Device for processing data elements which can be reproduced to user

FIELD: information technology.

SUBSTANCE: device (DVR) is processing data elements which can be reproduced for user. Example of such device is digital videorecorder. The device (DVR) contains network interface (NWIC, NWIM) which connects the device (DVR) to network which contains other devices. Content analysis initiator (ECF) in the device (DVR) detects that other device comprising part of network contains content analyser. Content analysis initiator (ECF) applies content analyser (AVCA) of other device to data element (AVF).

EFFECT: providing possibility for data processing device which is part of network to use content analysis of other devices which are part of network in order to improve content descriptor spontaneously which descriptor can already exist for specific data element.

9 cl, 6 dwg

The technical FIELD TO WHICH the INVENTION RELATES.

The aspect of the invention relates to a device for processing data elements that may be played to the user, such as movies, videos, photos, songs and other types of perceived data. The device may be, for example, the digital video recording device or any other type of electronic device that may form part of a network. Other aspects of the invention relate to a method of improving data elements, the computer program product for a device that includes a network interface, and network devices, of which at least contain some features of the content analysis.

The prior art INVENTIONS

Modern data processing units provide the user with the ability to access a significant number of data items, such as movies, videos, photos, songs and other types of perceived data. One reason for this is that modern data processing units have a relatively large storage capacity for data. In addition, modern data processing units can form a network with other devices, data processing, which offer additional items of data is. This can be done relatively difficult to find and extract specific data item. For example, a home network may contain digital video, digital audio installation and a personal computer, each of which is capable of storing a large number of data elements.

The descriptors (descriptors) content provide the user the ability to navigate in a set of data elements and to extract specific data element more effectively. For example, the descriptor of the content of the movie may contain the following elements: the name of the movie, the main actors that play in the movie, the producer of the movie, the year in which the movie was released, and so on. The descriptors of the content can also specify the respective location specific scenes in the movie. The user can locate a specific scene in the movie or set of movies. For example, a user may be interested in viewing the car stunt scenes together movies. The more descriptors of the content, the easier the user can navigate and find what he or she is looking for.

The descriptors of the content can be entered manually. This is to some extent an onerous task. The handle of the DL content is of a particular data item may already be available in electronic form and in the proper format. For example, a television station can broadcast mode transmission of the film and, in addition, the descriptor of the content of this movie. The digital video recording device can record the movie and, in Association with him, descriptor content. As another example, the user who recorded the film on digital video recording device may retrieve the handle to the content of this movie from another device on the network, part of which forms a digital video recording device.

There are network protocols that provide the ability to share content-description in the network. The set of network protocols, known as "Universal connectivity and work" (UPnP)is an example. This set of network protocols provides a feature called the "directory Service content. The directory service content providing one device in the network General idea of the data elements, and descriptors of the content, associatively linked with them, is contained in another device, which forms part of the network. The directory service content simply assumes that a specific descriptor of the content is available or not; the function is not concerned with the formation of the content descriptors.

The descriptors of the content can be generated automated the computerized way. For example, a device that processes a video may contain content analyzer in the form of a software module that detects slow-motion replay. Slow-motion replay usually characterizes the event of interest, such as a goal in a football match. The content analyzer can also detect the text in the image and extract such text, which becomes available as a character string. The analyzer content, additionally, it may recognize that the text concerns the main role of descriptive information, such as the names of the actors. Sophisticated content analyzer may even contain a face-detection algorithm, which is able to recognize the person in the image.

Modern concepts and scenarios that relate to networks of consumer electronics devices, content analysis and other types of advanced data processing typically entrusted to a Central server or an external server, which has significant storage and processing. However, future consumer electronic devices can have a powerful content analysis belonging to them. For example, the DVD recorder next-generation DVD is an acronym for digital multi disc) soda can in order to reap the content analyzer, which automatically detects the required scene and provides "intelligent split into chapters and even summarize. Future portable MP3 player (MP3 is an acronym for layer 3 MPEG-2 MPEG is the acronym for the Expert group on the film image) may contain content analyzer, which automatically categorizes your music and creates a playlist.

International patent application published under number 2004/090753, describes a system that includes multiple devices that can communicate over the network. The server device includes a service directory content with dynamic hierarchical structure of containers. Each container is capable of storing objects. Each object includes a description of the object and the content of the object or the locator of the content object. The directory service content includes a predefined container unloading. Other devices in the system can make an object accessible through a directory service content for devices in the system through the discharge object in a predefined container. The server identifies the container in the directory service content for the uploaded object is unloaded and moves the object in a specific container. The server determines the container on the basis of the description of the object is/or content object.

The article, entitled "Real-Time and Distributed AV Content Analysis System for Consumer Electronics Networks" authors Jan Nesvadla and others, published in conjunction with the international conference on multimedia and exhibition, IEEE July 6-8, 2005, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, describes the infrastructure that enables fast and efficient time integration, evaluation, verification and demonstration of systems with distributed content analysis (DCA) and application solutions that are based on a large number of different algorithms for multimedia content (MCA)developed by the various participants in a variety of cross-collaboration. Infrastructure can be used at the interface of science environment, due to the clear separation between the system and algorithmic extension, through the use of utility services modules (SU), which are black boxes for the system, and standardized interfaces.

