Broadcast and processing of meta-information associated with content material
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a source of content material, a source of meta-information, a combiner, operably coupled to the source of the content material and the source of the meta-information that is configured to combine the content material and the meta-information to form a composite data set, and an interface to a broadcaster that is configured to broadcast the composite data set to one or more receivers, wherein the meta-information is configured to facilitate subsequent processing of information contained in the meta-information.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Meta-information is included with the broadcast of content material. The meta-information contains information for accessing available content material, and contains characterizing information related to the material. This information includes, e.g., a synopsis, a list of performers or characters, a genre, and so on. The access information may include, for example, a scheduled broadcast time, an access channel, a URL identifier, a source provider, purchase information, and so on. Generally the meta-information consumes substantially less memory or bandwidth than the broadcast content material. A processing device at the user'"'"'s broadcast receiver is configured to process this information-rich meta-information corresponding to a large volume of available content material to facilitate filtering of the available material, or automating or optimizing the selection process. A provider of the content material can use the meta-information to convey advertisements, information related to purchasable content material, and so on, to enhance revenues.
130 Citations
24 Claims
-
1. A system comprising:
-
a source of content material, a source of meta-information, a combiner, operably coupled to the source of the content material and the source of the meta-information that is configured to combine the content material and the meta-information to form a composite data set, and an interface to a broadcaster that is configured to broadcast the composite data set to one or more receivers, wherein the meta-information is configured to facilitate subsequent processing of information contained in the meta-information. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
2. The system of claim , wherein
the broadcaster includes at least one of: - an RF transmitter, a multiplexer, an Internet server, a cable headend, and a recording system.
-
9. A receiving system comprising:
-
a receiver that is configured to receive a composite data set that includes content material and meta-information, a content rendering device, operably coupled to the receiver, that is configured to render the content material, and at least one meta-information processor, operably coupled to the receiver, that is configured to process the meta-information so as to facilitate at least one of;
a subsequent access to other material, a control of a device, and a transfer of information. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
-
17. A method of enhancing revenue, comprising:
-
providing a composite data set of content material and meta-information to a broadcaster for distribution to a plurality of users, wherein the meta-information is provided to facilitate obtaining of material.
-
-
22. An encoded signal, comprising:
-
content material, and meta-information, wherein the meta-information is configured to facilitate subsequent processing of information contained in the meta-information. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
-
Specification