CN101300574A - Apparatus and method for providing and presenting customized channel information - Google Patents

Abstract

Translated fromChinese

本发明揭示用于提供及呈现定制信道信息的设备及方法，其包括接收对应于基本服务的服务属性信息，其中所述基本服务可操作以将呈现的至少一部分提供到装置。所述设备及方法进一步包括定制所述服务属性信息，及将信道信息提供到所述装置。所述信道信息包含所述定制服务属性信息，借此提供信道的定制视图。

The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for providing and presenting customized channel information, comprising receiving service attribute information corresponding to a base service, wherein the base service is operable to present at least a portion of the presentation to a device. The apparatus and method further comprise customizing the service attribute information and providing channel information to the device. The channel information includes the customized service attribute information, thereby providing a customized view of the channel.

Description

Translated fromChinese

提供及呈现定制信道信息的设备及方法Apparatus and method for providing and presenting customized channel information

根据U.S.C§119主张优先权Claim Priority Under U.S.C §119

本专利申请案主张标题为“节目指南中按内容零售商和用于为信道提供的内容的公用信道信息定制”(″CUSTOMIZATION OF COMMON CHANNEL INFORMATION PERCONTENT RETAILER IN A PROGRAM GUIDE，AND FOR THE CONTENT PROVIDEDFOR THE CHANNEL，″)的第60/716,408号临时申请案的优先权。This patent application claims the title "CUSTOMIZATION OF COMMON CHANNEL INFORMATION PERCONTENT RETAILER IN A PROGRAM GUIDE, AND FOR THE CONTENT PROVIDEDFOR THE CHANNEL , ") of provisional application No. 60/716,408 priority.

技术领域technical field

所揭示的实施例大体上涉及内容分配系统的操作，且更确切地说，涉及在媒体分配系统中提供及呈现信道的定制视图的方法及设备。The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the operation of content distribution systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for providing and presenting customized views of channels in media distribution systems.

背景技术Background technique

在媒体分配系统中，媒体节目指南(MPG)可由在分配网络中的内容零售商(CR)提供，所述媒体节目指南(MPG)描述在给定的信道集合上的可用内容或服务的传递调度。举例而言，在分配网络上操作的内容提供商(CP)可提供内容或服务到与网络通信的一个或一个以上CR。所述CR提供包括与内容或服务相关的信息的MPG到装置用户，所述装置用户随后可选择待由装置接收的内容或服务。举例而言，装置用户可选择及/或预订以接收内容或服务，其中包括多媒体内容、片段、节目、脚本、数据、客户服务或任何其它类型的内容或服务。In a media distribution system, a media program guide (MPG) may be provided by a content retailer (CR) in the distribution network, which describes the delivery schedule of content or services available on a given set of channels . For example, a content provider (CP) operating on a distribution network may provide content or services to one or more CRs in communication with the network. The CR provides the MPG including information related to the content or service to the device user, who can then select the content or service to be received by the device. For example, a device user may select and/or subscribe to receive content or services, including multimedia content, clips, programs, scripts, data, customer service, or any other type of content or service.

目前，将呈现内容或服务的信道传递到具有相同内容及描述的多个内容分配器及消费者。为了为零售商特定的行销及品牌化的机会做准备，且为了提供产品分化，需要能够基于特定内容零售商来定制信道及关联补充数据的呈现。Currently, channels presenting content or services are delivered to multiple content distributors and consumers with the same content and description. To prepare for retailer-specific marketing and branding opportunities, and to provide product differentiation, there is a need to be able to customize the presentation of channels and associated supplemental data based on specific content retailers.

发明内容Contents of the invention

所描述实施例提供用于提供及产生定制内容信息的系统、设备、装置、计算机可读媒体、处理器及方法。The described embodiments provide systems, apparatus, devices, computer readable media, processors and methods for providing and generating customized content information.

在一个实施例中，提供内容信息的方法包含接收对应于对于多个基本服务的每一者的基本服务的服务属性信息的定义，其中每一基本服务可操作以提供呈现的至少一部分到装置，且接收定制定义以应用于多个服务属性信息的至少一者。所述方法进一步包含提供多个信道信息到装置，所述多个信道信息的至少一者包含定制定义。在相关实施例中，至少一个处理器经配置以执行以上描述的动作。在另一相关实施例中，驻存于计算机可读媒体中的计算机程序在执行时指导计算机装置执行以上说明的动作。In one embodiment, a method of providing content information includes receiving a definition of service attribute information corresponding to a basic service for each of a plurality of basic services, wherein each basic service is operable to provide at least a portion of a presentation to a device, And receive a custom definition to apply to at least one of a plurality of service attribute information. The method further includes providing a plurality of channel information to the device, at least one of the plurality of channel information including a custom definition. In a related embodiment, at least one processor is configured to perform the actions described above. In another related embodiment, a computer program residing on a computer readable medium, when executed, directs a computer device to perform the actions described above.

在另一实施例中，提供内容信息的设备包含用于接收对应于对于多个基本服务的每一者的基本服务的服务属性信息的定义的装置，其中每一基本服务可操作以提供呈现的至少一部分到装置。所述设备进一步包含用于接收所述多个服务属性信息的至少一者的定制定义的装置。另外，所述设备包含用于提供多个信道信息到装置的装置，所述多个信道信息的至少一者包含定制定义。In another embodiment, an apparatus for providing content information includes means for receiving a definition of service attribute information corresponding to a basic service for each of a plurality of basic services, wherein each basic service is operable to provide a presented at least partly to the device. The apparatus further includes means for receiving a custom definition of at least one of the plurality of service attribute information. Additionally, the apparatus includes means for providing a plurality of channel information to the device, at least one of the plurality of channel information including a custom definition.

在又一实施例中，提供内容信息的设备包含内容服务器，所述内容服务器具有服务属性信息的第一定义及定制属性信息的第二定义，其中所述服务属性信息对应于可操作以提供呈现的至少一部分到装置的基本服务。另外，所述设备包含产生器模块，所述产生器模块可操作以产生及传输具有至少一个定制信道定义的系统信息消息以用于传输到装置，其中所述定制信道定义包含服务属性信息的第一定义的至少一部分与定制属性信息的第二定义的对应部分的预定组合。In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for providing content information includes a content server having a first definition of service attribute information and a second definition of custom attribute information, wherein the service attribute information corresponds to at least a portion of the essential services to the device. Additionally, the apparatus includes a generator module operable to generate and transmit a system information message having at least one custom channel definition for transmission to a device, wherein the custom channel definition includes a first A predetermined combination of at least a portion of one definition with a corresponding portion of a second definition of custom attribute information.

在又一实施例中，呈现内容信息的方法包含接收对应于基本服务的服务属性信息的定义，其中基本服务可操作以提供呈现的至少一部分到装置。所述方法进一步包含接收定制属性信息的定义。另外，所述方法包含基于所定义的定制属性信息与所定义的服务属性信息的预定组合而产生定制信道信息的视图。在相关实施例中，至少一个处理器经配置以执行以上描述的动作。在另一相关实施例中，驻存于计算机可读媒体中的计算机程序在执行时指导计算机装置执行以上说明的动作。In yet another embodiment, a method of presenting content information includes receiving a definition of service attribute information corresponding to a base service, wherein the base service is operable to provide at least a portion of the presentation to a device. The method further includes receiving a definition of custom attribute information. Additionally, the method includes generating a view of the custom channel information based on a predetermined combination of the defined custom attribute information and the defined service attribute information. In a related embodiment, at least one processor is configured to perform the actions described above. In another related embodiment, a computer program residing on a computer readable medium, when executed, directs a computer device to perform the actions described above.

在另一实施例中，无线装置包含用于接收对应于基本服务的服务属性信息的定义的装置，其中所述基本服务可操作以提供呈现的至少一部分到装置。所述无线装置进一步包含用于接收定制属性信息的定义的装置。另外，所述无线装置包含用于基于所定义的定制属性信息与所定义的服务属性信息的预定组合而产生定制信道信息的视图的装置。In another embodiment, a wireless device includes means for receiving a definition of service attribute information corresponding to a base service, wherein the base service is operable to provide at least a portion of a presentation to the device. The wireless device further includes means for receiving a definition of custom attribute information. Additionally, the wireless device includes means for generating a view of the custom channel information based on a predetermined combination of the defined custom attribute information and the defined service attribute information.

在另一实施例中，无线装置包含计算机平台，所述计算机平台具有包含第一定义及第二定义的数据存储库。所述第一定义定义对应于可操作以提供呈现的至少一部分的基本服务的服务属性信息，且所述第二定义定义定制属性信息。另外，所述无线装置包含媒体管理器模块，其位于计算机平台上且可操作以基于所定义的定制属性信息与所定义的服务属性信息的预定组合而起始产生定制信道信息的视图。In another embodiment, a wireless device includes a computer platform having a data store including a first definition and a second definition. The first definition defines service attribute information corresponding to a basic service operable to provide at least a portion of the presentation, and the second definition defines custom attribute information. Additionally, the wireless device includes a media manager module located on the computer platform and operable to initiate generation of a view of the custom channel information based on a predetermined combination of the defined custom attribute information and the defined service attribute information.

附图说明Description of drawings

图1是用于传递定制内容及信道信息的系统的一个实施例的示意图；FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system for delivering customized content and channel information;

图2是由图1的系统输送的系统信息消息的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system information message delivered by the system of Figure 1;

图3是可包含图2的系统信息消息的一部分的媒体呈现指南(MPG)区块记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a Media Presentation Guide (MPG) chunk record that may contain a portion of the system information message of Figure 2;

图4是包括图3的MPG区块的媒体节目指南(MPG)的不同组成部分的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the different components of a media program guide (MPG) including the MPG block of Figure 3;

图5是从图4的组成部分构造的MPG的一个实施例的截屏；Figure 5 is a screenshot of one embodiment of an MPG constructed from the components of Figure 4;

图6是与图3的MPG区块关联的MPG标题记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an MPG header record associated with the MPG block of Figure 3;

图7是与图6的MPG标题记录关联的分级记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a hierarchical record associated with the MPG header record of Figure 6;

图8是与图6的MPG标题记录关联的MPG标题语言特定数据记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an MPG Header Language Specific Data Record associated with the MPG Header Record of Figure 6;

图9是与图6的MPG标题记录关联的实时呈现记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a real-time presentation record associated with the MPG title record of Figure 6;

图10是与图6的MPG标题记录关联的非实时呈现记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a non-real-time presentation record associated with the MPG title record of Figure 6;

图11是与图6的MPG标题记录关联的数据播送呈现记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a datacast presentation record associated with the MPG Title record of Figure 6;

图12是与图3的MPG区块记录关联的接触窗口记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a contact window record associated with the MPG block record of Figure 3;

图13是与图3的MPG区块记录关联的信道定制记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a channel subscription record associated with the MPG block record of Figure 3;

图14是与图13的信道定制记录关联的MPG标题定制记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an MPG Title Subscription Record associated with the Channel Subscription Record of Figure 13;

图15是与图14的MPG标题定制记录关联的数据播送呈现记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a datacast presentation record associated with the MPG title customization record of Figure 14;

图16是与图13的信道定制记录关联的辅助呈现记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an auxiliary presentation record associated with the channel customization record of Figure 13;

图17是与图3的MPG区块记录关联的中断记录的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an interrupt record associated with the MPG block record of Figure 3;

图18是由图1的内容服务器60存储的数据及记录的一个实施例的示意图；FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of data and records stored by thecontent server 60 of FIG. 1;

图19是图1的无线装置的功能组件的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of functional components of the wireless device of Figure 1;

图20是图1的媒体分配系统的功能组件的一个实施例的示意图；Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the functional components of the media distribution system of Figure 1;

图21是用于提供内容信息的方法的一个实施例的流程图；及Figure 21 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for providing content information; and

图22是用于显示内容信息的方法的一个实施例的流程图。Figure 22 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for displaying content information.

具体实施方式Detailed ways

以下具体实施方式描述内容传递系统的一个或一个以上实施例。所述系统尤其良好适用于无线网络环境中，但可用于任何类型的网络环境，其包括(但不限于)通信网络、例如因特网的公共网络、例如虚拟私用网络(VPN)的私用网络、局域网络、广域网络、长途网络或任何其它类型的数据或通信网络。The following detailed description describes one or more embodiments of a content delivery system. The system is particularly well suited for use in a wireless network environment, but can be used in any type of network environment including, but not limited to, communication networks, public networks such as the Internet, private networks such as virtual private networks (VPNs), Local area network, wide area network, long-distance network, or any other type of data or communication network.

