Multimedia Databases in Perspective : Springer : 9783540761099 : 3540761098 : 15 Apr 1997 : During the last decade, multimedia has emerged as a major research and de­ velopment area. Pushed by advanced technology like huge-capacity storage de­ vices, fast networks, and powerful work stations, new applications have arisen. Many definitions of multimedia systems exist, one of them being computer sys­ tems that support interactive use of at least one of the following information sources: graphics, image, voice, sound, and video. These systems have caused a boom in the world of entertainment, but also in other business areas great opportunities for novel products and services are available. The size of multi­ media data is often huge, and the storage of huge amounts of data is a task normally allocated to database management systems. Although some modern database management systems offer facilities to support development of multi­ media applications, many problems related to multimedia sup