WO2001017253A1

WO2001017253A1 - Communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2001017253A1
Application number: PCT/AU2000/001021
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil Anthony Dicker; Stuart Simson; Grant Boydell; Laurence Peter Wade
Original assignee: Ericsson Australia Pty Ltd.; Simson Media Pty Ltd.
Priority date: 1999-08-30
Filing date: 2000-08-29
Publication date: 2001-03-08
Also published as: AUPQ253499A0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a broadband communication system. In one form, the present invention relates to the management and delivery of information, such as broadband content. The present invention provides a system of enabling broadband content to a user, the system including login means for establishing user details, search means for executing a search as specified by the user of a content catalogue, the content catalogue having a reference relating to the content, and access means enabling access for the user to authorised content. Preferably, the system also includes output means providing to the user an indication of the result of the search.

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a broadband communication system. In one form, the present invention relates to the management and delivery of information, such as broadband content. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Increasingly, business is using multimedia for communication with staff, customers, the investment community and media.

Up to now, invariably this communication, at least as far as broadband content is concerned, has been distributed in a physical way with the production of video cassette tapes, audio tapes and/or computer based media such as power point presentations.

This type of physical distribution may appear to be suitable for small or medium size companies. Then, again, if the company is relatively small, it is considered far more cost and time effective to provide delivery of the broadband subject matter, particularly multimedia subject matter, by way of a meeting with those concerned. It is often considered somewhat inappropriate for a small company to incur the time and expense of producing video cassette tapes with multimedia content. Physical distribution of broadband information has become a real problem of enormous complexity for relatively large companies, such as multinational corporations who have hundreds or even thousands of staff. Not only is there a significant problem in disseminating broadband information to such a large number of people, but there are also issues of time zones, and staff logistics, such as people on holidays, sick leave, etc. For these reasons, and in order to accommodate a number of people at different sites, video cassettes, for example, are currently produced and mailed to recipients who then need to make arrangements to play the cassettes at a suitable time. Again issues of coordinating perhaps smaller groups of staff still present problems. When all of this is taken into account, physical distribution of broadband information is considered to be problematic and not cost effective in business terms. Other forms of communication have been tested, such as digital distribution in the form of cable, satellite and corporate Intranets. With these forms of communication, too, time zones and staff logistics pose a significant problem in the dissemination of information. This, to some extent, facilitates distribution of information to a relatively large number of people, but it is considered to still have a number of problems. For example, the length of video available is relatively limited, in the order 1 to 30 minutes. The Internet has relatively unrestricted access available to people within a company, and thus the distribution of internally confidential material to only a select few people would not be considered suitable by this medium because of the problems associated with restricting the Internet access, and thus maintaining the confidentiality of the information.

Overall, it is considered that the prior art broadband information distribution, when related to Internet communications, takes essentially two forms, a 'push' system and a 'pull' system.

In the 'push' system the content is sent to the user without request, such as email. The information is pushed to recipients irrespective of whether they want to view the information or not. The number of unwanted or unnecessary emails that cross a recipient's desk each day is understood to be a constant source of irritation because of the time spent (wasted) in vetting or discarding unwanted material. Emails also have significant restrictions on the volume of information disseminated.

In a 'pull' system, content is requested by the user and then sent to the user. This is, in general how much of the 'web' works. People select a page by clicking a link. This sends a request to the server and the server sends the page back to the user. In essence, a user requests or pulls information. A 'pull' system is by its very nature is not considered a broadcast system because a recipient must request what they want to see. Thus, the recipient will not necessarily knowing what other information is available for them to see or receive. A further problem associated with prior art systems is that there is no management of to whom content is delivered. An object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a broadband content communication system which has the dissemination qualities of a 'push' system and the request qualities of the 'pull' system, whilst imposing a form of management control over the information dissemination. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of enabling broadband content access to a user, the method including establishing user details, executing a search as specified by the user of a content catalogue, the content catalogue having a reference relating to the content, and enabling access for the user to authorised content in response to the search result.

Preferably, the invention also facilitates "feedback" or communicational information with the user in a precise way.

Preferably, the content access is provided to the user together with an indication of the result of the search.

Preferably, the content catalogue is created by way of a file crawl function. The file crawl function may establish a correlation between a user or group of users having authority to access the content and the reference relating to content. Preferably, upon entering content, security is set on each content and or its component parts.

The present invention also provides a method of creating a content catalogue in a broadband content communication system, the method including the steps of registering the content in the communication system, executing a file crawl function, and storing the results of the file crawl function.

The present invention further provides a system of enabling broadband content to a user, the system including login means for establishing user details, search means for executing a search as specified by the user of a content catalogue, the content catalogue having a reference relating to the content, and access means enabling access for the user to authorised content. Preferably, the system also includes output means providing to the user an indication of the result of the search. Still further, the present invention provides a content catalogue in a broadband content communication system, the catalogue including storage means adapted to store metadata resolved via a file crawl function, security information also resolved via a file crawl function, and content location for identifying content.

