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Virtual Sample Processing: Extending the Reach of Multimedia

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Abstract

Traditional multimedia systems deal with only a few basic media: text, graphics, audio and video. However, many other types of media, such as ultrasound, infrared and RF signals, can be represented by streams of data samples and processed within multimedia applications. In this paper, we introduce some of these new media domains and identify interesting opportunities enabled by their software-based processing. We also describe our SpectrumWare testbed for experimenting with these new media types and report on our experience to date.

We believe that the time has come to broaden the scope of ‘multimedia’ to include any form of sampled information. Advances in processor and analog-to-digital conversion technology have brought raw sample streams within the grasp of desktop computers and media processing systems. Coupling these new media types with software-based processing allows the construction of virtual devices that can handle different sample sources, modify their behavior based on information extracted from the media, and transform information between media domains.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Software Devices and Systems Group, Laboratory for Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 545 Technology Sq., Cambridge, MA, 02139

    Vanu G. Bose, Andrew G. Chiu & David L. Tennenhouse

Authors
  1. Vanu G. Bose
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  2. Andrew G. Chiu
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  3. David L. Tennenhouse
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Bose, V.G., Chiu, A.G. & Tennenhouse, D.L. Virtual Sample Processing: Extending the Reach of Multimedia. Multimedia Tools and Applications 5, 259–276 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009699608418

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009699608418

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