WO2004088887A2 - System and method for media management - Google Patents

System and method for media management Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004088887A2
WO2004088887A2 PCT/GB2004/001481 GB2004001481W WO2004088887A2 WO 2004088887 A2 WO2004088887 A2 WO 2004088887A2 GB 2004001481 W GB2004001481 W GB 2004001481W WO 2004088887 A2 WO2004088887 A2 WO 2004088887A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
transmission
data
router
media
transmission system
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/001481
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004088887A3 (en
Inventor
David Elliman
Issa Iyad
Robin Bettridge
David Brooks
Original Assignee
Bbc Technology Holdings Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bbc Technology Holdings Limited filed Critical Bbc Technology Holdings Limited
Publication of WO2004088887A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004088887A2/en
Publication of WO2004088887A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004088887A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/262—Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
    • G11B27/02—Editing, e.g. varying the order of information signals recorded on, or reproduced from, record carriers
    • G11B27/031—Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
    • G11B27/10—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
    • G11B27/34—Indicating arrangements 
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/42—Arrangements for resource management
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/02—Arrangements for generating broadcast information; Arrangements for generating broadcast-related information with a direct linking to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for simultaneous generation of broadcast information and broadcast-related information
    • H04H60/06—Arrangements for scheduling broadcast services or broadcast-related services

Definitions

  • This invention relates to media management systems. Aspects of the invention relate to managing data in the media management system and in particular, but not exclusively, to managing data for transmission.
  • media intake 1 (for example from wire feeds) is received by a newsroom computer system (NCS) 2 which may comprise, for example ENPS (Electronic News Production System) software.
  • ENPS is a system for use in the creation of news stories for broadcast; journalists use segments of the input items and perform various operations using ENPS to create news stories for broadcast.
  • the news story may combine several media objects, for example video, text and graphics and ENPS can be used to create a script for the story as well as programme timing, running order, edits and other information.
  • ENPS sends out data to a transmission system 3 for transmission of the story.
  • the transmission system 3 comprises several playout devices or media object servers, for example video device 4, audio device 5, graphics device 6, banner device 7 and autocue 8.
  • ENPS sends a command to each of the required media object servers with the relevant tagged media items. Thus a connection is required to each media object server from ENPS.
  • NCS may communicate with each media object server, for example where more than one newsroom is creating stories for broadcast using the media object servers.
  • Each of the NCS will send commands to each of the media object servers, as required, in the transmission of the story.
  • the different media devices linked to the NCS require commands in different communications formats, for example different protocols or different versions of the same protocol, and thus communication with the NCS is complicated by the requirement for translation of messages by the NCS in dependence on the media device to or from which the communication is sent or received. In extreme cases, communication between devices requiring different protocols may not be possible. Even where a common protocol, such as MOS (Media Object Server) Communications Protocol is used, the playout devices may each be running different versions of the protocol. Thus it is often the case that data is required to be translated to a different format in dependence on the machine it is being sent to or from which it has been received, further putting a burden on the NCS and giving great scope for errors in communications to occur.
  • MOS Media Object Server
  • a media item which might be handled in a media management system generally comprises separate media objects or tracks, for example video, and audio.
  • the tracks can be referred to as media essence.
  • Media items can additionally comprise metadata, which describe attributes associated with a media item, and which is used to assist in processing of the media essence within the system eg. storing, tracking, editing, archiving etc.
  • a media item can therefore be said to be made up of media essence (tracks), and associated metadata (attributes). While essence and metadata are associated they are usually used and stored separately and independently in the system.
  • a media object generally includes a very large amount of data.
  • the media essence - which may include video at broadcast quality resolution - requires a particularly large amount of storage.
  • Stories may be completed by journalists a long time in advance of the planned transmission time, and the playout servers may hold at any one time a very large amount of data relating to media objects to be transmitted at a future time. This can lead to a storage capacity problem on the servers in the transmission domain.
  • a method of managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device and a transmission system, the method comprising: identifying data in the data storage device relating to a transmission by the transmission system; defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; defining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time; and loading data from the data storage device into the transmission system at the determined transfer time.
  • the transfer time can be determined such that the data is loaded into the transmission system on a just-in-time basis.
  • the data storage device may be located, for example, separately from the transmission servers. In preferred examples, the storage device is located as a part of the editing domain.
  • the data comprises data for transmission.
  • the data comprises media essence, for example audio or video tracks.
  • Such media requires a relatively large amount of storage capacity at the transmission servers and thus significant reduction in storage capacity can be achieved by delaying the loading of the media essence to the transmission servers.
  • the data which is loaded at the determined transfer time may comprise some or all of the relevant data relating to the transmission. For example, only the loading of data requiring the greatest storage capacity at the transmission system might be delayed by this method. For example, the loading of video tracks only might be delayed, or the loading of all media essence might be delayed.
  • the loading of the data might be managed in dependence of other factors, for example the available storage capacity at the transmission servers.
  • media essence may include, for example, video tracks which can use much storage.
  • the data storage device is also accessible by the editing system and may be a part of the editing system. This feature is particularly attractive since the media essence need only be stored once in the system during editing and until it is loaded into the transmission system just before transmission. Thus the data is already present in the editing domain and therefore presents little storage burden there while it is waiting to be loaded onto the playout servers.
  • the data may be loaded a predetermined time before the scheduled start of the transmission.
  • the available storage capacity of the transmission servers could be a factor.
  • Other factors could include the size of the data file to be transferred, the type of data, type of programme being transmitted, and/or other factors.
  • the transfer time is defined as a set time period before the scheduled transmission time.
  • the determined transfer time will generally be set to occur before the scheduled transmission time so that the data is available for the transmission.
  • other factors are taken into account, for example the status of the transmission system, for example the available storage capacity, the status of the connection between the storage device and the transmission system, the size of the data files to be uploaded, the type of transmission (for example its level of importance), and/or other factors.
  • This the transfer time may, for example, be a set period of time before transmission which is applied to all of the transmissions.
  • different time periods could be set for different transmissions, or different types of transmission.
  • data relating to news broadcasts might be allocated a different time period from other programmes.
  • Different periods could be set for different times of day, or in dependence on other factors, for example the available storage capacity of the transmission system. For example, at night, there may be fewer transmissions, and thus less demand on the transmission servers; at night, the predetermined time period might be longer than in the daytime.
  • the method further includes the step of determining an estimate of the storage capacity of the transmission system, and defining the transfer time based on the estimated storage capacity.
  • the method includes the step of determining whether the necessary data has been loaded into the transmission system, and, if not, initiating loading of the necessary data.
  • the step of determining whether the necessary data is loaded into the transmission system is carried out at a predetermined time before the scheduled transmission time. Thus this determination can provide a back-up check to ensure that the necessary data is available in time for transmission.
  • This check may be carried out by the transmission system, the editing system, or other part of the media management system.
  • the transmission system initiates the loading of the data.
  • the transmission system is adapted to call for the loading of the relevant data at a predetermined time. Such a call may be made, for example, to a media editing system or data storage device
  • the loading of the relevant data may be initiated by a different part of the media management system.
  • the media management system further comprises a media editing system, and the media editing system initiates the loading of the data to the transmission system.
  • a media editing system initiates the loading of the data to the transmission system.
  • a preferred arrangement may use a combination of these methods
  • the method includes the step of identifying a command for transmission of data, determining data associated with the transmission and determining the transfer time for that data.
