Integration of information retrieval and database management in support of multimedia police work

DataBase Management Systems (DBMSs) are a major component of most information systems (ISs). The relational DBMS is nowadays by far the most widely accepted DBMS, although many large non-relational DBMSs are still in use, and Object Oriented DBMSs are developing. Besides, more and more DBMSs are supporting basic multi media storage and retrieval facilities. Nevertheless, advanced information retrieval facilities, especially for accessing large document and text databases, are still the almost exclusive domain of Information storage and Retrieval Systems (IRSs). A growing need is identified to integrate the facilities of a DBMS and an IRS in order to fully support work with multi ple data types, like multimedia police work. For Dutch police departments, a criminal investigation system is devel oped, fully integrating both types of facilities.

Relational tools to manage pictorial information

The final goal of this work is to define a data model to orgamse and manage the indexmg structure of a pictorial mformaeon retrieval system. Relational tools to minage the information drawn trom digital images are presented and discussed Such tools help to organise data according to the numerical/structural user model adopted to devcrihe the im iges Specifically. they allow the storage, mampulation and management of complex pictorial object descriptions which take into account objects, sub-objects and thor composition relationships, as well as the specialisation relationship among their type