Showing papers on "IP Multimedia Subsystem published in 1997"

Secure access method, and associated apparatus, for accessing a private IP network

Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus, for accessing a private IP network with a wireless host by way of a wireless access network. Once authenticated and permitted access to the private IP network, the wireless host becomes a virtual host of the private IP network. A wireless host identifier (WHI) is used to identify the wireless host. Permission to communicate by way of wireless access network is confirmed by an authentication procedure. The WHI is thereafter provided to the private IP network. If the WHI is of a selected value, permission to access the private IP network is granted. An IP address used to address data to the wireless host is allocated by the private IP network once access to the private IP network is granted.

Providing multimedia conferencing services over a wide area network interconnecting nonguaranteed quality of services LANs

Abstract: A method for providing real-time multimedia conferencing services is described over a hybrid network, consisting of packet-switched nonguaranteed quality of service local area networks and a cell-switched wide area network having a multimedia bridge connected to the wide area network. The local area networks and the multimedia bridge are interconnected to the wide area network via routers. New architectural entities within the multimedia bridge execute a multimedia performance and resource analysis algorithm and determine whether the network and the bridge have sufficient resources to satisfy the requirements of the multimedia conference call. If sufficient resources are not available, it is determined whether the requirements for the higher priority services can be provided by preempting the lower priority resources. Signaling information messages are exchanged between the communicating entities indicating whether the multimedia conference can be accepted, rejected, or accepted to operate in degraded mode, based on the analysis performed by the bridge.

Communication system supporting simultaneous voice and multimedia communications and method of operation therefore

Abstract: A communication system includes a voice subsystem and a multimedia subsystem. The voice subsystem couples to the PSTN and services a voice communication received by the communication system from a caller. The multimedia subsystem couples to the voice subsystem, supports multimedia communications and provides a multimedia interface to the caller upon receipt of the voice communication from the caller. When the call originates from a phone that supports multimedia communications, the multimedia subsystem directs the multimedia interface to the phone but, when the call originates from a phone that does not supports multimedia communications, the multimedia interface is directed to an associated multimedia enabled device. The voice subsystem provides call processing and routing functions as well as messaging functions and extended services. The multimedia subsystem includes an information posting subsystem and an information access subsystem that allow callers to post information and to access information. The multimedia subsystem may also include an application program interface subsystem that allows the caller to initiate execution of an application program on the multimedia subsystem. A universal inbox subsystem that receives, stores and delivers inbox items including voice messages, text messages and video messages via standard interchange protocols and languages. In operating the universal inbox, the multimedia subsystem supports delivery of all inbox items from the universal inbox subsystem to the caller via a standard transfer protocol. In such operation, the universal inbox subsystem converts inbox items to a standard format upon receipt. Methods of operation proceed according to the communication system described herein.

Multimedia public communication services distribution method and apparatus with distribution of configuration files

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing multimedia services. The apparatus includes a transmitter for transmitting for receipt by at least one device a multimedia configuration file for configuring at least one device to present multimedia services to a user.

A modem with ip support

Abstract: The invention relates to a modem (4) with IP support. It comprises access means for autonomous, simultaneous access to the services of a switched telephony network (3) and to the services of an IP based network (9). The autonomous, simultaneous access is established over a dialled up connection (15) and is provided using the IP protocol.

Communication and Computing for Distributed Multimedia Systems

Abstract: Introduction. Characteristics and Requirements of Multimedia Data. Digital Audio, Image, and Video Compression Principles, Techniques, and Standards. End-to-End Quality-of-Service Guarantee for Digital Audio and Video Communications. Network Support for Multimedia Communications. Transport Protocol Support for Multimedia Communications. End-System Support for Distributed Multimedia Applications. Multimedia Servers. Networked Multimedia Synchronization -- Requirements and Mechanisms. Multimedia Information Indexing and Retrieval. Toward Information Superhighways. Appendices.