Preferably, the metadata includes a reference to the content, such as title or abstract summary, the security information is related to a user or group of users, and / or the content is located remote from the communication system. The claims outline other features of the present invention. Preferably, the invention (s) disclosed above are provided in conjunction with web access and content delivery to web.

The present invention is based on realising that creation of a search catalogue when combined with user security information can enable a correlation to be established between broadband content and its user. In particular it is NT security that provides user grouping and access information, and site server, via its file crawl functionality, that enables a search catalogue to be complied. It has been realised that having the user grouping and search catalogue, can enable a correlation to be established between user and content to be viewed. NT security and site server are Microsoft products, the inventions, nonetheless, may be performed via software of equivalent functionality.

In practice, the present invention implements security with login users who can be part of various "groups", similar to NT security. While registering content, the registering user must choose which groups have access to view this content. When the content is registered, NT security is set using ASP and a File Access DLL (or similar functioning DLL) to match the groups who should be able to view this content. Finally the Site Server Search Catalog is rebuilt using a "file crawl". When a file crawl is performed on an NT file system (NTFS), the documents access control lists are stored. When content is searched, the access is established and / or documents returned will be only those available (matched) to the current user or group.

The present specification refers to 'content', and this includes one or any number of data, voice, video and / or any form of electronically transmissible information. The invention relates particularly to broadband content, such as relatively large bandwidth content.

In other words, the present invention in one form, is an end-to-end system for the management and distribution of multimedia content via the Internet or corporate Intranet. The complete service offering includes technical consultation, content capture and digitisation services, markup and publishing, management of users and groups, distribution of content, billing and reporting tools. A key component of the MMH offering is the content lifecycle process. PREFERRED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A illustrates an overall process flow related to the present invention;

Figure 1 B illustrates in schematic form, a flowchart representing a method of the present invention used to create a content catalogue,

Figure 2 illustrates in schematic form, a flowchart representing a method of the present invention used in enabling user access to content,

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate example implementations of the present invention, Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the present invention,

Figure 6 illustrates an example of a home page in accordance with the present invention, and

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate example content delivery pages in accordance with the present invention. Figure 8 illustrates schematically, another hardware implementation.

For ease of reference, the embodiment of the present invention is referred to as 'MultiMedia Hotel', or 'MMH'.

Referring to Figure 1A, the present invention is directed to access / delivery of broadband content, a method and apparatus therefore. It is felt that increasingly the business community, whether they be customers, employees, media, or external advisers, will communicate information which is video based.

In other words, it is considered that in a relatively short period of time, there will be a migration to an increased use of visually based communication, which communication is basically large bandwidth (broadband) content.

There is an emergence of a raft of new broadband carriers and new broadband networks. Thus, it is considered that there will be a relatively plentiful supply of broadband. Also, it is considered that many households (in Australia) will have 2 or 3 different ways of being able to access broadband. Certainly, it is considered that business will have even more.

The present invention takes information indicated in the 'capturing' phase that may currently reside on video cassette or other forms of analog or digital media, conform the information in a 'production' phase and manage the distribution of that information in the 'publishing' phase, whether the distribution is over the Internet or intranets of targeted recipients and via other high speed access networks, as indicated in the 'output' phase.

In concept, the present invention may be likened to a 'hotel'. In the present invention, information, such as video content, is taken from its current media, a plastic cassette or range of existing media, and it is digitised, compressed, and whatever other operations are needed to provide/convert the information into digital form. Then the digitised information is checked that into the "hotel" into a secure, safe environment for the company. The MMH offers five star service for management of multimedia. This includes: relatively simple check in procedures for content by an appointed 'administrator'; relative security of content so it is visited only by the users specified to do so; relatively simple procedures for users to receive or view the content, for example via a browser on their desk top; and searching of content booked into the hotel.

Preferably, content (audio/video, graphics, chat, etc.) should be displayed within the browser window. The aim is to have the feeling of information coming to a single point of access, the user's desktop, without the need of starting many separate programs. A password may be provided enabling access for users as specified. A browser may also be provided to assist in reviewing the authorised contents of the 'hotel'. Log in and/or back end cataloguing of content may also be provided.

The hotel may also facilitate interactivity between a company and users with feedback tools. Information on which users are viewing the content may also be provided.

The MMH is designed to enable business to take advantage of new digital distribution channels, such as satellite, cable and corporate Intranets.

Initially the focus of the present invention is on distributing to more people content that is being produced by business, but the present invention should not be so limited.

The MMH may take the content and distribute it to any user on a company's corporate Intranet or via the Internet, or other network, anywhere in the world. The user can be notified when new material is available for viewing. Two, but not the only, possibilities for notification are a desktop icon, and email.

