Abstract: In a method for transmitting data streams between a terminal device and a portable security module having a web server, the security module receives a first request announcing a processing data stream, and a second request containing the processing data stream. The security module generates a result data stream on the basis of already received data of the processing data stream during the receipt of the processing data stream, and sends a first response to the first request while the result data stream is being generated, wherein the first response contains the result data stream. Given the limited memory of the security module, it is thereby made possible to process larger data streams nevertheless.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus holds a first script for acquiring authentication information stored in an external apparatus, and acquires authentication information as a result of causing the first script to execute in an execution step in a case where a second script is included in the received screen information, and displays an input screen in a state in which the authentication information acquired is set.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: A method of providing information to a viewer having a reading device, a television, an input device, and an output device includes transmitting a first digital signal to the reading device. The first digital signal includes information for display on the television. When the reading device receives the first digital signal, the reading device sends a first reading device signal to the television for display to the viewer. The first reading device signal includes information derived from the first digital signal. An output device digital signal is provided to the output device if the viewer sends an input device signal to the reading device by pressing on the input device when the first reading device signal is displayed to the viewer. The output device digital signal includes information for the output device to provide image and/or text related to the information displayed to the viewer.

Abstract: A Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) management method includes: acquiring information about a policy control session corresponding to a data connection, where the information about the policy control session includes information about policy control session release or result information about policy control session setup, and managing a mapping relation between the data connection and a PCRF according to the information about the policy control session corresponding to the data connection.

Abstract: Portable multi-purpose audience measurement systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example method to monitor a media presentation device disclosed herein comprises sensing a media content signal output by the media presentation device using a portable device separate from the media presentation device, the portable device supporting media metering functionality and native functionality, attempting to detect a code encoded in the sensed media content signal using the portable device, and generating a signature from the sensed media content signal using the portable device when the portable device is electrically coupled to an external power supply or the portable device has at least a threshold amount of local battery power, but not generating the signature when the portable device is not electrically coupled to the external power supply and the portable device does not have at least the threshold amount of local battery power.

Abstract: A method for controlling viewing a broadcast in a terminal. A terminal having a broadcast control function includes a first replaceable identity device attached to a portion of the terminal and a controller for setting a broadcast viewing level when a second identity device replaces the first identity device, wherein the broadcast viewing level was previously set by the first identity device.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: A method and system to permit TV viewers to interact with program content broadcast over a subscriber network, such as cable, satellite, internet, or cellular telephone. The details of the ability for the viewer to interact is embedded as data in the program signal. The subscription provider broadcasts a visual indicator as a small icon during programming that informs the viewer that interaction is permitted. The viewer then uses a remote control to purchase products, vote on events, respond to polls, download files, request information, and request callback actions. The TV viewer uses the remote control to send information to a set-top box front-end application, and to iteratively create transactions that are batched and then sent to a back-end core application and database which then handles fulfillment.

Abstract: A method for operating a signal receiver which authorizes controlled access, comprising providing an authentication token device having a predetermined usage limit stored therein, providing a reading device for reading the authentication token device, and for implementing the predetermined usage limit while deauthorizing the authentication token device for use with other reading devices, comprising a signal generator for communicating with a signal receiver through a wireless transmission, receiving the wireless transmission at the signal receiver, to permit access based on the received transmission, and upon exceeding the predetermined usage limit, deauthorizing further access.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a control device (1) provided for smart card readers (SCR), a smart card reading activation device (2) and associated products including a set-top box and a daisy chain. The control device comprises means for communicating (11) with at least two smart card reading devices (SCR3, SCR4, SCR5), means for processing (12) information received from those reading devices and means for activating (13) at least one of those reading devices for a current communication. The activating means are intended to send selection data (SD) towards all those reading devices, those selection data enabling each of the reading devices to determine if it is selected or not for the current communication.

Abstract: A detachable seat mounted audio-visual entertainment system. The system has locally storable, selectable, and updatable content. The passenger in-flight entertainment device terminal has passenger selectable controls, a video display, an audio output, storage media such as a magnetic or “hard disk”, and a payment interface device such as a card swipe, all located in a seat which has been wired with power, local network, and audio wiring. A local, transport vehicle mounted local host computer provides supports the local network, and may be used to collect revenue slips resulting from passenger input to the payment interface device. Revenue slips may be posted to a remote server during a trip segment via satellite or direct radio frequency communication to receiving facilities providing connection to the internet, or alternately collected and posted batch-wise.

