Showing papers on "Metadata repository published in 2001"

Automated Generation of Dynamic Data Entry User Interface for Relational Database Management Systems

Abstract: Computer software for, computer apparatus for, and a method of automatically generating a user interface for a relational database comprising extracting schema information from the relational database and automatically generating corresponding schema and user interface metadata, storing the metadata in a repository, and automatically developing from the metadata a user interface appropriate to the relational database.

Method for facilitating access to multimedia content

Abstract: A system is described in which a media browser ( 101 ), operating as a software application on a user terminal or preferably a server for a number of users, provides a user with a single user interface that facilitates browsing and searching different metadata collections over the Internet ( 102 ). A metadata server ( 212 ) is associated with each of the metadata collections. When the metadata server ( 212 ) receives a request from the media browser ( 101 ), the metadata server ( 212 ) interprets the request and replies with a description that satisfies the request and according to a predetermined scheme. The description contains at least one link which represents a return link which represents a return request to the metadata server ( 212 ). Specifically disclosed are methods ( 2000 ) for recording user location preferences at a service and using one or more lists of such preferences to focus searching responses to statistically desirable material. Monitoring the validity of a bookmarked location is also described.

The ABC Ontology and Model

Abstract: This paper describes the latest version of the ABC metadata model. This model has been developed within the Harmony international digital library project to provide a common conceptual model to facilitate interoperability between metadata ontologies from different domains. This updated ABC model is the result of collaboration with the CIMI consortium whereby earlier versions of the ABC model were applied to metadata descriptions of complex objects provided by CIMI museums and libraries. The result is a metadata model with more logically grounded time and entity semantics. Based on this model we have been able to build a metadata repository of RDF descriptions and a search interface which is capable of more sophisticated queries than less-expressive, object-centric metadata models will allow.

CREAM: creating relational metadata with a component-based, ontology-driven annotation framework

Abstract: Richly interlinked, machine-understandable data constitutes the basis for the Semantic Web. Annotating web documents is one of the major techniques for creating metadata on the Web. However, annotation tools so far are restricted in their capabilities of providing richly interlinked and truely machine-understandable data. They basically allow the user to annotate with plain text according to a template structure, such as Dublin Core. We here present CREAM (Creating RElational, Annotation-based Metadata), a framework for an annotation environment that allows to construct relational metadata, i.e. metadata that comprises class instances and relationship instances. These instances are not based on a fix structure, but on a domain ontology. We discuss some of the requirements one has to meet when developing such a framework, e.g. the integration of a metadata crawler, inference services, document management and information extraction, and describe its implementation, viz. Ont-O-Mat a component-based, ontology-driven annotation tool.

Metadata processes for multimedia database access

Abstract: A system is described in which a media browser ( 101 ), operating as a software application on a user terminal or preferably a server for a number of users, provides a user with a single user interface that facilitates browsing and searching different metadata collections over the Internet ( 102 ). A metadata server ( 212 ) is associated with each of the metadata collections. When the metadata server ( 212 ) receives a request from the media browser ( 101 ), the metadata server ( 212 ) interprets the request and replies with a description that satisfies the request and according to a predetermined scheme. The description contains at least one link which represents a return link which represents a return request to the metadata server ( 212 ). Specifically disclosed are methods of forming a table of contents for a particular user preferably based upon media reproduction attributes, methods of right to use and quality of service control, graphical user interfaces for facilitating the browsing process, methods of interpreting metadata, methods of communicating metadata between users, and method for transferring media sessions between users.

System and method for accessing data in disparate information sources

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10) for generating and maintaining virtual and physical metadata layers in a MetaBase metadata repository (110b) in order to simplify and optimize the retrieval of data from a plurality of disparate information sources (130a-130c). The system stores in a physical metadata layer of a MetaBase metadata repository a plurality of physical metadata elements, wherein each one of the physical metadata elements corresponds to the metadata elements in the plurality of information sources. Logical metadata elements are stored in the virtual metadata layer and are linked to the physical metadata elements in order to maintain the relationships therebetween. By maintaining the relationships between the physical metadata elements, users can initiate a data query request for data corresponding to a logical metadata element, and the system is configurated to retrieve the desired data from the relevant information sources, even in the event that relevant information sources maintain the data in fields having different data field names, that the information sources employ incompatible data formats, and that the relevant information sources employ different query languages.

Client-server system for merging of metadata with images

Abstract: A method and system for merging metadata with digital images is disclosed, where the digital images are stored as image files having metadata fields associated therewith. The method and system include receiving data uploaded from a remote location, providing a web application to a client device over a network when requested, and transmitting the previously uploaded data to the web application. When an image requires input of metadata on the client device, the uploaded data is displayed on the client device for selection by the user. In response to the user's selection, the selected data is then used to automatically populate the metadata fields associated with the image file.

System and method for generating metadata for segments of a video program

Abstract: A system provides evaluation of individual segments of a video program in accordance with a viewer's viewing preferences. The system included a server that receives production data for a program including descriptive information and timing information, and that generates individual metadata for each program segment. The system further includes a client device that receives the individual metadata and processes the metadata in accordance with a viewer profile to determine the desirability of each program segment for the viewer. The client device may record desirable segments or alert the viewer about desirable segments. The server may provide the metadata to the client through a programming event transmission system or through the internet. The metadata and viewer profile may utilize a classification hierarchy. A related device generates metadata for video program segments. The device receives production data for a program that includes descriptive information and timing information, determines time data and descriptive data for individual segments of the program, and generates individual metadata corresponding to each program segment. Each metadata comprises an identifier of the program, and time data and descriptive data for the program segment. The individual metadata for each segment of the program enables separate evaluation of each program segment with respect to a given viewer's viewing preferences. The metadata may utilize a classification hierarchy. Another related device provides metadata for segments of a video program to consumers. The device obtains production data for a program from production equipment in a production studio where the program is produced. The production data is provided to a metadata generator, which returns individual metadata corresponding to individual segments of the program. The individual metadata are provided for transmission through a programming event transmission system in advance of the corresponding program segments. The individual metadata enable separate evaluation of each program segment with respect to a given viewer's viewing preferences. The metadata may be encoded for transmission and may utilize a classification hierarchy. Related processes in the aforementioned devices are also disclosed.

Managing scientific metadata

Abstract: Metacat is a network-enabled database framework that lets users store, query, and retrieve XML documents with arbitrary schemas in SQL-compliant relational database systems. The system (available from the Knowledge Network for Biocomplexity, http://knb.ecoinformatics.org/) incorporates RDF-like methods for packaging data sets to allow researchers to customize and revise their metadata. It is extensible and flexible enough to preserve utility and interpretability working with future content standards. Metacat solves several key challenges that impede data confederation efforts in ecological research, or any field in which independent agencies collect heterogeneous data that they wish to control locally while enabling networked access. This distributed solution integrates with existing site infrastructures because it works with any SQL-compliant database system. The framework's open-source based components are widely available, and individual sites can extend and customize the system to support their data and metadata needs.

Fuzzy database retrieval

Abstract: A method for querying metadata associated with media, such as multimedia and/or streaming media, on a computer network includes separating the metadata into keywords. The keywords are compared with valid keywords. A score is calculated in accordance with the degree of similarity between the keywords and valid keywords. If the degree of similarity is above a threshold, the metadata is qualified as valid metadata. Valid metadata is available for comparison and correction of other (invalid) metadata.

Document/message management

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus and software for automatically transforming data between Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) formats. For generating EDI documents or messages, a source data model with EDI related data is received. Data is transferred from metadata elements of the source data model to variables of a virtual document, based on a mapping that has been previously made. Data assigned to the variables of the virtual document are then transferred to metadata elements of a target data model. An EDI document or message corresponding to the target data model is automatically created as a result, which includes data from the source document or message.

Interactive system and method for generating metadata for programming events

Abstract: Metadata for a programming event may be generated through an interactive process. A system may receive data corresponding to a programming event. The data may include descriptive information and timing information. The system may then generate preliminary metadata for the programming event from the received data. The system may provide the preliminary metadata to a system user, and then receive user specified metadata responsive to the preliminary metadata. The preliminary metadata may include one or more of categories of a classification hierarchy, goodness of fit scores associated with the categories, keywords, goodness of fit scores associated with the keywords, and a title. Related embodiments may pertain to a system implementing such methods. Further related embodiments may pertain to methods and systems in which a system user is enabled to approve preliminary metadata provided by the system.

Author-generated Dublin Core Metadata for Web Resources: A Baseline Study in an Organization

Abstract: This paper reports on a study that examined the ability of resource authors to create acceptable metadata in an organizational setting. The results indicate that authors can create good quality metadata when working with the Dublin Core, and that is in some cases they may be able to create metadata that is of better quality than what a metadata professional can produce. This research suggests that authors think metadata is valuable for resource discovery, that it should be created for web resources, and that they, as authors, should be involved in metadata production for their works. The study also indicates that a simple web form, with textual guidance and selective use of features (e.g., popup windows, drop-down menus, etc.) can assist authors in generating good quality metadata.

Component metadata for software engineering tasks

Abstract: This paper presents a framework that lets a component developer provide a component user with different kinds of information, depending on the specific context and needs. The framework is based on presenting this information in the form of metadata. Metadata describe static and dynamic aspects of the component, can be accessed by the user, and can be used for different tasks throughout the software engineering lifecycle. The framework is defined in a general way, so that the metadata can be easily extended if new types of data have to be provided. In our approach, we define a unique format and a unique tag for each kind of metadata provided. The tag lets the user of the component both treat the information provided as metadata in the correct way and query for a specific piece of information. We motivate the untapped potential of component metadata by showing the need for metadata in the context of testing and analysis of distributed component-based systems, and introduce our framework with the help of an example. We sketch a possible scenario consisting of an application developer who wants to perform two different software engineering tasks on her application: generating self-checking code and program slicing.

Streaming a single media track to multiple clients

Abstract: A system and method are provided for streaming a media track to multiple clients using a single copy of the track's metadata, rather than making separate copies of the metadata for each stream. A media track's metadata includes information that is used to identify and locate media corresponding to different time positions in the track or media program. Sharing one copy of the metadata among multiple client streams promotes more efficient use of a media streaming server's resources. When a media track is first requested, a track object is generated to store and allow access to the metadata. For each client stream, a separate track handle object is created to manage access to the metadata for the stream's specific context. The streamed media track may be part of a live media event or may be part of a pre-recorded media program.

Combining RDF and XML schemas to enhance interoperability between metadata application profiles

Abstract: The term "application profile" has recently become highly topical. Heery and Patel [1] define application profiles as metadata schemas which consist of metadata elements drawn from one or more namespaces, combined together by implementers and optimised for a particular local application. They state that the principal characteristics of an application profile are that: it may draw on one or more existing namespaces; does not introduce new metadata elements; it can specify permitted schemes and values; and it can refine standard metadata elements. Significant new initiatives such as TV-Anytime [2], MPEG-21 [3] and the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) [4] are demanding application profiles which combine elements from a number of different existing standardized metadata schemas whilst maintaining interoperability and satisfying their own specific requirements through refinements, extensions and additions. So far approaches to application profiles have been based on either RDF Schemas [5] or XML Schemas [6,7,8]. The SCHEMAS project [9] has adopted a purely RDF Schema approach. Justification for a pure XML Schema approach to application profiles is given in [10]. Despite high level assurances of unification from the W3C [11, 12], a purist and competitive attitude has prevailed amongst implementers. This has been because the demarcation of roles and the interface between these two disparate W3C Candidate Recommendations has been fuzzy; no low level details or implementations describing interface mechanisms have been provided; and implementers have been afraid of compromising interoperability. In this paper we describe a hybrid collaborative approach which combines the semantic knowledge of RDF Schemas with the explicit structural, cardinality and datatyping constraints provided by XML Schemas in a complementary manner. First we describe our view of how XML Schema and RDF Schema fit into the overall web metadata architecture. We then describe possible schema interface mechanisms. Finally using examples and mapping implementations based on XSLT and a metadata ontology, we demonstrate how interoperability between application profiles can be enhanced by using a dual schema approach.