Network based multimedia messaging method for non-ccitt compliant switches

Abstract: A method is disclosed for messaging multimedia calls with a non-CCITT compliant switch when the intended recipient is unavailable. The method is used in connection with a telecommunication network which has an identified multimedia server (92). According to the method, multimedia calls from a caller, using a multimedia device (70) running a first application and a second application, are messaged when the called party is unavailable. The method involves initiating a multimedia call to the called party using the first application and determining that the multimedia call is an unanswered call using the second application. Using the second application, the first application is signalled to indicate that the multimedia call was unanswered. In response to the signal, an X.25 packet message is sent from the multimedia device to the identified network based multimedia server. The multimedia device receives back a messaging address identifying a multimedia messaging server (100) from the network based multimedia server. A second multimedia call is initiated from the multimedia device (70) to the identified multimedia messaging server (100) using the first application and the messaging address. The method then involves connecting to the multimedia messaging server indicated by the messaging address and recording a multimedia message on the network based multimedia messaging server.

The feature interaction problem in networked multimedia services — present and future

Abstract: Feature interaction problems have been a serious issue among intelligent network services for a number of years, but, until now, the issue has not been investigated for existing and emerging networked multimedia services. This paper describes the final results of the feature interactions in a multimedia systems project which determined the level of threat that the problem posed to the networked multimedia domain. After considering the causes of the problem, some existing multimedia services are described and illustrative multimedia feature interaction scenarios provided. Issues with future networks are outlined and the paper concludes by outlining some possible approaches for handling the problem in the future.

IP switching for scalable IP services

Abstract: Internet protocol (IP) switching is emerging as a critical technology for improving the speed and scalability of the Internet. This paper discusses IP Navigator, a form of IP switching developed specifically for use in core network backbones, such as Internet service provider networks and major corporate backbones. IP Navigator combines the high speed and quality of service capabilities of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) with the scalability and flexibility of IP. This paper presents an overview of the techniques that have been developed for operating IP over ATM. We outline the IP Navigator design and compare IP Navigator with other IP switching approaches.

Adaptive multimedia service

Abstract: The invention is characterized in that parts of a multimedia service which is executed in a mobile terminal is structured in form of different software components. The structure implies that an operator who provides the service is given possibility to distribute the service in different parts via a data connection, control channel, to a user terminal. This implies that the service is divided into a number of software components such as control application, applications for video, audio, data etc, and a service function. By structuring the service in this way, the operator can tailor and, when applicable, upgrade a multimedia service in a user terminal by loading down, via the control channel, different versions of software components.

Multimedia impact on devices in the 21st century

Abstract: A high-speed ATM network is required for multimedia services. NTT, the biggest carrier in Japan, is constructing a nationwide ATM network in two phases: the first phase, in early 1995, at 2.4Gb/s, and the final phase at 10Gb/s. The network: will be accessed by the 156Mb/s ATM User Network Interface (UNI), and thus will be the ideal infrastructure for advanced multimedia services. NTT has, however, found immaturity of multimedia services applications and telecommunication systems aspects, including rules and tariffs.

Multimedia conferencing system over ISDN network

Abstract: Real-time multimedia services are transmitted over a hybrid network including a nonguaranteed quality of service packet switched local area network and a circuit switched ISDN wide area network having a centralized multimedia bridge located within the wide area network. The local area networks and multimedia bridge are interconnected via ISDN routers. An algorithm executed by the multimedia bridge receives signals from the packet switched network and detects the absence of properties needed for real-time audio visual services. The data signals are processed to compensate for the absence of the properties and then are transmitted over the wide area network to enable real-time audio visual services.

Selective multimedia access protocol for wireless multimedia communication

Abstract: Users desire to use multimedia applications such as browsing WWW and VoD in not only desktop computing environment but also wireless or mobile computing environment. A wireless link, however, is generally poor in quality to accommodate multimedia communication. We propose a content-based multimedia communication protocol for wireless environment. It adopts the selective transport service according to content-based priority, assigned to each scene of multimedia data, so that a user can get important information even if available bandwidth is insufficient for the multimedia data.

