Showing papers on "Meta Data Services published in 2005"

Metadata brokering server and methods

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for supplying rich multimedia metadata usable to generate, e.g., sophisticated entertainment user interfaces in the home. These methods and systems can be implemented as a server-based software application that feeds multiple, diverse clients. The server functionality could be distributed, even co-located physically with one or more clients, or centralized. The server aggregates, filters, validates, augments and links metadata from disparate sources. The server transforms the metadata into a more manageable and extensible internal format. The server communicates with client devices using a schema-independent protocol, providing metadata in the appropriate format that suites the clients needs.

Automating metadata generation: the simple indexing interface

Abstract: In this paper, we focus on the development of a framework for automatic metadata generation. The first step towards this framework is the definition of an Application Programmer Interface (API), which we call the Simple Indexing Interface (SII). The second step is the definition of a framework for implementation of the SII. Both steps are presented in some detail in this paper. We also report on empirical evaluation of the metadata that the SII and supporting framework generated in a real-life context.

Scoped access control metadata element

Abstract: Methods, systems, and data structures for communicating object metadata are provided. A generic metadata container is presented that allows object metadata to be described in an extensible manner using protocol-neutral and platform-independent methodologies. A metadata scope refers to a dynamic universe of targets to which the included metadata statements correspond. Metadata properties provide a mechanism to describe the metadata itself, and metadata security can be used to ensure authentic metadata is sent and received. Mechanisms are also provided to allow refinement and replacement of metadata statements. The generic metadata container can be adapted to dynamically define access control rights to a range of objects by a range of users, including granted and denied access rights.

Services oriented architecture for handling metadata in a data integration platform

Abstract: Metadata handling is deployed as a service in a services oriented architecture for use, for example, in a data integration platform.

Understanding Metadata and Metadata Schemes

Abstract: SUMMARY Although the development and implementation of metadata schemes over the last decade has been extensive, research examining the sum of these activities is limited. This limitation is likely due to the massive scope of the topic. A framework is needed to study the full extent of, and functionalities supported by, metadata schemes. Metadata schemes developed for information resources are analyzed. To begin, the author presents a review of the definition of metadata, metadata functions, and several metadata typologies. Next, a conceptualization for metadata schemes is presented. The emphasis is on semantic container-like metadata schemes (data structures). The last part of this paper introduces the MODAL (Metadata Objectives and principles, Domains, and Architectural Layout) framework as an approach for studying metadata schemes. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on the value of frameworks for examining metadata schemes, including different types of metadata schemes.

Method and apparatus for harvesting file system metadata

Abstract: A harvester is disclosed for harvesting metadata of managed objects (files and directories) across file systems which are generally not interoperable in an enterprise environment. Harvested metadata may include 1) file system attributes such as size, owner, recency; 2) content-specific attributes such as the presence or absence of various keywords (or combinations of keywords) within documents as well as concepts comprised of natural language entities; 3) synthetic attributes such as mathematical checksums or hashes of file contents; and 4) high-level semantic attributes that serve to classify and categorize files and documents. The classification itself can trigger an action in compliance with a policy rule. Harvested metadata are stored in a metadata repository to facilitate the automated or semi-automated application of policies.

Is 'Quality' Metadata 'Shareable' Metadata? The Implications of Local Metadata Practice on Federated Collections

Abstract: Introduction The federation of digital resources has become increasingly important in realizing the full potential of digital libraries. Federation is often achieved through the aggregation of descriptive metadata, therefore the decisions resource developers make for the creation, maintenance, and quality assurance of their metadata can have significant impacts on aggregators and service providers. Metadata may be of high quality within a local database or web site, but when it is taken out of this context, information may be lost or its integrity may be compromised. Maintaining consistency and fitness for purpose are also complicated when metadata are combined in a federated environment. A fuller understanding of the criteria for high quality, “shareable” metadata is crucial to the next step in the development of federated digital libraries. This study of metadata quality was conducted by the IMLS Digital Collections and Content (DCC) project team (http://imlsdcc.grainger.uiuc.edu/) using quantitative and qualitative analysis of metadata authoring practices of several projects funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership Grant (NLG) program. We present a number of statistical characterizations of metadata samples drawn from a large corpus harvested through the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (PMH) and interpret these findings in relation to general quality dimensions and metadata practices that occur at the local level. We discuss the impact of these kinds of quality on aggregation and suggest quality control and normalization processes that may improve search and discovery services at the aggregated level.