The INVENTION

Independent claims define various aspects of the invention. The dependent claims define additional attributes for the implementation of the invention in a favorable light.

The invention provides a device that forms part of a network, to use content analysis other devices that form part of the network, so that samor isolino to improve the descriptor content which may already exist for a particular data item. Devices that form part of the network, can effectively share their respective features of the content analysis for spontaneous expansion specifiers content in a decentralized manner. For example, a data element, which is in the same device, may be submitted for consideration to another device for content analysis. This will form one or more elements of content-description, the distinction which the first-mentioned device may not be capable of, and which may not be available within the network. Therefore, the invention thus provides a larger set of elements describing the content that facilitate the identification and retrieval of data elements. For these reasons, the invention allows a more user-friendly processing of data items.

The invention provides a more user-friendly data processing also for the following reasons. The invention provides the ability to automatically self-forming elements describe the content of a particular data item. The shaping elements describe the content of a particular data item, therefore not necessarily require vmeshatelst the and user.

Another advantage of the invention is related to the following aspects. As mentioned previously, the invention makes it possible that the devices within the network can effectively share their respective features of the content analysis. Therefore, there is no need for a Central server with large computing power capabilities of the content analysis, although the invention does not exclude such a Central server. The Central server is typically relatively expensive. In contrast, the invention provides an inexpensive concept of phased commissioning. New elements describe the content or enhanced elements of content-description, or both, will be formed if the network added a new device that has the additional features of the content analysis. For such reasons, the invention provides an inexpensive implementations.

These and other aspects of the invention further described below in more detail with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION of DRAWINGS

Figure 1 - schematic conceptual view that illustrates a home network.

2 is a block diagram that illustrates a digital video recording device, which forms part of a home network.

Figure 3 - diagram of the sequence of operas is under way, which illustrates the sequence of steps performed by the network Manager database, which is located in the digital video recording device.

4 is a diagram of the operational sequence of the method, which illustrates the sequence of steps performed by the Manager intelligent Assembly of the content, which is the digital video recording device.

5 is a diagram of the operational sequence of the method, which illustrates the sequence of steps performed by the extension code of the content, which is the digital video recording device.

6 is a schematic conceptual view that illustrates the migration of intellectual build content in the architecture of the universal connection and operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrates a home network HNW. Home network HNW contains various devices: personal computer, PC, device, digital video recording, DVR, TV receiver, TVS, sound installation, AUS, remote control, RCD. Home network HNW, may contain additional devices not shown, such as a mobile phone, a television STB portable player.

Devices that form part of the home network HNW, can communicate with each other, for example, the ACC is accordance with a set of computer network protocols known as the "Universal connectivity and work" (UPnP). Group of companies, which is called the "universal Forum of connection and operation", this promotes a set of computer network protocols. Personal computer, PC, is able to communicate with other devices, which can be located anywhere in the world via the Internet, INT. Accordingly, personal computer, PC, can provide access to external services that reside on the server in the Internet. Any other device, which is illustrated by figure 1, can also communicate via the Internet or other network connection.

Each of the above devices may contain a collection of elements of the audiovisual data or other type of elements perceived data. For example, a variety of songs can be stored on the hard disk, which forms part of the personal computer PC. The hard drive can also contain pictures that are taken by camera (DSC), video clips or even full movies. Device digital video recording, DVR, can also contain a hard drive on which you saved the movies, songs and other types of audiovisual data. TV receiver, TVS, can also contain storage media elements audio-visual data. The same applies to the sound of the mouth of the plant, AUS. In addition, each of the above devices may also contain links that point to elements of the audiovisual data stored on one or more other devices that are interested in the device can communicate. Such another device is not necessary to form part of the home network HNW.

A descriptor (descriptor) content can be associative associated with a specific item of audiovisual data. For example, the following elements describe the content can be associatively linked with movie name, genre, main actors and Director. The descriptor of the content may also contain the following elements: based on the stage of the segmentation of the movie, the duration of the movie, the music, if it occurs in the movie, and so on. The descriptor of the content is the so-called metadata: data that gives information about other data. Each device that contains the elements of the audiovisual data can optionally contain the descriptors of the content for these elements of the audiovisual data or may contain references to the descriptors of the content, or both.

Suppose that the home network HNW, which is illustrated by figure 1, is a universal type of connection and operation. In this case, any one of the aforementioned devices can SOS is hawlati so-called “point of control”. For example, the device RCD remote control may be a control point, providing the user the ability to get an overview of the items of audiovisual data that is available within the home network HNW. The user can select a particular item of audiovisual data, in order to have such items of audiovisual data is reproduced. Appropriate content descriptors help the user in this selection process. For example, a user may wish to know what football matches are available for viewing in the home network HNW. As another example, the user may wish to obtain an overview of all existing concerts that are available within the home network HNW.

Figure 2 illustrates the device digital video recording, DVR. Device digital video recording, DVR, contains a diagram of the network interface, NWIC, the processing unit, CPU, program memory, PMEM, memory data, DMEM, schema, user interface, UIFC, and the bus BS, which provides the above elements of the opportunity to communicate with each other. Program memory, PMEM, for example, may be in the form of a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The data memory, DMEM, for example, may be in the form of a hard disk or a nonvolatile semiconductor memory and the and a combination of both. The scheme of the user interface, UIFC, for example, may include a display device and a set of buttons. Diagram of the network interface, NWIC, for example, may belong to the type with the universal serial bus. Other devices in the home network HNW, can be structured similar to the illustrated in figure 2.

