JP2002171522A - Division method, transmission method and integrating method for structural meta data - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a division method, a transmission method and an integrating method for structural meta data where the structural meta data are divided into files in a re-integration possible way and controlling the frequency of the transmission of data by each of the division files can enhance the transmission efficiency. SOLUTION: It is required to imbed information as to connecting points into an MPEG-7 description in order to re-integrating divided MPEG-7 description into the one MPEG-7 description. Then reference to a DS(Description Scheme) having been attached to the description before the division under a new division route and the new division route is referenced to the DS of the divided description. In Figure 1, a DS2 of a description source is referenced to a DS3 separated from the description and the DS3 is referenced to the DS2 of the division source.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a method for dividing, transmitting, and integrating structured metadata describing the contents of contents in digital TV broadcasting and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a framework for describing the contents of AV contents, standardization work of MPEG-7 is underway. MPEG-7 is a standard for structured metadata in which AV contents are structured temporally and spatially, and the contents of the AV contents are described using a tree structure.

[0003] The MPEG-7 description is described in Descripto.
r (D) and DescriptionScheme (D
S). D is a descriptor for describing a feature of the content, and DS is for describing a structure (a definition of a method of configuring the content description by a relationship between the descriptors). The DS can have D or a lower DS as an element, and corresponds to a descriptor group. Also, these D and DS are defined in Description.
Definition Language (DDL).

The format of the MPEG-7 description includes X
ML (Extensible Markup Lang)
uage). Also, DDL is XML Schema
It is described using ma.

[0005]

In order to increase the speed and efficiency of searching for AV contents, structured metadata describing the contents using the above-described tree structure is required.

[0006] However, in the MPEG-7 standardization work at this stage, one MPEG-7 description is composed of one file. Therefore, for example, in digital TV broadcasting, the contents of one day of broadcasting in one channel are described. MP
When an EG-7 description (structured metadata) is created, the file becomes very large and transmission efficiency is poor.

[0007] In order to increase transmission efficiency, MPEG-
If the seven description files are divided, the receiving side cannot integrate the divided files to reproduce the original structured metadata. In simple division and integration, the MPEG-7 description becomes fragment information and cannot be used as content description information of the content. Furthermore, with simple division and integration, division and integration cannot be performed according to the level of detail of the content description of the content, such as information on the upper layer and information on the lower layer.

Further, when missing information is generated in the MPEG-7 description file due to poor reception, switching of channels by a viewer, or the like, the missing information portion cannot be partially supplemented again, which is inconvenient.

