Department of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

CMEN 503 ASSIGNMENTS

(1) Describe the concept of multimedia differential coding and how it differs from
other compression techniques
ANSWER
Multimedia differential coding, also known as delta modulation, is a compression technique used
in multimedia data encoding to reduce the amount of data required for transmission or storage
while preserving essential information.

Differential coding works by encoding the difference between consecutive samples of a signal
rather than the absolute values of the samples. Instead of transmitting the actual sample values,
only the differences (or deltas) between successive samples are transmitted or stored.

Differences from Other Compression Techniques

Lossy vs. Lossless: Multimedia differential coding can be either lossy or lossless depending on
the quantization process used. Lossy compression sacrifices some signal fidelity to achieve
higher compression ratios, while lossless compression preserves all signal details.

Predictive Coding: Multimedia differential coding is a type of predictive coding, where the
prediction of future samples is based on past samples. Unlike transform-based compression
techniques such as JPEG or MP3, which use mathematical transforms to represent signal
components in a more compact form, differential coding directly encodes the temporal changes
in the signal.

Sensitivity to Prediction Errors: Differential coding is sensitive to errors in the prediction

mechanism. If the prediction is inaccurate, the errors can accumulate over time, leading to signal
degradation and loss of quality. This sensitivity necessitates careful design and optimization of
the prediction algorithms to achieve efficient compression without significant degradation.

Suitability for Temporal Data: Differential coding is well-suited for signals with temporal
correlation, such as audio and video signals, where successive samples are often correlated. By
exploiting this temporal correlation, multimedia differential coding can achieve significant
compression ratios while preserving perceptual quality.

It also differs from other compression techniques such as transform-based compression by

directly encoding temporal changes in the signal and by its sensitivity to prediction errors.
Differential coding is particularly suitable for compressing temporal data with high temporal
correlation, such as audio and video signals
(2) Explain the following multimedia system characteristics:

i. Multi system is computer control

ii. Multimedia systems are integrated

iii. Multimedia system handles information digitally

iv. Multimedia systems presentation interface in interaction

ANSWER

i. Multimedia System is Computer-Controlled:

- In a computer-controlled multimedia system, a computer or computing device serves as the

central control unit for managing various multimedia components and functions.

- The computer controls the input, processing, storage, and output of multimedia data, such as
text, images, audio, video, and animations.

- Through software applications and user interfaces, users interact with the computer to access,
create, manipulate, and present multimedia content.

ii. Multimedia Systems are Integrated:

- Integrated multimedia systems combine different types of multimedia elements, such as text,
graphics, audio, video, and animations, into a cohesive and interactive environment.

- These systems seamlessly integrate various media formats and functionalities to provide a
unified user experience.

- Integration enables users to access and interact with multiple types of media simultaneously
or sequentially, enhancing the richness and effectiveness of multimedia presentations and
applications.

iii. Multimedia System Handles Information Digitally:

- Multimedia systems process, store, and transmit multimedia information in digital format,
which consists of discrete binary data.

- Digital representation enables efficient encoding, manipulation, and transmission of

multimedia content using digital signal processing techniques.
 - Digital multimedia offers advantages such as higher fidelity, flexibility, scalability, and
compatibility compared to analog media formats.

iv. Multimedia Systems Provide Presentation Interface and Interaction:

- Multimedia systems offer user-friendly presentation interfaces that allow users to interact
with multimedia content.

- These interfaces may include graphical user interfaces (GUIs), touchscreens, voice
commands, motion sensors, and other input/output devices.

- Users can interact with multimedia content through navigation controls, menus, buttons,
hyperlinks, forms, and interactive elements embedded within multimedia presentations.

- Interaction features enable users to navigate, manipulate, annotate, and customize multimedia
content according to their preferences and requirements.

(3) Write short notes with example each on the following:

i. Hypermedia

ii. Hypertext
ANSWER

i. Hypermedia:

Hypermedia refers to multimedia content that includes hyperlinks, allowing users to navigate
between different pieces of content in a non-linear manner. Hypermedia extends the concept of
hypertext by incorporating various media types such as text, images, audio, video, and
animations, interconnected through hyperlinks.

