Text 1. INTELLIGENT MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Multimedia computer systems are developing in the broader context of a highly dynamic computing environment. A multimedia computer system is a computer system that can create, import, integrate, store, retrieve, edit, and delete two or more types of media materials in digital form, such as audio, image, full-motion video, and text information. Multimedia computer systems also may have the ability to analyze media materials (e.g., counting the number of occurrences of a word in a text file). A multimedia computer system can be a single- or multiple-user system. As multimedia computer systems evolve, they may become intelligent systems by utilizing expert system technology to assist users in selecting, retrieving, and manipulating multimedia information. The four categories of systems are intended to provide the reader with a conceptual framework for thinking about the emerging area of multimedia computing.

Hypermedia systems typically allow users to create and edit component multimedia nodes and links as well as to import multimedia information from external sources. They may be able to create read-only distribution versions of hypermedia documents. One hypertext system that is of particular interest is the Hypertext Abstract Machine, a generic multi-user hypertext server that can support different hypertext implementations.

Multimedia database systems are analogous to contemporary database systems for textual and numeric data; however, multimedia database systems have been tailored to meet the special requirements of dealing with different types of media materials. Multimedia database systems can create, import, integrate, store, retrieve, edit, and delete multimedia information. They may incorporate some hypermedia capabilities. Multi-user multimedia database systems are likely to perform these functions in a manner that reduces redundant data storage, permits different views of data by users, and provides secure access to data.

Multimedia message systems are extensions of contemporary electronic mail and conference systems which include multimedia data handling capabilities. Multimedia message systems can create, transmit, receive, reply to, forward, save, retrieve, and delete multimedia messages. As part of the message creation and editing processes, multimedia message systems can import different media materials and integrate them. Since multimedia message systems can incorporate sophisticated data handling capabilities, the distinction between this type of system and multimedia database systems can sometimes appear hazy; however, the primary purpose of these two kinds of systems is quite different. Multimedia database systems are optimized for database functions, while multimedia message systems are optimized for communication functions.

Virtual reality systems transform the computing environment by immersing the user in a simulated world, which also can include movement and tactile control. When this is accomplished, the user enters a "virtual reality." Virtual reality systems will permit users to interact with computer systems in a manner that more closely mimics how humans naturally operate in the real world. By putting on specially-designed goggles with earphones, gloves, and a body suit, the user can enter a color, three-dimensional virtual reality that has approximately as much detail as a cartoon. Sounds in the virtual reality are made to have a three-dimensional quality as well. The user can move about in the virtual reality, and handle the objects within it. Autodesk, Inc., the producer of the AutoCAD program, is also developing a virtual reality system, called Cyberspace, which will simulate movement through a color, three-dimensional architectural design and allow users to manipulate virtual objects. (By Charles W. Bailey, Jr.)

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