Showing papers on "Metadata repository published in 1998"

Navigating network resources based on metadata

Abstract: Mechanisms for associating metadata with network resources, and for locating the network resources in a language-independent manner, are disclosed. Owners of network resources define metadata that describes each network resource. The metadata may include a natural language name of the network resource, its location, its language, its region or intended audience, and other descriptive information. The owners register the metadata in a registry. A copy of the metadata is stored on a server associated with a group of the network resources. A copy of the metadata is stored in a registry that is indexed at a central location. A crawler service periodically updates the registry by polling the information on each server associated with registered metadata. To locate a selected network resource, a client provides the name of the network resource to a resolver process. The resolver process provides to the client the network resource location corresponding to the network resource name. Multiple metadata mappings can be established for the same network resource, in which each mapping stores a name expressed in a different natural language. Accordingly, network resources can be located merely by providing the name of the network resource in any natural language that is convenient for the client.

Video cataloger system with hyperlinked output

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a system and method for video cataloging. The video is cataloged according to predefined or user definable metadata. The metadata is used to index and then retrieve encoded video. In another aspect of the invention, video metadata track processors convert metadata tracks of the video information to produce displayable frames containing hyperlinking between displayable data. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of browsing stored video information, including displaying hyperlinked frames of metadata track representations, and selecting and displaying links between displayable frames.

Method for delivering electronic content from an online store

Abstract: A method for permitting the electronic delivery of digital content. Metadata is acquired which has been previously associated with content. Promotional metadata is extracted for use with a electronic store. At least one of the metadata is altered to create offer data. And at least one of the metadata is altered to create transaction data. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a computer readable medium is described to carry out the above method.

Secure electronic content management system

Abstract: A method of managing content data and associated metadata. According to the method, the content data and the associated metadata are generated. The content data is transferred to a content host, and the metadata and usage condition data for the associated content are transferred to an electronic store. The metadata and/or the usage condition data are altered in order to form promotional data, and the promotional data is transferred from the electronic store to a customer's system. In one preferred method, the content data is encrypted with a first encrypting key before being transferred to the content host. The first encrypting key is encrypted with a second encrypting key, and the encrypted first encrypting key is transferred along with the metadata and usage condition data to the electronic store. Additionally, the encrypted first encrypting key is transferred along with the promotional data to the customer's system.

Distributed metadata system and method

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating and managing metadata for a distributed computing environment while maintaining the integrity of the metadata. The method includes capturing metadata and loading it into a server or servers—either central or distributed. The metadata is secured into a rigorously defined and managed system of record, ensuring that the system of record operates under stringent and well defined rules. The method further ensures that access to the system of record metadata is executed under the discipline of the system of record. The metadata can be loaded into the managing server—either centralized or distributed—in an automated and synchronized manner, resulting in a networked environment where there is integrity of loading, access, and operation.

Automatic extraction of metadata using a neural network

Abstract: A method of automatically extracting metadata from a document. The method of the invention provides a computer readable document that includes blocks comprised of words, an authority list that includes common uses of a set of words, and a neural network trained to extract metadata from groupings of data called compounds. Compounds are created with one compound describing each of the blocks. Each compound includes the words making up the block, descriptive information about the blocks, and authority information associated with some of the words. The descriptive information may include such items as bounding box information, describing the size and position of the block, and font information, describing the size and type of font the words of the block use. The authority information is located by comparing each the words from the block to the authority list. The compounds are processed through the neural network to generate metadata guesses including word guesses, compound guesses and document guesses along with confidence factors associated with the guesses indicating the likelihood that each of the guesses is correct. The method may additionally include providing a document knowledge base of positioning information and size information for metadata in known documents. If the document knowledge base is provided, then the method includes deriving analysis data from the metadata guess and comparing the analysis data to the document knowledge base to determine metadata output.

Video cataloger system with extensibility

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a system and method for video cataloging. The video is cataloged according to predefined or user definable metadata. The metadata is used to index and then retrieve encoded video. Video feature extractors produce metadata tracks from the video information, and each metadata track indexes the stored video information. A feature extractor registration interface registers the video feature extractors, providing for registration with the video engine of new video feature extractors with new metadata tracks.

