Sound authoring tools for future multimedia systems

A framework for authoring non-speech sound objects in the context of multimedia systems is proposed. The goal is to design specific sounds and their dynamic behavior in such a way that they convey dynamic and multidimensional information. Sounds are designed using a three-layer abstraction model: physically-based description of sound identity, signal-based description of sound quality, perception- and geometry-based description of sound projection in space. The model is validated with the aid of an experimental tool where manipulation of sound objects can be performed in three ways: handling a set of parameter control sliders, editing the evolution in time of compound parameter settings, via client applications sending their requests to the sounding engine.