Metadata practices for consumer photos

Abstract: Digital image metadata plays a crucial role in managing digital image repositories It lets us catalog and maintain large image collections as well as search for and find relevant information Moreover, describing a digital image with defined metadata schemes lets multiple systems with different platforms and interfaces access and process image metadata Metadata's wide use in commercial, academic, and educational domains as well as on the Web has propelled the development of new standards for digital image data schemes The Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association has proposed the Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF) as a standard for storing administrative metadata in digital image files during acquisition The International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) has developed a standard for storing descriptive metadata information within digital images These metadata schemas, as well as other emerging standards, provide a standard format for creating, processing, and exchanging digital image metadata and enable image management, analysis, indexing, and search applications

System and method of handling file metadata

Abstract: A network storage system comprises data storage, one or more file system APIs, and a metadata handler. The data storage can comprise file data and associated metadata. The file system APIs can be configured to read and write file data and metadata to and from the data storage. The metadata handler can have a library of functions for handling the metadata. The library can include a metadata blob creation function and a metadata blob extraction function. The metadata blob creation function cooperates with the file system APIs to read source metadata associated with specified file data and creates and populates a metadata blob from which a substantial copy of the source metadata can be generated. The metadata blob extraction function receives at least a metadata blob, extracts information from the metadata blob, and cooperates with the file system APIs to generate destination metadata, a substantial copy of the source metadata.

Information intelligence: metadata for information discovery, access, and integration

Abstract: Integrating enterprise information requires an accurate, precise and complete understanding of the disparate data sources, the needs of the information consumers, and how these map to the semantic business concepts of the enterprise. We describe how MetaMatrix captures and manages this metadata through the use of the OMG's MOF architecture and multiple domain-specific modeling languages, and how this semantic and syntactic metadata is then used for a variety of purposes, including accessing data in real-time from the underlying enterprise systems, integrating it, and returning it as information expected by consumers.

Method and apparatus for handling metadata

Abstract: A system records a video program (304) as well as metadata associated with the video program (306). The system then receives updated metadata associated with the video program (308). The previously recorded metadata is replaced with the updated metadata (312).

Metadata collection within a trusted relationship to increase search relevance

Abstract: A system and method for collecting internet publisher data is disclosed in which metadata pertaining to the internet publisher is acquired in the context of a trusted relationship with the internet publisher to increase reliability of metadata utilized in the presentation of internet search engine results. In a preferred embodiment, metadata collected by an internet domain registrar incident to registration of an internet domain name is included among metadata acquired in the trusted relationship.

Complete metadata records in learning object repositories: some evidence and requirements

Abstract: Completeness of e-learning objects metadata records becomes a key requirement for learning object repositories, since these repositories are called to play a central role in automated approaches to e-learning. Nonetheless, metadata creation is a time-consuming and laborious process. These two factors may eventually result in incomplete and poorly structured metadata. In this paper, the completeness of learning object metadata of samples obtained from the MERLOT and CAREO repositories is analysed from that viewpoint, using the IEEE LOM standard as a reference framework. The paper concludes with a proposal for the specification of completeness levels as compliancy requirements for learning-related services or processes.

Developing practical automatic metadata assignment and evaluation tools for internet resources

Abstract: This paper describes the development of practical automatic metadata assignment tools to support automatic record creation for virtual libraries, metadata repositories and digital libraries, with particular reference to library-standard metadata. The development process is incremental in nature, and depends upon an automatic metadata evaluation tool to objectively measure its progress. The evaluation tool is based on and informed by the metadata created and maintained by librarian experts at the INFOMINE Project, and uses different metrics to evaluate different metadata fields. In this paper, we describe the form and function of common metadata fields, and identify appropriate performance measures for these fields. The automatic metadata assignment tools in the iVia virtual library software are described, and their performance is measured. Finally, we discuss the limitations of automatic metadata evaluation, and cases where we choose to ignore its evidence in favor of human judgment.

Interlinking sports and television program listing metadata

Abstract: Matching metadata for sporting events with television program listing data. A global sports format enables the import of sports metadata from various providers. The metadata is interlinked with the television program listing data via configurable match rules or criteria. An enhanced electronic programming guide is created to display, to a user, the interlinked metadata.

Create once, use many times: the clever use of recordkeeping metadata for multiple archival purposes

Abstract: Metadata is a key component in the creation, management and preservation of electronic records, as well as their innovative use as archives, memory and knowledge. However metadata generation and deployment are currently resource intensive and application specific. Metadata creation is not usually fully automated. Metadata created in one application of potential relevance to other applications is not shared between applications. Although data modeling, mark up language and syntax initiatives are addressing the data representation requirements for metadata translation and exchange, this functionality has not as yet been utilized in the systems that support eGovernment and eBusiness processes, electronic recordkeeping and archival description. Moreover there has been little progress in relation to developing strategies and meta-tools for the translation of metadata attributes and values between schemas in these environments. The Monash Clever Recordkeeping Metadata (CRKM) project addresses the challenge of automating metadata creation and sharing metadata between business systems, current recordkeeping systems and archival systems. This paper explores the relevance of the CRKM project to future archival systems and the deployment of metadata for multiple archival purposes. It is presented as part of the Smart Metadata and the Archives of the Future session that aims to communicate the progress and findings of several inter-related collaborative research projects and standards initiatives. Other papers in the session report on the related work of the InterPARES 2 Description Research Team (Designing a Meta-Registry for the Registration, Analysis and Archival Extension of Pre-Existing Metadata), the San Diego Supercomputing Center’s development of Persistent Archives Technology (Metadata Tools and Sustainable Archives Technologies), and the ISO Metadata for Records Standard (Smart Metadata Research and International Standards).

