CN101099139A

CN101099139A - System and method for enhanced video selection

Info

Publication number: CN101099139A
Application number: CNA2005800163794A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 塞思·哈伯曼
Original assignee: Visible World LLC
Current assignee: Visible World LLC
Priority date: 2004-04-07
Filing date: 2005-04-06
Publication date: 2008-01-02
Also published as: CN101124536A

Abstract

A system and method for presenting and displaying video asset information to a viewer to assist the view in selecting a video asset for viewing. The video assets can be available from a plurality of different video asset sources, such as VOD (video on demand), PVR (personal video recorders) and broadcast (including over the air, cable, and satellite). Images from the video assets are displayed in a uniform manner, along with information about the video assets. The information includes data in a metadata category. The view can select one of the video assets for viewing, but also can navigate using metadata categories such as genre, actors, director etc. This allows a much easier and natural navigating and selection process for viewers.

Description

The system and method that the video that strengthens is selected

Related application

It is the U.S. Patent application No.11/081 on March 15th, 2005 that the application requires the applying date, and it is the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/560 on April 7th, 2004 that 009 right of priority, this application require the applying date, the interests in 146, and these all are hereby incorporated by.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the multichannel video environment, more specifically, relate to a kind of being used for by the video data that is used on the server play being broadcasted the system of navigating.

Background technology

Along with the introducing of multichannel video, developed electronic program guides (EPG) and helped the overall of user's navigation " 500 channels ".This provides multifrequency nature, as the grouping of theme program design, prepares for (often carrying out record mark), the navigation by favorite channel etc.EPG generally can realize current projection, and linear video program on the horizon design.

Along with the appearance of video request program (VOD), EPG need provide and linearity is changed between providing at VOD.This has a bit compromise, because the data of prerecording that provides by the VOD service can not directly tabulate by the EPG that is used for linear channel is selected.In addition, the VOD choice mechanism often is modeled as the hierarchical menu choice structure, and along with the steady-state growth by the obtainable content of VOD server, and this makes that the user is more difficult and navigates in all available contents.

Personal video recorder (PVR) has the general and linear program design of the last program design of carrying out of similar effects: PVR, even with VOD on the program design that can carry out be separated and carry out, therefore in order to browse all available programs designs, the user in fact will be between linear program design, the design of VOD program and the design of PVR program " conversion ".

Therefore, needing can be with these technical combinations together, so that the user can use metadata values to browse and search for available program design content in the mode of unanimity, and can come the representation element data in a kind of mode of intuition, making can be relevant with the program design content with them simply.The present invention wishes a kind of expansion as current EPG ability, to find related content more simply.

Summary of the invention

Ground has superiority, developed multiple technologies and connected search so that can in a plurality of databases, carry out theme, developed meta-data descriptor more fully to catch the characteristic of these contents and sub-component thereof, and developed multiple technologies, wherein video scene can have the part that hot linked screen is arranged with metadata object.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a kind of for the user collects the system of presenting and displaying video asset information with the video data that helps the user to select will to watch, and wherein this video data can obtain from a plurality of different video asset sources.This system comprises a metadata component, and with the data of storage about the video data that can obtain from a plurality of different video asset sources, these data are grouped at least one meta data category.The example of meta data category comprises performer, director, school, motion, alliance, team, sportsman or school.At least partial data is provided for the user to allow the user and select and to watch video data and need not to consider this video asset sources.This system also comprises a montage/static images assembly, can be from the relevant image of video resource of a plurality of different video asset sources acquisitions with each to obtain and to store at least one.This image is shown to the user with data.This system also can comprise a data availability assembly, to determine the available video data from described a plurality of video asset sources.Which video asset sources the user can select this video data is provided.This system can be used as the backup system of first system and helps the user from specific video source of information selection video data.

