topical media & game development
[] readme course(s) preface I 1 2 II 3 4 III 5 6 7 IV 8 9 10 V 11 12 afterthought(s) appendix reference(s) example(s) resource(s) _

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7

information system architecture

effective retrieval requires visual interfaces

learning objectives

After reading this chapter you should be able to dicuss the considerations that play a role in developing a multimedia information system, characterize an abstract multimedia data format, give examples of multimedia content queries, define the notion of virtual resources, and discuss the requirements for networked virtual environments.

From a system development perspective, a multimedia information system may be considered as a multimedia database, providing storage and retrieval facilities for media objects. Yet, rather than a solution this presents us with a problem, since there are many options to provide such storage facilities and equally many to support retrieval.

In this chapter, we will study the architectural issues involved in developing multimedia information systems, and we will introduce the notion of media abstraction to provide for a uniform approach to arbitrary media objects.

Finally, we will discuss the additional problems that networked multimedia confront us with.

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7. information system architecture

concepts


technology


projects & further reading

As a project, you may implement a multi-player game in which you may exchange pictures and videos, for example pictures and videos of celebrities.

Further you may explore the development of a data format for text, images and video with appropriate presentation parameters, including postioning on the screen and intermediate transitions.

For further reading you may study information system architecture patterns, nd explore the technical issues of constructing server based advanced multimedia applications in  [Li and Drew (2004)].

the artwork

  1. examples of dutch design, from  [Betsky (2004)].
  2. idem.
  3. screenshots -- from splinter cell: chaos theory, taken from Veronica/Gammo, a television program about games.
  4. screenshots -- respectively Sekken 5, Sims 2, and Super Monkey Ball, taken from insidegamer.nl.
  5. screenshots -- from Unreal Tournament, see section 7.3.
  6. idem.
  7. idem.
  8. resonance -- exhibition and performances, Montevideo, april 2005.
  9. CHIP -- property diagram connecting users.
  10. signs -- sports,  [ van Rooijen (2003)], p. 274, 275.
Opening this chapter are examples of dutch design, taken from the book False Flat, with the somewhat arrogant subtitle why is dutch design so good?. It is often noted that dutch design is original, functional and free from false traditionalism. Well, judge for yourself.

The screenshots from the various games are included as a preparation for chapter 9, where we discuss realism and immersion in games, and also because multiplayer games like Unreal Tournament have all the functionality a serious application would ever need.

[] readme course(s) preface I 1 2 II 3 4 III 5 6 7 IV 8 9 10 V 11 12 afterthought(s) appendix reference(s) example(s) resource(s) _

(C) Æliens 04/09/2009

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