[42] | Christian Timmerer, MPEG column: 100th MPEG meeting, In ACM SIGMultimedia Records, ACM, vol. 4, no. 2, New York, NY, USA, pp. 2-3, 2012.
[bib][url] |
[41] | Christian Timmerer, MPEG column: 102nd MPEG meeting, In ACM SIGMultimedia Records, ACM, vol. 4, no. 4, New York, NY, CUSA, pp. 1-2, 2012.
[bib][url] |
[40] | Christian Timmerer, Markus Waltl, Benjamin Rainer, Hermann Hellwagner, Assessing the quality of sensory experience for multimedia presentations, In Signal Processing: Image Communication, Elsevier, vol. 27, no. 8, Amsterdam, Netherlands, pp. 909-916, 2012.
[bib][url] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: This paper introduces the concept of sensory experience by utilizing sensory effects such as wind or lighting as another dimension which contributes to the quality of the user experience. In particular, we utilize a representation format for sensory effects that are attached to traditional multimedia resources such as audio, video, and image contents. Sensory effects (e.g., wind, lighting, explosion, heat, cold) are rendered on special devices (e.g., fans, ambient lights, motion chair, air condition) in synchronization with the traditional multimedia resources and shall stimulate other senses than audition and vision (e.g., mechanoreception, equilibrioception, thermoreception), with the intention to increase the users Quality of Experience (QoE). In particular, the paper provides a comprehensive introduction into the concept of sensory experience, its assessment in terms of the QoE, and related standardization and implementation efforts. Finally, we will highlight open issues and research challenges including future work.
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[39] | Dejan Milojicic, Martin Arlitt, Doree Duncan Seligmann, George Thiruvathukal, Christian Timmerer, Innovation Mashups: Academic Rigor Meets Social Networking Buzz, In Computer, IEEE Computer Society, vol. 45, no. 9, Los Alamitos, CA, USA, pp. 101-105, 2012.
[bib] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: Exploring new options for publishing and content delivery offers an enormous opportunity to improve the state of the art and further modernize academic and professional publications.
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[38] | Tobias Hoßfeld, Raimund Schatz, Martin Varela, Christian Timmerer, Challenges of QoE Management for Cloud Applications, In Communications Magazine, IEEE, IEEE Communications Society, vol. 50, no. 4, New York, NY, USA, pp. 28-36, 2012.
[bib] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: Cloud computing is currently gaining enormous momentum due to a number of promised benefits: ease of use in terms of deployment, administration, and maintenance, along with high scalability and flexibility to create new services. However, as more personal and business applications migrate to the cloud, service quality will become an important differentiator between providers. In particular, quality of experience as perceived by users has the potential to become the guiding paradigm for managing quality in the cloud. In this article, we discuss technical challenges emerging from shifting services to the cloud, as well as how this shift impacts QoE and QoE management. Thereby, a particular focus is on multimedia cloud applications. Together with a novel QoE-based classification scheme of cloud applications, these challenges drive the research agenda on QoE management for cloud applications.
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[37] | Hermann Hellwagner, Heinz Hofbauer, Robert Kuschnig, Thomas Stütz, Andreas Uhl, Secure transport and adaptation of MC-EZBC video utilizing H.264-based transport protocols, In Journal on Signal Processing: Image Communication, Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands, pp. 30, 2011.
[bib] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: Universal Multimedia Access (UMA) calls for solutions where content is created once and subsequently adapted to given requirements. With regard to UMA and scalability, which is required often due to a wide variety of end clients, the best suited codecs are wavelet based (like the MC-EZBC) due to their inherent high number of scaling options. However, most transport technologies for delivering videos to end clients are targeted toward the H.264/AVC standard or, if scalability is required, the H.264/SVC. In this paper we will introduce a mapping of the MC-EZBC bitstream to existing H.264/SVC based streaming and scaling protocols. This enables the use of highly scalable wavelet based codecs on the one hand and the utilization of already existing network technologies without accruing high implementation costs on the other hand. Furthermore, we will evaluate different scaling options in order to choose the best option for given requirements. Additionally, we will evaluate different encryption options based on transport and bitstream encryption for use cases where digital rights management is required.