Exemplary embodiment also comprises a feature, wherein when partial data is provided for the user, the user can ask other available video data of from a plurality of different video asset sources search, this different video asset sources have with described meta data category in the current described partial data at least that the provides related data of mating substantially.This makes the user to navigate by video data at an easy rate.Described user can select other video asset sources when searching for other video data according to the request of partial data at least that is provided.

The example of video asset sources comprises VOD, PVR or the same period or following broadcast video.This system also handles the details of the video data that relates to the different resource place, if for example the user selects to watch the video data from following broadcast video resource, this system is provided at the viewed contiguous option of reminding beholder's setting warning constantly of video data for the user.If in order to watch, need carry out format conversion to the selected video data of watching, then the user can warn in system.In addition, if identical video data can obtain from a plurality of video asset sources, system comprises that one is selected to set to determine which video asset sources to obtain this identical video data from watches.

An embodiment of the invention comprise a kind of method of collecting presenting and displaying video asset information with the video data that helps the user to select to watch, and wherein this video data can obtain from a plurality of different video asset sources.This method comprises: obtain the data about this video data that can obtain from these a plurality of different video asset sources, wherein these data are grouped at least one meta data category; At least a portion that these data are provided is to the user, to allow the user to select and to watch video data and need not to consider video asset sources.Also comprise obtain at least one can be with each from the relevant image of video data of a plurality of different video asset sources acquisitions, and this at least one image offered the user with these data.

Description of drawings

These and other feature of the present invention will be more readily understood according to the detailed description below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the block scheme of each assembly of a typical VOD system of expression;

Fig. 2 shows the set of selecting to watch the typical traversal step of film by a VOD menu system;

Fig. 3 shows the video-see screen of illustrative embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows the interactive information sign of an illustrative embodiments;

Fig. 5 shows the metadata browse screen of this illustrative embodiments;

Fig. 6 shows a preview/advance notice screen of this illustrative embodiments;

Fig. 7 shows second interactive information sign of an illustrative embodiments;

Fig. 8 shows the second preview/advance notice screen of this illustrative embodiments;

Fig. 9 shows the 3rd preview/advance notice screen of this illustrative embodiments;

Figure 10 shows the 4th preview/advance notice screen of this illustrative embodiments;

Figure 11 shows the process flow diagram according to an illustrative embodiments;

Figure 12 shows the system chart of an embodiment of this illustrative embodiments;

Figure 13 shows the embodiment of a montage/static memory module;

Figure 14 shows the embodiment of a search metadata database component;

Figure 15 shows the embodiment of a data usability data library component;

Figure 16 shows the mapping between a possible user input commands and existing remote control;

Figure 17 shows the embodiment of individuation data library component;

Figure 18 A-D shows the exemplary screen picture of an embodiment;

Figure 19 A-B shows other exemplary screen picture of the embodiment of Figure 18;

Figure 20 shows other exemplary screen picture of the embodiment of Figure 18; And

Figure 21 shows other exemplary screen picture of the embodiment of Figure 18.

Embodiment

Figure 1 illustrates the exemplary overview of the VOD system of a prior art.This system comprises a VOB aft-end assembly 20 (being in the front end of a cable) and is arranged in the receiving equipment 22 and the display device 24 of user family.Receiving equipment 22 can be a top box of digital machine, or any other receiving equipment that comprises computing machine or Media Processor.Display device 24 can be a televisor, or any other demonstration or surveillance.In addition, receiving equipment 22 and display device 24 can also be merged into a physical equipment, as the televisor of " digital cable is arranged ", or computing machine/media center.Aft-end assembly 20 can comprise a plurality of modules, as one or more VOD storage servers 26 (being used to store the program design that the user can use), one or more VOD pumps 28 (being used for broadcast program design when reality uses a plurality of users of this system to ask at any time), a user management (is used for being connected with customer data base with accounting module 30, and be used for service is authenticated and charges), management and control module 32 (are used for this system of holistic management, data and resource) and a content acquisition module 34 (being used for loading new program design content in this system).

