Patent ID: 6166735
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A system for facilitating user examination and browsing of video data object information pertaining to a stored video data object (herein denoted ""Object""), the Object including a beginning point, an end point, and points therebetween, the system comprising:an information processing apparatus having a user interface unit and a coupling unit for coupling to a video repository having video data objects, including the Object, stored therein;a sending unit for sending, through the user interface unit and over the medium, a request to view the Object;a receiving unit, responsive to receipt of a response to the request to view, for receiving a data file of reduced-size, thumbnail images of video stills and related audio portions from the respective points of the Object, each thumbnail image corresponding with one of the points in the Object;a viewing unit for displaying the thumbnail images prior to a portion of said Object being downloaded;an audio unit for playing said related audio portions with said display of said thumbnail images prior to said portion of said Object being downloaded;a user-operable selecting unit for selecting an interval in terms of the points, the interval delimiting the beginning and end of said portion of the Object which the user desires to view; anda downloading unit, operable responsive to operation of said selecting unit for downloading and providing the portion of the Object within the selected interval;said viewing unit for facilitating user viewing of the downloaded portion.