Abstract: A method of delivering an interactive application to a plurality of target platforms (2). The method comprises providing a set of application components; converting the set of application components into a plurality of streams of broadcast data, each stream of broadcast data conforming with a respective target platform (2); and delivering each stream of broadcast data to its respective target platform (2).

Abstract: An interactive television broadcast system comprises a source for broadcasting a plurality of television channels and data. A plurality of remote receiving units, each include a tuner to enable the unit to be tuned to receive a selected TV channel broadcast by the source, a processor responsive to data received from the source to determine the channel to which the unit is tuned, and a transmitter for sending information relating to the channel to which the unit is tuned to a common data collector.

Abstract: Apparatus for interactively generating a display signal. The apparatus comprises: a receiver (2) for receiving a broadcast signal (15), the broadcast signal comprising a plurality of datastreams each including image data defining a background object (22–270), and control parameters (28–39); a foreground computer generated imagery (CGI) device (3) for generating a foreground computer generated object (CGO); a mixer (4) for combining the foreground CGO with background object image data to generate the display signal; and interaction means (3) for receiving the control parameters from the receiver, monitoring the position of the foreground CGO, and adapting the display signal with reference to the monitored position of the foreground CGO and the received control parameters.

Abstract: An interactive broadcast system comprising a plurality of user interfaces each comprising a local clock signal generator. Each user interface delivers interactive applications to a respective user with reference to its respective local clock signal. A central control system broadcasts data to the user interfaces. The CCS detects adjustment of the local clock signals to identify fraudulent users.

Abstract: A method of sampling, at a central location, data generated from a number of remote data sources. The method comprises: a) causing those data sources with generated data to implement a local response function; b) transmitting information from the central location to the remote data sources relating to the outcome of the local response function; c) causing those data sources with generated data to determine whether the outcome of the local response function satisfies a predetermined relationship with the information transmitted from the central location, and, if it does, to transmit the generated data to the central location.

Abstract: A method of supplying information from a central source (1) to a plurality of remote user interfaces (9) relating to an interactive application. The method comprises: i) transmitting application data associated with the interactive application to the user interfaces (9); and, ii) thereafter, transmitting a real time start signal to the user interfaces (9) to enable the interactive application to begin substantially simultaneously at each user interface.

Abstract: A method of sampling, at a central location, data generated from a number of remote data sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for broadcasting a scheduled interactive application to a plurality of users via respective user interfaces. Initially, setup data is placed on a broadcast carousel prior to a scheduled start time of the interactive application whereby setup data is repeatedly broadcast to the user interfaces. A status flag is broadcast to the user interfaces to indicate that the setup data has been placed on the broadcast carousel. Real time data is broadcast to the user interfaces at the scheduled start time. Electronic programme guide (EPG) data indicating a scheduled start time for the scheduled interactive application is further broadcast to the user interfaces.

Abstract: An interactive communication system comprises a central controller; and at least one remote unit connected in use to a display device, the central controller generating signals in accordance with a service function, access to all or part of which is restricted. The signals are supplied to the remote unit(s) for display on the display device. The or each remote unit includes a processor, responsive to signals from the central controller, and selectively connectable to the central controller to transmit information back to the central controller. The or each remote unit further comprises an input device and a control memory connected to the processor, the input device allowing a user to enter information, and the control memory storing access control data. The processor is responsive to the access control data to allow a user to gain access to the restricted part of the service function, and periodically supplies data to the central controller related to said access.