CN101764973B - Metadata brokering server and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiment of the present invention are by providing abundant Multimedia Metadata to meet the requirement of these and other, and these Multimedia Metadatas can be used to generate the complicated entertainment user interfaces used in such as family.This method and system can be implemented as supporting the software application based on server of multiple different clients.The functional of server can be distribution (being even physically located in same place with one or more clients) or concentration.Metadata from not homology can be assembled, filter, verify, expand and link by server.Metadata can be converted into a kind of management and internal form of extension of being more convenient for by server.Server uses the agreement of pattern independent (schema independent) to communicate with client device, provides clients with the metadata of appropriate format to meet its demand.

Description

Metadata brokering server and method

Related application

The application is submit to, entitled " metadata brokering server (brokering with on January 16th, 2004 Server) the 60/536th, No. 937 temporary patent application of the U.S. " is correlated with and requires its priority, this patent application publication interior Appearance is incorporated herein by.

Background technology

The present invention describes the system and method that can provide Multimedia Metadata, and this Multimedia Metadata can be used to generate Perfect (sophisticated) entertainment user interfaces such as used in family.

To the relevant technology of communication of information in the past few decades in had rapid development.TV, cell phone, mutually Network to combine with optical communication technique (the most only listing a few) and consumer is submerged in available information and amusement choosing In selecting.As a example by TV, have been introduced into over nearest 30 years cable television services, satellite TV, pay-per-use film and Video request program.But, the televiewer of the sixties in 20th century is typically only capable on their tv enough receive and may is that four Or five air TV channels, the televiewer of today has an opportunity at hundreds of and potential thousands of program and information frequency Road selects.The video on demand techniques used in currently mainly in hotel etc. provides a kind of for from thousands of film festivals Mesh list carries out the potential of home entertaining selection.Such as TiVo limited company (Ao Weisuojin street, California 2160, 95002) digital video record (DVR) equipment released expands available selection further.

There is provided the technology of ability of so much information and content to system designer and service provision for terminal use Business provides chance and challenge.One challenge is that while that terminal use is generally more willing to have more selection and be unwilling to select Diminish, but this hobby and their desired the simplest selection process are opposing.Unfortunately, terminal use passes through It is the unhappiest but also remarkable that the development of its system and interface of accessing media program makes selection process.Again consider TV programme Example.When TV is in the initial stage, determines and see which program is relatively simple thing, this is because selectable number Less.People can consult the program guide of printing, and this program guide is formatted as the most a series of row and column, these row Show with row be transferred in (1) neighbouring television channel, (2) program of these channels and (3) date and time it Between corresponding relation.By regulation tuner knob, TV is tuned to required channel, and spectators watch selected joint Mesh.After this, it is allowed to the remote control unit of spectators' distant tuning TV is introduced into.This to user-television interfaces (interface) increase creates the phenomenon being referred to as " channel surfing ", and whereby, spectators can promptly watch at a large amount of frequencies The short-movie section of broadcast in road, such that it is able to quickly learn and at what program of any given time can see.

Although the quantity of channel and the content that may be viewed by sharply increase, but user circle for TV being commonly available Face, control equipment choice and framework do not have the biggest change in 30 years of past.The program guide printed remains for passing Pass the most popular mechanism of programme information.Many button remote control with down arrows remain most popular channel/content choosing Select device.Design and the people realizing TV user interface are only to existing to the reaction of the increase of available media content Selection process and the directly extension of interface object.So, the line number in the program guide of printing is increased to accommodate more frequency Road.The number of the button in remote control unit is also incremented by supporting that additional function and content processes.But, this method is significantly Add spectators browse the time needed for available information and perform to select the complexity of desire motion.Controversial, existing The troublesome essence at interface hinder some service (such as video request program) business application, this be due to consumer oppose to They have been too slow and the most complicated interface is further added by the new of complexity and services.

Submitted on January 30th, 2004 by Frank A Heng Laisi, the U.S. the 10/768th, No. 432 patent application In describe one and typically control framework (framework), this framework has for organizing, select and running media program Scalable graphic user interface.This patent disclosure is incorporated herein by.This framework is in above-mentioned traditional interface The problem existed provides exemplary solution.Wherein, this exemplary framework can provide such a mechanism, i.e. User can show the metadata relevant to available media program, is used for making user be selected by simple occupation mode Select, but enable users to access the most different media programs.

Such available a large amount of metadata for describing programme content hamper the product of advanced user interfaces Raw.Terminology used in this article " metadata " refers to that description is interested with what at user option media program was associated All side informations of certain content, as a example by film, metadata can such as include: movie name, description, and kind is drilled Member's battle array, the pattern of DVD front cover, price/availability, and the authority (right) relevant with its content.In addition, it is gone back The resume that can include stardom and the whole movie lists performed, the link of similar movies, the comment of reviewer, electricity The comment of shadow spectators and the authority relevant to metadata itself.It can also include being linked to the wide of user's content interested Accuse metadata.But, for some reason, the metadata of these types the most also can not be used for generating user interface.First, Owing to different manufacturers merely provides limited metadata information subset, and these metadata subsets are usually constructed with special Form, so that the whole world provide these metadata service providers be divided into very some.Secondly, need this A little different types of metadata use complicated software to process, so could be by these diverse metadata sheet disconnections Become unified set, such that it is able to readily by consumer, such as, the lower-end client devices used in a typical family (e.g., Set Top Box) is used.The software processes of the most this complexity is also not carried out.

Therefore, it is desirable to have server and the method for such a metadata broker such that it is able to senior to being suitable to generate The metadata of user interface carries out obtaining, process, synthesize and transferring.