An Experimental Open Architecture to Support Multimedia Services Based on CORBA, Java and WWW Technologies

Abstract: The convergence of interactive multimedia services and Internet services characterises the new services scenario and also highlights the important role of the terminals and their intelligent capabilities. Thus the scenario moves from the classical telecom setting where the “intelligence” is concentrated and embedded into the network (switches) towards a computer networking scenario in which more “intelligence” is located at the periphery (hosts, computers and terminals). The primary objective of the ORCHESTRA project was to demonstrate by fast prototyping an experimental control architecture capable of complying with a large number of the emerging requirements for the support of advanced services in broadband networks, with particular emphasis on emerging technology integration and interoperability.

Enhancing network services through multimedia data analysers

Abstract: This paper summarises our experience of using data analysers to enhance network multimedia services. By analysers we mean simple processing modules that extract information contained in various multimedia streams. They are categorised based on their location with respect to the network, the location being determined by balancing bandwidth requirements and computational complexity. Various applications are described where analysers are used to enhance aspects of the service provided. Details of the multimedia environment are given, followed by an overview of the analyser architecture and examples of analyser-enhanced applications. The paper is concluded by indicating directions of future development.

Multimedia applications, services, and techniques : ECMAST '97, Second European Conference, Milan, Italy, May 21-23, 1997 : proceedings

Abstract: An ATM-based demonstration model for multimedia services using different access networks.- A transnational IN/B-ISDN integrated network for the provision of multimedia services.- Divide your systems to conquer the market.- trigg&link a new dimension in television program making.- The ATLANTIC news studio: Reference model and field trial.- The design and implementation of a multimedia system for the interactive and time-synchronised analysis of vehicle crash tests.- Resource management for distributed multimedia applications.- A multicast network architecture for large scale Collaborative Virtual Environments.- Consensus making activities in Europe: The example of multimedia in ACTS.- Low cost watermarking based on a human visual model.- Image database indexing and retrieval using the Fractal Transform.- DIANE: A multimedia annotation system.- Connectionless ATM using an ATM switch router.- Engineering aspects of an architecture for non-real-time VBR video services.- Video on Demand distribution over ATM Virtual Private Networks.- An authoring and run-time environment for interactive multimedia services.- Tools for multimedia content creation, manipulation and management: The ACTS perspective.- Interaction with digital broadcast services through a terrestrial return channel.- Dynamic multiplexing for digital TV broadcasting.- The work of ACTS in Interactive Distribution and Transmission: Towards interoperable Interactive Multimedia Services.- User interfaces for interactive TV - A case study with end users.- Use of object articulation and motion estimation for video production.- A multi-site teleconferencing system using V. R. paradigms.- Object encapsulation of multiscale image region representations.- Subjective assessment of a multimedia system for distance learning.- The impact of service competition on navigation.- Copyright protection in video delivery networks by watermarking of pre-compressed video.- A fully configurable secure environment for multimedia applications.- Temporal and interactive relations in a multimedia database system.- Validation of video retrieval systems.- The KYDONIA multimedia information server.- A critique of modern internet protocols: The issue of support for multimedia.- A congestion control scheme for multimedia traffic in packet switching 'best-effort' networks.- User requirements and resource control for cooperative multimedia applications.- Multimedia multicast routing.- Swiss Top Vision, the trial with interactive content.- Consumer interactivity in Cambridge.- Using DAB and GSM to provide interactive multimedia services to portable and mobile terminals.- ISIS Project Demonstration System and Pilot Trials.- An open software architecture for multimedia consumer terminals.- Using an asset model for integration of agents and multimedia to provide an open service architecture.- Definition and implementation of a TINA based terminal architecture.- Integrated multi-media project: A case study in lesson sharing using video-conferencing technology.- Telelearning: New trends in education through global multimedia networks.- The BONAPARTE telemedicine ATM multimedia applications.- InfoCity NRW a phased approach to multimedia.- DIGISAT: A technological solution via satellite for interactive SMATV networks in the DVB environment.- Multimedia service provisioning in the Munich trial of the AMUSE project.- VIDAS workshop on Synthetic Natural Hybrid Coding.

