Implementing Multiplexing, Streaming and Server Interaction for MPEG-4

Abstract — We describe the implementation of a streaming client–server system for object-based audio-visual presentations in general and MPEG-4 content in particular. The system augments the MPEG-4 demonstration software implementation (IM1) for PC’s by adding network-based operation with full support for the Delivery Multimedia Integration Framework (DMIF) specification, a streaming PC-based server with DMIF support (via Xbind Inc.’s XDMIF suite), and multiplexing software. We describe XDMIF, the first reference implementation of the DMIF specification. The MPEG-4 server is designed for delivering object-based audio-visual presentation. We discuss the issues in the design and implementation of MPEG-4 servers. The system also implements a novel architecture for client–server interaction in object-based audio-visual presentations, using the mechanism of command routes and command descriptors. This new concept of command routes and command descriptors is useful in developing sophisticated interactive applications. Index Terms — Delivery Multimedia Integration Framework (DMIF), interactive presentations, MPEG-4, multimedia delivery, multiplexing. I