Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for acquiring files by accumulation of points. The device is designed for a user of a receiver of data of a communication network, able to earn points by accomplishing at least one predefined operation, and to acquire at least one of the files by downloading via this communication network, when the aggregate number of points reaches a predetermined level associated with this file. The device comprises an automatic control module for ordering downloading via this network to a storage space accessible to this receiver, of portions of this file, designed to order the downloading of each of these portions when the number of points earned by this user reaches a fraction of this predetermined level which corresponds to this portion.

Abstract: A rotation-activated electronic component, preferably a RFID tag mounted on or incorporated in a support that is rotated when read, e.g. a CD or DVD. The RFID tag comprises an antenna, a rotational switch and a component, advantageously a processor. The antenna is adapted to transform received RFID signals to electric energy that powers the component. In a preferred embodiment, the rotational switch is adapted to cut the circuit unless the support does not rotate at or above a certain rotational speed. Supports equipped with the RFID tag of the invention will thus respond only if they rotate sufficiently. This can avoid collisions in case more than one such RFID tag is within communication range of an antenna of a reader. In a preferred embodiment, the information returned by the component is needed for full use of the content on the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for navigation within a set of audiovisual documents in an audiovisual apparatus. At least one document is recorded previously in the apparatus. Next, the apparatus receives a command of association of at least one identifier with the recorded document. Finally, the apparatus receives navigation commands for navigating around the list of recorded documents, the identifier or identifiers associated with the document is automatically reproduced when this document is selected. The invention also relates to an apparatus able to execute a software navigation module for using the process. According to improvements, the identifier is a video sequence, an audio sequence, a text or a still image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IP networks and, more particularly, local area networks, for example home networks. It concerns the manner in which devices connected to such networks obtain and update knowledge of the other compatible devices connected to the network. To do this, the invention is based on a finite-state machine, comprising connected, disconnected and standby states. The changes of state take place on receipt of messages, requests or replies from the other devices, or on expiry of timers in the absence of receipt of messages.

Abstract: Within the context of the broadcasting of DVB services over an IP network, the trend is to separate the signalling information describing the network and the services offered from the services themselves. The signalling is made available to the terminals via XML files available on HTTP servers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for engraving digital data received from a remote server. The inventive method consists in acquiring an identifier of a secured disc used for receiving digital data, in transmitting the identifier and a digital data loading instruction to the remote server, in receiving digital date scrambled by at least one second encryption key and second encryption keys by a first encryption key and in engraving scrambled digital data and the second encryption keys on the secured disc. A providing and distributing methods and a distribution server are also disclosed.

Abstract: A communication network performs a method of managing recordings. The communication network comprises a plurality of audiovisual terminals furnished with recording means. The method comprises determining the most adapted terminal among the plurality for recording a specific document. Values of fit are calculated from attributes associated with the document and attributes associated with each terminal. The terminal whose value of fit is the greatest is selected and used for recording this document. The morality of the document and the maximum level of morality accessible from the terminal being compared in order to barre the recording of the document in a terminal if the morality level of this document is higher than the morality level of this terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transmitting service information in a television system. The invention relates more particularly to the providing of an upgradeable summary tied to the broadcasting of an event. Versions of the summary are transmitted at certain moments in the service information. These versions are concatenated in the receiver so that the result of the concatenation constitutes a summary of that part of the event which has already been broadcast. The invention also relates to a receiver for receiving service information in such a television system, to the process for processing this service information at the level of this receiver and to the transmitter implementing the transmission process according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for secure installation of software applications. The user receives the software, partly encrypted, and an installation token for a number of licenses from the software provider, plugs the software and the installation token into a computer, and launches the installation application. A Secure Authenticated Channel is established between the installation application and the installation token and a unique identifier of the computer is sent thereon to the installation token. The installation token verifies that there are remaining licenses, decreases the remaining licenses, authorizes the installation and sends the decryption key and a certificate/key pair to the installation application that decrypts and installs the software, preferably linking the installation to the computer's identifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying audiovisual sequences, typically advertisements, carried out by a device provided with means for the reception and recording of said sequences. A display scenario is sent to the device. Said scenario comprises groups of data made up of sequence identifiers and at least one time display window. Following the reception of a signal which typically announces an advertising spot, the device selects a sequence whose associated time display window includes the present moment and displays it. Usual behavior of the user is stored by the device which plans the display of said sequences when the user is not normally present during the planned time window. In an advanced form, the time window is broken down into periods and the scenario specifies a number of displays of the sequence during said period. The invention also relates to a device which can receive a scenario and run it in order to select sequences and display them according to the display method.

