Abstract: Image retrieval currently relies heavily on metadata and present search engines do not exploit spatial relations between images. Therefore searching for images of a certain location manually is a time consuming task. Typically there are pair wise spatial relations in an unsorted set of photos taken at the same location from different angles and different viewpoints. By identifying and indexing spatial relations of different photos an image search engine can provide additional results based on these relationships. This paper presents a novel approach to identify pair wise spatial relations between images and a method to index and search through the identified spatial relations. We further describe an application, which implements this robust and surprisingly simple technique.

Abstract: The distribution of audio-visual content over the Internet has become very popular in recent years. However, due to the bandwidth requirements of videos in high definition, a costefficient distribution is desirable. In this paper we present a low-cost consumer electronics set-top box for streaming live video content using cost-efficient P2P networks. The main features of the set-top box include content discovery, highquality playback, easy user management, and social interaction.

Abstract: The distribution of audio-visual content over the Internet has become very popular in recent years. However, due to the bandwidth requirements of videos in high definition, a costefficient distribution is desirable. In this paper we present a low-cost consumer electronics set-top box for streaming live video content using cost-efficient P2P networks. The main features of the set-top box include content discovery, highquality playback, easy user management, and social interaction.

Abstract: This paper introduces a scalable approach for efficient, low-cost multi-level Quality of Service (QoS) estimation in large overlay networks (ON). We modify an existing distributed partitioning algorithm [1], and use it to create ”QoS maps”. QoS maps empower applications to quickly predict several QoS metrics for any given route, and to obtain multiple alternative routes to any target node in the ON. We show that our modifications of the partitioning algorithm permit the aggregation of large hubs, but still preserve the sublinear runtime of the original heuristic. Simulations with large ONs are performed to evaluate the proposed approach and demonstrate its scalability. Finally, we outline our estimation algorithm that we use to predict QoS and perform QoS aware routing in any given ON.

Abstract: This work presents a new dimension for Quality of Experience (QoE), i.e., sensory information. Sensory information enhances the user experience by providing additional so-called sensory effects (e.g., wind, light, vibration) which are rendered together with multimedia content. Furthermore, the work describes two subjective quality assessments conducted in this area including their results.

Abstract: More and more content in various formats become available via the World Wide Web (WWW). Currently available Web browsers are able to access and interpret these contents (i.e., Web videos, text, image, and audio). These contents stimulate only senses like audition or vision. Recently, it has been proposed to stimulate also other senses while consuming multimedia content through so-called sensory effects. These sensory effects aim to enhance the ambient experience by providing effects, such as, light, wind, vibration, etc. The effects are represented as Sensory Effect Metadata (SEM) which is associated to multimedia content and is rendered on devices like fans, vibration chairs, or lamps. In this paper we present a plug-in for the Mozilla Firefox browser which is able to render such sensory effects that are provided via the WWW. Furthermore, the paper describes two user studies conducted with the plug-in and presents the results achieved.

Abstract: More and more multimedia content is becoming available via the World Wide Web (WWW). These contents stimulate only senses like hearing or vision. Recently, it has been proposed to stimulate also other senses while consuming multimedia content, through so-called sensory effects. These sensory effects aim at enhancing the user’s viewing experience by providing effects such as light, wind, vibration, etc. These effects are represented as Sensory Effect Metadata (SEM) which is associated to multimedia content and is rendered on devices like fans, lamps, or vibration chairs. In this paper, we present a plug-in for Web browsers which is able to render such sensory effects provided via Web content, and we describe a demonstrator that uses this plug-in to control an amBX system.

Abstract: The distribution of audio-visual content over the Internet has become very popular in recent years. However, due to the bandwidth requirements of videos in high definition, a costefficient distribution is desirable. In this paper we present a low-cost consumer electronics set-top box for streaming live video content using cost-efficient P2P networks. The main features of the set-top box include content discovery, highquality playback, easy user management, and social interaction.