Therefore, the present invention is to improve the transmission efficiency by dividing the structured metadata into a plurality of files so that they can be re-integrated and controlling the frequency of transmission for each of the divided files. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of dividing, transmitting, and integrating structured metadata that can be performed. Further, the present invention can reduce the size of an incomplete file even when missing data occurs on the receiving side,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of dividing, transmitting, and integrating structured metadata in which only incomplete files can be interpolated again.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the following structured metadata division method, transmission method, and integration method. (1) In order to describe the contents of the contents, structured metadata composed of a tree structure with descriptors and descriptor groups as nodes is used for the first structured metadata and the first structured metadata. A second structured metadata having a lower-level relationship between the first structured metadata and the first structured metadata, or the first structured metadata. A method of dividing structured metadata, which comprises adding a reference descriptor, which is information indicating a connection point between the two structured metadata, to only metadata and dividing the metadata. (2) In the method of dividing structured metadata according to (1), a dummy descriptor group corresponding to a descriptor group included in the first structured metadata is added to the second structured metadata. The reference descriptor added and divided and added to the first structured metadata has the dummy descriptor group as a connection point, and a reference descriptor is added to the second structured metadata. The reference descriptor to be added is added as an element of the dummy descriptor group, and the added reference descriptor is the first descriptor corresponding to the dummy descriptor group.
A method for dividing structured metadata, wherein a descriptor group included in the structured metadata is used as a connection point. (3) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to the above (1) or (2), the same descriptor and the same description are used for the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. A method for dividing structured metadata, wherein at least one of the child groups is overlapped and divided. (4) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to the above (3), the descriptor and / or descriptor group that overlaps the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are one of: Wherein the content of the description is smaller on the structured metadata side than on the other structured metadata side. (5) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to the above (4), the descriptor and / or the descriptor group to be overlapped with the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are: A method for dividing structured metadata, wherein the first structured metadata side has a smaller description internal capacity than the second structured metadata side. (6) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to any one of (1) to (5), the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata is the second structured metadata. A method for dividing structured metadata, wherein a plurality of reference destinations indicating locations of metadata are described. (7) A method of transmitting structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to any one of the above (1) to (6), wherein the first structured metadata is repeated. A transmission method of structured metadata, wherein a transmission frequency is higher than a repetition transmission frequency of the second structured metadata. (8) A method of transmitting structured metadata divided by the method of dividing structured metadata according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the transmission of the first structured metadata is performed. A transmission path having a higher transmission quality than the transmission path of the second structured metadata. (9) A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to (1), wherein the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata, Integrating the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata using at least one of the reference descriptors added to the second structured metadata and the second structured metadata. How to integrate structured metadata as a feature. (10) A method of integrating structured metadata divided by the method of dividing structured metadata according to (2), wherein the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata, Integrating the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata using at least one of the reference descriptors added to the second structured metadata and the second structured metadata. How to integrate structured metadata as a feature. (11) A method of integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to (3), wherein the structured metadata is divided by the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. A descriptor and / or group of descriptors that are duplicated on both sides are deleted from the first structured metadata or the second structured metadata, and a reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata And at least one of the reference descriptors added to the second structured metadata, using the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. A method of integrating structured metadata, which is characterized by being integrated. (12) A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to (4), wherein the structured metadata is divided between the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. Of the descriptors and / or descriptor groups duplicated on both sides, the descriptor and / or the descriptor group with the smaller description content is deleted, and the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata And at least one of the reference descriptors added to the second structured metadata, using the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata.
A method for integrating structured metadata, comprising: integrating structured metadata with an existing structured metadata. (13) A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to (5), wherein the structured metadata is divided between the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. Delete the descriptor and / or descriptor group having the smaller content in the description on the first structured metadata side among the descriptors and / or descriptor groups duplicated on both sides, The first structured metadata is obtained by using at least one of the reference descriptor added to the structured metadata and the reference descriptor added to the second structured metadata. And integrating the second structured metadata with the second structured metadata. (14) A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to (6), wherein a plurality of structured metadata are specified by reference descriptors added to the first structured metadata. One of the referenced second structured metadata is selected, and the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata and the reference descriptor added to the second structured metadata are selected. Using at least one of the reference descriptors to integrate the first structured metadata with the selected second structured metadata. Integration method. (15) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to any one of the above (1) to (6), information on the second structured metadata is added to the first structured metadata. A method for dividing structured metadata, characterized in that: (16) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to any one of the above (1) to (6), information on the second structured metadata is added to the first structured metadata. A method for dividing the structured metadata, wherein information on the first structured metadata is added to the second structured metadata. (17) In the method of dividing structured metadata according to (15), an integration destination information description including the reference descriptor and information about the second structured metadata in the first structured metadata A method for dividing structured metadata, comprising providing a child group. (18) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to the above (16), an integration destination information description including the reference descriptor and information about the second structured metadata in the first structured metadata A group of child information, and a group of destination information descriptors including the reference descriptor and information on the first structured metadata in the second structured metadata. How to split metadata. (19) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to any one of (1) to (6) and (15) to (18), the first structured metadata 1
Characterized in that information indicating the attribute of the structured metadata is added and information indicating the attribute of the second structured metadata is added to the head of the second structured metadata. How to split the data. (20) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to (19), the information indicating the attribute of the first structured metadata and the information indicating the attribute of the second structured metadata are transmitted during transmission. A method for dividing structured metadata, comprising information indicating a priority of a structured metadata. (21) A transmission method of structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to (20), wherein a repetition transmission frequency of each structured metadata indicates a priority at the time of the transmission. A transmission method of structured metadata, wherein a transmission frequency is set according to information. (22) A transmission method of structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to (20), wherein each structured metadata is transmitted using information indicating a priority at the time of the transmission. A method for transmitting structured metadata, wherein the transmission is performed in the order of priority at the time of transmission. (23) A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to any one of (15) to (18), wherein the structured metadata is integrated with the first structured metadata. Using the information on the added second structured metadata, determine whether to integrate the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata,
If it is determined to be integrated, at least one of the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata and the reference descriptor added to the second structured metadata A method of integrating structured metadata, comprising integrating the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata using a reference descriptor. (24) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to the above (15), the information on the second structured metadata includes information indicating a necessity of integration into the first structured metadata. A method for dividing structured metadata, characterized in that: (25) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to the above (16), the information on the second structured metadata includes information indicating a necessity of integration into the first structured metadata. And a method of dividing the structured metadata, wherein the information on the first structured metadata includes information indicating a necessity of integration into the second structured metadata. (26) The above (1) to (6), (15), (16),
(24) In the structured metadata division method according to any one of (25), the reference descriptor is assigned to both the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. In the case of adding, in at least one of the structured metadata, a reference declaration section is provided at the head of the structured metadata, the reference descriptor is added to the reference declaration section, and the first structured metadata is added. When the reference descriptor is added only to data, a reference declaration section is provided at the head of the first structured metadata, and the reference descriptor is added to the reference declaration section. How to split metadata. (27) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to the above (6), a reference declaration section is provided at the beginning of the first structured metadata, and the plurality of reference descriptors are identified in the reference declaration section, respectively. And information on the second structured metadata of each reference specified by the plurality of reference descriptors, together with the identification symbol corresponding to the reference. A method of dividing structured metadata, which is added to structured metadata. (28) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to the above (27), the information on the second structured metadata includes information indicating a necessity of integration into the first structured metadata. A method for dividing structured metadata, characterized in that: (29) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to (27), information on the second structured metadata is added to the reference declaration section. Method. (30) In the method for dividing structured metadata according to the above (27), information on the second structured metadata is added to the reference declaration unit and the first
Characterized in that the identification information is added to an integration destination information descriptor group provided in the structured metadata together with the identification symbol. (31) In the structured metadata dividing method according to (19) or (20), the reference descriptor is added to both the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. In such a case, in at least one of the structured metadata, a reference declaration section is provided after an addition position of information indicating an attribute of the structured metadata, and the reference descriptor is added to the reference declaration section, In a case where the reference descriptor is added only to the first structured metadata, the reference descriptor is added after the information adding position indicating the attribute of the first structured metadata in the first structured metadata. A method for dividing structured metadata, comprising: providing a declaration section; and adding the reference descriptor to the reference declaration section. (32) A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to any one of (24), (25), and (28), wherein
Using information indicating the necessity of integration into the first structured metadata in the information on the second structured metadata added to the structured metadata of the first structured metadata And whether or not to integrate with the second structured metadata. If it is determined that the integration is to be performed, the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are compared. Integrating the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata using at least one of the reference descriptors added to the structured metadata. How to integrate structured metadata as a feature. (33) A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to (27) or (30), wherein the reference declaration section in the first structured metadata is provided. Obtaining the plurality of reference descriptors and the identification symbol from the first structured metadata, obtaining information about the second structured metadata based on the identification symbol from the first structured metadata, Using the information about the structured metadata, the first structured metadata and the second
It is determined whether or not to integrate the structured metadata with the reference metadata added to the first structured metadata, and if it is determined to be integrated, the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata Using at least one of the reference descriptors added to the first and second structured metadata to integrate the first and second structured metadata How to integrate metadata.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS << Division and Integration of MPEG-7 Description File >> First, the following two types of MPEG-7 description file division methods will be described. (1) With any DS in the MPEG-7 description file as the root,
The DS and below are separated from the original MPEG-7 description. (2) One or more D / DS (and elements below it) under any DS in the MPEG-7 description file are separated and
Put it under the root dummy DS.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show examples of the respective division methods. In FIG. 1, DS3 is set as a new root and the elements below it are separated. In FIG. 2, the two elements D2 and DS3 below DS2 are separated from the elements below DS3, and the separated element is added below the dummy DS as a new root.