参看图1，用于提供定制内容及信道信息的系统10的一个实施例包括媒体分配系统(“MDS”)12，其操作以从多个内容提供商18接收媒体段14，所述媒体段14形成多个基本服务16或共同信道。此外，对于多个基本服务16的每一者，MDS 12包括服务属性信息20或共同信道信息，其定义及描述对应的基本服务。另外，MDS 12从多个内容零售商24的每一者接收定制属性信息22。定制属性信息22包括对于多个基本服务16的每一者的内容零售商特定定义及描述，其在一个实施例中补充或替代对应的服务属性信息20。MDS 12可操作以通过用定制属性信息22替代服务属性信息20而对于每一内容零售商24产生每一基本服务16的定制视图。每一基本服务16的这些定制视图被定义为信道、定制信道或采购项目26，所述信道、定制信道或采购项目26由于定制而是内容零售商特定的且其可供用户使用以用于预订/采购。服务属性信息20与定制属性信息22的组合借此为多个信道26的每一者定义定制信道属性信息28。每一内容零售商24或帐单处理及客户服务提供商(BCS)30可随后将信道26的各种组合分组成层(tier)32，且将层32的各种组合分组成包34以提供(例如在预订基础上)到与给定内容零售商24及/或BCS 30关联的装置，例如无线装置36。1, one embodiment of asystem 10 for providing customized content and channel information includes a media distribution system ("MDS") 12 operative to receivemedia segments 14 from a plurality ofcontent providers 18, themedia segments 14 Multiplebasic services 16 or common channels are formed. Furthermore, for each of the plurality ofbasic services 16, the MDS 12 includesservice attribute information 20 or common channel information, which defines and describes the corresponding basic service. Additionally, the MDS 12 receivescustom attribute information 22 from each of a plurality ofcontent retailers 24.Custom attribute information 22 includes content retailer specific definitions and descriptions for each of the plurality ofbase services 16 , which in one embodiment supplement or replace the correspondingservice attribute information 20 . MDS 12 is operable to generate a customized view of eachbase service 16 for eachcontent retailer 24 by substituting customizedattribute information 22 forservice attribute information 20. These custom views of eachbase service 16 are defined as channels, custom channels or purchasingitems 26 which are content retailer specific due to customization and which are available to users for subscription /purchase. The combination ofservice attribute information 20 andcustom attribute information 22 thereby defines customchannel attribute information 28 for each of plurality ofchannels 26 . Eachcontent retailer 24 or billing processing and customer service provider (BCS) 30 may then group various combinations ofchannels 26 intotiers 32 and various combinations oftiers 32 intopackages 34 to provide (e.g., on a subscription basis) to a device, such as awireless device 36, associated with a givencontent retailer 24 and/orBCS 30.

在一个实施例中，例如，每一内容零售商24及/或BCS 30可以媒体呈现指南(“MPG”)40的形式在预订无线装置36的用户界面38上提供信道26的定制显示。MPG 40包含在多个信道26的每一者上的呈现42的调度，其中每一呈现42包含一个包括一个或一个以上媒体段14的媒体的形式。如以下将较详细地论述的，MPG 40基于与每一呈现42、48、基本服务16、辅助服务50及/或信道26关联的媒体呈现指南标题记录80(图3及6)及信道定制记录84(图3及13)而构造。举例而言，MPG标题记录80及信道定制记录84可为系统信息(SI)消息44的部分，所述系统信息(SI)消息44在流45内经由无线接入网络46从MDS 12发送到无线装置36。流45是在“多路复用”内的逻辑串流，其是对于给定区域的流的集合。每一流45通常用于传递实时呈现的单一媒体组成部分，或含有非实时呈现的文件，或SI消息44。因而，每一MPG 40根据关联内容零售商24及/或BCS 30在每一装置上经定制。In one embodiment, for example, eachcontent retailer 24 and/orBCS 30 may provide a customized display ofchannels 26 on theuser interface 38 of the subscribingwireless device 36 in the form of a media presentation guide (“MPG”) 40.MPG 40 includes a schedule ofpresentations 42 on each of plurality ofchannels 26, where eachpresentation 42 includes a form of media that includes one ormore media segments 14. As will be discussed in more detail below,MPG 40 is based on the Media Presentation Guide Title Record 80 ( FIGS. 84 (Figures 3 and 13) to construct. For example,MPG header record 80 andchannel subscription record 84 may be part of system information (SI)messages 44 that are sent withinflow 45 fromMDS 12 to wireless viawireless access network 46.Device 36.Stream 45 is a logical stream within a "multiplex", which is a collection of streams for a given region. Eachstream 45 is typically used to deliver a single media component for real-time rendering, or contains a file for non-real-time rendering, orSI messages 44 . Thus, eachMPG 40 is customized on each device according to the associatedcontent retailer 24 and/orBCS 30.

在另一实施例中，定制视图包括来自基本服务16的呈现42，其与显示于用户界面38上的来自辅助服务50的辅助呈现48组合。以下将较详细地论述辅助呈现48及辅助服务50，其经提供以定制及增强基本服务。In another embodiment, the custom view includes apresentation 42 from thebase service 16 combined with anauxiliary presentation 48 from theauxiliary service 50 displayed on theuser interface 38 .Auxiliary presentations 48 andauxiliary services 50, which are provided to customize and enhance the base service, will be discussed in greater detail below.

在一个实施例中，服务属性信息20及定制属性信息28主要包含字段或记录(但具有不同值)。举例而言，定制属性信息28可为零售商特定信息，其经利用以由给定零售商给予服务的呈现唯一外观及感觉。举例而言，与信息20及/或28的任一者关联的字段或记录可包括以下至少一者：与给定语言关联的名称及描述；提供比先前提及的描述更多细节的额外描述；关联统一资源指示符(URI)或统一资源定位符(URL)，其引用与服务相关的较多信息的来源；经推荐以接收服务的装置的类型；与所述装置的类型关联的图标；识别或表示服务的图标；开始时间；持续时间；类型(genre)；家长分级(parentalrating)；开头(intro)；结尾(outro)；广告；提醒(barker)；因特网协议数据播送；及与服务关联的任何其它属性或描述符。确切地说，给定基本服务16与一个或一个以上零售商定义的辅助呈现48及/或辅助服务50的组合为每一零售商提供信道相关信息的唯一视图。In one embodiment, service attributeinformation 20 andcustom attribute information 28 mainly contain fields or records (but with different values). For example,custom attribute information 28 may be retailer specific information utilized to give the presentation of a service a unique look and feel by a given retailer. For example, a field or record associated with any of theinformation 20 and/or 28 may include at least one of: a name and a description associated with a given language; an additional description providing more detail than the previously mentioned description ; an associated Uniform Resource Indicator (URI) or Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that references a source of more information related to the service; a type of device recommended to receive the service; an icon associated with the type of device; Icons identifying or representing a service; start time; duration; genre; parental rating; intro; outro; advertisement; reminder (barker); Internet protocol datacasting; and association with the service Any other attributes or descriptors of the . Specifically, the combination of a givenbase service 16 with one or more retailer-definedsecondary presentations 48 and/orsecondary services 50 provides each retailer with a unique view of channel-related information.

因而，系统10包含操作以产生多媒体内容流及经由数据网络输送所述流的输送系统的一个实施例。举例而言，所述输送系统适合用于从内容提供商输送媒体到媒体分配系统以用于广播分配。有利地，系统10使得内容零售商22及/或BCS提供商30能够定制基本服务16从而提供定制信道26、定制媒体呈现指南40及定制呈现42及48到预订装置。Thus,system 10 includes one embodiment of a delivery system operative to generate a stream of multimedia content and deliver the stream over a data network. For example, the delivery system is suitable for delivering media from a content provider to a media distribution system for broadcast distribution. Advantageously,system 10 enablescontent retailer 22 and/orBCS provider 30 to customizebase service 16 to provide customizedchannels 26, customizedmedia presentation guide 40, and customizedpresentations 42 and 48 to subscribing devices.

任何数目的装置可与系统10一起操作以接收及播放/显示内容及内容信息。无线装置36是一种所述装置，且包括例如蜂窝电话、个人数字助理、膝上型计算机及可操作以接收及播放/显示媒体的任何其它无线装置的装置。然而，应注意，在系统10的一个或一个以上实施例中，可利用能够播放/显示媒体的几乎任何数目或类型的有线或无线装置。Any number of devices may operate withsystem 10 to receive and play/display content and content information.Wireless device 36 is one such device and includes devices such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, and any other wireless device operable to receive and play/display media. It should be noted, however, that in one or more embodiments ofsystem 10, virtually any number or type of wired or wireless devices capable of playing/displaying media may be utilized.

在图1中，系统10的组件可各具有若干定义角色，所述若干定义角色允许某些功能与其它功能分离。然而，应注意，在系统10的任何给定实施方案中，任何给定组件或组织可执行多个角色。In FIG. 1, the components ofsystem 10 may each have several defined roles that allow certain functions to be separated from other functions. It should be noted, however, that in any given implementation ofsystem 10, any given component or organization may perform multiple roles.

在一个实施例中，例如，BCS提供商30包含商务实体，所述商务实体代表一个或一个以上内容零售商24向用户提供帐单处理及客户支持服务。系统10中的每一装置(例如无线装置36)例如经由预订协议52与一个BCS提供商30关联。因而，BCS提供商30可供应预订数据54到MDS 12。In one embodiment, for example,BCS provider 30 comprises a business entity that provides billing processing and customer support services to users on behalf of one or morecontent retailers 24 . Each device (eg, wireless device 36 ) insystem 10 is associated with oneBCS provider 30 , eg, viasubscription agreement 52 . Thus,BCS provider 30 may supplysubscription data 54 toMDS 12.

内容零售商24包含商务实体，所述商务实体定义包34且经由一个或一个以上关联BCS提供商30提供包34以用于预订。因此，每一内容零售商24提供包34及关联的经分组数据到MDS 12。此外，例如，每一内容零售商24可经由内容零售协议56与一个或一个以上BCS提供商30关联。Content retailers 24 include business entities that definepackages 34 andoffer packages 34 for subscription via one or more associatedBCS providers 30 . Accordingly, eachcontent retailer 24 provides apackage 34 and associated packetized data to theMDS 12. In addition, eachcontent retailer 24 may be associated with one ormore BCS providers 30 via a contentretail agreement 56, for example.

虽然内容零售商24及BCS提供商30表示为单独实体，但预期其可组合成单一实体。Althoughcontent retailer 24 andBCS provider 30 are shown as separate entities, it is contemplated that they may be combined into a single entity.

内容提供商18可包含商务实体，所述商务实体供应经由基本服务16传递到例如装置36的用户的内容。举例而言，每一内容提供商18供应媒体段14及关联媒体数据到MDS 12。每一媒体段14可包含以下的一者或一者以上：视频、音频、多媒体内容、片段、实时及非实时内容、经组合及/或同时的实时及非实时内容、脚本、节目或任何其它类型的适合内容。此外，例如，每一内容提供商18可经由内容零售协议58与一个或一个以上内容零售商24关联。Content providers 18 may include business entities that supply content delivered viabase service 16 to users ofdevices 36 , for example. For example, eachcontent provider 18supplies media segments 14 and associated media data toMDS 12. Eachmedia segment 14 may comprise one or more of the following: video, audio, multimedia content, segments, real-time and non-real-time content, combined and/or simultaneous real-time and non-real-time content, scripts, programs, or any other type of content. In addition, eachcontent provider 18 may be associated with one or morecontent retailers 24 via a contentretail agreement 58, for example.

MDS 12包含有线及无线网络与关联计算机装置及服务器的任何组合，其操作以分配内容以用于传递到用户。MDS 12可包含最优化广播网络，其经设计及最优化以在多个最优化通信信道上传递高品质内容到所选择装置。此外，例如，MDS 12可包含一个或一个以上内容服务器60，所述内容服务器60存储先前提及的媒体、数据及记录连同逻辑及可执行指令以启用MDS 12的功能性。在一个实施例中，例如，内容服务器60及/或MDS12包括系统信息(SI)消息产生器62，所述系统信息(SI)消息产生器62具有可操作以基于内容服务器60内的数据产生SI消息44的硬件及/或软件(包括存储器、可执行指令及处理器)。举例而言，SI消息产生器62包括用于从MDS 12内的数据编译SI消息44的产生器逻辑，及用于接收所有SI消息相关数据及发送来自MDS 12的SI消息44以用于分配到装置的收发器逻辑。另外，例如，MDS 12可包括具有广播基站(BBS)64的无线接入网络46，所述广播基站(BBS)64提供输送界面以允许MDS 12以内容流的形式传递SI消息44及内容到无线接入网络46以用于广播/多播到例如无线装置36的装置。MDS 12 includes any combination of wired and wireless networks and associated computer devices and servers that operate to distribute content for delivery to users. TheMDS 12 may comprise an optimized broadcast network designed and optimized to deliver high quality content to selected devices over multiple optimized communication channels. Also, for example,MDS 12 may include one ormore content servers 60 that store the previously mentioned media, data, and records along with logic and executable instructions to enable the functionality ofMDS 12. In one embodiment, for example,content server 60 and/orMDS 12 includes a system information (SI)message generator 62 having a function operable to generate SI messages based on data withincontent server 60. Hardware and/or software (including memory, executable instructions, and processor) ofmessage 44 . For example,SI message generator 62 includes generator logic for compilingSI messages 44 from data withinMDS 12, and for receiving all SI message related data and sendingSI messages 44 fromMDS 12 for distribution to The transceiver logic of the device. Additionally, for example, theMDS 12 may include awireless access network 46 with a broadcast base station (BBS) 64 that provides a delivery interface to allow theMDS 12 to deliverSI messages 44 and content to the wireless network in the form of content streams.Network 46 is accessed for broadcast/multicast to devices such aswireless device 36 .

参看图2，SI消息44包含信息的集合，所述信息的集合代表用户启用装置定位服务或预订包，且向用户描述市场信息66、服务信息68及MPG信息70。市场信息66包括描述每一BCS提供商30、内容零售商24、包34、层32及信道26的信息。服务信息68包括关于在系统10中可用的每一基本服务16及辅助服务50的信息。MPG信息70包括关于信道26的内容的信息。Referring to Figure 2, theSI message 44 includes a collection of information representing the user's enablement of a device location service or subscription package, and describesmarket information 66,service information 68, andMPG information 70 to the user.Marketplace information 66 includes information describing eachBCS provider 30 ,content retailer 24 ,package 34 ,tier 32 andchannel 26 .Service information 68 includes information about each of thebasic services 16 andauxiliary services 50 available in thesystem 10 .MPG information 70 includes information about the content ofchannel 26 .

