Abstract: The invention relates to multimedia, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing multimedia administrative, advertising, content and services. According to aspects of the invention a method of accessing data by a user at a client system comprises: reading user specific information from a first smart card by a client system, the information including a user specific electronic serial number; transmitting the user specific information to a server; processing the user specific information by the server to determine user authorization to access data; and providing the user is authorized, receiving data from the server by the client at the client system. The data can be an advertisement, an electronic coupon, a system initiation routine for first time users, access data allowing the client system to access data on the smart card, among others.

Abstract: A channel-based network user terminal including a set-top box, a display, and input devices. A non-volatile memory stores a semi-permanent copy of a channel table downloaded from a server via the Internet. The channel table includes a list of channel numbers, associated Internet site names, and associated Internet addresses. A volatile memory stores a temporary copy of the channel table during user sessions. The channel numbers and associated Internet site names are read from the volatile memory and displayed as a menu. A user selects an Internet site name from the menu, and enters the channel number associated with the selected Internet site name using a numeric keypad provided on a remote control input device. The user terminal then accesses the selected Internet site by reading the Internet address associated with the entered channel number from the volatile memory, and transmitting the Internet address onto the Internet.

Abstract: A server is established for a plurality of authorized users. Each authorized user accesses the Internet through a user terminal, with support from the server. The server maintains a database identifying the authorized users. A target Internet site provides payment and a target URL to the server. In return, the server has smart cards created, each storing information identifying an authorized user and the target URL. These smart cards are sent to the corresponding authorized users. Upon insertion of a smart card, a user terminal retrieves the authorized user information and transmits this information to the server. The server compares this information with authorized user information in the server database. If a match exists, the server transmits an authorization code to the user terminal. In response, the user terminal retrieves the target URL from the smart card, and uses this URL to retrieve information from the target Internet site.

Abstract: A channel-based network includes a system server, one or more Internet sites and one or more user terminals. The system server stores a series of computer pages and a master channel table that includes a list of channel numbers. Channel numbers and logo spaces are purchased by Internet sites wishing to be included in the network. The system server operator updates the computer pages to include logos for the Internet sites, and updates the master channel table each time a channel number is purchased. The updated web page and master channel table information is then downloaded to the user terminals of the network.

Abstract: A channel-based network user terminal including a set-top box, a display, and input devices. A non-volatile memory stores a semi-permanent copy of a channel table downloaded from a server via the Internet. The channel table includes a list of channel numbers, associated Internet site names, and associated Internet addresses. A volatile memory stores a temporary copy of the channel table during user sessions. The channel numbers and associated Internet site names are read from the volatile memory and displayed as a menu. A user selects an Internet site name from the menu, and enters the channel number associated with the selected Internet site name using a numeric keypad provided on a remote control input device. The user terminal then accesses the selected Internet site by reading the Internet address associated with the entered channel number from the volatile memory, and transmitting the Internet address onto the Internet.

Abstract: A channel-based network user terminal including a set-top box, a display, and input devices. A non-volatile memory stores a semi-permanent copy of a channel table downloaded from a server via the Internet. The channel table includes a list of channel numbers, associated Internet site names, and associated Internet addresses. A volatile memory stores a temporary copy of the channel table during user sessions. The channel numbers and associated Internet site names are read from the volatile memory and displayed as a menu. A user selects an Internet site name from the menu, and enters the channel number associated with the selected Internet site name using a numeric keypad provided on a remote control input device. The user terminal then accesses the selected Internet site by reading the Internet address associated with the entered channel number from the volatile memory, and transmitting the Internet address onto the Internet.

Abstract: A system server for a channel-based network including one or more Internet sites and one or more user terminals. The system server includes a channel table database storing a master channel table that includes a list of channel numbers, each channel number having an associated Internet address and an associated Internet site name. Each Internet site of the network is addressable by an associated Internet address stored in the master channel table. The system server includes a network database and an update manager database. The system server identifies each user terminal requesting service by comparing transmitted identification information with authorized user information stored in the network database. The system server also compares a channel table version number from the requesting user terminal with a version number stored in the update manager database that is associated with the master channel table, and notifies each requesting user terminal when updated channel table information is available.