Abstract: A method according to the present disclosure comprises displaying a program in a first format on a first television channel to a user and automatically displaying a message to the user indicating that the program is available in a second format on a second television channel. The message may be displayed on the first television channel while the program in the first format is being displayed. Additionally, the automatic displaying of the message may be unprompted by the user. In certain embodiments, the user may be provided the option to purchase the program in the second format if the second format is not within the user's subscription.

Abstract: A method and system of supporting operation of customer equipment in systems having at least a portion of their signals being transported according to standards which are not supported by the customer equipment.

Abstract: A method of facilitating communications between a computer device and a smart card reader having an associated smart card, the computer device including a smart card resource manager and a smart card reader service, the smart card reader service acting as a relay for commands between the smart card resource manager and the smart card reader, the method comprising: receiving from the smart card resource manager a first command for setting a protocol for communications with the smart card; and responding, prior to receiving a reply from the smart card to the first command, to the smart card resource manager with a message indicating that the smart card has successfully received the first command.

Abstract: With a contents viewing and listening management method using a contents viewing and listening management apparatus, a viewing and listening request of a content is made for displaying a predetermined content. Information relating to users whose viewing and listening of the relevant predetermined content is restricted, and information relating to administrators who manage viewing and listening of a content by the users are managed. If restriction is set to a content relating to the viewing and listening request, a relevant user ID is obtained. Whether or not the requested is a content of which viewing and listening has been permitted by the administrator as to each of the users is determined. If the content of which the viewing and listening has been requested is not permitted, a message which requests permission for viewing and listening of the requested content is transmitted to a second terminal possessed by the administrator.

Abstract: A television and a method thereof are provided. The television includes a display, a first network interface to a packet-based network, and a decoder operable to process a multimedia data stream received via the first network interface, wherein the television is operable to display video content of the multimedia data stream on the display promptly upon receipt of a user request to power up the television. The method includes receiving a multimedia data stream at a network interface of a television, wherein the network interface is coupled to a packet-based network, processing the multimedia data stream at a decoder of the television to generate video content and providing the video content to a display of the television, wherein the television displays video content of the multimedia data stream promptly upon receipt of a request to power up the television.

Abstract: A digital cable broadcast processing apparatus and a method thereof. A power supply supplies power, and an out-of-band (OOB) receiver receives additional OOB information from a transmission system. A cable card to descramble the received OOB information is mounted in an interface, and a controller controls the power supply in accordance with the presence and absence of the cable card, and accordingly controls the power supply to the OOB receiver. Whether or not the cable card is mounted is determined, and power is cut off or supplied in accordance with the result of the determination. As a result, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented when the cable card is not mounted.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A data processing method of a digital broadcasting receiver comprises receiving a mobile/handheld (MH) broadcasting signal including mobile service data and main service data; generating a RS (Reed-Solomon) frame from the received MH broadcasting signal; extracting control data from the RS frame, the control data including charge adjustment information required to use a service provided by at least one service provider, the service being encrypted; determining whether the service is available, by comparing the extracted charge adjustment information with balance information written in the smart card; controlling the second RS frame using the control data so that an encrypted service of the second RS frame is decrypted, if the service is available; and mapping the extracted charge adjustment information with a corresponding service provider and storing the information.

Abstract: A method of facilitating communications between a computer device and a smart card reader having an associated smart card, the computer device including a smart card resource manager and a smart card reader service, the smart card reader service acting as a relay for commands between the smart card resource manager and the smart card reader, the method comprising: receiving from the smart card resource manager a first command for setting a protocol for communications with the smart card; and responding, prior to receiving a reply from the smart card to the first command, to the smart card resource manager with a message indicating that the smart card has successfully received the first command.

Abstract: A method of managing access rights in a smart card, to subordinating execution of a command (Cmd1, Cmdk) such as reading or writing to an event (Evt1?, Evtk?) being valid, such as authentication by verifying a code. The state of validation events is stored in a register, and the access rights are stored in a command list (List_Cmd) made up of couples (Cpl1, Cplk), each associating a command with an event. On receiving a request to execute a command, a search is made in the command list (List_Cmd) for the couple (Cpl1, Cplk) that includes the requested command, and execution is refused if the search is unsuccessful. If the search is successful, then it is determined from the register (referred to as the card security state register) whether the event associated with the command is or is not valid, in order to authorize or refuse execution thereof. The invention is for use in any smart card application that involves access rights.

