Modeling spatio-temporal constraints for multimedia objects

The presentation of multimedia data is not only characterized by precise temporal constraints; also spatial constraints must be taken into account. An important requirement in multimedia systems is thus the integrated modeling of spatio-temporal constraints. Moreover, it is important to devise methods for checking the consistency of the specified constraints. In this paper, we first propose a spatio-temporal object graph (STOG) model that provides an integrated and graphical representation of spatio-temporal constraints. Second, we investigate consistency conditions between spatial and temporal constraints expressed in the STOG model. Then, we present a prototype system implementing the proposed model. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.