在一个实施例中，参看图2-5，MPG信息70包括MPG区块消息72，所述MPG区块消息72定义在固定时间周期(称为MPG区块持续时间74)中的可用内容。MPG区块持续时间74是可配置参数，其可在输送流中经发信号，且其定义由MPG区块消息72覆盖的时间窗口的大小。关于内容(其跨越在两个连续MPG区块72之间的边界)的信息存在于每一MPG区块72中。每一MPG区块消息72定义：开始时间76，其是由MPG区块覆盖的最早时间且对应于由先前MPG区块覆盖的时间间隔的结尾，及MPG区块的版本78，其识别允许识别MPG区块的属性及元素值的特定集合；在MPG区块持续时间期间展示的所有MPG标题的MPG标题记录80(即，呈现及其相关联媒体呈现指南信息)，其中每一MPG标题记录80完全描述MPG标题的所有可应用属性；在MPG区块持续时间期间下载的用于所有非实时呈现的接触窗口信息82；信道定制记录84，其对于各个信道26(经由其可接入服务16)的相应信道定义对于每一MPG标题的定制调整；及中断信息86，其定义MPG标题待中断的区域。以下将较详细描述MPG区块消息72的这些组成部分的每一者。In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2-5 ,MPG information 70 includesMPG block messages 72 that define what is available for a fixed period of time, referred to as MPG block duration 74 . The MPG chunk duration 74 is a configurable parameter that can be signaled in the transport stream and which defines the size of the time window covered by theMPG chunk message 72 . Information about content that straddles the boundary between two consecutive MPG blocks 72 exists in eachMPG block 72 . EachMPG block message 72 defines: thestart time 76, which is the earliest time covered by the MPG block and corresponds to the end of the time interval covered by the previous MPG block, and theversion 78 of the MPG block, whose identification allows identification A specific set of attributes and element values for an MPG block; an MPG title record 80 (i.e., a presentation and its associated media presentation guide information) for all MPG titles presented during the duration of the MPG block, where eachMPG title record 80 Full description of all applicable attributes of the MPG title; contactwindow information 82 for all non-real-time presentations downloaded during the duration of the MPG chunk;channel customization records 84 for each channel 26 (via which theservice 16 is accessible) The corresponding channel of the defines custom adjustments for each MPG title; and breakinformation 86, which defines the area where the MPG title is to be broken. Each of these components of theMPG chunk message 72 will be described in more detail below.

每一MPG 40从预定数目的MPG区块72构造，所述MPG区块72基于其相应的开始时间76而相对排序。此外，基于与每一信道26关联的信道权重153而指定在每一MPG40内列出的信道26的次序，其中信道权重包含信道属性28中的一者。MPG 40显示每一信道26的名称88及/或图标90，及每一呈现42及/或48的名称92及/或图标94。举例而言，名称88、92及/或图标90、94可与基本服务16关联，或可基于与每一内容零售商24关联的定制属性22而定制。另外，分别与每一信道26及呈现42及/或48关联的图标90、94可指示呈现类型，例如实时、非实时、数据或其某种组合。此外，MPG 40显示与呈现42及/或48关联的开始时间76，且可进一步包括当前日期96以及一个或一个以上功能键98。举例而言，功能键98可包括起始观看突出呈现的“观看”键，及允许用户接入额外信息(例如关于相应服务、信道、呈现、或对服务、呈现、信道或包的预订的信息)的“选项”键。EachMPG 40 is constructed from a predetermined number of MPG blocks 72 that are relatively ordered based on their respective start times 76. Furthermore, the order of thechannels 26 listed within eachMPG 40 is specified based on achannel weight 153 associated with eachchannel 26 , wherein the channel weight includes one of the channel attributes 28 .MPG 40 displays aname 88 and/oricon 90 for eachchannel 26, and aname 92 and/oricon 94 for eachpresentation 42 and/or 48. For example, thenames 88 , 92 and/oricons 90 , 94 may be associated with thebase service 16 or may be customized based on custom attributes 22 associated with eachcontent retailer 24 . Additionally,icons 90, 94 associated with eachchannel 26 andpresentation 42 and/or 48, respectively, may indicate the type of presentation, such as real-time, non-real-time, data, or some combination thereof. Additionally,MPG 40 displays astart time 76 associated withpresentation 42 and/or 48, and may further include thecurrent date 96 and one ormore function keys 98. For example,function keys 98 may include a "Watch" key that initiates viewing of a highlighted presentation and allows the user to access additional information, such as information about the corresponding service, channel, presentation, or subscription to a service, presentation, channel, or package ) "Options" key.

参看图3及6，在一个实施例中，MPG标题记录80包括MPG标题开始时间100及MPG标题持续时间102。MPG标题开始时间100是由MPG标题覆盖的内容呈现可开始的时间。如果服务是实时服务或IP数据播送服务，那么MPG标题开始时间100是内容的有效显示将开始的时间(不包括与MPG标题关联的任何“开头”或介绍性呈现或媒体段)。如果服务是非实时服务，则MPG标题开始时间100是内容的显示可开始的最早时间，所述最早时间可与非实时服务存储到装置存储器的时间一样早(不包括与MPG标题关联的任何“开头”)。如果服务是经组合的实时及非实时服务(称为“每MPG标题”服务)，那么MPG标题开始时间100的重要性是取决于与MPG标题关联的内容的性质，如在前述两句中所定义。Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6 , in one embodiment,MPG header record 80 includes MPGheader start time 100 andMPG header duration 102 . The MPGTitle Start Time 100 is the time at which content presentation covered by the MPG Title can start. If the service is a real-time service or an IP datacasting service, the MPG title starttime 100 is the time at which effective display of the content will begin (excluding any "opening" or introductory presentations or media segments associated with the MPG title). If the service is a non-real-time service, the MPGTitle Start Time 100 is the earliest time at which presentation of the content can start, which can be as early as the time the non-real-time service is stored to device memory (not including any "beginning" associated with the MPG Title "). If the service is a combined real-time and non-real-time service (referred to as a "per MPG title" service), then the importance of the MPG title starttime 100 is dependent on the nature of the content associated with the MPG title, as stated in the preceding two sentences definition.

类似地，MPG标题持续时间102取决于服务的类型。若服务是实时服务或IP数据播送服务，那么添加到MPG标题开始时间100的MPG标题持续时间102是内容的显示将结束的时间(包括与MPG标题关联的任何“结尾”，所述“结尾”是在主要呈现之后的额外呈现)。如果服务是非实时服务，那么添加到MPG标题开始时间100的MPG标题持续时间102是内容的显示可开始的最迟时间(不包括与MPG标题关联的任何“开头”)。如果服务是“每MPG标题服务”，那么MPG标题持续时间102的显著性是取决于与MPG标题关联的内容的性质，如在前述两个句子中所定义。因而，MPG标题持续时间102是关于实时内容及可用内容开始非实时内容的观看时间的实际观看时间，且包含时间的窗口(MPG标题名称经过所述时间窗口而显示在MPG 40上)。Similarly, theMPG header duration 102 depends on the type of service. If the service is a real-time service or an IP datacast service, theMPG Title Duration 102 added to the MPGTitle Start Time 100 is the time at which the presentation of the content will end (including any "end" associated with the MPG Title, which is an additional render after the main render). If the service is a non-real-time service, theMPG Title Duration 102 added to the MPGTitle Start Time 100 is the latest time at which presentation of the content can begin (excluding any "beginning" associated with the MPG Title). If the service is a "per MPG title service", then the significance of theMPG title duration 102 is dependent on the nature of the content associated with the MPG title, as defined in the preceding two sentences. Thus, theMPG title duration 102 is the actual viewing time with respect to the viewing time of the real-time content and the available content begins with the non-real-time content, and includes the window of time over which the MPG title name is displayed on theMPG 40.

在此实施例中，MPG标题记录80可进一步包括服务参考104及类型106。服务参考104包括服务标识，其识别与MPG标题关联的基本服务16。类型106是一属性，其描述由MPG标题提供的内容的语义种类，例如喜剧、纪录片、戏剧、悬疑片等。In this embodiment, theMPG header record 80 may further include aservice reference 104 and atype 106 . Theservice reference 104 includes a service identification, which identifies thebasic service 16 associated with the MPG title.Type 106 is an attribute that describes the semantic category of content provided by the MPG title, such as Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Mystery, and the like.

参看图6及7，MPG标题记录80可进一步包括MPG标题的一个或一个以上分级108。分级108定义MPG标题的家长建议分级值，其可由内容提供商18连同内容一起提供。在一个实施例中，例如，分级108可包括分级区域110及对应的额外分级信息112，例如分级尺度114及分级值116。分级区域110规定应用分级108的地理区域。对于每一分级区域110(其中提供关联基本服务16)，可存在的单独的分级108。分级尺度114识别应用于关联分级区域110的分级系统的一个方面。举例而言，在美国区域分级方案中，分级尺度114可为例如“暴力”、“语言”等的描述。在其它区域中，分级尺度114可表示不同描述。分级值116规定与对应分级尺度114关联的值，且借此帮助量化及比较相对分级。6 and 7, theMPG title record 80 may further include one ormore hierarchies 108 of MPG titles.Rating 108 defines a parental recommendation rating value for an MPG title, which may be provided bycontent provider 18 along with the content. In one embodiment, for example,rating 108 may includerating area 110 and correspondingadditional rating information 112 , such asrating scale 114 andrating value 116 .Rating area 110 specifies the geographic area to whichrating 108 applies. Aseparate rating 108 may exist for eachrating area 110 in which the associatedbase service 16 is provided. Therating scale 114 identifies an aspect of the rating system applied to the associatedrating area 110 . For example, in the United States Regional Rating Scheme, therating scale 114 may be a description such as "violence," "language," and the like. In other areas, thehierarchical scale 114 may represent different descriptions. Therating value 116 specifies the value associated with the correspondingrating scale 114 and thereby helps quantify and compare relative ratings.

参看图6及8，MPG标题记录80可进一步包括一个或一个以上MPG标题语言特定数据记录118。每一MPG标题语言特定数据记录118规定与特定语言124关联的MPG标题的标题名称120及标题描述122。标题名称120是一属性，其规定可显示给用户的MPG标题的名称。类似地，标题描述122是一属性，其规定可显示给用户的MPG标题的描述。此外，每一MPG标题语言特定数据记录118可提供额外描述125且定义一个或一个以上统一资源定位符(URL)记录126(在所述处预订用户可获得关于MPG标题的更多信息)。额外描述125是一属性，其规定与可显示给用户的MPG标题相关的额外描述，所述描述包括关于标题及额外URL(在所述处可找到更多信息)的较多细节。Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8 , theMPG header record 80 may further include one or more MPG header language specific data records 118 . Each MPG title languagespecific data record 118 specifies atitle name 120 and atitle description 122 for an MPG title associated with aspecific language 124 .Title Name 120 is an attribute specifying the name of an MPG title that can be displayed to the user. Similarly,Title Description 122 is an attribute that specifies a description of the MPG title that may be displayed to the user. Furthermore, each MPG title languagespecific data record 118 may provide anadditional description 125 and define one or more Uniform Resource Locator (URL) records 126 where subscribing users can obtain more information about the MPG title.Extra Description 125 is an attribute that specifies an extra description related to the MPG title that can be displayed to the user, the description including more details about the title and an extra URL (where more information can be found).

每一语言124可存在一个或一个以上MPG标题URL记录126且每一URL记录126可规定预订URL 128，所述URL 128可包括URL链接130及与所述URL链接关联的URL描述132。此外，每一URL记录126可包括一个或一个以上装置种类记录134，其指示接入关联URL所需的装置的特定类型。每一装置种类记录134可包括软件种类记录136，其规定适于URL的操作系统环境的类型，例如掌上型计算机的掌上操作系统

(PalmOS

)操作系统。类似地，每一装置种类记录134可包括硬件种类记录138，其规定适于URL的装置的类型，例如个人数字助理(PDA)装置。此外，每一装置种类记录134可包括装置种类图标140，其可包括图形文件或提供对可用为图标的图形文件的接入的图标URL参考142。图标URL参考142识别资源，所述资源为适于给定装置种类134的对应信道26提供图标图像。URL可指向外部参考(例如HTML链接)或内部文件。此外，装置种类图标140可包括x位置参考144及y位置参考146，其是分别规定图标在装置种类134上的水平及垂直位置的不带正负号的整数。There may be one or more MPGtitle URL records 126 perlanguage 124 and eachURL record 126 may specify asubscription URL 128, which may include aURL link 130 and aURL description 132 associated with the URL link. Furthermore, eachURL record 126 may include one or more device category records 134 that indicate the particular type of device required to access the associated URL. Eachdevice category record 134 may include a software category record 136 specifying the type of operating system environment suitable for the URL, such as Palm OS for a palmtop computer

(PalmOS

)operating system. Similarly, eachdevice category record 134 may include a hardware category record 138 specifying the type of device for which the URL is appropriate, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) device. Additionally, eachdevice category record 134 may include adevice category icon 140, which may include a graphic file or anicon URL reference 142 providing access to a graphic file that may be used as an icon.Icon URL reference 142 identifies a resource that provides an icon image for a correspondingchannel 26 appropriate for a givendevice category 134 . URLs can point to external references (such as HTML links) or internal documents. Additionally,device category icons 140 may includex-position reference 144 and y-position reference 146 , which are unsigned integers specifying the horizontal and vertical positions of the icon ondevice category 134 , respectively.

