CA2430019A1 - System and method for providing an omnimedia package - Google Patents
System and method for providing an omnimedia package Download PDFInfo
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- CA2430019A1 CA2430019A1 CA002430019A CA2430019A CA2430019A1 CA 2430019 A1 CA2430019 A1 CA 2430019A1 CA 002430019 A CA002430019 A CA 002430019A CA 2430019 A CA2430019 A CA 2430019A CA 2430019 A1 CA2430019 A1 CA 2430019A1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/83—Generation or processing of protective or descriptive data associated with content; Content structuring
- H04N21/84—Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
- H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
- H04N21/235—Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/435—Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
Abstract
Disclosed is a system that permits a variable number of disparate streams of datato be packaged together as content into a single distinct program referred to as anomnimedia package. A framework definition may be specified and created for theomnimedia package to allow a client set top box to decode the information and provideaccess to streams comprising video, audio and metadata information. The frameworkdefinition may be employed by a broadcast system to create a broadcast stream. Amechanism is described that permits a content provider to define a framework for delivering a package of related content.
The framework definition encapsulates information necessary to build, format, transmit and display the disparate contentstreams. Data may be downloaded to a receiver prior to the broadcast of an associatedprogram. The present invention may be implemented on terrestrial, cable, satellite, VDSL and other transport systems, including those that support upstream communication.
The framework definition encapsulates information necessary to build, format, transmit and display the disparate contentstreams. Data may be downloaded to a receiver prior to the broadcast of an associatedprogram. The present invention may be implemented on terrestrial, cable, satellite, VDSL and other transport systems, including those that support upstream communication.
Description
SYSTEM AND METFIOD FOR :PROVIDING AN OMNJMEDIA PACKAGE -Cross Reference to Related Applications This application claims the beneht'ofU.S: patent application nuxnbei,601253,168 entitled 'OmniMedia Package", filed November 27, 2000 by Steven Reynolds, which is also specifically incorpoiated~herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches.
1o Baek~rou~nd of the Invention a. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to enhanced multimedia television and more particularly to a system and method for organization, combination, transmission and 15 reception of media from a range of sources wherein the media may comprise a plurality.
of video streams, audio streams, and other information, such as may be accessed via the Internet.
b. Description of the Background 2o . The format of television programs often conforms to N?SC, PAL, or SECAM
standards wherein a predefined bandwidth, i.e. channel, is employed to carry a single television program. Additional information that may be provided with a program has offers been encoded into the vertical blanking interval (VBI), such as closed captioning or altem.ate language support, for example.-As television broadcast formats move to digital 2s transmission, many programs continue to be presented in a manner similar to 'channel' .
based television, comprising one video stream, a primary audio stream, and possibly an alternate audio stream.
Continued expansion of. the Jntemet and high bandwidth networks provides access.
to an ancreasing,volume of information. Adoption of digital transmission formats allows 3o media such as audio, video, and metadata content, to be associated, combined, and .presented to provide viewers with a richer and more diverse media experience.
Methods such as MPEG7 provide for relating content information, but do not provide a metlhod by which content of various formats may be grouped; transmitted axed displayed.
Therefore a new method of organizing, transmitting, and presenting media from -multiple sources is:
needed.
Summary of the Inyention . The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art by providing a system and method that allows a transmission system to oxgani'ze .and transmit a related set of media and for a display platform to organize and render related to media, information in a manner that reflects the available media and the capabilities of the platforan. ,A, framework definition identifies a set o~ associated content (media) for a broadcast program. The pz-esent invention compares the format of the media with a transmission format and converts media of other.f~rhats to that of.the trara~nission format. An omnimenu describes the content. Media content and the omnimenu'are is combined into a broadcast stream and transmitted.
The present invention nay therefore comprise a method fox producing a broadcast stream that contains audio content, video content, and metadata content comprising:
creating a framework definition that identifies the audio content, the video content and the metadata content associated with a broadcast and attributes thereof, comparing the 2o audio format of the audio content with an audio transmission format and converting the audio content to the audio transmission foxxnat if the audio format and the audio transmission format differ, comparing the video fomtat of the video content with a video transmission format and converting the video content to the video ixansmission format if the video format and the vid~a transmission forniat~differ, comparing the ~met~adata format 2s of the xnetadata content with a metadata transmission format and.
converting the metadata content to the metadata transmission format if the metadata format and the metadata transmission format differ, creating a menu describing.the audio content, the video content, and the metadata content, combining the audio content, the video content, and the metadata content into a broadcast sfiream, transmitting the menu; and transmitting the 30 broadcast stream_
1o Baek~rou~nd of the Invention a. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to enhanced multimedia television and more particularly to a system and method for organization, combination, transmission and 15 reception of media from a range of sources wherein the media may comprise a plurality.
of video streams, audio streams, and other information, such as may be accessed via the Internet.
b. Description of the Background 2o . The format of television programs often conforms to N?SC, PAL, or SECAM
standards wherein a predefined bandwidth, i.e. channel, is employed to carry a single television program. Additional information that may be provided with a program has offers been encoded into the vertical blanking interval (VBI), such as closed captioning or altem.ate language support, for example.-As television broadcast formats move to digital 2s transmission, many programs continue to be presented in a manner similar to 'channel' .
based television, comprising one video stream, a primary audio stream, and possibly an alternate audio stream.
Continued expansion of. the Jntemet and high bandwidth networks provides access.
to an ancreasing,volume of information. Adoption of digital transmission formats allows 3o media such as audio, video, and metadata content, to be associated, combined, and .presented to provide viewers with a richer and more diverse media experience.
Methods such as MPEG7 provide for relating content information, but do not provide a metlhod by which content of various formats may be grouped; transmitted axed displayed.
Therefore a new method of organizing, transmitting, and presenting media from -multiple sources is:
needed.
Summary of the Inyention . The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art by providing a system and method that allows a transmission system to oxgani'ze .and transmit a related set of media and for a display platform to organize and render related to media, information in a manner that reflects the available media and the capabilities of the platforan. ,A, framework definition identifies a set o~ associated content (media) for a broadcast program. The pz-esent invention compares the format of the media with a transmission format and converts media of other.f~rhats to that of.the trara~nission format. An omnimenu describes the content. Media content and the omnimenu'are is combined into a broadcast stream and transmitted.
The present invention nay therefore comprise a method fox producing a broadcast stream that contains audio content, video content, and metadata content comprising:
creating a framework definition that identifies the audio content, the video content and the metadata content associated with a broadcast and attributes thereof, comparing the 2o audio format of the audio content with an audio transmission format and converting the audio content to the audio transmission foxxnat if the audio format and the audio transmission format differ, comparing the video fomtat of the video content with a video transmission format and converting the video content to the video ixansmission format if the video format and the vid~a transmission forniat~differ, comparing the ~met~adata format 2s of the xnetadata content with a metadata transmission format and.
converting the metadata content to the metadata transmission format if the metadata format and the metadata transmission format differ, creating a menu describing.the audio content, the video content, and the metadata content, combining the audio content, the video content, and the metadata content into a broadcast sfiream, transmitting the menu; and transmitting the 30 broadcast stream_
2 A framework controller may utilize the framework definition to access media content, to process and fornnat the media content arid to control packaging and multiplexing of the content for broadcast:
The present invention may further cofnprise a system for combining multiple.
~ media and metadata streams having'content into a framework for distribution of the . : content to a viewer comprising: at least one video sovrcehaving an output, at least ox~e audio source having an output, at least one.metadata source having an output, a framevsrork controller that~receives the video source, audio source, and metadata source and produces an omnimedia package integrating the outputs into a framework, a .
l0 framework definition inodule that interfaces with the framework controller and defines all content to be used in the omnirnedia package, a deliverymodule that receives the omnimedia package from the framework controller and transmits the omnimedia package to a receiver, and a receiver that receives and distributes the content of the omnimedia package to display devices and audio outputs, the receiver further-coupled to at least one user input device that provides interactivity between the viewer and the.receiver.
. . The present invention may utilize pre-loaded content that is transferred fio a receiver prior to the broadcast of a media stream with which the preloaded content is associated. Pre-loaded content allows voluminous and complex content to be exx~ployed during a broadcast without requiring bandwidth to transfex the pre-loaded content at the 2o time of broadcast and. without latencies that may be incurred if the pre-loaded content were transferred at the time of broadcast.
The present invention may additionally comprise a method for rendering portions of a broadcast sheam that contains audio content, video content, and metadata content.
arid a menu indicating the contents of the audio content, video content, and metadata content comprising: transfenzng preloaded metadata associated with the broadcast stream to a .receiver prior to transmission of the broadcast stream, receiving .the broadcast stream, displaying the menu wherein the menu incl udes an icon representing the preloaded rnetadata, receiving a user input, and rendering the preloaded metadata in response to the user input-.
, Advantageously, the present invention allows a viewer to select among a plurality of audio,.video and metadata sources to obtain a television presentation tailored to the
The present invention may further cofnprise a system for combining multiple.
~ media and metadata streams having'content into a framework for distribution of the . : content to a viewer comprising: at least one video sovrcehaving an output, at least ox~e audio source having an output, at least one.metadata source having an output, a framevsrork controller that~receives the video source, audio source, and metadata source and produces an omnimedia package integrating the outputs into a framework, a .
l0 framework definition inodule that interfaces with the framework controller and defines all content to be used in the omnirnedia package, a deliverymodule that receives the omnimedia package from the framework controller and transmits the omnimedia package to a receiver, and a receiver that receives and distributes the content of the omnimedia package to display devices and audio outputs, the receiver further-coupled to at least one user input device that provides interactivity between the viewer and the.receiver.