Typical a use in the scene, user 25 will " conversion " to VOD (for example passing through to press a special button on his telepilot of receiving equipment).This causes that receiving equipment sends an enabling signal by order and control channel to the VOD rear end, typically is tuned to a VOD channel then, and this provides the menu of the available VOD data that will select to the user.This menu typically is implemented as the menu system towards text of a classification, and wherein the user can come the chooser menu and subscribe the VOD resource with the button on his telepilot.The menu chain 36 of Fig. 2 has carried out graphic extension to this, wherein the user selects " film " from master menu, from submenu 1, select then " action movie ", from submenu 2, select " Hannibal (Hannibal) " then, on submenu 3, confirm to buy the transaction of " Hannibal " then.In case all these has been finished, VOB aft-end assembly 20 will distribute " Hannibal " in VOD storage server 26, distribute an available VOD pump 28, and order this VOD pump 28 beginnings available bandwidth crack (frequency) in network to be gone up and play " Hannibal ".Receiving equipment 22 oneself is tuned to this bandwidth crack with it then, begins then to show this data on display device 24, makes the user can begin to watch this data.In watching process, typically, user 25 have by suspend by the button on his telepilot, put upside down, the ability of F.F. film.For example, when user 25 presses pause button, receiving equipment will send a suspending message (by order and control channel 27) and give VOD rear end 20 to suspend film.Be through with because film is watched, perhaps because user's 25 decisions are by stopping this session by the one or more special button on the telepilot, a VOD session can finish, and in both cases, system will turn back to normal television viewing mode.

Be used to search for and browse the VOD data when front port and system often be problematic, always ineffective.This system often is implemented as the hierarchical menu system, is not very flexible, and is not very directly perceived.As a result, the user can not always can find the VOD data that will watch, unless they know the definite title and the attribute of the data that will look for.If the number of the available VOD data in the VOD system has increased, it is bad more that this problem will become.

The invention provides and a kind ofly be used to browse and search for VOD and go up new example available and available video data on other resource.The present invention is directed to data using metadata (as " leading man ", " director ", " publication year " etc.), use it to make user search particular profile (as " finding act the leading role or the associated data of all Clint Eastwood ") in one embodiment.It also provides strong association search capability (as " I like film X, for I find out the data that all have identical leading man ").Equally, the present invention provides user interface (picture that replaces text) intuitively for the user, can be with telepilot (not needing keyboard) this user interface that navigates simply.

Other characteristic of the present invention is the unsettled U.S. Patent application No.11/080 on March 15th, 2005 in the applying date, is described in 389, and its title is " method and system that is used for display guide for video selection ", is hereby incorporated by.

To be described in the embodiment directly perceived of the present invention in the digital cable system now, at first aspect user functional, then aspect the realization in cable system or environment.

Consider a user in the digital cable system, he can visit the VOD service, and has a digital received equipment that comprises PVR (personal video recorder) service.At the beginning, this user will watch film, so his display will show full screen video as shown in Figure 3.In any moment in the film process, the user can start (by by a specific button on his telepilot) interactive information sign 38 and be presented on his display, as shown in Figure 4.In this example, sign 38 comprises the channel station symbol 40 in left side, some textual descriptions 42 of the current film on right side.Some " chain fields " 44 that description comprises, these fields are by certain visual effect institute mark (they have underscore in this example).Field 44 is represented the association's search (therefore, " Will Smith " field is represented data that all are acted the leading role by Will Smith) to the data with same alike result.

