Predictive prefetch in the Nemesis multimedia information service

ABSTRACT

Critical to the success of future multimedia services is the ability to provide fast access to stored information via communications networks. In the Nemesis project, we focus on application control protocols for delivering stored multimedia to a user. We are exploring adaptive rate control schemes that make use of predictive prefetch of information from remote storage servers as a strategy for coping with short-term network congestion. For users with low-end equipment or slow network connections, these protocols provide a degraded but still useful service. We also provide “better than being there” features such as variable playback rates with intelligible audio, and synchronization and linkage of multiple media.Our first prototype gives access to a multimedia database containing talks given at AT&T, with hypermedia links between video, audio and accompanying documents and viewgraphs. Nemesis provides for on-line archival storage and remote viewing of these presentations by members of AT&T R&D community throughout the world. It is integrated with the NCSA Mosaic navigation system as well as the AT&T LINUS information retrieval system. Our goal is to drive the technology and infrastructure to allow communities and large institutions access to multimedia information anytime and anywhere.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Evaluation/methodology

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design
          Subjects: Network communications

  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.1 Content Analysis and Indexing
          Subjects: Indexing methods
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Audio input/output; Video (e.g., tape, disk, DVI)

General Terms:
Design