Summary of the invention

These and other is met by the Multimedia Metadata that offer is abundant according to the system and method for the present invention Requirement, these Multimedia Metadatas can be used to generate the complicated entertainment user interfaces used in such as family.This method Can be implemented as supporting the software application based on server of multiple different clients with system.The functional of server can be Distribution (being even physically located in same place with one or more clients) or concentrate.Server can be to from not The metadata of homology carries out assembling, filter, verify, expand and linking.Metadata can be converted into one and be more convenient for managing by server Reason and the internal form of extension.Server uses the agreement of pattern independent (schema-independent) to enter with client device Row communication, provides clients with the metadata of appropriate format to meet its demand.

An exemplary according to the present invention, a kind of method of information for processing elements data, it may include: The information of described metadata is obtained from multiple different source of media；Establish the link between the information of the described metadata obtained； Multiple screen template are created with at least one the described metadata obtained and described link；And treated metadata is divided Being fitted on multiple different client device, described treated metadata includes in the plurality of screen template, institute State link and described metadata.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a kind of process side for processing the metadata associated with media program Method comprises the steps that from least two data sources metadata；The metadata received described in process is with the first number after generation process According to；Distribute described metadata.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Corresponding accompanying drawing shows the exemplary of the present invention, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a kind of user interface screen generated according to the metadata processing method proposed in the present invention；

Fig. 2 describes and uses another user interface screen generated according to the treated metadata of the present invention；

Fig. 3 is to give exemplary metadata kind and the form in source；

Fig. 4 shows the embodiment for metadata tupe according to illustrative embodiments of the invention；

Fig. 5 shows the metadata group processed according to illustrative embodiments of the invention；

Fig. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show that the screen combination generated according to illustrative embodiments of the invention processes；

Fig. 7 shows the architecture for metadata broker according to illustrative embodiments of the invention；

Fig. 8 shows a part for the architecture in Fig. 7 in greater detail；And

Fig. 9 is the flow chart of the illustrative methods for processing elements data according to illustrative embodiments of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention is described in detail referring to the drawings.Same reference numerals in different figures is corresponding identical or approximates Parts.Described further below being not used for limits the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is limited to the appended claims.

In order to provide linguistic context to discussion below, Fig. 1 gives the embodiment of a user interface screen, this user interface Screen is to use the metadata according to illustrative embodiments of the invention agency to create.In the drawings, of user interface screen Divide and be exaggerated, in order to show 10 alternative media programs in greater detail.For upper level screen, airmanship etc. with This be purely more information that exemplary interface is relevant, and reader interested can be found in and is incorporated herein above by introducing No. 10/768,432 U.S. Provisional Patent Application.And for this specification, the purpose of this figure is primarily used to show root The finished exemplary result of metadata process is carried out according to the present invention.

In FIG, if such as moving on to cursor (not shown) select program Apollo Personnel investigation Program 13 with film media " phase Above the image of association, then this image will be exaggerated.This interface screen can use such as movie title and representational image sets The metadata become generates.In the selection of rank further down processes, it is possible to use more metadata.Such as, user passes through After pressing the image that the button in next input equipment (not shown) selects this to be exaggerated, can amplify further to show Show other details, as shown in Figure 2.Such as, display about film Apollo Personnel investigation Program 13 " runtime, price, actor information Etc. content.It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, here may be provided for other type of information.It addition, this figure User interface (GUI) also includes GUI control object, such as, include for buying film, viewing trailer or returning upper level The button control of GUI screen (This move can also realize by pressing " reducing (ZOOM the OUT) " button on input equipment) Object.From in the following manner process after metadata produce hyperlink may also be used for allowing user jump to, such as with at Fig. 2 The GUI screen that the film identified in the lower right corner is relevant, or jump to the information relevant to the performer of this film.In this enforcement In example, part or all movie titles under title " filmography " can realize according to the mode of hyperlink, when When user starts these hyperlink by input equipment, by one GUI corresponding with Fig. 2 form of Cine mode by being chosen Screen.It is used for generating the part of the interface screen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 or information used comes from, one or more metadata supply The person of answering provides and carries out the metadata processed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Interface screen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is merely exemplary, the metadata processed according to the present invention can also be used to prop up Hold other interfaces or for being different from other purposes that interface generates.Equally, according to the present invention, can receive and process many not Congener metadata.The form of Fig. 3 lists the kind of metadata, source and associated uses (such as TV browser interface, Video request program (VOD) interface and music browser etc.).

Fig. 4 illustrates the functional architecture of the metadata broker technology according to illustrative embodiments of the invention.In figure, Obtain function to be used for receiving metadata from multiple metadata providers, the most each provider provide only can be used for generating desired User interface finite element data subset.The metadata supplier listed on the left of Fig. 4 is the most exemplary, and other metadata supplies The person of answering can also be used in combination with the present invention.Owing to each metadata supplier provides use different language and the metadata of form, Therefore, the exemplary of the present invention provides for the metadata received is converted to consolidation form in module 402 The interface of such as XML, is then stored in global metadata thesaurus by the metadata after conversion.Except the original unit to separate sources Data carry out outside language conversion, also include remapping of metadata according to the exemplary process of the present invention, such as module 404 He in figure Shown in 406.As shown in module 404, its AWS (WebServices API, network service application interface) can be passed through and connect Metadata sources to exemplary Amazon Company (Amazon).Make a show the moment (Showtime) based on Cabelabs 1.1 specification Thering is provided data in xml format, this form is different from the Web Services format of Amazon Company, is therefore being stored into thesaurus Before 400, these data are transformed into consistent form by module 406.In the other cases, if the demand mistake of conversion process Height, can be loaded directly into metadata in thesaurus 400, and not do any conversion or mapping, as shown in module 408.Ability Territory it is to be understood by the skilled artisans that conversion and the mapping of other forms according to the metadata sources inputted as system, can be used.