[0013] A plurality of divided MPEG-7 descriptions are re-integrated to
In order to obtain one MPEG-7 description, it is necessary to embed information about connection points in the description when dividing. Therefore, the DS attached before the separation under a new route on the separated side (the second structured metadata side that is a lower file)
A reference (reference descriptor) to the new root that is also separated under the DS on the source side (the first structured metadata side that is the upper file) (reference descriptor) Attached. For example, in FIG. 1, a reference to the separation source DS2 is attached below the separation side DS3, and the separation source DS2 is added.
Below is a reference to DS3. In FIG. 2, a reference to the separation source DS2 is provided below the separated dummy DS created at the time of separation, and a reference to the dummy DS is provided below the separation source DS2. Attached. References to both sides of the connection point in this manner (i.e., both the first and second structured metadata
By adding a reference descriptor which is information indicating a connection point of two structured metadata), flexible integration processing can be performed. Note that reference is made only to the separation source side which is one side of the connection point (that is, a reference descriptor which is information indicating the connection point of the two structured metadata is added to only the first structured metadata). Do).

When two separated files are integrated, (a) the separation source side (the first structured metadata side which is the upper file) and the separated side (the second structured file which is the lower file)
In the case where reference descriptors are attached to both the structured metadata side and the structured metadata side, the two files are integrated using the reference descriptor of at least one side. (B) When a reference descriptor is attached only to the separation source side (the first structured metadata side which is the upper file), the two files are integrated using the reference descriptor. << DS for reconnection >> [Connection DS] As a DS for describing a reference to a connection destination at a connection point, Conn which is an integration destination information descriptor group
Define section DS. Figure 1 shows the DDL definition of Connection DS
As shown in FIG.

Connection DS includes Reference D
(Reference descriptor), and the reference destination can be specified by URL. Further, since there can be a plurality of Reference Ds, a plurality of reference destinations can be defined. For example, in digital broadcasting, one Reference D refers to a connection destination node in a digital broadcast stream, and another Reference D refers to a connection destination existing on the Internet. This example is shown in FIG. As a result, even if the data of the connection destination in the digital broadcast stream cannot be obtained, the substitute data can be obtained from the Internet.

As described above, the Co file added to the upper file
nnection If the reference destination of the lower file is specified multiple times by Reference D (reference descriptor) in DS, one of the lower-level files of the specified multiple reference destinations is selected, and the upper-level file and its Integrate with selected sub-files. Also, Connection DS can add any D / D
You can have any number of S. This will be described later.

The attribute "type" has a value of either "up" or "down", and specifies a method of connection with a reference destination.
If the attribute "type" is "up", it indicates that it is a new root created by itself and that the reference destination is the DS to which it belonged before separation. Also, attribute "type" is "down"
If it is, it indicates that the reference destination is a new route created separately.

In FIG. 1, a connection is referred to as a connection.
FIG. 3 shows an example using DS. Connection DS under DS3
Attribute of "type" becomes "up" and Connection under DS2
DS attribute "type" is "down".

At the time of dividing a file, there may be a request to partially include D and / or DS near the division node in both files. For example, if there is important information to be used even when either the parent side or the child side of the divided file is obtained, it is desirable that the important information be redundantly included in both files. To achieve this, we want to duplicate the element of Connection DS D
Defined to be able to have any number of / DS. FIG. 4 shows an example in which a file is divided by using this to overlap information. In this example, DS3 and D3 are duplicated in both files.

Regarding the description contents of D and / or DS to be duplicated, the contents included in one divided file are simplified contents (contents having a small content in the description), and the contents included in the other divided file are more simplified. By providing detailed contents, it is possible to suppress the redundancy of the information amount due to duplication. This is shown in FIG. In this example, DS3 and D
For DS3, DS3 'and D3' whose contents have been simplified are included in the upper file, and DS3 and D3 with detailed contents are included in the lower file.

In the case of integrating the divided files shown in FIG. 4, it is determined that DS3 and D3 attached under Connection DS added to the upper file are duplicated in both files. , Connection DS on the upper file side
Delete DS3 and D3 attached under and integrate the upper file and lower file according to Connection DS.
If there are duplicate D / DS in both files, delete the duplicate D / DS existing in the upper file or delete the duplicate D / DS existing in the lower file when merging two files. Whether to delete the D / DS may be determined and executed according to the priority.

When integrating the divided files shown in FIG. 13, the simplified DS3 'and D3' of the upper file are deleted and integrated according to the Connection DS. At this time, the information amount of the overlapping D / DS is compared, that is, DS3 and DS3 ', and D
By comparing the information amounts of 3 'and D3, DS3' and D3 ', which are simplified contents, are selected as objects to be erased. If you want to include simplified D / DS when splitting a file,
By setting a rule to always include the D / DS in the upper file, DS3 ′ and D3 ′ can be selected as deletion targets without comparing the information amount of D / DS that is duplicated in the upper file and the lower file.

In order to actually use Connection DS, all of the MPEG-7 DSs must have Connection DS as an element. Therefore, Connection DS is added as an optional element of all DS of MPEG-7. [Temporary DS] Temporary DS is newly introduced as a dummy DS used in the division method (2). Tempor
The DDL definition of ary DS is as shown in FIG.

The Temporary DS has a Connection DS as an element and an arbitrary D / DS.

The method of dividing and integrating the MPEG-7 description file described above may be used in combination as appropriate. As a combination of the division methods, for example, a combination of the method shown in FIG. 2 and the method shown in FIG. 3 (FIG. 10),
The combination of the method shown in FIG. 2 and the method shown in FIG.
3 and the method shown in FIG. 3 (FIG. 10) and the method shown in FIG. 4, and the combination of the method shown in FIG. 3 (FIG. 10) and the method shown in FIG. The combination of the integration methods may be appropriately combined and used in accordance with the combination of the division methods. Further, information indicating a connection destination such as Connection DS or Temporary DS added when the file is divided may be deleted when the files are integrated. << System for split file transmission >> When transmitting a divided MPEG-7 description file in a transmission system such as digital broadcasting, a plurality of files are
Multiplexing into 7 streams: It is desirable to transmit in multiplex. In addition, it is possible to configure a more flexible MPEG-7 stream by changing the method of synchronizing with the content and the frequency of carousel transmission for each divided file.

