Heterogeneous multimedia reasoning

An innovated system is described which integrates data from heterogeneous multimedia domains. This general-purpose framework uses the concept of a `mediator´ to efficiently support multimedia reasoning. The Media Abstraction Creation System (MACS) implements algorithms for creating or querying media abstractions, for relaxing queries, and for allowing incremental query modifications. We have also developed an integrated framework within which media data can be queried even when those queries need to access other (nonmedia) background data and software. Access to diverse, nonmedia databases is provided by the Heterogeneous Reasoning and Mediator System (Hermes)