Example: A web page with embedded hyperlinks to other web pages, images, videos, and
documents is an example of hypermedia. Users can click on hyperlinks within the web page to
navigate to related content, enhancing the interactivity and richness of the browsing experience.

ii. Hypertext:

Hypertext refers to text content that contains hyperlinks, allowing users to navigate between
different sections of a document or between different documents. Hypertext enables non-linear
navigation, where users can jump from one piece of information to another by clicking on
hyperlinks embedded within the text.

Example An online encyclopedia article containing hyperlinks to related topics is an example of

hypertext. Users can click on hyperlinks within the article to access additional information or
related articles, providing a richer and more interactive reading experience compared to
traditional linear text.

(4) Discuss in details the following multimedia types and classifications:

i. Audio (mp3, WAV, AIFF)

ii. Video (MPEG, SVI, mp4)

iii. Graphics (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF)

iv. Text (HTML, TXT, RTF)

ANSWER

i. Audio:

Audio multimedia consists of sound or music recordings. It encompasses various formats for
storing and encoding audio data. Here are some common classifications and examples:

- MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III): MP3 is a widely used audio compression format that reduces
the size of audio files without significantly sacrificing quality. It is popular for music distribution
and playback on various devices and platforms.

- WAV (Waveform Audio Format): WAV is an uncompressed audio format commonly used
for high-quality audio recording and playback. It preserves the original sound quality but results
in larger file sizes compared to compressed formats like MP3.

- AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format): AIFF is a lossless audio format developed by Apple
Inc. It is widely used for storing high-quality audio recordings and is compatible with Apple's
macOS and iOS platforms.

ii. Video:

Video multimedia consists of moving images accompanied by audio. Various video formats
are used for storing and encoding video data. Here are some common classifications and
examples:
 - MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group): MPEG is a family of video compression formats
developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group. Examples include MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and
MPEG-4, each offering different levels of compression and quality.

- AVI (Audio Video Interleave): AVI is a multimedia container format developed by

Microsoft. It can contain both audio and video data encoded with various codecs, making it a
versatile format for video playback on Windows-based systems.

- MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14): MP4 is a widely used video container format that supports both
audio and video data. It is highly versatile and compatible with a wide range of devices and
platforms, making it a popular choice for online video streaming and distribution.

iii. Graphics:

Graphics multimedia consists of static or dynamic visual images. Various image formats are
used for storing and encoding graphics data. Here are some common classifications and
examples:

- JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): JPEG is a popular image compression format
commonly used for digital photography and web graphics. It offers adjustable compression
levels, allowing users to balance image quality and file size.

- PNG (Portable Network Graphics): PNG is a lossless image compression format suitable for
web graphics and digital images with transparency. It supports alpha channel transparency,
making it ideal for logos, icons, and images with complex transparency effects.

- TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): TIFF is a versatile image format used for storing high-
quality raster graphics. It supports various color depths, resolutions, and compression options,
making it suitable for professional photography, printing, and archiving.

- GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): GIF is a widely used image format for simple animations
and web graphics. It supports animation, transparency, and a limited color palette, making it
suitable for small animations, icons, and emojis.

iv. Text:

Text multimedia consists of written or textual content. Various text formats are used for storing
and encoding text data. Here are some common classifications and examples:
 - HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): HTML is a markup language used for creating web
pages and structuring textual content. It defines the structure, layout, and presentation of web
documents using tags and attributes.

- TXT (Plain Text): TXT is a simple text format that stores unformatted textual data without
any styling or markup. It is widely supported by text editors and is commonly used for storing
notes, scripts, and configuration files.

- RTF (Rich Text Format): RTF is a document format that supports text formatting, such as
font styles, colors, and sizes, as well as images and multimedia objects. It is commonly used for
creating rich-text documents compatible with various word processing applications.

These multimedia types and classifications encompass a wide range of formats used for storing
and encoding different types of multimedia content, including audio, video, graphics, and text.
Each format offers different features, capabilities, and characteristics, making them suitable for
various applications and use cases.

(5) Explain the advantages of packet switching over circuit switching in real
time communication scenario
ANSWER

Packet switching offers several advantages over circuit switching in real-time communication
scenarios:

1. Efficient Resource Utilization: Packet switching allows for more efficient use of network
resources compared to circuit switching. In packet switching, network bandwidth is dynamically
allocated on-demand, and resources are shared among multiple users and connections. This
dynamic allocation enables better utilization of available bandwidth, especially during periods of
varying traffic loads.