Introduction to Metadata: Pathways to Digital Information

Abstract: From the Publisher: As the World Wide Web has emerged as a major research tool across all fields of study, the concept of metadata has become a crucial topic. Metadata, which can be broadly defined as "data about data", refers to the searchable definitions used to Locate information. This issue is particularly relevant to searches on the Web, where metatags may determine the ease with which a particular Web site is located by searchers. This book defines this little-understood concept, explains its importance and potential uses in the networked environment, and describes existing metadata standards in the field of cultural heritage information.

Multi-dimensional analysis of objects by manipulating discovered semantic properties

Abstract: A computer graphical user interface (GUI) for multi-dimensional analysis of objects by manipulating discovered semantic properties. A computer system robotically builds a semantic model of information contained on an information retrieval system such as the Internet. The semantic model is stored as metadata in an intermediate format on the computer system. The computer system performs a semantic analysis on the metadata and generates search results in response to user queries. The GUI allows a user to select resource metadata and accumulate the metadata into a query definition. The GUI dynamically extracts metadata from user-selected query results and displays the results grouped by types or categories of metadata. The query results may be also displayed on screen in a sidebar. A user may pin metadata items and display changes to the query results based upon the pinned items. The GUI further displays user preference feedback to the user and uses the feedback to modify subsequent queries and displayed search results.

The limits of Web metadata, and beyond

Abstract: The World Wide Web currently has a huge amount of data, with practically no classification information, and this makes it extremely difficult to handle effectively. It has been realized recently that the only feasible way to radically improve the situation is to add to Web objects a metadata classification, to help search engines and Web-based digital libraries to properly classify and structure the information present in the WWW. However, having a few standard metadata sets is insufficient in order to have a fully classified World Wide Web. The first major problem is that it will take some time before a reasonable number of people start using metadata to provide a better Web classification. The second major problem is that no one can guarantee that a majority of the Web objects will be ever properly classified via metadata. In this paper, we address the problem of how to cope with such intrinsic limits of Web metadata, proposing a method that is able to partially solve the above two problems, and showing concrete evidence of its effectiveness. In addition, we examine the important problem of what is the required “critical mass” in the World Wide Web for metadata in order for it to be really useful.

Method and apparatus for managing metadata in a database management system

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for managing metadata in a database management system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of accepting a command in the database management system that implicates a metadata modification and providing that command to a metadata service, parsing the command to determine if the command requires a metadata modification, accessing a rule set defining rules for modifying the metadata when indicated by the parsed commands, and enforcing the rule defined in the rule set. The article of manufacture comprises a program storage device with a medium tangibly embodying processing instructions for performing the foregoing operations. The apparatus comprises a means for performing the foregoing steps. The article of manufacture comprises a means for performing these steps, including a computer implementing a database management system. The functions herein described can be performed by a special purpose processor, a single multipurpose computer. Alternatively, the operations disclosed herein can be performed among a number of computers communicatively interconnected by a network such as a local area network, wide area network, or the Internet.

Method and system for synchronization of metadata in an information catalog

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for a metadata synchronizer. Data stored on a data storage device connected to a computer is synchronized. At specified intervals, a tool that operates on an object is monitored to identify changes to metadata of that object. When changes to the metadata are identified, an information catalog containing corresponding metadata for the object is updated.

Parallel file system and method with a metadata node

Abstract: A computer system having a shared disk file system running on multiple computers each having their own instance of an operating system and being coupled for parallel data disks. One of the computers serves as a metadata node and manages metadata for parallel read and write actions for a particular file. Metadata is transferred from and to this file from the other computers via this medadata node computer.