• Flashing icon on desktop: a desktop icon that flashes or lights up in some way to alert the user to the existence of new material. When clicked, the browser should be launched, taking the user to the new material.

• Email: emails could detail upcoming viewing events. With an HTML- capable email program, these emails could be colourful, enticing the reader to view the content, and containing hotlinks which launch the browser and take the user to the new material when clicked.

Staff can then access (say) the MD's message when and how often they like or they could download content for playback at a later time. For example, the user could download content to their laptop, and then take the laptop offsite, to a location without network access. They can provide immediate feedback, (say) via an e-mail link. The MMH thus offers a simple to use video-on-demand facility.

And because the physical cassette and physical distribution are eliminated it is considered a cost efficient tool for stakeholder communication. But it need not be video only, as often film messages are accompanied with slide or text presentations. The MMH has developed the means to synchronise such presentations in an easy-to-use indexed format. This is detailed below in 'viewing content'.

The MMH can manage multimedia/ broadband content from many areas of business including Human Resources, Safety and Training, Investor and Media Relations, and business product divisions.

The MMH is also not just for big business. It is understood that many small and medium sized enterprises can see the opportunity to every so often produce a film of their product or company and then distribute this to the world via the MMH. The MMH can also manage film material for on-line distribution on behalf of information or media agents, such as media monitoring organisations and news gathering agencies. Further, the MMH can also manage film material for on-line distribution on behalf of suppliers of film based services, such as providers of educational content. Again, referring to Figure 1A, content intended for the MMH, such as a video of a presentation with the related PowerPoint slides, should first be edited and scripted for digitalisation, as illustrated in the 'capturing' phase.

Each piece of content can be indexed using "markers". These markers can be used to skip to specific sections of the content. Important sections of the content should be noted for this process.

Content can also be presented with slides. The PowerPoint slides should be provided with the video/audio and the relevant sections that correspond with various slides noted.

The content in the MMH is highly compressed. It is very important that the source content be of very high quality. Audio should be clear and video should be bright and preferably not too "busy".

In the 'production' phase, content must then be edited and compressed. Content can be compressed at different bit-rates. The higher the bit-rate, the less compressed, and so the higher the quality the content is. Video is usually compressed at 56 kbps (kilobits per second) and 128 kbps but other bit-rates are possible. 56kbps is the largest possible file for modem connections. Lower rates are recommended if the content is intended for modem users. Digitised content must then be loaded into the MMH. A web interface is provided for this function.

Details on the content are entered such as date of production, copyright details, feedback email addresses and keywords. Security details are also entered at this point by choosing the groups of users the content is intended for. Any related Internet links are entered. Content can then be uploaded. Any related documents (such as the original PowerPoint slides or other related documents) intended for user download can also be uploaded at this point. Content is immediately available to any users within the security groups chosen wishing to view it.

In the 'publishing' phase of Figure 1A, content is published and managed in the MMH via a simple web interface.

Content can be published (uploaded), edited and deleted from the MMH all via simple web pages. This allows content updates to be completed remotely without the need to physically access the server. Therefore, content can also be administered by less technically informed users.

Think of the present invention as a medium for providing information delivery, such as a video on demand library. A book is checked into a library, it just is not put on a shelf, the library takes the book and catalogues it and goes through quite an ordinate process and then checks that out. So to the present invention is about checking in video/film based content, digitising it, converting it, processing it and then facilitating the distribution of that content to the users.

The content for the MMH may be developed from scratch if necessary.

CREATING THE CONTENT CATALOGUE Important to the present invention is the creation of the content catalogue, and its use in order to correlate content and user. Referring to Figure 1 B, one embodiment of a method 100 of creating a content catalogue is described.

Content is created or sourced and digitised. A web page or other suitable means may be used to submit or 'check-in' the content to MMH, as designated by numeral 101. In submitting the content, a number of categories outlining subject matter or other information, such as content information and a short description is provided (not shown). This information forms the basis of metadata used in the search of content. The content is stored in a database associated with the MMH or at a remote location 102. This content can be accessed later or referenced via 103.

The details provided by the input page are forwarded to MMH and used in a file crawl function 104. Details are given to the database, security and various permissions are set 105 using NT security (a Microsoft trademark), metadata is created 106. Preferably, file crawl function 104 is executed after metadata 106 and NT security settings 105 are set. In essence, the details provided by the input page are forwarded to MMH and used to create content files and metadata. Security and various permissions are set on the content and the new content is then catalogued using a file crawl function. MMH FLOW CHART

Referring to Figure 2, the content is referred to as 201 , and content catalogue as 207. It is necessary to set up prior or in tandem a 'user table' 208. This defines users, groups and authorities, if any, of them. Site Server security(a Microsoft trademark) is used to do this.

