applications. Two graduate courses used it successfully, one on multimedia design and another on the research and evaluation of interactive multimedia. It correlates well with previous categorizations of multimedia and helps researchers better understand the impact and value added by an individual medium in a multimedia presentation.

Network evolution and multimedia communication

Abstract: The survey analyzes the communication requirements of distributed multimedia applications. To understand the ongoing evolution of networking, we must consider how current and new networking technologies support these requirements. In addition to the functional aspects, the survey investigates how the new technologies blend with existing infrastructures. It concludes with a brief discussion of the higher layer multimedia communication issues.

ATM based multimedia servers

Abstract: Next-generation multiprocessors will be deployed as servers in a multimedia environment. Current servers cannot handle multimedia traffic internally and effectively deliver the network's high bandwidth to the processing and storage subsystems. Three proposed scalable, subsystem-based, multimedia server architectures use ATM to tackle this problem. >

Local distribution for IMTV

Abstract: The local distribution system for an interactive multimedia television (IMTV) system builds on a fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) architecture that delivers the IMTV signals to and from the home over telephone wiring and coaxial cable. The downstream IMTV channel, from the curb to the home, operates at a data rate of 51.84 Mbps, and the upstream channel, from the home to the curb, operates at a data rate of 1.62 Mbps.

Multimedia and spatial information systems

Abstract: Spatial information systems increasingly require incorporation of multimedia data types. Pictures, sounds, animated sequences, and unstructured text may form an integral part of geographically located entities in information systems. An example ecological application with extensive multimedia requirements illustrates how multimedia data can be integrated with spatial information systems in a generic, application-independent manner.

Controlling the process with distributed multimedia

Abstract: The process control industry has many uses for multimedia, from incorporating diverse imaging sensors to visualizing, monitoring and controlling time-critical processes. A distributed client-server architecture, together with specialized image-processing hardware and a number of commercial products, demonstrates the effectiveness of using multimedia data in a simulated film-coating process. >

Teaching communication skills to hearing-impaired children

Abstract: The Mehida multimedia system offers hearing-impaired children an easy and appealing way to learn how to communicate with their hearing and deaf peers. Mehida helps them acquire various communication skills simultaneously: sign language, speech, fingerspelling, lip reading, reading, and writing. Didactic activities and games teach the different means of communication. A character shaped like a pear assists and guides the children, explaining each activity and encouraging the children to identify with it throughout the process.

MPEG: a technological basis for multimedia applications

Abstract: The Moving Picture Experts Group was established in 1988 in the framework of the Joint ISO/IEC Technical Committee (JTC 1) on Information Technology. They were given the mandate to develop standards for coded representation of moving pictures, associated audio, and their combination when used for storage and retrieval on digital storage media (DSM). In April 1990 they became Working Group 11 of JTC 1/SC 2, then in November 1991, WG 11 of JTC 1/SC 29. The three original work items of the group-coding up to 1.5, 10, and 40 Mbps-were nicknamed MPEG-1, -2 and -3, respectively. The group dropped the MPEG3 work item in July 1992 when it became apparent that the functionalities supported by the MPEG-2 requirements made it redundant. The current MPEG-4 work item, first proposed in May 1991 and approved in July 1993, targets audiovisual coding at very low bit-rates. >

Using color and text in multimedia projections

Abstract: Various problems afflict projected multimedia presentations. For example, certain colors that look good together and are easily distinguishable on the screen may not be easily recognizable as different when sent through a projection panel and displayed with an overhead projector. Developers of multimedia presentations should follow some guidelines-provided here-to avoid common problems associated with the projection of multimedia materials.

Multimedia interchange using SGML/HyTime. I. Structures

Abstract: HyTime is a standard neutral markup language for representing hypertext, multimedia, hypermedia and time-based documents in terms of their logical structure. Documents represented in HyTime conform fully to the ISO Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML). In effect, HyTime extends SGML by adding certain syntactic conventions called SGML architectural forms, with which it represents certain semantic constructs. HyTime cannot be understood or evaluated without understanding, at least to some extent, the significance and usefulness of the SGML standard on which it is based. This article examines the structure of the two standards. HyTime places unprecedented demands on document processing systems-demands which they have yet to meet. For example, a full implementation of HyTime would allow one to create a hyperlink to whatever happens to be going on at a particular time and/or place in a finite coordinate space (FCS), even if the event, location and time are not yet known, because of binding-time issues. HyTime allows a document to specify where and/or when the results of traversing a hyperlink will be rendered. HyTime provides constructs for specifying how events scheduled in one FCS are to be "projected" onto another, e.g. from a 3D FCS to a 2D FCS, or from a virtual measurement domain to a real one. >

Experiments in multipoint multimedia telecommunication

Abstract: Five years of development and trials demonstrate that high-level primitives allow for the rapid creation of multipoint multimedia applications such as transcontinental computer-supported cooperative work. However, it remains unclear if the benefits justify the costs. >

A multimedia information system for home health-care support

Abstract: The author describes Guardian, a knowledge based home health-care support system in the domain of childhood leukaemia. Guardian is part of a joint project between IBM Research and the New England Medical Center for building a prototype home-care system for children with leukaemia. The prototype system consists of a set of applications, including consultation and symptoms analysis, procedure guidance, emotional support, and communications, implemented in Smalltalk/OS2. This article focuses on the knowledge-based system, which helps parents better understand the symptoms or problems their child is experiencing and provides them with relevant therapeutic information.