Therefore, an MPEG-7 transmission system shown in FIG. 5 is newly introduced. The MPEG-7 description is divided into a plurality of files by "Divider" according to the division method described above or below. Each divided file is "MPEG-7 encoder"
And packetized by "Packetizer". The "Transport controller" controls the output of packets according to criteria such as how to synchronize each file and the frequency of carousel transmission. Finally "Multiplexer"
Multiplexes packets to generate an MPEG-7 stream.

FIG. 6 shows a system for receiving the MPEG-7 stream. MPEG-7 stream first
Demultiplexer ": Demultipl
ex. Next, each file is decoded by "MPEG-7 decoder". Finally, the files are combined by the "Synthesizer" according to the integration method described above or below to obtain the original MPEG-7 description.

The "Demultiplexer" of the receiving system
Demultiplex MPEG-7 stream by: Demult
When iplexing, it must be possible to identify the packet corresponding to each split file. So, as one method,
Attach an ID that uniquely identifies the file to the header of each packet. << Application to Broadcasting Digital Broadcast >> It is assumed that MPEG-7 data description is transmitted simultaneously with digital broadcast content. It is also assumed that the viewer is watching or can only obtain MPEG-7 data corresponding to the channel being recorded. That is, it is assumed that when a viewer switches channels, MPEG-7 data is interrupted at that time.

Here, the contents to be transmitted as the MPEG-7 description are classified as follows. (1) One-day program structure in the channel (program table) (2) Corner structure in the program (3) Detailed information in the corner At this time, the information in (1) is the most important information, and throughout the day Carousel transmission is required. The information of (2) is the second most important information, and needs to be carousel transmitted through the program. The information of (3) is the least important information, and need only be transmitted within the corner. Therefore, the MPEG-7 description is divided as shown in FIG. 7 based on the above classification. Then, the frequency of carousel transmission is controlled for each divided file (the transmission frequency of the upper file which is the information of (1) is made higher than the transmission frequency of the lower file which is the information of (2). By making the transmission frequency of the information of 2) higher than the transmission frequency of the information of (3)), the above requirement can be realized.

Further, it is assumed that detailed information in a corner cannot be obtained due to a cause such as a viewer switching channels. Even in such a case, the same data as the detailed information in the corner is prepared on the Internet, and the Connection DS that refers to the detailed information in the corner from the corner information in the program is added to the connection DS in the digital broadcast stream. If the reference to the same information on the Internet is described along with the reference to the detailed information, the missing data can be downloaded from the Internet to make up for it.

FIG. 8 shows this example. The broadcast station creates an MPEG-7 description of the content and divides it into a plurality of files in the manner described above. The divided file is broadcasted as an MPEG-7 stream by digital broadcasting, and is also stored in an MPEG-7 database connected to the Internet. At this time, in the Connection DS added to the upper file, two reference destinations to the lower file are prepared, one is a connection destination on an MPEG-7 stream broadcasted by digital broadcasting, and the other is a reference destination. Refers to a connection destination on the MPEG-7 database (see FIG. 10).

On the viewer side, M
The PEG-7 stream is received, and an MPEG-7 decoder (Demultiplexer, MPEG-7 decoder, Synth shown in FIG. 6) is received.
The esizer is collectively decoded by MPEG-7 decoder in FIG. 8) and the divided files are integrated into one. At this time, if there is a file missing due to switching of channels by the viewer or the like, based on the reference to the connection destination in the MPEG-7 database on the Internet, of the reference information written in the upper file, MPEG-
7 to obtain a file corresponding to the missing file, and use it instead. Integrated MPEG-
7 description can be used in various MPEG-7 applications.

The transmission path of the upper file may be a transmission path having higher transmission quality than the transmission path of the lower file.

FIG. 9 shows another application example. In FIG. 9, the broadcasting station creates an MPEG-7 description relating to the content, broadcasts the content together with the content by digital broadcasting, and stores the content and the MPEG-7 description in a video database connected to the Internet.

On the viewer side, the digital broadcast is received, and the "Demultiplexer" separates the content (video stream) from the MPEG-7 stream. video·
The stream is stored in a database on the viewer side. M
The PEG-7 stream is decoded by an MPEG-7 decoder to obtain an MPEG-7 description.

Here, if a part of the video stream is missing for some reason, such as channel switching by the viewer, the video supplementer (MPEG) supplies
Search the video database on the Internet using the -7 description to find a video stream with the same content. Then, by using the segment information of the MPEG-7 description to acquire only the segment including the missing part from the video database, and connecting it to the video stream in the video database on the viewer side,
Make up for missing parts.

Next, in addition to the information indicating the connection point (reference descriptor), information indicating the attribute of each divided file (each divided structured metadata) and information of the file at the integration destination are added. A method of dividing and a method of integrating using the information will be described. ≫Description of Mpeg7Main, Mpeg7Unit≫M
In PEG-7, Mpeg7Main and Mpeg7 are used as the root element which is the first element of the description file.
7 Units are defined.

If the root element is Mpeg7Main
Is valid as an MPEG-7 description.
The MPEG-7 parser reads the file,
-7 can be interpreted as a description. Mpeg7Ma
What can be described as a child element of in is limited to some elements.

On the other hand, if the root element is Mpeg7U
The file that is nit is just a fragment of the MPEG-7 description. An MPEG-7 parser cannot be interpreted as an MPEG-7 description by itself. It can be interpreted as an MPEG-7 description by referring to the Connection DS in another file.