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[36] | Michael Eberhard, Amit Kumar, Silvano Mignanti, Riccardo Petrocco, Mikko Uitto, A Framework for Distributing Scalable Content over Peer-to-Peer Networks, In International Journal on Advances in Internet Technology, IARIA, vol. 4, no. 1&2, N/A, pp. 1-13, 2011.
[bib] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: Peer-to-Peer systems are nowadays a very popular solution for multimedia distribution, as they provide significant cost benefits compared with traditional server-client distribution. Additionally, the distribution of scalable content enables the consumption of the content in a quality suited for the available bandwidth and the capabilities of the end-user devices. Thus, the distribution of scalable content over Peer-to-Peer network is a very actual research topic. This paper presents a framework for the distribution of scalable content in a fully distributed Peer-to-Peer network. The architectural description includes how the scalable layers of the content are mapped to the pieces distributed in the Peer-to-Peer system and detailed descriptions of the producer- and consumer-site architecture of the system. Additionally, an evaluation of the system’s performance in different scenarios is provided. The test series in the evaluation section assess the performance of our layered piece-picking core and provide a comparison of the performance of our system’s multi layer and single layer implementations. The presented system is to our knowledge the first open-source Peer-to-Peer network with full Scalable Video Coding support.
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[35] | Christian Timmerer, Filippo Chiariglione, Marius Preda, Victor Rodriguez Doncel, Accelerating Media Business Developments with the MPEG Extensible Middleware, In IEEE Multimedia, IEEE, vol. 17, no. 3, Los Alamitos, CA, USA, pp. 74-78, 2010.
[bib][url] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: Editor’s Note: Media applications are becoming increasingly complex. They handle many data formats, run across multiple platforms, and support a wide range of functions. This article describes a standardized set of protocols and APIs that provides efficient access to individual system components, enables rapid deployment of new applications, and improves portability. —Anthony Vetro
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[34] | Christian Timmerer, Johannes Jaborning, Hermann Hellwagner, A Survey on Delivery Context Description Formats - A Comparison and Mapping Model, In Journal of Digital Information Management, Digital Information Research Foundation, vol. 8, no. 1, Chennai, India, pp. 16-27, 2010.
[bib] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: Nowadays, mobile devices have implemented several transmission technologies which enable access to the Internet and increase the bit rate for data exchange. Despite modern mobile processors and high-resolution displays, mobile devices will never reach the stage of a powerful notebook or desktop system (for example, due to the fact of battery powered CPUs or just concerning the small-sized displays). Due to these limitations, the deliverable content for these devices should be adapted based on their capabilities including a variety of aspects (e.g., from terminal to network characteristics). These capabilities should be described in an interoperable way. In practice, however, there are many standards available and a common mapping model between these standards is not in place. Therefore, in this paper we describe such a mapping model and its implementation aspects. In particular, we focus on the whole delivery context (i.e., terminal capabilities, net- work characteristics, user preferences, etc.) and investigated the two most prominent state-of-the-art description schemes, namely User Agent Profile (UAProf) and Usage Environment Description (UED).
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[33] | Tibor Szkaliczki, Michael Eberhard, Hermann Hellwagner, László Szobonya, Piece Selection Algorithm for Layered Video Streaming in P2P Networks, In Electronic Notes in Discrete Mathematics, Elsevier Inc., vol. 36, New York, USA, pp. 1265-1272, 2010, ISCO 2010 - International Symposium on Combinatorial Optimization.
[bib][url] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: This paper introduces the piece selection problem that arises when streaming layered video content over peer-to-peer networks. The piece selection algorithm decides periodically which pieces to request from other peers (network nodes) for download. The main goal of the piece selection algorithm is to provide the best possible quality for the available bandwidth. Our recommended solution approaches are related to the typical problems and solutions in the knapsack problem.
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[32] | Fernando Lopez, Dietmar Jannach, Jose Maria Martínez, Christian Timmerer, Narciso García, Hermann Hellwagner, Bounded non-deterministic planning for multimedia adaptation, In Journal of Applied Intelligence, Springer, Springer New York, pp. 32, 2010.