  • the system is adapted to monitor communications to look for messages including commands for the transmission of data. When such a command is identified, the system preferably determines whether there is data associated with the command to be loaded to the transmission system and, if so, determines a transfer time for the data.
  • This feature can also be used to provide a back-up system to help ensure that the necessary data is available in the transmission system for transmission at the appropriate time.
  • a check is preferably carried out to determine whether the necessary information has been loaded into the transmission system and/or whether a transfer time for loading the data has been determined.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method of managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a transmission system, the method comprising: producing data for sending to the transmission system, and determining a delay before sending the data to the transmission system based on the scheduled transmission time.
  • the media management system comprises an editing system for communication with the transmission system, wherein the method includes routing communications between the editing system and the media devices through a router.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method of managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, wherein the management system further includes a router and the method comprises routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system through the router.
  • a more transparent, resilient and extensible system can be provided.
  • the system can be extensible in that further media devices can be attached.
  • the transmission system preferably includes broadcast production apparatus and equipment; the transmission domain may be external to the editing domain or may be a part of a single system.
  • the transmission system comprises a plurality of media devices, the router routing communications between the editing system and the media devices through the router.
  • the media devices include one or more playout servers.
  • the media device comprises a media object server, preferably adapted for communication using the MOS communication protocol.
  • the media devices may comprise for example video servers, audio servers, still stores and character generators.
  • the editing system comprises a plurality of editing devices.
  • the editing devices include newsroom computer systems (NCS) which may comprise for example ENPS (Electronic News Production System) software.
  • NCS newsroom computer systems
  • ENPS Electronic News Production System
  • the router can be used to connect simply a plurality of NCS and a plurality of media devices.
  • the method comprises monitoring the communications routed through the router and outputting information regarding the communications.
  • One of the disadvantages of previous systems is that there was no central log of communications passing between the editing and transmission domains. By using a router, the communications passing through the router can be logged and diagnostics information outputted.
  • the router can also have further benefits, for example enabling central access to the media devices.
  • the router can be used to trigger commands to the devices from a central point.
  • the router can also be used to monitor commands, for example passing between the editing domain and the transmission domain.
  • the router can be used to identify commands being sent to the transmission system to effect transmission.
  • the router initiates the loading of the data to the transmission system.
  • the router has the function of a playout manager, managing the loading of data to the transmission system.
  • the router monitors commands relating to the transmission of data, and determines a transfer time for loading the data to the transmission system on the basis of the scheduled transmission time of the data.
  • the router can preferably monitor commands being sent from the editing system to the transmission system and identify commands relating to the transmission of data. From these commands, the router can preferably determine the scheduled transmission time for the data and the identity and location of the data to be transmitted.
  • the router can determine a transfer time for loading the data to the transmission system on the basis of the scheduled transmission time of the data. Preferably the router determines whether data for a scheduled transmission is loaded into the transmission system. This step may be carried out in addition to the determination of the transfer time, and may, for example, provide a back-up system for checking that the necessary data is available in the transmission system. Such a check may, for example, be carried out at a predetermined time before the scheduled transmission time of the data.
  • the router initiates loading of the data for transmission to the transmission system at a determined transfer time.
  • the router sends a communication to a data storage device to initiate the loading of the data.
  • the router is in communication with the media store which holds the media essence for transmission with media items. This is of great potential benefit in that the router can act as a playout manager for the transmission of data and can manage the loading of data to the transmission devices.
  • the router can receive information on the running order for transmission and can send commands to the media store to load data for transmission into the transmission domain.
  • the router is preferably provided as a separate device although it may be incorporated into the system as software, for example in the editing domain, transmission domain, or elsewhere.
  • the router has a single IP address.
  • the connection information for the media devices can therefore be held centrally at the router.
  • the router translates communications from a first format to a second format.
  • the router is preferably adapted to translate messages to/from the editing domain to different formats in dependence on the media device to/from which the message is sent.
  • the translation may be between, for example, different versions of the same protocol, or between different protocols.
  • the communications between the router and the media devices are according to the MOS communications protocol.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device and a transmission system, the apparatus comprising: means for identifying data in the data storage device relating to a transmission by the transmission system; means for defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; means for defining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time; and means for loading data from the data storage device into the transmission system at the determined transfer time.
  • the transmission system is adapted to initiate the loading of the data.
  • the media management system further comprises a media editing system, and the media editing system is adapted to initiate the loading of the data to the transmission system.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a transmission system, the apparatus comprising: means for producing data for sending to the transmission system, and means for determining a delay before sending the data to the transmission system based on the scheduled transmission time.
  • the media management system comprising an editing system for communication with the transmission system, and further comprising a router for routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, and further including a router for routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system.
  • the transmission system comprises a plurality of media devices, the router being arranged to route communications between the editing system and the media devices.
  • the editing system comprises a plurality of editing devices.
  • the apparatus comprises means for monitoring the communications routed through the router and outputting information regarding the communications.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a router for use in an apparatus described herein.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a router for use in managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, wherein the router is adapted to route communications between the editing system and the transmission system.
  • the router comprises means for monitoring the communications routed through the router and outputting information regarding the communications.
  • the router is adapted to initiate the loading of the data to the transmission system.
  • the router is adapted to monitor commands relating to the transmission of data, and determine a transfer time for loading the data to the transmission system on the basis of the scheduled transmission time of the data.
  • the router is adapted to determine whether data for a scheduled transmission is loaded into the transmission system.
  • the router is adapted to initiate loading of the data for transmission to the transmission system at a determined transfer time.
  • the router is arranged to send a communication to a data storage device to initiate the loading of the data.
  • the router is adapted to translate communications from a first format to a second format.
  • a computer program or computer program product for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device and a transmission system, the computer program or computer program product comprising: means for identifying data in the data storage device relating to a transmission by the transmission system; means for defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; defining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time; and means for loading data from the data storage device into the transmission system at the determined transfer time.
  • An aspect of the invention provides a computer program or computer program product for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a transmission system, the computer program or computer program product comprising: means for producing data for sending to the transmission system, and means for determining a delay before sending the data to the transmission system based on the scheduled transmission time.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a computer program or computer program product for managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, wherein the management system further includes a router and the computer program or computer program product comprises means for routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system through the router.
  • the invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
  • the invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic representation of connections between editing and transmission domains of a media management system
  • Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a media management system
  • Figure 3 illustrates an implementation of a media management system
  • Figure 4 illustrates an example of client server communication
  • Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an example of communications between editing and transmission domains
  • Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an example of editing and transmission domains in a media management system.
  • News staff use a media management system to research, develop and produce news stories comprising media items.
  • a metacore 200 is at the centre of the system, and comprises a metadata store 201 and a media store 202.
  • Media intake for example from video feeds, agencies, newsgathering teams etc. can be received via an edit matrix 206 which is controlled by a network control system 208.
  • metadata values which are stored in the metadata store.
  • Media intake can also be received from viewing and editing services 210 and Archive service 212.
  • the metadata values may be imported with the incoming media, may be assigned values by a system operator or may be assigned default values.
  • the associated media is then stored in the media store 202.
  • Users of the system can use viewing and editing services 210 to view and edit media managed by the system, and can search the system by metadata attributes to find relevant media. Once the relevant metadata describing the desired media has been found, the system can retrieve the associated media from the media store (if it exists there) for use by the user. Users can create new media items from existing essence, but with new metadata (which may be derived from existing metadata) to be input into the metacore.
  • the media store is an online store, and media held within it can be accessed and manipulated directly via devices networked to the metacore.