. . The present invention may utilize pre-loaded content that is transferred fio a receiver prior to the broadcast of a media stream with which the preloaded content is associated. Pre-loaded content allows voluminous and complex content to be exx~ployed during a broadcast without requiring bandwidth to transfex the pre-loaded content at the 2o time of broadcast and. without latencies that may be incurred if the pre-loaded content were transferred at the time of broadcast.
The present invention may additionally comprise a method for rendering portions of a broadcast sheam that contains audio content, video content, and metadata content.
arid a menu indicating the contents of the audio content, video content, and metadata content comprising: transfenzng preloaded metadata associated with the broadcast stream to a .receiver prior to transmission of the broadcast stream, receiving .the broadcast stream, displaying the menu wherein the menu incl udes an icon representing the preloaded rnetadata, receiving a user input, and rendering the preloaded metadata in response to the user input-.
, Advantageously, the present invention allows a viewer to select among a plurality of audio,.video and metadata sources to obtain a television presentation tailored to the
3 viewer's preferences, offering incrzased viewing satisfaction. The present invention may be employed util'iaing the 'capabilities of emerging digital transmissifln formats~to pxovide an enhanced viewing experience and to increase audience size, allowing increased advertising revenue.
bescription of the Fires In the figures, ligure.l is ~a high-level block diagram of the piesent invention. .
.. Figure 2 depicts components'of framerwork controller 108:
l0 Figure 3~ depicts a receiver that may be employed with the present invention.
Figure 4 is flow chart 400 of the operation of the metadata processor 214, Figure 5 is a flow chart 500 illustrating the operation of omnimenu generator 224.
Detailed Description of the xnwention Is The present invention is directed to allowing the creation of larger, more xobust productions with support for interactivity anal multiple video, audio, arid data streams. A
framework definition provides organization of media for transmission, and for rendering of media by a display platform that may comprise a television, interactive television, set-20 top box, satellite receiver. personal computer or other equipment operable to receive data across a network or airwave and process data according to the method of the present invention. The framework.definition allows a media stream or multiple media streams to be packaged together with other content into a single distinct program, hereinafter referred to as an omnimedia package. A content provider may employ the framework 25 definition to specify and deliver a package of related contEnt, encapsulating the information necessary to build, format, transmit and display the content.
Content may comprise video, audio, and data information that may be streamed or cached. A
wide range ~of information types and formats may be employed as illushated by table I. The .
present invention is not limited to airy specific types of information, formats, or .
30 relationships between information.
bescription of the Fires In the figures, ligure.l is ~a high-level block diagram of the piesent invention. .
.. Figure 2 depicts components'of framerwork controller 108:
l0 Figure 3~ depicts a receiver that may be employed with the present invention.
Figure 4 is flow chart 400 of the operation of the metadata processor 214, Figure 5 is a flow chart 500 illustrating the operation of omnimenu generator 224.
Detailed Description of the xnwention Is The present invention is directed to allowing the creation of larger, more xobust productions with support for interactivity anal multiple video, audio, arid data streams. A
framework definition provides organization of media for transmission, and for rendering of media by a display platform that may comprise a television, interactive television, set-20 top box, satellite receiver. personal computer or other equipment operable to receive data across a network or airwave and process data according to the method of the present invention. The framework.definition allows a media stream or multiple media streams to be packaged together with other content into a single distinct program, hereinafter referred to as an omnimedia package. A content provider may employ the framework 25 definition to specify and deliver a package of related contEnt, encapsulating the information necessary to build, format, transmit and display the content.
Content may comprise video, audio, and data information that may be streamed or cached. A
wide range ~of information types and formats may be employed as illushated by table I. The .
present invention is not limited to airy specific types of information, formats, or .
30 relationships between information.
4 Table 1 Media Type ~. . Fortriat ~
CBR and VBR encoded video IvIPEG, DVB, etc streams ~ ' Encoded Audio Streams . MP2, MI'3 .
Packet-basod encoded video/audioQuicklime, AVI, ete streams Program Synchronous Metadata ATVEF, Java, etc Scripted content ~ ~ . . FiTML, Java, JavaScript, ECMAscript, VBScript, Iriteractive.Grapbical User ~1'T'Mr,, Inbexface SS 1, DOM 0 ' '.
C
.
'Graphical~Elements ' . Logos, 'stih-frame images, JPEG, GIF, etc ' .
The present invention may be employed with broadcast systems that utilize terrestrial, cable, satellite, VDSL, or other transport methods. The present invention may s also be employed with systems in which content is requested via a reverse path and with systems that support local or client side storage ofpre-delivered content.
Digital format transmission systems are well suited to the.n.-tethod.of.the present :itavention, but analog systems with VBI data and Internet connection may also be employed.
Figure 1 is a high-level block diagram of the present invention. A plurality of audiolvisual and ruetadata sources, which provide the audio, video, metadata and other data services, are combined to produce an omnimedia package. The term omnimedia describes the inclusive nature of the content being delivered by the present invention, as .contrasted with the usual audio/video packaging associated with television events. Thus, for a given event, the amnimedia package represents all of the synctirox~ous and 1S asynchroiaous components frown video source(s)102, audio sources) 104, and nztetadata sources 106, which may comprise and tray be associated with a primary broadcast. Video sources) 102 may con-zprise standard television broadcast channels (analog or digital rnodulati.on and encoding), any form of analog video (for example, Beta and. .
VH:S .format tapes), any form.of stored digital video (for example, Laserdisc, DVD or any server-20 based digital video, such as may be used by video-on-demand systems).or may be any .
form of packet-based streaming media. This may include alternate camera sources, supporting video, alternate advertising video, locali2ed or regionalized video_ Audio sources) 104 may comprise soundtracks that accompany one or more video sources) . 102, or may comprise an independent stream such as a radio signal or~other audio only . . broadcast, Framework definition 110 defines the relationships between different content .
streams. For video.source(s).102.there may be zero, one~or several associated audio sources) 104. Further, a given audio source 104 noay be assigned to, zero, one 'or more s ~ .video sources) .102. There is no requirement that any given video source 102 have an .
accompanying audio source 104. Audio maybe encoded vvith.a video source, such.
as may be practiced with packet-based streaming media. Metadata souree(s) 106 may.
contain data packaged with respect to an event or associated with. a~ general subj ect and rnay include executable code, scripts, graphics, logos,.or general data:
Metadata may lie t o time synchronized; content related, or ancillary to an event.
Following are three examples illustrating the types and relationships between.
video sources) 102, audio sources) 104, and metadata sources) 106, and how these .
sources may be organi:ced and associated to provide a richer media presentation. In Examgle One, an oxnninnedia program is provided for the French Open, a tennis is tournan~.ent featuring several simultaneous events. .The primary broadcast may be fxom the main (or center) court rx~ith accompanying broadcasts from other venues.
EXAM-PL~ O~TE
Sout-ee D ~~ ~ Source T a Source Deseri tiou 102.1..1 High bit rate videoVideo feed from center court, stream featuxiz~g players intended for full A and B: This is the Primary screen Video to be video. . broadcast. This is the video that is broadcast to non-omnimedia enabled television s stems.
w I04.1:A ~ Audio Track This is the En lisp audio tra,ek~for I02, I.A.
1,04:1.B Audio Track This is the French audio tracl~
for 102.1.A.
102.1. Low hit rate 'videoCamera focused on player A's stream coach and inteilded for scaledfamily nnembers.
video ' - window.
102.1.0 Low bit rate video Camera focused on player B's stream coach and intended for scaledfamily azembers, video window. . , _ 102,1.D Medium bit rate Alternate camera angle 1 from video behind player.
. stream. .... A.
.I02.1.E Mediuzmbit rate Alternate camera angle 2 from.
video. behind player stream. B.
~
_ _ feed from court 2, featuring 102.1.F. Medium bit rate players C
video Video ~_ stream. , ~ and D, . SourcevD Sowrce'T a ~.. ~ ~ ~ ~ Source Descri tion ' . . 104.1.C AudioTrack. _ ' This 'is the B~n.~plish audio track for 102:1.F.
104.1:.D~ Audio Track ~ -This is the French audio track foi.102.1.F.
102.1.6 Packet-based video Video arid'audio feed from court stream' S;vfeaturimg a _ ~ ~ . with embedded .mixed doubles match b audio etweemtiwo=p~oorly :~ ..w ~ . .
- ~ track. _ . . ..seeded airs...-.. ~ '.
- . 106, i HTML Document Ir<teractive page that shows .A statistics for match .
v . . ~ in progress; tightly syxichronized to 302.1.t~
' _ . ~ .(video stream). y ' . ~106_l:.B w ' HTML Document' _ ~ . Int~ractivevpage that shows sumraa~ry of all . matches in progress, loosely s~chronized to .
.
. . ~ 10.2. .1.A.,102.1:Band 102_1.Gy(video.
streai~ns ~.
, '. ~ 106.1~,C ~-ITIvtL Document' interactive page that shows results:
~ ~ oatoda3r'.s .. _ . ' matches and contains links to upcoming . .
- ' . matches (links navigate to 106. l.Dv and ' w 106.1 _E>.
106.1.D . HTML Document interactive page that provides detailed ' ' -comrxtentary forwan earlier ~~natch . ..
106.1.E HTML Document Interactive page that~shows statistics and comment for a cumin match 106.1.8 ~ J~PEG Image. . Logo iTnage to be used by Interactive pages :... . . y y. , ~ ~ ~ (106:1.A-106.1.Ej~ , .. ..y.
.
Example TVVO shows the components of. an oxnnimedia package relating 2o the: .
fourth day of the .Masters, a major gvif tournament. . ' ' EXAMPLE TWO
Source ID Source a Source Descri tion' 102_2.A High bit rate videoVideo feed folloruing, as appiciprrate stream arid .