Abstract: A method for managing access to scrambled broadcast or transmitted events received from a variety of service providers (including broadcast television networks, cable television networks, digital satellite systems). Each service provider employs the same public key for descrambling the access information message thereby permitting a user to access events from various service providers without changing the smart card. The method may also be expanded to manage access to a scrambled package of broadcast events.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database. The system comprises a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory comprises a list of telephone numbers associated with one or more destinations implementing IVR, wherein the destinations are grouped based on at least one category; instructions executable by the processor for automatically communicating with at least one user; and instructions executable by the processor for at least one personal record from the at least one user and for storing the at least one personal record in the IVR database.

Abstract: Method for checking the signature of a message. The message, signature, and a certificate are sent by a signer having a public key to a recipient having a message storage device. The certificate is checked by a protected device connected to the message storage device and a checking result data element is sent for checking to a display device connected to the protected device. When the certificate is verified, a reduction of the message is calculated in the protected device and the message is recopied onto the display device. The signature is decrypted using the public key in the protected device, and the decrypted signature is compared with the reduction carried out. According to the comparison, a message is sent from the protected device to the display device indicating whether the signature conforms or does not conform to the message or to the public key of the signer put forward.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database. The system comprises a memory having a list of telephone numbers associated with destinations implementing IVR. The destinations are grouped based on multiple categories of IVR. Moreover, the memory comprises instructions for automatically communicating with multiple IVR and instructions for downloading customization record from said multiple IVR. The system further comprises a processor that executes instructions stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method of facilitating communications between a computer device and a smart card reader having an associated smart card, the computer device including a smart card resource manager and a smart card reader service, the smart card reader service acting as a relay for commands between the smart card resource manager and the smart card reader, the method comprising: receiving from the smart card resource manager a first command for setting a protocol for communications with the smart card; and responding, prior to receiving a reply from the smart card to the first command, to the smart card resource manager with a message indicating that the smart card has successfully received the first command.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and technologies for configuring a conventional smart card and a client machine, and for performing a smart card authorization using the configured smart card and client. Further, the combination of methods provides for mutual authentication—authentication of the client to the user, and authentication of the user to the client. The authentication methods include presenting a specified token to the user sufficient to authenticate the client to the user and thus protect the user-provided PIN. Security is strengthened by using an integrity key based on approved client system configurations. Security is further strengthened by calculating a PIN? value based on a user-specified PIN and a modifier and using the PIN? value for unlocking the smart card.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of control words, each control word controlling access to an object. The method includes providing a control word packet (CWP), generating a first control word (CW) from the CWP, providing a second CW generation input and producing a second CW based, at least in part, on both of the following the first CW and the second CW generation input. Control word generating apparatus for generating a plurality of control words is also disclosed.

Abstract: A customer premises installation has a wireless multimedia center (WMC) for reception from one or more signal sources and for distribution of segments of signals from signal sources through the wireless multimedia center to a plurality of end units, in which the signals include video signals and broadband data. The wireless multimedia center receives all the signals and distributes segments of said signals via a transmitter. The video signals are transmitted by orthogonal frequency division multiplexing in which all signals are added together and summed as an orthogonal array having dimensions of time, frequency and amplitude, to transmit spread spectrum multiplexed signals. Each pulse has sufficiently long individual pulse widths to defeat multi-path, reflection and absorption phase induced losses. The video signals are distributed to one or more end units. The end units communicate with the wireless multimedia center, controlling which segments of which signals are distributed to each end unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling the data packets transmitted to a plurality of mobile terminals supporting multiple quality of service (QoS) grades in a multichannel wireless communication system includes a storage device for storing queues and data packets of the mobile stations, the queue and data packets of each of the mobile stations being arranged in an order of the quality of service grades; and a scheduler for allocating resources of multiple channels to the mobile stations based on different scheduling metrics separately applied to the multiple channels according to the quality of service grades, each of the scheduling metrics applied to a particular one of channels being used to select one of the mobile stations whose data packets are transmitted through the particular channel; wherein entire data packets of the mobile stations are transmitted through the multiple channels when the allocation of the channel resources has been completed sequentially for each of the multiple channels.

