These developments have captured the interest of many engineers and mathematicians in search of novel approaches to practical problems. Current research across the broad spectrum of multimedia signal processing, including such topics as

• sampling
• coding
• compression
• filtering
• communications
• audio and video processing

• harmonic analysis
• wavelets
• fractals
• approximation theory

The increasing vitality of this field is amply demonstrated by the planned production of special issues on multimedia signal processing of both the IEEE Proceedings and the IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems, and the start of a major new research journal, the IEEE Transactions on Multimedia Signal Processing, within the next two years. Further evidence is a multitude of annual international research conferences and meetings.

This ASI will not only promote the infusion of new mathematical tools into signal processing, but will also fuel the development of applied mathematics by providing opportunities for young engineers and mathematicians to learn more about problem areas in signal processing that might benefit from new mathematical insights. Thus, this ASI will recreate the dynamic interaction between engineers and mathematicians which occurred at Dr. Byrnes' three previous ASI's.

As can be seen in the list of lecturers, many of the world's leading experts in the field will be principal speakers at the ASI. Their multidisciplinary backgrounds will create a forum for interaction among academics and industrial engineers in the various technical areas indicated by the lecture titles.

The initial portion of the schedule emphasizes the underlying technology required for multimedia signal processing, while the remainder of the ASI is focused around specific important applications to real-world problems.

All talks will be designed to address an audience which will consist of a broad spectrum of signal processing engineers and mathematicians involved in these fields. Thus, the participants will have the opportunity to interact with those individuals who have been on the forefront of the tremendous expansion in multimedia signal processing in recent years, to learn firsthand the basics of this exciting area, and to hear these experts discuss in accessible terms their contributions and ideas for future research.

Furthermore, the team-authored textbook to be written by the lecturers will offer these insights to those unable to attend the ASI.

Advances in signal processing and applied mathematics, with the common aim of improved multimedia performance, are continuing. There is a need to promote further interaction between these two intimately related disciplines, in order to ensure that young scientists in each area are aware of activity in the other, and to see that opportunities for significant co-developments are not missed. A major purpose of this ASI will be to effect such interaction.