Prototyping “Intelligent” applications for interactive multimedia systems

Abstract

The termmultimedia refers to the combined use of different media of communication, and originally belonged primarily to the fields of entertainment and education. Advances in computer, audio, and video technology have now brought multimedia possibilities to the individual. Further, they give the user control over what happens. Suchinteractive multimedia systems offer the user personal access to large amounts of information, including pictures, graphics, video, text, and audio. The potential range of applications is very broad, from simple interactions where the user will merely make occasional choices and then sit back and view sections of program material, to more purposeful interactions where the application can help the user to achieve a goal. This article describes research onknowledge-based interactive multimedia systems. Targeted on the new Compact Disc Interactive format, we have protyped an advisor which will help the user to tackle a typical domestic task. The necessary decision-making process can be enlivened by multimedia interaction, and placed on solid ground by the inclusion of expert advice.