  • the practical constraints of media storage dictate that only a certain volume of media can be maintained online in this way, and as new media is constantly fed into the system, existing media must be removed. This is particularly true of the media essence, and less so of the metadata. If it is determined that the media is important and cannot simply be deleted, it must be stored offline, or archived. Both the process of selecting material to be archived, and the process of archiving it require considerable resources.
  • An archive service 212 is therefore linked to the metacore.
  • the archive service is in turn linked to one or more VTRs 214.
  • the archive service identifies media, via its metadata, to be taken from the media store and recorded to tape (offline).
  • the archive service can also act to re-ingest into the (online) media store tape based media.
  • the metacore is connected to transmission servers 216. These transmission servers can accept media items which are to be broadcast on transmission system 218.
  • the system also supports web based output, and the metacore is further linked to a post processor 220 which in turn feeds a web hosting 222.
  • the routing of video, audio, and communication signals between various media systems and facilities, both internal and external, can be referred to in terms of 'Bookings'.
  • a Booking may simply specify a media feed from one location that is to be routed to another location, internal or external to the media management system. Bookings may also include recording of the media being routed. For example, a booking may be made to enable an on-air news presenter to interview someone live at a remote location. Bookings can also be communications only bookings, enabling staff from various locations to communicate via a dedicated communication link. Any tasks that require recording or playout of media can be tracked as a booking.
  • all media items and media essence contained in the system are either the result of recording from the edit matrix, or from the archive service, or imported from the Editing services.
  • a variety of recording methods are supported by the system, including methods for media sources that must be recorded live from within the news facility, from a tape source, or an Agency feed.
  • All of the media items recorded into the system are assigned metadata.
  • the different types of metadata assigned to media items may vary according to the particular item. This metadata is assigned by the Mediaport or by Mediaport staff.
  • the metadata may be automatically imported from an external source, assigned by the Mediaport, or automatically assigned a default value.
  • the metacore 1702 includes a client side applications group 1704, a media service 1706 including a media store, an applications server 1708 and a metadata store 1710.
  • Client applications are written in C++ and communicate using J2EE (Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition) component level communications (JNI-RMI invocations), J2EE messaging and ' que ⁇ ing, (JMS via Active JMS).
  • Server applications including system management applications could be written in either Java or C++.
  • Media storage, transfer and editing will typically be provided by a third party media system and associated protocol running on a gigabit Ethernet. The components of the metacore all run off a media gigabit Ethernet.
  • the metacore is linked to the transmissions domain 1712 by a transmission gateway 1714.
  • the transmission gateway will communicate with the Transmission domains using the appropriate MOS protocol.
  • Input feeds are routed through the Spur Central Apparatus Room (SCAR) matrix 1714 to the edit matrix 1716, for ingest into the metacore.
  • SCAR Spur Central Apparatus Room
  • the edit matrix features a filter comprising a dual redundant pair of PCs managing, filtering and auditing control requests from the system and transmission domains. Both the SCAR matrix and edit matrix are controlled by Broadcast
  • BNCS Network Control System
  • the CBIS will be configured to replicate to the Metadata Core on a regular basis (typically ⁇ 1 min).
  • the Metadata Core will then update any application screens reliant on data that has changed.
  • system clients will be implemented as Win32 native clients 1802. As such a mechanism must be provided to allow the clients to communicate with the J2EE application server 1804. The client server communications will be facilitated via use of a Java-C++ bridge 1806.
  • the C++-Java Bridge allows C++ proxy stubs to be generated from Java classes. This allows any C++ client to behave exactly as a standard Java client.
  • a thin C++ wrapper will be provided (generated) around the required J2EE client API's (Application Program Interface) to allow the client to access components on the application server.
  • the C++-Java Bridge will be used to generate C++ proxy stubs for the EJB (Enterprise Java Bean) remote and home interfaces, thereby, allowing the client to perform interaction with the application server in the same way as any Java client would.
  • Certain client views are required to receive events from the application server (e.g. notification on booking status changes). These will be sent to the clients in the form of JMS messages via JMS Service 1808 from the application server.
  • the C++-Java Bridge will convert the message into an event and the appropriate action can then be taken by the client application.
  • the client may register interest with any number of event topics. This will allow the client to receive events that represent actions performed by various metacore services.
  • the payload of the message will vary depending on the type of event fired by the service and will include all the information required by the client to perform the required action.
  • the metacore is linked to the transmissions domain 1712 by a transmission gateway 1714.
  • the transmission gateway will communicate with the
  • Figure 5 illustrates communication between the editing domain 11 and the transmission domain 13 in the media management system.
  • the NCS devices 10, 10', 10" in the editing domain communicate with a router 12 which routes messages between the editing domain 11 and MOS devices 14, 14', 14", 14'" in the transmission domain 13.
  • the router 12 comprises a MOS router having a single IP address and TCP/IP links to the NCS 10, 10', 10" and the MOS items 14, 14', 14", 14'".
  • each NCS sends messages to a single object (the router) and the router then sends messages to the MOS items 14 using the MOS communication protocol.
  • the router 12 logs all of the communications through the router between the NCS and MOS items and provides an output giving information regarding the communications.
  • FIG. 6 shows the communication between the editing 121 and transmission 119 domains in more detail.
  • TCP/IP links 100 connect NCS 120 to a MOS router 112.
  • the MOS router 112 is shown as connected by further TCP/IP links to four playout servers 113: video server 115, an autocue 116, a graphic banner generating device 117 and a graphics device 118.
  • a desk 122 provided downstream of the MOS objects provides the possibility of manual control of the data before broadcast, but is optional. Messages are sent from the NCS 120 to the router 112 at a single IP address.
  • the router includes connection information for all of the relevant MOS devices.
  • a data storage device 130 which includes media essence for use in the creation of stories for transmission.
  • This data storage device 130 is accessible by the NCS 120, for example for use during the editing and creation of media items and stories, and is also arranged such that data can be loaded from the data storage device 130 into the transmission devices 113.
  • a link between the router 112 and the data storage device 130 allows control of the data in the storage device 130 by the router 112, and in particular allows the router to initiate loading of the data for transmission into the transmission devices as described further below.
  • the data storage device 130 is shown in Figure 6 as being separate from the editing system 121, but the storage device may be provided as a part of the editing system 121.
  • a Journalist creates a story for transmission within NCS 120 (using ENPS).
  • the story includes video elements, graphics and text for an autocue; the journalist creates media attributes relating to the story (for example script, running order and edits required).
  • a running order is created in ENPS from the stories; as stories are finished, they are added to the running order.
  • the stories created contain attributes and not the essence, for example the actual video clip, although such essence can be accessed by the journalist for reference in the creation of the story.
  • the essence is stored in the data storage device 130.
  • the running order can remain dynamic until it is sent to the transmission domain 119.
  • the sending of the running order may occur once the running order is complete, or can be held in the NCS until a predetermined time before the scheduled transmission time for the stories of the running order, for example one hour before the first item of the running order.
  • the running order can be sent to the router 112 once it is complete and the router may delay sending the information to the transmission domain until a desired time before the scheduled transmission time.
  • the running order will not normally include any media essence.
  • This essence will be stored in media stores, for example media store 130.
  • This media essence must be transferred to the playout servers 113 before the transmission of the story can occur.
  • the NCS first sends the running order to the playout servers 113 via the MOS router 112 in advance of the transmission time for the relevant stories. This transfer occurs as soon as the running order has been completed, or may be timed to occur a predetermined time before the transmission time.
