1.1 Introduction
A multimedia computer system is computer system that can create, import, integrate, store, retrieve, edit, and delete two or more types of media materials in digital form, such as audio, image, full motion video, and text information. Multimedia computer systems also may have the ability t o analyze media materials (e.g. counting the number of occurrences of a word in a text file). A multimedia computer system can be a single or multiple-user system.
Networked multimedia computer systems can transmit and receive digital multimedia materials over a single computer network or over any number of interconnected computer networks. As multimedia computer systems evolve, they may become intelligent systems by utilizing expert system technology to assist users in selecting, retrieving, and manipulating multimedia information.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The term “multimedia” was carried by Bob Goldstein (later Bobb Goldsteinn) to promote the July 1966 opening of his, Light works at Lourin” show at Southampton, long Island. On August 10, 1966, Richard Albarino of variety borrowed the terminology, reporting “ Brain child of song ascribe comic, Bob (Washington Square) Goldstein, the Light works is the latest multimedia music-cum-visuals to debut as discotheque fare, two years later, in 1968, the term multimedia” was re-appropriated to describe the work of a political consultant, David Sawyer, the husband of Iris Sawyer one of Golsteins producers at L’oursin.
In the intervening forty years, the word has taken on different meanings. In the late 1970s the term was used to describe presentations consisting of multi-projector slide shows timed to an audio track. In the 1993 first edition of MC-Graw-hills multimedia, making it work, Tay Vaughan declared “multimedia is any combination of text, graphic art, sound animation, an d video that is delivered by computer when you allow the user the viewer of the project to control what and when these elements are delivered, it is interactive multimedia. When you provide a structure of linked element through which the user can navigate, interactive multimedia becomes hypermedia.
The German language society, Gesellschaft fir dews he spiracle, decided to recognize the words significance and ubiquitousness in the 1990s by awarding it the title of word of the year in 1995. The institute summed up its rational by stating (multimedia) has become a central word in the wonderful new media world.
Early theatrical performances greatly extended the interest in multi sensory experience. Ancient Greek actors performed to the accompaniment of music and chanting and signing of a chorus. Elaborately painted stages, scenery, apparently with convincing three-dimensional effects and stage props (furniture, Weapons) formed a back drop for performance. The Greeks also made use of various machines to heighten the intensity of dramatic performance. One (the Keraunoskopeion) simulated lightening, another (the Bronstein) produced the rumble of thunder.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Impact of Computer Science in Multimedia.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that supporting multimedia applications over a computer network renders the application distributed. Multimedia systems may have to render a variety of media at the same instant a distinction from normal relationship between the forms of media (e.g video and Audio) there are two forms of problems here.
Sequencing within the media- playing frames in correct order/time frame in video.
Synchronization: Inter-media scheduling (e.g. video and audio) lip synchronization is clearly important for humans to watch play back of video and audio ever tried watching out of (lip) sync film for a long time.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to empirically study the Impact of Computer Science in Multimedia. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To provide a deeper understanding and knowledge into different specializations of computer science and prepare for an active role in computer science research and development.
- To provide people with a conceptual framework for thinking about the emerging area of multimedia computing; and
- To find out whether these categories develop into significant applications and/or remain distinct technologies remains to be seen.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Can multimedia elements aid learning?
- How can computer multimedia systems be maintain?
- How are multimedia systems useful in educational sectors?
- What do you understand by the term hypermedia?
- What are the methods of video data compression?
- What is the role of project managers in the development of multimedia applications?
1.6 Significance of Study
The following are the relevance of the study which is stated as follows:
- The findings of these studies will be useful t o graduates aid students of computer and multimedia science.
- Students will use the findings to modify and develop more skills in the application and use of multimedia systems.
- The educational institution will use the findings to design educational programs that will encourage and promote self employment after graduation from school.
- The unemployed graduates will find the findings rewarding as it will help them to adopt the right job seeking attitudes.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the Empirical Study on the Impact of Computer Science in Multimedia.
The technology of multimedia design utilizes various features like animation, video, graphics and audio to impress the users. It has becomes one of the most sought after medium for informing and entertaining visitors about your company and its products. Multimedia services imply usage of electronic media for better experience of the multimedia presentations. This service is considered as an extension of traditional form of communication tool. This service implies that online information can be shared using features of audio, video, animation and images.
Multimedia can be applied to various fields and areas for greater impact and profits, for instance medicine, education, business, entertainment, advertisements, communication networks and so on. Its uses are endless depending upon how it is being deployed by its users.
In the field of education, multimedia is being used extensively especially for online courses and trainings. Here the students can see various multimedia presentations for a specific subject with required illustrations in an informative format.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Lack of Initial Cooperation from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Multimedia:
Multimedia uses computers to present text, audio, video, animation, interactive features, and still images in various ways and combinations made possible through the advancement of technology.
QOS:
Quality of service
Scenery:
The painted background that is used to represent natural features or buildings on a theatre stage
Interactive:
It allows information to be passed continuously and in both directions between a computer and the person who uses it.