One or more rule-based draw can also be used according to the system and method for illustrative embodiments of the invention Holding up, the data in storage vault 400 can be processed by this engine.These process and such as include filtering 410, checking 412, expand (augmentation) 414 and screen combination 416.The system of the present invention carries out post processing with by unallied after obtaining data Information filtering.The metadata fields relevant to user interface to be generated received is evaluated by filtration treatment.Such as, as The metadata fields that fruit receives is uncorrelated with for forming any screen rule of user interface screen, then by this data word Section filters out, and it is deleted from storage vault 400.Such as, if be only made up of exemplary screen as shown in Figures 1 and 2 User interface, and metadata obtains function and have received the first number providing the information relevant with film Apollo 13 producer According to field (this metadata fields), then owing to not using the information of producer in exemplary user interface screen, therefore may be used This metadata fields is deleted from storage vault 400 by filtering function 410.Verification process 412 ensure that the first number received According to correctness, it is by using multiple sources and self-defined heuristic (custom heuristics) to catch and to correct mistake Miss thus correct inconsistent place.Verification process 412 can correct the such as spelling, printing in received metadata, Inaccurate in the mistake of punctuate and content.In case of doubt, verification process can be at problematic data field On make a mark, to carry out thinking process and solving.If information element does not exists, will run lacking what information was managed Rule.This can include revising automatically (fit) or make marks and make operator process it.

According to type of error to be corrected and the information element browsed, and different particular technologys can be used to dock The metadata received is verified.For example, it is possible to whether checking numerical data field is in the numerical range allowed.At this The reason stage can also detect the metadata information element of loss.Such as, if at the first number for specific medium program received According to middle loss DVD surface plot as time, this system can lose the copy of image to another one thesaurus (do not have display) request. The typing error in such as actor names can be corrected by following steps.First, by the metadata relevant to the name of performer In information element be divided into son field, such as, the title of actor names and surname field.Then, storage is had stored in from utilization Information in storehouse 400 generates applicable correction relatively.If the information of the title of received metadata and storage vault The title of middle storage is sufficiently close to, then carry out automatic calibration.As selection, if this information is not stored in data base, then Received metadata is stored in storage vault 400 by default confidence level.When other metadata is verified During when carrying out later coupling, this confidence level can be updated.Such as, if come from different metadata When the metadata relevant to same media program that source receives changes, this confidence level can be based on the minority is subordinate to the majority Principle (majority vote).

After filtering and verifying, system can operation rule be that metadata expands extra content, and synthesizes new unit Data, as in processing module 414 in general manner shown in as.Expand metadata is that synthesis does not has in individual metadata feeds Fresh information process, and the process that the metadata obtained from separate sources is modified.Such as, the expansion to metadata can With based on the information supplied from any or all of data, and based on from other gather information (as used metadata) Information or based on the information obtained from oracle.The example that metadata expands includes: popularity degree and prize-winning instruction, Similar link between film and with linking between book and film sound tracks.Such as, the expansion being associated with the popularity of song The metadata filled can be based on the tracking carrying out the song of system plays and the grade of foundation.And it is relevant to similar movies The metadata expanded can be included between those original incoherent concepts (concept) foundation crosslinking (crosslink).Should Crosslinking be based on to common attribute (such as, performer, director, playwright, screenwriter, exercise question, it is thus achieved that awards etc.) number carries out checking Obtain divisional processing.Can realize by setting up one group of inference rule that categories of concepts is managed (inference rule) Expansion processes 414.After the information with this kind of conceptual dependency is introduced into (part processed as metadata acquisition), to unit's number Apply these inference rules according to storage vault, and produce new data and process the crosslinking of this genus.

Still further comprise link according to the synthesis of the metadata of embodiment of the present invention to connect from different metadata sources The different metadata received.According to the metadata link example of embodiment of the present invention it is, film and director, performer, playwright, screenwriter Bi-directional chaining is set up between etc..This semantic interlink can be used for providing seamless navigation ability at client device.To give below Go out some embodiments, the link that wherein arrow pointing system obtains from the metadata provided by one or several metadata sources.

1. Friends (TV program)-＞ Jennifer An Nisidun (actress)-＞ goodbye girl (film)

2. skin (TV program)-＞ Jie Ruibu Rec Hai Mo (producer)-＞ (film) with soaring aspirations

3. a beautiful mind (Oscar in 2002)-＞ wrestler (calendar year 2001 Oscar)

One linked between traditional hyperlink of 414 generations is processed significantly by according to the metadata expansion of the present invention Difference be that these metadata link are by the semantic and dual restriction of correctness.Typically, user interface screen is automatically generated Curtain, and link is limited to and given semantic association (such as, type of the name of performer, awards etc.) coupling.It addition, it is special Fixed crosslinking may relevant to one section of metadata of synthesis more rather than with independent a section from the reception of metadata sources Metadata is correlated with.For example, it is possible to generate the metadata relevant to the biography of performer from multiple metadata sources.In this case, Linked project is not likely to be the individual biography obtained by a metadata provider, but the biography of synthesis.

