Abstract: The invention concerns a device for multimedia data retrieval. The multimedia data is associated with an active component. The device for multimedia retrieval being characterized in that, depending on an external event, some of the active components trigger an action that make the user aware of the multimedia data associated with said active components.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for multimedia data retrieval. The multimedia data is associated with an active component. The device for multimedia retrieval being characterized in that, depending on an external event, some of the active components trigger an action that make the user aware of the multimedia data associated with said active components.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for multimedia data retrieval, said multimedia data being associated with an active component, said device being characterized in that, depending on an external event, some of the active components trigger an action that make the user aware of the multimedia data associated with said active components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sending device able to send packets in a network comprising at least two stations, the said device comprising means for extracting image pips on the basis of a synchronization signal, initializing an image counter on the basis of the image pips, initializing a counter every “m” zero-crossings of the image counter, the counter being regulated by a clock produced by the image counter, sampling the counter every period Tsmp, where Tsmp emanates from a time base synchronized on all the stations of the said network; and sending packets containing the samples of the counter in the network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for recording multimedia data received in programme form. The device comprises temporary storage device designed to continuously record the multimedia data received in programme form and permanent storage device, capable of selectively transferring programmes from the temporary storage device to the permanent storage device.

Abstract: A method for creating a menu for audio content, e.g. music tracks, uses means for classifying the audio content into clusters of similar tracks, the similarity referring to physical, perceptual and psychological features of the tracks. The method comprises a means for automatic representative selection for clusters, and a means for generating thumbnail representations of audio tracks. Said audio thumbnails are associated to the menu. Advantageously, no graphical or textual display is required for navigation, since the user may listen to an audio thumbnail and then enter a command, e.g. by pressing an appropriate button, for either listening to the related track or a similar track belonging to the same cluster, or listening to another type of music by selecting another thumbnail representing another cluster.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for navigation within a set of audiovisual documents in an audiovisual apparatus. At least one document is recorded previously in the apparatus. Next, the apparatus receives a command of association of at least one identifier with the recorded document. Finally, the apparatus receives navigation commands for navigating around the list of recorded documents, the identifier or identifiers associated with the document is automatically reproduced when this document is selected. The invention also relates to an apparatus able to execute a software navigation module for using the process. According to improvements, the identifier is a video sequence, an audio sequence, a text or a still image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sending device able to send packets in a network comprising at least two stations, the said device comprising means for extracting image pips on the basis of a synchronization signal, initializing an image counter on the basis of the image pips, initializing a counter every “m” zero-crossings of the image counter, the counter being regulated by a clock produced by the image counter, sampling the counter every period Tsmp, where Tsmp emanates from a time base synchronized on all the stations of the said network; and sending packets containing the samples of the counter in the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of navigation within a collection of sound documents accessible from a receiver furnished with a display device. The method comprises a first step of analysis of the documents so as to determine audio parameters termed <<low level>> specific to each document. Then, graphics identifiers of part at least of the sound documents are positioned within a graphics page, the arrangement of the graphics identifiers being dependent on the previously calculated parameters. Finally, the method comprises a step of automatic navigation by reproducing successively the sound documents according to a determined strategy taking into account the position of the identifiers of the documents in the graphics page. The invention also relates to a device able to execute a software navigation module for the reproduction of the sound documents according to a determined strategy and according to the position of the representations of the documents in a graphics page.

Abstract: A method of reproduction by a reproduction apparatus for reproducing audio documents forming part of a set of documents. The method includes a prior step of partitioning of the documents of the set into groups of documents whose audio parameters exhibit a similitude, making it possible to determine at least one document representing each group by taking into account its audio parameters. Then, an identifier of a document representing the group is reproduced graphically and/or in a sound manner. In this way, the user can take note of the type of music involved and can select this group by virtue of the graphical identifier. A command may be activated making it possible to go from one group to another; a group may be selected and reproduce the documents of this group. The invention also relates to a reproduction apparatus furnished with a user interface allowing reproduction.