The user can navigate between chain field with the button on the telepilot (it indicates current selection by highlighted demonstration), then by starting a link by another button on the telepilot.For this example, suppose that the user has started " Will Smith " field.This will cause a metadata browse screen (in the case to " Will Smith ") as shown in Figure 5.This screen provides the result of the data of all shared same metadata of search (in the case to " Will Smith ").In this example, this screen has 9 data, each data is shown as the combination of the title 48 of a static images 46 (montage is from this data or alternative resource) and this data, and out of Memory, as the publication year 50 of this data and this data of indication obtainable symbol 52 whether.The probable value of this symbol is: VOD (can obtain in the VOD archives) 52a, show (current show) 52b, PVR (can obtain) 52c and guide (be presented in the guide, therefore can obtain in the future) 52d on PVR.Other probable value of this symbol 52, and the alternative resource of this data as DVD jukebox, tape jukebox and the medium by IP network (comprise Ethernet, optical fiber, carrier current, wireless etc.) distribution, belong in the scope of the present invention equally.

Typically, in the data is 54 (indicating current selection, is " Wild Wild West " data in the case) of highlighted demonstration.For other method of the data plotting focus of current selection (including but not limited to flicker, ghost image, change color, border etc. alternately) all belongs in the scope of the present invention.The selection that key change on the user can use a teleswitch is current.Under the situation that data can show more than screen, user's button that can use a teleswitch moves to the page or leaf of front or back.The user can be by starting the data of current selection by the specific button on the telepilot.This will take the user at selected data preview/advance notice session.For example, suppose that the user has selected " I Robot ", has then illustrated final preview/advance notice screen among Fig. 6.Preview can be the drama preview of any length, and in preview, the user can be by buying to watch this VOD data by a button on the telepilot (being " selection " button in the case).The user can also select to watch immediately the data of being bought, and perhaps selects a later time to watch this VOD data potentially, for example allows father and mother to have the purchase that option is bought in cryptoguard, allows children watch after a while at night.In addition, if the VOD data can be downloaded among the PVR, thereby make the user can from PVR, watch this data.The user can time-out, F.F., the content of the preview of putting upside down.Equally, the user can press remote controller buttons for the interactive information sign, and this will cause interactive information sign 42 as shown in Figure 7.As discussed above, user's link in this sign etc. of can navigating now.

This preview/advance notice may with the data that obtains by other device except that VOD on seem that some is different slightly.Fig. 8 shows the preview screen when a current data that is showing (being Ali in this embodiment) is selected, Fig. 9 shows when a preview screen when can be by the data (being " Enemy of The State (Enemy of the State) " in this embodiment) that PVR obtains selected, and Figure 10 shows the preview screen when the data that obtains (being Men In Black in this embodiment) is selected in guide.The applied logic of this illustrative embodiments is further illustrated and is summed up in the treatment scheme 56 of Figure 11.According to the type of data, can take to be suitable for the different behavior of this data, described as the front in conjunction with Fig. 6 and Fig. 8-10.

The embodiment of this illustrative embodiments at a cable front end will be discussed now.This embodiment is shown in Figure 12.Montage/static images memory module 58 is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 13.Preview, advance notice and static images that its storage and management are relevant with the data that the user can use.It provides unified database for the various trailers relevant with data and still picture.It is from various resource acquired informations.At first, have new content to enter into this VOD system at any time, this content picked-up (ingest) module 34 is promptly notified this montage/still picture memory module 58.If this new content is relevant with the montage/still picture that is used for preview, then montage/still frame memory module 58 is just managed and is stored it for future use.If there is not montage/still picture relevant with it, this montage/still frame memory module 58 therefrom extracts suitable montage/still picture automatically.Montage or still picture that the information that obtains that this data provides or independent can be from this data provide one or more reasonable times/frame reference.Secondly, montage/still frame memory module 58 can be connected with still picture resource 60 with a plurality of inside and outside montages.These examples of resources such as online Internet film database (www.imdb.com), or VOD and other content library.The 3rd, this montage/still frame memory module 58 can have a user interface 62, to allow operator manual extraction montage and still picture from data.

