Abstract: A cable television system automatically locates set-top terminals within the system with respect to the specific equipment through which the set-top terminal communicates with the system controller. This location of the terminal is used to configure the terminal to operate properly within the system and with respect to its physical location and to improve the overall operating efficiency of the system. Identifying the location of terminals can also facilitate better trouble-shooting and characterization of the cable plant by providing logical and physical network topology information. Each terminal's attributes are also registered with the system controller. The controller can also effect automatic configuration of set-top terminals purchased through a retail outlet and installed by consumers.

Abstract: An enlargement feature of a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. When a portion of a digital image displayed in the GUI is selected for enlargement, an enlarged version of the selected portion is displayed adjacent to the remaining portion of the original image that was not selected for enlargement. The digital image may include a plurality of image portions (e.g., individual display windows) selectable for enlargement, such as those found in a CATV electronic programming guide (EPG). In one embodiment, hidden supplemental data corresponding to the selected portion is only revealed in the enlarged version of the selected portion, so that it can be more easily viewed. In another embodiment, an enlargement feature application program is downloaded to a local device that controls the GUI, in response to a subscriber accepting an offer presented by a service provider.

Abstract: This method and system allow a subscriber to a cable television service to receiving a listing or menu of programming available for that subscriber's set-top terminal to upgrade or enhance the features available over the cable system. A Directory of Services (DoS) message is transmitted over the cable system to the subscriber's set-top terminal. The terminal can then display for the subscriber the menu of programming available. This display may include a price for downloading each programming object. The subscriber can then, using a remote control unit or a user input device on the terminal, direct the set-top terminal to acquire a listed programming object. The DoS message will provide information enabling the set-top terminal to download the indicated programming object from the cable system in response to the subscriber's input. The subscriber can then have immediate access to upgraded or enhanced programming, the purchase of which is billed to the subscriber's account.

Abstract: User customizable advanced closed caption capbilities are provided using existing closed caption information contained in a television signal. The invention allows the user to override the closed caption presentation format as selected by the originator (e.g., programmer or broadcaster), in order to select alternate presentation attributes based on the user's preference. Closed caption information is extracted (e.g., by a closed caption processor from a television signal, which television signal also contains corresponding audiovisual programming. The processor determines whether one or more user selected attributes have been set. At least one user selected attribute is applied to at least a portion of the closed caption information via a closed caption driver. The closed caption information is displayed via a display driver and graphics processor on a display device in accordance with the user selected attributes via a graphical overlay on top of the audiovisual programming.

Abstract: An enlargement feature of a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. When a portion of a digital image displayed in the GUI is selected for enlargement, an enlarged version of the selected portion is displayed adjacent to the remaining portion of the original image that was not selected for enlargement. The digital image may include a plurality of image portions (e.g., individual display windows) selectable for enlargement, such as those found in a CATV electronic programming guide (EPG). In one embodiment, hidden supplemental data corresponding to the selected portion is only revealed in the enlarged version of the selected portion, so that it can be more easily viewed. In another embodiment, an enlargement feature application program is downloaded to a local device that controls the GUI, in response to a subscriber accepting an offer presented by a service provider.

Abstract: A personal versatile recorder can be connected to, or integrated in, a cable television set-top terminal. The personal versatile recorder includes a central processing unit and a hard drive for mass data storage. Preferably, the personal versatile recorder has a tuner or tuners for receiving one or more transport streams from the cable system as well as analog or digital audiovisual programming. The data transport stream may encompass internet multimedia web content and associated applications to he utilized by the personal versatile recorder, Under instructions of the viewer or the agent application the central processing unit controls and facilitates various functions such as encoding, transcoding, decoding, caching, storing, playback and retrieval of any type of data or data file on the hard drive including compressed audiovisual programming content, streamed multimedia cached content, picture files, video files, audio files, HTML files, etc. for a variety of applications as described.

Abstract: A versatile user interface device and associated system includes a consumer device, such as a set-top terminal, and a user interface device, such as a versatile remote control unit for sending command signals to the set-top terminal. The system enables application specific real-time programming of the remote control device. The system incorporates Versatile Remote Control Manager (VRCM) software that is invoked by the application via user selection. The VRCM enables application specific real-time re-mapping of the key code values for the operating keys of the remote control device, such as fixed keys and/or soft keys on a touch screen display device in order to enable simpler user interface interaction and navigation experience.

Abstract: An enlargement feature of a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. When a portion of a digital image displayed in the GUI is selected for enlargement, an enlarged version of the selected portion is displayed adjacent to the remaining portion of the original image that was not selected for enlargement. The digital image may include a plurality of image portions (e.g., individual display windows) selectable for enlargement, such as those found in a CATV electronic programming guide (EPG). In one embodiment, hidden supplemental data corresponding to the selected portion is only revealed in the enlarged version of the selected portion, so that it can be more easily viewed. In another embodiment, an enlargement feature application program is downloaded to a local device that controls the GUI, in response to a subscriber accepting an offer presented by a service provider.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing a content selection GUI [120] incorporating a first type of content from a first type of source [116] and a second type of content from a second type of source [110]. Content selections [402-420] from an active user profile, which may include content selections including both the first type of content and the second type of content, are analyzed and recorded into a user profile data structure [460]. The content selections of the active user profile [402-420] are then analyzed to generate a favorites list, which is presented to the user via the content selection GUI [120].