  • the NCS 120 sends a command to the media store 130 to load the required essence into the playout servers 113 for the stories of the running order.
  • This command may, for example, be sent half an hour before the transmission time for that portion of the running order.
  • the playout servers 113 can be adapted to request the loading of the relevant data prior to transmission. Since the running order has already been sent to the playout servers 113, the essence required to transmit the relevant stories is known, and the playout server sends a command to the media store 130 for the required data.
  • the loading of the data is initiated by the router. The router identifies the essence required by the playout servers 113 in respect of each story to be transmitted. At a predetermined time before the transmission time, a command is sent to the media store 130 to load the required essence into the playout servers 113.
  • the router effect the loading of the data into the playout servers. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the master data is always loaded into the playout servers for broadcast, rather than a derivative version, so that resolution is not compromised. It is to be noted that the essence to be transmitted is likely to have been viewed using the NCS by the journalist during the creation of the story, but the data viewed by the journalist is normally a lower resolution version of the data. It is clearly desirable that it is not this low-resolution version which is sent for transmission.
  • a preferred technique might include more than one of the methods described above.
  • the NCS or router may be programmed to send the commands for loading the required data into the playout servers 113, but as a backup, the playout servers 113 may be programmed to request the loading of the information themselves if they have not received the necessary data within a predetermined time before transmission-is due.
  • the NCS may be programmed to effect the loading of the required information into the playout servers half an hour before the transmission time.
  • the playout servers are programmed to carry out a check 15 minutes before the transmission time to determined whether all of the necessary information has been loaded and, if not, to request the missing data from the media store 130. This missing data may represent some or all of the data required for a particular transmission.
  • the system is easily extensible, by adding further MOS objects, or NCS.
  • MOS objects need not all require the same format of communications; the MOS router can provide dynamic filters which can interpret messages between the playout servers and the NCS.
  • the router can provide on-the-fly translation of messages, for example between different versions of MOS and/or between
  • the running order is sent via the router 112 to the playout servers 113.
  • the router 112 monitors the message and notes that it includes a command for the transmission of video data by the video server 115.
  • the router 112 determines from the message the following information:
  • the media device to transmit the data (in this case the video server)
  • the router 112 may also determine some or all of the following information: ⁇ the type of transmission (for example "evening news item")
  • the router 112 uses some or all of this information to determine a transfer time for loading the data to the video server. This transfer time will be before the scheduled transmission time and will be chosen such that the data is available in the video server prior to the transmission time and yet the video server storage devices are not loaded with data before it is required.
  • the router sends a command to the data storage device 130 to load the required information to the video server.
  • the router carries out a check to see whether some or all of the data to be loaded is already present in the video server. If it is, then the loading of the data is adjusted accordingly.
  • the router carries out a further check of the video server to determine that the required data has been loaded. If it has not, then further steps can be taken to effect loading of the data in time for the transmission.
  • data may be sent to the transmission system, for example from the editing system through the router.
  • the router can delay the loading of that data into the transmission system.
  • the router can store the data (for example the data can be sent for storage to the storage device 130) and can determine a transfer time for transferring the data to the transmission system.
  • the router can identify the change and send commands to effect loading of the new data required to the playout server.

Abstract

A method of managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device (130) and a transmission system (119) is described. The method comprises identifying data in the data storage device (130) relating to a transmission by a transmission device (114); defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; determining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time and loading data from the data storage device (130) into the transmission device (114) at the transfer time. In this way, a reduction in the storage capacity required at the transmission device (114) can be achieved. Further examples describe the use of a router (112) for routing communications between a media editing system (121) and the transmission system (119).

Description

System and Method for Media Management
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/460,649, filed on April 4, 2003. Priority to the prior application is expressly claimed, and the disclosure of the application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to media management systems. Aspects of the invention relate to managing data in the media management system and in particular, but not exclusively, to managing data for transmission.
Background of the Invention
In a typical news production system, shown schematically in Figure 1 , media intake 1 (for example from wire feeds) is received by a newsroom computer system (NCS) 2 which may comprise, for example ENPS (Electronic News Production System) software. ENPS is a system for use in the creation of news stories for broadcast; journalists use segments of the input items and perform various operations using ENPS to create news stories for broadcast. The news story may combine several media objects, for example video, text and graphics and ENPS can be used to create a script for the story as well as programme timing, running order, edits and other information.
Once editing is complete, ENPS sends out data to a transmission system 3 for transmission of the story.
The transmission system 3 comprises several playout devices or media object servers, for example video device 4, audio device 5, graphics device 6, banner device 7 and autocue 8. ENPS sends a command to each of the required media object servers with the relevant tagged media items. Thus a connection is required to each media object server from ENPS.
Furthermore, several NCS may communicate with each media object server, for example where more than one newsroom is creating stories for broadcast using the media object servers. Each of the NCS will send commands to each of the media object servers, as required, in the transmission of the story.
Such arrangements can lead to difficulties in that there are a large number of communication links to and from each NCS and each media device and a very large amount of data is being moved around the system. This can lead to unreliability of the system and it is difficult to log the data traffic in the system.
Furthermore, sometimes the different media devices linked to the NCS require commands in different communications formats, for example different protocols or different versions of the same protocol, and thus communication with the NCS is complicated by the requirement for translation of messages by the NCS in dependence on the media device to or from which the communication is sent or received. In extreme cases, communication between devices requiring different protocols may not be possible. Even where a common protocol, such as MOS (Media Object Server) Communications Protocol is used, the playout devices may each be running different versions of the protocol. Thus it is often the case that data is required to be translated to a different format in dependence on the machine it is being sent to or from which it has been received, further putting a burden on the NCS and giving great scope for errors in communications to occur.
A media item which might be handled in a media management system generally comprises separate media objects or tracks, for example video, and audio. The tracks can be referred to as media essence. Media items can additionally comprise metadata, which describe attributes associated with a media item, and which is used to assist in processing of the media essence within the system eg. storing, tracking, editing, archiving etc. A media item can therefore be said to be made up of media essence (tracks), and associated metadata (attributes). While essence and metadata are associated they are usually used and stored separately and independently in the system.
It will be understood that a media object, therefore, generally includes a very large amount of data. In particular, the media essence - which may include video at broadcast quality resolution - requires a particularly large amount of storage.
Once a journalist has completed a media object for broadcast, it is sent to the transmission domain. The media essence is loaded into the playout servers so that it is ready for broadcast at the appropriate time.
Stories may be completed by journalists a long time in advance of the planned transmission time, and the playout servers may hold at any one time a very large amount of data relating to media objects to be transmitted at a future time. This can lead to a storage capacity problem on the servers in the transmission domain.
Aspects of the present invention seek to mitigate these problems.
Brief Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device and a transmission system, the method comprising: identifying data in the data storage device relating to a transmission by the transmission system; defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; defining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time; and loading data from the data storage device into the transmission system at the determined transfer time. This is advantageous in that the loading of the data onto the transmission servers can be delayed, thus potentially reducing the data storage capacity required at the transmission system compared with, for example, a method in which the data is loaded into the transmission domain as soon as the media item for transmission has been prepared.
The transfer time can be determined such that the data is loaded into the transmission system on a just-in-time basis.
The data storage device may be located, for example, separately from the transmission servers. In preferred examples, the storage device is located as a part of the editing domain.
Preferably the data comprises data for transmission. Preferably the data comprises media essence, for example audio or video tracks. Such media requires a relatively large amount of storage capacity at the transmission servers and thus significant reduction in storage capacity can be achieved by delaying the loading of the media essence to the transmission servers.
