Abstract: Systems and methods for using smart sample containers to manage complex sample evaluation workflows, are disclosed. An example method for using a smart sample container configured to manage a sample evaluation workflow according to the present invention comprises, obtaining a sample evaluation workflow for the one or more samples, receiving interactions with external devices, and based on the sample evaluation workflow, and causing the external devices to perform actions to advance the sample evaluation workflow. The smart sample container may further modify the sample evaluation workflow based on results of actions performed by the sample evaluation workflow and/or store information relating to the results of such actions. In this way, the smart sample containers are able to dynamically drive the evaluation of a sample through its sample evaluation workflow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using smart sample containers to manage complex sample evaluation workflows, are disclosed. An example method for using a smart sample container configured to manage a sample evaluation workflow according to the present invention comprises, obtaining a sample evaluation workflow for the one or more samples, receiving interactions with external devices, and based on the sample evaluation workflow, and causing the external devices to perform actions to advance the sample evaluation workflow. The smart sample container may further modify the sample evaluation workflow based on results of actions performed by the sample evaluation workflow and/or store information relating to the results of such actions. In this way, the smart sample containers are able to dynamically drive the evaluation of a sample through its sample evaluation workflow.

Abstract: In an interactive broadcast system signals transmitted by a service provider (30) are passed via a gateway (12) to a subscriber terminal (2). In order to gain access to services, the subscriber terminal (2) transmits an authorization request message via the gateway (12) to the RADIUS server (18). This RADIUS server (18) transmits in response to the authorization request message an authorization challenge message to the subscriber terminal (2). In return the subscriber terminal responds to the challenge message with a challenge response. This challenge response is checked by the RADIUS server (18) and if correct, the RADIUS server (18) transmits a message to the gateway to give the subscriber terminal access to the service.

Abstract: Described is a satellite communication system 1 comprising a primary station 2, a communication satellite 3 and at least one secondary station 4. The primary station 2 transmits data signals 5 via the communication satellite 3 to the secondary station 4. The primary station 2 comprises a modulator 24 for modulating the data signals onto at least two differently FEC-encoded frequency carriers. The secondary station 4 comprises a tuner 32 for tuning to one of the frequency carriers in dependence on a tuning signal received from the primary station 2. The secondary station 4 further comprising signal quality determining means for determining at least an estimate of a signal quality of the frequency carrier presently tuned to. The secondary station 4 comprising retuning request transmit means for transmitting a retuning request signal to the primary station 2 when the estimate of the signal quality becomes lower than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A system (100) comprising a server (101) arranged to transmit an announcement of a multicast service to a client (103-105), the announcement comprising a structured information document. Also a method of announcing a multicast service, comprising transmitting an announcement comprising a structured information document.

Abstract: Described is a satellite communication system 1 comprising a primary station 2, a communication satellite 3 and at least one secondary station 4. The primary station 2 transmits data signals 5 via the communication satellite 3 to the secondary station 4. The primary station 2 comprises a modulator 24 for modulating the data signals onto at least two differently FEC-encoded frequency carriers. The secondary station 4 comprises a tuner 32 for tuning to one of the frequency carriers in dependence on a tuning signal received from the primary station 2. The secondary station 4 further comprising signal quality determining means for determining at least an estimate of a signal quality of the frequency carrier presently tuned to. The secondary station 4 comprising retuning request transmit means for transmitting a retuning request signal to the primary station 2 when the estimate of the signal quality becomes lower than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Conditional access is used to prevent unauthorized use, for example, reception of signals. A conditional access apparatus performs a combination of scrambling and encryption to obtain these results. Known conditional access apparatuses use a control word generator to obtain the requested control words, and an encrypter to encrypt the control words. The encrypted control words are sent together with the information to make descrambling possible at the receiving side. The invention proposes the use of a table of control words and encrypted control words as entitlement control words for realizing scrambling and descrambling.