.
f vinterided for opportune;~the various leaders:
full screen This is the =
video. Primary Video to be broadcast:
:This. is'the~.
video that is broatdcast to non-oztariihiedia enabled television s stems. ~' ~ w~
104.2.A - ~ . Audio Track '. This is the audio track for 1~02.2,A.
_ 142.2.8 High bit rate videoVideo feed follove%ing Tiger - stream 'OtTodds.
~
~
- intended for full. . ... _ . . . ..
scieen ' .
~ video.
~~ 104.2.B _ This is tha'~audioaiack for 102.Z~:B.~
~. Audio Track. .~
106.2., ~T.ML T?ocumeni Interactivewpage showing Tiger Woods's~ore _ : . - . ' ~ card for the round in ro ess-. ..: .
1.0'6.2:8 HTML Document. Interactive page shorx~ing leader ~ ' board. fox .
~' ~
.
a ::-. .....:,... ._ . . .._ .tournament .
.:-:' .
"
T 06.2:;C . ~ ~ .HTML~Document~ Tnteractive page showing past .
_,: . tourfiament : . .
: _ ;: ' ' , . . . . v~iriners : ~ ;'.-:~: .
: r . ..
SourcevD . Sonrce'~' ~e Source:Descri tioti 106.2.D ~ - - v Java Code - -Executable code that instructs consumer deviee_~
to.shovsr an animatedwiew of the current hole ~
in play on.102:2.t1 (loosely ..~ __ ~. . syuchronized to .A) .. : .. .
~ ~ _ 1.02.2 Example Three shows tbe~cornponents of an omr~imedia package relating ton retransmission of the H. G. Wells "War of the Worlds"radio broadcast. ' s EXA1~IPLE THRE.C
~Souf-ce TD . ~~~_ ..~ Source T a Source bescriptioti , 104.3.A ~ audio Track Audio feed of the original broad~:as2., This is the fzaraaary Audio to b4 broadcast.. ':this. is the video that is broadcast to non-ominimed~a, enabled audio systems such as an automobile.'s . . . . _ radio.
104.3:B High Quality Audio Track. This is an audio ~track.that has heen redubbed and digitally~remaster~ed with added. stereo ' . . ~ ' souird effects. ____~_ 102.3Ø High bit rate video stream video, feed of axa interview vaith ~~: ~.
Welts intended for full screen about the. making of and hysteria g~n:exated 'by .
video. ~ the oral broadcast.'. ~ ' ' 104.3:0. Audio Track. ~ This is the audio track for ~102.3:A, 106.3.A -~ HTIe~L Document ~ 7nferactive page showing progratox .
synchrorioits factoids about the ~irigina~
broadcast of "War of the World". Tightly synchronized to 104:3.P~, .106:3.B ~ ~ ~~ , JPLG Image . Prograrri synchronous images showing photos, artwork and press clippings related to 104.3:.4.
_..,..__ . ~ ._....__ .~_ __ 1o y Frame~rrork.defnition 1 I O describes all content used iii an omnimedia package:;.
Framework controller 108 employs framework definition T 10 to ~ereate: an ornniisredia~~ v package: Framework i~Hiinition 11.0: defines the primary video and. audio~to be uscod.by;
_ non-omiiirnedia aware platforms, plus iztitial audio and video .for omriimedia package ~ v .: streartis: Framework defit~tion l 10 is also employed io generate a main-menu/o~xizaixne~u.;::' 15 . ,.An. omnimienu is ~n interactive uses intex_~face that presents a' menu of options available.'.
with an~omnimedia package. 'Options may comprise different video streams, differeriL.
television layout, ~diffezent audio sources, and otherinteractive data streams. The~~.
definition of each stream may ix~ctude a startlstop time to enable framevcrork controller-;; '~~
I~8 to switch streams during when creating the.omnimedia package.: An omnimenu niay~.
. 5 . be prese~ited in a range.of formats and.may be customized by the~system operator: Fox exar~ap7e, one erribodiment of an omi~imenu may scale current video, into. an upper right=. y . hand corner aid display a list of options to the left, of alternate-video sources, alteiiiate ~: -audio sources; and links to other data. Another embodiment of an omiiiria.enu may employ,.
a pre-defined T~V layout comprising a 3/4 screen primary video format and several secondary thumbnail videos and data indicators across the bottom of the screen. ' .
Framework defanition~110 may be created at a production facility of other site arid.-.
may employ automated ~undwanual methods of associating media. The framewoxk,:
definition I 1U rnay rEflect limitations and constraints of source delivery 'systems, transmission systems; and display platform limitations. Such limitations may include ~ .
~ available bandwidth, number of. channels tuned by'a display platform, cache size, supported formats or other pax'ameters. A. framework defiriition.xiiay specify that ipnages.
must be in CIF format and that HTML code mast suppbrt version 3.23, for exarhple. For each :event or.~presentation, a framework definitiow record may be produced that mad .
comprise.information defa.ning the type, size, nature, pricing, scheduling, and resource 2o requirements fox each media offered. Table.2 lists a iZUmber of components~that may comprise a .fratneWOrk definition record.
Table 2 Frarxtevvork Derxr~ition Record Gomnonents Version o'r'tixe omnimedia package ' .
thnaim~uu associated with the omnimedia package, may be created by framework controller.
P axyetersvised by framework controilcr 108 to allocate, couorol and prioritize transmission of scream elements.
~FIs slCatc;' a !an ua cs feature set includin multi 1e rat' ~ available e_ .
G thru g a rY, g g > . 8 P . mss C g $ R) Perarriaiers smployed to:control delivery. (Tuning,. URL> etc...) ' . ' .
Price, if any: An associated cost for the omnimedia package" ~ ' Time the omnin~edia packs.gc.cicpir8s . . . . ..~ . . . . _ _.
.'The nuriiber of framework definitibn sm~;sm records ' ' . . ~ ..
A plurality of stream records . - - . , . .
A stream record is provided for each media source (audio,.video, or metadata) to be 'offered-imthe omziimen~: Each frarricvuork definition stream record may~compr..ise:-,~~ ~ a unique :ITJ~
. a primaiy Y!N selection indicator; .
~ the~mediaType.(audiolvrdeoldatalother);-~y tha.bandwidth required for the media;
~. ' a start time/date time;
~ the date and time the omnimedia package expires;
to : a description having a paragraph or tvvo describing the data stYeain '(b~Z
way of example, an audio stream could include the person speakixag/band.
playing, a video stream could include the camera angle; or location, arid a .data stream could describe the interactive~content and what it does.
°These are~used by the framework controller 108 rwhen building the oznnii>lenu; , _ ~ . a location. (framevtrorlc controller 1~8.would fill this out most likely).1~ID; .
flags category, lariguages~ feature 'set, including multiple ratings available (e.g. EG. thru R); . - ' ..
~ price, including an associated cost for the streaan. as well as an additional v fee beyond the cost of the program such that to see a certain rating.version.~
of a .shc~w:~or .to see video instead of just hearing audio may require 'a.
preruium~ payment;
. ~~ a unique Crroup ID rwithin an Event that identifies a group. of streams ~tliat are used by the framework controller 108 when building the omnirri:eriu '.(note that .only 'one stream.from thegroup can be used' at one time); and .
~ ~ any Dependent Streamis, each having a unique stream TD which is re~uxred to access/use the stream.. rn use, a strearxi may require another stream. ~~
These'. stream TDs may ~be used by the set top box to determine if the stream.is a~railable, i.e., ~an audio stream may be dependent on the video ' stream so that only devices that can viewluse the video stream can access,.
the audio stream. Also, the stream fiAs can be used. by head end equipment ~ that . is , trying to optimi2e bandwidth .and may want to separate different streams on different transponders for the same event.
An example of a framework definition is shown below:
<~
1S , .<'~erSlUll>~</VerSlUn>
<Menu>Shorwme.html</Menu>
<Flags>
<Language>Engli sh</Language>
.. <Rating>PG-13</Rating>
~ </Flags>
<Control> ???????? <lControl>
<Price>2.99</Price>
<E:cpire>02/17/00 21:00</Expire>
<StrearnRecords>1<lStrea~nRecords>
<StreaxnRecordl>
wID>459812</ID>
~1'rirnaryTrue<lPrimary>
<MediaType>Video</MediaType>
<B~dwidth>256</Bandwidth>
<Start>02/15l00 22:00</Start~
<Expire>02/17/00 2I:00<lExpire>
~:Desc.ription></Description>
<Lacation>P1J?:2(~0</Location>
<Flags> .
35<Larxguage>Bnglish</~anguage>
. GRating>PG-13<lRatin~>.
</Flags>
'rice>2.99</Price>
. <GroupID>002<lGrouplD>
:-. .. . -. . <Dependant>459810:1J7ependainb ~ . . _ ' </StreamRecordl> ' . - ' . . , . c~ ~ . .. . -. ~ - .
. ' Employing framework definitiori.110~ the framework controller 108 is.operable.to. .
format and organize-media components into a stream or streams that may be delivered by ~th.e delivery system 112. Delivery.systom 112 may comprise a~headend system and ~. v - transn~issian apparatus such as employed by cable, satellite, terrestrial, and other ~ . v broadcast systems. The organization and establishment of the.stream(s) employs v ' . r .
.10 . parameters provided in fi-ayriewoxk definition 110. The streams) is (are)-delivered to ~ .
receiver 114 that processes the streams) and provides output to display devices) 116, audio outputs) 118, and may send and receive signals to/from usEr input devices) 120. - .