Abstract: A channel-based Internet access system is implemented using a satellite system. In one embodiment, upstream data transfer from a user terminal to the Internet is provided by a terrestrial communication system, and downstream data transfer from the Internet to the user terminal is provided by a satellite system. In another embodiment, both upstream and downstream data transfer between a user terminal and the Internet are provided by a satellite system. In both embodiments, channel table information (including a plurality of Internet addresses with corresponding channel numbers and channel names) is downloaded from the Internet to the user terminal by the satellite system.

Abstract: A channel-based network includes a system server, one or more Internet sites and one or more user terminals. The system server stores a series of computer pages and a master channel table that includes a list of channel numbers. Channel numbers and logo spaces are purchased by Internet sites wishing to be included in the network. The system server operator updates the computer pages to include logos for the Internet sites, and updates the master channel table each time a channel number is purchased. The updated web page and master channel table information is then downloaded to the user terminals of the network.

Abstract: A server is established for a plurality of authorized users. Each authorized user accesses the Internet through a user terminal, with support from the server. The server maintains a database identifying the authorized users. A target Internet site provides payment and a target URL to the server. In return, the server has smart cards created, each storing information identifying an authorized user and the target URL. These smart cards are sent to the corresponding authorized users. Upon insertion of a smart card, a user terminal retrieves the authorized user information and transmits this information to the server. The server compares this information with authorized user information in the server database. If a match exists, the server transmits an authorization code to the user terminal. In response, the user terminal retrieves the target URL from the smart card, and uses this URL to retrieve information from the target Internet site.

Abstract: A micro-switch having a flexible conductive membrane which is moved by an external force, such as pressure from an air flow, to establish a connection between contact pads. The conductive membrane is stretched over one or more spacer pads to introduce deformation in the conductive membrane, thereby improving the accuracy and repeatability of the micro-switch. The spacing between the contact pads and the conductive membrane is precisely controlled by controlling the height difference between the spacer pads and the conductive pads. This height difference is determined by one or more precisely controlled etch operations.

Abstract: A memory storage module for storing and accessing information which includes a flat storage medium having an X-axis and a Y-axis. A plurality of read/write heads are coupled to a head array assembly which is capable of motion along the X-axis. The head array assembly positions the heads adjacent to the medium. An X-axis motor is coupled to the head array assembly and causes the heads to undergo reciprocating substantially linear motion along the X-axis of the medium. A Y-axis motor creates linear motion between the heads and the medium along the Y-axis of the medium. The heads are controlled to store or access information on the medium as the heads move across the X-axis of the medium. The Y-axis motor moves the heads from track to track along the Y-axis of the medium. The Y-axis motor can be connected to move either the medium or the head array assembly along the Y-axis.

Abstract: A memory storage module for storing and accessing information which includes a flat storage medium having an X-axis and a Y-axis. A plurality of read/write heads are coupled to a head array assembly which is capable of motion along the X-axis. The head array assembly positions the heads adjacent to the medium. An X-axis motor is coupled to the head array assembly and causes the heads to undergo reciprocating substantially linear motion along the X-axis of the medium. A Y-axis motor creates linear motion between the heads and the medium along the Y-axis of the medium. The heads are controlled to store or access information on the medium as the heads move across the X-axis of the medium. The Y-axis motor moves the heads from track to track along the Y-axis of the medium. The Y-axis motor can be connected to move either the medium or the head array assembly along the Y-axis.

Abstract: A memory storage module for storing and accessing information which includes a flat storage medium having an X-axis and a Y-axis. A plurality of read/write heads are coupled to a head array assembly which is capable of motion along the X-axis. The head array assembly positions the heads adjacent to the medium. An X-axis motor is coupled to the head array assembly and causes the heads to undergo reciprocating substantially linear motion along the X-axis of the medium. A Y-axis motor creates linear motion between the heads and the medium along the Y-axis of the medium. The heads are controlled to store or access information on the medium as the heads move across the X-axis of the medium. The Y-axis motor moves the heads from track to track along the Y-axis of the medium. The Y-axis motor can be connected to move either the medium or the head array assembly along the Y-axis.