HyperActive : an automated tool for creating hyperlinked video

Abstract

There are currently strong motivations within the field of multimedia research to develop systems that can associate information with objects in video and allow users to access this information by selecting the objects using some form of interface. These systems could be used to create a new form of interactive video presentations, known as "hyperlinked video," in which the viewer has a direct role in influencing the content of the video. My thesis presents the schematics for a powerful, yet easy-to-use software tool for creating hyperlinked video programs. It is based upon a process for automatically tracking and segmenting video objects at a pixel-level. In addition to object tracking, this tool helps authors manage the various properties involved with a hyperlinked video production, including relevant video information, object data and "link" information, such as actions associated with each object. Unlike comparable tools, this system employs novel techniques to further automate the authoring process by recognizing the identity of objects in new sequences. The system was employed in the creation of two innovative hyperlinked video applications, one with a commercial focus and the other an educational focus.