Exploitation of MPEG-7 Descriptions on Multi-modal Meeting Data: First Results within MISTRAL Project Victor Manuel García-Barrios, Christian Gütl (Institute for Information Systems and Computer Media (IICM) - Faculty of Computer Science Graz University of Technology, Austria {vgarcia, cguetl}@iicm.edu) Abstract: In this paper we present first results of the implementation work on the exploitation of MPEG-7 descriptors within the MISTRAL system, which aims at enhanced procedures for semantic annotation and enrichment of meeting-related multi-modal data. As the system consists of several specialised units, the focus is set on its Semantic Applications Unit (SemAU). First, we give a short overview on the MISTRAL system as well as explain the overall architecture and some functional modules of SemAU. Then, emphasis is placed on the role of MPEG-7 metadata within the MISTRAL system as standardised bridge between its units and as basic standardised input for SemAU. Finally, some insights are given into the current development stage of two user-centred applications of SemAU. These applications manage semantically enriched multi-modal data in order to enhance its retrieval and visualisation. Keywords: meeting information, multi-modal data, MPEG-7 Categories: H.4, J.4, K.3, I.5 1 Introduction At present, face-to-face and virtual meetings increasingly take place in business processes. As stated in [Romano et al. 2001], managers and knowledge workers spend 25% to 80% of their working time in meetings (the median number of meeting attendees was nine). From our literature survey we identified the following most common meeting goals: reconciliation of conflicts, decision making, problem solving, learning and training, knowledge exchange, reaching a common understanding, and exploration of new ideas [Whiteside et al. 1988]. As big financial and human efforts are invested to create and transfer knowledge among meeting attendees, we identify an economisation potential by increasing the efficiency of meetings applying smart tools, such as meeting browsers, e-conferencing or group support systems ([Antunes et al. 2003], [Lalanne et al. 2005]). Further, knowledge addressed and created in meetings should be preserved and made accessible for all company members. Indeed, multi-modal meeting applications and meeting information systems are of emerging interest. Thus, it’s not surprising to find several research projects being conducted in this context. Though, our survey has shown that there is still a lack of integration facilities into knowledge management and e-learning systems. This fact motivated us to set the focus for the first prototypes within the Semantic Applications Unit (SemAU) of MISTRAL’s system on integrative information retrieval and visualisation. The paper gives first results of the implementation of those prototypes. Journal of Universal Knowledge Management, vol. 1, no. 1 (2006), 45-53 submitted: 14/5/06, accepted: 29/5/06, appeared: 28/8/06 © J.UKM