A user can login 209, and provide details for the purpose of identifying the user to MMH 210. Login may be via web, Intranet or any other suitable form. If the user wishes to view content from MMH, the user can do a search. A search request 211 is completed, detailing the nature of the content that the user would desirably like to view. A search 212 is then executed and performed on the content catalogue 207. It is noted that when doing a file crawl, the search catalogue is created with, inter alia, keywords stored. The keywords point to contents or their locations. The content also stores who can see the content, such as which users / groups. In the search comparisons are done 213. User ID and content matches are looked for, together with any other relevant information from the content catalogue, and group or user details are looked for from the site server or user table. So, for example, lets say the data searched is: subject reference group phone contentl BHP, Ericsson content2 watermark content3 Ericsson content4 BHP

If the user was an Ericsson employee, and was searching for subject matter relating to 'phone', the table above provides an example of the total content stored in MMH (for the purposes of explanation only). The content catalogue notes 'phone' and 'contentl ', 'content2', 'content3', 'content4' being four different contents. In the case of an Ericsson employee, the search would return access or details of only 'contentl ' and 'content3', as these are the only matches of a 'phone' subject and an Ericsson employee. In the same manner, a search for a watermark employee, would only return 'content2'. The remaining content would not be viewed or accessed.

Thus, in Figure 2, a positive comparison 214 returns a list or access 215, whilst a negative comparison 216, returns no content 217.

If the user wishes to access one of the returned contents, the user can select the content 218, and the content is disseminated to the user 219. Another ancillary feature is that feedback can be made on the content received 220, and the content updated with this feedback 221 , as well as defining who should receive the feedback. This is explained in greater detail below in 'operation'. Alternatively, (not shown in the drawings) the user must first log in to the system or all content is not accessible. Content may be directly accessed if the user is given the location (http address) of the files, but they still must log in to access these files (they are shown the MMH login screen regardless of how they access the site).

In the following text, there is disclosed a preferred implementation of the present invention. This disclosure is made with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The preferred implementation is based on using Microsoft products, and are referenced according to their trademarks, which are the property of Microsoft. It is to be noted that this is not the only implementation. Software of similar functionality may also be used. COMPONENTS

The figures 3 and 4 show three parts, although only two are necessary to operate the product. The invention resides in only one part. Part 301 represents the MMH server, the main server. Part 302 represents a remote server, if used. Part 303 represents the user's software. Between the MMH parts 301 and 302, and the user's part 303, is some form of communication system, such as the Internet, but it may be any form of communication system such as Intranets, simple telecommunication system, or other electronic media. MMH Hosting system

The hosting system (illustrated in the lower part of figures 3 and 4) comprises of the necessary web and video servers, software and other equipment required for serving content. Tape backup equipment may also be specified. The architecture may be separated into 3 systems- video server, web server, and tape backup. These are referred to as single boxes, however this is not intended to represent a single server for each purpose. Each system is described separately below.

The web server hosts the non-streaming content, and provides much of the other functionality required.

One proposed web server software suite is Microsoft Site Server 3, Commerce Edition. A description of Site Server 3, Commerce Edition can be found in "Microsoft Site Server Commerce Edition Product Overview".

Site Server has additional software requirements, including Microsoft SQL Server v6.5, and Microsoft NT Server v4 with SP3 or later. One proposed hardware environment would be to have the web server and database on separate servers. For web server:

Dual Pentium Pro 200Mhz, 512 MB RAM (e.g. HP D6017A) • 12 GB RAID 5 SCSI HDD (e.g. 3 x HP D4903A)

• High speed 10/100VG network card (e.g. 2 x HP J2585B) For SQL Server:

• Dual Pentium Pro 200Mhz, 512 MB RAM (e.g. HP D6017A) 12 GB RAID 5 SCSI HDD (e.g. 3 x HP D4903A) • High speed 10/100VG network card (e.g. HP J2585B) The video server provides the video component of the offering. The video window may be embedded in a web page, as viewed by the user. The video may come from a separate server to the static content.

One proposed architecture for the video server component of the Content Hotel is based on the recommendations contained in "Windows NT Server Netshow Services Deployment Guide". One proposed implementation is:

For video streaming server:

Dual Pentium Pro 200Mhz, 512 MB RAM (e.g. HP D6017A)

12 GB RAID 0 SCSI HDD (e.g. 3 x HP D4903A) • High speed 10/100VG network card (e.g. 2 x HP J2585B)

For distribution server:

Dual Pentium Pro 200Mhz, 512 MB RAM (e.g. HP D6017A)

12 GB RAID 5 SCSI HDD (e.g. 3 x HP D4903A)

High speed 10/100VG network card (e.g. 2 x HP J2585B) For video encoder:

Pentium II 450Mhz, 100MHz bus, 128 MB RAM (e.g. HP D7034A)

4 GB SCSI HDD (e.g. HP D6104A)

High speed 10/100VG network card (e.g. HP J2585B)

Video capture card (e.g. MAC Osprey 1000) The content from the Content Hotel can be delivered to the client by a number of means, such as dialup modem, corporate Internet, direct network connection.

