An analysis of COMET and MAGIC using the standard reference model for intelligent multimedia presentation systems

We provide an overview of two multimedia generation systems developed at Columbia University, COMET and MAGIC, and analyze them using the standard reference model for intelligent multimedia presentation systems. COMET (Coordinated Multimedia Explanation Testbed) emphasizes the coordinated generation of text and 3D graphics in a military maintenance and repair documentation domain. It features support for automated determination of what information to present, assignment of information to appropriate media and generation of textual cross-references to the structure and content of generated graphics, including the automated redesign of graphics to make possible better cross-references. MAGIC (Multimedia Abstract Generation for Intensive Care) generates presentations that use temporal media, including speech and animation, to explain the status of hospital patients. It extends the media coordination approach used in COMET to include a multi-stage negotiation process that solves temporal constraints imposed by individual media generators to determine when and for how long actions should occur in each medium.