It is service condition (usage) metadata that metadata expands the another kind of metadata generated.Service condition metadata Including the metadata relevant to watching habit and TV program watching rate, system so can be made to receive based on by function 418 The screen that the user habit of collection comprehensively customizes.This information can by system client collect, and be back to distribution or Master metadata server, as mentioned below.Service condition metadata can also be more other type of data simultaneously, such as, Including time spot, the advertistics that clicks on number of times, response time.System should in the difference that client device runs consumer The summary statistics of service condition report.Such as, original service condition information can include following tuple (FROM, TO, ACTION, DURATION).Wherein, FROM and TO may indicate that the ID of screen/element, and ACTION refers in user interface screen " selection " or " movement " action that on curtain, user is carried out.DURATION shows what user was stopped in specific interface screen Time span in seconds.Because obtaining service condition statistics is sensitive to processing, so the system of this embodiment uses These information are maintained manageable level by filter.Be listed below these filter example:

The most only just service condition information is entered when the conversion time of user interface screen is longer than minimum duration thresholding Row report.

The most only " selection " action (not including " movement " action) is stored as reportable service condition information.

The most only obtain the screen relevant to advertisement as service condition information.

4. screen message is summarized as the block diagram (histogram) of 24 hours that screen is changed.

Together with synthesis new metadata, system can also be automatically adjusted existing metadata, and it is to expand that this process processes journey Process the part of 414.Some metadata relevant to content are relative quiescent, such as title, issuing date, cast etc. Deng.But, other associated metadata elements can be more dynamic.Such as, system can keep for entertainment content in short-term Metadata, including price, effectiveness, service condition restriction and copy limit etc..System can not only automatically update these yuan Data element, but also in the way of more new metadata can being performed to use the rule of customization.Listed below can be used for from Some Sample Rules that the metadata that one or more metadata sources in Fig. 4 receive is modified.

1. the price of film is different in Tuesday and Friday.

2. differently count based on the different dates in one week and based on the film number predetermined in Shang Yizhouzhong consumer Calculate the price of film.

If 3. the purchase volume within given week reached regulation buying quota, system allow consumer free download and Replicate song.

These examples are purely exemplary, because the rule adjustment content metadata of any customization can be used.Also should Considerable, the process step of all metadata as described herein all can perform in any sequence, it is possible in storage Warehousing performs before storage or after storage.

In order to be better understood from passing through of the metadata according to the embodiment in the present invention to process journey, with reference to Fig. 5 In exemplary flow chart.In the drawings, two group metadata 502 obtain from two different metadata sources with 504.This two constituent element Data 502 and 504 are relevant to same media selection item (film " ocean cookies (Seabiscuit) "), but this two group metadata Containing different information elements, (such as, metadata group 502 comprises related book information element, and metadata group 504 includes showing Temporal information element).In this embodiment, the metadata received first passes through filtering function 410 and processes, and result is respectively Create amended metadata group 506 and 508.In this embodiment, filtering function 410 by related book information element from connecing The metadata group 502 received removes, because not using this information element in user interface screen.Metadata group 508 with connect The metadata group 504 received is identical, because the filtering rule of metadata group 504 being applied to receive indicates, all connects The metadata information element received is all relevant.

It follows that perform mapping function the metadata group 506 and 508 through filtering will be merged into unified metadata Group.In this embodiment, even if the respective format and content of metadata sources is different, but the metadata group obtained is mutual Unanimously, similar metadata group.In this embodiment, mapping function produces " star (starring) " information element, with reflection The information aggregate received from two metadata sources.Add two explanation elements separated, to reflect that this describes coming of information Source.

Next need the data set 510 runtime verification function 412 through mapping.For this exemplary embodiment In, this function determines that the surface plot picture for metadata group 510 is lost.Therefore, by from predetermined thesaurus (such as position Website in acquiescence) fetch image, supplement into as the information element lost in metadata group, thus generate new metadata Group 512.Finally, in metadata group 514, it is shown that an example of extended function 414, wherein, system identification goes out similar Film, and provide the link of these films, as shown in Figure 5.

By the metadata that receives with after part or all of aforementioned function treatment, can be used to generate such as Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Shown screen, thus start the user interface on client device.Referring again to Fig. 4, the combined treatment 416 of screen can also Realize as system creation user's screen elements is the same with the regulation engine of layout.This can include at automatic screen establishment Reason, thus precalculate and cache general navigation scenarios, to be quickly distributed.This technology can make system expand to gather around There is substantial amounts of client device.Although not every screen all uses and typically pre-creates mode, but the overwhelming majority is used Family, system can provide this automatic screen service.But, system and method can be supported more according to embodiments of the present invention For complicated screen elements and layout.In order to generate this screen, can be to all elements in global metadata thesaurus 400 Application rule.This includes (domain-level) metadata of field level, the preference of service provider, the preference/number of user Statistics/behavior etc..These information elements are incorporated into together through the process of regulation engine, to provide the user with the screen of customization Curtain.Under normal circumstances, system can determine to show which kind of data on screen, and adjusts the layout of screen accordingly, and its example will Describe with reference to Fig. 6 (a) and 6 (b).

By use can be customized template, system can automatically determine in specific user interface screen use data Element.For the example of the user interface templates of movie program can be selected to be, " up-to-date distribution ", " Box Office Hits " and " Ao Si Ka Jiang winner " template, these templates provide media selection item to advise as title, it is also possible to create more template. The importance of automatic screen combination technique is, it makes can to carry out service on substantial amounts of client device easily and increases Subtract.This realizes by having substantial amounts of template, and these templates describe the kind of information and important linking relationship.So And the template of static class is not only provided according to the metadata processing system of embodiment of the present invention.Algorithm is by the overall situation Application rule in all metadata in data base, thus determine screen elements.Several example be listed below:

1. the entertainment content selected based on user, system can provide the crosslinking (crosslink) of a shopping item, this friendship Join rule-based generation.Such as, system can provide to allow users to buy and save at " sex and city (Sex and City) " The face product of display in mesh.