Figure 2 depicts components of framework controller 108. Framework controller 108 includes framevtiork control logic 216 that is operable to retrieve and interpret t 5 framework definition 1 I0, and employ the parameters thereof to control operation preprocessors 210, 212, and 21.4, plus packagers 218, 220, and 222 to. format and encapsulate information. (video, audio and metadata) for xnultiplexer 226.
Video preprocessor 210~and audio preprocessor 212 access media streams ox stored data as- .
specified by framework definition I I O and perform processing to prepare the media for 20 the associated packager. Such processing may include rate adaptation, re-encoding, transcoding, format conversions, re-sampling, frame decimation, or other techniques and xn.ethods to generafe a format and data rate suitable for packagers 218, 220, and 222 as rnay be specified by framework definition 110. Processing may include MPEG
encoding of analog video as may he supported by encoder equipment from bivicorn Tnc. of 2s IvIilpitas, CA., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of C-Cube Microsystems, Tnc_ When such processing is specified, framework controller 108 may provide a sequence of instructions to the encoder, selecting channels and controlling encoding.
lvletadata preprocessor 214 accesses metadata eleanents, specified by framework definition I 10, and perforxxas processing vo prepare these the.metadata packager.222~
30 -~ Suchprocessing may include transcodi-~.rg~ format conversions, script conversions, script generation, and.image format conversions, for example. In operation, graphical tnetadata maybe sent to metadata.preprocessor 21.4 in a computer graphics format (Photo.Shop, for 1 ?.
ex~nple). that then may be converted to a format that the display platfoz-m recognizes (gif, for example). ~ .
Figure 4 is flowchart 400 of the' operatibn~of the metad~ata processor.214_ At step . ' 402 ari imago file is accessed by metadata preproeessor.214. The~rnetadata pieprocessbi.
. accesses rrietadaia and places it in a predetermined format as xnayre.specified.by ~ v framework defi~ution 110. Metadata may comprise graphics data, sound data, HTML .
data, video data; or any other type.of data. Metadata preprocessor~21~4 processes the da'tav .' ~~ ~ '.
arid~outputs the processed data in a transmission/multiplexer format. As shown in. fig~zre, 4, the flow diagram allows the image file to be converted and. output,by the ~metadata ~ ~ . ~ . -.
. ~ processor 214 in real time. At step 404 the graphic. file conversion de~nations are loaded into thenrietadata preprocessor. 214 to perform the conversion of the irriage file. AY step 406 the imagE file 402 is converted into the graphic file in accordance r~ith the ' . .
definitions. At step .408 the metadata preprocessor 214 outputs the converted image file to the metadata packager 220. A high-speed processor.may perform these functions im r5 real time using definitions that can be quickly downloaded from a High-speed storage device.. CustAm designed state machines may also be employed fo:~ format conversion:-...
Metadata preprocessor 214 may also be employed to convert tlae formatof HTMr, rrietadata. .HTML metadata may be sent to metadata processor 214 in HTIvIL 4.0 format that then may be converted to HTML 3.2 format such as may be_ required by a display platform. The framework controller gEnerates commands that are sent to metadata ' . . ' processor'214 that identify the metadata and specify the output format of the metadata_ .
Referring again to figure 2, video packager 218. and audio.packager 220 are .
' aub~jrstems that package video and audio assets into a format that is compatible.with.the , .delivery system 11.2; including for. example, packetization, serialization, rate control,.
2s . null-packet insertion, acrd other fiurctia:is.required to piepare the video for compliant transport via MFEG, I3VB-ClSlT,. PacketVideo, or other transport fon~nats_ For example, GeneralWtstruments (novv owned by.Motorola) produces a QAM rr~~odulator that .
' :rcsadulates MFEG video that is encoded from video preprocessor 2'i0 to.digital video bs°oad~ast (D'VH) format: The frarn~work controller generates.commands that are sef~t to the,QAM rriodulator specifying the frequency (ch,~nnel) and Pa3 (packet ideal ifier) for the video based_,upon the framework definition that was provided for tho omnimedia package. - ', . ~ _ -. ~ : As also shown in figure 2, metadata packager 222: is a subsystem that performs ~.packagir~g on all n~.etadata elements.that are to be included in the omriiniedia package.
S ~ . Ivletadata packaging tnay. comprise rate control, packetization;
serialization, and synchronization .to video andlor audio streams_ The metadata is also prepared for transport across any compliant transport mechanism (MPEG, D~V'B-ClS/T, PacketCable,.-DVB~-lvIHl'; etc.)_ A commercially available product for perfoa~ning these functi:on5 is ~ . , the TIrS3 that is provided by Nozpak Coicp., Kanata; Ontario. Tlie TES3 encoder encodes ~ . ' 1~ rnetaciata into a NTSC signal.with NAHTS encoding_ NABTS is.the protocol that aIlo~s.
metadata to be sent in the VBI (vertical blanking interval) of a NTSC signal.
The. ..
frameurork controller commands the TES3 encoder. as to what lines of the VBI
area . ' . .
employed for transmitting metadata.
Referring again to figure 2, omnimenu generator 224. may be implemented as a 15 rules-based eubsysteni employing framework definition 208 to generate a user-interlace that presents..program options and allows a viewer to select frorri these.
options. .lZules may be employed to generate an omi~ixnenu template in HTML page format. The ~i'1'ML
page maycomprise a full screen image containing buttons (active icons) that may be selected to activate a particular media stream. 4mnimenu generator 224 employs .
framework. definition 208 to identify, available streams and assaci.ates each stream, with a button. . . . . _ , rigure S is a florw chart 500 illustrating the operation of omnimenu generatoz~.224.
At step 502, omnimenu generator 224 accesses the framervbrk definition,11 ~.
At step 504, PIDS (program IDs) are extracted from the framework definition. The omn_imenu 25 template, described above, is loaded into the omnimenu generator 224 at.
step 506 of figure f. At step 508, each of the PTDS that have boon extracted from the framework definition are assigned to a button such that each of the buttons is labeled with the PII?
name. At step 510, selection functions are assigned to each of the buttons in accordance.
witb: the labels that have been assigned o those buttons. In this manner, the video c~.n be 30 changed in accordance with.the labeled functions of each of the.buttons of the template.. . .
At st~p.512 the.t~mplate. may be assigned a coxr~pany logo_ In this manner, the content ..
may bir properly-braiidbd to correspond to the source of that content. At step 514 the . .
omnimenu generator 224 saves or exports the new omniimenu. 'THe omnimenu maybe .
exported to the package multiplexes 226. . - . .
. . . . As shown in figure 2, package multiplexes 226 combines ttie package elements .
~ into a stream or set of streams, ixa preparation for transmission. The streams are coupled .. ~.thrbugh delivery system interface(s).228, to delivery system 112, and the physical and ~ . ~ .
logical interconnects to the transmission system. A Di~icom, Inc., (Milpitas, CA) MITX , y . is.an example of apackage multiplexes, having the different frequency and PIDs_: _ ; y As indicated in figure .1, .delivery system 112 then transports the streams.to the 1o ' receiver 114, Delivery system 112 may be analog or digital. )~n general, systerr~ delivery' o~content is as open as needed for any particular package and topology. A
simple movie , witlx no. added content may be delivered on a single broadcast n.~ultiple>t;
while a package fox the Super fowl would contain many different delivery mechanisrn.s. Some raay be available on a particular receiver and not on others. - . . ' The ornnimenunnay provide a directory of available media for a broadcast.
event.
The omaimenu is transmitted to a plurality of receivers 114. Receivers 114 may vary in.
capability. and may include upstream (reverse path) communication from the receiver to .' the headerid.system, of may use other return systems such as an TnterneE
connection, for example. Receivers 114 that do not include upstrearx~ communications may eonploy the omnimenu to select audio, video and metadata information~contained in a broadcast strea~ai. The bandwidth of an analog NTSC channel may be employed to carry several di;~ital video streams, audio stieams, and metadata. The omnimenu includes tuning or . ~ packet information to identify streams that may be accessed by the receiver. The receiver . ~ includes a software .program operable to display the omnimenu and operable to tune and .
2s render selected streai°ns.
In another embodiment of the present invention, receiver 114 supports upstream comrnwucatis~ns. The headend system, in response to upstieam communications, may provide on~demand~prcgrarnming and data delivery. The omnimenu initiates upstr~~un ~ .
coixam:unication in response to user selection of a displayed media button (icon). The . ., 3o headend system rnay supplythe requested stieam in a broadcast channel, or if already : .
broadcast, ~rnay provide tuning or paok~.~ decode information to the xeceiver.
The v . 15 .': requested~stream may be.eznployed to update the framework definition 110.
Fraxxiowork. ~ _ contioller:108 uses the framevi~ork definition 110 to allocate bandwidth~and P>-D . . ' i~lfomxation. The framework controller provides the~frequency, PTD~and bandvvidtli: -information frorin;the framework definition and uses it to sendlcoz~trol video and audio' packager 218/220: Video packager 218 and audio packager 220 (f gure 2) then allocate bandwidth for each o.f the respective video streams.': - . . ~ ~ ~ . _ .
' .~~- As also shovun in figure 1, inforrriation from.the framework contrbller 108 is . ' ~. ~ ~ . ' ' ~.' .encoded. unto the omriimenu so that the receiver will be able to tune to and decode the w ~ ~-. . streams. Tlie frariie°work. control lei 108 may also include ITRL's for demand data or: : .
strearrring media. Locations based on alternate tuner systems may also be included. )~or example, a radio station frequency having local commentary may be simulcast with 'the video. Depending of receiver 114 capability, some data aizd/or programming r~i.ay lie loaded in advance into storage built into the receivez such that the content is available locally for uiewing during the airing of the primary content. package: For exampls, all , NFL player statistics rilay be preloaded over a trickle feed before the Super Bowl. xn this manner, an interactive fantasy football application may retrieve all needed statistics . ' during the game in order to let the viewer play a fantasy game during the airing of the ' Primary program. .