A system for transforming and exchanging data between distributed heterogeneous computer systems

Abstract: A system and method is described for importing data from a source computer system, manipulating and transforming of that data, and exporting the data to a target computer system under control of a script processor using stored metadata definitions. Metadata is used to describe the properties of the data being manipulated. The system includes a means for manipulating the metadata definitions. The metadata definitions are created to import data into the system, export data from the system, create views of the external data, store generic format data within the system, manipulate generic format data within the system and to control data flow through the system. Data is imported into the system using an import data definition to map the external data into an import data bag. Data imported into an import data bag becomes independent of the original data source. Data is manipulated within the system using script control commands and data is transformed within the system using rule sets that act upon data bags. Data is exported from the system using an export data definition to map the import data bag into the required export data bag format and then to write data in the export data bag to the external data target.

Structured graph format: XML metadata for describing Web site structure

Abstract: To improve searching, filtering and processing of information on the Web, a common effort is made in the direction of Metadata, defined as “machine understandable information about Web resources or other things”. In particular, the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) aims at providing a common syntax to emerging Metadata formats. With this idea, we propose the Structured Graph Format (SGF), an XML compliant markup language based on structured graphs, for capturing Web sites' structure. We also present SGMapper, a client-side tool, which aims to facilitate navigation in large Web sites by generating highly interactive site maps using SGF Metadata.

Method of modifying a populated database structure by modifying metadata describing the database structure

Abstract: A method of modifying a database structure requires firstly modifying metadata that describes the relevant database structure. Thereafter, the relevant database structure is automatically modified to conform to the modified metadata. The step of modifying the metadata comprises modifying a description of a database object characteristic in a metadata object.

Overview on Using Metadata to Manage Multimedia Data

Abstract: This paper introduces the reader to the key role that metadata can play for managing various digital media, often also called new media, such as image, audio, and video in information systems. We present different views on how metadata can be modeled, classified, extracted, managed, and applied, to support a convenient handling of digital media. We discuss various issues on the role of metadata from different viewpoints: the application scenario perspective, the media processing perspective, and the metadata type and classification perspective. We also look at the world of standards for handling metadata. Finally, the chapter gives an outline of the book and provides a coherent view over all the chapters. Each of the chapters in the book and its main issue in the field is introduced in brief with respect to the concepts and issues discussed in this paper.

Specifying metadata standards for metadata tool configuration

Abstract: A critical problem for metadata applications is flexibility. A metadata application must be sufficiently flexible to cope with changes to metadata standards over time and to allow users to extend a standard to cope with local requirements. A key component of supporting flexible metadata applications is software whcih can be dynamically configured by a specification of the metadata standard. By contrast, in current metadata software the metadata standard is embedded in the code, making changes relatively more difficult and expensive. Configurable software also leads to better tools at a lower cost, as it is not necessary to re-implement functionality for every new metadata standard. This paper describes a metadata specification designed to support dynamic configuration of metadata software by capturing features of metadata standards. The specification comprises three components: the classification of the metadata standard, the metadata schema, and the metadata expression.

Multilevel and graphical views of metadata

Abstract: Digital libraries help users to search for, evaluate and retrieve information Metadata is indispensable in this process of locating information and evaluating its fitness for specific uses This paper describes a multilevel organization and presentation of metadata for spatial information in digital libraries It is proposed that a single organization of metadata within the context of large distributed heterogeneous (text, image, video, audio, etc) collections is inadequate The organization of metadata should change, depending upon the purpose for which it is being used and the state of an information-seeking task We argue for at least a three-level organization of metadata and graphical presentation of metadata for digital library users The Content Standard for Geospatial Metadata provides a foundation for this approach

Computer-implemented method for generating distributed object interfaces from metadata

Abstract: A method and system for creating a distributed object interface description and a distributed object server interface module to a software system, such as a repository. In a preferred embodiment, a repository contains an object oriented information model from which an interface description and a server implementation interface module can be generated. A metadata interface allows a generator program to obtain detailed information about the information model. The generator program uses the metadata to create the interface description for the model. The generator program also generates implementation classes that will serve as the interface module between the distributed object interface and the repository.