参看图6，MPG标题记录80可进一步包括与MPG标题关联的呈现的描述，例如实时呈现148、非实时呈现150及一个或一个以上数据播送呈现152。Referring to FIG. 6 , theMPG title record 80 may further include descriptions of presentations associated with the MPG title, such as a real-time presentation 148 , a non-real-time presentation 150 , and one or moredatacast presentations 152 .

参看图9，实时呈现148可定义呈现参考154及用于媒体追踪的可选呈现识别信息，例如国际标准音视频编号(ISAN)参考156及内容参考指示符(CRID)参考158中的一者或一者以上。呈现参考154定义使呈现唯一区别于在系统10上的所有其它呈现的呈现指示符。ISAN参考156是国际标准音视频编号(ISAN)，其可包括根160及/或版本162，如联合的国际标准组织-国际电工委员会(ISO-IEC)标准第15706号，“信息和档案-国际标准音视频编号”(Information and documentation--International Standard AudiovisualNumber，ISAN，2002年)中规定的，其以引用方式并入本文中。类似地，CRID参考158是内容参考指示符(CRID)，如请求注释(RFC)第4078号，恩休·奈杰尔(Earnshow，Nigel)；青木繁(Aoki，Shigeru)；艾希里·亚力克斯(Ashley，Alex)；龟山涉(Kameyama，Wateru)的“即时电视内容参考指示符”(The TV-Anytime Content Reference Identifier，2005年)中规定的，其以引用方式并入本文中。9, a real-time presence 148 may define apresence reference 154 and optional presence identification information for media tracking, such as one of an International Standard Audiovisual Number (ISAN)reference 156 and a Content Reference Indicator (CRID)reference 158 or more than one.Presence reference 154 defines a presence indicator that uniquely distinguishes a presence from all other presences onsystem 10 .ISAN reference 156 is an International Standard Audiovisual Number (ISAN), which may includeroot 160 and/orversion 162, as in joint International Standards Organization-International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO-IEC) Standard No. 15706, "Information and Archives - International Standard Audiovisual Number" (Information and documentation--International Standard AudiovisualNumber, ISAN, 2002), which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly,CRID reference 158 is a Content Reference Indicator (CRID), as in Request for Comments (RFC) No. 4078, Earnshow, Nigel; Aoki, Shigeru; Aoki, Ya Alex (Ashley, Alex); Kameyama, Wateru, "The TV-Anytime Content Reference Identifier" (The TV-Anytime Content Reference Identifier, 2005), which is incorporated herein by reference.

参看图10，非实时呈现150可包括：呈现参考154，其识别给定呈现；及呈现持续时间164，其规定观看非实时呈现需要的时间量。非实时呈现是在呈现给用户之前已下载到装置(例如无线装置36)的文件。文件下载的时间在一个或一个以上接触窗口中经由MPG 40预先广告。每一接触窗口表示一个时间框，在所述时间框内，装置可在任何时间起始文件的获取。Referring to FIG. 10, non-real-time presentation 150 may includepresentation reference 154, which identifies a given presentation, andpresentation duration 164, which specifies the amount of time required to view the non-real-time presentation. A non-real-time presentation is a file that has been downloaded to a device (eg, wireless device 36) before being presented to the user. The time of file download is pre-advertised viaMPG 40 in one or more contact windows. Each contact window represents a time frame within which a device can initiate acquisition of a file at any time.

在一个实施例中，例如，内容零售商24及/或BCS提供商30可限制将对呈现的观看限制为规定的呈现窗口，其在MPG 40中规定为恰好针对实时呈现的开始时间(即，MPG标题开始时间100)及持续时间(即，MPG标题持续时间102)。然而，在此情况下，开始及结束时间指示用户可开始观看呈现的最早及最迟时间。与实时呈现不同，观看可在呈现窗口内的任何时间开始。如果呈现的持续时间比呈现窗口短，那么用户可选择在呈现窗口内多次观看呈现。In one embodiment, for example, thecontent retailer 24 and/or theBCS provider 30 may restrict viewing of the presentation to a specified presentation window specified in theMPG 40 to be just for the start time of the real-time presentation (i.e., MPG header start time 100) and duration (ie, MPG header duration 102). In this case, however, the start and end times indicate the earliest and latest times at which the user can start viewing the presentation. Unlike real-time rendering, viewing can begin at any time within the rendering window. If the duration of the presentation is shorter than the presentation window, the user may choose to view the presentation multiple times within the presentation window.

由于这些特性，与呈现的分配及观看相关的活动可在接触窗口及呈现窗口的相应结束之后继续。在接触窗口的结束处起始获取的装置仍可完成文件的获取。为了在此情况允许装置确定下何时获取尝试已失败，MPG 40中的接触窗口的定义也包括接触持续时间属性。为此原因，接触窗口的结束可与呈现的开始时间隔开至少所述接触持续时间的长度。Due to these characteristics, activities related to the assignment and viewing of presentations may continue after the contact window and the corresponding end of the presentation window. A device that initiates an acquisition at the end of the contact window may still complete the acquisition of the file. To allow the device to determine when an acquisition attempt has failed in this case, the definition of the touch window inMPG 40 also includes a touch duration attribute. For this reason, the end of the contact window may be spaced from the start of presentation by at least the length of the contact duration.

类似地，如果用户选择在呈现窗口的结束处观看呈现，则可观看呈现一直到其结束，如由呈现的持续时间所确定的。Similarly, if the user chooses to view the presentation at the end of the presentation window, the presentation may be viewed until its end, as determined by the duration of the presentation.

参看图11，数据播送呈现152定义用于IP数据播送呈现的因特网协议(IP)地址166、IP端口168及一个或一个以上多用途因特网邮件扩展(MIME)类型170。举例而言，IP地址166可为IPv4或IPv6多播地址，且IP端口168可为IPv4或IPv6端口。MIME类型170在呈现中定义在IP多播地址上提供的媒体类型。Referring to FIG. 11, adatacast presentation 152 defines an Internet Protocol (IP) address 166, an IP port 168, and one or more Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) types 170 for the IP datacast presentation. For example, IP address 166 can be an IPv4 or IPv6 multicast address, and IP port 168 can be an IPv4 or IPv6 port. MIME type 170 defines the type of media offered on an IP multicast address in a presentation.

参看图12，接触窗口82表示时间间隔，在所述时间间隔期间正传输非实时呈现或具有非实时内容的辅助呈现。在每一所述呈现之前为用于所述呈现的至少一个接触窗口82。在一个实施例中，例如，接触窗口82包括呈现参考154，所述呈现参考154识别与接触窗口开始时间172、接触窗口结束时间174及接触持续时间176关联的呈现。接触窗口开始时间172是呈现的传输开始的时间。接触窗口结束时间174是装置可开始获取呈现的最迟时间。接触窗口持续时间176可由装置使用以确定下载是否成功。Referring to FIG. 12,contact window 82 represents a time interval during which a non-real-time presentation or an auxiliary presentation with non-real-time content is being transmitted. Each said presentation is preceded by at least onecontact window 82 for said presentation. In one embodiment, for example,contact window 82 includespresentation reference 154 that identifies presentations associated with contactwindow start time 172 , contactwindow end time 174 , andcontact duration 176 . The contactwindow start time 172 is the time at which the presented transmission begins. The contactwindow end time 174 is the latest time at which a device can start acquiring presentations. Thecontact window duration 176 may be used by the device to determine whether the download was successful.

参看图3及13，信道定制记录84对于特定信道26定义一个或一个以上MPG标题定制记录180(如由信道参考178所定义且如由内容零售商24提供)，所述MPG标题定制记录180与由MPG标题表示的基本服务16关联。信道参考178包含用于信道26的信道指示符，所述信道26由信道定制记录84定制。换句话说，信道参考178识别信道记录(存储于内容服务器60内)，所述信道记录识别给定信道的属性，其包括：唯一信道指示符；确定信道记录何时有效的有效时间；确定信道相对于列表中的其它信道的次序的信道权重153(图1)，即其中具有较低权重的信道在具有较高权重的信道之前列出；针对与信道关联的一个或一个以上给定语言提供信道名称、描述及关联URL的信道语言特定数据；基本服务参考，其识别存储于内容服务器60中的基本服务记录，所述基本服务记录提供经定制及呈现为给定信道的给定基本服务的属性；信道特定辅助服务参考，其识别与信道关联的辅助服务50；及信道图标，其可为驻存文件或对于具有图形内容的文件的参考以用于显示于MPG 40上。此外，如果服务是辅助服务50，则信道定制记录84也可为与特定信道26的MPG标题关联的辅助服务50规定可用内容(例如辅助呈现记录182)。Referring to FIGS. 3 and 13 ,channel customization record 84 defines for aparticular channel 26 one or more MPG title customization records 180 (as defined bychannel reference 178 and as provided by content retailer 24 ) that are associated withBasic service 16 associations represented by MPG headers. Thechannel reference 178 contains a channel indicator for thechannel 26 subscribed by thechannel subscription record 84 . In other words,channel reference 178 identifies a channel record (stored within content server 60) that identifies attributes of a given channel, including: a unique channel indicator; a valid time that determines when the channel record is valid; Channel weight 153 ( FIG. 1 ) relative to the order of other channels in the list, i.e., where channels with lower weights are listed before channels with higher weights; provided for one or more given languages associated with the channel channel language-specific data for channel name, description, and associated URL; a base service reference that identifies a base service record stored in thecontent server 60 that provides a given base service customized and presented for a given channel attributes; a channel-specific auxiliary service reference, which identifies theauxiliary service 50 associated with the channel; and a channel icon, which may be a resident file or a reference to a file with graphical content for display on theMPG 40. Additionally, if the service is anauxiliary service 50, thechannel customization record 84 may also specify available content for theauxiliary service 50 associated with the MPG title of the particular channel 26 (eg, auxiliary presentation record 182).

参看图13及14，在一个实施例中，每一MPG标题定制记录180可规定MPG定制元素的列表。当MPG标题由用户经由与相应内容零售商24关联的相应信道26接入时，每一MPG定制元素促使MPG标题语言特定数据118(图6)的元素的一者或一者以上被覆盖。在一个实施例中，每一MPG标题定制记录180包括开始时间184，其是具有等于与MPG标题(由相应MPG标题定制记录180定制)关联的对应MPG标题开始时间100(图6)的值的时间。此外，每一MPG标题定制记录180可包括展示开头指示符186及展示结尾指示符188，其分别指示装置是否将介绍及/或跟随具有开头及/或结尾(以下详细描述，从与相应信道26关联的相应辅助服务50获得)的呈现。13 and 14, in one embodiment, each MPGtitle customization record 180 may specify a list of MPG customization elements. Each MPG customization element causes one or more of the elements of the MPG title language specific data 118 (FIG. 6) to be overridden when the MPG title is accessed by the user via therespective channel 26 associated with therespective content retailer 24. In one embodiment, each MPGtitle customization record 180 includes astart time 184 that has a value equal to the corresponding MPG title start time 100 (FIG. 6) associated with the MPG title (customized by the corresponding MPG title customization record 180). time. In addition, each MPGtitle customization record 180 may include a start-of-show indicator 186 and an end-of-show indicator 188, which respectively indicate whether the device will introduce and/or follow with a start and/or end (described in detail below, from the correspondingchannel 26 The associated correspondingauxiliary service 50 obtains the presentation of).

另外，每一MPG标题定制记录180可包括一个或一个以上MPG语言特定数据记录190及一个或一个以上数据播送呈现记录192。每一MPG语言特定数据记录190可规定与给定语言124关联的MPG标题名称194及MPG标题描述196，且可进一步提供定制额外描述198及定义定制URL记录200(其中用户可获得关于MPG标题的更多信息)，替代与对应MPG标题语言特定数据118(图6)(对于相同语言124)关联的对应名称120、描述122、额外描述125及URL记录126。因而，定制额外描述198可包含定制额外描述及定制URL描述，且定制URL记录200可包括适于呈现给用户的一个或一个以上预订URL 202，所述用户预订了相应信道26。预订URL 202可包括指向内部文件或外部参考的URL 204，以及描述由URL 204接入的资源的对应URL描述206。此外，MPG语言特定数据记录190可进一步包括定制数据种类记录208，其具有替代数据种类记录134(图8)的组成部分的定制组成部分。Additionally, each MPGtitle customization record 180 may include one or more MPG languagespecific data records 190 and one or more datacast presentation records 192 . Each MPG language-specific data record 190 may specify anMPG title name 194 and anMPG title description 196 associated with a givenlanguage 124, and may further provide customadditional descriptions 198 and define custom URL records 200 (where a user may obtain information about an MPG title More Information), replacing thecorresponding Name 120,Description 122,Additional Description 125, andURL records 126 associated with the corresponding MPG title language specific data 118 (FIG. 6) (for the same language 124). Thus, the customadditional description 198 may include a custom additional description and a custom URL description, and thecustom URL record 200 may include one ormore subscription URLs 202 suitable for presentation to a user subscribed to a correspondingchannel 26.Subscription URL 202 may includeURL 204 pointing to an internal document or external reference, and acorresponding URL description 206 describing the resource accessed byURL 204. Additionally, MPG languagespecific data records 190 may further include custom data category records 208 having custom components that replace components of data category records 134 (FIG. 8).