Figure 3 depicts a receiver that may be employed in accordance kith the present invention, lZeceiver 302 is used by the system end-user or viewer for use in viewing and:
. controlling the omnimedia package. The receiver 302 may comprise a decoder 30d., parser 306, x~nedia. cc~ittroll.er 308, receiver cache 310 and receiver controller 312_ Decoder 304 may extract framework information from the delivery stream omnimenu.
Information may be, encoded in th.e vertical blanking interval. Decoder 304 may comprise a NABTS
VBI decoder from ATiyechnologies, lnc., of Thornhill, Ontario. The VBX decoder may' extract data ~&om the 'VBl and present it to framework parser 306, The data may.comprise an ~L format file ofthe om~imenu. Parser 306 extracts eleraents that comprise the . ..
framework: Fra~i~e~vork parser 306 receives .framework. data from d:ecotler.304 and. ~ ~ .' . .' prepares the data for use by the receiver contioher 312. The receiver controller 312 rnay comprise a data interpretation module. Media controller 308 selects the media sueairis . '.
(auc3~o, ~~id~.a andlor data) that are. described by the framework definition.
The media 1~ w ..
controller cornpriscs'3:08 a.tuner and:video/audio decoder. The media controller 308 receives stream data frozii decoder 304 and control signals from receiver controller f12:
lVIedia controller 308 selects the proper media PTDS as needed and feeds.them to di~pIay ~ , devices) 116, audio dewice(s) 118, or user input devices) 120. Receiver coxitrollei-312 ~ serves as. the central processor for the other elerizerits o.f receiver 302:
.Tlie receiver ~ . .
' ' controller 312 may compare the capabilities of receiver 302 with the stream type to~ - '.
detenriine ~wh~ch~streams may be received and used~by receiver 302: Receiver controller 31.2 sends. control signals to the other units in the system: The functions 'of rcceiriei' ~w controller 312 may be performed by software resident in the control-CPC.J' of the receiver 10~ 302. Functions include receiving data from framework parser 306 and signaling media controller 308, For example, selection of omnimenu items may alter the frame~rork such that the receiver controller 312 receives information from framework parser 306 and: . . .
signals media controller 308 to render the selected media stream. Receiver cache 310 .
may be employed to store the framework definition and airy parameters, code objects, , data iterns or other software to control omnimenu display and response to, user input. .. .
Receiver 302 receives data associated with ~a content package and employs xhe _ .. ::
data to access the package contents. Advanced receivers may check system capabilities to determine. which pieces of content m.ay~be rendered. For example, a digital set top box maybe able to decode MPBG video and audio. A digital set top box,may also be able to decode 1V1P3.audio, but not be able to decode HDTV signals. A radio type reeeiver:may only be able to decode. audio formats and, possibly, only formats not related to a~video signal. . The.receiver may also be able to decode various data types from data services. .:.
These may take the form ~of application code that would be executed on the receiver.if compatible. ~ The receiver of the present invention has the internal compatibility to be is able to receive the omnimedia packaged signal and decode the parts that are relevarit to its capabilities to.give the fullest experience it can, regardless of the format. . .
Referring again, to Fig. 1, display devices) 116 provides) the visual presentation of.the fiamework'to the end-user/viewer, including video, streaming media, a graphical user interface, static graphics, animated graphics, text, logos and other displayable assets.-vo Similarly, audio outputs) 118 presents) the audio portions of the framework to the end= .
user; including primary audio, possible secondary audio tracks, streaming media, audio . .
,. . . 1~ .
feedback=from the receiver 114, and other audio assets. User input devices) 120~allo~cr(s) . .
the user to control the receiver and interact with the framework, providing the abili#~y~to . choose components of the framework, select links within the framework;
navigate the . ~ .graphical user interface of the receiver, or perfoxiri other interactions with the receiver.. -~ ~ . ~ The foregoing description of the invention has beem presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention ty the precise ~fornidisclosed, and other modifications arid variations may be posszble in , light in.the above teachings. The embodiment was~chosen and described~iwoTdei-to~be'st explain the principles of the inve~ition and its practical application to thereby enable. :_, . . .
-others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the:, appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodimeets of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art. . . . ' .
CBR and VBR encoded video IvIPEG, DVB, etc streams ~ ' Encoded Audio Streams . MP2, MI'3 .
Packet-basod encoded video/audioQuicklime, AVI, ete streams Program Synchronous Metadata ATVEF, Java, etc Scripted content ~ ~ . . FiTML, Java, JavaScript, ECMAscript, VBScript, Iriteractive.Grapbical User ~1'T'Mr,, Inbexface SS 1, DOM 0 ' '.
C
.
'Graphical~Elements ' . Logos, 'stih-frame images, JPEG, GIF, etc ' .
The present invention may be employed with broadcast systems that utilize terrestrial, cable, satellite, VDSL, or other transport methods. The present invention may s also be employed with systems in which content is requested via a reverse path and with systems that support local or client side storage ofpre-delivered content.
Digital format transmission systems are well suited to the.n.-tethod.of.the present :itavention, but analog systems with VBI data and Internet connection may also be employed.
Figure 1 is a high-level block diagram of the present invention. A plurality of audiolvisual and ruetadata sources, which provide the audio, video, metadata and other data services, are combined to produce an omnimedia package. The term omnimedia describes the inclusive nature of the content being delivered by the present invention, as .contrasted with the usual audio/video packaging associated with television events. Thus, for a given event, the amnimedia package represents all of the synctirox~ous and 1S asynchroiaous components frown video source(s)102, audio sources) 104, and nztetadata sources 106, which may comprise and tray be associated with a primary broadcast. Video sources) 102 may con-zprise standard television broadcast channels (analog or digital rnodulati.on and encoding), any form of analog video (for example, Beta and. .
VH:S .format tapes), any form.of stored digital video (for example, Laserdisc, DVD or any server-20 based digital video, such as may be used by video-on-demand systems).or may be any .
form of packet-based streaming media. This may include alternate camera sources, supporting video, alternate advertising video, locali2ed or regionalized video_ Audio sources) 104 may comprise soundtracks that accompany one or more video sources) . 102, or may comprise an independent stream such as a radio signal or~other audio only . . broadcast, Framework definition 110 defines the relationships between different content .
streams. For video.source(s).102.there may be zero, one~or several associated audio sources) 104. Further, a given audio source 104 noay be assigned to, zero, one 'or more s ~ .video sources) .102. There is no requirement that any given video source 102 have an .
accompanying audio source 104. Audio maybe encoded vvith.a video source, such.
as may be practiced with packet-based streaming media. Metadata souree(s) 106 may.
contain data packaged with respect to an event or associated with. a~ general subj ect and rnay include executable code, scripts, graphics, logos,.or general data:
Metadata may lie t o time synchronized; content related, or ancillary to an event.
Following are three examples illustrating the types and relationships between.
video sources) 102, audio sources) 104, and metadata sources) 106, and how these .
sources may be organi:ced and associated to provide a richer media presentation. In Examgle One, an oxnninnedia program is provided for the French Open, a tennis is tournan~.ent featuring several simultaneous events. .The primary broadcast may be fxom the main (or center) court rx~ith accompanying broadcasts from other venues.
EXAM-PL~ O~TE
Sout-ee D ~~ ~ Source T a Source Deseri tiou 102.1..1 High bit rate videoVideo feed from center court, stream featuxiz~g players intended for full A and B: This is the Primary screen Video to be video. . broadcast. This is the video that is broadcast to non-omnimedia enabled television s stems.
w I04.1:A ~ Audio Track This is the En lisp audio tra,ek~for I02, I.A.
1,04:1.B Audio Track This is the French audio tracl~
for 102.1.A.
102.1. Low hit rate 'videoCamera focused on player A's stream coach and inteilded for scaledfamily nnembers.
video ' - window.
102.1.0 Low bit rate video Camera focused on player B's stream coach and intended for scaledfamily azembers, video window. . , _ 102,1.D Medium bit rate Alternate camera angle 1 from video behind player.
. stream. .... A.
.I02.1.E Mediuzmbit rate Alternate camera angle 2 from.
video. behind player stream. B.
~
_ _ feed from court 2, featuring 102.1.F. Medium bit rate players C
video Video ~_ stream. , ~ and D, . SourcevD Sowrce'T a ~.. ~ ~ ~ ~ Source Descri tion ' . . 104.1.C AudioTrack. _ ' This 'is the B~n.~plish audio track for 102:1.F.
104.1:.D~ Audio Track ~ -This is the French audio track foi.102.1.F.
102.1.6 Packet-based video Video arid'audio feed from court stream' S;vfeaturimg a _ ~ ~ . with embedded .mixed doubles match b audio etweemtiwo=p~oorly :~ ..w ~ . .
- ~ track. _ . . ..seeded airs...-.. ~ '.
- . 106, i HTML Document Ir<teractive page that shows .A statistics for match .
v . . ~ in progress; tightly syxichronized to 302.1.t~
' _ . ~ .(video stream). y ' . ~106_l:.B w ' HTML Document' _ ~ . Int~ractivevpage that shows sumraa~ry of all . matches in progress, loosely s~chronized to .
.
. . ~ 10.2. .1.A.,102.1:Band 102_1.Gy(video.
streai~ns ~.
, '. ~ 106.1~,C ~-ITIvtL Document' interactive page that shows results:
~ ~ oatoda3r'.s .. _ . ' matches and contains links to upcoming . .
- ' . matches (links navigate to 106. l.Dv and ' w 106.1 _E>.