2. rule is it can be stated that " women's dress " hyperlink is arranged on the user interface screen part for some crowd, or " electronic product " hyperlink is arranged on the same screen field for other crowds.

3. system can return the Query Result tending to user preference, statistical number of person and behavior.Such as, if system is recognized Determining user and like seeing the film of John Travolta, as user's search " cowboy (cowboy) ", system will be film " Urban Cowboy " identifier return and be positioned on the identifier of film " Cowboy up ".

4. system can return the Query Result tending to service provider's preference.As the result of inquiry, system will be Film to be expired returns on new issue film.

The layout of screen can be customized together with screen elements.So, the template of screen is no longer limited to quiet State version, but the dynamic template with series of rules can also be included.These rules such as illustrate: when display actor names Text box the least, when can not load from the related content of metadata after processing, it should how to process；Film description field is too Little, when can not load related content or lost the front cover of program, it should how to process.Different rules is used in different types of Screen, but as follows for the exemplary algorithm of screen layout: first, image that inspection needs to be used for constructing screen and word Availability.The measure that rule specifies should take can be set when can not get required writings and image.It is presented herein below for this Some possible situations of a little rules: relevant screen field is remained blank by (1), and (2) insert in relevant screen field Replacing object, (3) insert placeholder (placeholder) in relevant screen field, and this is deleted from screen by (4), (5) other fields are extended for inserting the information of omission.Such as, if use when can not get advertising image, system may be inserted into generation For image；If the publicity photo of an actor or actress does not exists, then can be inserted into a generation in corresponding field The placeholder of table sex side outline.System by perform algorithm come the size of check image and text whether with appointment Screen field match.Additionally, when identify do not mate time, it is possible to use rule controls corresponding action.Such as these Rule comprises the steps that (1) extends this, and (2) reduce this, and (3) extend or reduce neighbouring field, and (4) are replaced.It addition, Decision-making be based on can be customized rule.The following is the example of some other layouts:

1. Julia Roberts is shown first cast, because user tends to see her film.

2. by soon expired Cine mode on more significant position.

As can obviously find out from discussion above, the exemplary of the present invention provides and is used for The technology of screen combination, this technology uses method flexibly and effectively to use treated metadata, so that letter Breath content and layout are all customizable, and can be generated by a series of rule.In order to be better understood from institute above The screen composition techniques of the foundation present invention said, describes embodiment below with reference to Fig. 6 (a) and 6 (b).With reference first to Fig. 6 (a), When sending screen request from a client device, system generates layout 600.Such as, use hand-held location equipment such as Fig. 1 Select media program in shown more generally applicable user interface screen for the moment, be generated as screen request.Use-case can be made Such as the rule relevant to this particular client device and/or this specific user, select and/or be placed on as shown in the figure Screen elements, such as, image field 602, header field 604, movie info field 606, purchase music button 608, brief introduction word Section 610 and cast field 612.For example, it is possible to according to checking that the preference of specific user is so that it is determined that go out this user and like Music, so that button 608 is embedded, and the rule of other screen elements sizes of respective specified, and purchase music button 608 is embedded In layout 600.

After determining layout 600, it is possible to utilize the storage of buffered version being stored in storage vault 400 or being located locally Metadata in storehouse fills (populate) layout, as described below.Fig. 6 (b) illustrates according to the exemplary enforcement of the present invention The treated metadata that uses of scheme fills the example of screen, and with reference in Fig. 5 " the ocean cookies for film (Seabiscuit) embodiment ".In this embodiment, to (providing and carry from HBO video-on-demand service supplier The program of confession carries out selecting) the interface user that carries out operating receives screen request, and therefore, use and provided by HBO metadata sources The populated screen 620 of data genaration is described.

Come back to Fig. 4, except from multiple metadata sources obtain and processing elements data in addition to, according to the present invention technology and System also by treated data allocations to different client devices.Distribution for treated metadata is permissible Being inquiry based on different clients, therefore, query interface 420～424 may be along with system environments and/or the property of client Can change and change.According to the exemplary of the present invention, system can use the independent (schema-of pattern Independent) agreement sends metadata information to client.This functionality makes the software code of client device can With the most general, because client is not required to know data source or the information pattern asked.Such as, client can make With same process process HBO film metadata or the film metadata of movie link (Movielink).

The interface 420-424 of pattern independence be based on storage information type rather than based on storage (based on storage mould Formula) the field groups of permission.In the interface of pattern independence, belonging to what type of information about the information stored should be bright Really store in systems, but just can store any new information without application software is recompiled.Such as, if foundation The metadata broker system of the present invention and technology are extended to the information that can store automobile, then without recompiling server The information relevant to the gas ration of automobile or the information relevant with auto parts machinery can be stored.The exemplary reality of the present invention The scheme of executing provides three kinds of essential metadata contents in metadata repository 400 to be stored in, and such as, (1) is general with metadata The fact that read relevant, the crosslinking between (2) metadata concept, and (3) and the media of metadata conceptual dependency, such as, audio frequency, Video and image.It is any rather than tool containing these three classification based on this field from storage vault 400 search field The field of body.This feature makes to modify the kernel software of lower floor and can add dynamic concept and field to system In.

