A formal approach to multimedia information systems development

As multimedia data penetrates many information systems the need for database support for the multimedia data evolves and so does the need for a formal development methodology. Audio and video media items represent data streams with an inherent temporal property. To adequately and correctly model multimedia transactions, it is vital to guarantee both temporal and functional correctness by using mechanisms that ensure adherence to, and preservation of, media item timing constraints. Consequently such systems require more rigorous treatment to ensure the systems function correctly. This paper describes the specification of synchronization among media items using the Timed CSP specification language in a declarative fashion and shows how temporal constraints among media items may be specified. It also presents a real-time approach that provides constructs to specify temporal constraints in both dynamic and static forms of the different media item types. The paper focuses on issues in the context of the design and development of multimedia systems such as: scheduling of time-constrained triggered transactions; deadline assignment; and concurrency control and commitment of transactions. In particular, the paper focuses on the innovative approach through which advanced multimedia systems can be developed within a distinct framework. This methodology is very useful when composing complex multimedia presentations. It may also lead to the development of a sophisticated authoring tool.