Intelligent Infrastructure for Accessing Sound and Related Multimedia Objects

Abstract

In recent years, digital sound material becomes more and more available. However, there is still lack of qualitative solutions for access to digital sound archives. Not only that there is no consistency in formats of archived materials with related media often in separate collections, but related metadata are given in non-standard specialist format, incomplete or even erroneous. Hence, the full value of the archived material is hidden from the end user. EASAIER addresses these issues with the development of an innovative remote access system which extends beyond standard content management and retrieval systems. The EASAIER system focuses on sound archives, libraries, museums, broadcast archives, and music schools. However, the tools may be used by anyone interested in accessing archived material; amateur or professional, regardless of the material involved. Furthermore, it enriches the access experience enabling the user to experiment with the materials in exciting new ways. The system features; enhanced cross media retrieval functionality, multi-media synchronization, audio and video processing, analysis and visualization tools, all combined within in a single user configurable interface.