参看图14及15，每一数据播送呈现记录192可规定一个或一个以上数据播送呈现元素，当经由相应信道26接入基本服务时，一个或一个以上数据播送呈现元素替代与相应基本服务16关联的IP数据播送呈现记录152(图6及11)的元素。每一数据播送呈现记录192可定义IP地址210、IP端口212及MIME类型214，每一者为替代在图6及11中先前论述的对应基本版本的定制版本。Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 , eachdatacast presence record 192 may specify one or more datacast presentation elements that are instead associated with the correspondingbasic service 16 when the basic service is accessed via the correspondingchannel 26. The IP Datacast presentation record 152 (FIGS. 6 and 11) elements. Eachdatacast presence record 192 may define anIP address 210, anIP port 212, and aMIME type 214, each of which is a customized version replacing the corresponding base version previously discussed in FIGS. 6 and 11 .

参看图13及16，如果服务是辅助服务50，则信道定制记录84可规定一个或一个以上辅助呈现记录182。每一辅助呈现记录182定义辅助呈现48(例如通过引用呈现标识154)，且可进一步定义呈现持续时间164，其对于相应辅助服务50是当前有效的。此外，每一辅助呈现记录182可包括开头216、结尾218、广告220、提醒222、URL 224及一个或一个以上IP数据播送226中的至少一者。Referring to FIGS. 13 and 16 , if the service is anauxiliary service 50 , thechannel customization record 84 may specify one or more auxiliary presentation records 182 . Eachauxiliary presence record 182 defines an auxiliary presence 48 (eg, by reference to presence identification 154 ), and may further define apresence duration 164 that is currently valid for the correspondingauxiliary service 50 . Additionally, eachauxiliary presentation record 182 may include at least one of a beginning 216, an ending 218, anadvertisement 220, areminder 222, aURL 224, and one ormore IP datacasts 226.

在一个实施例中，开头216包括在与MPG标题关联的内容之前呈现给用户的由辅助呈现182提供的内容。结尾218包括在与MPG标题关联的内容之后呈现给用户的由辅助呈现182提供的内容。广告220包括在与MPG标题关联的内容的呈现期间呈现给用户的由辅助呈现182提供的内容。提醒222包括可呈现给尝试接入给定信道26的MPG标题的用户的由辅助呈现182提供的内容(当用户未经预订所述信道时)。URL 224包括经处理及与和MPG标题关联的内容的呈现同时呈现给用户的由辅助呈现182提供的内容(例如URL信息)。此外，每一IP数据播送226包括经处理及与和MPG标题关联的内容的呈现同时呈现给用户的由辅助呈现182提供的内容。此外，每一IP数据播送226可识别与辅助呈现182关联的IP地址228、端口230及一个或一个以上MIME类型232，每一者如先前描述。In one embodiment,header 216 includes content provided byauxiliary presentation 182 that is presented to the user prior to content associated with the MPG title.Epilogue 218 includes content provided byauxiliary presentation 182 that is presented to the user after the content associated with the MPG title.Advertisement 220 includes content provided byauxiliary presentation 182 that is presented to the user during the presentation of content associated with the MPG title.Reminder 222 includes content provided byauxiliary presentation 182 that may be presented to a user attempting to access an MPG title for a given channel 26 (when the user has not subscribed to that channel).URL 224 includes the content (e.g., URL information) provided byauxiliary presentation 182 that is processed and presented to the user concurrently with the presentation of content associated with the MPG title. In addition, eachIP datacast 226 includes content provided byauxiliary presentation 182 that is processed and presented to the user concurrently with the presentation of the content associated with the MPG title. Furthermore, eachIP datacast 226 may identify anIP address 228,port 230, and one ormore MIME types 232 associated withauxiliary presentation 182, each as previously described.

参看图3及17，MPG区块72可进一步包括对于与MPG区块72中的实时呈现关联的任何或所有MPG标题记录80的一个或一个以上中断记录86。每一中断记录86识别待中断的相应基本服务16，例如通过包括对应于服务的服务标识104。此外，每一中断记录86识别开始时间234，其对应于经由给定中断记录86中断的相应MPG标题记录80的MPG标题开始时间100(图6)。另外，每一中断记录86包括中断位置236，其是关联MPG标题记录80中断的地理位置。在一个实施例中，例如，中断位置236包括一个或一个以上局域分组的基础结构(LOI)指示符238及/或一个或一个以上广域分组的基础结构(WOI)指示符240。每一LOI指示符238识别基础结构的逻辑分组，其经布署以提供在特定局域中具有网络覆盖的MDS 12。每一WOI指示符240识别基础结构的逻辑分组，其经布署以提供在特定广域中具有网络覆盖的MDS 12。“多路复用”定义在给定LOI或WOI中可用的流的集合。Referring to FIGS. 3 and 17 ,MPG block 72 may further include one or more interruptrecords 86 for any or all MPG title records 80 associated with the real-time presentation inMPG block 72 . Eachinterruption record 86 identifies acorresponding base service 16 to be interrupted, for example by including aservice identification 104 corresponding to the service. In addition, eachbreak record 86 identifies astart time 234 that corresponds to the MPG title starttime 100 of the correspondingMPG title record 80 that was broken via the given break record 86 (FIG. 6). Additionally, eachbreak record 86 includes abreak location 236, which is the geographic location at which the associatedMPG title record 80 broke. In one embodiment, for example, breaklocation 236 includes one or more local area packet infrastructure (LOI)indicators 238 and/or one or more wide area packet infrastructure (WOI)indicators 240 . EachLOI indicator 238 identifies a logical grouping of infrastructure that is deployed to provide theMDS 12 with network coverage in a particular local area. EachWOI indicator 240 identifies a logical grouping of infrastructure that is deployed to provide theMDS 12 with network coverage in a particular wide area. A "multiplex" defines the set of streams available in a given LOI or WOI.

参看图18，先前提及的一个或一个以上内容服务器60因此存储以上定义的MPG区块消息记录72作为MPG信息70，连同市场内容零售商信息66及关联记录242、服务信息68及关联记录244、及包括媒体段14及/或呈现42、48的内容246。Referring to Figure 18, the previously mentioned one ormore content servers 60 thus store the above defined MPGblock message record 72 asMPG information 70, along with marketplacecontent retailer information 66 and associatedrecords 242,service information 68 and associatedrecords 244 , andcontent 246 comprisingmedia segment 14 and/orpresentation 42,48.

在一个实施例中，每一市场内容零售商记录242包括：唯一市场内容零售商标识；关于市场内容零售商的基本信息，例如名称；识别与市场内容零售商关联的包的一个或一个以上包记录，其包括包名称、描述及语言、包定价、对于与每一包关联的一个或一个以上层32的参考、包特性，例如，识别包为母包(parent package)、自动预订包、封闭的包或排斥的包、关联BCS提供商30的指示符、与包关联的一个或一个以上关联辅助服务50的标识及与包关联的可用区域的标识，例如一个或一个以上LOI及/或WOI指示符；与市场内容零售商关联的一个或一个以上层记录，其包括层指示符及一个或一个以上信道参考及/或与层关联的辅助服务参考；与市场内容零售商关联的一个或一个以上信道记录，其包括信道指示符、信道权重、信道语言特定数据、识别与信道关联的基本服务的信道基本服务参考、识别与信道关联的一个或一个以上辅助服务的信道辅助服务参考及信道图标；识别与市场内容零售商关联的辅助服务的一个或一个以上辅助服务参考；及定义用于接入与内容零售商关联的EULA的条款的最终用户许可协议(EULA)参考。In one embodiment, each marketplace content retailer record 242 includes: a unique marketplace content retailer identification; basic information about the marketplace content retailer, such as a name; one or more packages identifying packages associated with the marketplace content retailer; Records that include package names, descriptions and languages, package pricing, references to one or more layers 32 associated with each package, package characteristics, e.g., identifying a package as a parent package, automatically subscribing to a package, closing package or excluded package, an indicator of the associated BCS provider 30, an identification of one or more associated ancillary services 50 associated with the package, and an identification of an availability area associated with the package, such as one or more LOIs and/or WOIs indicator; one or more tier records associated with the marketplace content retailer comprising a tier indicator and one or more channel references and/or ancillary service references associated with the tier; one or more tier records associated with the marketplace content retailer The above channel record, which includes channel indicator, channel weight, channel language specific data, channel basic service reference identifying the basic service associated with the channel, channel auxiliary service reference identifying one or more auxiliary services associated with the channel, and a channel icon ; one or more ancillary service references identifying ancillary services associated with the marketplace content retailer; and an end user license agreement (EULA) reference defining the terms for accessing the EULA associated with the content retailer.

此外，在一个实施例中，每一服务记录244包括关于与每一市场内容零售商记录242关联的一个或一个以上基本服务16及/或辅助服务50的信息。举例而言，在一个实施例中，每一基本服务记录可包括以下一者或一者以上：服务指示符；有效时间，其定义记录何时变为有效；服务的公司附属；服务的缩写名称；与服务关联的类型；与服务关联的默认语言；服务类型的标识，例如实时、非实时、每MPG标题、数据播送；定义与服务关联的语言特定属性的一个或一个以上服务语言特定数据记录(即，此是与MPG标题语言特定数据118(图8)等效的服务水平)；与服务关联的能力需求，例如存储器/存储需求；与服务关联的分级；与服务关联的可用区域，例如一个或一个以上LOI及/或WOI区域；与服务关联的一个或一个以上流记录，其定义用于输送服务的组成部分的给定流的属性；及与服务关联的一个或一个以上服务图标。Furthermore, in one embodiment, eachservice record 244 includes information regarding one or moreprimary services 16 and/orancillary services 50 associated with each marketplacecontent retailer record 242 . For example, in one embodiment, each base service record may include one or more of the following: a service indicator; a valid time, which defines when the record becomes valid; the company affiliation of the service; an abbreviated name for the service ; the type associated with the service; the default language associated with the service; the identification of the type of service, e.g. real-time, non-real-time, per MPG title, datacast; one or more service-language-specific data records defining the language-specific attributes associated with the service (i.e., this is the service level equivalent of MPG Header Language Specific Data 118 (FIG. 8)); capacity requirements associated with the service, such as memory/storage requirements; ratings associated with the service; availability areas associated with the service, e.g. One or more LOI and/or WOI regions; one or more flow records associated with the service, which define the properties of a given flow for delivering components of the service; and one or more service icons associated with the service.

因而，参看图1及18，市场内容零售商记录242包含与系统10的每一内容零售商24及/或BCS提供商30的相应包34、层32及信道26关联的数据及信息。服务记录244包含与系统10的相应基本服务16及辅助服务50关联的数据及信息。此外，MPG区块消息记录72包含与特定呈现及服务(与和每一内容零售商24及/或BCS提供商30关联的每一信道26关联)关联的数据及信息。Thus, referring to FIGS. 1 and 18 , the marketplacecontent retailer record 242 includes data and information associated with therespective package 34 ,layer 32 andchannel 26 of eachcontent retailer 24 and/orBCS provider 30 of thesystem 10 . Service records 244 contain data and information associated withrespective base services 16 andauxiliary services 50 ofsystem 10 . Additionally, MPG block message records 72 contain data and information associated with particular presentations and services (associated with eachchannel 26 associated with eachcontent retailer 24 and/or BCS provider 30).

参看图19，在一个实施例中，无线装置36具有用于产生输入到无线装置中的输入机构246，及用于产生用于由无线装置的用户消耗的信息的输出机构248。举例而言，输入机构246可包括例如键或键盘、鼠标、触屏显示器、语音识别模块等的机构。此外，例如，输出机构248可包括可为显示器、音频扬声器、触觉反馈机构等的用户界面38。Referring to FIG. 19, in one embodiment, thewireless device 36 has aninput mechanism 246 for generating input into the wireless device, and anoutput mechanism 248 for generating information for consumption by a user of the wireless device. For example,input mechanisms 246 may include mechanisms such as keys or a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen display, a speech recognition module, and the like. Also, for example,output mechanism 248 may includeuser interface 38 which may be a display, audio speakers, tactile feedback mechanism, or the like.

此外，无线装置36具有计算机平台250，所述计算机平台250可经由无线网络46传输数据，且可接收及执行软件应用程序且显示从MDS 12或连接到无线网络46的另一计算机装置传输的数据。计算机平台250包括数据存储库252，其可包含易失性及非易失性存储器，例如只读及/或随机存取存储器(RAM及ROM)、EPROM、EEPROM、快闪卡或计算机平台常用的任何存储器。此外，数据存储库252可包括一个或一个以上快闪存储器单元，或可为任何二级或三级存储装置，例如磁性媒体、光学媒体、磁带或软盘或硬盘。In addition, thewireless device 36 has acomputer platform 250 that can transmit data via thewireless network 46 and that can receive and execute software applications and display data transmitted from theMDS 12 or another computer device connected to thewireless network 46 .Computer platform 250 includesdata storage 252, which may include volatile and nonvolatile memory, such as read-only and/or random-access memory (RAM and ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, flash cards, or memory cards commonly used in computer platforms. any storage. Additionally,data store 252 may include one or more flash memory units, or may be any secondary or tertiary storage device, such as magnetic media, optical media, magnetic tape, or a floppy or hard disk.