The data which is loaded at the determined transfer time may comprise some or all of the relevant data relating to the transmission. For example, only the loading of data requiring the greatest storage capacity at the transmission system might be delayed by this method. For example, the loading of video tracks only might be delayed, or the loading of all media essence might be delayed. The loading of the data might be managed in dependence of other factors, for example the available storage capacity at the transmission servers.
While there is particular benefit in the loading of the media essence being delayed, in examples of this aspect of the invention, other data relating to the transmission might only be loaded into the transmission system at a predetermined time before the transmission, for example information relating to the running order, edits and other data.
As indicated above, media essence may include, for example, video tracks which can use much storage. Advantageously, the data storage device is also accessible by the editing system and may be a part of the editing system. This feature is particularly attractive since the media essence need only be stored once in the system during editing and until it is loaded into the transmission system just before transmission. Thus the data is already present in the editing domain and therefore presents little storage burden there while it is waiting to be loaded onto the playout servers.
Various triggers could be used to effect the loading of the data. For example, the data may be loaded a predetermined time before the scheduled start of the transmission. Alternatively, or in addition, the available storage capacity of the transmission servers could be a factor. Other factors could include the size of the data file to be transferred, the type of data, type of programme being transmitted, and/or other factors.
Preferably the transfer time is defined as a set time period before the scheduled transmission time. The determined transfer time will generally be set to occur before the scheduled transmission time so that the data is available for the transmission. Preferably, however, other factors are taken into account, for example the status of the transmission system, for example the available storage capacity, the status of the connection between the storage device and the transmission system, the size of the data files to be uploaded, the type of transmission (for example its level of importance), and/or other factors.
This the transfer time may, for example, be a set period of time before transmission which is applied to all of the transmissions. Alternatively, different time periods could be set for different transmissions, or different types of transmission. For example, data relating to news broadcasts might be allocated a different time period from other programmes. Different periods could be set for different times of day, or in dependence on other factors, for example the available storage capacity of the transmission system. For example, at night, there may be fewer transmissions, and thus less demand on the transmission servers; at night, the predetermined time period might be longer than in the daytime.
Preferably the method further includes the step of determining an estimate of the storage capacity of the transmission system, and defining the transfer time based on the estimated storage capacity.
Preferably the method includes the step of determining whether the necessary data has been loaded into the transmission system, and, if not, initiating loading of the necessary data. Preferably the step of determining whether the necessary data is loaded into the transmission system is carried out at a predetermined time before the scheduled transmission time. Thus this determination can provide a back-up check to ensure that the necessary data is available in time for transmission.
This check may be carried out by the transmission system, the editing system, or other part of the media management system.
Preferably the transmission system initiates the loading of the data. In a preferred embodiment, the transmission system is adapted to call for the loading of the relevant data at a predetermined time. Such a call may be made, for example, to a media editing system or data storage device
Alternatively, or in addition, the loading of the relevant data may be initiated by a different part of the media management system.
Preferably the media management system further comprises a media editing system, and the media editing system initiates the loading of the data to the transmission system. A preferred arrangement may use a combination of these methods
Preferably the method includes the step of identifying a command for transmission of data, determining data associated with the transmission and determining the transfer time for that data. Preferably the system is adapted to monitor communications to look for messages including commands for the transmission of data. When such a command is identified, the system preferably determines whether there is data associated with the command to be loaded to the transmission system and, if so, determines a transfer time for the data.
This feature can also be used to provide a back-up system to help ensure that the necessary data is available in the transmission system for transmission at the appropriate time. When transmission commands are identified, a check is preferably carried out to determine whether the necessary information has been loaded into the transmission system and/or whether a transfer time for loading the data has been determined.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a transmission system, the method comprising: producing data for sending to the transmission system, and determining a delay before sending the data to the transmission system based on the scheduled transmission time.
Preferably the media management system comprises an editing system for communication with the transmission system, wherein the method includes routing communications between the editing system and the media devices through a router.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, wherein the management system further includes a router and the method comprises routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system through the router.
By using a router, a more transparent, resilient and extensible system can be provided. The system can be extensible in that further media devices can be attached.
The transmission system preferably includes broadcast production apparatus and equipment; the transmission domain may be external to the editing domain or may be a part of a single system.
Preferably the transmission system comprises a plurality of media devices, the router routing communications between the editing system and the media devices through the router.
Preferably the media devices include one or more playout servers. Preferably the media device comprises a media object server, preferably adapted for communication using the MOS communication protocol. The media devices may comprise for example video servers, audio servers, still stores and character generators.
Preferably the editing system comprises a plurality of editing devices. Preferably the editing devices include newsroom computer systems (NCS) which may comprise for example ENPS (Electronic News Production System) software.
Thus the router can be used to connect simply a plurality of NCS and a plurality of media devices.
Preferably the method comprises monitoring the communications routed through the router and outputting information regarding the communications. One of the disadvantages of previous systems is that there was no central log of communications passing between the editing and transmission domains. By using a router, the communications passing through the router can be logged and diagnostics information outputted.
The router can also have further benefits, for example enabling central access to the media devices. For example, the router can be used to trigger commands to the devices from a central point. The router can also be used to monitor commands, for example passing between the editing domain and the transmission domain.
This feature is of particular significance since, for example, where the loading of data into the transmission system is being delayed in accordance with other aspects of the invention, the router can be used to identify commands being sent to the transmission system to effect transmission.
Preferably the router initiates the loading of the data to the transmission system. In a preferred example, the router has the function of a playout manager, managing the loading of data to the transmission system.
Preferably the router monitors commands relating to the transmission of data, and determines a transfer time for loading the data to the transmission system on the basis of the scheduled transmission time of the data. The router can preferably monitor commands being sent from the editing system to the transmission system and identify commands relating to the transmission of data. From these commands, the router can preferably determine the scheduled transmission time for the data and the identity and location of the data to be transmitted.
From this information, and optionally other information regarding (for example the storage capacity of the transmission system) which is made available to the router, the router can determine a transfer time for loading the data to the transmission system on the basis of the scheduled transmission time of the data. Preferably the router determines whether data for a scheduled transmission is loaded into the transmission system. This step may be carried out in addition to the determination of the transfer time, and may, for example, provide a back-up system for checking that the necessary data is available in the transmission system. Such a check may, for example, be carried out at a predetermined time before the scheduled transmission time of the data.
Preferably the router initiates loading of the data for transmission to the transmission system at a determined transfer time.
Preferably the router sends a communication to a data storage device to initiate the loading of the data. Preferably the router is in communication with the media store which holds the media essence for transmission with media items. This is of great potential benefit in that the router can act as a playout manager for the transmission of data and can manage the loading of data to the transmission devices.
In some arrangements, the router can receive information on the running order for transmission and can send commands to the media store to load data for transmission into the transmission domain.
The router is preferably provided as a separate device although it may be incorporated into the system as software, for example in the editing domain, transmission domain, or elsewhere.
Preferably the router has a single IP address. The connection information for the media devices can therefore be held centrally at the router.
Preferably the router translates communications from a first format to a second format. In this way, compatibility can be achieved between different editing devices, and different media devices. The router is preferably adapted to translate messages to/from the editing domain to different formats in dependence on the media device to/from which the message is sent. The translation may be between, for example, different versions of the same protocol, or between different protocols.
Preferably the communications between the router and the media devices are according to the MOS communications protocol.