Abstract: An interface between a point of deployment (POD) module and a host device, such as a set-top terminal for cable television selectively integrates the POD module and the host such that the POD module and host act as having a unified functional architecture by allowing shared memory and direct memory access between the POD module and the host. The selective integration can occur via an interface pin or by functionally reconfiguring a pre-established pin layout in the interface.

Abstract: An interface between a point of deployment (POD) module and a host device, such as a set-top terminal for cable television selectively integrates the POD module and the host such that th POD module and host act as having a unified functional architecture by allowing shared memory and direct memory access between the POD module and the host. The selective integration can occur via an interface pin or by functionally reconfiguring a pre-established pin layout in the interface.

Abstract: A self-configurable multipurpose modular portable device and methods for configuring same are provided. Portable device 10 includes a transceiver 20 for wireless communication with a main consumer device 100. Portable device 10 also includes a processor 40 for configuring portable device 10 and modular component 50 based on communications received wirelessly from main consumer device 100. Attachment points 30 are provided on portable device 10 for attaching one or more modular components 50. Depending on the desired functionality, the corresponding modular component 50 (e.g., cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, pager, etc.) may be attached to the portable device 10. The modular portable device can be configured to communicate wirelessly with other intelligent devices, such as Internet enabled appliances and entertainment devices. Further, the modular components 50 can be configured wirelessly to provide independent functionality when not attached to the portable device 10.

Abstract: Commands received in a set-top-box are forwarded upstream to an augmentation unit. The augmentation unit executes commands. Record and play commands may enable personal video recording using a set-top-box as a command interpreter. Firmware patches enable a set-top-box to forward commands using a network protocol.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for impulse purchasing of services over a communication network, such as a cable or satellite television network. Such services can include games or information accompanying television programming, home-shopping, e-mail services, streaming media and the like. Security is provided through entitlements generated by the access controller 14 and entitlement tokens generated by a secure processor. The secure processor is located at a subscriber terminal 16 through which a subscriber orders and obtains the services. A token is generated when the subscriber either selects the service, if pre-authorized, or when the service is purchased on impulse. The token is secure and signed, and may be used by a policy/proxy server 18 subtending to the Network Operator's ISP and associated services to further facilitate offering these services to the subscribers.

Abstract: In a system for authenticating a downloaded software object, a technique is provided to determine whether a failed authentication resulted from a suspect downloaded object or a suspect signature for the downloaded object which was communicated separately. A secret compact transformation function that operates on the signature is used to generate a value indicative of the signature at the software object transmission facility. The inverse function is used at the user terminal, such as a television set-top box, which receives the downloaded software object. Multiple transmission of the value can be provided for redundancy. The system is particularly useful in analyzing actual or attempted attacks on the security of the software object download scheme.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly downloading large files over a broadband communications link to a user segments the file into multiple segments and assigns the segments to be transmitted over a plurality of in-band or out-of-band channels. The segments are then carouseled on the assigned channels. Optionally, the segmenting algorithm may optimize the download time based on: file size, unused bandwidth per multiplex, the number of available multiplexes, or channels most viewed during the download period. The optimization program can begin the download process employing all available channels. Subsequently, based on acknowledgements regarding maximum successfully received segments, the optimization program can then reallocate the unsent segments among these channels.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to allow content protected by different digital rights management schemes from a plurality of content providers to be downloaded, played and/or viewed on a single consumer device, without regard to the original DRM scheme used to protect the content. The present invention acts as a type of proxy agent or intermediary for the consumer that has requested the content. The original DRM scheme of particular content is converted to a native DRM scheme compatible with the consumer device that has requested the content before the requested content is delivered to the consumer device. A network operator (e.g., a content delivery system operator) can therefore interface with multiple content providers having disparate DRM schemes, while maintaining a consistent DRM scheme on the operator's network and the associated consumer devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the provision of streaming media content in existing video delivery systems are provided. Streaming media content may be delivered over an existing video delivery system by (1) downloading a streaming media player to a consumer device and processing the streaming media content for delivery over the existing delivery network for decoding and display by the player; and/or (2) transcoding the streaming media content for display on a consumer device and delivering the transcoded streaming media content over the existing delivery network to the consumer device. Processing of the streaming media content may comprise encapsulating the streaming media content in an MPEG-2 transport stream for delivery over the existing network. Transcoding of the streaming media content may comprise converting the content from an original format to another format compatible with the consumer device and/or a player resident at the consumer device, such as an MPEG-2 program stream.

Abstract: A versatile user interface device and associated system includes a consumer device, such as a set-top terminal, and a user interface device, such as a versatile remote control unit for sending command signals to the set-top terminal. The system enables application specific real-time programming of the remote control device. The system incorporates Versatile Remote Control Manager (VRCM) software that is invoked by the application via user selection. The VRCM enables application specific real-time re-mapping of the key code values for the operating keys of the remote control device, such as fixed keys and/or soft keys on a touch screen display device in order to enable simpler user interface interaction and navigation experience.

Abstract: An enlargement feature of a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. When a portion of a digital image displayed in the GUI is selected for enlargement, an enlarged version of the selected portion is displayed adjacent to the remaining portion of the original image that was not selected for enlargement. The digital image may include a plurality of image portions (e.g., individual display windows) selectable for enlargement, such as those found in a CATV electronic programming guide (EPG). In one embodiment, hidden supplemental data corresponding to the selected portion is only revealed in the enlarged version of the selected portion, so that it can be more easily viewed. In another embodiment, an enlargement feature application program is downloaded to a local device that controls the GUI, in response to a subscriber accepting an offer presented by a service provider.