Multimedia Linking via Hub-Target Segmentation

The patent segments both video content and text content into discrete units (video segments and text segments respectively). Each segment is assigned a unique identifier, allowing precise mapping between corresponding segments. This segmentation approach transforms the complex synchronization problem into a manageable task of matching identified segments, directly resolving the contradiction by enabling versatile association while maintaining simple synchronization through identifier matching.

The patent introduces an intermediary data structure (segment identification and association data) that mediates between video segments and text segments. This intermediary layer stores the mapping relationships without requiring complex real-time synchronization mechanisms, thus achieving versatile content association while keeping the synchronization system simple and manageable.

The patent creates a universal hub-target association model where a single video segment (hub) can be associated with multiple text segments (targets), and vice versa. This multi-functional association structure enables representation of complex relationships including one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many mappings. The system also provides navigation capability through hyperlinked references that allow users to jump between associated segments, thus achieving both versatile relationship representation and ease of navigation.

The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where text segments can be nested within video segments and vice versa, with multiple levels of association. This nesting model allows complex relationships to be represented by embedding smaller association units within larger ones, enabling both sophisticated relationship representation and intuitive navigation through the nested hierarchy.