Methods and apparatus for merging media content

Abstract

A computerized method and apparatus is disclosed for merging content segments from a number of discrete media content (e.g., audio / video podcasts) in preparation for playback. The method and apparatus obtain metadata corresponding to a plurality of discrete media content. The metadata identifies the content segments and their corresponding timing information, such that the metadata of at least one of the plurality of discrete media content is derived using one or more media processing techniques. A number of the content segments are selected to be merged for playback using the timing information from the metadata. The merged media content can be implemented as a playlist identifying the content segments to be merged for playback. The merged media content can also be generated by extracting the content segments to be merged for playback from each of the media files / streams and then merging the extracted segments into one or more merged media files / streams.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 395,732, filed on Mar. 31, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 736,124, filed on Nov. 9, 2005. The entire teachings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] Aspects of the invention relate to methods and apparatus for generating and using enhanced metadata in search-driven applications. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] As the World Wide Web has emerged as a major research tool across all fields of study, the concept of metadata has become a crucial topic. Metadata, which can be broadly defined as “data about data,” refers to the searchable definitions used to locate information. This issue is particularly relevant to searches on the Web, where metatags may determine the ease with which a particular Web site is located by searchers. Metadata that are embedded with content is called embedde...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] According to one aspect, the invention features an automated method and apparatus for generating metadata enhanced for audio, video or both (“audio / video”) search-driven applications. The apparatus includes a media indexer that obtains a media file or stream (“media file / stream”), applies one or more automated media processing techniques to the media file / stream, combines the results of the media processing into metadata enhanced for audio / video search, and stores the enhanced metadata in a searchable index or other data repository. The media file / stream can be an audio / video podcast, for example. By generating or otherwise obtaining such enhanced metadata that identifies content segments and corresponding timing information from the underlying media content, a number of audio / video search-driven applications can be implemented as described herein. The term “media” as referred to herein includes audio, video or both.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, even if the podcast or other media file / stream contained the desired content, the user would have to expend unnecessary effort in “fishing” for the desired content in each podcast.

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