A stepwise refinement approach to multimedia presentation designs

We propose a stepwise refinement mechanism for the analysis and design of multimedia presentations. The mechanism is based on a revised data flow/control flow diagram (DFD/CFD) and an improved Petri net. A number of new diagram components are introduced in the multimedia DFD/CFD. The Petri net is also extended to allow interactions and conditions. Unlike mapping a traditional data flow/control flow diagram to a structured chart, the refinement of a multimedia DFD/CFD results in a number of multimedia Petri nets which represent the schedule and navigation of a presentation. The layout of the presentation can be designed by using our graphical user interface of an implemented presentation system. The proposed mechanism also allows a presentation to change itself. Thus a dynamic multimedia presentation can learn from an audience and act according to the audience's individual behavior. Algorithms of the Petri net engine are also described. Using our system, a presentation designer is able to analyze his/her presentation script and design the presentation in a systematic manner.