An Object Oriented Model for the Representation of Temporal Data in the Integra Framework

In this paper we describe a model for the representation and storage of time-related data in the context of the Integra framework. We highlight the need for a portable, sustainable data format that can be shared between common environments for audio and multimedia processing. Since the storage of spectral and gestural data has been covered by the SDIF and GDIF formats, we focus on the storage of multimedia processing module state, and changes in state over time. After a review of existing research in this area we propose an object-oriented approach to both the storage format and the runtime-handling of module state in keeping with the Integra design paradigms. We also show how an XMLbased format can lead to a semantically-rich, flexible and robust approach to storage of module state and interpolated or non-interpolated state sequences.