Lessons learned from multimedia field trials in Germany

Abstract: Multimedia applications have been evaluated in multiple field trials for some years. Experience was gained on the application, network services, and technology levels. Lessons learned from multimedia field trials will influence development, rollout and operations of future broadband networks. In this article the results of some multimedia field trials conducted in Germany are analyzed. It includes an overview on multimedia experiments conducted over the past decade. A classification of multimedia applications, services, and platforms is followed by a description of a set of experiments. The trials were carried out for business and residential user groups. The technologies utilized in these tests are described in the respective contexts. Finally, the experiences are summarized and areas that need further study are identified.

User Requirements and Resource Control for Cooperative Multimedia Applications

Abstract: The spread of distributed multimedia applications is setting forth a new set of challenges in the management of host and network resources for guaranteeing Quality of Service (QoS). When the multimedia applications compete for resources as in the case of a cooperative multimedia environment, the management task becomes even more difficult. In this work, we first discuss QoS for multimedia applications. We then present the architectural and implementation details of a Cooperative Multimedia Environment (CME) made up of Cooperative Multimedia Applications (COMMA), one for each user. A COMMA presents a user with a single interface that allows him to invite other users to a cooperative session, select the media services to be used in the session, and specify his Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for the media services throughout the session.

A Transnational IN/B-ISDN Integrated Network for the Provision of Multimedia Services

Abstract: The ATM technology offers the possibility to develop a broadband infrastructure (B-ISDN) which can be conveniently used for the delivery of multimedia services to the customer premises. Key points in exploiting the intrinsic flexibility of ATM are the provision of an adequate signalling system, by which users are assigned on-demand connections, and of a well designed infrastructure for service control, which helps in adding new services at a low cost. This paper deals with the approach considered in the ACTS-INSIGNIA project about the topic of integrating B-ISDN signalling with IN features. An overview of the INSIGNIA project can be found in [ProjDesc].

A flexible and reliable distributed multimedia system for multimedia information superhighways

Abstract: Multimedia applications are being developed and used for many aspects of our lives today. New high-speed, broadband networks have emerged and made the operation of these high-bandwidth requiring applications readily feasible. However, the development of distributed multimedia applications and efficient and reliable operation of these applications are still very difficult. This paper presents a flexible and reliable distributed multimedia system that provides a rich multimedia API and that provides distributed multimedia services which can be used to develop a variety of multimedia applications easily. The system as well as applications running on it are managed and controlled in order to provide a reliable and efficient multimedia operations environment. We validate our claim by developing a number of multimedia applications using our distributed multimedia system and by using them for supporting distributed collaborative research experiments on top of a high-speed, broadband information superhighway.

An ATM-based Demonstration Model for Multimedia Services Using Different Access Networks

Abstract: This paper describes a laboratory demonstrator for the access network which studies Service-on-Demand to the customer. Its transmission is based on ATM and it provides bandwidth-on-demand for multimedia data for the user. Three different platforms for the access network are studied: an HFC solution with 38 Mbit/s per 8-MHz-channel for the CATV network, an HFR solution with 38 Mbit/s per 39-MHz channel for MMDS radio access and an ADSL solution with 6 Mbit/s for the telephone network. The return channel (upstream) uses the same transmission medium as the downstream for the “last mile∝.

Multimedia Meets the Internet: Present and Future

Abstract: Recently maturing technologies for digital multimedia and the Internet exhibit a powerful synergy with the potential to provide a whole range of new applications and tools. Not only do multimedia and Internet technologies offer enhancements to one another, but their combination suggests entirely new communication paradigms. This paper reviews the state of the art in Internet multimedia from the perspectives of the developer, the network administrator, the content provider and the user, and then investigates some of the up-and-coming application areas: participatory publishing, enriched multimedia databases, integration of the WWW with broadcast media, and universal messaging systems. Remaining challenges, such as missing authoring features, multimedia information management, network latency, and browsing issues, are then discussed.

