Mediating imaging data in a distributed system

In this paper we investigate the problem of integrating data sources with compex data types and complex data algebras, of the kind that is common in multimedia applications. We present the principles of mediation, and discuss why they are suitable for multimedia system. Then, we describe the mediation system Metropolis, and the specific solutions used for it that make it extendable to multimedia. Finally, we discuss one of the extensions currently under study: the integration of homologous abstract data types at the algebra level.