Using collection descriptions to enhance an aggregation of harvested item-level metadata

Abstract: As an increasing number of digital library projects embrace the harvesting of item-level descriptive metadata, issues of description granularity and concerns about potential loss of context when harvesting item-level metadata take on greater significance. Collection-level description can provide valuable context for item-level metadata records harvested from disparate and heterogeneous providers. This paper describes an ongoing experiment using collection-level description in concert with item-level metadata to improve quality of search and discovery across an aggregation of metadata describing resources held by a consortium of large academic research libraries. We present details of approaches implemented so far and preliminary analyses of the potential utility of these approaches. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of related issues and future work plans.

Methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically associating data with a resource as metadata based on a characteristic of the resource

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically associating data with a resource as metadata based on a characteristic of the resource are disclosed. According to one method, a metadata association rule is defined for a metadata associator. The metadata association rule specifies a data value to be associated with a resource as metadata based on a characteristic of the resource. A user interface is provided for associating at least one resource with a metadata associator. In response to a resource being associated with the metadata associator via a user interface, the data value is associated with the resource as metadata based on the metadata association rule. The specified data value may be defined prior to the resource being associated with the metadata and independently of both the resource and a file system with which the resource is associated.

Downloading data packages from information services based on attributes

Abstract: Identifying a location of a metadata package to an application program. The system maintains a plurality of metadata packages and locations associated therewith. The plurality of metadata packages is filtered based on attributes in a request received from the application program to identify at least one metadata package. The location associated with the identified metadata package is sent to the application program.

System for automatically creating a metadata repository for multimedia

Abstract: A method and system for automatically creating a metadata repository for multimedia objects includes a service URL (307) in the metadata associated with a multimedia object. The service URL (307) is used by an application to access a service profile application to retrieve a service profile (107). The service profile (107) describes the services available to the multimedia object and how to invoke these services (403). One of the services that can be provided is a metadata service that allows users to view, modify, or search the metadata for the multimedia object. In this manner, a common mechanism for providing information related to the multimedia object and for providing or advertising services related to the object is provided.

On Metadata Management Technology: Status and Issues.

Abstract: Metadata captures the semantics of data in disparate data sources in an integrated enterprise information system. As such, there has long been a universal agreement on its importance. However, there are only a small number of vendors that offer metadata management systems as a separate product. In this article, I review the status of metadata management technology and vendors, and outline some of the key issues that are beyond the capabilities of metadata management products and are in the domain of consulting services.

Dynamic mechanism for providing metadata

Abstract: Dynamic metadata allows for metadata that can be configured for an application programming interface (API) after the API has shipped. Multiple entities can provide metadata for the same API or portions of an API. The metadata provided for an API can be set up for each application domain, allowing customization within a single process. Metadata can be provided in several ways, including traditional compiled code and declarative markup as well as databases and other more dynamic approaches. Metadata is separated from its runtime components, so that the metadata that is used by the runtime components can be changed. For example, metadata may be declared on the objects separately. The metadata is then tied back to the runtime components.

USA/NBII: Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, FGDC-STD-001.1-1999

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on biological data profile of the content standard for digital geospatial metadata. The chapter describes information about the Metadata standard itself. It also discusses the categorization of metadata standard for the purpose of describing datasets. Metadata are needed to create meaningful metadata for biological data sets, thus the objective of the profile is to provide a common set of terminology and definitions for the documentation of biological data through the creation of extended elements and a profile of the Federal Geographic Data Committee Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata. This profile is intended to support the collection and processing of biological data. It is intended to be useful by all levels of government and the private sector.

A Framework for Metadata Creation Tools

Abstract: Metadata is an increasingly important aspect of resource discovery. Good metadata has the potential to increase discovery and reuse and to facilitate interoperability of digital assets. Using the domain of learning objects, issues associated with the application of metadata standards and the challenges in metadata creation are examined. A framework for customizable metadata authoring that addresses the issues and challenges is described. The framework consists of flexible metadata schema, metadata schema views, templates, collaborative metadata editing, contextual help, and an effective interface component selection. A prototype implementation of the framework, CLOMAT (Customizable Learning Objects Metadata Authoring Tool), is used to illustrate the framework in operation. An initial evaluation of this prototype indicates substantial productivity gains over conventional metadata creation tools.

System and method for metadata-based distribution of content

Abstract: In a system for metadata-based distribution of content, metadata queries are used to specify rules for content distribution jobs, allowing flexible, intelligent deployment, expiration and syndication of code and content across an enterprise or content network. A configurable payload adapter receives the metadata query, parses and translates the metadata into a form specific to the particular implementation, and then queries a metadata repository to identify a list of digital assets that satisfy the specified criterion specified by the metadata. The assets are retrieved from a content repository and distributed, syndicated and/or expired according to the distribution rules. Intelligent delivery of digital assets enables syndication of content based on offers and subscriptions.