Overview of the MPEG-7 standard

MPEG-7, formally known as Multimedia Content Description Interface, include s standardized tools (descriptors, description schemes, and language) enabl ing structural, detailed descriptions of audio-visual information at differ ent granularity levels (region, image, video segment, collection) and in di fferent areas (content description, management, organization, navigation, a nd user interaction). It aims to support and facilitate a wide range of app lications, such as media portals, content broadcasting, and ubiquitous mult imedia, In this paper, me present a high-level overview of the MBEG-7 stand ard. We first discuss the scope, basic terminology, and potential applicati ons. Next, we discuss the constituent components. Then, we compare the rela tionship with other standards to highlight its capabilities. Some parts of the standard are also covered in depth in this Special Issue.