[bib][url] [doi] [abstract]
Abstract: This paper proposes a novel combination of arti- ficial intelligence planning and other techniques for improv- ing decision-making in the context of multi-step multime- dia content adaptation. In particular, it describes a method that allows decision-making (selecting the adaptation to perform) in situations where third-party pluggable multi- media conversion modules are involved and the multime- dia adaptation planner does not know their exact adapta- tion capabilities. In this approach, the multimedia adapta- tion planner module is only responsible for a part of the required decisions; the pluggable modules make additional decisions based on different criteria. We demonstrate that partial decision-making is not only attainable, but also in- troduces advantages with respect to a system in which these conversion modules are not capable of providing additional decisions. This means that transferring decisions from the multi-step multimedia adaptation planner to the pluggable conversion modules increases the flexibility of the adapta- tion. Moreover, by allowing conversion modules to be only partially described, the range of problems that these modules can address increases, while significantly decreasing both the description length of the adaptation capabilities and the planning decision time. Finally, we specify the conditions under which knowing the partial adaptation capabilities of a set of conversion modules will be enough to compute a proper adaptation plan.
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[31] | Harald Kosch, Christian Timmerer, Multimedia Metadata and Semantic Management, In IEEE Computing Now, IEEE, vol. Multimedia Metadata and Semantic Management, no. December 2009, Los Alamitos, CA, USA, pp. 00, 2009.
[bib] |
[30] | Hermann Hellwagner, Robert Kuschnig, Thomas Stütz, Andreas Uhl, Efficient In-Network Adaptation of Encrypted H.264/SVC Content, In Journal on Signal Processing: Image Communication, Elsevier B.V., vol. 24, no. 9, Amsterdam, pp. 740-758, 2009.
[bib] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: This paper addresses the efficient adaptation of encrypted scalable video content (H.264/SVC). RTP-based in-network adaptation schemes on a media aware network element (MANE) in an IPTV and VoD scenario are considered. Two basic alternatives to implement encryption and adaptation of H.264/SVC content are investigated: (i) full, format-independent encryption making use of Secure RTP (SRTP); (ii) SVC-specific encryption that leaves the metadata relevant for adaptation (NAL unit headers) unencrypted. The SRTP-based scheme (i) is straightforward to deploy, but requires the MANE to be in the security context of the delivery, i.e., to be a trusted node. For adaptation, the content needs to be decrypted, scaled, and re-encrypted. The SVC-specific approach (ii) enables both full and selective encryption, e.g., of the base layer only. SVC-specific encryption is based on own previous work, which is substantially extended and detailed in this paper. The adaptation MANE can now be an untrusted node; adaptation becomes a low-complexity process, avoiding full decryption and re-encryption of the content. This paper presents the first experimental comparison of these two approaches and evaluates whether multimedia-specific encryption can lead to performance and application benefits. Potential security threats and security properties of the two approaches in the IPTV and VoD scenario are elementarily analyzed. In terms of runtime performance on the MANE our SVC-specific encryption scheme significantly outperforms the SRTP-based approach. SVC-specific encryption is also superior in terms of induced end-to-end delays. The performance can even be improved by selective application of the SVC-specific encryption scheme. The results indicate that efficient adaptation of SVC-encrypted content on low-end, untrusted network devices is feasible.
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[29] | Michael Eberhard, Christian Timmerer, Emanuele Quacchio, Hermann Hellwagner, An Interoperable Delivery Framework for Scalable Media Resources, In IEEE Wireless Communications, IEEE, vol. Oktober 2009, no. Vol. 16, No. 5, Los Alamitos, CA, USA, pp. 58-63, 2009.
[bib] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: In this paper, an interoperable framework for the delivery of scalable media resources, e.g., in the standardized Scalable Video Coding (SVC) format, is presented. The framework provides support for Video on Demand (VoD) as well as multicast streaming and performs an efficient, generic, and interoperable adaptation of the streamed content based on MPEG-21 Digital Item Adaptation (DIA). The server as well as the clients of the streaming framework implement the MPEG Extensible Middleware (MXM) and utilize the MPEG Query Format (MPQF) for querying the available media resources. The framework has been fully integrated into the VLC media player. The architecture for both, VoD and multicast is presented in detail. Finally, a comparison in terms of performance of the generic MPEG-21 metadata-based adaptation approach to an SVC-specific adaptation approach is provided.