In the division by the division method (1) shown in FIG. 1, the root element of the file before division is Mpeg.
If 7Main, the root element of the upper file after division is also Mpeg7Main, and if the root element of the file before division is Mpeg7Unit, the root element of the upper file after division is also Mpeg7.
7 Units. For the lower files after splitting,
Depends on the first element of the lower file. If the first element can be described as a child element of Mpeg7Main, the root element of the lower file is Mpeg
7 Main. If the first element cannot be described as a child element of Mpeg7Main, the root element of the lower file is Mpeg7Unit.

In the division by the division method (2) shown in FIG. 2, the root element of the upper file after division is the same as the root element of the file before division as in the case of the division method (1). . For lower files after division, the root element must be Mpeg7Unit.
Becomes ≪Explanation of Attributes≫ When dividing an MPEG-7 description file (structured metadata), Co
Information regarding the integration destination file (connection destination file) is added as an attribute of the connection DS. Therefore,
Information about a lower file as an integration destination (connection destination) is added to the upper file after division, and information about an upper file as an integration destination (connection destination) is added to the lower file after division. Note that information relating to the integration destination file (connection destination file) may be added only to the upper file side.

FIG. 14 shows an example of an attribute (information relating to a connection destination file) added to the Connection DS. The DDL definition of the Connection DS including the attributes is as shown in FIG. Attribute rootType
e is whether the connection destination file is Mpeg7Main,
Mpeg7Unit is identified. Attribute cont
ent indicates the outline of the contents of the connection destination file. By using such attribute information, for example, when only the divided upper file is obtained, it is possible to determine whether to obtain the lower file of the connection destination based on the attribute value.

In each of the divided files, the root element (Mpeg) which is the first element of the file
7Main and Mpeg7Unit), information indicating the attribute of the file itself is added. FIG. 16 shows an example of an attribute added to the root element. FIG.
FIG. 19 shows the DDL definition of the root element including the attribute.

In the figure, an attribute length describes the size of a file in byte units. Attribute priorit
y is the priority of the file. The attribute content indicates the outline of the contents of the file. Using such attribute information, for example, in the transmission of the MPEG-7 description, it is possible to perform processing such as transmitting the files in order of priority. Alternatively, the file processing method can be determined based on the size of the file and the outline of the content.

In the DDL definitions of FIGS. 17 to 19, Mpeg7Root is defined as Mpeg7Main and Mpeg7Main.
This is an abstract type common to eg7Unit. Mpeg7Ma
The attribute common to in and Mpeg7Unit is Mpeg
What is necessary is just to define as an attribute of 7Root. << Example of using attributes in content search via the Internet >> FIG.
It is a network diagram of content search. The video database stores a large number of video contents and corresponding MPEG-7 description files.
In addition, the MPEG-7 description file is divided into video segment information and descriptors for respective fields such as color and audio using the above-described division method. A plurality of Connection DSs exist in the video segment information file. Each Connection DS uses each descriptor file for each field as a connection destination file, and an outline of the contents of the connection destination file is added as an attribute. Users can access MPEG-
7 data can be downloaded and video contents can be searched.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the video content search via the Internet shown in FIG.

The user first downloads a video segment information file from the video content database. Next, since an attribute indicating the outline of the content of the connection destination file is added to the Connection DS in the video segment information, a descriptor file including a descriptor used for search is downloaded based on the information. . For example, to search for a descriptor related to color, a descriptor file for color is downloaded. To search for a descriptor related to audio, a descriptor file for audio is downloaded. If there is no reference descriptor to the descriptor file used for the search in the video segment information, the content is skipped and the search for the next content is started.

The downloaded descriptor file is compared with the search condition set by the user. And if the search criteria are met, the corresponding video
Download the content from the video content database and end the search. If the search condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to the search for the next content. << Usage example of attribute when configuring MPEG-7 stream >>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a stream configuration method using priorities at the time of MPEG-7 description transmission.

As shown in FIG. 22A, MPEG-7
Suppose the description is split into six files. Also,
It is assumed that an attribute priority indicating the priority of transmission is added to the root element of each divided file.

When a plurality of MPEG-7 description files shown in FIG. 22A are arranged according to the structure, FIG.
They can be arranged in the order shown in FIG. If this is rearranged in descending order of the value of the attribute priority, FIG.
2 (c).

By transmitting in the order shown in FIG. 22C, the receiving side can obtain a file with a higher priority first. Also, even if the transmission is interrupted in the middle for some reason, a high-priority file remains on the receiving side. Further, even when all files cannot be received due to the limitation of the device on the receiving side, it is possible to receive files in descending order of priority and not to receive files having lower priority than a predetermined priority. << Example of using attributes in carousel transmission in digital broadcasting >> In digital broadcasting, when MPEG-7 description is divided into multiple files and carousel transmission is performed at different frequencies for each file, transmission to the root element of each file is performed. If an attribute priority indicating a priority is added, the frequency of carousel transmission can be automatically determined based on the attribute.

When the user specifies the frequency of carousel transmission of each file, it is necessary to adjust the frequency in consideration of the entire data transmission amount. However, when describing only the priority, such adjustment is necessary. Since it is not necessary to perform the above, it is possible to greatly reduce the user's labor. {Addition of Connection DS Attribute} First, additional information (attribute use) of an attribute (information on a connection destination file) added to the Connection DS described with reference to FIG. 14 will be described.

FIG. 23 shows a Cone to which an attribute “use” has been added.
It is an example of the attribute of the action DS. FIG. 24 shows DD of Connection DS to which attribute “use” is added.
L definition. The attribute use indicates the necessity of the connection destination file, and takes a value of required or optional. If the attribute use is required, it indicates that the connection destination file is indispensable, and MPEG-7
The application must get the connection file. If attribute use is optional,
Indicates that the connection destination file does not have to be obtained. When the attribute “use” is added, it is added to at least the upper file side.

By using the attribute “use”, when the connection destination file is indispensable information such as a certain kind of header information or copyright information, the attribute use is set to “required” so that the application can obtain the connection destination file. Can be forced.

In summary, information on the second structured metadata (lower structured metadata) to be added to the first structured metadata (upper structured metadata) is as follows. The information (attribute use) indicating the necessity of integration into the first structured metadata is included. Further, in a case where information on the first structured metadata is added to the second structured metadata, the information on the first structured metadata is integrated with the second structured metadata. May be included.