Abstract: A communication network performs a method of managing recordings. The communication network comprises a plurality of audiovisual terminals furnished with recording means. The method comprises determining the most adapted terminal among the plurality for recording a specific document. Values of fit are calculated from attributes associated with the document and attributes associated with each terminal. The terminal whose value of fit is the greatest is selected and used for recording this document. The morality of the document and the maximum level of morality accessible from the terminal being compared in order to barre the recording of the document in a terminal if the morality level of this document is higher than the morality level of this terminal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for multimedia data retrieval, said multimedia data being associated with an active component, said device being characterized in that, depending on an external event, some of the active components trigger an action that make the user aware of the multimedia data associated with said active components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for recording multimedia data received in programme form. The device comprises temporary storage means designed to continuously record the multimedia data received in programme form and permanent storage means, comprising means of selectively transferring programmes from the temporary storage means to the permanent storage means. According to the invention, the device comprises: segmentation means for segmenting the received programmes into units, means of selectively transferring one or more units from the temporary storage means to the permanent storage means.

Abstract: A method for creating a menu for audio content, e.g. music tracks, uses means for classifying the audio content into clusters of similar tracks, the similarity referring to physical, perceptual and psychological features of the tracks. The method comprises a means for automatic representative selection for clusters, and a means for generating thumbnail representations of audio tracks. Said audio thumbnails are associated to the menu. Advantageously, no graphical or textual display is required for navigation, since the user may listen to an audio thumbnail and then enter a command, e.g. by pressing an appropriate button, for either listening to the related track or a similar track belonging to the same cluster, or listening to another type of music by selecting another thumbnail representing another cluster.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for access to multimedia elements stored by means of digital data, an image being associated with each element so as to control access to the latter. In accordance with the invention, such a process is characterized in that, when one wishes to access one of these elements, a first group of images associated with first elements is displayed, and means for displaying a second group of images associated with second elements, which group is distinct from the first group of images, is associated with at least one of these displayed images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of navigation within a collection of sound documents accessible from a receiver furnished with a display device. The method comprises a first step of analysis of the documents so as to determine audio parameters termed <<low level>> specific to each document. Then, graphics identifiers of part at least of the sound documents are positioned within a graphics page, the arrangement of the graphics identifiers being dependent on the previously calculated parameters. Finally, the method comprises a step of automatic navigation by reproducing successively the sound documents according to a determined strategy taking into account the position of the identifiers of the documents in the graphics page. The invention also relates to a device able to execute a software navigation module for the reproduction of the sound documents according to a determined strategy and according to the position of the representations of the documents in a graphics page.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reproduction by a reproduction apparatus for reproducing audio documents forming part of a set of documents. The method comprises a prior step of partitioning of the documents of the set into groups of documents whose audio parameters exhibit a similitude, making it possible to determine at least one document representing each group by taking into account its audio parameters. Then, an identifier of a document representing the group is reproduced graphically and/or in a sound manner. In this way, the user can take note of the type of music involved and can select this group by virtue of the graphical identifier. He can activate a command making it possible to go from one group to another, he can also select a group and reproduce the documents of this group. The invention also relates to a reproduction apparatus furnished with a user interface allowing reproduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling recording within a communication network. The communication network comprises audiovisual terminals provided with means for recording audio or audiovisual documents. The method comprises the following steps:—a) calculation of a value representing the compatibility of recording between the document and a terminal, b) reiteration of step a), calculating a compatibility value for each terminal selection of the device with the greatest compatibility value for recording the document. According to a refinement of the invention the calculation of the compatibility value takes account of attributes associated with the terminal and associated with the document.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for navigation within a set of audiovisual documents in an audiovisual apparatus. At least one document is recorded previously in the apparatus. Next, the apparatus receives a command of association of at least one identifier with the recorded document. Finally, the apparatus receives navigation commands for navigating around the list of recorded documents, the identifier or identifiers associated with the document is automatically reproduced when this document is selected. The invention also relates to an apparatus able to execute a software navigation module for using the process. According to improvements, the identifier is a video sequence, an audio sequence, a text or a still image.

Abstract: The navigation within a set of multimedia documents is possible with the aid of a user interface: the navigator. A current document is firstly activated. Next, a descriptive data item indicative of this document is demarcated. When the user activates this descriptive data item, the navigator displays a new document. This new document possesses in common at least the same descriptive data item as that activated by the user. The invention also relates to a device able to execute a software navigation module, the said module making it possible to determine a document comprising at least the descriptive data item activated by the user. The invention also relates to a graphical interface making it possible to view multimedia documents.