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[28] | Roland Tusch, Michael Jakab, Julius Köpke, Armin Krätschmer, Michael Kropfberger, Sigrid Kuchler, Michael Ofner, Hermann Hellwagner, Laszlo Böszörmenyi, Context-Aware UPnP-AV Services for Adaptive Home Multimedia Systems, In International Journal of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, vol. Vol. 2008, Cairo, pp. 12, 2008.
[bib][url] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: One possibility to provide mobile multimedia in domestic multimedia systems is the use of Universal Plug and Play Audio Visual (UPnP-AV) devices. In a standard UPnP-AV scenario, multimedia content provided by a Media Server device is streamed to Media Renderer devices by the initiation of a Control Point. However, there is no provisioning of context-aware multimedia content customization. This paper presents an enhancement of standard UPnP-AV services for home multimedia environments regarding context awareness. It comes up with context profile definitions, shows how this context information can be queried from the Media Renderers, and illustrates how a Control Point can use this information to tailor a media stream from the Media Server to one or more Media Renderers. Moreover, since a standard Control Point implementation only queries one Media Server at a time, there is no global view on the content of all Media Servers in the UPnP-AV network. This paper also presents an approach of multimedia content integration on the Media Server side that provides fast search for content on the network. Finally, a number of performance measurements show the overhead costs of our enhancements to UPnP-AV in order to achieve the benefits.
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[27] | Christian Timmerer, Hermann Hellwagner, Das MPEG-21 Multimedia Framework, In Informatik Spektrum, Springer, vol. 31, no. 6, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, pp. 576-579, 2008.
[bib] |
[26] | Mamadou Sidibe, Harilaos Koumaras, Ingo Kofler, Ahmed Mehaoua, Anastasios Kourtis, Christian Timmerer, A novel monitoring architecture for media services adaptation based on network QoS to perceived QoS mapping, In Journal on Signal, Image and Video Processing, Springer, vol. 2, no. 4, London, United Kingdom, pp. 307-320, 2008.
[bib] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: One of the future visions of multimedia networking is the provision of multimedia content at a variety of quality and price levels. Of the many approaches to this issue, one of the most predominant techniques is the concept of Perceived Quality of Service (PQoS), which extends the traditional engineering-based QoS concept to the perceptual satisfaction that the user receives from the reception of multimedia content. In this context, PQoS monitoring is becoming crucial to media service providers (SPs) for providing not only quantified PQoS-based services, but also service assurance based on multimedia content adaptation across heterogeneous networks. This work proposes a novel cross-layer monitoring architecture that utilizes a new Network QoS (NQoS) to PQoS mapping framework at the application level. The resulting QoS monitoring should allow the content delivery system to take sophisticated actions for real time media content adaptation, and aims to provide perceived service performance verification with respect to the QoS guarantees that have been specified in contractual agreements between providers and end-users. A subsequent performance evaluation of the proposed model conducted using a real test-bed environment demonstrates both the accuracy and feasibility of the network level measurements, the NQoS to PQoS mapping and the overall feasibility of the proposed end-to-end monitoring solution.
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[25] | Bernhard Reiterer, Cyril Concolato, Janine Lachner, Jean Le Feuvre, Jean-Claude Moissinac, Stefano Lenzi, Stefano Chessa, Enrique Fernández Ferrá, Juan José González Menaya, Hermann Hellwagner, User-centric universal multimedia access in home networks, In The Visual Computer, International Journal of Computer Graphics, Springer, vol. 24, no. 7-9, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, pp. 837-845, 2008.
[bib][url] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: Much research is currently being conducted towards Universal Multimedia Access, aiming at removing barriers that arise when multimedia content is to be consumed with more and more heterogeneous devices and over diverse networks. We argue that users should be put at the center of the research work to enable user-centric multimedia access. In this paper we present the requirements for a user-centric multimedia access system in a networked home environment. These requirements are easy access to available content repositories, context awareness, content adaptation and session migration. After showing the limits of state-of-the-art technologies, we present the architecture of a system which allows unified access to the home network content, automatically delivered to rendering devices close to the user, adapted according to the rendering device constraints, and which is also capable of session mobility.