Regarding the integration method, information indicating the necessity of integration into the first structured metadata in the information on the second structured metadata added to the first structured metadata is described. It is determined whether or not to integrate the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata, and if it is determined that the first structured metadata is to be integrated, the first structured metadata is added to the first structured metadata. The first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are used by using at least one of the referenced descriptors and the reference descriptor added to the second structured metadata. Integrate with structured metadata. << Description of Reference Declaration >> When a divided MPEG-7 description file is obtained, Connect in the file
In order to know the file (connection destination file) referred to by the ion DS, the parsing must be performed up to the point where the Connection DS is described.
From many divided MPEG-7 description files,
When selecting a file necessary as a connection destination file of a certain MPEG-7 description file, it is inefficient to perform syntax analysis of all files to be connection destination files.

Therefore, C in the MPEG-7 description file
connection DS reference information (reference descriptor)
Is described in the reference declaration section provided at the beginning of the file. As a result, the file (the connection destination (integration destination) file) referred to by the Connection DS in the file can be known only by parsing only the head part of the file.

When information indicating the attribute of the MPEG-7 description file itself (the attribute shown in FIG. 16) is added to the beginning of the file, the reference declaration part is added to the back of the information indicating the attribute of the file itself. To be provided.

If an ID for identifying the reference information is added to each reference information in the reference declaration section, each Connection D
By describing this ID in S instead of the reference information itself, information on the connection destination file can be obtained.

FIG. 29 is a view for explaining a method of referring to a connection destination using a reference declaration section. File file1. xm
Reference Declaration in l
DS is a reference declaration section, in which reference information and an ID for identifying the reference information are listed. File file1. x
Each Connection DS in the ML includes, in place of describing the reference information, an ID for identifying the reference information in the reference declaration.
D is described, thereby referring to the connection destination.

FIG. 25, FIG. 26, and FIG. 27 are DDL definitions of the Connection DS when the reference declaration section is introduced. FIG. 25 is a DDL definition of Reference D used as an element of Connection DS. The attribute type of ReferenceD indicates whether the reference destination is inside the file (internal) or outside the file (external). Attribute type
e is internal and attribute idre
When f is used, the ID indicates an ID added to an element in the file. Attribute type is externa
l, when the attribute idref is used to specify the reference destination,
The ID indicates the ID added to the reference information in the reference declaration.

FIG. 26 is a DDL definition of an attribute commonly used in Connection DS and Reference Declaration DS.

FIG. 27 shows the reference of FIG.
D using the definition of D and the attribute definition of FIG.
This is a DDL definition of the option DS.

FIG. 28 shows Reference Decl.
It is the DDL definition of the arration DS. Refer
ence Declaration DS element Item
List reference information by m. The element Item has attributes (rootType, content, use) similar to those of the Connection DS, in addition to the href indicating the reference destination and the id for identifying the reference information.

MPEG-7 provided with the above-mentioned reference declaration section
When adding the information about the connection destination file as described in FIG. 23 to the description file, the information is added at least to the reference declaration part. The information on the connection destination file further includes an ID for identifying reference information (reference descriptor).
May be added to the Connection DS. When information about the connection destination file is added to both the reference declaration section and the Connection DS, the same information may be added.
The information on the connection destination file to be added to the tied DS may be more detailed. When information on the connection destination file is added to both the reference declaration section and the Connection DS, the information regarding the connection destination file added to the Connection DS is prioritized in determining the reference destination.

In the integration method, the plurality of reference descriptors and the identification symbols are obtained from the reference declaration section in the first structured metadata (upstream structured metadata), and the first Obtaining information on the second structured metadata (lower-order structured metadata) based on the identification symbol from the structured metadata, and using the information on the second structured metadata, It is determined whether or not to integrate the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. If it is determined that the first structured metadata is to be integrated, the reference added to the first structured metadata is determined. The first structured metadata and the second structured metadata using at least one of a descriptor and a reference descriptor added to the second structured metadata. Integrate with metadata That.

[0067]

As described above, by using the structured metadata dividing method, the transmitting method, and the integrating method of the present invention, the structured metadata can be divided into a plurality of files so that they can be reintegrated, and the transmission thereof can be performed. In, the transmission efficiency can be improved by controlling the transmission for each divided file. Furthermore, according to the present invention, even when missing data occurs on the receiving side, the structured metadata is divided into a plurality of files so that it can be re-integrated, so that the size of the incomplete file is reduced. In addition to this, only incomplete files can be interpolated again, and the resistance to missing information can be increased.

Further, according to the present invention, division and integration can be performed according to the level of detail of the content description of the content, such as information on the upper layer and information on the lower layer.

When a dummy descriptor group is used, more various divisions are possible, and the degree of freedom of division is increased.

In the case where at least one of the same descriptor and the same descriptor group is divided and overlapped in the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata, Even if only one of the structured metadata can be obtained, the duplicated information can be obtained, and the resistance to the missing information can be further increased.

If the descriptor and / or descriptor group to be duplicated have a smaller description capacity on one structured metadata side than on the other structured metadata side, the amount of information accompanying the duplication is Redundancy can be suppressed. Further, at the time of integrating the divided structured metadata, by selecting the deletion target according to the information amount of the description contents of the overlapping descriptors and / or descriptor groups, the descriptors of more detailed contents and And / or leave a set of descriptors.

When the descriptors and / or descriptor groups to be overlapped are divided on the first structured metadata side as having a smaller description capacity than the second structured metadata side, the division is performed. When the structured metadata is integrated, the overlapping descriptors and / or descriptors can be deleted from the overlapping descriptors and / or descriptors without comparing the information content of the description contents of the descriptors. Can be selected.

If the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata describes a plurality of reference destinations indicating the location of the second structured metadata, missing data may occur on the receiving side. Even in this case, an incomplete file can be interpolated again through a plurality of paths, and the resistance to missing information can be further increased.

When information on the structured metadata of the integration destination (connection destination) is added to the divided structured metadata, the content of the integration destination metadata can be obtained without obtaining the structured metadata of the integration destination. Get an overview and see if you need to get structured metadata to integrate with.
Judgment can be made without obtaining structured metadata of the integration destination.