Distribution to treated metadata may also include different physical distribution nodes, and Fig. 7 provides an enforcement Example.In the figure 7, master metadata server 700 is responsible for interacting with metadata supplier, using acquisition engine 702 to complete State data acquisition functions, and safeguard thesaurus (the overall XML database 703 as in figure).It should be noted that this example uses XML database is merely exemplary as Metadata Repository, and any storage device or data base can substitute above-mentioned number Use according to storehouse.Such as include filtering, verify and the metadata of expansion etc. processes and performs in processing unit 704, as mentioned above.Point Joining the effect of server 710,712 and 714 is the composite screen described in this embodiment of the present invention and distribution function.This Make multiple distribution server all have the data base of respective local cache version, and each server is responsible for each with them From client device communications, so so that different types of client device obtains different service, such as can root Service is provided according to their performance.There is different performances so that they expectations are associated with the visitor of different distribution server The example of family end equipment includes media center PCs 716, Next-Generation Media Servers 718 and Set Top Box 720 etc..

Fig. 7 also show the periodic synchronization between main database server 700 and distribution server 710,712 and 714 (as often My god).When MDL 703 changes, it will notify distribution server 710,712 and 714 associated with it.More new record is passed Deliver on these distribution servers, and be applied to cache database.Distribution server learns the most modified record, and to being subject to Pre-established screen to impact is updated.System can utilize the double buffering to data base, to ensure to be performed in parallel updating, Retrieval request speed will not be reduced simultaneously.System for all users all can public content create screen and template.But, If user has a local disk storage, such as local disk storage present in individual video recorder (PVR), then can also be from this locality Obtain content.In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when browsing from interface and selecting content, user it should also be apparent that these The position of content.In order to realize this function, system is that locally stored all the elements store basic metadata.When client sets For when scanning for content, local metadata storage (if there is) is first checked by it, and then client please to system Seek search result screen, all local contents meeting searching requirement are informed system simultaneously.System is with enough other guides As response to create whole screen, and other the treated metadata needed for local content is provided.Note, discussed herein All embodiments in, the caching in data allocations each stage is only optional, and it depends on special implementation.One Planting alternative is that all metadata can be stored in master metadata server 700, and need not any downstream (downstream) caching.

Fig. 8 gives the embodiment of the architecture performing these functions.The distribution shown the most in more detail Server 714 includes by this locality (the having caching) XML database 802 of master metadata server 700 regular update；Perform such as The screen builder 804 of combinations of the above screen；For responding request, metadata is delivered to client from local data base 802 Image and data allocations device；And ask and the browser of response according to the various browser translation of client device use Protocol interface.Can be through client session manager 808 to the special screen request of distribution server 714 from client 812 To screen builder 804.

Client device 812,814 and 816 has the performance of higher level, carries out not to generate the interface according to the present invention Same operation.Specifically (being merely illustrative of), situations below can be changed by client device 812-816: (1) is used for and user The screen size of interactive display device and resolution, (2) network connectivty, the ability of (3) CPU, (4) storage capacity.Such as, The scope of the display performance of client can be from 52 " plasma screen high accuracy TV equipment to 20 " standard TV set, then Display screen on cell phone.Equally, for the network-in-dialing between distribution server 714 and relative client device Property from slowly to fast change, and can such as control to send downwards how much information, and when send these information.Higher Big client CPU can be downloaded more raw information and carry out processing locality, the CPU clothes to be depended on that ability is relatively low Business device 714 does more process.In like manner, if client device 812-816 has bigger available storage, then they can make With downloading more data before and locally stored, local request so can be accelerated.

The different client devices that figure 8 illustrates shows the above-mentioned aspect of different types of client device.? In Fig. 8, client device 812 represents lower-end client devices (such as DCT-2000STB), and it has covering maker (overlay Generator) 818 and screen requester 820.Covering maker 818 runs and connects from distribution server 714 to be loaded into by figure The top of the mpeg video stream received, to generate user interface in client 812, and screen requester 820 is by leading to via network Letter interface 822 sends to distribution server 714 and asks the quantity with reference to screen, and the screen please look for novelty from distribution server 714. Due to processing locality ability and the limited storage space of client 812, so at the display device (figure associated with client 812 Not shown in) the most all interface screen of major part of upper display, it is possible to use respond above-mentioned request and by distribution server 714 Explicit (explicit) data (such as, detailed screen describes) returned generate.Client device 814 (the example of Medium Capacity As, DCT-5100STB) scalable browser 824 (such as, above by the patent application being incorporated by) can be supported Localization process, and support the local cache that the metadata and/or screen for being locally generated specific screens is described 826.As it can be seen, client 814 is not to ask whole interface screen (to set as to user interface and the display associated at them The response of standby upper user behavior), but the particular image of non-local storage and scalability information can be asked to generate theirs User's screen.Finally, the client 816 (such as, DCT-6208STB) that ability is more powerful can include metadata prefetcher 828, it With friendship family action possible between anticipation user and interface, and can choose in advance for generating the candidate's screen selected for next step Metadata.A combination thereof that the signaling of different clients and ability utilize comes within the meaning and range of equivalents be intended to be embraced therein, and is given in Fig. 8 It is merely exemplary.

Another feature of illustrative embodiments of the invention is, the disposal right relevant to metadata treated to system Limit.Typically, content (such as, film) interested has associated digital copyright protecting (digital right) pipe Reason details, such as, include buying window, browsing window and/or copy limit.But, metadata itself generally has the authority of oneself Arrange.These metadata authorities are also managed according to the system and method for the present invention.Metadata authority includes but is not restricted to Following classes attribute: reward, the scope of application and user type.Reward refers to price or the agreement being dealt with metadata access.Suitable Refer to use " how long " by scope, " how many times " or " using under what circumstances ".User type is to make authority fit Different piece for user group.