A schematic implementation of another form of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 8, and is relatively self explanatory. In order to reach as many customers as possible, the video streaming server may support all bandwidths.

Multicasting is a technique used to improve broadcasting efficiency. Clients may connect to a single stream, rather than one stream per connection as is the case with unicast transmission. To support multicasting, both the video streaming server and the network routers must be capable of multicast.

In the figures 3 and 4, a schematic representation is shown: Windows NT Server, denoted 304: Microsoft's operating system and server. Used for storing of data, software, and for data security.

IIS 4 / ASP, denoted 305 : Internet Information Server 4 / Active Server

Pages. IIS is used to organise and serve the MultiMedia Hotel's Internet pages. Most of the Internet content is written in ASP, allowing the pages to be dynamic, changing depending on the user viewing the content, the data being accessed or server variables.

SQL Server 6.5, denoted 306 : Database software used to store details on the MultiMedia Hotel's content 308, as well as server details, membership details and other configuration information.

NetShow Server 3, denoted 307 : Software to allow the streaming of multimedia content over the Internet, specifically Microsoft's ASF video and audio format.

Site Server 3 : An environment for managing web sites. It includes tools for easy site replication, logging, searching, content management and user management.

ADSI - "Active Directory Service Interface", denoted 317, is a standard way of accessing details in a directory. It is used within the MMH to specifically access the LDAP Membership directory 318 within Site Server. MTS 2/COM denoted 319 refers to the use of programs run on the server

(such as the File Access DLL described during the content registration) to perform actions coded using ASP.

As an alternative, client's viewing content within the MMH may require the following software: • Windows 95, 98, NT or 2000

• Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.4

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 or higher (preferred) or...

• Netscape Navigator 4.5 or higher

All this software and detailed description is available for free download from Netscape or Microsoft's web pages. MMH CONTENT DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM

Content is deployed using Windows Media Server, a Microsoft streaming media solution.

User's search for content via keywords or titles, or choose a content "room" and choose content from within these rooms. They then choose the bit- rate they require.

Content is displayed in a web page embedded Media Player. Any related slides are displayed as required. A table of contents is also displayed to allow users to skip to various parts of the content. Information on the content is shown and feedback can be provided using a simple form.

Content security is provided using NT security and the security functions within Microsoft Site Server's Search. MMH User System

The user system is illustrated in the upper part of figures 3 and 4. Microsoft Internet Explorer V4.01SP1 or later, in conjunction with Microsoft Media

Player v6 or later, is suggested and which provides a highly flexible development platform. Media Player 309 enables users to view streaming content via

Microsoft Media Player embedded in a web page (Active X component).

Internet Explorer 310 offers the capability of full-screen display, giving an integrated viewing experience. Streaming audio/video can be embedded directly into the web page, rather than requiring a separate window, further enhancing the single-application feel.

Microsoft has developed a push technology known as 'Active Channels.' An Active Channel is simply a web site with the addition of a CDF (Channel Description Format) file. The CDF file is an XML document containing many details about the channel including, names, descriptions, and update details.

The Active Channel client is Internet Explorer. To subscribe to a channel, the user simply clicks a link in a web site to the CDF file. After some custom parameters are set, the channel is added to the user's list of subscribed channels, accessible from the 'Channels' button on the Internet Explorer toolbar. Subscribed channels can also be displayed as icons on the desktop, and a part of the icon lights up to alert the user of new content in that channel. Figure 4 relates to a newer version of Microsoft products. Similar software has similar numbering, except it is 400's. SOFTWARE / FUNCTIONALITY RELATIONSHIPS User authentication Security on the MultiMedia Hotel is implemented via a login form seen when the user first accesses the site. User details are stored in the Membership database within Site Server. This information is accessed via an ASP login page. Security on the Internet files is configured using the security options in IIS.

Authentication is the process of identifying the person or computer making a request for access. There is suggested three common authentication methods but others may be used:

• Password - as a bare minimum security measure, passwords restrict access to anyone who knows (or can guess) the correct password. When connecting to the Content Hotel, all users should be required to enter a password. Repeated unsuccessful attempts to log in on a given account should result in that account being "locked out", requiring an administrator to reset the locked account.

• Digital Certificate - an X.509 Digital Certificate is a small file stored on each user's computer and each Content Hotel server. Through use of digital signature encryption technology, certificates are extremely difficult to forge or copy. When a user connects to the Content Hotel, the Certificate Server inspects their certificate. If present and accepted, access is granted. Certificates provide a high level of security, and an "I know who you are, and you know who I am" context, and can be automatically mapped to NT user accounts.