Another main system component is the search metadata database (DB) 64 among Figure 12, and Figure 14 shows more in detail.This assembly 64 for all users can with data unified metadata is provided.Also be provided for interface according to metadata values search data.This search metadata database 64 obtains information from various Energy Resources Service.At first, the content of Hou Xin enters this VOD system in the time of whatsoever, and it all has metadata (for example, referring to the explanation of Cablelabs metadata) usually, therefore this content picked-up assembly 58 will be notified this search metadata database, and it manages and store this metadata then.Secondly, this search metadata database is connected with a plurality of inside and outside metadata resource 66.Can be public resource (as the IMDB that describes below), or VOD and other content library.The 3rd, search metadata database 64 can have a system 68, is used for extracting metadata automatically from this content.Such example comprises the inspection closed captioning information, for the graphical analysis of the word on the credit is opened and/or closed in searching, relatively and coupling performer and director's database etc.For example, the present invention can use a kind of combination that scans closed caption data, combines with mode identificating software to set up the school of film.And, can also locate the opening and closing of the credit of film with scene-detection algorithms, use character recognition algorithm to determine performer and director automatically then.And, can analyze to determine the school of film audio frequency (music), perhaps even discern specific film.In addition, speech recognition system also can be used to determine the performer.

The 4th, this search metadata database 64 can have a user interface 62, and the operator can append to metadata on the content whereby.

Another primary clustering is the data availability databases 70 of Figure 12, and Figure 15 shows more in detail.This database 70 is followed the tracks of the data that can use the user at any time.It obtains its information from various resources.At first, when fresh content enters into the VOD system, content acquisition module 34 will be notified exist (perhaps the deleting it, if this data is removed from the VOD system) of data availability databases 70 records and managerial data.Secondly, the electron source that data availability databases 70 is connected to programme information 72 (typically, this information is provided for cable operated person, adding electronic program guides in top box of digital machine, is the Tribune data, services at the supplier's of U.S.'s electronic program information a example).Data availability databases 70 is used this information, and which data/program can viewed or record on heterogeneous networks in several weeks subsequently to follow the tracks of.The 3rd, data availability databases 70 is periodically collected data from all digital receivers 74 with PVR ability, and these information have specified each receiver current that all store and in those available on its hard disk drive or on other storage medium data.Typically, these information are collected on the backstage, thus the not behavior of coupling cable system (for example evening).Data availability databases 70 is carried out standardization to all these data, and can generate a tabulation of all data that can use optional network specific digit receiver 74 according to following formula:

Asserts_available_to_receiver＝

IF(receiver_has_PVR)

THEN(assets_available_on_VOD+assets_present_in_program_information)

ELSE(assets_available_on_VOD+assets_present_in_program_information+

asserts_on_PVR)

END

The main assembly of another of this system is the search for application 76 of Figure 12.This application program resides in the receiving equipment 22 in the user house.It can be a built-in application program, Downloadable application program or a built-in features of another receiver application program (as electronic program guides).This search for application 76 has two major functions.First, no matter when the user has started the search pattern that strengthens, it will set up one with being connected of the search for application server 78 of rear end, and processing and user's user interface (according to the process flow diagram among Figure 11), it will be from all metadata, static images and the video playback capability of search for application server 78 requests.The second, comprise at receiving equipment 22 under the situation of a PVR that it will periodically go up the data availability databases 70 that available tabulation of date sends it back the rear end with a PVR.Last primary clustering of this system is a search for application server 78.This server is as the engine of application program, no matter when the user has started the search pattern that strengthens, this search for application server 78 receives a request opening search sessions, and it will continue the request of acquisition to metadata, static images and video playback in this session.Search for application server 78 will carry out alternately to obtain montage or static images with montage/still frame memory module 58 then, carry out alternately to obtain metadata with search metadata database 64, carry out alternately finding the tabulation of available data with data availability databases 70, and carry out alternately to play advance notice and/or VOD data with VOD storer and/or VOD pump assembly.

