A model for the use of different sound description layers within a multimedia environment

The number of applications on graphics workstations using sound in order to enchance the human-computer interaction capabilities is increasing right now. Using and handling sound in addition to text and graphics seems to be the next forthcoming step towards a multimedia environment. This paper outlines a first approach for an audio content architecture consisting of different description layers which are able to handle different levels of abstraction. Therefore a comparison between image rendering and sound synthesis is made. Then a short overview on digital sound synthesis techniques and sound colour models is given in order to show hardware requirements as well as psychophysical difficulties. Finally, the audio layer model is presented. It contains three layers for parametric and symbolic audio description, one layer for digital audio, and one presentation layer.