SMPL, a Specification Based Framework for the Semantic Structure, Annotation and Control of SMIL Documents

In this paper we describe the design and implementation of a framework for declarative XML languages-SMPL. The framework is intended to support the semantic structure, annotation and control of SMIL documents. SMPL is supported by all browsers de-facto. Unlike perhaps other Web standards, where adding functionality has to be included in a release of a new version for a plug-in or a Web browser, SMPL is extendable and yet requires no specific changes to the implementation of a plug-in or the browser, beyond it's support for SMIL. We envision SMPL as the framework for the next generation semantic Multimedia document management languages. It supports the creation of different languages that facilitate different requirements for the semantic structuring, annotation or control of SMIL synchronized multimedia documents. We evaluate SMPL in the context of a distant learning environment and a drill replay and management application.