An advantage of the invention is that the needed user's input from the user can be mapped on the existing remote control equipment at an easy rate, thereby exempted the more complicated input equipment such as the needs of remote keyboard.In other words, directly all user who needs inputs have been mapped on the existing key of prior remote controller.Embodiment on key that simply is mapped to telepilot 80 is shown in Figure 16 (note: this is a kind of possible mapping, is also noted that only to show the key relevant with this application, and in fact a lot of other keys also all are fine).

This embodiment has only described a kind of possible embodiment of the present invention.To those skilled in the art, the present invention can also be embodied as other embodiment obviously.Not to attempt comprehensive description, will describe other embodiment now.

To one of previous described embodiment main improvement is exactly the personalization that has increased system.This will further improve individual's preference or historical user interface to the user.If for example the user has watched the film of all Will Smith, system may think that this user is interested in the science fiction movies, and will at first present the film of Will Smith from the science fiction class.And still picture and montage will be by personalizations.For example the different aspect of film will be highlighted demonstration with attract different personal interest (profile) (film " Pearl Harbor " can be used as the love film present to romantic movie interested some, present to the interested people of war film as the war film, this will cause different montages and still picture to be shown showing same film).A feature like this will by to the base configuration increase of rear end 20 one by one property server 82 realize.This personalization server 82 is shown in Figure 17.The purpose of this server 82 is in order to keep personal interest (profile) information for each potential system user (user).This personalization server 82 is set up according to various inputs and is kept these interest.At first, it can obtain user profile from cable operated person's customer data base 84.This information can comprise some basic population's statistics (sex), the VOD buying behavior in past etc.The second, can obtain information from the more detailed demographic information's of having of other (outside) (income etc.) demographic database 86.The example of such database provider comprises Axiom in the U.S., InfoUSA.The 3rd, can from various client devices 74, collect and watch behavior.This can comprise about the viewed information that gets the most frequent grade of what program.This personalization server 82 will carry out standardization to all these information, apply it to then in available montage/still frame memory module 58, and in the available search metadata database 64, and select optimal montage/still picture and/or describe text or metadata for special customization for specific user.

Figure 18 A-18D shows the embodiment of the screen shot (shot) according to an embodiment of the invention.The purpose that the television image shown in (and among following figure) is for the purpose of illustration only among these figure is not to the shown any right of these image requests.The entitlement of all trade marks of these example images, trade name, advertising rights, copyright all return separately everyone all.The demonstration that Figure 18 A shows the video data of this example is to show according to the broadcasting that viewing time is arranged.This broadcasting shows and is shown as the static or mobile image that this broadcasting shows, the another one network icon is as the part of this image, superposes or is combined in this image.The user can use a telepilot to come selected broadcasting of highlighted demonstration to show and watch, or interactively obtains the out of Memory of the broadcasting demonstration of relevant this highlighted demonstration.The user does not need to handle the basic details of channel or the transmission of other video data, but can simply navigate by more familiar project, will pass through network in this case.In addition, the user can optionally increase or remove entity (entity) (and the order of arranging shown network) from show, thereby shows for the user carries out personalization.Figure 18 B-D shows the different demonstration of carrying out based on selected time slot as showing in the bottom of this image.

Figure 19 A shows another screen shot of this embodiment, and this moment, the user watched the video data of specific demonstration, and wherein this video data can be from a resource, as obtaining in video request program, storehouse or other transmission service.This user can easily select specific one act to watch, and perhaps obtains out of Memory, shown in Figure 19 B.As previously mentioned, the user can have the ability of searching for other video data according to the information that shows with this image and metadata categories.

Figure 20 shows another screen shot of this embodiment, and wherein the user can utilize the label of arranging along screen top to navigate, and selects different video data classification.In current example, the user has selected " my a favorite " class, and has shown that a video data watches selection.As shown in the figure, this video data can obtain from numerous Energy Resources Service, comprises DVD, broadcasting, reaches sponsored program broadcasting.This user can select a video data (by a highlighted demonstration and a remote equipment mutual, perhaps opposite) to watch from a large amount of video asset sources.And the user can utilize that current listed video data navigates to other similar video data (based on this meta data category) in the class that this is liked.