System can keep being tracked metadata right management by the set of properties in table, and described table can be storage A part in warehousing 400 or be associated with, such as, have a following element: (1) licensor, (2) metadata indications, (3) Licensed window, (4) safe class, (5) use restriction rule, and (6) report rule, (5) user watches restriction, and (6) user watches Time limit, and (7) maximum watches the time limit.It is not merely one group of attribute that this list indicates these elements, also comprises simultaneously One group of rule evaluated by regulation engine.In each process that metadata processes, system administration and these authorities of application.To scheme As a example by treated metadata in 5, HBO the metadata provided can only be used by the user of HBO.When not being HBO User's request in his or her user interface, show the detailed media selection item relevant to film " Seabiscuit " View time, be responsible for providing the meta data server 700 of content metadata, distribution server 714 or client device 812-816 The film explanation provided by Comcast metadata sources will be provided, and only use the performer listed from this data source.Any from this The information obtained in two data sources is all displayable, but can not use the information that only HBO just provides.

It should be noted that in embodiments of the invention, authority and corresponding metadata are logically considered base by system This unit.When being authorized the most accordingly, this metadata can not be provided, transmits or change.Use symmetric key technique will Metadata encryption just can realize this characteristic easily.The authority using key is to be managed by its authority definition. When the licensed window of metadata is expired, this metadata will from all of (overall situation, distribution, local) data base quilt Remove.Communication between network element is optional, because each element is next right by using local timer to control This processes.If public buffering screen receives the impact that metadata license expires, then distribution server will be to them Reconfigure.

Except metadata right management, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, media content may be with some form Authorized, such as, parents control preference.Parents control to include content character, user preference and access to content code.According to this The embodiment of invention, metadata (except lower floor's content itself) also can have the authorization set controlled based on parents of itself. System keeps tracking to metadata mandate, such as, include, the permission rank of the content that metadata shows, the keyword forbidden, And for showing the user preference of process.Metadata parents control to include following element: (1) does not allow the level of display Not, (2) forbid keyword, and (3) forbid the metadata ingredient (such as, image, brief introduction, all fields) of display, and (4) Process includes the prioritizing selection of the display of the metadata forbidden.Such as, metadata parents can be controlled to be configured by user, to prohibit The only brief introduction of R G-film G, and forbid whole metadata record of whole NC-17 movie.When the boundary that user is asked When comprising the film of R G-film G and NC-17 rank in the movie listings on the screen of face, R G-film G will appear from the list, and NC-17 movie will not have completely.Then, when request is to the detailed view of R G-film G, the screen of generation will include Movie name, publication year, kind and cast, but as the sound controlled according to the metadata of embodiment of the present invention Should, do not have film profile.

According to embodiment of the present invention for forbidding that the embodiment that metadata processes is as described below:

If 1. user priority selects the content forbidden to be individual fields group, then will be with special field (field- Specific) method replaces each data element forbidden.

If the most forbidden data are texts, then with blank these texts of replacing, or user will be used to provide Alternative character string substitutes these texts (if can be talked about).

If the most forbidden data are images, then can substitute with transparent image or background image, or adopt With the image selected by user.

If the most forbidden data are video or audio content (such as, preview), then will use alternative Image carrys out substitute trigger screen elements.

If 5. user selects to forbid whole metadata record, then to the display type relating to this metadata record Check.

If 6. display type requires to show metadata record from structure, such as, time-based TV grid, So with the record involved by non-link text replacement.

If 7. display type is metadata record list, such as the display list of available content, then the content related to Remove completely, just as they do not exist.

After successfully providing parental control access code, all of metadata all will be allowed to provide.

In addition to metadata authority and control, can also keep following the tracks of a lot of difference according to the system and method for the present invention The preference of type, including user, programmer, operator and advertiser's preference.User preference includes by client-clothes Communication between business device carries out some elements processed, and other is by the element of client independent process.Those need clothes The element that business device is got involved processes the alarm (alerts) included for accessing the PID process of control, interested program, and account Single reporting option.General display filtration and setting options (general remotely located, interface appearance etc.) are by client Management.The preference of programmer typically requires the intervention of server.These preferences include user interface outward appearance (layout, patch Trade mark), the link between content, reporting option, the rule-based guide of generation (type based on user/demographics shape Condition) and cross-platform control (the Internet, TV).The preference of operator is a subset of programmer's preference, wherein Cross-platform control is nonsensical.Gray preference includes that the option of report (obtains unprocessed information from client, by taking Business device collects), dynamic rule-based insertion advertisement and interactively tool kit.

Referring now to the flow chart shown in Fig. 9, to the example processed according to the metadata of embodiment of the present invention Property technology is summarized.In fig .9, one or more metadata sources 900 provide metadata, and this metadata is by one or more units Data main server 700, distribution server 710-714 and/or client device process according to the method described above.As foundation The part that the versatile metadata acquisition of embodiment of the present invention processes, these functions include: such as filter in step 902 with Removing incoherent metadata, checking in step 904 is to guarantee the correctness of associated metadata, and as in step 906 In map so that storage metadata group consistent.The metadata produced can be stored in data storage bank 908 and according to upper Method illustrated by face carries out expanding (step 910).Then, treated metadata can be for various applications with will be through Cross the metadata processed and submit to different users.Wherein it is possible to be used as, with it, screen request that client device is sent The response of 914, generates user interface screen (step 912).Treated metadata can be used for filling and is previously generated Screen (step 914), it is (such as step 916 institute in the filtration controlling to associate with such as rights management and/or father and mother that this filling processes Show) after optional process.Then, as shown in step 918, produced screen will be submitted to user.It is appreciated that this Bright individually comprised in fig .9 shown in the various aspects of each independent step, also include two or more simultaneously Step is combined.Additionally, shown in Fig. 9 and step that this specification is described elsewhere can hold in any order OK.