此外，计算机平台250还包括处理引擎254，其可为专用集成电路(“ASIC”)，或其它芯片组、处理器、逻辑电路或其它数据处理装置。处理引擎254或其它处理器(例如ASIC)可执行应用程序编程界面(“APT”)层256，所述应用程序编程界面(“APT”)层256与在无线装置的数据存储库252中的任何驻存程序(例如媒体管理器模块258)建立界面。API 256是在相应无线装置上执行的运行时间环境。一种此运行时间环境是由加利福尼亚州圣地亚哥市的高通(Qualcomm)公司开发的无线二进制运行时间环境

(Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless

BREW

)软件。可利用(例如)操作以控制在无线计算装置上的应用程序的执行的其它运行时间环境。In addition,computer platform 250 also includesprocessing engine 254, which may be an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), or other chipset, processor, logic circuit, or other data processing device. Theprocessing engine 254 or other processor (such as an ASIC) may execute an application programming interface ("APT")layer 256 that communicates with any A resident program (eg, media manager module 258) establishes the interface.API 256 is the runtime environment executing on the corresponding wireless device. One such runtime environment is the Wireless Binary Runtime Environment developed by Qualcomm Incorporated of San Diego, California.

(Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless

BREW

)software. Other runtime environments may be utilized, for example, that operate to control the execution of applications on wireless computing devices.

处理引擎254包括在硬件、固件、软件或其组合中实施的各种处理子系统260，所述子系统260可实现无线装置36的功能性及无线装置在无线接入网络46上的可操作性。举例而言，处理子系统260允许起始及维持通信、交换数据及执行多媒体呈现。在一个实施例中，例如在蜂窝电话中，处理引擎254可包括处理子系统260的一者或组合，例如：声音、非易失性存储器、文件系统、传输、接收、搜索器、层1、层2、层3、主控制、远端程序、听筒、功率管理、诊断、数字信号处理器、声码器、消息传递、呼叫管理器、蓝牙系统、蓝牙LPOS、位置确定、位置引擎、用户界面、睡眠、数据服务、安全性、鉴定、USIM/SIM、语音服务、图形、USB、多媒体(例如MPEG)、GPRS等。对于所揭示的实施例，处理引擎256的处理子系统260可包括与在计算机平台250上执行的应用程序相互作用的任何子系统组件。举例而言，处理子系统260可包括代表媒体管理器模块258从API 256接收数据读取及数据写入的任何子系统组件。Theprocessing engine 254 includesvarious processing subsystems 260 implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof that enable the functionality of thewireless device 36 and the operability of the wireless device over thewireless access network 46 . For example,processing subsystem 260 allows for initiating and maintaining communications, exchanging data, and performing multimedia presentations. In one embodiment, such as in a cellular telephone,processing engine 254 may include one or a combination ofprocessing subsystems 260, such as: voice, non-volatile memory, file system, transmit, receive, searcher, layer 1,Layer 2, Layer 3, Master Control, Remote Program, Handset, Power Management, Diagnostics, Digital Signal Processor, Vocoder, Messaging, Call Manager, Bluetooth System, Bluetooth LPOS, Location Determination, Location Engine, User Interface , Sleep, Data Services, Security, Authentication, USIM/SIM, Voice Services, Graphics, USB, Multimedia (eg MPEG), GPRS, etc. For the disclosed embodiments,processing subsystem 260 ofprocessing engine 256 may include any subsystem component that interacts with an application program executing oncomputer platform 250 . For example,processing subsystem 260 may include any subsystem component that receives data reads and data writes fromAPI 256 on behalf ofmedia manager module 258.

计算机平台250可进一步包括在硬件、固件、软件及其组合中实施的通信模块262，所述通信模块262可实现在无线装置36的不同组件间以及在无线装置36与无线接入网络46之间的通信。举例而言，通信模块262可包括用于与MDS 12及/或无线接入网络46无线通信的收发器模块。Computer platform 250 may further include acommunication module 262 implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof, which may enable communication between various components ofwireless device 36 and betweenwireless device 36 andwireless access network 46 Communication.Communication module 262 may include a transceiver module for wirelessly communicating withMDS 12 and/orwireless access network 46, for example.

媒体管理器模块258操作以管理在无线装置36上的媒体预订、媒体接收及媒体播放/观看活动。媒体管理器模块258可包括任何硬件、软件、固件及/或可操作以管理在无线装置36上的媒体相关活动的其它可执行指令的集合。此外，媒体管理器模块258及/或数据存储库252存储SI消息44及其关联内容信息及用于在用户界面38上观看/播放的内容。在一个实施例中，媒体管理器模块258包括媒体管理逻辑264，所述媒体管理逻辑264提供在无线装置36上接收、存储、提供接入及播放/显示媒体相关信息的能力。举例而言，媒体管理逻辑264操作以剖析SI消息44，且在用户界面38上显示MPG 40及/或提供信道26的视图，包括呈现实时及非实时的内容。类似地，媒体管理逻辑264操作以与内容零售商24及/或BCS提供商30一起管理对包34的预订，且存储关联预订信息51。举例而言，预订信息51可为存储在装置36上的任何信息(例如内容零售商标识、包标识、密钥等)，所述信息与对无线网络的预订或在无线网络上的激活及/或对于多媒体包34的预订相关。此外，媒体管理逻辑264操作以基于相应接触窗口管理与非实时呈现关联的获取及存储(包括存储器管理功能)，以及管理内容的播放/显示。另外，媒体管理逻辑264与通信模块262一起操作以接收及播放实时呈现及数据播送呈现。Themedia manager module 258 operates to manage media subscription, media reception, and media play/viewing activities on thewireless device 36 . Themedia manager module 258 may include any hardware, software, firmware, and/or other set of executable instructions operable to manage media-related activities on thewireless device 36 . In addition,media manager module 258 and/ordata repository 252stores SI messages 44 and their associated content information and content for viewing/playing onuser interface 38 . In one embodiment, themedia manager module 258 includesmedia management logic 264 that provides the capability to receive, store, provide access to, and play/display media-related information on thewireless device 36 . For example, themedia management logic 264 operates to parse theSI message 44 and display theMPG 40 on theuser interface 38 and/or provide a view of thechannel 26, including presenting real-time and non-real-time content. Similarly,media management logic 264 operates to manage subscriptions topackages 34 withcontent retailers 24 and/orBCS providers 30 and to store associatedsubscription information 51 . For example,subscription information 51 may be any information stored on device 36 (e.g., content retailer identification, package identification, keys, etc.) that is related to a subscription to or activation on a wireless network and/or Or for a subscription related to themultimedia package 34 . Additionally, themedia management logic 264 operates to manage retrieval and storage (including memory management functions) associated with non-real-time presentations, as well as to manage playback/display of content based on the corresponding contact window. Additionally, themedia management logic 264 operates with thecommunications module 262 to receive and play real-time and datacast presentations.

举例而言，在一个实施例中，装置36可预订无线接入网络46或在无线接入网络46上激活。通常，装置36在网络46上的激活将装置限制于从一个内容零售商24及/或BCS提供商30接收通信及/或多媒体服务。此外，此激活允许装置36接收广播，其包括SI消息44(图1)，即使装置未预订任何包34。因为经广播，所以在一个实施例中，SI消息44包括由所有内容零售商定义的所有MPG区块记录72。此外，在此情况下，SI消息44及/或其对应流45可包括对于给定节目调度的所有内容，即，所有基本服务及基本服务呈现及所有辅助服务及辅助呈现。在此实例中，在接收SI消息44后，媒体管理器模块258可操作以基于与装置关联的内容零售商及进一步基于由装置预订的包而过滤掉与装置不相关的所有记录及/或内容。以此方式，媒体管理器模块258在装置36上构造MPG40的零售商特定的定制版本，及/或预订菜单，及/或组合呈现42及48的定制产生，且通过只寻址与装置相关的记录及/或内容而最优化在流45中的SI消息44及/或内容的检查。For example, in one embodiment,device 36 may subscribe to or activate onwireless access network 46 . Typically, activation of thedevice 36 on thenetwork 46 limits the device to receiving communication and/or multimedia services from onecontent retailer 24 and/orBCS provider 30 . Furthermore, this activation allowsdevices 36 to receive broadcasts, which include SI messages 44 ( FIG. 1 ), even if the devices do not subscribe to anypackages 34 . Because it is broadcast, in one embodiment theSI message 44 includes all MPG chunk records 72 defined by all content retailers. Also, in this case, theSI message 44 and/or its correspondingstream 45 may include all content for a given programming schedule, ie all basic services and basic service presentations and all supplementary services and supplementary presentations. In this example, upon receipt of theSI message 44, themedia manager module 258 is operable to filter out all recordings and/or content not associated with the device based on the content retailer associated with the device and further based on packages subscribed by the device . In this manner,media manager module 258 constructs a retailer-specific customized version ofMPG 40 ondevice 36, and/or order menus, and/or customized generation of combinedpresentations 42 and 48, and by addressing only the Record and/or content are optimized for inspection ofSI messages 44 and/or content instream 45 .

参看图20，在一个实施例中，MDS 12可包含任何类型的硬件、软件、固件、服务器、个人计算机、小型计算机、大型计算机或任何计算装置(特殊用途或通用计算装置)中的至少一者。此外，可存在与MDS 12关联的独立服务器或计算机装置及/或网络，其共同工作以接收、操纵数据及以可用格式将数据提供到多方，及/或在装置与网络及MDS12之间的数据流中提供单独的控制层。Referring to FIG. 20, in one embodiment,MDS 12 may comprise at least one of any type of hardware, software, firmware, server, personal computer, minicomputer, mainframe computer, or any computing device (special purpose or general purpose computing device) . Additionally, there may be separate servers or computer devices and/or networks associated with theMDS 12 that work together to receive, manipulate, and provide data to multiple parties in a usable format, and/or between the device and the network and the MDS 12 A separate layer of control is provided within the stream.

MDS 12具有用于产生输入到MDS 12中的输入机构266，及用于产生由MDS 12的操作者消耗的信息的输出机构268。举例而言，输入机构266可包括一机构，例如键或键盘、鼠标、触屏显示器、语音识别模块等。此外，例如，输出机构268可为显示器、音频扬声器、触觉反馈机构等。另外，输入机构266可为远端装置(例如远端计算机或工作站)，其可接入MDS 12。在一个实施例中，例如，输入机构266可由操作者利用以输入服务属性20、定制属性28，及用以建立及/或操纵与呈现42、48、信道26、层32及包34关联的信息。TheMDS 12 has aninput mechanism 266 for generating input into theMDS 12, and anoutput mechanism 268 for generating information to be consumed by an operator of theMDS 12. For example, theinput mechanism 266 may include a mechanism such as keys or a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen display, a speech recognition module, and the like. Also, for example, theoutput mechanism 268 can be a display, an audio speaker, a tactile feedback mechanism, or the like. Additionally, theinput mechanism 266 can be a remote device (such as a remote computer or workstation) that can interface with theMDS 12. In one embodiment, for example,input mechanism 266 may be utilized by an operator to enter service attributes 20, custom attributes 28, and to create and/or manipulate information associated withpresentations 42, 48,channels 26, layers 32, and packages 34 .

此外，MDS 12具有一个或多个驻存式或分布式计算机平台270，其可接收及传输数据，且其可接收及执行软件应用程序并显示数据。计算机平台270包括数据存储库272，所述数据存储库272可包含易失性及非易失性存储器，例如只读及/或随机存取存储器(RAM及ROM)、EPROM、EEPROM、快闪卡或为计算机平台所常用的任何存储器。此外，数据存储库272可包括一个或一个以上快闪存储器单元，或可为任何二级或三级存储装置，例如磁性媒体、光学媒体、磁带或软盘或硬盘。在一个实施例中，例如，数据存储库272包括一个或一个以上内容服务器60。In addition,MDS 12 has one or more resident or distributedcomputer platforms 270 that can receive and transmit data, and that can receive and execute software applications and display data.Computer platform 270 includes adata store 272, which may include volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only and/or random-access memory (RAM and ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, flash cards Or any memory commonly used by computer platforms. Additionally,data store 272 may include one or more flash memory units, or may be any secondary or tertiary storage device, such as magnetic media, optical media, magnetic tape, or a floppy or hard disk. In one embodiment,data repository 272 includes one ormore content servers 60, for example.

此外，计算机平台270还包括处理引擎274，所述处理引擎274可为专用集成电路(“ASIC”)，或其它芯片组、处理器、逻辑电路或用于执行可执行指令的其它数据处理装置。In addition,computer platform 270 includesprocessing engine 274, which may be an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), or other chipset, processor, logic circuit, or other data processing device for executing executable instructions.

计算机平台270可进一步包括在硬件、固件、软件及其组合中实施的通信模块276，其可实现在MDS 12的各种组件中以及在MDS 12与无线装置36之间的通信。举例而言，通信模块276包括无线接入网络46。Thecomputer platform 270 may further include acommunication module 276 implemented in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof, which may enable communication among the various components of theMDS 12 and between theMDS 12 and thewireless device 36.Communications module 276 includeswireless access network 46 by way of example.