Figure 21 shows another screen shot of this embodiment, and it shows the ability that advertisement, interactive buying experience or special price information are provided for the user.As shown in image, the selection of advertising information is presented to the user, carries out alternately to allow user by selecting, thereby watch and/or receive special price information from such advertisement.A visual indication on the image can be reminded special price information of user or to the interactive chance of particular advertisement.This user can utilize meta data category to search for the supplier of other advertisement or commodity and service, for example according to the image of an amusement park and the meta data category of advertisement are searched for other amusement park.

Another embodiment optionally uses rest image to replace video preview/advance notice.This can bring lot of advantages: at first, rest image can more easily obtain than preview/advance notice, especially for passing through the content (as the content that occurs after two weeks from now in guide) that other device except that VOD obtains, secondly, this can limiting bandwidth consumption (rest image takies the bandwidth and the storage space of much less than mobile video).The use of bandwidth can send this rest image and it is stored in each subscriber equipment 74 when needed and further limit (not being to ask to send to subscriber equipment when needed) by broadcast (carrousels) with so-called broadcasting wheel.It is bandwidth conservation technology (for example DSM-CC data carousel) in the well-known digital video industry that broadcasting wheel is broadcast (carrousel).The minimizing of detection bandwidth switches to the friendly technology (still picture) of more bandwidth then, but and use sport video more back as more bandwidth time spent, revise system by this way also within the scope of the invention.

The embodiment of another variation is " prompting automatically " additional preview/trailer after the user finishes to watch preview.In other words, if user's preview should " Ali " preview but do not plan to buy this film, perhaps withdraw from this application program, system can begin to play following relevant preview (rather than returning browse screen) automatically.This can as effectively produce and improve system's (playing relevant trailer continuously) aspect the interactive film-on-demand (movie barker channel).

The embodiment of another variation is written into trailer in the hard disk of the receiver device that can realize PVR.This will allow these trailers to play (even they point to the motion picture data the VOD, perhaps as a linear program design) from local hard drive.But these trailers can be downloaded in the bandwidth time spent (as evening), and this can make that also system bandwidth efficient is higher.

The embodiment of another variation utilizes system from other Energy Resources Service (adding or substituting as VOD and PVR and linear program design) reproduction data.Such example comprises: can be by the data of broadcasting IP network acquisition, the data that on DVD or DVD register, obtains, data by the acquisition of digital land network, by directly arriving the data that family (DTH) satellite obtains, the data that near video-on-demand (NVOD) channel, obtains, the data that in reservation video request program (SVOD), obtains etc.And data can not provide network that enough bandwidth watch in real time or the path from those and downloads.This data can download among this PVR, when this data has all been downloaded, perhaps begins when this PVR watches prompting user's (in fact utilizing this PVR as a buffer system) when enough data are downloaded with the permission user in parallel download continuously.

The embodiment of another variation changes the user interface sense organ so that the interface of different-style to be provided.This system can be modified at an easy rate with the performance in conjunction with metadata different video-see or performances (as rest image or as mobile video) is provided.And different input equipments can be easy to supported (more advanced telepilot, keyboard, medium control center suggestion etc.).

The embodiment of another variation be show by presenting to audience one they (will) screen of each ingredient of the film watched, give them more control/preview capability.It is closely similar with metadata browse screen (or the scene that is used in usually today in a lot of DVD titles is selected screen) that this screen can seem, and make spectators that better understanding can be arranged the development of film, and give spectators and control navigation this film in more friendly mode.

The embodiment of another variation is that (replacement rest image) uses mobile video in the metadata browse screen.Various data can be shown as mobile picture, have only the audio frequency of the data of current selection to be abandoned.In order to make enforcement simpler, these move the still picture that image can be low-quality or even cartoon type.