Program memory, PMEM, contains various software modules: Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, the analyzer audiovisual content, AVCA, Manager network interface, NWIM, and the network Manager database, NWDM. Manager network interface, NWIM, for example, may be a universal type of connection and operation. Each software module can contain a set of commands that cause the processing unit, CPU, to perform one or more operations, when the processing unit, CPU, drives the execution of the instruction set. These operations are described below in more detail. Program memory, PMEM, may contain additional software modules that relate to the write operations, the operations playback and auxiliary operations.

The data memory, DMEM, contains a database of audiovisual data, AVDB, database specifiers content, CDDB, database, code extensions, ECDB, and network database NWDB. The base of the audiovisual data AVDB contains audio sually file AVF, which is, for example, the movie. Audiovisual file, AVF, can have a proper format, such as MPEG-4. It should be noted that the audiovisual file, AVF, may contain a link that points to the storage location where the film or part of it.

Database specifiers content, CDDB, file, content-description, CDF, which is associative associated with the above-mentioned audiovisual file, AVF. Description file content, CDF, can identify different elements, for example, an extensible markup language. That is, the description file can be a so-called "XML"file (XML is an acronym of extensible markup language). Description file content, CDF, can be arranged in some way, for example, which is subject to the standard MPEG-7 or any other suitable standard; MPV, SMIL, MPEG-21, CC/PP are acronyms that stand for other appropriate standards.

The codes database extensions, ECDB, contains the code file extension, ECF, which is associative associated with the above-mentioned audiovisual file, AVF, and the above description file content CDF. The code file extension, ECF, contains the executable code that provides the ability to update the various elements contained in the description file content CDF. That is, the code file extension, ECF provides vozmozhnostuvelichivat file extension, content-description, CDF, which is associative associated with audiovisual file, AVF. In the future it will be explained in more detail.

Audiovisual file, AVF, the description file content, CDF, and the code file extension, ECF, which associatively related to each other, make smart data Assembly SDA. Each of the above files may contain an identification code, which is associative associates the file with other files or smart data Assembly SDA. Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, monitors and controls the smart data Assembly SDA. Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, may also have created smart data Assembly SDA. Smart data Assembly SDA, is allowing the development of independent automatic way. Smart data Assembly SDA, is self-aware, as it was, and trying to expand the definition file content CDF. These aspects are described below in more detail.

Network database NWDB, contains a list of devices that form part of the home network HNW, which figure 1 illustrates. In this list each device has a so-called profile, which specifies various properties of the device. For example, the device profile may indicate that the device is capable of playing video MPEG-4. The device moretime all sorts of different possibilities in terms of manipulating and processing the audiovisual data. Network database NWDB, which of these opportunities. Figure 2 illustrates the network database NWDB, by broken lines, in order to emphasize that the network database NWDB, need not necessarily be located in the digital video recording DVR. Device digital video recording, DVR, can receive information about other devices that form part of the home network HNW, from the external network database, or via requests. Other devices, as before, can also be broadcast to transmit their respective capabilities.

The analyzer audiovisual content, AVCA, which is stored in the program memory PMEM, network device, digital video recording, DVR, following the opportunity. Device digital video recording, DVR, can form the elements of content-description for the item of audiovisual data through analysis, as before, the item of audiovisual data. These elements describe the content that forms the analyzer audiovisual content may be included in the database specifiers content, CDDB. For example, assume that the analyzer audiovisual content, AVCA, analyzes the audio-visual file, AVF, which illustrates figure 2. The analyzer audiovisual content, AVCA, will form the elements of description of the content that can be included in the Isle of content-description, CDF, which is associative associated with audiovisual file, AVF.

For example, the analyzer audiovisual content, AVCA, device, digital video recording, DVR, can detect the scene in a football match, which probably represents a goal or else the event of interest. The analyzer audiovisual content, AVCA, can detect slow-motion replay, which characterizes the event of interest in a football match. This content analysis, for example, may be based on parameters which are formed, while the item of audiovisual data are processed for purposes other than content analysis. International application published under the number WO 02/093928, describes this feature. The analyzer audiovisual content, AVCA, it can also detect the text in the image and extract such text as a string of alphanumeric characters. The text may relate subtitles, starring with the name of the program or movie and the actors in them, or information about the news.

Other devices that form part of the home network HNW may contain software modules and data structures, similar to the illustrated in figure 2. Therefore, one or more devices that form part of the home network HNW, which is illustrated by figure 1, can also have the content the analysis. These features, content analysis does not necessarily need to correspond to those in digital video, DVR.

For example, a television receiver, TVS, can contain a face-detection algorithm, which provides the ability to identify specific individuals, which represents an item of audiovisual data. TV receiver, TVS, thus, may be able to recognize the actor in the movie, while the device digital video recording, DVR, does not have this capability. In another example, a sound installation, AUS, may be capable of forming handles music, such as mood and genre-specific music, while the device digital video recording, DVR, does not have this capability.