Social communication in a virtual office

Abstract: We have efficient systems for transmitting 3-kHz audio signals from point to point, but the actual motives for communication-eg the desire to make new friends-are not particularly facilitated by the phone system The same can be said for fax and e-mail While invaluable as tools, they must often be coerced into serving an intended purpose, such as telling a joke From this basis, and without any assumptions of technological solutions, we set about designing a system dedicated to facilitating and promoting social communication, with a particular emphasis on flexible and mobile collaboration In some sense, our goal was to create a kind of electronic analog to the physical office that might supply some of the same encapsulation and facilitation of social interaction >

Scripting languages emerge in standards bodies

Abstract: Scripting languages have become part of many of the ongoing standards activities related to multimedia. MPEG-4 has considered the inclusion of downloading mechanisms and a set of languages that could include a scripting language. MPEG III has considered the use of DSM-RSF as the reference script language for example decodings. One of the subgroups of the Digital Audio/Visual Council (Davic) could define a scripting language as part of the set-top box application programming interface. And the Hypermedia Languages Special Working Group of ISO JTC1/SCI8/WG8 (the same group responsible for SGML, HyTime, and other broadly applied document processing standards) is developing the Standard Multimedia/Hypermedia Scripting Language.

Multimedia at work: A high-resolution video server for cinema of the future

Abstract: ince the advent of motion pictures, the film 5 industry has continually adopted new and innovative technologies to improve the process of film production and postproduction. In striking contrast, the process of distributing pictures to movie theaters has not benefited from advances in technology-it has remained virtually unchanged through the years. Today, each new film is still sent to duplication houses, which make thousands of celluloid prints and deliver them to theaters in multiple reels via an expressmail distribution channel. At each theater, multiple reels of film are spliced and mounted on a mechanical projector for audience viewing. This antiquated process of duplicating and distributing movies suffers from a variety of problems: It is expensive (the cost ranges between 24 and 30 percent of the gross box-office receipts), inefficient (it takes an average of 90 days to process a movie), and open to piracy (the loss due to piracy is estimated at $500 million a year). Furthermore, film is a destructible media; it wears out with continual use and often sustains physical damage during transportation and handling. A solution to the problem of efficient movie distribution is the concept of an “Electronic Cinema,” a longtime dream of technologists and movie studios. A quote from Francis Ford Coppola aptly describes the dream: ”. . . I have always envisioned an all-electronic way of getting beautiful pictures and sound into a movie theater; certainly, any technology that can free the artist from the delays inherent in mechanical film production and distribution is worthwhile.” In 1992, Pacific Bell initiated a program named Cinema of the Future to explore and select emerging technologies with a potential to fulfill the Electronic Cinema vision. The Cinema of the Future embodies a new model of distributing movies and live video electronically over broadband digital networks. Richard Mizer, a Pacific Bell technology officer and the creator of the program, envisions the Cinema of the Future transforming today’s movie theaters into “a multi-use venue, showing closed-circuit pay-per-view events, like sports, concerts, or plays, business conferences for new product introduction, . . . , all of which will increase the utilization factor of theater seats.” Core technologies needed for the creation of the Cinema of the Future are high-speed digital networks, video compression, storage systems, and video servers. To implement a prototype system, Pacific Bell partnered with Alcatel and EMC2 (for Eagan and Morano Computer Corp.), companies whose products and expertise well match the requirements of the Cinema of the Future. Alcatel provided high-bandwidth ATM switches, Switched Digital Video Network (SDVN) management software, and HDTV codecs. EMC Corp. developed a high-performance media server that uses a real-time operating system capable of streaming video at DS3 rates (a North American standard for multiplexing ISDN channels up to the rate of 44.736 Mbps) and a highly reliable storage system based o n EMC-patented Integrated Cached Disk Array (ICDA) technology. By the end of 1994, the partner companies had created a working prototype of the system, successfully demonstrating the ability to electronically deliver stored movies and live events to theaters over wide-area networks.

Still seeking: signposts of things to come

Abstract: This year (1995) the latest news is about who is making what for publication on the World Wide Web. The good news is that we now have a primitive infrastructure capable of delivering most of the multimedia objects and functions we once thought essential. The bad news is that this infrastructure is currently underpowered and extremely cumbersome to use. As a desktop publishing medium, the World Wide Web hearkens to the old model of pamphleteering, where anyone has the right to advertise opinion without censorship or editorial interference. How far can we go down this aesthetically and sociologically independent path before regulation and other forces converge to tame it, imposing a layer of moderation or editorial control between author and audience?.