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[24] | Phivos Mylonas, Hermann Hellwagner, Pablo Castells, Manolis Wallace, Signal, image and video processing (SIVP) special issue on “multimedia semantics, adaptation and personalization” Editorial, In Signal, Image and Video Processing, Springer, vol. 2/2008, no. 4, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, pp. 287-288, 2008.
[bib][url] |
[23] | Robert Kuschnig, Ingo Kofler, Michael Ransburg, Hermann Hellwagner, Design options and comparison of in-network H.264/SVC adaptation, In Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation, Elsevier B.V., vol. 19, no. 8, Amsterdam, pp. 529-542, 2008.
[bib] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: This paper explores design options and evaluates implementations of in-network, RTP/RTSP based adaptation MANEs (Media Aware Network Elements) for H.264/SVC content streaming. The obvious technique to be employed by such an adaptation MANE is to perform SVC specific bitstream extraction or truncation. Another mechanism that can be used is description (metadata) driven, coding format independent adaptation based on generic Bitstream Syntax Descriptions (gBSD), as specified within MPEG-21 Digital Item Adaptation (DIA). Adaptation MANE architectures for both approaches are developed and presented, implemented in end-to-end streaming/adaptation prototype systems, and experimentally evaluated and compared. For the gBSD based solution, open issues like the granularity of bitstream descriptions and of bitstream adaptation, metadata overhead, metadata packetization and transport options, and error resilience in case of metadata losses, are addressed. The experimental results indicate that a simple SVC specific adaptation MANE does clearly outperform the gBSD based adaptation variants. Yet, the conceptual advantages of the description driven approach, like coding format independence and flexibility, may outweigh the performance drawbacks in specific applications.
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[22] | Ingo Kofler, Joachim Seidl, Christian Timmerer, Hermann Hellwagner, Toufik Ahmed, Using MPEG-21 for Cross-layer Multimedia Content Adaptation, In Journal on Signal, Image and Video Processing, Springer, vol. 2, no. 4, London, United Kingdom, pp. 355-370, 2008.
[bib] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: This paper presents a cross-layer model—formulated using interoperable description formats—for the adaptation of scalable H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (i.e., SVC) content in a video streaming system operating on aWireless LANaccess network without QoS mechanisms.SVCcontent adaptation on the server takes place on the application layer using an adaptation process compliant with the MPEG-21 Digital Item Adaptation (DIA) standard, based on input comprised of MPEG-21 DIA descriptions of content and usage environment parameters. The latter descriptions integrate information from different layers, e.g., device characteristics and packet loss rate, in an attempt to increase the interoperability of this cross-layer model, thus making it applicable to other models. For the sake of deriving model parameters, performance measurements from two wireless access point models were taken in account. Throughout the investigation it emerged that the behavior of the system strongly depends on the access point. Therefore, we investigated the use of end-to-end-based rate control algorithms for steering the content adaptation. Simulations of rate adaptation algorithms were subsequently performed, leading to the conclusion that a TFRC-based adaptation technique (TCP-Friendly Rate Control) performs quite well in adapting to limited bandwidth and varying network conditions. In the paper we demonstrate howTFRC-based content adaptation can be realized using MPEG-21 tools.
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[21] | Martin Prangl, Tibor Szkaliczki, Hermann Hellwagner, A Framework for Utility-Based Multimedia Adaptation, In IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, IEEE, vol. 17/2007, no. 6, Los Alamitos, CA, USA, pp. 719-728, 2007.
[bib] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: Content adaptation is an important issue of multimedia frameworks in order to achieve universal multimedia access (UMA), i.e., to enable consumption of multimedia content independently of the given resource limitations, terminal capabilities, and user preferences. The digital item adaptation (DIA) standard, one of the core specifications of the MPEG-21 framework, supports content adaptation considering a wide range of networks, devices, and user preferences. Most adaptive multimedia frameworks targeting the UMA vision do not consider utility aspects in their adaptation decisions. This paper focuses on a generic semantic-based audio–visual utility model for DIA that aims to enhance the multimedia experience for the user. Our proposed model is able to take the semantics and the perceptual features of the content as well as the users' specific utility aspects into account. Based on a detailed analysis of these constraints, we will show how the model reacts on individual input data. For choosing the best adaptation decision considering resource limitations on client and server sides as well as network characteristics, we evaluate four algorithms for performing this adaptation decision taking task. We will discuss results according to some use case scenarios.