As mentioned above, the network database NWDB, indicates the possibility of other devices that form part of the home network HNW. Accordingly, the network database NWDB, provides smart data Assembly SDA, which is in the device digital video recording, DVR, the ability to be aware about the possibilities of the content analysis other devices. One of the tasks of the network Manager database, NWDM, is to save network database NWDB, modern (updated).

Figure 3 illustrates the sequence of steps SN1-SN10 that the Bank conducted by the network Manager database, NWDM. At step SN1 network Manager database, NWDM, provides access (ACC) to the network database NWDB. At step SN2, the network Manager database, NWDM, reads (RD) device profile digital video recording, DVR, which specifies various properties of the devices, digital video recording, DVR, including its possible content analysis.

At step SN3, the network Manager database, NWDM, checks whether (updated) device profile digital video recording, DVR, (PRF_DVR = OK?). This test can be based on the list of hardware modules and software modules that are present in the device digital video recording, DVR. Device digital video recording, DVR, can contain the operating system, which provides a list of hardware/software and which modifies the list when you install a new software module or add the module hardware. Conversely, the operating system can also modify the list of hardware/software remove software module or module hardware.

At step SN3, the network Manager database, NWDM, contains a list of hardware/software device profile digital video recording, DVR, network database NWDB. Let who will be admitted, the network Manager database, NWDM, finds that the profile does not match (result, N) the list of hardware/software. In this case, the network Manager database, NWDM, executing a step SN4 and, optionally, step SN5.

In step SN4, the network Manager database, NWDM, update (UPD) device profile digital video recording, DVR, network database NWDB, so that, when updated, corresponds to the list of hardware/software. In step SN5, which is optional, the network Manager database, NWDM, reports (COM) device profile digital video recording, DVR, which has been updated, other devices in the home network HNW. Accordingly, other devices are aware of the fact that the properties of the digital video, DVR has changed.

For example, every other device may include a network database NWDB, such a network database NWDB, device, digital video recording, DVR, which illustrates figure 2. In this case, the network Manager database, NWDM, causes the device profile digital video recording, DVR, which has been updated, copied in the corresponding network database other devices. Accordingly, each device can have a modern view of the capabilities of the content analysis, which include other devices. In is the quality of the alternatives can be provided by a single Central network database, NWDB, in the home network HNW. In this case, SN5 phase can be omitted.

It should be noted that the device may be offline and therefore temporarily unavailable. There are various mechanisms to cope with this, in order to ensure that each device is aware of the capabilities of the content analysis other devices, even when one or more devices are offline. For example, the device was offline, can be broadcast to pass, as before, its possible content analysis to another device, once the device is again in non-Autonomous mode. This mechanism may be similar to that of e-mail applications that hold the messages in the output mailbox and who send such messages as soon as the device that hosts the e-mail application is activated. A mechanism similar to that of the input mailbox e-mail, can be used in order to ensure that the device was offline, aware of the possibilities of the content analysis other devices as soon as the device is again in non-Autonomous mode. Accordingly, the network database NWDB can specify all potentially available content analysis within the house is stone network HWN.

The mechanism that ensures that each device is aware of the capabilities of the content analysis of other devices can also be based on one or more protocols universal inclusion and work. A simple discovery Protocol services (SDDP) is suitable Protocol. In accordance with this Protocol, each device with the capabilities of the content analysis can mnogogranno to convey the proper message SDDP via your home network HNW, in order to inform other devices on these features. Message SDDP can be sent as data packets according to a certain standard communication Protocol, for example such as Protocol user datagram (UDP). These packets of data in this case could have titles SDDP.

In step SN6 network Manager database, NWDM, reads the corresponding profiles of other devices that form part of the home network HNW. At step SN7 network Manager database, NWDM, checks every profile in order to determine whether the device belongs to the profile, capabilities, content analysis (AC). The network Manager database, NWDM, executing a step SN8 if the profile does not specify any capabilities of the content analysis.

At step SN8 network Manager database, NWDM, establishes a connection to the device or other object that contains current information about the capabilities of the device in question. The network Manager database, NWDM, queries (RQ) - date information about the capabilities of the content analysis of the device in question. At step SN9 network Manager database, NWDM, updates the profile of the considered devices in the network database NWDB, which is managed by the network Manager database, NWDM.

At step SN10 network Manager database, NWDM, perform other management tasks, if any, (MNGT). Accordingly, figure 3 illustrates the way that provides each device in the home network HNW, the opportunity to enjoy modern information content analysis other devices. There are numerous alternative ways to achieve the same. For example, the device may be broadcast to transmit a request for some features of the content analysis, like the so-called "continuity test". It should also be noted that service on the Internet can provide the requested capabilities of the content analysis. Such a service may transfer the software to a content analysis to the requesting device in a downward manner, so that the requesting device can locally run software content analysis.

Figure 4 illustrates the sequence of steps SM1-SM6, which performs Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM. At step SM1 mouth is eusto digital video recording, DVR receives data (REC[DAT]), which event activates Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM. Other events can also activate Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM. At step SM2 Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, determines whether the data that takes the device digital video recording, DVR, audio-visual (AV) data. Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, goes into standby mode, if the data do not contain any audio-visual data. A relatively small rectangle that contains the "X"symbolizes the standby mode. Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, executing a step SM3, if there is audio-visual data.