Abstract: A billing system comprising servers, routers, and processors programmed to provide reservation based prepaid billing is disclosed. The billing system is also programmed to concurrently process multiple billing events on a single, prepaid subscriber account.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image reproducing apparatus for updating a channel map, and a method thereof. The image reproducing apparatus includes an identification (ID) detector for detecting the ID of a broadcast information card when a broadcast information card is mounted, a comparing unit for comparing the ID of the broadcast information card detected by the detector with the ID of a existing broadcast information card, the ID being received from a broadcast station and stored in a storage unit, a deleting unit for deleting an existing first channel map when the ID of the detected broadcast information card is different from the ID of the existing broadcast information card, and a receiving unit for receiving data including a new second channel map from the broadcast station in place of the first channel map deleted by the deleting unit. Accordingly, accurate update conditions are proposed, thereby enhancing user convenience and increasing accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contacting unit, with plug-in card-shaped housing, having a base plate and a cover plate, between which a slit-like plug-in channel opening on one end of the housing is formed to receive a chip card, and which is provided on the other side with a connector strip, in which the plug-in channel is essentially open on both sides over its entire length in the plug-in direction of the chip card, and the base plate and the cover plate are firmly connected to each other only in the area connected to the plug-in channel in the plug-in direction, wherein at least one lateral guide device is arranged on one end on base plate and/or cover plate, which at least partially bounds the plug-in channel.

Abstract: A computer system enabling mutual exchange of information between users and digital content, in a manner corresponding to each individual disk, comprises a plurality of computers each capable of being loaded with a disk having a unique disk ID, and a verification server capable of being connected with the computers via a network. Each disk has a unique ID, and the verification server has a user database for accumulating user information corresponding to the disk ID. The verification server identifies the disk based on the disk ID, and transmits data corresponding to the disk to the computer.

Abstract: A method and system for auxiliary data detection. Data is received on a hand-held device from a display of a signal on a monitor. The signal is visually displayed on the monitor at a frequency. A modulated video signal is received on the hand-held device from a display device. The modulated video signal contains auxiliary data modulated within a video signal in a substantially invisible way. The modulated video signal is demodulated to obtain the auxiliary data. At least one of the data or the auxiliary data is processed to identify a promotional opportunity available through the hand-held device. The user of the hand-held device is notified of availability of the promotional opportunity through the hand-held device.

Abstract: A portable media device for use in cooperation with passenger entertainment systems installed in vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The portable media device is configured to communicate with one or more content sources, which provide viewing content and which may be proximate to, and/or remote from, the portable media device. Preferably being configured to wirelessly communicate with the content sources, the portable media device can select content from any available content source and can download and present the selected content in any conventional manner. The selected content can be streamed to the portable media device for contemporaneous presentation and/or stored by the portable media device for viewing at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle once travel is completed. As desired, the portable media device likewise can be configured to transmit appropriate upload content to the content sources.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A data processing method of a digital broadcasting receiver comprises receiving a mobile/handheld (MH) broadcasting signal including mobile service data and main service data; generating a RS (Reed-Solomon) frame from the received MH broadcasting signal; extracting control data from the RS frame, the control data including charge adjustment information required to use a service provided by at least one service provider, the service being encrypted; determining whether the service is available, by comparing the extracted charge adjustment information with balance information written in the smart card; controlling the second RS frame using the control data so that an encrypted service of the second RS frame is decrypted, if the service is available; and mapping the extracted charge adjustment information with a corresponding service provider and storing the information.

Abstract: An access verifier may act as an intermediary to allow users to receive single use user IDs while protecting their anonymity. The access verifier has some relationship with the user that allows the access verifier to know details regarding the user that might be helpful in determining whether the user is a potentially desirable customer. The user may request a user ID from the access verifier. The user may then pass the user ID to the access provider when the user wishes to gain access. Upon receiving the user ID, the access provider may request verification that the ID is valid from the access verifier. The access verifier may respond that the ID is valid (if appropriate), and also may include user information. The access provider is thereby provided with some level of assurance that the user is a potential customer without knowing confidential information.