• SmartCard - a small plastic card, which stores the user's details in Flash ROM. To access the Content Hotel, the user places their card in a reader on the PC. This has the advantage of letting any authorised user use any PC, but requires extra hardware and software. Security on the MultiMedia Hotel is implemented via a login form seen when the user first accesses the site. User details are stored in the Membership database within Site Server. This information is accessed via an ASP login page. Security on the Internet files is configured using the security options in IIS, 305. Content Restriction

The MultiMedia Hotel implements security with login users who can be 5 part of various "groups", similar to NT security. While registering content, the registering user must choose which groups have access to view this content. When the content is registered, NT security is set using ASP and a File Access DLL (Presets "AccessManager") to match the groups who should be able to view this content. Finally the Site Server Search Catalog is rebuilt using a "file crawl". 10 When a file crawl is performed on an NT file system (NTFS), the documents access control lists are stored. When content is searched, the documents returned will be only those visible to the current users groups.

In one form, it is a combination of the standard file crawl search in Site Server and NT security that provides the inventive correlation between viewer 15 and content to be viewed. Personalisation

User details including configuration information required by the MultiMedia Hotel is stored in the Membership database in Site Server. Users may alter their Personal information via an ASP page within the MMH. 20 A membership profile database can store individual user's details, including name, company, cost centre and access rights, as well as corporate subscription and billing details.

Personalisation allows each user to tailor their Content Hotel interface to their needs and tastes. For example, a user may choose to be alerted to 25 particular kinds of content, or ignore others.

The Content Hotel may specify which items cannot be saved by the user, such as PPV content for example. Search

Content 308 is indexed and searched using Site Server's search facilities, 30 312. MetaData 311 is stored in content HTML files and searches are indexed on this information. Navigation

Content 308 within the MultiMedia Hotel is stored in various "sections" accessible via a navigation bar. When content is registered, it is placed within one of these sections. Sections are stored as Metadata, 31 1 , within Site Server. When content is registered, its section is stored as a Meta tag.

Reporting

Reporting on content usage is provided using Site Server's log. Simple interfaces to the reports can be created as required.

Content Registration Content is registered using a combination of ASP 305, Site Server, SQL

Server306 and an NT executable file. Content details are entered using an ASP

Form. On update the new user details are added to a SQL database, including group access details. NT User permissions are set and the executable is run to create content files based on content attributes. An ASP form is provided to upload the multimedia content.

Viewing Content

Content is displayed using a standard interface. Streaming content is viewed via an embedded ActiveX version of Microsoft's Media Player. Content location information, including NetShow Server details, are accessed from Site Server's directory database using ASP. Javascript is used to extract table-of- contents information from the streaming content and is also used to update a

"slide" frame, allowing graphics to be shown in conjunction with the presentation.

A frame displaying information on the content, created during registration, is also shown. Various other functions including Feedback, download of relevant documents and supporting links are provided using ASP.

Content Replication

Content replication 313 is provided using the functions available in Site

Server.

Features Functional features and their corresponding/associated software is represented vertically, the Search denoted 314, Personalisation 315 and

Authentication 316. Encryption

Encryption techniques can be used to protect data as it travels from the Content Hotel servers to the user via the Internet. There are two common encryption methods in use today: Secure Sockets Layer 3 (SSL3) and Virtual Private Networks (VPN). Any form of encryption requires extra computing effort on the server to encrypt, and on the client to decrypt. This can have the effect of slowing data transfer form server to client.

• SSL3 - the most common encryption method, used in many e-commerce sites. SSL3 is supported by most current web browsers, and comes in two "strengths", 40bit and 128bit. The latter is more secure, but is unavailable in Australia due to US export restrictions.

• VPN - provides secure access to network filesystems across the Internet. Two common protocols for implementing VPNs are Point to Point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP) and IP Secure (IPSec). Logging

Two forms of logging may be used by the Content Hotel- server performance logging, and usage logging.

Performance logging measures the load on the server's CPUs and IO systems, and includes items such as CPU utilisation, memory swaps, disk accesses and network card performance. These measures will be the primary indicator of whether the hosting system configuration can adequately handle the load, or requires upgrading.

In a network file server situation (such as the video server system), the IO system will be more critical to performance than CPU. In particular, Late (disk) Reads will indicate the server is unable to meet the demand. The NT Performance Monitor creates logs and displays real-time system information.

Usage logging records information such as number of access per hour/day/week/month, location of users, and which content items are popular or unpopular. Owners of content should be able to view their own usage statistics, presented as attractive reports for marketing purposes. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Content Creator

Responsible for creating the ASF streaming media file. This involves recording and compressing the file source (either audio or video). The creator must also set up "markers" within the file for the table of contents and "script commands" to set the slide frame at relevant points during the presentation. A complete set of "content" could include an ASF file, various slides (images or HTML files) and any downloadable supporting files (Word documents, PowerPoint slides, URL pages etc.). The invention should not be restricted to the type of content managed as it can manage many types of content. Content Manager

Content Manager is responsible for uploading of content, updating of content attributes and deleting of old content. All these activities can be completed via the MultiMedia Hotel Administration screen. The Content Manager would require an account within the Administrator group.