At step SM3 Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, determines form whether audiovisual data part of the smart data Assembly (SDA), which, in addition, contains data describing the content and code expansion. Suppose that AV data does not form part of the smart data Assembly. For example, digital video recording, DVR, you may be recording a television program that is broadcast without any additional information. In this case, the Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, executing a step SM4.

At step SM4 Manager intelligence collection and data SDAM, creates (CRT) intelligent Assembly data for the received audiovisual data. For this purpose, the Manager of intellectual Assembly, SDAM, forms the template for the data descriptions of the content and extracts suitable extension code. The template preferably is subject to the standard for data description of the content, for example such as MPEG-7. In General, the template will contain different fields for different kinds of data elements descriptions. For example, one field may be reserved for the name, another field may be reserved for an actor or an artist, another a different field may be reserved for information that is similar to a bookmark that points to a specific event within the audiovisual data. Let it be admitted that the audiovisual data, which takes the device digital video recording, DVR, do not contain any data describing content. In this case, the controller smart data Assembly, SDAM, at step SM4 creates an intelligent data Assembly with an empty descriptor content. More specifically, the field descriptor content are empty.

The descriptor of the content, as a rule, will contain a profile that defines the number of fields and the meaning of each respective field. The profile may change over time. The profile may also determine that any specific the e field has one or more attributes, which provide additional information about the item descriptions of the content contained in the field. For example, the profile provides that handle content contains a field, which is reserved for the name of the actor. Such a field can have an attribute that specifies a face-detection algorithm, which was used to establish the name of the actor. Another attribute may specify a variant of the face-detection algorithm that was used.

The descriptor of the content may contain many fields that belong to the same element description content. For example, different sorts of algorithms for face recognition can be applied to the film in order to identify actors. Description of content can contain field names of the actors for each algorithm face recognition with attributes for each of these fields. Attributes, for example, can specify a face-detection algorithm that was used, the hardware that is involved, the date when it was applied algorithm, and so on. Field attributes, thus, provide contextual information that can be used to estimate the amount of data in the field. In addition, it should be noted that the fixation of the results of the algorithms of the content analysis, which were performed earlier, allows backward compatibility./p>

At step SM5 Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, makes the processing unit, CPU, devices, digital video recording, DVR, RUN the extension code, which forms part of the smart data Assembly. As a result, the smart data Assembly SDA, will try to fill the specifier of content that forms part of the smart data Assembly. Accordingly, step SM5 will provide advanced intelligent data Assembly, which is richer information. For example, let it be admitted that there is no available elements describe the content of the audiovisual data, which takes the device digital video recording, DVR. In this case, the smart data Assembly can activate the analyzer audiovisual content, AVCA, device, digital video recording, DVR, illustrated in figure 2. The analyzer audiovisual content, AVCA, will form the elements of content-description, which smart data Assembly will include in its specifier content.

At step SM6 Manager smart data Assembly, SDAM, delivers (DLV) intelligent Assembly data to your device, which in this case is a unit of digital video recording, DVR. Advanced intelligent data Assembly, therefore, be sohranjatsja data memory, DMEM, which illustrates figure 2.

Figure 5 illustrates the different steps SE1-SE9 that run, when executed by the extension code, EC. The extension code, EC, for example, may be a code contained in the code file extension, ECF, which belongs to the intellectual data Assembly SDA, which illustrates figure 2. In the future, it will be assumed correct.

At step SE1 is activated (ST[EC]) the extension code. At step SE2 extension code checks (PRF=OK?), does the description file content, CDF, descriptor content whose profile is updated. As mentioned previously, the profile may change over time. A new profile can contain a field that was not present in the previous file. For example, a new profile may contain a field that sets the indicator for parental control, whereas this field had not been anticipated in the previous file.

There are various ways in which the extension code may be aware, as before, the existence of a new profile. For example, the extension code can query the database that contains the most recent profiles for different types of content descriptors. Network database NWDB, can contain an overview of all profiles specifiers content that can build devices that form part of the home network HNW, for this example, the extension code can for relevate network database, NWDB, in order to check whether the profile that enables more filled (enriched) description of the content.

Suppose that at step SE2 extension code establishes that the profile is not updated (result, N): there are more new profile. In this case, the extension code executes step SE3. At this stage, the extension code updates the profile, which provides a handle content that is richer information.

At step SE4 extension code accesses (RD) to the network database NWDB. Accordingly, the smart data Assembly SDA, part of which forms an extension code that requests information about a content analysis of the devices that form part of the home network HNW. Then, the extension code performs the steps SE5 and SE6 for each additional one after another field in descriptor content. At step SE9 extension code checks whether the current field (FLD), steps were performed, the last field of the descriptor content: extension Code goes into standby mode, if the current field is the last field. Steps SE5 and SE6 are executed again for the next field when the current field is the last field.

At step SE5 extension code checks (CD=OK?), does field of interest any element content-description for whom it is reserved field. Field of interest for the considered as the right (result, Y), if the field in question contains amenable to interpretation of the description element content. In this case, the extension code executes step SE6. The extension code performs the steps SE7 and SE8, if the field in question is not considered correct.