此外，预订/分配管理器模块278驻存于计算机平台270上，所述预订/分配管理器模块278操作以管理由MDS 12执行的在本文中所描述的所有媒体分配功能。预订/分配管理器模块278可包括任何硬件、软件、固件及/或可操作以管理在MDS 12上的媒体相关活动的其它可执行指令的集合。此外，在一个实施例中，预订/分配管理器模块278包括预订/分配管理逻辑280，所述预订/分配管理逻辑280向MDS 12提供接收、存储、操纵、提供接入及分配内容及内容相关信息的能力。举例而言，预订/分配管理逻辑280操作以接收内容及内容相关信息，以及内容零售商特定信息，例如定制信息、辅助服务、辅助呈现、信道信息、层信息及包信息。此外，预订/分配管理逻辑280可操作以接收、处理及传输预订相关信息，例如预订请求、对应的许可或否决及基于许可的预订请求的数字版权管理。另外，预订/分配管理器模块278可包括如上所述的SI产生器62。Additionally, a reservation/allocation manager module 278 resides on thecomputer platform 270, which operates to manage all media distribution functions performed by theMDS 12 described herein. Subscription/allocation manager module 278 may include any collection of hardware, software, firmware, and/or other executable instructions operable to manage media-related activities onMDS 12. Additionally, in one embodiment, subscription/distribution manager module 278 includes subscription/distribution management logic 280 that providesMDS 12 with the ability to receive, store, manipulate, provide access to and distribute content and content-related capacity for information. For example, subscription/allocation management logic 280 operates to receive content and content-related information, as well as content retailer specific information, such as customization information, ancillary services, auxiliary presentations, channel information, tier information, and package information. Additionally, subscription/assignment management logic 280 is operable to receive, process, and transmit subscription-related information, such as subscription requests, corresponding approvals or denials, and digital rights management of subscription requests based on permissions. Additionally, subscription/allocation manager module 278 may includeSI generator 62 as described above.

在操作中，参看图21，提供内容信息的方法的一个实施例包含接收对应于基本服务的服务属性信息的定义(方框290)。举例而言，在一个实施例中，MDS 12可(例如)从内容提供商18、内容零售商24及/或BCS提供商30接收服务属性信息20。另外，例如，服务属性信息20可在SI消息44的服务信息68(图2)内定义，且如由服务参考104对每一MPG标题记录80(图6)所识别。此外，例如，基本服务可包含基本服务16，其包括由一个或一个以上媒体段14形成的一个或一个以上呈现42，基本服务16可操作以提供呈现的至少一部分到装置。In operation, referring to FIG. 21, one embodiment of a method of providing content information includes receiving a definition of service attribute information corresponding to a base service (block 290). For example, in one embodiment,MDS 12 may receiveservice attribute information 20, eg, fromcontent provider 18,content retailer 24, and/orBCS provider 30. Additionally, for example, service attributeinformation 20 may be defined within service information 68 (FIG. 2) ofSI message 44, and as identified byservice reference 104 for each MPG header record 80 (FIG. 6). Also, for example, a base service may include abase service 16 comprising one ormore presentations 42 formed from one ormore media segments 14, thebase service 16 being operable to provide at least a portion of the presentation to a device.

此外，所述方法包括接收定制定义以应用于服务属性信息(方框292)。举例而言，在一个实施例中，每一内容零售商24提供定制属性22，所述定制属性22在逐个服务的基础上替代服务属性20中的对应属性，借此定义对于每一内容零售商24特别定制的信道26。此外，例如，定制属性22可包括来自辅助服务50的呈现，例如开头、结尾、广告、提醒、URL及数据播送，所述辅助服务50可与基本服务16组合以定义内容零售商特定信道26。另外，例如，定制属性20可在每呈现基础上以及在每信道基础上替代服务属性20。在一个实施例中，例如，定制定义可由信道定制记录84(图3及13)、MPG标题定制记录180(图13及14)及辅助呈现记录182(图13及16)提供。Additionally, the method includes receiving custom definitions to apply to service attribute information (block 292). For example, in one embodiment, eachcontent retailer 24 provides custom attributes 22 that replace corresponding attributes in service attributes 20 on a service-by-service basis, thereby defining 24 special custom-madechannels 26. Also, for example, custom attributes 22 may include presentation fromancillary services 50 , such as intros, outroes, advertisements, reminders, URLs, and data casts, which may be combined withbase services 16 to define content retailer-specific channels 26 . Also, for example, custom attributes 20 may replace service attributes 20 on a per-presentation basis as well as on a per-channel basis. In one embodiment, for example, customization definitions may be provided by channel customization record 84 (FIGS. 3 and 13), MPG title customization record 180 (FIGS. 13 and 14), and auxiliary presentation record 182 (FIGS. 13 and 16).

此外，所述方法包括提供多个信道信息到装置，其中多个信道信息的至少一者包含定制定义(区块294)。举例而言，在一个实施例中，信道信息包含定制服务属性信息。此外，例如，MDS 12可经由无线接入网络46发送SI消息44且发送到无线装置36。SI消息44包括市场内容零售商信息66、服务信息68及MPG信息70，其可由无线装置36利用以产生显示信道26的定制列表的MPG 40及/或用以观看定制内容，例如在相应定制信道26上的呈现42及/或48。换句话说，在此实施例中，SI消息44包括基于关联零售商由装置过滤掉的零售商特定定制定义，借此允许装置呈现零售商特定的定制信息。Additionally, the method includes providing a plurality of channel information to the device, wherein at least one of the plurality of channel information includes a custom definition (block 294). For example, in one embodiment, the channel information includes customized service attribute information. In addition,MDS 12 may sendSI message 44 viawireless access network 46 and towireless device 36, for example. TheSI message 44 includes marketplacecontent retailer information 66,service information 68, andMPG information 70, which may be utilized by thewireless device 36 to generate anMPG 40 that displays a custom listing for achannel 26 and/or to view custom content, e.g., on a correspondingcustom channel Presentation 42 and/or 48 on 26. In other words, in this embodiment, theSI message 44 includes retailer-specific customization definitions that are filtered out by the device based on the associated retailer, thereby allowing the device to present retailer-specific customization information.

参看图22，在另一实施例中，显示内容信息的方法包含接收对应于基本服务的服务属性信息的定义(方框300)。在一个实施例中，例如，无线装置36经由无线接入网络46从MDS 12接收SI消息44。SI消息44包括服务信息68，所述服务信息68包括服务属性20。此外，例如，服务属性20是与基本服务16相关，所述基本服务16包括由一个或一个以上媒体段14形成的一个或一个以上呈现42，基本服务16可操作以提供呈现的至少一部分到装置。另外，例如，服务属性信息20可在SI消息44的服务信息68(图2)内定义，且如由服务参考104对每一MPG标题记录80(图6)所识别。Referring to FIG. 22, in another embodiment, a method of displaying content information includes receiving a definition of service attribute information corresponding to a base service (block 300). In one embodiment,wireless device 36 receivesSI message 44 fromMDS 12 viawireless access network 46, for example.SI message 44 includesservice information 68 including service attributes 20 . Also, for example, theservice attribute 20 is related to abase service 16 comprising one ormore presentations 42 formed from one ormore media segments 14, thebase service 16 being operable to provide at least a portion of the presentation to a device . Additionally, for example, service attributeinformation 20 may be defined within service information 68 (FIG. 2) ofSI message 44, and as identified byservice reference 104 for each MPG header record 80 (FIG. 6).

此外，所述方法包括接收定制属性信息的定义(方框302)。举例而言，在一个实施例中，无线装置36经由无线接入网络46从MDS 12接收SI消息44。SI消息44包括市场内容零售商信息66及MPG信息70，其中一者或两者包括定制属性28。在此情况下，定制属性28反映对应于每一内容零售商24及/或BCS提供商30(经设计以定制相应信道26)的特定信息。此外，例如，定制定义可由信道定制记录84(图3及13)、MPG标题定制记录180(图13及14)及辅助呈现记录182(图13及16)提供。Additionally, the method includes receiving a definition of custom attribute information (block 302). For example, in one embodiment,wireless device 36 receivesSI message 44 fromMDS 12 viawireless access network 46.SI message 44 includes marketplacecontent retailer information 66 andMPG information 70 , one or both of which include custom attributes 28 . In this case, custom attributes 28 reflect specific information for eachcontent retailer 24 and/orBCS provider 30 designed to customize therespective channel 26 . Also, for example, customization definitions may be provided by Channel Customization Record 84 (Figs. 3 and 13), MPG Title Customization Record 180 (Figs. 13 and 14), and Auxiliary Presentation Record 182 (Figs. 13 and 16).

另外，所述方法进一步包括基于定制属性信息与服务属性信息的预定组合产生定制信道信息的视图(方框304)。举例而言，在一个实施例中，无线装置36的媒体管理器模块258对SI消息44进行操作以基于以定制属性28的对应部分替代服务属性20的至少一部分来构造定制信道信息。确切地说，媒体管理器模块258以市场内容零售商信息66及/或MPG信息70替代服务信息68。结果，媒体管理器模块258产生用户界面38，所述用户界面38包括以下至少一者：MPG 40，其提供对于每一内容零售商24特定的定制信道26的有序列表；及，由基本服务16提供的呈现42，其中所述呈现可基于内容零售商特定定制属性28以来自辅助服务50的辅助呈现48补充。In addition, the method further includes generating a view of the customized channel information based on the predetermined combination of the customized attribute information and the service attribute information (block 304). For example, in one embodiment, themedia manager module 258 of thewireless device 36 operates on theSI message 44 to construct custom channel information based on replacing at least a portion of the service attributes 20 with corresponding portions of the custom attributes 28 . Specifically, themedia manager module 258 replaces theservice information 68 with the marketplacecontent retailer information 66 and/or theMPG information 70 . As a result, themedia manager module 258 generates auser interface 38 that includes at least one of: anMPG 40 that provides an ordered list ofcustom channels 26 specific to eachcontent retailer 24; 16 providespresentations 42 that may be supplemented withauxiliary presentations 48 fromauxiliary services 50 based on content retailer specific custom attributes 28 .

因而，所描述的实施例允许多个内容零售商24及/或BCS提供商30的每一者提供基本服务16的定制视图(包括定制媒体呈现指南40及定制呈现42、48)到例如无线装置36的装置，所述装置对于由对应内容零售商24及/或BCS提供商30提供的包34进行预订。Thus, the described embodiments allow each ofmultiple content retailers 24 and/orBCS providers 30 to provide customized views of the base service 16 (including customized media presentation guides 40 and customizedpresentations 42, 48) to, for example, wireless devices. 36 that subscribes topackages 34 offered by correspondingcontent retailers 24 and/orBCS providers 30.

另外，应注意，也可利用包含在MPG区块72(图2)中的信息来构造定制预订菜单，用户可从所述定制预订菜单中检查包信息且预订包。举例而言，与所提供用于预订的包相关的信息可基于与给定内容零售商24的MPG标题记录80(图6)关联的服务参考104(图6)。In addition, it should be noted that the information contained in the MPG block 72 (FIG. 2) can also be utilized to construct a custom ordering menu from which a user can review package information and order a package. For example, information related to packages offered for subscription may be based on service reference 104 ( FIG. 6 ) associated with MPG title record 80 ( FIG. 6 ) for a givencontent retailer 24 .

总之，在本系统中，所有信道属性均可按内容零售商定制。信道可具有可用以在指南中排序服务的呈现的关联权重。此外，权重也可用以确定装置上针对每一服务的存储器管理的优先权。因而，所描述的信道允许以多种语言再定义服务信息，例如服务的名称及描述。另外，URL也可与每一语言关联以允许用户得到关于服务的额外信息。每一信道定义一个基本服务，所述基本服务是其正定制的服务且可包括关于信道是否可由用户从指南中排除的指示符。信道还可具有关联辅助服务，所述关联辅助服务可传递对于内容零售商特定的内容，例如广告、URL、提醒、补充内容等。装置可使用来自辅助服务的数据以补充基本服务信息。实例将提供对于正展示的棒球比赛的统计连同来自基本服务的呈现。辅助服务还可提供：在由基本服务提供的呈现的开始或结束处播放的内容；作为对于未预订信道的促销而播放的内容；及/或对于商品或即将放映的节目的广告。In summary, in this system, all channel attributes are customizable per content retailer. Channels can have associated weights that can be used to rank the presentation of services in the guide. In addition, weights can also be used to determine the priority of memory management for each service on the device. Thus, the described channel allows redefinition of service information, such as the name and description of the service, in multiple languages. Additionally, a URL may also be associated with each language to allow users to obtain additional information about the service. Each channel defines a base service, which is the service it is subscribing to and which may include an indicator as to whether the channel may be excluded from the guide by the user. Channels may also have associated ancillary services that may deliver content specific to the content retailer, such as advertisements, URLs, reminders, supplemental content, and the like. The device can use data from supplementary services to supplement the basic service information. The instance will provide statistics for the baseball game being shown along with the presentation from the base service. Ancillary services may also provide: content played at the beginning or end of presentations provided by the base service; content played as a promotion for unbooked channels; and/or advertisements for merchandise or upcoming programming.

虽然前述揭示内容展示说明性实施例，但应注意，在不背离由权利要求书界定的所描述实施例的范围的情况下，可在本文中进行各种改变及修改。此外，虽然所描述实施例的元件可以单数来描述或主张，但除非明确说明限于单数，否则预期其是复数。While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims. Furthermore, although elements of described embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is expressly stated.

Claims (59)

1. method that is used to provide content information, it comprises:

Receive each definition corresponding to a plurality of Service Properties information of one in a plurality of basic services, wherein each basic service can be operated with at least a portion that will present and be provided to a device;

The customization definition that receives attribute is to be applied at least one of described a plurality of Service Properties information; And

A plurality of channel informations are provided to described device, and at least one of described a plurality of channel informations comprises described customization definition.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein receive described customization definition and further comprise each the related customization definition that receives with a plurality of retailers, described a plurality of retailers can operate being provided to described device corresponding to the described basic service of described customization definition.

3. method according to claim 2, wherein receive described customization definition and further comprise each the customization definition of reception for described a plurality of Service Properties information, described a plurality of Service Properties information can be received by at least one respective retailer of described device from described a plurality of retailers.