Abstract: Within the framework of the transmission of DVB services over an IP network, the tendency is to separate the signalling information describing the network and the services offered from the services themselves. The signalling is made available to the terminals via XML files available on HTTP servers. In contradistinction to this approach, the invention consists of a method of discovery, by a terminal connected to an IP type network, of DVB services on the IP type network, where the terminal uses a first IP address and a first port number to receive a transport stream transmitted to this IP address on this port. The terminal extracts from the said stream the signalling tables including the networks information table (NIT).

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for burning digital data representative of a multimedia content on a secure disc. The multimedia content is intended to be downloaded from a remote server to a client device carrying out the burning on the secure disc. The secure disc contains a first encryption key. The method comprises the following steps: (a) retrieving the first encryption key from the secure disc; (b) transmitting to the remote server the first encryption key and an identifier of the multimedia content; (c) receiving from the remote server at least a second encryption key encrypted with the first encryption key and the multimedia content scrambled with the second encryption key; and (d) burning the second encryption key and the scrambled multimedia content on the secure disc containing the encrypted first encryption key, by the client device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for acquiring files by accumulation of points. The device is designed for a user of a receiver of data of a communication network, able to earn points by accomplishing at least one predefined operation, and to acquire at least one of the files by downloading via this communication network, when the aggregate number of points reaches a predetermined level associated with this file. The device comprises an automatic control module for ordering downloading via this network to a storage space accessible to this receiver, of portions of this file, designed to order the downloading of each of these portions when the number of points earned by this user reaches a fraction of this predetermined level which corresponds to this portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive television process applicable to a system where one or more transmitting stations transmit programmes to receivers. This process provides for: a) reception in one of the receivers, of a startup application and of a normal application; b) testing for the presence in a memory of the receiver of at least one file of additional data; c) in the absence of this file or of these files in this memory, starting up of the normal application; d) if the files of additional data are present, starting up of an improved application using the files of additional data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drawing up a list of contents in a controller device connected to a domestic network, said list enumerating the contents provided by various devices connected to the domestic network. The inventive method consists in transmitting a command specifying a filtering criterion from the controller device; in drawing up a local list in each device upon reception of said command; in transferring each local list to the controller device from the device in which the last was drawn up; and in assembling the local lists in the controller device in order to form a list of contents. The user can thus select a filtering criterion such as sports for example and can view the list of contents which enter into said filtering category and which are available for all devices. Quick content searches can also be carried out by the user. The invention also relates to a device enabling a list of contents to be drawn up according to said message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IP networks and, more particularly, local area networks, for example home networks. It concerns the manner in which devices connected to such networks obtain and update knowledge of the other compatible devices connected to the network. This method is based on the regular transmission of signalling messages by all the compatible devices. Thus, by monitoring the network, a device is able to detect the other devices in the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IP networks and, more particularly, local area networks, for example home networks. It concerns the manner in which devices connected to such networks obtain and update knowledge of the other compatible devices connected to the network. To do this, the invention is based on a finite-state machine, comprising connected, disconnected and standby states. The changes of state take place on receipt of messages, requests or replies from the other devices, or on expiry of timers in the absence of receipt of messages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling recording within a communication network. The communication network comprises audiovisual terminals provided with means for recording audio or audiovisual documents. The method comprises the following steps:—a) calculation of a value representing the compatibility of recording between the document and a terminal, b) reiteration of step a), calculating a compatibility value for each terminal selection of the device with the greatest compatibility value for recording the document. According to a refinement of the invention the calculation of the compatibility value takes account of attributes associated with the terminal and associated with the document.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for navigation within a set of audiovisual documents in an audiovisual apparatus. At least one document is recorded previously in the apparatus. Next, the apparatus receives a command of association of at least one identifier with the recorded document. Finally, the apparatus receives navigation commands for navigating around the list of recorded documents, the identifier or identifiers associated with the document is automatically reproduced when this document is selected. The invention also relates to an apparatus able to execute a software navigation module for using the process. According to improvements, the identifier is a video sequence, an audio sequence, a text or a still image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for managing recordings of data originating from a broadcasting network. The process analyses whether recording resources are available at the moment envisaged for executing the task envisaged, and as appropriate, for reporting the execution of this task during a next re-broadcasting of the data. An improvement consists in instigating a search for the equivalent resources, then instigating a negotiation with the current users of the resources when no equivalent resource is available. The invention also relates to a device and a centre for the implementation of the process.