2. Flexibility and Scalability: Packet switching networks are inherently more flexible and
scalable than circuit-switched networks. New connections can be established and torn down
dynamically without requiring dedicated resources for the duration of the communication
session. This flexibility allows packet-switched networks to accommodate a larger number of
users and connections, making them well-suited for real-time communication scenarios with
varying traffic patterns and demands.

3. Resilience to Network Failures: Packet switching networks are more resilient to network
failures compared to circuit-switched networks. In packet switching, data is divided into smaller
packets that can be routed independently through the network. If a link or node fails, packets can
be rerouted along alternative paths, minimizing disruption to ongoing communication sessions.
This resilience to failures enhances the reliability and availability of real-time communication
services.

4. Support for Variable Bit Rate Traffic: Real-time communication applications, such as voice
and video streaming, often generate variable bit rate traffic, where the data rate fluctuates over
time. Packet switching networks are well-suited for handling variable bit rate traffic, as they can
dynamically adjust the allocation of network resources based on the changing traffic conditions.
This dynamic resource allocation ensures consistent quality of service for real-time applications,
even during periods of peak demand.

5. Cost-Effectiveness: Packet switching is generally more cost-effective than circuit switching,

particularly for real-time communication scenarios with intermittent or bursty traffic. With
packet switching, network resources are only consumed when data is actively being transmitted,
allowing for more efficient use of infrastructure resources and reduced operational costs.

Overall, packet switching offers significant advantages over circuit switching in real-time
communication scenarios, including efficient resource utilization, flexibility, scalability,
resilience to network failures, support for variable bit rate traffic, and cost-effectiveness. These
advantages make packet switching the preferred choice for supporting real-time communication
services in modern telecommunications networks.

(6) Discuss page/card based authoring tools in multimedia systems

ANSWER

Page or card-based authoring tools in multimedia systems are software applications or platforms
that allow users to create interactive multimedia content structured in a page or card format.
These tools provide a user-friendly interface for designing and organizing multimedia elements
such as text, images, videos, audio, and interactive elements into individual pages or cards.
Here's a discussion of page/card-based authoring tools in multimedia systems:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Page/card-based authoring tools typically feature a drag-and-drop

interface that enables users to easily arrange and customize multimedia elements on each page
or card. Users can intuitively add, edit, and delete content elements without requiring advanced
technical skills.

2. Structured Content Organization: These tools facilitate the organization of multimedia

content into a structured format, such as a sequence of pages or cards. Users can create linear or
non-linear multimedia presentations by arranging pages/cards in a logical order or hierarchy.

3. Interactivity and Navigation: Page/card-based authoring tools allow users to add interactive
elements such as buttons, links, navigation controls, and multimedia playback controls to
enhance user engagement and interactivity. Users can define navigation paths and interactions
between pages/cards to create interactive multimedia experiences.

4. Template-Based Design: Many page/card-based authoring tools offer pre-designed

templates and themes that users can customize to create visually appealing multimedia content
quickly. Templates provide a starting point for designing pages/cards with consistent layouts,
styles, and branding elements.

5. Responsive Design: Modern page/card-based authoring tools often support responsive

design principles, allowing users to create multimedia content that adapts to different screen
sizes and devices. This ensures optimal viewing experiences across desktops, laptops, tablets,
and smartphones.

6. Collaboration and Sharing: Some page/card-based authoring tools offer collaboration

features that enable multiple users to collaborate on the creation and editing of multimedia
content in real-time. Users can share their projects with others for review, feedback, and
collaboration.

7. Integration with Multimedia Assets: Page/card-based authoring tools typically support the
import and integration of various multimedia assets, including images, videos, audio files, and
interactive components. Users can easily incorporate multimedia content from external sources
or multimedia libraries into their projects.

8. Export and Publishing Options: Once multimedia content is created, users can export their
projects in various formats suitable for different distribution channels. Page/card-based
authoring tools often provide options to publish multimedia content online, share it via social
media, or export it for offline distribution.

Examples of popular page/card-based authoring tools in multimedia systems include Adobe

Spark, Canva, Microsoft Sway, and Google Slides. These tools empower users to create
engaging multimedia presentations, interactive e-learning courses, digital storytelling projects,
and more, without requiring extensive technical expertise.

Note: This assignment is to be submitted on 19th March, 2024