Abstract: A method for managing access to scrambled broadcast or transmitted events received from a variety of service providers (including broadcast television networks, cable television networks, digital satellite systems). Each service provider employs the same public key for descrambling the access information message thereby permitting a user to access events from various service providers without changing the smart card. The method may also be expanded to manage access to a scrambled package of broadcast events.

Abstract: A computer system enabling mutual exchange of information between users and digital content, in a manner corresponding to each individual disk, comprises a plurality of computers each capable of being loaded with a disk having a unique disk ID, and a verification server capable of being connected with the computers via a network. Each disk has a unique ID, and the verification server has a user database for accumulating user information corresponding to the disk ID. The verification server identifies the disk based on the disk ID, and transmits data corresponding to the disk to the computer.

Abstract: A common interface controller and a method of descrambling channels of first and second transport streams using a conditional access module for descrambling channels of a transport stream as identified by respective PIDs wherein an intermediate data stream is provided by time multiplexing at least a part of the first transport stream with at least a part of the second transport stream, the part of the first transport stream including a first channel and the part of the second transport stream including a second channel, and wherein the original value of a PID identifying the second channel is changed to an intermediate value not used by any PID of any respective channel in said at least a part of the first transport stream such that the intermediate data stream forms an intermediate transport stream for processing by the conditional access module.

Abstract: A receiver/decoder for use in a digital satellite radio or television system includes a decoder and means to accommodate a credit or bank card carrying a microprocessor, and means to interact with said microprocessor when the credit or bank card is inserted into an operative position in said receiver/decoder in order to enable data carried by said credit or bank card to be read and data to be input to the microprocessor carried by said credit or bank card. A PIN number may be transmitted to the receiver/decoder in a secure fashion by means of a remote controller, which is also described. Applications of the invention include Pay-Per-View television, teleshopping and telebanking.

Abstract: A billing system comprising servers, routers, and processors programmed to provide reservation based prepaid billing is disclosed. The billing system is also programmed to concurrently process multiple billing events on a single, prepaid subscriber account.

Abstract: The systems and methods provide for configuring and managing resources on a multi-purpose IC card. In one aspect, a user interface (UI) for an application is presented on a display device. A user is enabled via at least one graphical dialog screen of the UI to configure a communicatively coupled IC card. Management of one or more resources on the IC card is facilitated via at least one graphical dialog screen of the UI.

Abstract: A method and device for relaying specific data, especially receiving rights, to a pay television terminal. The data originating from a transmitter is transmitted to the pay television terminal via a transmission medium with the application of mobile data carriers, especially chipcards. The pay television terminal temporarily stores specific data, and afterwards, a specific mobile data carrier is connected to the pay television terminal in a communicative manner. The receiving rights linked to said mobile data carriers are relayed and stored on the data carriers.

Abstract: A smart card virtual hub combines an ISO7816 compliant smart card reader interface with a USB hub that provides one or more attachment points for connection of devices to the USB bus, thereby interfacing such devices to the host computer. The hub in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides one port to which one USB functional device, such as a keyboard, may be attached. The attached keyboard shares a common USB bus bandwidth with the internal embedded smart card reader through a host-scheduled, token-based communication protocol that is handled by the USB driver and the device driver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cable card mounting apparatus capable of maintaining a temperature that conforms to operating conditions at a high environmental temperature without using a small fan or heat sink. The cable card mounting apparatus comprises a receiver housing and a card mounting section that is positioned outside the receiver housing and provided with a card slot inside the receiver housing. While a connector for a cable card is mounted in the card slot, a main body of the cable card is positioned inside the receiver housing and in parallel with a bottom surface of the receiver housing.

Abstract: A method (and system) for preventing counterfeiting and cloning of smart cards, includes providing a smart card with a cryptographic structure for authorizing the smart card which can not be accessed completely by a predetermined small number of readings. The cryptographic structure can be built only by whoever emits the card or an agent thereof.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) hardware card is disclosed. The card is insertable into a television tuning device having EPG capability. A non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, is situated within a case of the hardware card, and has data stored thereon representing one or more loader programs for the device. Each program corresponds to an EPG provider, and gives the device the capability to receive EPG information from this provider. The case of the hardware card may have a form factor such as a Smart Card, a Compact Flash, a Smart Media, or another form factor. Alternatively, the data stored on the card represents non-executable information corresponding to an EPG provider. A business model and a server-based embodiment are also disclosed.