106.1.D . HTML Document interactive page that provides detailed ' ' -comrxtentary forwan earlier ~~natch . ..
106.1.E HTML Document Interactive page that~shows statistics and comment for a cumin match 106.1.8 ~ J~PEG Image. . Logo iTnage to be used by Interactive pages :... . . y y. , ~ ~ ~ (106:1.A-106.1.Ej~ , .. ..y.
.
Example TVVO shows the components of. an oxnnimedia package relating 2o the: .
fourth day of the .Masters, a major gvif tournament. . ' ' EXAMPLE TWO
Source ID Source a Source Descri tion' 102_2.A High bit rate videoVideo feed folloruing, as appiciprrate stream arid .
.
f vinterided for opportune;~the various leaders:
full screen This is the =
video. Primary Video to be broadcast:
:This. is'the~.
video that is broatdcast to non-oztariihiedia enabled television s stems. ~' ~ w~
104.2.A - ~ . Audio Track '. This is the audio track for 1~02.2,A.
_ 142.2.8 High bit rate videoVideo feed follove%ing Tiger - stream 'OtTodds.
~
~
- intended for full. . ... _ . . . ..
scieen ' .
~ video.
~~ 104.2.B _ This is tha'~audioaiack for 102.Z~:B.~
~. Audio Track. .~
106.2., ~T.ML T?ocumeni Interactivewpage showing Tiger Woods's~ore _ : . - . ' ~ card for the round in ro ess-. ..: .
1.0'6.2:8 HTML Document. Interactive page shorx~ing leader ~ ' board. fox .
~' ~
.
a ::-. .....:,... ._ . . .._ .tournament .
.:-:' .
"
T 06.2:;C . ~ ~ .HTML~Document~ Tnteractive page showing past .
_,: . tourfiament : . .
: _ ;: ' ' , . . . . v~iriners : ~ ;'.-:~: .
: r . ..
SourcevD . Sonrce'~' ~e Source:Descri tioti 106.2.D ~ - - v Java Code - -Executable code that instructs consumer deviee_~
to.shovsr an animatedwiew of the current hole ~
in play on.102:2.t1 (loosely ..~ __ ~. . syuchronized to .A) .. : .. .
~ ~ _ 1.02.2 Example Three shows tbe~cornponents of an omr~imedia package relating ton retransmission of the H. G. Wells "War of the Worlds"radio broadcast. ' s EXA1~IPLE THRE.C
~Souf-ce TD . ~~~_ ..~ Source T a Source bescriptioti , 104.3.A ~ audio Track Audio feed of the original broad~:as2., This is the fzaraaary Audio to b4 broadcast.. ':this. is the video that is broadcast to non-ominimed~a, enabled audio systems such as an automobile.'s . . . . _ radio.
104.3:B High Quality Audio Track. This is an audio ~track.that has heen redubbed and digitally~remaster~ed with added. stereo ' . . ~ ' souird effects. ____~_ 102.3Ø High bit rate video stream video, feed of axa interview vaith ~~: ~.
Welts intended for full screen about the. making of and hysteria g~n:exated 'by .
video. ~ the oral broadcast.'. ~ ' ' 104.3:0. Audio Track. ~ This is the audio track for ~102.3:A, 106.3.A -~ HTIe~L Document ~ 7nferactive page showing progratox .
synchrorioits factoids about the ~irigina~
broadcast of "War of the World". Tightly synchronized to 104:3.P~, .106:3.B ~ ~ ~~ , JPLG Image . Prograrri synchronous images showing photos, artwork and press clippings related to 104.3:.4.
_..,..__ . ~ ._....__ .~_ __ 1o y Frame~rrork.defnition 1 I O describes all content used iii an omnimedia package:;.
Framework controller 108 employs framework definition T 10 to ~ereate: an ornniisredia~~ v package: Framework i~Hiinition 11.0: defines the primary video and. audio~to be uscod.by;
_ non-omiiirnedia aware platforms, plus iztitial audio and video .for omriimedia package ~ v .: streartis: Framework defit~tion l 10 is also employed io generate a main-menu/o~xizaixne~u.;::' 15 . ,.An. omnimienu is ~n interactive uses intex_~face that presents a' menu of options available.'.
with an~omnimedia package. 'Options may comprise different video streams, differeriL.
television layout, ~diffezent audio sources, and otherinteractive data streams. The~~.
definition of each stream may ix~ctude a startlstop time to enable framevcrork controller-;; '~~
I~8 to switch streams during when creating the.omnimedia package.: An omnimenu niay~.
. 5 . be prese~ited in a range.of formats and.may be customized by the~system operator: Fox exar~ap7e, one erribodiment of an omi~imenu may scale current video, into. an upper right=. y . hand corner aid display a list of options to the left, of alternate-video sources, alteiiiate ~: -audio sources; and links to other data. Another embodiment of an omiiiria.enu may employ,.
a pre-defined T~V layout comprising a 3/4 screen primary video format and several secondary thumbnail videos and data indicators across the bottom of the screen. ' .
Framework defanition~110 may be created at a production facility of other site arid.-.
may employ automated ~undwanual methods of associating media. The framewoxk,:
definition I 1U rnay rEflect limitations and constraints of source delivery 'systems, transmission systems; and display platform limitations. Such limitations may include ~ .
~ available bandwidth, number of. channels tuned by'a display platform, cache size, supported formats or other pax'ameters. A. framework defiriition.xiiay specify that ipnages.
must be in CIF format and that HTML code mast suppbrt version 3.23, for exarhple. For each :event or.~presentation, a framework definitiow record may be produced that mad .
comprise.information defa.ning the type, size, nature, pricing, scheduling, and resource 2o requirements fox each media offered. Table.2 lists a iZUmber of components~that may comprise a .fratneWOrk definition record.
Table 2 Frarxtevvork Derxr~ition Record Gomnonents Version o'r'tixe omnimedia package ' .
thnaim~uu associated with the omnimedia package, may be created by framework controller.
P axyetersvised by framework controilcr 108 to allocate, couorol and prioritize transmission of scream elements.
~FIs slCatc;' a !an ua cs feature set includin multi 1e rat' ~ available e_ .
G thru g a rY, g g > . 8 P . mss C g $ R) Perarriaiers smployed to:control delivery. (Tuning,. URL> etc...) ' . ' .
Price, if any: An associated cost for the omnimedia package" ~ ' Time the omnin~edia packs.gc.cicpir8s . . . . ..~ . . . . _ _.
.'The nuriiber of framework definitibn sm~;sm records ' ' . . ~ ..
A plurality of stream records . - - . , . .
A stream record is provided for each media source (audio,.video, or metadata) to be 'offered-imthe omziimen~: Each frarricvuork definition stream record may~compr..ise:-,~~ ~ a unique :ITJ~
. a primaiy Y!N selection indicator; .
~ the~mediaType.(audiolvrdeoldatalother);-~y tha.bandwidth required for the media;
~. ' a start time/date time;
~ the date and time the omnimedia package expires;
to : a description having a paragraph or tvvo describing the data stYeain '(b~Z
way of example, an audio stream could include the person speakixag/band.
playing, a video stream could include the camera angle; or location, arid a .data stream could describe the interactive~content and what it does.
°These are~used by the framework controller 108 rwhen building the oznnii>lenu; , _ ~ . a location. (framevtrorlc controller 1~8.would fill this out most likely).1~ID; .
flags category, lariguages~ feature 'set, including multiple ratings available (e.g. EG. thru R); . - ' ..
~ price, including an associated cost for the streaan. as well as an additional v fee beyond the cost of the program such that to see a certain rating.version.~
of a .shc~w:~or .to see video instead of just hearing audio may require 'a.
preruium~ payment;
. ~~ a unique Crroup ID rwithin an Event that identifies a group. of streams ~tliat are used by the framework controller 108 when building the omnirri:eriu '.(note that .only 'one stream.from thegroup can be used' at one time); and .
~ ~ any Dependent Streamis, each having a unique stream TD which is re~uxred to access/use the stream.. rn use, a strearxi may require another stream. ~~
These'. stream TDs may ~be used by the set top box to determine if the stream.is a~railable, i.e., ~an audio stream may be dependent on the video ' stream so that only devices that can viewluse the video stream can access,.
the audio stream. Also, the stream fiAs can be used. by head end equipment ~ that . is , trying to optimi2e bandwidth .and may want to separate different streams on different transponders for the same event.
An example of a framework definition is shown below:
<~
1S , .<'~erSlUll>~</VerSlUn>
<Menu>Shorwme.html</Menu>
<Flags>
<Language>Engli sh</Language>
.. <Rating>PG-13</Rating>
~ </Flags>
<Control> ???????? <lControl>
<Price>2.99</Price>
<E:cpire>02/17/00 21:00</Expire>
<StrearnRecords>1<lStrea~nRecords>
<StreaxnRecordl>
wID>459812</ID>
~1'rirnaryTrue<lPrimary>
<MediaType>Video</MediaType>
<B~dwidth>256</Bandwidth>
<Start>02/15l00 22:00</Start~
<Expire>02/17/00 2I:00<lExpire>
~:Desc.ription></Description>
<Lacation>P1J?:2(~0</Location>
<Flags> .
35<Larxguage>Bnglish</~anguage>
. GRating>PG-13<lRatin~>.
</Flags>
'rice>2.99</Price>
. <GroupID>002<lGrouplD>
:-. .. . -. . <Dependant>459810:1J7ependainb ~ . . _ ' </StreamRecordl> ' . - ' . . , . c~ ~ . .. . -. ~ - .
