screenet

Screenet is a term used to describe a compact, modular software framework designed for handling screen-based content within digital media workflows. It supports capture of screen frames, lightweight processing, and the organization of associated metadata. Typically implemented as a library with a small runtime and optional graphical user interface, screenet aims to enable researchers, archivists, and developers to assemble custom pipelines for tasks such as screen recording, UI analysis, and video annotation.

The concept arose in open-source and professional circles during the late 2010s as a response to the need for interoperable screen-processing components. While not tied to a single universal standard, several projects have used the name screenet to describe a plugin-based architecture that can be extended with modules for optical character recognition, element recognition, masking or blurring, timestamping, and export of structured data.

Architecture and features commonly described in screenet implementations include a modular core, a plug-in system, and cross-platform compatibility. Capabilities often cover high-resolution frame capture, region-of-interest selection, precise frame timing, and the ability to export metadata in formats such as JSON or JSON-LD. Some implementations also provide a lightweight web-based interface for configuration and monitoring.

Applications for screenet span digital archiving, usability testing, accessibility analysis, and integrated media production pipelines. Its advantages typically cited include reusability of components, transparency of data processing, and easier auditing of screen-based data. Limitations include fragmentation among different implementations and a lack of a single universal standard, which has kept adoption focused on specialized workflows.

See also: screen recording, video annotation, digital asset management, OCR, metadata standards.