4. method according to claim 1 wherein receives described customization definition and further comprises and receive definition, and described definition instructs each at least a portion of described a plurality of Service Properties information to be used for being substituted by the counterpart of a plurality of custom attributes information.

5. method according to claim 1, wherein receive the customization definition and further comprise and receive definition, described definition identification channel icon, channel weight, the described title that presents, the described description that presents, for about the description of the reference of the described extraneous information that presents, described reference for extraneous information, present related classification and insert described at least one customization in the indication of the required type of device of the reference of extraneous information with described.

6. method according to claim 1, the customization definition that wherein receives described Service Properties information comprise and receive definition, and described definition identification presents related customization data broadcasting and presents element with described.

7. method according to claim 1 wherein receives the customization definition and further comprises and receive definition, described definition make corresponding to the described basic service of described customize services attribute information with provide auxiliary present with the assistant service of additional described basic service related.

8. method according to claim 7 wherein receives the customization definition and further comprises in presenting at least one of identification beginning, ending, advertisement, prompting, URL(uniform resource locator) (URL) and data broadcast to replenish described basic service.

9. method according to claim 1, wherein receive the customization definition further comprise identification determine corresponding to described customize services attribute information described present whether comprise the auxiliary designator that presents and with present related described at least one customization of assisting in the sign that presents corresponding to described customize services attribute information described.

10. method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the customization definition further comprises reception and customizes the customization definition of described Service Properties information at each of a plurality of content retailer, in wherein said a plurality of content retailer predetermined one can be operated so that described presenting is provided to described device, and wherein provides the described customized channel information that further comprises corresponding to described predetermined content retailer to be provided to described device.

11. method according to claim 1 wherein provides further to comprise the customization definition that receives based on described and medium are presented guide be provided to described device.

12. method according to claim 1 wherein provides further to comprise the customization definition that receives based on described and customization is presented be provided to described device.

13. method according to claim 1, wherein receive described definition corresponding to the Service Properties information of basic service and further comprise reception, and the customization definition that wherein receives described Service Properties information further comprises reception for described at least one the described customization definition that presents the specific service attribute information that presents at least one the definition that presents the specific service attribute information in a plurality of presenting.

14. a computer program that resides in the computer-readable media, it instructs action below the computer installation execution when carrying out:

Reception is corresponding to each the definition of Service Properties information of basic service of a plurality of basic services, and wherein each basic service can be operated with at least a portion that will present and be provided to a device;

Receive at least one customization definition of described a plurality of Service Properties information; And

A plurality of channel informations are provided to described device, and at least one in described a plurality of channel informations comprises described customization definition.

15. at least a processor, it is configured to carry out following action:

Receive each definition corresponding to a plurality of Service Properties information of one in a plurality of basic services, wherein each basic service can be operated with at least a portion that will present and be provided to a device;

Receive at least one customization definition of described a plurality of Service Properties information; And

A plurality of channel informations are provided to described device, and at least one of described a plurality of channel informations comprises described customization definition.

16. an equipment that is used to provide content information, it comprises:

Be used for receiving each device corresponding to the definition of a plurality of Service Properties information of one of a plurality of basic services, wherein each basic service can be operated with at least a portion that will present and be provided to a device;

Be used to receive at least one the device of customization definition of described a plurality of Service Properties information; And

Be used for a plurality of channel informations are provided to the device of described device, at least one of described a plurality of channel informations comprises described customization definition.

17. an equipment that is used to provide content information, it comprises:

One content server, it has first definition of Service Properties information and second definition of custom attributes information, and wherein said Service Properties information is corresponding to operating the basic service that is provided to device with at least a portion that will present; And

One generator module, its can operate with produce and system information that transmission has at least one customization channel definition being used to be transferred to described device, wherein said customization channel definition comprises the predetermined combinations of at least a portion and described second counterpart that defines of described custom attributes information of described first definition of described Service Properties information.

18. equipment according to claim 17, it further comprises the customization channel definition for each of a plurality of retailers, and described a plurality of retailers can operate being provided to described device corresponding to the described basic service of described customization channel definition.

19. equipment according to claim 17, at least a portion of the described Service Properties information of wherein said customization channel definition definition are substituted by the counterpart of custom attributes information being used for.

20. equipment according to claim 17, wherein said customization channel definition definition for channel icon, channel weight, the described title that presents, the described description that presents, for about the description of the reference of the described extraneous information that presents, described reference for extraneous information, with described present related classification and insert described in the indication of the required type of device of the reference of extraneous information at least one change described Service Properties information with described custom attributes information.

21. equipment according to claim 17, wherein said customization channel definition definition is for presenting related data broadcast and present element and change described Service Properties information with described custom attributes information with described.

22. equipment according to claim 17, the described basic service of wherein said customization channel definition definition with auxiliary related with between the assistant service of additional described basic service of presenting is provided.

23. equipment according to claim 22, wherein said assistant service comprise in presenting at least one of beginning, ending, advertisement, prompting, URL(uniform resource locator) (URL) and data broadcast to replenish described basic service.

24. equipment according to claim 17, wherein said customization channel definition definition is for determining whether described presenting comprises the auxiliary designator that presents and related describedly assist in the sign that presents at least one to change described Service Properties information with described custom attributes information with described presenting.

25. equipment according to claim 17, wherein said customization channel definition definition changes described Service Properties information for each of a plurality of content retailer with described custom attributes information, and being scheduled in wherein said a plurality of content retailer one can be operated to present and described customized channel information is provided to described device described.

26. equipment according to claim 17, wherein said system information comprise that medium present the guide block, described medium present the guide block and present guide based on the medium on the described device of described customization channel definition definition.

27. equipment according to claim 17, wherein said content server can be operated to provide customization to present to described device based on described customization channel definition.

28. equipment according to claim 17, wherein said Service Properties information further comprise in a plurality of presenting at least one present the specific service attribute information, wherein said custom attributes information comprise for described at least one present present the specific customized attribute information, and wherein said customization channel definition definition presents with the described specific customized attribute information that presents for described at least one and changes the described specific service attribute information that presents.

29. a method that is used for rendering content information, it comprises:

Reception is corresponding to the definition of the Service Properties information of basic service, and at least a portion that wherein said basic service can be operated presenting is provided to device;

Receive the definition of custom attributes information; And

Based on the predetermined combinations of described defined custom attributes information and described defined Service Properties information and produce the view of customized channel information.

30. method according to claim 29, wherein receive described defined custom attributes information and further comprise reception for each the definition of custom attributes information among a plurality of retailers, described a plurality of retailers can operate so that described basic service is provided to described device.

31. method according to claim 30, subscription information that receives and subscribe by the relevances that provide among described a plurality of retailers further is provided for it, wherein produce described view and further comprise based on combination described defined Service Properties information and described defined custom attributes information and produce described view, described defined custom attributes information is with related with the related described retailer of described subscription information.

32. method according to claim 30, it further comprises reception corresponding to each the described definition of Service Properties information of described basic service for basic service, and wherein receive described defined custom attributes information and further comprise each the definition of custom attributes information of reception, each of described a plurality of basic services that each of described a plurality of Service Properties information can receive from least one respective retailer of described a plurality of retailers corresponding to described device for described a plurality of Service Properties information.

33. method according to claim 29 wherein produces at least a portion that further comprises with the alternative described defined Service Properties information of counterpart of described defined custom attributes information.

34. method according to claim 29, wherein said defined custom attributes information further comprise channel icon, channel weight, the described title that presents, the described description that presents, for about the description of the reference of the described extraneous information that presents, described reference for extraneous information, present related classification and insert in the indication of the described necessary type of device of reference for extraneous information at least one with described.

35. method according to claim 29 wherein produces further to comprise to produce with described and presents related customization data broadcasting and present.

36. method according to claim 29, wherein produce comprise make described basic service with provide auxiliary present with the assistant service of additional described basic service related.

37. method according to claim 36, it further comprises and presents in presenting at least one of beginning, ending, advertisement, prompting, URL(uniform resource locator) (URL) and data broadcast as replenishing described basic service.

38. method according to claim 29, the described definition that wherein receives custom attributes information further comprises each the definition of custom attributes information of reception for a plurality of content retailer, and the described view that wherein produces customized channel information further comprises at least a portion that substitutes described Service Properties information with one appropriate section of described a plurality of custom attributes information, described a plurality of custom attributes information one corresponding to described one of the described a plurality of content retailer that described corresponding basic service are provided to described device.

39. method according to claim 29, wherein generation further comprises based on described defined custom attributes information generation medium and presents guide.

40. method according to claim 29 wherein produces further to comprise and produces customization based on described defined custom attributes information and present.

41. method according to claim 29, the definition that presents the specific service attribute information of at least one that receives wherein that described definition corresponding to the Service Properties information of basic service comprises further that reception presents for a plurality of, the described definition that wherein receives custom attributes information further comprises reception for described at least one definition that presents the specific customized attribute information that presents, and the described view that wherein produces customized channel information further comprises and uses the described specific customized attribute information that presents that presents for described correspondence to substitute the described specific service attribute information that presents.

42. method according to claim 29, the described view that wherein produces described customization channel further comprises the view of the combination that produces real-time media and non-real time media.

43. a computer program that resides in the computer-readable media, it instructs action below the computer installation execution when carrying out:

Reception is corresponding to the definition of the Service Properties information of basic service, and wherein said basic service can be operated with at least a portion that will present and be provided to a device;

Receive the definition of custom attributes information; And

Based on the predetermined combinations of described defined custom attributes information and described defined Service Properties information and produce the view of customized channel information.

44. at least a processor, it is configured to carry out following action:

Reception is corresponding to the definition of the Service Properties information of basic service, and at least a portion that wherein said basic service can be operated presenting is provided to device;

Receive the definition of custom attributes information; And

Based on the predetermined combinations of described defined custom attributes information and described defined Service Properties information and produce the view of customized channel information.

45. a wireless device, it comprises:

Be used to receive the device corresponding to the definition of the Service Properties information of basic service, wherein said basic service can be operated with at least a portion that will present and be provided to a device;

Be used to receive the device of the definition of custom attributes information; And

Be used for based on the predetermined combinations of described defined custom attributes information and described defined Service Properties information and produce the device of the view of customized channel information.

46. a wireless device, it comprises:

One computer platform, it has the data repository that comprises first definition and second definition, and described first definition defines corresponding to the Service Properties information that can operate with the basic service that at least a portion that presents is provided, the described second definition definition custom attributes information; And

One media handler module, it is on described computer platform and can operate with based on the predetermined combinations of described defined custom attributes information and described defined Service Properties information and the view of initial generation customized channel information.

47. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, wherein define the further custom attributes information that defines for each of a plurality of retailers of described second definition of custom attributes information, described a plurality of retailers can operate so that described basic service is provided to described device.

48. according to the described wireless device of claim 47, wherein said data repository further comprises and the subscription information that the relevance that is provided by described a plurality of retailers' is provided, wherein said media handler module further can be operated with based on combination described defined Service Properties information and described defined custom attributes information and the described view of initial generation, and described defined custom attributes information is with related with the related described retailer of described subscription information.

49. according to the described wireless device of claim 47, wherein described first definition of Service Properties information comprises the Service Properties information for each of a plurality of basic services, and wherein described second definition of custom attributes information further comprises custom attributes information for each of described a plurality of Service Properties information, each of described a plurality of basic services that each of described a plurality of Service Properties information can receive from least one respective retailer of described a plurality of retailers corresponding to described device.

50. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, wherein said predetermined combinations comprises described defined custom attributes information is override on the described defined Service Properties information.

51. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, wherein said defined custom attributes information further comprises channel icon, channel weight, the described title that presents, the described description that presents, for about the description of the reference of the described extraneous information that presents, described reference for extraneous information, present related classification and insert in the indication of the described necessary type of device of reference for extraneous information at least one with described.

52. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, it further comprises user interface, and wherein said media handler module can operate with based on described predetermined combinations and initial view, described view comprises with described and presents related customization data and broadcast and present.

53. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, it further comprises user interface, wherein said defined custom attributes information comprises defined assistant service, and wherein said media handler module can be operated with based on described predetermined combinations and initial view, and described view comprises the described basic service that replenishes with described defined assistant service.

54. according to the described wireless device of claim 53, wherein said defined assistant service comprises in presenting at least one of beginning, ending, advertisement, prompting, URL(uniform resource locator) (URL) and data broadcast as replenishing described basic service.

55. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, wherein said defined custom attributes information further comprises the custom attributes information for each of a plurality of content retailer, and wherein said predetermined combinations comprises at least a portion that substitutes described defined Service Properties information with one appropriate section of described a plurality of defined custom attributes information, described a plurality of defined custom attributes information one corresponding to described one of the described a plurality of content retailer that described corresponding basic service are provided to described device.

56. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, it further comprises user interface, and wherein said media handler module can be operated with based on described defined custom attributes information and initially comprise the view that medium present guide.

57. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, it further comprises user interface, and wherein said media handler module can be operated with based on described defined custom attributes information and the initial view that presents of customization that comprises.

58. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, wherein corresponding to the described defined Service Properties information of described basic service further comprise present for a plurality of at least one present the specific service attribute information, wherein said defined custom attributes information further comprise for described at least one present present the specific customized attribute information, and wherein said predetermined combinations comprises and uses the described specific customized attribute information that presents that presents for described correspondence to substitute the described specific service attribute information that presents.

59. according to the described wireless device of claim 46, wherein said view comprises the combination of real-time media and non-real time media.

Images