. ' Employing framework definitiori.110~ the framework controller 108 is.operable.to. .
format and organize-media components into a stream or streams that may be delivered by ~th.e delivery system 112. Delivery.systom 112 may comprise a~headend system and ~. v - transn~issian apparatus such as employed by cable, satellite, terrestrial, and other ~ . v broadcast systems. The organization and establishment of the.stream(s) employs v ' . r .
.10 . parameters provided in fi-ayriewoxk definition 110. The streams) is (are)-delivered to ~ .
receiver 114 that processes the streams) and provides output to display devices) 116, audio outputs) 118, and may send and receive signals to/from usEr input devices) 120. - .
Figure 2 depicts components of framework controller 108. Framework controller 108 includes framevtiork control logic 216 that is operable to retrieve and interpret t 5 framework definition 1 I0, and employ the parameters thereof to control operation preprocessors 210, 212, and 21.4, plus packagers 218, 220, and 222 to. format and encapsulate information. (video, audio and metadata) for xnultiplexer 226.
Video preprocessor 210~and audio preprocessor 212 access media streams ox stored data as- .
specified by framework definition I I O and perform processing to prepare the media for 20 the associated packager. Such processing may include rate adaptation, re-encoding, transcoding, format conversions, re-sampling, frame decimation, or other techniques and xn.ethods to generafe a format and data rate suitable for packagers 218, 220, and 222 as rnay be specified by framework definition 110. Processing may include MPEG
encoding of analog video as may he supported by encoder equipment from bivicorn Tnc. of 2s IvIilpitas, CA., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of C-Cube Microsystems, Tnc_ When such processing is specified, framework controller 108 may provide a sequence of instructions to the encoder, selecting channels and controlling encoding.
lvletadata preprocessor 214 accesses metadata eleanents, specified by framework definition I 10, and perforxxas processing vo prepare these the.metadata packager.222~
30 -~ Suchprocessing may include transcodi-~.rg~ format conversions, script conversions, script generation, and.image format conversions, for example. In operation, graphical tnetadata maybe sent to metadata.preprocessor 21.4 in a computer graphics format (Photo.Shop, for 1 ?.
ex~nple). that then may be converted to a format that the display platfoz-m recognizes (gif, for example). ~ .
Figure 4 is flowchart 400 of the' operatibn~of the metad~ata processor.214_ At step . ' 402 ari imago file is accessed by metadata preproeessor.214. The~rnetadata pieprocessbi.
. accesses rrietadaia and places it in a predetermined format as xnayre.specified.by ~ v framework defi~ution 110. Metadata may comprise graphics data, sound data, HTML .
data, video data; or any other type.of data. Metadata preprocessor~21~4 processes the da'tav .' ~~ ~ '.
arid~outputs the processed data in a transmission/multiplexer format. As shown in. fig~zre, 4, the flow diagram allows the image file to be converted and. output,by the ~metadata ~ ~ . ~ . -.
. ~ processor 214 in real time. At step 404 the graphic. file conversion de~nations are loaded into thenrietadata preprocessor. 214 to perform the conversion of the irriage file. AY step 406 the imagE file 402 is converted into the graphic file in accordance r~ith the ' . .
definitions. At step .408 the metadata preprocessor 214 outputs the converted image file to the metadata packager 220. A high-speed processor.may perform these functions im r5 real time using definitions that can be quickly downloaded from a High-speed storage device.. CustAm designed state machines may also be employed fo:~ format conversion:-...
Metadata preprocessor 214 may also be employed to convert tlae formatof HTMr, rrietadata. .HTML metadata may be sent to metadata processor 214 in HTIvIL 4.0 format that then may be converted to HTML 3.2 format such as may be_ required by a display platform. The framework controller gEnerates commands that are sent to metadata ' . . ' processor'214 that identify the metadata and specify the output format of the metadata_ .
Referring again to figure 2, video packager 218. and audio.packager 220 are .
' aub~jrstems that package video and audio assets into a format that is compatible.with.the , .delivery system 11.2; including for. example, packetization, serialization, rate control,.
2s . null-packet insertion, acrd other fiurctia:is.required to piepare the video for compliant transport via MFEG, I3VB-ClSlT,. PacketVideo, or other transport fon~nats_ For example, GeneralWtstruments (novv owned by.Motorola) produces a QAM rr~~odulator that .
' :rcsadulates MFEG video that is encoded from video preprocessor 2'i0 to.digital video bs°oad~ast (D'VH) format: The frarn~work controller generates.commands that are sef~t to the,QAM rriodulator specifying the frequency (ch,~nnel) and Pa3 (packet ideal ifier) for the video based_,upon the framework definition that was provided for tho omnimedia package. - ', . ~ _ -. ~ : As also shown in figure 2, metadata packager 222: is a subsystem that performs ~.packagir~g on all n~.etadata elements.that are to be included in the omriiniedia package.
S ~ . Ivletadata packaging tnay. comprise rate control, packetization;
serialization, and synchronization .to video andlor audio streams_ The metadata is also prepared for transport across any compliant transport mechanism (MPEG, D~V'B-ClS/T, PacketCable,.-DVB~-lvIHl'; etc.)_ A commercially available product for perfoa~ning these functi:on5 is ~ . , the TIrS3 that is provided by Nozpak Coicp., Kanata; Ontario. Tlie TES3 encoder encodes ~ . ' 1~ rnetaciata into a NTSC signal.with NAHTS encoding_ NABTS is.the protocol that aIlo~s.
metadata to be sent in the VBI (vertical blanking interval) of a NTSC signal.
The. ..
frameurork controller commands the TES3 encoder. as to what lines of the VBI
area . ' . .
employed for transmitting metadata.
Referring again to figure 2, omnimenu generator 224. may be implemented as a 15 rules-based eubsysteni employing framework definition 208 to generate a user-interlace that presents..program options and allows a viewer to select frorri these.
options. .lZules may be employed to generate an omi~ixnenu template in HTML page format. The ~i'1'ML
page maycomprise a full screen image containing buttons (active icons) that may be selected to activate a particular media stream. 4mnimenu generator 224 employs .
framework. definition 208 to identify, available streams and assaci.ates each stream, with a button. . . . . _ , rigure S is a florw chart 500 illustrating the operation of omnimenu generatoz~.224.
At step 502, omnimenu generator 224 accesses the framervbrk definition,11 ~.
At step 504, PIDS (program IDs) are extracted from the framework definition. The omn_imenu 25 template, described above, is loaded into the omnimenu generator 224 at.
step 506 of figure f. At step 508, each of the PTDS that have boon extracted from the framework definition are assigned to a button such that each of the buttons is labeled with the PII?
name. At step 510, selection functions are assigned to each of the buttons in accordance.
witb: the labels that have been assigned o those buttons. In this manner, the video c~.n be 30 changed in accordance with.the labeled functions of each of the.buttons of the template.. . .
At st~p.512 the.t~mplate. may be assigned a coxr~pany logo_ In this manner, the content ..
may bir properly-braiidbd to correspond to the source of that content. At step 514 the . .
omnimenu generator 224 saves or exports the new omniimenu. 'THe omnimenu maybe .
exported to the package multiplexes 226. . - . .
. . . . As shown in figure 2, package multiplexes 226 combines ttie package elements .
~ into a stream or set of streams, ixa preparation for transmission. The streams are coupled .. ~.thrbugh delivery system interface(s).228, to delivery system 112, and the physical and ~ . ~ .
logical interconnects to the transmission system. A Di~icom, Inc., (Milpitas, CA) MITX , y . is.an example of apackage multiplexes, having the different frequency and PIDs_: _ ; y As indicated in figure .1, .delivery system 112 then transports the streams.to the 1o ' receiver 114, Delivery system 112 may be analog or digital. )~n general, systerr~ delivery' o~content is as open as needed for any particular package and topology. A
simple movie , witlx no. added content may be delivered on a single broadcast n.~ultiple>t;
while a package fox the Super fowl would contain many different delivery mechanisrn.s. Some raay be available on a particular receiver and not on others. - . . ' The ornnimenunnay provide a directory of available media for a broadcast.
event.
The omaimenu is transmitted to a plurality of receivers 114. Receivers 114 may vary in.
capability. and may include upstream (reverse path) communication from the receiver to .' the headerid.system, of may use other return systems such as an TnterneE
connection, for example. Receivers 114 that do not include upstrearx~ communications may eonploy the omnimenu to select audio, video and metadata information~contained in a broadcast strea~ai. The bandwidth of an analog NTSC channel may be employed to carry several di;~ital video streams, audio stieams, and metadata. The omnimenu includes tuning or . ~ packet information to identify streams that may be accessed by the receiver. The receiver . ~ includes a software .program operable to display the omnimenu and operable to tune and .
2s render selected streai°ns.
In another embodiment of the present invention, receiver 114 supports upstream comrnwucatis~ns. The headend system, in response to upstieam communications, may provide on~demand~prcgrarnming and data delivery. The omnimenu initiates upstr~~un ~ .
coixam:unication in response to user selection of a displayed media button (icon). The . ., 3o headend system rnay supplythe requested stieam in a broadcast channel, or if already : .
broadcast, ~rnay provide tuning or paok~.~ decode information to the xeceiver.
The v . 15 .': requested~stream may be.eznployed to update the framework definition 110.
Fraxxiowork. ~ _ contioller:108 uses the framevi~ork definition 110 to allocate bandwidth~and P>-D . . ' i~lfomxation. The framework controller provides the~frequency, PTD~and bandvvidtli: -information frorin;the framework definition and uses it to sendlcoz~trol video and audio' packager 218/220: Video packager 218 and audio packager 220 (f gure 2) then allocate bandwidth for each o.f the respective video streams.': - . . ~ ~ ~ . _ .
