Content based navigation in an open hypermedia environment

The Microcosm architecture has been extended to provide a framework for content based navigation and retrieval from non-text media. Exemplar modules for use with images, video and sound have been implemented to provide some basic general purpose CBN and CBR facilities. Examples of experimental hypermedia systems which the authors are developing using the Microcosm/MAVIS software include a product catalogue for a large retailer which contains product images and text, and an archaeological information system containing large numbers of artefact images and associated documentation. Current modules use statistical pattern matching techniques for signature matching to provide general purpose navigational tools. Future work is expected include the development of faster indexing strategies and more intelligent navigation aids including the development signature modules which use of prior knowledge of expected objects to provide semantically based, applications specific navigation.