(can not had according to being included in memorizer by processor according to the system and method for illustrative embodiments of the invention Display) in instruction sequences perform.Instruction can (such as, assistance data be deposited from other the media that can read computer for these Storage) read in memorizer.The order of the instruction being included in storage device performs to make the processor can as described hereinbefore. Perform operation like that.In alternative embodiment, can replace with hardware circuit or combination with, software instructions realizes this Bright.

Above-mentioned embodiment is intended to that the present invention will be described in all respects rather than limits.Therefore, concrete real In existing, those skilled in the art can release many variants of the present invention from the explanation comprised herein.These amendments and change Body fall into the protection domain that appended claim is limited.Unless there are clearly stating, otherwise institute in the description of the present application The all elements, behavior or the instruction that use all can not be interpreted key point or the basic point of the present invention.Equally, institute here The article " one " used trends towards including one or more.

Claims (27)

1. the method being used for by one or more servers (700,710,712,714) processing elements data message collection, bag Include:

The source of media (402,404,406,408) different from least two obtains (702) described metadata information collection；

Establishing the link (906,910) between the metadata of the metadata information collection obtained, the link set up will be from identical The metadata association of source of media, or by the metadata association from multiple different source of media；

Based on the metadata information collection from source of media different described at least two, generate synthesis metadata set (400,703, 908), wherein, the metadata set of described synthesis includes the metadata from source of media different described at least two, and

Wherein, the step established the link includes: based on respective semantic association optionally by metadata link together.

The most described metadata information collection is the benefit relevant at least one media program Make up the number evidence.

3. method as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described supplementary data includes associating with at least one media program described One or more in title, brief introduction, type, cast, DVD front cover, price, availability, authority.

The step of the most described acquisition metadata information collection also includes:

Receiving metadata information collection from first service provider and second service provider, described second service provider is with described First service provider is different.

5. the method for claim 1, the step of described generation also includes:

The described metadata information collection got is converted to the second predetermined format from the first form received.

6. the method for claim 1, the step of described generation also includes:

Filter the described metadata information collection that (410,902) get, to remove unrelated information element.

7. the method for claim 1, the step of described generation also includes:

The metadata information collection got described in checking is to correct mistake.

8. the method for claim 1, the step of described generation also includes:

The metadata information collection associated with a kind of media program from described at least two difference source of media is mapped as described The metadata of synthesis.

9. the method for claim 1, the step of described generation also includes:

Based on the metadata information collection got described in one group of rules modification.

10. the method for claim 1, the step of described generation also includes:

Use the part from the metadata information collection got described in described at least two difference source of media, generate user Interface screen.

11. the method for claim 1, the step of described generation also includes:

Use the part from the metadata information collection got described in described at least two difference source of media, fill user Interface screen.

12. methods as claimed in claim 11, farther include:

Based on the authority associated with the described metadata information collection got, limit for fill described user interface screen, The use of the described metadata information collection got.

13. methods as claimed in claim 11, farther include:

Control based on the parents associated with the described metadata information collection got, limit and be used for filling described user interface screen Described in the use of metadata information collection that gets.

14. 1 kinds of systems (700) being used for processing media metadata, including:

Meta data server (702), receives metadata information collection for the source of media different from least two, and is used for filtering Described metadata information collection, and optionally described metadata information collection is stored in metadatabase；

Processor (704), associates with described meta data server, for will be stored in the metadata information in described metadatabase Collection links together, and that is set up links the metadata association from identical source of media, or will be from multiple different media The metadata association in source；Processor (704) described metadata information collection based on the source of media different from least two generates The new metadata collection of synthesis, the new metadata collection of described synthesis includes the metadata from source of media different described at least two； Described processor uses the new metadata collection generation of described synthesis to be determined according to described link by the new metadata collection of described synthesis Screen templates, and based on respective semantic association optionally by metadata link together；

At least one distribution server (710,712,714), for distributing treated metadata to multiple client devices.

15. systems as claimed in claim 14, also include:

Multiple distribution servers, are connected with described meta data server, are used for distributing treated described new metadata.

16. systems as claimed in claim 15, wherein, at least two in the plurality of distribution server is based on being associated with The performance rate of client device, differently distribute the described new metadata of synthesis.

17. systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described metadata set is supplements relevant at least one media program Data.

18. systems as claimed in claim 17, wherein, described supplementary data includes relevant at least one media program described Exercise question, brief introduction, type, cast, DVD front cover, price, availability and authority in one or more.

19. systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described processor processes the described metadata set received, with by it The second predetermined format is converted to from the first form received.

20. systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described processor processes the described metadata set received, with from it In filter out unrelated information element.

21. systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described processor processes the described metadata set received, with checking The described metadata set received, thus correct mistake.

22. systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described processor processes and connects from the source of media that described at least two is different The metadata set received, to be mapped as the new metadata collection of described synthesis by the metadata associated with a kind of media program.

23. systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein, the described unit number that described processor receives based on one group of rule treatments According to collection, so that it is modified.

24. systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described processor processes the described metadata set received, to use From the part generation user interface screen of the metadata set that described at least two difference source of media receives.

25. systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described processor processes the described metadata set received, to use A part from the described metadata set received of described at least two difference source of media fills user interface screen.

26. systems as claimed in claim 25, wherein, described processor processes the described metadata set that receives, with based on The authority associated with the described metadata set received, limits for filling the unit received described in described user interface screen The use of data set.

27. systems as claimed in claim 25, wherein, described processor processes the described metadata set that receives, with based on The parents associated with the described metadata set received control, and limit and are used for filling receiving described in described user interface screen The use of metadata set.