Method and apparatus for multimedia data interchange in a data processing system.

摘要

A method for multimedia data interchange in a data processing system. A sequential data stream is established which includes multiple variable length consecutive sections, each of which includes multiple data samples. Each data sample preferably includes a collection of data and a control structure or header which is utilized to specify a manner of interpreting the collection of data. The control structure preferably includes information regarding the size of the collection of data, the resolution and duration of the collection of data, the manner of data collection employed and the encoding technique utilized, if any. This sequential data stream is then transmitted throughout a distributed data processing system utilizing various personal computers or interactive work stations, permitting multimedia data to be efficiently interchanged. <IMAGE>