Content registration is completed via an ASP form. All content attributes are input into the form, including the relevant file names of the ASF files. All files, including any relevant slides and downloadable documents are then uploaded via another ASP form. The Content Manager would also be responsible for configuring which groups have access to which content. If content must be configured to allow access to only some users, the Content Manager may need to organise with the User Manager to have a group created. The Content Manager must choose which groups a piece of content will have accessible by. User Manager

The User Manager is responsible for the creation and maintenance of user accounts within the MultiMedia Hotel. User and Group maintenance can be completed through the Hotel's Administration screens. The User Manager would require an account within the Administrator group. User

Users requiring access to simply view the content require an account and would not be part of the Administrator group. Groups can be created to group users to restrict access to certain documents. Users may change their personal details via the Personalisation screen.

ALTERNATIVE

Many of these details are likely to change when the system is moved over and redeveloped for Windows 2000, see the diagrams below for more details. OPERATION

The following provides one example of how operationally the present invention can be implemented. ADMINISTRATOR In getting started, an 'administrator' is appointed. Arrangements are made for:

• an account with the MMH that enables access the MMH as an administrator

• a database is enabled for the company and an MMH web site is established for the company.

At log-in, an administrator user is taken to a page which sets up the content categories; the users and groups; and content management. These details are input.

The content categories that will appear in the navigation channel of all the company's users.

Users are selected and departmental groups are created whom will have secure access to the content. Users to these groups are then created.

The users may be notified by e-mail that they have been selected for access to MMH. The e-mail may have a hyperlink to the MMH log-in page. As administrator, the content categories may also be selected, and as to which the users are to see first. Delivering content to the MMH

Some content now should be provided to the MMH. Upon receipt of content, it is digitised (say the content is VHS video content and power point slides) so as to create a streaming media (ASF) file suitable for checking into the MMH. The ASF file may be fine-tuned by inserting an introduction to it.

At the MMH the Operations Manager copies the file into the appropriate directory on the MMH server and registers the content. This content is then available to users. Delivering content to the user

Reference is made to Figure 5, which illustrates one exemplary hardware configuration of MMH. Of course it will be understood that other configurations are contemplated, and the invention should not be limited to only that of Figure 2.

The Administration server 51 , provides location details regarding information. The information may also be located externally, such as LDAP 52. The content is stored on a server 53. Otherwise he content maybe located somewhere on an Intranet and externally (not shown). Content may also be stored on other servers or locations, such as server 54 (say located in another city, and to be accessed by users in and around that city, or in server 55 located overseas. Where large volumes of content are involved, having the content available on a server or site closer to the user may improve content deliver because a broadband link may not be otherwise available, and this will slow the delivery of content.

Also shown are communication links 57 which may be small or large as broadband content is not delivered via this link, and communication link 58, through which broadband content is delivered.

The administration server and content server may be the one server. Measurement

The administrator has the ability to review who watched the registered content, or parts thereof, and when they did so. USER Getting started

Preferably, a user should have a computer with Internet Explorer (310, FIGURE 3) version 4 or greater and Microsoft Media Player (309) Version 6 installed. A sound card and speakers is also needed. Initially to install the ability to access MMH, the user is provided with copy of a MMH CD ROM or a copy could be downloaded by browser from the company's network.

Accessing the MMH icon takes the user to the MMH log-in page. The user's log-in name and password should be obtained prior, via e-mail, from the corporate administrator.

Initial access takes the user to a display of the MMH services. This is may be considered a home page within the MMH frame set. Referring to Figure 6A, there is illustrated a sample home page 60. Down the left hand side of this home page is the navigation control 61. This will enable the user to:

• select any content category for access

• search for key words within the content

• personalise the user's home page so that the user can choose which content categories are shown on log-in * log out of the service

• a home button which takes the user back to the home page, and/or other desirable functions.

Playing content

For example, if the user would like to view the content marked "Artist Services" 62 on Security Matters, then 'Artist Services' 62 in the left hand navigation control can be clicked on. This initiates a search function to see if the user has access. If there is no access, the user is told the folder is empty, just like an empty folder on a PC. If access is possible, other fields appear. Then the Security file 63 can be selected. Next fields 64 can be selected, say the user has a modem which is 56K, and thus the appropriate button is clicked. Fields 64 also enable contention, capability, delivery method or vehicle. Field 65 can be clicked to start the content delivery.