At step SE6 extension code checks the attributes (ATT), if you have that belong to the field of interest. As mentioned previously, the attributes provide additional information about the item descriptions of the content that contains the field in question. At step SE6 extension code determines whether the element content-description modern (updated)by comparing the attributes with the corresponding profiles of the respective devices. These profiles are stored in a network database NWDB.

For example, suppose that the element content-description specifies actors and attribute indicates the face-detection algorithm, which was used for recognition of these actors. Network database NWDB, may indicate that the home network HNW, contains a device that contains a newer version of the detection algorithm violence. In this case, the extension code specifies that the element description content need to be updated. The extension code then performs steps SE7 (submit, SBM) and SE8 (update, UPD).

At step SE7 extension code makes the device digital video recording, DVR, to provide intelligence is the function data Assembly, SDA device which is able to expand smart data Assembly. This device will be indicated by reference as a device providing services, as this device provides the service device is a digital video recording, DVR, expanding smart data Assembly SDA contained therein. The extension code identified device services on a stage or step SE5 SE6. At step SE5 extension code identifies the unit of service provision, which is capable of forming element content-description for the specified field, which was found empty. At step SE6 extension code identifies the unit of service provision, which is able to update the item description of the content, which was found not sufficiently updated. In any case, the smart data Assembly SDA, is available in the device services, which is able to expand descriptor content.

Device services will expand smart data Assembly SDA, receiving smart data Assembly SDA. For example, the device services may contain Manager, smart data Assembly, which is similar to the Manager, smart data Assembly, SDAM, illustrated in figure 2 and 4. Manager smart data Assembly device is istwa services can detect, the receiving smart data Assembly SDA refers to the query expansion. Manager smart data Assembly then causes the application of one or more analyzers audiovisual content contained in the device providing services to audiovisual data intelligent Assembly content, SDA. Each analyzer audiovisual content will form one or more elements of content-description, which are absent in descriptor content smart data Assembly SDA or insufficiently modern (updated), whatever was true.

The extension code smart data Assembly SDA, which has moved to the device services can add elements describe the content that is generated in the specifier of the content. Accordingly, the smart data Assembly SDA, is expanding. Device services can then return smart data Assembly SDA, which was expanded into the device, digital video recording, DVR.

The extension code smart data Assembly can be implemented as a so-called software agent. A software agent can be considered as a stand-alone process that is capable of responding to their environment and initiating change, possibly with sovmestimosti with other software agents and user commands. A software agent has the ability to act independently, in particular, to take the initiative where appropriate. The book "Distributed Systems - Principles and Paradigms" ("Distributed systems - principles and paradigms") Andrew C. to Tanenbaum and Martin van Steen, published by Prentice-Hall (ISBN 0-13-088893-1), describes software agents and architecture related to software agents. It should be noted that the software agent is typically not associated with any data on which software agents perform actions. In contrast, the extension code smart data Assembly typically associative associated with a descriptor of the content and audiovisual data, which also form part of the smart data Assembly.

6 illustrates the migration (transfer) smart data Assembly SDA, in the architecture of the Universal Plug-and-Play (with universal connection and operation). The architecture of the Plug-and-Play contains the following main functions: media server, MSV, block playback of multimedia information, MRD, and the management point, CPT. These functions provide the opportunity for the exchange of audio-visual data between devices, which form part of the home network HNW, which figure 1 illustrates. Media server MSV is the source of the audiovisual data in a particular communication session. Block play multi is edinas information MRD is the recipient. In principle, any device may perform one or more of the aforementioned functions, in order to form the source or destination.

6 illustrates the case in which the device digital video recording, DVR, is the media server, MSV, which is the source of the smart data Assembly SDA. The management point, the CPT, which manages a communication session, for example, may be in the remote control device, RCD, or device, digital video recording, DVR. The management point, CPT, usually contains an application user interface, the UIA. The above-mentioned device services is a block playback of multimedia information MRD, which is the recipient of the smart data Assembly SDA. In case that illustrates Fig.6, the smart data Assembly SDA, moves with digital video, DVR, device services.

Media server MSV, contains the following subfunctions, which are often indicated by reference as "service": directory content, CDIR, connection Manager, CXMN, and block the transport of audio-visual information, AVTR. Block playback of multimedia information, MRD, also contains the connection Manager, CXMN, block the transport of audio-visual information, AVTR, and additional sub-function: playback control, RDCT. Kata is the exhaust gas content, CDIR, maintains a list of the items of audiovisual data, which are available on the media server MSV. Directory content, CDIR, additionally maintains a list of so-called metadata, which include the descriptors of the content available on the media server MSV.

In accordance with the invention, the content catalog, CDIR, as set by the forum Universal Plug-and-Play, expands, so that the metadata set features a content analysis of the media server MSV. This extension directory content, CDIR, provides the device in a Universal Plug-and-Play network the opportunity to inquire about the possibilities of analysing the content of the other devices that form part of the network.