A further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device and a transmission system, the apparatus comprising: means for identifying data in the data storage device relating to a transmission by the transmission system; means for defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; means for defining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time; and means for loading data from the data storage device into the transmission system at the determined transfer time.
Preferably the transmission system is adapted to initiate the loading of the data.
Preferably the media management system further comprises a media editing system, and the media editing system is adapted to initiate the loading of the data to the transmission system.
A further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a transmission system, the apparatus comprising: means for producing data for sending to the transmission system, and means for determining a delay before sending the data to the transmission system based on the scheduled transmission time.
Preferably the media management system comprising an editing system for communication with the transmission system, and further comprising a router for routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system. A further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, and further including a router for routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system.
Preferably the transmission system comprises a plurality of media devices, the router being arranged to route communications between the editing system and the media devices.
Preferably the editing system comprises a plurality of editing devices.
Preferably the apparatus comprises means for monitoring the communications routed through the router and outputting information regarding the communications.
A further aspect of the invention provides a router for use in an apparatus described herein.
A further aspect of the invention provides a router for use in managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, wherein the router is adapted to route communications between the editing system and the transmission system.
Preferably the router comprises means for monitoring the communications routed through the router and outputting information regarding the communications.
Preferably the router is adapted to initiate the loading of the data to the transmission system.
Preferably the router is adapted to monitor commands relating to the transmission of data, and determine a transfer time for loading the data to the transmission system on the basis of the scheduled transmission time of the data.
Preferably the router is adapted to determine whether data for a scheduled transmission is loaded into the transmission system.
Preferably the router is adapted to initiate loading of the data for transmission to the transmission system at a determined transfer time.
Preferably the router is arranged to send a communication to a data storage device to initiate the loading of the data.
Preferably the router is adapted to translate communications from a first format to a second format. Also provided by the invention is a computer program or computer program product for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device and a transmission system, the computer program or computer program product comprising: means for identifying data in the data storage device relating to a transmission by the transmission system; means for defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; defining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time; and means for loading data from the data storage device into the transmission system at the determined transfer time.
An aspect of the invention provides a computer program or computer program product for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a transmission system, the computer program or computer program product comprising: means for producing data for sending to the transmission system, and means for determining a delay before sending the data to the transmission system based on the scheduled transmission time.
A further aspect of the invention provides a computer program or computer program product for managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, wherein the management system further includes a router and the computer program or computer program product comprises means for routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system through the router.
The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
The invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.
Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.
The methods and apparatus described herein may be implemented in conjunction with media input, editing and transmission systems, aspects of which are described in the applicant's co-pending patent applications. In particular, aspects of a system and method for media data storage and retrieval are described in the applicant's co-pending patent application entitled
"Data Storage and Retrieval System and Method", Attorney Reference No.
IK/26523WO, filed on 5 April 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Aspects of a further system for the storage of data, in particular controlling media storage devices remotely, are described in the applicant's co-pending patent application entitled "Media
Storage Control", Attorney Reference No. IK/26520WO, filed on 5 April 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A resource allocation system, which may be implemented as part of a media editing system is described in the applicant's co-pending patent application entitled "A Method and Apparatus for Dynamically Controlling a Broadcast Media Production System", Attorney Reference No. IK/26271 WO, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Aspects of a media editing system, in particular the control of media and related metadata in a non-linear media editing system, are further discussed in the applicant's co-pending patent application entitled "System and Method for Media Management", Attorney Reference No. IK/26521 WO, filed on 5 April 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further aspects of a media processing system, are described in the applicant's co-pending patent application entitled "Media Processor", Attorney Reference No. IK/26519WO, filed on 5 April 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A production management system, which may also be implemented in conjunction with the system described herein is described in the applicant's co-pending patent application entitled "System and Method for Processing Multimedia Content", Attorney Reference No. 13214.4001 , filed on 5 April 2004.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of connections between editing and transmission domains of a media management system; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a media management system; Figure 3 illustrates an implementation of a media management system; Figure 4 illustrates an example of client server communication; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an example of communications between editing and transmission domains; and Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an example of editing and transmission domains in a media management system.
Detailed Description
In a news media management system, News staff use a media management system to research, develop and produce news stories comprising media items.
System components
A generalised media management system will now be described at a high level with reference to Figure 2 in order to illustrate various aspects of the system. Some of the features shown will be described in more detail below, in relation to specific examples.
Turning to Figure 2, a metacore 200 is at the centre of the system, and comprises a metadata store 201 and a media store 202. Media intake, for example from video feeds, agencies, newsgathering teams etc. can be received via an edit matrix 206 which is controlled by a network control system 208. In order to effectively manage the incoming media, it is assigned metadata values which are stored in the metadata store. Media intake can also be received from viewing and editing services 210 and Archive service 212. The metadata values may be imported with the incoming media, may be assigned values by a system operator or may be assigned default values. The associated media is then stored in the media store 202. Users of the system can use viewing and editing services 210 to view and edit media managed by the system, and can search the system by metadata attributes to find relevant media. Once the relevant metadata describing the desired media has been found, the system can retrieve the associated media from the media store (if it exists there) for use by the user. Users can create new media items from existing essence, but with new metadata (which may be derived from existing metadata) to be input into the metacore.
The media store is an online store, and media held within it can be accessed and manipulated directly via devices networked to the metacore. The practical constraints of media storage dictate that only a certain volume of media can be maintained online in this way, and as new media is constantly fed into the system, existing media must be removed. This is particularly true of the media essence, and less so of the metadata. If it is determined that the media is important and cannot simply be deleted, it must be stored offline, or archived. Both the process of selecting material to be archived, and the process of archiving it require considerable resources.
An archive service 212 is therefore linked to the metacore. The archive service is in turn linked to one or more VTRs 214. The archive service identifies media, via its metadata, to be taken from the media store and recorded to tape (offline). The archive service can also act to re-ingest into the (online) media store tape based media.
The metacore, is connected to transmission servers 216. These transmission servers can accept media items which are to be broadcast on transmission system 218.
The system also supports web based output, and the metacore is further linked to a post processor 220 which in turn feeds a web hosting 222. The routing of video, audio, and communication signals between various media systems and facilities, both internal and external, can be referred to in terms of 'Bookings'. A Booking may simply specify a media feed from one location that is to be routed to another location, internal or external to the media management system. Bookings may also include recording of the media being routed. For example, a booking may be made to enable an on-air news presenter to interview someone live at a remote location. Bookings can also be communications only bookings, enabling staff from various locations to communicate via a dedicated communication link. Any tasks that require recording or playout of media can be tracked as a booking.
The process of routing audio video and communication signals between various elements in a media management system, and in particular the ingest of media into the system, will now be described with reference to a specific embodiment of a media management system.
In an exemplary media system according to Figure 2, all media items and media essence contained in the system are either the result of recording from the edit matrix, or from the archive service, or imported from the Editing services. A variety of recording methods are supported by the system, including methods for media sources that must be recorded live from within the news facility, from a tape source, or an Agency feed. All of the media items recorded into the system are assigned metadata. The different types of metadata assigned to media items may vary according to the particular item. This metadata is assigned by the Mediaport or by Mediaport staff. The metadata may be automatically imported from an external source, assigned by the Mediaport, or automatically assigned a default value.
In a preferred embodiment the media core will have the following on-line storage capabilities:
• 500 hours of broadcast quality • 1500 hours of desktop quality (500 hours of current storage & 1000 hours for near-line media)
• 2400 hours of web quality (500 hours of current storage, 1000 for near- line media and 900 hours of archived media)
It is further preferred that there should be near-line storage capabilities for 1000 hours of broadcast quality media.