' .~~- As also shovun in figure 1, inforrriation from.the framework contrbller 108 is . ' ~. ~ ~ . ' ' ~.' .encoded. unto the omriimenu so that the receiver will be able to tune to and decode the w ~ ~-. . streams. Tlie frariie°work. control lei 108 may also include ITRL's for demand data or: : .
strearrring media. Locations based on alternate tuner systems may also be included. )~or example, a radio station frequency having local commentary may be simulcast with 'the video. Depending of receiver 114 capability, some data aizd/or programming r~i.ay lie loaded in advance into storage built into the receivez such that the content is available locally for uiewing during the airing of the primary content. package: For exampls, all , NFL player statistics rilay be preloaded over a trickle feed before the Super Bowl. xn this manner, an interactive fantasy football application may retrieve all needed statistics . ' during the game in order to let the viewer play a fantasy game during the airing of the ' Primary program. .
Figure 3 depicts a receiver that may be employed in accordance kith the present invention, lZeceiver 302 is used by the system end-user or viewer for use in viewing and:
. controlling the omnimedia package. The receiver 302 may comprise a decoder 30d., parser 306, x~nedia. cc~ittroll.er 308, receiver cache 310 and receiver controller 312_ Decoder 304 may extract framework information from the delivery stream omnimenu.
Information may be, encoded in th.e vertical blanking interval. Decoder 304 may comprise a NABTS
VBI decoder from ATiyechnologies, lnc., of Thornhill, Ontario. The VBX decoder may' extract data ~&om the 'VBl and present it to framework parser 306, The data may.comprise an ~L format file ofthe om~imenu. Parser 306 extracts eleraents that comprise the . ..
framework: Fra~i~e~vork parser 306 receives .framework. data from d:ecotler.304 and. ~ ~ .' . .' prepares the data for use by the receiver contioher 312. The receiver controller 312 rnay comprise a data interpretation module. Media controller 308 selects the media sueairis . '.
(auc3~o, ~~id~.a andlor data) that are. described by the framework definition.
The media 1~ w ..
controller cornpriscs'3:08 a.tuner and:video/audio decoder. The media controller 308 receives stream data frozii decoder 304 and control signals from receiver controller f12:
lVIedia controller 308 selects the proper media PTDS as needed and feeds.them to di~pIay ~ , devices) 116, audio dewice(s) 118, or user input devices) 120. Receiver coxitrollei-312 ~ serves as. the central processor for the other elerizerits o.f receiver 302:
.Tlie receiver ~ . .
' ' controller 312 may compare the capabilities of receiver 302 with the stream type to~ - '.
detenriine ~wh~ch~streams may be received and used~by receiver 302: Receiver controller 31.2 sends. control signals to the other units in the system: The functions 'of rcceiriei' ~w controller 312 may be performed by software resident in the control-CPC.J' of the receiver 10~ 302. Functions include receiving data from framework parser 306 and signaling media controller 308, For example, selection of omnimenu items may alter the frame~rork such that the receiver controller 312 receives information from framework parser 306 and: . . .
signals media controller 308 to render the selected media stream. Receiver cache 310 .
may be employed to store the framework definition and airy parameters, code objects, , data iterns or other software to control omnimenu display and response to, user input. .. .
Receiver 302 receives data associated with ~a content package and employs xhe _ .. ::
data to access the package contents. Advanced receivers may check system capabilities to determine. which pieces of content m.ay~be rendered. For example, a digital set top box maybe able to decode MPBG video and audio. A digital set top box,may also be able to decode 1V1P3.audio, but not be able to decode HDTV signals. A radio type reeeiver:may only be able to decode. audio formats and, possibly, only formats not related to a~video signal. . The.receiver may also be able to decode various data types from data services. .:.
These may take the form ~of application code that would be executed on the receiver.if compatible. ~ The receiver of the present invention has the internal compatibility to be is able to receive the omnimedia packaged signal and decode the parts that are relevarit to its capabilities to.give the fullest experience it can, regardless of the format. . .
Referring again, to Fig. 1, display devices) 116 provides) the visual presentation of.the fiamework'to the end-user/viewer, including video, streaming media, a graphical user interface, static graphics, animated graphics, text, logos and other displayable assets.-vo Similarly, audio outputs) 118 presents) the audio portions of the framework to the end= .
user; including primary audio, possible secondary audio tracks, streaming media, audio . .
,. . . 1~ .
feedback=from the receiver 114, and other audio assets. User input devices) 120~allo~cr(s) . .
the user to control the receiver and interact with the framework, providing the abili#~y~to . choose components of the framework, select links within the framework;
navigate the . ~ .graphical user interface of the receiver, or perfoxiri other interactions with the receiver.. -~ ~ . ~ The foregoing description of the invention has beem presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention ty the precise ~fornidisclosed, and other modifications arid variations may be posszble in , light in.the above teachings. The embodiment was~chosen and described~iwoTdei-to~be'st explain the principles of the inve~ition and its practical application to thereby enable. :_, . . .
-others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the:, appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodimeets of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art. . . . ' .
Claims (10)
1. A method for producing a broadcast stream that contains audio content, video content, and metadata content comprising:
creating a framework definition that identifies said audio content, said video content and said metadata content associated with a broadcast and attributes thereof;
comparing the audio format of said audio content with an audio transmission format and converting said audio content to said audio transmission format if said audio format and said audio transmission format differ;
comparing the video format of said video content with a video transmission format and converting said video content to said video transmission format if said video format and said video transmission format differ;
comparing the metadata format of said metadata content with a metadata transmission format and converting said metadata content to said metadata transmission format if said metadata format and said metadata transmission format differ; and combining said audio content, said video content, and said metadata content into a broadcast stream.
creating a framework definition that identifies said audio content, said video content and said metadata content associated with a broadcast and attributes thereof;
comparing the audio format of said audio content with an audio transmission format and converting said audio content to said audio transmission format if said audio format and said audio transmission format differ;
comparing the video format of said video content with a video transmission format and converting said video content to said video transmission format if said video format and said video transmission format differ;
comparing the metadata format of said metadata content with a metadata transmission format and converting said metadata content to said metadata transmission format if said metadata format and said metadata transmission format differ; and combining said audio content, said video content, and said metadata content into a broadcast stream.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said framework definition further comprises:
a framework definition record for each element of said audio content, said video content, and said metadata content.
a framework definition record for each element of said audio content, said video content, and said metadata content.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said menu further comprises:
an icon for each element of said audio content, said video content, and said metadata content.
an icon for each element of said audio content, said video content, and said metadata content.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said metadata content comprises an image file.
5. The method of claim 5 wherein said converting said metadata content further comprises:
loading said image file;
loading a file conversion definition;
converting said file using said conversion definition; and outputting a converted image file.
loading said image file;
loading a file conversion definition;
converting said file using said conversion definition; and outputting a converted image file.
6. The method of any one of the preceding claims further comprising the steps of:
creating a menu describing said audio content, said video content, and said metadata content;
transmitting said menu; and transmitting said broadcast stream.
creating a menu describing said audio content, said video content, and said metadata content;
transmitting said menu; and transmitting said broadcast stream.
7. A method for rendering portions of a broadcast stream that contains audio content, video content, and metadata content and a menu indicating the contents of said audio content, video content, and metadata content comprising:
transferring preloaded metadata associated with said broadcast stream to a receiver prior to transmission of said broadcast stream;
receiving said broadcast stream;
displaying said menu wherein said menu includes an icon representing said preloaded metadata;
receiving a user input; and rendering said preloaded metadata in response to said user input.
transferring preloaded metadata associated with said broadcast stream to a receiver prior to transmission of said broadcast stream;
receiving said broadcast stream;
displaying said menu wherein said menu includes an icon representing said preloaded metadata;
receiving a user input; and rendering said preloaded metadata in response to said user input.
8. A system for combining multiple media and metadata streams having content into a framework for distribution of the content to a viewer, comprising:
a framework controller that receives said video source, audio source, and metadata source and produces an omnimedia package integrating said outputs into a framework; and a framework definition module that interfaces with said framework controller and defines all content to be used in the omnimedia package.
a framework controller that receives said video source, audio source, and metadata source and produces an omnimedia package integrating said outputs into a framework; and a framework definition module that interfaces with said framework controller and defines all content to be used in the omnimedia package.
9. The system of claim 8 further comprising:
at least one video source having an output;
at least one audio source having an output;
at least one metadata source having an output.
at least one video source having an output;
at least one audio source having an output;
at least one metadata source having an output.
10. The system of claim 8 or 9 further comprising:
a delivery module that receives said omnimedia package from said framework controller and transmits said omnimedia package to a receiver; and a receiver that receives and distributes the content of said omnimedia package to display devices and audio outputs, said receiver further coupled to at least one user input device for providing interactivity between said viewer and the receiver.
a delivery module that receives said omnimedia package from said framework controller and transmits said omnimedia package to a receiver; and a receiver that receives and distributes the content of said omnimedia package to display devices and audio outputs, said receiver further coupled to at least one user input device for providing interactivity between said viewer and the receiver.
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| US09/996,068 | 2001-11-27 | ||
| PCT/US2001/044510 WO2002043396A2 (en) | 2000-11-27 | 2001-11-27 | System and method for providing an omnimedia package |
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| CA002430019A Abandoned CA2430019A1 (en) | 2000-11-27 | 2001-11-27 | System and method for providing an omnimedia package |
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| AU (1) | AU2002230501A1 (en) |
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| AU2002230501A1 (en) | 2002-06-03 |
| WO2002043396A3 (en) | 2003-09-25 |
| US20020138852A1 (en) | 2002-09-26 |
| WO2002043396A2 (en) | 2002-05-30 |
| US7020888B2 (en) | 2006-03-28 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |