Importance

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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.

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First Claim