Though the present invention shows in conjunction with some embodiments, various other variation and describes, can also not exceed form and the omission on the details and the interpolation of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1, a kind of wherein said video data can obtain from a plurality of different video asset sources for the user collects the system of presenting and displaying video asset information with the video data that helps described user to select will to watch, and described system comprises:

Metadata component, with the data of storage about the described video data that can obtain from described a plurality of different video asset sources, described data are grouped at least one meta data category;

Wherein be provided for described user allowing described user and select and to watch video data to the described data of small part, and need not to consider described video asset sources.

2, the system as claimed in claim 1 also comprises:

A montage/still picture assembly can be from the relevant image of video resource of described a plurality of different video asset sources acquisitions with each to obtain and to store at least one.

3, the system as claimed in claim 1, which video asset sources wherein said user can select this video data is provided.

4, the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein when described at least when partial data is provided for described user, described user can ask other available video data of from described a plurality of different video asset sources search, this different video asset sources have with described meta data category in the current described partial data at least that the provides related data of mating substantially.

5, system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said user can select other video asset sources in the video data that other is provided according to the request of partial data at least that is provided.

6, the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one image relevant with video data is shown to described user with described partial data at least.

7, the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said meta data category comprises performer, director, school, motion, alliance, team, sportsman or school.

8, the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said video asset sources comprise VOD, PVR or the same period or following broadcast video.

9, system as claimed in claim 8, if wherein the user selects to watch the video data from the broadcast video resource in future, then described system is that described user is provided at the contiguous option of reminding described beholder's setting warning constantly that described video data can be viewed.

10, the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one image comprises static montage, video clipping or trailer.

11, the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system helps described user as the backup system of first system and select a video data from the specific video source of information.

12, the system as claimed in claim 1 is carried out the once format conversion if wherein be selected for the video data of watching for viewed needs, and described user can remind in then described system.

13, the system as claimed in claim 1, if wherein identical video data can obtain from a plurality of video asset sources, then described system comprises that one is selected to set to determine which video asset sources to obtain described identical video data from is used to watch.

14, a kind of method of collecting presenting and displaying video asset information with the video data that helps the user to select to watch, wherein said video data can obtain from a plurality of different video asset sources, and described method comprises:

Acquisition is about the data of the described video data that can obtain from described a plurality of different video asset sources, and wherein said data are grouped at least one meta data category; And

Provide to the described data of small part to described user, to allow described user to select and to watch video data and need not to consider described video asset sources.

15, method as claimed in claim 14 also comprises:

Obtain at least one and each relevant image of video data that can obtain from described a plurality of different video asset sources, and described at least one image is offered described user with described data.

16, method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said user can select which video asset sources to obtain video data from.

17, method as claimed in claim 14 also comprises:

Reception obtains the request of other video data from one of described user from described a plurality of different video asset sources, described a plurality of video asset sources have with described meta data category in the described partial data at least that the provides related data of mating substantially.

18, method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said meta data category comprises performer, director, school, motion, alliance, team, sportsman or school.

19, method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said video asset sources comprise VOD, PVR or the same period or following broadcast video.

20, a kind of wherein said video data can obtain from a plurality of different video asset sources for the user collects the system of presenting and displaying video asset information with the video data that helps the user to select will to watch, and described system comprises:

A data availability assembly is used for definite available video data from described a plurality of video asset sources;

A montage/still picture assembly is used to obtain and stores at least one and each relevant image of video data that obtains from described a plurality of different video asset sources;

A metadata component is used to store the data about the described video data that can obtain from described a plurality of different video asset sources, and described data are grouped at least one meta data category;

Wherein offer described user together to the described data of the small part image relevant, select and watch this video data to allow described user with at least one and video data, and irrelevant with described video asset sources;

Wherein when described at least when partial data is provided for described user, described user can carry out mutual and request other video data of search from described a plurality of different video asset sources, this different video asset sources have with described meta data category in the described partial data at least that the provides related data of mating substantially.