When information indicating the attribute of the structured metadata itself is added to the head of each of the divided structured metadata, the size of the data and the outline of the contents can be obtained simply by looking at the head of the structured metadata. In addition, if the information indicating the attribute of the structured metadata itself includes information indicating the priority at the time of transmission, the order of transmission of each of the divided structured metadata can be determined. The priority can be determined or the frequency of carousel transmission can be determined based on the priority.

If the information on the structured metadata of the integration destination (connection destination) added to the divided structured metadata includes information indicating the necessity of integration, the structured metadata of the integration destination (connection destination) You can force to get. If the structured metadata of the integration destination (connection destination) is used as copyright protection data, the copyright protection of the structured metadata of the integration source (connection source) can be enhanced.

When a reference declaration section is provided at the head of the divided structured metadata, only the syntax of the head of the structured metadata is analyzed, and the integrated destination (connection destination) of the structured metadata is obtained. You can know the structured metadata of. Further, there is an effect that the reference descriptor can be efficiently managed at one place. Further, even when there is a plurality of pieces of information about the same integration destination (connection destination) structured metadata in the structured metadata, information about each structured metadata is attached with an identification symbol of a reference descriptor, and the actual reference is referred to. Since only one descriptor needs to be described in the reference declaration section, the size of structured metadata can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a file dividing method.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a file dividing method.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a file dividing method.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a file dividing method.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an MPEG-7 transmission system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an MPEG-7 receiving system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a file dividing method.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an application example to Broadcasting digital broadcasting.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an application example to Broadcasting digital broadcasting.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a file dividing method.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a DDL definition of Connection DS.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a DDL definition of Temporary DS.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a file dividing method.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating attributes added to Connection DS according to one embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows DDL of Connection DS including attributes of one embodiment.
It is a figure showing a definition.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing attributes added to a root element according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a DDL definition of a root element including an attribute according to one embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a DDL definition of a root element including an attribute according to one embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a DDL definition of a root element including an attribute according to one embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a network for video content search over the Internet using one embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a flow of a video content search process via the Internet.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a stream configuration method using priorities during MPEG-7 description transmission according to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows Con including attribute use in one embodiment.
It is an example of an attribute added to the connection DS.

FIG. 24 shows Con including attribute use in one embodiment.
This is a DDL definition of the connection DS.

FIG. 25 is a DDL definition of Reference D when a reference declaration is introduced in one embodiment.

FIG. 26 shows Connection DS and Reference D when a reference declaration is introduced in one embodiment.
This is a DDL definition of an attribute common to the eclipse DS.

FIG. 27 is a DDL definition of a Connection DS when a reference declaration is introduced in one embodiment.

FIG. 28: Reference De in one embodiment.
This is the DDL definition of the clarification DS.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a method of referring to a connection destination using a reference declaration in one embodiment.

Continuation of the front page (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-277796 (P2000-277796) (32) Priority date September 13, 2000 (September 13, 2000) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP) (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-288180 (P2000-288180) (32) Priority date September 22, 2000 (September 22, 2000) (33) Priority claiming country Japan (JP)

Claims (33)