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[20] | Laszlo Böszörmenyi, Hermann Hellwagner, Peter Schojer, Metadata-driven optimal transcoding in a multimedia proxy, In Multimedia Systems, Springer, vol. Vol. 13, no. Issue 1, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, pp. 51-68, 2007.
[bib] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: An adaptive multimedia proxy is presented which provides (1) caching, (2) filtering, and (3) media gateway functionalities. The proxy can perform media adaptation on its own, either relying on layered coding or using transcoding mainly in the decompressed domain. A cost model is presented which incorporates user requirements, terminal capabilities, and video variations in one formula. Based on this model, the proxy acts as a general broker of different user requirements and of different video variations. This is a first step towards What You Need is What YouGet (WYNIWYG) video services, which deliver videos to users in exactly the quality they need and are willing to pay for. The MPEG-7 and MPEG-21 standards enable this in an interoperable way. A detailed evaluation based on a series of simulation runs is provided.
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[19] | Dietmar Jannach, Klaus Leopold, Christian Timmerer, Hermann Hellwagner, A Knowledge-Based Framework For Multimedia Adaptation, In Applied Intelligence - Special Issue: Innovations in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Springer, vol. Vol. 24, no. No. 2, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, pp. 109-125, 2006.
[bib][url] [abstract]
Abstract: Abstract Personalized delivery of multimedia content over the Internet opens new business perspectives for future multimedia applications and thus plays an important role in the ongoing MPEG-7 and MPEG-21 multimedia standardization efforts. Based on these standards, next-generation multimedia services will be able to automatically prepare the digital content before delivery according to the client’s device capabilities, the network conditions, or even the user’s content preferences. However, these services will have to deal with a variety of different end user devices, media formats, as well as with additional metadata when adapting the original media resources. In parallel, an increasing number of commercial or open-source media transformation tools will be available, capable of exploiting such descriptive metadata or dealing with new media formats; thus it is not realistic that a single tool will support all possible transformations. In this paper, we present a novel, fully knowledge-based approach for building such multimedia adaptation services, addressing the above mentioned issues of openness, extensibility, and concordance with existing and upcoming standards. In our approach, the original media is transformed in multiple adaptation steps performed by an extensible set of external tools, where the construction of adequate adaptation sequences is solved in an Artificial Intelligence planning process. The interoperability issue is addressed by exploiting standardized Semantic Web Services technology. This technology allows us to express tool capabilities and execution semantics in a declarative and well-defined form. In this context, existing multimedia standards serve as a shared domain ontology. The presented approach was implemented and successfully evaluated in an official ISO/IEC MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) Core Experiment and is currently under further evaluation by the standardization body.
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[18] | Robbie De Sutter, Sam Lerouge, Peter De Neve, Christian Timmerer, Hermann Hellwagner, Rik Van de Walle, Comparison of XML serializations: cost benefits versus complexity, In Multimedia Systems, Springer, vol. Vol. 12, no. Nr. 2, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, pp. 101-115, 2006.
[bib] [doi] [pdf] [abstract]
Abstract: More and more data are structured, stored, and sent over a networ using the Extensible Markup Language (XML) language. There are, however, concerns about the verbosity of XML in such a way that it may restrain further adoption of the language, especially when exchanging XML-based data over heterogeneous networks, and when it is used within constrained (mobile) devices. Therefore, alternative (binary) serialization formats of the XML data become relevant in order to reduce this overhead. However, using binary-encoded XML should not introduce interoperability issues with existing applications nor add additional complexity to new applications. On top of that, it should have a clear cost reduction over the current plain-text serialization format. A first technology is developed within the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group, namely the Binary MPEG Format for XML. It provides good compression efficiency, ability to (partially) update existingXMLtrees, and facilitates random access into, and manipulation of, the binary-encoded bit stream. Another technique is based on the Abstract Syntax Notation One specification with the Packed Encoding Rules created by the ITU-T. This paper evaluates both techniques as alternative XML serialization formats and introduces a solution for the interoperability concerns. This solution and the alternative serialization formats are validated against two real-life use cases in terms of processing speed and cost reduction. The efficiency of the alternative serialization formats are compared to a classic plain text compression technique, in particular ZIP compression.
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