Connection Manager, CXMN, selects appropriate formats and protocols for a communication session between the media server, MSV, and block playback of multimedia information MRD. For example, the Protocol CC/PP is suitable for the message capabilities of the content analysis (CC/PP is an acronym for mixed ability/profiles preferences). In technical terms the Protocol CC/PP is based on the so-called RDF format to describe and profile management software and hardware (RDF is an acronym for infrastructure resource description). These profiles may include information about the respective capabilities of the participants of communication, one of which who is the source, while another is by the recipient.

Block transport of audio-visual information, AVTR, provides a mechanism that provides the management point, the CPT, the ability to control the transfer of smart data Assembly SDA, digital video, DVR, on-device services. Migration (transfer) occurs as part of what is called "out-of-band streaming" in the terminology of Universal Plug-and-Play. Block transport of audio-visual information, AVTR, is associated with connection Manager, CXMN.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The detailed description above with reference to the drawings, illustrates the following characteristics, listed in various independent claims.

Detailed description of advanced illustrates various optional characteristics, which are listed in the dependent claims and which can be used in a favorable light in combination with the listed in the independent claims. Various optional characteristics are highlighted in the following paragraphs. Each paragraph corresponds to a specific dependent claim.

The initiator content analysis (ECF) checks whether the descriptor content (CDF) for the data item (AVF) blank, which was specifically reserved for the about item description content. In addition, the initiator content analysis (ECF) checks whether another device (PC, TVS, AUS, RCD), which forms part of a network (HNW), the content analyzer (AVCA), allowing the formation of a specific item of content description. If Yes, the initiator content analysis applies the content analyzer (AVCA) of the other device to the data item (AVF). This set of features provides the elements of content description an opportunity to form a relatively efficient manner.

The initiator content analysis (ECF) checks the attribute of the description element content in descriptor content (CDF) for the data item (AVF)in order to establish whether another device (PC, TVS, AUS, RCD), which forms part of a network (HNW), the content analyzer (AVCA), allowing the formation of an improved description item content. If Yes, the initiator content analysis (ECF) applies the content analyzer (AVCA) of the other device to the data item (AVF). This set of features provides the elements of content description an opportunity to form a relatively efficient manner.

The initiator content analysis (ECF) checks whether the descriptor content (CDF) profile, which is updated. If not, the initiator content analysis (ECF) updates the profile descriptor content (CDF). This will encourage the initiator content analysis to add new or an is notowanie elements describe the content descriptor content.

The initiator content analysis (ECF) made with the possibility of accessing a network database NWDB), which contains a list of devices that form part of a network (HNW), and their respective features of the content analysis. It provides the elements of content description an opportunity to form a relatively efficient manner.

Manager intellectual build content (SCAM), not shown, associative links initiator content analysis (ECF) with the data item (AVF). This makes possible different initiators content analysis for different data items can have different formats. Manager intellectual build content (SCAM) creates a template to handle content (CDF) after receiving item data from another device (PC, TVS, AUS, RCD). This will encourage the initiator content analysis add elements describe the content descriptor content that is "empty".

Network interface (NWIC, NWIM) is a universal type of connection and operation (Universal Plug-and-Play) and contains advanced content directory (CDIR), which specifies the capabilities of content-analysis device (DVR). This enables low-cost implementations.

The above features can be implemented in numerous different ways. To illustrate this briefly describes some alternative variants of the s.

There are numerous different types of data elements that may be played to the user. Movies, videos, pictures and songs are only examples. The data element can contain any kind of perceived data. All that matters is that the data element contains the content with some characteristics that can be described or categorized.

There are numerous different types of devices that can process the data elements that may be played to the user. The digital video recording device, personal computer, television receiver and sound installation are examples only. Cell phone, TV STB and personal digital assistant are other examples of such devices. There are many types of networks that provide content analyzer, which is on the same device, the ability to apply to the data element, which is located in another device. A home network is only an example of such a network. In addition, it should be noted that there are numerous different types of network interfaces that provide devices able to communicate with each other. Network interface type “with universal connection and work” is only an example.

And itiator content analysis can be implemented in numerous different ways. The detailed description above describes examples in which only the extension code, which is associative associated with the data item triggers a content analysis. As another example, the Manager of intellectual build content initiates a content analysis. Manager intellectual build content can perform one or more of the steps illustrated figure 5. There are various ways in which the initiator content analysis can motivate analyzer content that is on the same device, applied to a data item, which is located in another device. Detailed description provides an example in which the data item is submitted to the device that contains the content analyzer. Alternatively, the device that contains the data item can borrow, as it was, the content analyzer in the form of a software-implemented program the other device.

There are numerous different ways in which the device in accordance with the invention may detect that another device has the ability of content analysis. Detailed description provides an example that uses a network database. The network database is not essential. For example, the device may request other devices, which form frequent the network, in order to collect information about the capabilities of the content analysis other devices. This may be seen as a scenario with data extraction. In the scenario with the recording data, each device broadcasts, as before, its possible content analysis to other devices. Any type of connection can be used for the purpose of the message capabilities of the content analysis. For example, a device that has the content analysis, you may send an e-mail to another device in order to communicate this information to another device about its capabilities, content analysis.

The descriptors (descriptors) content can take many different forms. Figure 2 illustrates an example in which the file content-description, CDF, contains the description of audiovisual data content in the audiovisual file, AVF.

As another example, the description of the content can be combined with audio-visual data in order to generate a single file that contains annotated audiovisual data.