The majority of editorial work on media will be done using a desktop editor application, running on any ENPS (Electronic News Production Service) capable desktop PC.
Implementation
The implementation details of an exemplary media management system will now be discussed with reference to Figure 3.
The metacore 1702 includes a client side applications group 1704, a media service 1706 including a media store, an applications server 1708 and a metadata store 1710. Client applications are written in C++ and communicate using J2EE (Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition) component level communications (JNI-RMI invocations), J2EE messaging and' queύing, (JMS via Active JMS). Server applications including system management applications could be written in either Java or C++. Media storage, transfer and editing will typically be provided by a third party media system and associated protocol running on a gigabit Ethernet. The components of the metacore all run off a media gigabit Ethernet.
The metacore is linked to the transmissions domain 1712 by a transmission gateway 1714. The transmission gateway will communicate with the Transmission domains using the appropriate MOS protocol. Input feeds are routed through the Spur Central Apparatus Room (SCAR) matrix 1714 to the edit matrix 1716, for ingest into the metacore. The edit matrix features a filter comprising a dual redundant pair of PCs managing, filtering and auditing control requests from the system and transmission domains. Both the SCAR matrix and edit matrix are controlled by Broadcast
Network Control System (BNCS). Routers which are in turn controlled by the metacore using Fabian.
The CBIS will be configured to replicate to the Metadata Core on a regular basis (typically < 1 min). The Metadata Core will then update any application screens reliant on data that has changed.
Considering now client server communication, with reference to Figure 4, system clients will be implemented as Win32 native clients 1802. As such a mechanism must be provided to allow the clients to communicate with the J2EE application server 1804. The client server communications will be facilitated via use of a Java-C++ bridge 1806.
The C++-Java Bridge allows C++ proxy stubs to be generated from Java classes. This allows any C++ client to behave exactly as a standard Java client.
A thin C++ wrapper will be provided (generated) around the required J2EE client API's (Application Program Interface) to allow the client to access components on the application server. The C++-Java Bridge will be used to generate C++ proxy stubs for the EJB (Enterprise Java Bean) remote and home interfaces, thereby, allowing the client to perform interaction with the application server in the same way as any Java client would.
Certain client views are required to receive events from the application server (e.g. notification on booking status changes). These will be sent to the clients in the form of JMS messages via JMS Service 1808 from the application server. The C++-Java Bridge will convert the message into an event and the appropriate action can then be taken by the client application. The client may register interest with any number of event topics. This will allow the client to receive events that represent actions performed by various metacore services. The payload of the message will vary depending on the type of event fired by the service and will include all the information required by the client to perform the required action.
The metacore is linked to the transmissions domain 1712 by a transmission gateway 1714. The transmission gateway will communicate with the
Transmission domains using the appropriate MOS protocol.
Figure 5 illustrates communication between the editing domain 11 and the transmission domain 13 in the media management system. The NCS devices 10, 10', 10" in the editing domain communicate with a router 12 which routes messages between the editing domain 11 and MOS devices 14, 14', 14", 14'" in the transmission domain 13.
The router 12 comprises a MOS router having a single IP address and TCP/IP links to the NCS 10, 10', 10" and the MOS items 14, 14', 14", 14'". Thus each NCS sends messages to a single object (the router) and the router then sends messages to the MOS items 14 using the MOS communication protocol.
The router 12 logs all of the communications through the router between the NCS and MOS items and provides an output giving information regarding the communications.
Figure 6 shows the communication between the editing 121 and transmission 119 domains in more detail. TCP/IP links 100 connect NCS 120 to a MOS router 112. The MOS router 112 is shown as connected by further TCP/IP links to four playout servers 113: video server 115, an autocue 116, a graphic banner generating device 117 and a graphics device 118. A desk 122 provided downstream of the MOS objects provides the possibility of manual control of the data before broadcast, but is optional. Messages are sent from the NCS 120 to the router 112 at a single IP address.
The router includes connection information for all of the relevant MOS devices.
A data storage device 130 is provided which includes media essence for use in the creation of stories for transmission. This data storage device 130 is accessible by the NCS 120, for example for use during the editing and creation of media items and stories, and is also arranged such that data can be loaded from the data storage device 130 into the transmission devices 113. A link between the router 112 and the data storage device 130 allows control of the data in the storage device 130 by the router 112, and in particular allows the router to initiate loading of the data for transmission into the transmission devices as described further below.
The data storage device 130 is shown in Figure 6 as being separate from the editing system 121, but the storage device may be provided as a part of the editing system 121.
The following example describes the sending of a story for transmission using the arrangement shown in Figure 6.
A Journalist creates a story for transmission within NCS 120 (using ENPS). The story includes video elements, graphics and text for an autocue; the journalist creates media attributes relating to the story (for example script, running order and edits required). A running order is created in ENPS from the stories; as stories are finished, they are added to the running order. Note that the stories created contain attributes and not the essence, for example the actual video clip, although such essence can be accessed by the journalist for reference in the creation of the story. The essence is stored in the data storage device 130.
The running order can remain dynamic until it is sent to the transmission domain 119. The sending of the running order may occur once the running order is complete, or can be held in the NCS until a predetermined time before the scheduled transmission time for the stories of the running order, for example one hour before the first item of the running order. Alternatively, the running order can be sent to the router 112 once it is complete and the router may delay sending the information to the transmission domain until a desired time before the scheduled transmission time.
As indicated above, the running order will not normally include any media essence. This essence will be stored in media stores, for example media store 130. This media essence must be transferred to the playout servers 113 before the transmission of the story can occur.
This can occur using various methods; in the following examples, the essence is loaded into the playout servers on a just-in-time basis, so as to minimise the storage burden on the playout servers.
According to a first method, the NCS first sends the running order to the playout servers 113 via the MOS router 112 in advance of the transmission time for the relevant stories. This transfer occurs as soon as the running order has been completed, or may be timed to occur a predetermined time before the transmission time.
Subsequently, at a predetermined time before the transmission time for the story, the NCS 120 sends a command to the media store 130 to load the required essence into the playout servers 113 for the stories of the running order. This command may, for example, be sent half an hour before the transmission time for that portion of the running order.
Alternatively, the playout servers 113 can be adapted to request the loading of the relevant data prior to transmission. Since the running order has already been sent to the playout servers 113, the essence required to transmit the relevant stories is known, and the playout server sends a command to the media store 130 for the required data. In a third alternative, the loading of the data is initiated by the router. The router identifies the essence required by the playout servers 113 in respect of each story to be transmitted. At a predetermined time before the transmission time, a command is sent to the media store 130 to load the required essence into the playout servers 113.
In some cases it is preferred that the router effect the loading of the data into the playout servers. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the master data is always loaded into the playout servers for broadcast, rather than a derivative version, so that resolution is not compromised. It is to be noted that the essence to be transmitted is likely to have been viewed using the NCS by the journalist during the creation of the story, but the data viewed by the journalist is normally a lower resolution version of the data. It is clearly desirable that it is not this low-resolution version which is sent for transmission.
A preferred technique might include more than one of the methods described above. For example, the NCS or router may be programmed to send the commands for loading the required data into the playout servers 113, but as a backup, the playout servers 113 may be programmed to request the loading of the information themselves if they have not received the necessary data within a predetermined time before transmission-is due.
