Multimedia objects models for synchronization and databases

The authors propose a technique for formally specifying and modeling the temporal composition of multimedia data. The proposed model is based on timed Petri nets and the logic of temporal intervals. A strategy based on the inter media timing relationships established by the proposed modeling tool is presented for constructing a database schema to facilitate data storage and retrieval of data elements. An algorithm which allows the retrieval of media elements from the database in a manner which preserves the temporal requirements of the initial specification is proposed. The proposed model accomplishes the specification of synchronization requirements for complex structures of temporally related objects