MPEG-4 systems: architecting object-based audio-visual content

We describe the architecture and key features of the MPEG-4 Systems specification, as well as the encoding methodology of its various components: scene description and BIFS, animation streams, object descriptors, object content infonnation, as well as delivery and multiplexing. We also describe the MPEG-4 reference software as well as our own prototype software for MPEG-4 authoring, streaming, aDd playback. Finally, we briefly compare MPEG-4 Systems with a number of currently available alternative standards and commercial solutions.