There are numerous ways of implementing functions by means of items of hardware or software, or both. In this respect, the drawings are highly schematic, each represents only one possible variant embodiment of the invention. Thus although the drawing shows the different functions as different blocks, this does not exclude that a single item of hardware or software that performs multiple functions. It also does not exclude that an Assembly of items of hardware or software, or both, performs the function.

The remarks above show that the detailed description with reference to the drawings rather illustrates than limits the invention. There are numerous alternatives, which fall under the scope of the attached claims. Any character references in the claims should not be construed as limiting the invention. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. The use of the singular when describing an element or step does not exclude the presence of many such elements or steps.

1. The processing device audio/visual data (DVR) for processing data elements that contain at least one of the following: audio and visual information, which can be played back to the user, and the processing device audio/visual data contains:
- network interface (NWIC, NWIM) made with the possibility of attaching a device for processing audio/visual data (DVR)k home network (HN), which contains other devices for processing audio/visual data (PC, TVS, AUS, RCD); and
processor (CPU)made with the possibility to create an Assembly data (SDA) for the data item (AVF), and the data Assembly contains:
- the descriptor of the content (CDF) according to a template that specifies the appropriate fields for the corresponding elements of content-description, and
executable code (ECF), which is associative associated with the descriptor content (CDF) of the data item (AVF), and executable code (ECF) is configured to detect that another device for processing audio/visual data (PC, TVS, AUS, RCD), which forms part of a home network (HNW), contains the content analyzer (AVCA)that can extend the descriptor content (CDF) through at least one of the following:
forming element content-description for the field, which is blank, and forming the expanded item descriptions of the content is already in the field, and to encourage the use of content analyzer (AVCA) another device for processing audio/visual data to a data item (AVF).

2. The processing device audio/visual data (DVR) according to claim 1, and initiator content analysis (ECF) is arranged to check whether the descriptor content (CDF) profile, which is updated, and if not, update profile descriptor content (CDF).

4. The processing device audio/visual data (DVR) according to claim 1, and executable code (ECF) is made with the ability to encourage the provision of a data item (AVF) to another device for processing audio/visual data (PC, TVS, AUS, RCD) for content analysis.

5. The processing device audio/visual data (DVR) according to claim 1, and a network interface (NWIC, NWIM) is a universal type of connection and operation (Universal-Plug-and-Play).

6. The processing device audio/visual data (DVR) according to claim 5, and a network interface (NWIC, NWIM) contains advanced content directory (CDIR), which indicates the possibility of the content analysis processing device audio/visual data (DVR).

7. A method of processing data elements that contain at least one of the following: audio and visual information, which can be played back to the user, and the data items stored in the device for processing audio/visual data (DVR), which contains a network interface (NWIC, NWIM), which attaches the device to process audio in sualnyh data (DVR) to your home network (HNW), which contains other devices for processing audio/visual data (PC, TVS, AUS, RCD), the method includes:
- the stage of creation of Assembly data on which the processor (SHIT) creates an Assembly data (SDA) for the data item (AVF), and the data Assembly contains:
- the descriptor of the content (CDF) according to a template that specifies the appropriate fields for the corresponding elements of content-description, and
extension code (EC), which is associative associated with the descriptor content (CDF) of the data item (AVF), and executable code (EC) is implemented with the ability to detect that another device for processing audio/visual data (DVR), which forms part of a home network (NW)contains a content analyzer (AVCA)that can extend the descriptor content (CDF) through at least one of the following: forming element content-description for the field, which is blank, and forming the expanded item descriptions of the content is already in the field, and to encourage the use of content analyzer (AVCA) another device for processing audio/visual data to a data item (AVF).

8. Memory for storing programs (RMEM) for a device for processing audio/visual data (DVR), which contains a network interface (NWIC, NWIM)made with the possibility of attaching the device for processing audio/visual data (DVR) to Domash is her network (HNW), which contains other devices for processing audio/visual data (PC, TVS, AUS, RCD), with a memory for storing programs (ROM) contains executable code (SDAM), which, when executed by the CPU in the device for processing audio/visual data (DVR), prompts the processor (CPU) to create an Assembly data (SDA) for the data item (AVF), which contains at least one of the following: audio and visual information, which can be played back to the user, and Assembly data (SDA) contains:
- the descriptor of the content (CDF) according to a template that specifies the appropriate fields for the corresponding elements of content-description, and
- additional executable code (EC), which is associative associated with the descriptor content (CDF) and the data item (AVF),
moreover, additional executable code (EC) is implemented with the ability to detect that another device for processing audio/visual data (PC, TVS, AUS, RCD), which forms part of a home network (HNW), contains the content analyzer (AVCA)that can extend the descriptor content (CDF) through at least one of the following: forming element content-description for the field, which is blank, and forming the expanded item descriptions of the content is already in the field, and to encourage the use of content analyzer (AVCA) of the other device is istwa audio processing/the image data to the data item (AVF),
and Assembly of data is created if this Assembly data does not yet exist for the data element.

9. Home network (HNW) processing devices, audio/visual data, of which at least some have the ability of content analysis, and a home network (HNW) contains a device for processing audio/visual data (DVR) according to claim 1.