Multimedia features for course-on-demand in distance learning

Abstract: The rapid evolution of communication technologies, contributed by the advanced data networks and the integration of multimedia information processing, has greatly impacted our approach to distance learning. Most existing research work emphasizes the communication aspects of multimedia roles in distance learning [3, 4]. On the other hand, we are initiating a new multimedia research activity which emphasises the development of tools for creating constructive multimedia features for course-on-demand in distance learning. In this research, we investigated the development of a course-on-demand system which allows students to access a multimedia database containing recorded video courses over various mechanisms, such as TCP/IP LANs, PSTN, and ISDN. The system is based on a client-server model. The recorded courses are stored in the server which allows multiple clients to simultaneously access the multimedia database over the networks. Students can access these pre-recorded sequences through Web browsers (e.g., Netscape, Mosaic, and Microsoft Internet Explorer) by clicking on the specific course numbers (e.g., EE440, EE505, etc) or on the specific contents (e.g., Z-transform, FIR Filters, etc). To help course instructors to create this multimedia features we have developed a hyper video editor tool. This tool allows instructor to mark various portions of the class video and create the corresponding hyper links and multimedia features by editing on line forms.

Object-oriented modeling of distributed multimedia services

Abstract: As high-speed, broadband networks replace slower, narrowband networks, multimedia applications are more widely used today than ever before. In this paper, we propose an object-oriented modeling of services in a distributed multimedia system that can support a wide variety of distributed multimedia applications. The distributed multimedia services include naming service, session service, multimedia storage/retrieval service, system and applications management service as well as multimedia communication service. Using the services, one can easily develop, operate and manage multimedia applications. Particularly, our system incorporates management service to multimedia services and applications so that they can be easily monitored and controlled during the operation.

Multimedia networking integrated manufacturing system

Abstract: Broadband multimedia applications over enterprise networks requires appropriate communication protocols and enhanced networking infrastructure to provide sufficient quality of service. Our paper presents an architecture of a communication system for manufacturing multimedia applications. The architecture guarantees quality of service for real-time multimedia applications by simplifying the upper networks layers. It is based on an ATM network interface board and a MMS multimedia application service element which is a multimedia extension of MMS standard.

Support for distributed multimedia services in the TINA architecture

Abstract: TINA (Telecommunications Information Networking Architecture) is a world-wide initiative with the objective of defining an architecture for the future telecommunications infrastructure, which should be able to handle multimedia services. This paper investigates and discusses the concepts currently available in the TINA architecture to model multimedia services. The focus of the paper is targeted towards the support for describing, requiring and setting up the necessary multimedia connections between the parties involved in distributed multimedia services. By means of an example, we illustrate how the TINA modeling concepts can be successfully applied to the description of a multimedia conferencing service scenario.

Architecture of Multimedia Service Interworking for Heterogeneous Multi-Carrier ATM Network

Abstract: In this paper, we propose the concept of middleMEN (middleman for Multimedia service Environment) to provide an infrastructure for building multimedia service interworking platforms that support interactive multimedia applications in distributed heterogeneous network environments. We describe the main techniques developed to achieve the service interworking, and also the functional architecture of middleMEN in heterogeneous ATM network environments.

Towards building manageable multimedia network services

Abstract: The paper addresses the problem of designing and realizing manageable multimedia services We introduce a generic object model which includes a set of cooperating objects that can be customized for a particular service and management requirements These objects define the interaction between the service delivery and the service management systems and cover the aspects of instantiation of a service session, control of a session by the user, and management of sessions by the operator By applying this model to the design of a multicast service, we enable the management system to monitor and control multicast sessions To validate our approach, we have implemented the multicast service and the management functions on a high-performance emulation platform and we are currently porting the service to a broadband testbed Finally, we argue that our model can be used to investigate designs for scalable and efficient systems that make possible to control the cost of management