The Security content in the presentation page will then play, in for example a page form 70 illustrated in Figure 7A. Figure 7B illustrates an alternative template layout. The page 70 illustrated in Figure 7 has some other features, all of which are exemplary and not mandatory. In fact feature(s) as shown or others may be included and/or deleted:

• there is a power-point presentation 72 adjacent to the video 71

• there is also a table of contents 73 on this page that enables skipping a particular item of interest on both the video and the power-point slide

• with the video the user can pause the presentation, fast forward, or reverse it to the next/previous item on the table of contents at field 75,

• there may be links 74 to other web sites or other content or content delivery vehicles Feedback

The user can provide feedback by clicking on the feedback button 76 which pulls up a white feedback box. The company's content administrator may or may not have already selected the recipient for feedback. The user can type in some feedback and send it to the recipient. The user can also add others to the feedback mailing list. The content administrator can substitute survey forms or questionnaires for the feedback box. Searching for content

If the user chooses to view some other content, they can click on the home button. If the other content cannot be readily located, a search can be done. The user can select the Search All page and in the key word entry box type in a reference or title of content and click on search. This returns the video item matching and it can be played.

If the user chooses to exit the MMH, they can select log-out. E-mail notification of new content At some time, the user may receive an e-mail from a colleague requesting that the user to view some new content on the MMH. Incidentally, the user may be made aware of new content via an MMH icon on their IE4 browser.

The e-mail from the user's colleague contains the URL for the content.

The user can click on this URL and directly log-in to the MMH. The content can then be viewed. The email communication media may be extended with further communication facilities and applications targeting what can be termed as a community environment, enabling relatively simultaneous community interaction in response to stimulus form the content. Additionally, a plurality of people can be party to this community environment. This community environment may include (non-limiting) groups of professionals or associations. Examples, not to be taken as limiting, are chat applications, the Usenet, VOIP, telephony applications, event capture with white boarding and video conferencing, two or multiparty. The present invention may use these as a source of content which can be input to the crawl content engine of the invention, as disclosed above. OTHER ALTERNATIVES

The present invention may utilise other forms of media for distribution of content. For example, the application may be ported to Unix and Oracle environment.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A method of enabling broadband content access to a user, the method including the steps of: establishing user details, executing a search as specified by the user of a content catalogue, the content catalogue having a reference relating to the content, and enabling access for the user to authorised content in response to the search result.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the content access is provided to the user together with an indication of the result of the search.

3. A method of enabling broadband content delivery to node in a communication system, the method including the steps as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the user details include some form of information or indicia which can be used to identify the user.

5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reference relating to the content indicates a location or address of the content.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indication of the result of the search includes a list of what content is available for viewing by the user.

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step of: creating the content catalogue by way of a file crawl function.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, in which the file crawl function establishes a correlation between a user or group of users having authority to access the content and the reference relating to content.

9. A method as claimed in claim 7 or 8, in which the file crawl function further establishes metadata for use as at least a part of the reference relating to content.

10. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including the further step of entering content to a database.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, including the further step of, upon entering content, security is set on each content and or its component parts.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the security is based on a user or group of users.

13. A method of creating a content catalogue in a broadband content communication system, the method including the steps of: registering the content in the communication system, executing a file crawl function, and storing the results of the file crawl function.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the content registration includes a content address.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the content is located remote from the communication system.

16. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the file crawl function establishes security details and metadata.

17. A method as claimed in claim 13, in which the step of storing also includes storing content address and/ or other information.

18. A system of enabling broadband content access to a user, the system including: login means for establishing user details, search means for executing a search as specified by the user of a content catalogue, the content catalogue having a reference relating to the content, and access means enabling access for the user to authorised content in response to the search result.

19. A system as claimed in claim 18, further including: output means providing to the user an indication of the result of the search.

20. A system as claimed in claim 18, further including: file crawl means for creating the content catalogue by way of a file crawl function.

21. A system as claimed in claim 18, 19 or 20, in which the content catalogue includes at least one of metadata, security information, content address and / or other information.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the security is based on a user or group of users.

23. A system as claimed in claim 18, in which the content catalogue is established in part by a site server application program.

24. A system as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein security is established in part by an NT security application program.

25. A content catalogue in a broadband content communication system, the catalogue including storage means adapted to store: metadata resolved via a file crawl function, security information also resolved via a file crawl function, and content location for identifying content.

26. A catalogue as claimed in claim 25, wherein the metadata includes a reference to the content, such as title or abstract summary.

27. A catalogue as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein the security information is related to a user or group of users.

28. A catalogue as claimed in claim 25, 26 or 27, wherein the content is located remote from the communication system.

29. An apparatus adapted to implement any one of the methods of claim 1 to 17.

30. A system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24 implemented at least partially on the Internet.

31. A catalogue as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28 implemented at least partially on the Internet.

32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 29 implemented at least partially on the Internet.

33. A computer program product, including: computer program storage media, and a content catalogue having: security information and metadata resolved via a file crawl function and a content location for identifying content.

34. A computer program product, including: computer program storage media, and a computer program executable to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17.

35. An email system for communicating information to a selected recipient of a plurality of possible recipients, the system including: means for enabling content access in accordance with any one of claims 18 to 24; and distribution means for facilitating communication of the information.

36. A system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the plurality of possible recipients is a community.

37. Apparatus and / or method(s) as herein disclosed.