[Claims] To describe the contents of contents, structured metadata composed of a tree structure using descriptors and descriptor groups as nodes is composed of first structured metadata and the first structured metadata. A second structured metadata having a lower order relationship with respect to the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata, or the first structured metadata or the first structured metadata. For structured metadata only,
A method for dividing structured metadata, characterized by adding a reference descriptor that is information indicating a connection point between the two structured metadata and dividing the structured metadata. 2. The method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 1, wherein a dummy descriptor group corresponding to a descriptor group included in the first structured metadata in the second structured metadata. And the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata is:
The dummy descriptor group is used as a connection point, and when the reference descriptor is added to the second structured metadata, the reference descriptor is added as an element of the dummy descriptor group, The added reference descriptor uses a descriptor group included in the first structured metadata corresponding to the dummy descriptor group as a connection point. Split method. 3. The method for dividing structured metadata according to claim 1, wherein the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata have the same descriptor and the same descriptor. A method for dividing structured metadata, wherein at least one of the groups is overlapped and divided. 4. The method for dividing structured metadata according to claim 3, wherein the descriptor and / or the descriptor group that overlaps the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are: A method of dividing structured metadata, characterized in that one structured metadata side has a smaller description capacity than the other structured metadata side. 5. The method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 4, wherein a descriptor and / or a group of descriptors overlapping the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are: A method of dividing structured metadata, wherein the first structured metadata side has a smaller description capacity than the second structured metadata side. 6. The method for dividing structured metadata according to claim 1, wherein the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata is:
The first structured metadata also has reference destination information indicating a location of the second structured metadata, and the first structured metadata has a plurality of reference descriptors having different reference destination information added thereto. A method for dividing structured metadata, characterized in that: 7. A method for transmitting structured metadata divided by the method for dividing structured metadata according to claim 1, wherein the first structured metadata is repeatedly transmitted. A method for transmitting structured metadata, wherein the frequency is higher than the frequency of repeated transmission of the second structured metadata. 8. A method of transmitting structured metadata divided by the method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 1, wherein the transmission path of the first structured metadata is provided. A transmission path having a higher transmission quality than the transmission path of the second structured metadata. 9. A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to claim 1, wherein: the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata; Integrating the first and second structured metadata using at least one of the reference descriptors added to the second structured metadata. A method for integrating structured metadata. 10. A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to claim 2, wherein: the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata; Integrating the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata using at least one of the reference descriptors added to the second structured metadata A method for integrating structured metadata. 11. A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to claim 3, wherein the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are integrated with each other. A descriptor and / or a group of descriptors that are duplicated in both of the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are deleted from the first structured metadata and the reference description added to the first structured metadata Child and at least one of the reference descriptors added to the second structured metadata using the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. A method for integrating structured metadata, comprising: 12. A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to claim 4, wherein the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are combined. Out of the descriptors and / or descriptor groups duplicated in both, the descriptor and / or the descriptor group with the smaller content of the description is deleted, and the reference description added to the first structured metadata Child and at least one of the reference descriptors added to the second structured metadata using the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. A method for integrating structured metadata, comprising: 13. A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to claim 5, wherein the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata are integrated with each other. Among the descriptors and / or descriptor groups that are duplicated in both, the descriptor and / or descriptor group with the smaller description content on the first structured metadata side is deleted,
Using at least one of the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata and the reference descriptor added to the second structured metadata, the first descriptor A method for integrating structured metadata, comprising: integrating structured metadata with the second structured metadata. 14. A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of designated metadata are designated by a reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata. One of the reference structured second structured metadata is selected, and a reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata and a reference descriptor added to the second structured metadata are added. Using at least one of the reference descriptors, the first structured metadata and the selected second structured metadata are integrated. How to integrate data. 15. The method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 1, wherein information relating to the second structured metadata is added to the first structured metadata. A method for dividing structured metadata, characterized in that: 16. The method for dividing structured metadata according to claim 1, wherein information on the second structured metadata is added to the first structured metadata. And adding information relating to the first structured metadata to the second structured metadata. 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first structured metadata includes the reference descriptor and information about the second structured metadata. A method for dividing structured metadata, wherein a group of descriptors is provided. 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the first structured metadata includes the reference descriptor and information about the second structured metadata. An information descriptor group is provided, and an integration destination information descriptor group including the reference descriptor and information on the first structured metadata is provided in the second structured metadata. How to split structured metadata. 19. The method for dividing structured metadata according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 15 to 18, wherein the first structured metadata is added to the head of the first structured metadata. A method for dividing structured metadata, wherein information indicating an attribute of data is added, and information indicating an attribute of the second structured metadata is added to the head of the second structured metadata. . 20. The structured metadata division method according to claim 19, wherein the information indicating the attribute of the first structured metadata and the information indicating the attribute of the second structured metadata are transmitted. A method for dividing structured metadata, characterized by including information indicating a time priority. 21. A method of transmitting structured metadata divided by the method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 20, wherein a frequency of repeated transmission of each structured metadata is determined by a priority at the time of the transmission. A transmission method of structured metadata, wherein a transmission frequency is set in accordance with information shown. 22. A method of transmitting structured metadata divided by the method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 20, wherein each structured metadata is determined by using information indicating the priority at the time of transmission. And transmitting the structured metadata in descending order of priority during transmission. 23. A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to claim 15, wherein the structured metadata is added to the first structured metadata. Using the information on the second structured metadata thus determined, determining whether to integrate the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata, and determining that the first structured metadata is to be integrated with the second structured metadata. Using at least one of the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata and the reference descriptor added to the second structured metadata And integrating the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. 24. The method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 15, wherein the information on the second structured metadata is the first information.
A method for dividing structured metadata, the information including information indicating the necessity of integration into structured metadata. 25. The structured metadata division method according to claim 16, wherein the information on the second structured metadata is the first metadata.
Including information indicating the necessity of integration into the structured metadata, and wherein the information on the first structured metadata includes information indicating the necessity of integration into the second structured metadata. How to divide structured metadata as a feature. 26. Claims 1 to 6, 15, 16, 24, 25
In the method of dividing structured metadata according to any one of the above, when adding the reference descriptor to both the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata, at least In either one of the structured metadata, a reference declaration section is provided at the head of the structured metadata, the reference descriptor is added to the reference declaration section, and the reference descriptor is added only to the first structured metadata. , A reference declaration section is provided at the head of the first structured metadata, and the reference descriptor is added to the reference declaration section. 27. The method for dividing structured metadata according to claim 6, wherein a reference declaration section is provided at the head of the first structured metadata, and the plurality of reference descriptors are respectively provided in the reference declaration section. Attached with an identification symbol, the information on the second structured metadata of each reference destination specified by the plurality of reference descriptors is added together with the identification symbol corresponding to the reference destination to the first A method of dividing structured metadata, which is added to structured metadata. 28. The method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 27, wherein the information on the second structured metadata is the first information.
A method for dividing structured metadata, comprising information indicating the necessity of integration into structured metadata. 29. The method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 27, wherein the information on the second structured metadata is added to the reference declaration section. Split method. 30. The method of dividing structured metadata according to claim 27, wherein information on the second structured metadata is added to the reference declaration section and the first structured metadata is added. A method for dividing structured metadata, which is added together with the identification symbol to a group of integration destination information descriptors provided in the group. 31. The method for dividing structured metadata according to claim 19, wherein the reference descriptor is added to both the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. In this case, in at least one of the structured metadata, a reference declaration section is provided after an addition position of information indicating an attribute of the structured metadata, and the reference descriptor is added to the reference declaration section, In a case where the reference descriptor is added only to the first structured metadata, a reference declaration is added to the first structured metadata after an addition position of information indicating an attribute of the first structured metadata. A method for dividing the structured metadata, comprising: providing a reference descriptor to the reference declaration section. 32. A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the method for dividing structured metadata according to claim 24, wherein the first structured metadata is integrated. Using information indicating the necessity of integration into the first structured metadata in the information on the second structured metadata added to the first
It is determined whether or not to integrate the structured metadata of the second structured metadata with the second structured metadata. If it is determined that the structured metadata is to be integrated, the reference descriptor added to the first structured metadata and , Using at least one of the reference descriptors added to the second structured metadata, the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata A method for integrating structured metadata, characterized by integrating. 33. A method for integrating structured metadata divided by the structured metadata dividing method according to claim 27, wherein said reference declaration section in said first structured metadata is Obtaining the plurality of reference descriptors and the identification symbol; obtaining information about the second structured metadata based on the identification symbol from the first structured metadata; Using information about the metadata
It is determined whether or not to integrate the first structured metadata and the second structured metadata. If it is determined that the first structured metadata is to be integrated, the reference added to the first structured metadata is determined. The first structured metadata and the second structured metadata using at least one of a descriptor and a reference descriptor added to the second structured metadata. A method for integrating structured metadata, comprising integrating metadata.