This research line is devoted to different topics around multimedia applications, focusing on the architecture of the multimedia information (mainly multimedia documents) and on applications allowing the distribution, remote handling and management of multimedia information. Co-operative document handling is also considered. These distributed applications are based on many different network environments, like those provided by OSI and Internet. How to apply multimedia document characteristics to the network is another topic.
Two different types of activities are being made:
Standardization work: The group is actively working on the specification of different International Standards through participation in and contribution to ISO/IEC JTC1/SC18, ITU-T SG8, EWOS EG SMMI and ETSI TE2 (some of these Committees are currently under re-organization). The developed standards include ISO/IEC 8613 (ODA; Open Document Architecture), ISO/IEC ISP 15121 (AODs, Interactive Document Manipulation profiles), ISO/IEC ISP 12069 (ADFs, Document Filing and Retrieval profiles), ITU-T T.190 (Co-operative Document Handling - Framework and basic services), etc.
Research and Development projects: The group has participated or is participating in several European R&D projects, mainly in the ESPRIT and ACTS programs, developing telematic applications in the field of distributed multimedia systems.
The work being done can be classified in the following sub-lines:
Multimedia document architectures: It includes the development of specifications and software for the representation of multimedia documents for its interchange in open environments.
Distributed multimedia applications: It includes the development of specifications and software for distributed multimedia applications, such as remote document manipulation, document filing and retrieval, joint synchronous editing, sequential document production, etc.
Electronic mail applications: It includes the development of electronic mail extensions (such as message storage and intelligent mailboxes) and electronic mail based applications (like automatic document translation).
Others: Some members of the group are also working on other related fields.
Researchers: Jaime Delgado (Leader), José J. Acebrón, Juan C. Cruellas, Francisco Jordán, Ramon Martí, José M. Martínez, Ramon Mercé, Antonio Paradell, Xavier Perramon, José Polo.