Method of enabling browse and search access to electronically-accessible multimedia databases

Abstract: A system is described including a media browser (101) for providing a user with a single user interface for browsing and searching different metadata collections over the Internet (102). A metadata server (212) is associated with each of the metadata collections. When the metadata server (212) receives a request, the metadata server (212) interprets the request and replies with a description that satisfies the request and according to a predetermined scheme. The description contains at least one link which represents a return link which represents a return request to the metadata server (212).

Specifying, assigning, and maintaining user defined metadata in a network-based photosharing system

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a user to define and use custom metadata is disclosed. The method and system include providing a network accessible server with a metadata library comprising a plurality of metadata vocabularies. The server allows the user to create a custom metadata vocabulary by displaying a user interface on a client computer in which the user specifies a plurality of properties defining the custom metadata vocabulary. When the custom metadata vocabulary is defined, it is stored in the metadata library for subsequent access. The method and system further allow the user to search the metadata library to select at least one of the metadata vocabularies to apply to an electronic resource.

Method and apparatus for generating metadata for a document

Abstract: A method and system of generating metadata for a document so that the document may be identified by a subsequent search. A conceptual model is generated for the document, wherein the conceptual model indicates one or more concepts that are recognized in the document. A concept is defined by a plurality of features, each feature being associated with a feature weight. By referencing the conceptual model, one or more auto-attributes may be assigned to the document. Also, by referencing the conceptual model, the document may be categorized to one or more categories of a categorization taxonomy by assigning one or more auto-categories. The generated metadata, including the conceptual model, the one or more auto-attributes, and the one or more auto-categories, may be stored in a memory so that the subsequent search may identify the document by examining the generated metadata.

On the Automated Classification of Web Sites

Abstract: In this paper we discuss several issues related to automated text classification of web sites. We analyze the nature of web content and metadata in relation to requirements for text features. We find that HTML metatags are a good source of text features, but are not in wide use despite their role in search engine rankings. We present an approach for targeted spidering including metadata extraction and opportunistic crawling of specific semantic hyperlinks. We describe a system for automatically classifying web sites into industry categories and present performance results based on different combinations of text features and training data. This system can serve as the basis for a generalized framework for automated metadata creation.

A Non-Authoritative Educational Metadata Ontology for Filtering and Recommending Learning Objects

Abstract: Digital libraries populated with learning objects are becoming popular tools in the creation of instructional technologies. Many current efforts to create standard metadata structures that facilitate the discovery and instructional use of learning objects recommend a single, authoritative metadata record per version of the learning object. However, as we argue in this paper, a single metadata record — particularly one with fields that emphasize knowledge management and technology, while evading instructional issues — provides information insufficient to support instructional utilization decisions. To put learning objects to instructional use, users must examine the individual objects, forfeiting the supposed benefits of the metadata system. As a solution, we propose a system that includes multi-record, non-authoritative metadata focussed on the surrounding instructional context of learning objects.

Method, system and program product for extracting essence from a multimedia file received in a first format, creating a metadata file in a second file format and using a unique identifier assigned to the essence to access the essence and metadata file

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and program for storing data in a data store, a first file in a first file format is received including essence, metadata objects providing information on the essence, and a unique identifier assigned to the essence. The essence is extracted from the file and stored in the data store. The metadata is extracted from each metadata object in the first file and stored in the data store in a second file format. The extracted metadata and essence in the data store are accessible using the unique identifier assigned to the essence.

