A framework for supporting quality-based presentation of continuous multimedia streams

Abstract

The authors investigate a framework for supporting the continuous and synchronized presentations of multimedia streams in a distributed multimedia system. They assume a situation in which the server and network transmissions provide sufficient support for the delivery of media objects. In this context, major issues regarding the enforcement of the smooth presentation of multimedia streams at client sites must be addressed. They develop various presentation scheduling algorithms that are adaptable to quality of service parameters. The proposed algorithms permit the local adjustment of unsynchronized presentations by gradually accelerating or retarding presentation components, rather than abruptly skipping or pausing the presentation materials. This framework can be readily used to facilitate various applications, including education and training.