The multimedia description language is named Fib (for "funktionale Interpretation von Bildern" or "functional interpretation of bitmaps (/bictures)"). This name orgins from the first version of the multimedia description language, when it was only good for saving images (german: Bilder).
With some additional elements the multimedia description language has been extended, so that it can store any multimedia data. The only restriction on the multimedia data is, that it can be represented as properties of points of a finite, euclidean and discrete (there are smallest units) space.
Fib is a vector representation of multimedia data, that means a representation of multimedia data using objects. As a basic framework a tree is used. The leaves are endpoints that are used for displaying and / or assignment of points or part of multimedia objects. In the branches and the alignment of these, which for example is most left, display parameters or properties of the leaves are encoded, e. g. how often it is displayed or with which color.
Each node of the tree is a Fib element. The tree is evaluated from the root to the leaves, whereupon the elements affect the evaluation.
A valid Fib object (tree) is cycle free, to ensure a finite processing time.
The elements of the multimedia description language are oriented on some of the usual imperative programming languages (e. g. C++, Java).
All units are expressed on the basis of the International System of Units (SI).
When a Fib object is evaluated, all points with their properties are determined for the multemedia object. A evaluated multimedia object thus contains only a list of specific points and their properties, and can thus be directly displayed (through displaying the properties at the points / coordinate) or evaluated.
Hereinafter "top" in the Fib object is referred to the direction, in which the root of the tree lies. The direction of "bottom" is thus the opposite direction (away from the root).