The main objectives of the proposed research are: (1) to develop an integrated multimedia computing environment that supports efficient mechanisms for storage, transmission, and presentation of information in multiple forms (e.g., video, audio, images, text, and numeric data); and (2) to utilize it to develop innovative methods for delivering education. To achieve these objectives, the proposed research promises to develop an end-to-end architecture consisting of: (i) a multimedia file system that supports efficient means for storage and retrieval of multi-resolution multimedia objects, (ii) network algorithms and protocols for efficient transmission of multimedia objects over networks, and (iii) processor scheduling mechanisms as well as transport and higher layer protocols that support efficient processing and streaming of data at the end-station. The end-to-end system architecture thus created will form the basis for: (a) creating a digital repository of educational material containing video-lectures, notes, presentation slides, simulation packages, animation, images, etc., on several inter-disciplinary topics, and (b) providing efficient methods for organizing and browsing through the information space. In addition to being a realistic testbed for evaluating the end-to-end system architecture, this digital library prototype will provide an excellent environment for evaluating the effectiveness of various methods of distance learning and self-paced education. The findings of this research will significantly impact the design of large-scale digital libraries and distance learning tools of the future. ***