Digital document metadata in organizations: roles, analytical approaches, and future research directions

Abstract: Metadata characterize documents for discovery and use. In digital environments, conventional metadata are less likely to exist and, if they do, are unlikely to have been created by a trained cataloger. Within organizations, document metadata play roles beyond that of document discovery, e.g. organizational memory, visibility and network management. The Dublin Core, an author-created metadata structure, maps incompletely to identified organizational metadata needs, particularly that of "publisher". Analytical approaches to metadata identify factors such as terseness vs. richness, and logical and physical separability vs. integration from the object described. In organizations, document discovery is often the start of a process of the use and re-use of both formal and informal document types. Additional research is needed to establish elements that would be important in organizations, the context and roles of metadata, and to explore approaches to metadata creation and use.

A metadata architecture for digital libraries

Abstract: From an architectural perspective, there is no essential distinction between data and metadata. Both can be represented in distributed active relationships (DARs), which are an extension of the Warwick framework (C. Lagoze et al., 1996). The DAR model is a powerful way to express relationships between networked resources and to allow such relationships to be dynamically downloadable and executable.

Logical information modeling of Web-accessible heterogeneous digital assets

Abstract: Introduces the MREF (Metadata REFerence) framework for representing and correlating information at a higher semantic level than is possible with Web-based information systems today. The role that metadata plays in this framework is described, together with a metadata-based infrastructure to support our media-independent information correlation paradigm. To keep it consistent with evolving standards, broader acceptance and ease of implementation, MREF abstraction is structured on top of RDF and XML. Its central role in the content of the InfoQuilt system, for exploiting heterogeneous digital media using a federated and scalable architecture, is briefly described.

Method and apparatus for creating metadata streams with embedded device information

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for generating a metadata stream. A request is received to render an object. A determination is made as to whether a device hint associated with the object is present. The object is placed in the metadata stream. The device hint is placed in the metadata stream, responsive to the device hint associated with the object being present. Then the device can take advantage of the hints without requiring it to preprocess the set of objects.

The Alexandria Digital Library Architecture

Abstract: Since 1994, the Alexandria Digital Library Project has developed three prototype digital libraries for georeferenced information. This paper describes the most recent of these efforts, a three-tier client-server architecture that relies heavily on a middleware layer to present a single uniform set of interfaces to multiple heterogeneous servers. These standard interfaces, all of which are implemented in HTTP, support session management, collection discovery and evaluation, metadata searching, metadata retrieval, and online holding retrieval. An XML-based metadata encoding scheme and a simple boolean query language have also been developed. The architecture described by these interfaces has been implemented at UCSB.

A survey on metadata for describing and retrieving Internet resources

Abstract: Metadata, or “information that makes data useful,” have been considered by the database community basically as data in dictionaries used to control database management systems operations. More recently, metadata have been used to describe digital resources available across networks. This paper presents a survey of the state of the art concerning the use and importance of metadata, focusing on different standards and models found in the literature, describing how they serve as a basis for integrating heterogeneous resources on the Web and for developing more sophisticated search mechanisms.

System and method for automatically synchronizing different classes of databases utilizing a repository database

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a first database and a second database is disclosed. The first database is of a first class, while the second database is of a second class. In one aspect, the method and system include providing a repository database for storing metadata regarding the first database and the second database, automatically generating the first database using a first portion of the metadata and automatically generating the second database using a second portion of the metadata. The method and system further include automatically generating a mapping between the first database and the second database using a third portion of the metadata stored in the repository database. In a second aspect, the first database is a preexisting database. In this aspect, the method and system include providing a repository database for storing metadata regarding the first database and the second database and automatically generating the second database using a first portion of the metadata. In this aspect, the method and system further include automatically generating a mapping between the first database and the second database using a second portion of the metadata stored in the repository database.

Development of meta databases for geospatial data in the WWW

Abstract: 1. ABSTRACT This paper describes development of meta databases for geospatial data in the WWW in general as well as efforts/activities in the context of developing InGeoMDB (InG eoForum Meta Data Base). Hence, especially existing metadata standards wiIl be analysed and evaluated. Furthermore possibilities of integrating meta databases into metadata information systems (MIS) resp. catalogue systems (CS) will be pointed out as well as apsects, which should be considered with regard to ‘Information Retrieval’ via MIS/C S in the world wide web. 1.1