For example, the NCS may be programmed to effect the loading of the required information into the playout servers half an hour before the transmission time. The playout servers are programmed to carry out a check 15 minutes before the transmission time to determined whether all of the necessary information has been loaded and, if not, to request the missing data from the media store 130. This missing data may represent some or all of the data required for a particular transmission.
By using a router to route the messages between the editing and transmission domains, it will be seen that the system is easily extensible, by adding further MOS objects, or NCS. Furthermore, the MOS objects need not all require the same format of communications; the MOS router can provide dynamic filters which can interpret messages between the playout servers and the NCS.
Thus, in preferred examples, the router can provide on-the-fly translation of messages, for example between different versions of MOS and/or between
MOS and other protocols.
In a preferred arrangement, the running order is sent via the router 112 to the playout servers 113. The router 112 monitors the message and notes that it includes a command for the transmission of video data by the video server 115. The router 112 determines from the message the following information:
■ the identity of the data to be transmitted
■ the location of the data to be transmitted (in this case its location in data storage device 130)
■ the media device to transmit the data (in this case the video server)
■ the scheduled transmission time of the data
The router 112 may also determine some or all of the following information: ■ the type of transmission (for example "evening news item")
■ the available storage capacity of the video server
■ the size of the data file
The router 112 uses some or all of this information to determine a transfer time for loading the data to the video server. This transfer time will be before the scheduled transmission time and will be chosen such that the data is available in the video server prior to the transmission time and yet the video server storage devices are not loaded with data before it is required.
At the predetermined transfer time, the router sends a command to the data storage device 130 to load the required information to the video server. Optionally, before the transfer time, the router carries out a check to see whether some or all of the data to be loaded is already present in the video server. If it is, then the loading of the data is adjusted accordingly.
Optionally, at a subsequent time before the scheduled transmission time and after the transfer time, the router carries out a further check of the video server to determine that the required data has been loaded. If it has not, then further steps can be taken to effect loading of the data in time for the transmission.
i In some cases, data may be sent to the transmission system, for example from the editing system through the router. Preferably the router can delay the loading of that data into the transmission system. For example, the router can store the data (for example the data can be sent for storage to the storage device 130) and can determine a transfer time for transferring the data to the transmission system.
Where a change is made to a running order which has already been sent for transmission, the router can identify the change and send commands to effect loading of the new data required to the playout server.
It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.
Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Claims

Claims:
1. A method of managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device and a transmission system, the method comprising: identifying data in the data storage device relating to a transmission by the transmission system; defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; defining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time; and loading data from the data storage device into the transmission system at the determined transfer time.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the data comprises data for transmission.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the transfer time is defined as a set time period before the scheduled transmission time.
4. A method according to any preceding claim, further including the step of determining an estimate of the storage capacity of the transmission system, and defining the transfer time based on the estimated storage capacity.
5. A method according to any preceding claim, including the step of determining whether the necessary data has been loaded into the transmission system, and, if not, initiating loading of the necessary data.
6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmission system initiates the loading of the data.
7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the media management system further comprises a media editing system, and the media editing system initiates the loading of the data to the transmission system.
8. A method according to any preceding claim, including the step of identifying a command for transmission of data, determining data associated with the transmission and determining the transfer time for that data.
; 9. A method of managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a transmission system, the method comprising: producing data for sending to the transmission system, and determining a delay before sending the data to the transmission system based on the scheduled transmission time.
10. A method according to any preceding claim, the media management system comprising an editing system for communication with the transmission system, wherein the method includes routing communications between the editing system and the media devices through a router.
11. A method of managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, wherein the management system further includes a router and the method comprises routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system through the router.
12. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the transmission system comprises a plurality of media devices, the router routing communications between the editing system and the media devices through the router.
13. A method according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the editing system comprises a plurality of editing devices.
14. A method according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the method comprises monitoring the communications routed through the router and outputting information regarding the communications.
15. A method according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the router initiates the loading of the data to the transmission system.
16. A method according to any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the router monitors commands relating to the transmission of data, and determines a transfer time for loading the data to the transmission system on the basis of the scheduled transmission time of the data.
17. A method according to any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the router determines whether data for a scheduled transmission is loaded into the transmission system.
18. A method according to any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the router initiates loading of the data for transmission to the transmission system at a determined transfer time.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the router sends a communication to a data storage device to initiate the loading of the data.
20. A method according to any of claims 10 to 19, wherein the router translates communications from a first format to a second format.
21. A method according to any of claims 10 to 20, wherein the communications between the router and the media devices are according to the MOS communications protocol.
22. Apparatus for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device and a transmission system, the apparatus comprising: means for identifying data in the data storage device relating to a transmission by the transmission system; means for defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; means for defining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time; and means for loading data from the data storage device into the transmission system at the determined transfer time.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the transmission system is adapted to initiate the loading of the data.
24. Apparatus according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the media management system further comprises a media editing system, and the media editing system is adapted to initiate the loading of the data to the transmission system.
25. Apparatus for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a transmission system, the apparatus comprising: means for producing data for sending to the transmission system, and means for determining a delay before sending the data to the transmission system based on the scheduled transmission time.
26. Apparatus to any of claims 22 to 25, the media management system comprising an editing system for communication with the transmission system, and further comprising a router for routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system.
27. Apparatus for managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, and further including a router for routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system.
28. Apparatus according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the transmission system comprises a plurality of media devices, the router being arranged to route communications between the editing system and the media devices.
29. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the editing system comprises a plurality of editing devices.
30. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the apparatus comprises means for monitoring the communications routed through the router and outputting information regarding the communications.
31. A router for use in an apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 29.
32. A router for use in managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, wherein the router is adapted to route communications between the editing system and the transmission system.
33. A router according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the router comprises means for monitoring the communications routed through the router and outputting information regarding the communications.
34. A router according to any of claims 31 to 33, adapted to initiate the loading of the data to the transmission system.
35. A router according to any of claims 31 to 34, adapted to monitor commands relating to the transmission of data, and determine a transfer time for loading the data to the transmission system on the basis of the scheduled transmission time of the data.
36. A router according to any of claims 31 to 35, adapted to determine whether data for a scheduled transmission is loaded into the transmission system.
37. A router according to any of claims 31 to 36, adapted to initiate loading of the data for transmission to the transmission system at a determined transfer time.
38. A router according to claim 37, arranged to send a communication to a data storage device to initiate the loading of the data.
39. A router according to any of claims 31 to 38, adapted to translate communications from a first format to a second format.
40. A computer program or computer program product for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a data storage device and a transmission system, the computer program or computer program product comprising: means for identifying data in the data storage device relating to a transmission by the transmission system; means for defining a scheduled transmission time for the transmission; defining a transfer time based on the scheduled transmission time; and means for loading data from the data storage device into the transmission system at the determined transfer time.
41. A computer program or computer program product for managing data for transmission in a media management system comprising a transmission system, the computer program or computer program product comprising: means for producing data for sending to the transmission system, and means for determining a delay before sending the data to the transmission system based on the scheduled transmission time.
42. A computer program or computer program product for managing data in a media management system comprising an editing system and a transmission system, wherein the management system further includes a router and the computer program or computer program product comprises means for routing communications between the editing system and the transmission system through the router.
43. A computer program or computer program product adapted to carry out a method according to any of claims 1 to 21.
44. Apparatus or method being substantially as herein described having reference to and/or as illustrated by the accompanying figures.
1/5
Figure imgf000036_0001
Figure 1
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