Interpretive stream metadata extraction

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing metadata associated with media, including multimedia and streaming media, include parsing the metadata into several categories of metadata. The categories of metadata are compared to corresponding categories of metadata obtained from a valid metadata database. The valid metadata database may be obtained from third party databases, referring web pages, and the multimedia/streaming media file itself. The metadata is modified if the comparison indicates that a category of metadata does not match a corresponding category of valid metadata. Modification includes replacing metadata with a corresponding valid metadata, and/or adding metadata to the original metadata.

Role-based access to image metadata

Abstract: A system and method for controlling access to image metadata is disclosed, where metadata elements are defined for an image. The method and system include associating users who will access the image with roles, and associating the roles with individual metadata elements. In response to receiving a request for access to the metadata by a particular user, the user's role is determined from the request and the user's role is compared to the roles associated with the metadata elements to determine which metadata elements to make available to the user.

Method of verifying data consistency between local and remote mirrored data storage systems

Abstract: Data consistency is verified between geographically separated and connected active and mirroring data processing systems by creating metadata which describes user data, such as a cyclical redundancy code (CRC), and time stamp information which describes the time at which user data was first stored on the active system. The metadata and the time stamp information sent from the active system is compared at the mirroring system with the time stamp information and metadata read from the mirroring system. Upon detecting a discrepancy when comparing the metadata from the active and mirroring systems, the user data from the active or mirroring system which is less current temporally, as determined by the time stamp information, is replaced by the user data from the other one of the active or mirroring systems having the more current temporal time stamp information.

Electronic content distribution

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a method for use in electronic content distribution. The method includes storing sets of metadata corresponding to different electronic content titles available for distribution in accordance with different, respective, non-affiliated electronic book digital rights management schemes. At least some of the sets of metadata indicate at least one authorized retailer. The method also includes determining one or more sets of metadata for a retailer, the determined sets corresponding to electronic content the retailer is authorized to retail, and generating an output file of content available to the retailer that includes at least a portion of the determined sets of metadata.

Transferring a media browsing session from one device to a second device by transferring a session identifier and a session key to the second device

Abstract: A system is described in which a media browser (101), operating as a software application on a user terminal or preferably a server for a number of users, provides a user with a single user interface that facilitates browsing and searching different metadata collections over the Internet (102). A metadata server (212) is associated with each of the metadata collections. When the metadata server (212) receives a request from the media browser (101), the metadata server (212) interprets the request and replies with a description that satisfies the request and according to a predetermined scheme. The description contains at least one link which represents a return link which represents a return request to the metadata server (212). Specifically disclosed are methods of forming a table of contents for a particular user preferably based upon media reproduction attributes, methods of right to use and quality of service control, graphical user interfaces for facilitating the browsing process, methods of interpreting metadata, methods of communicating metadata between users, and method for transferring media sessions between users.

Method, system, and program for storing data in a data store

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and program for storing data in a data store, a first file in a first file format is received including essence, metadata objects providing information on the essence, and a unique identifier assigned to the essence. The essence is extracted from the file and stored in the data store. The metadata is extracted from each metadata object in the first file and stored in the data store in a second file format. The extracted metadata and essence in the data store are accessible using the unique identifier assigned to the essence.

Data warehouse process management

Abstract: Previous research has provided metadata models that enable the capturing of the static components of a data warehouse architecture, along with information on different quality factors over these components. This paper complements this work with the modeling of the dynamic parts of the data warehouse. The proposed metamodel of data warehouse operational processes is capable of modeling complex activities, their interrelationships, and the relationship of activities with data sources and execution details. Moreover, the metamodel complements the existing architecture and quality models in a coherent fashion, resulting in a full framework for quality-oriented data warehouse management, capable of supporting the design, administration and especially evolution of a data warehouse. Finally, we exploit our framework to revert the widespread belief that data warehouses can be treated as collections of materialized views. We have implemented this metamodel using the language Telos and the metadata repository system ConceptBase.

System for conserving metadata about data snapshots

Abstract: A data processing system and method manage usage metadata nodes about data snapshots of data write operations among storage volumes of the system while conserving metadata nodes. Metadata sublogging is achieved by dividing metadata segments into subsegments and tracking them by use of a bitmap.