Abstract: A method for managing a user's preference option in a broadcast receiver receiving data broadcasting, a class/interface structure for controlling the same, and a broadcasting receiver for controlling the class/interface receiver can solve a problem encountered when a data broadcast-associated application partially overlaps with a Native application. A method comprising the steps of: receiving a request for setting a function, wherein the function is supported by at least one of a data broadcast-associated application and an application native to a broadcast receiver; accessing setting authority information in response to the request; and storing data associated with the function based on the setting authority information.

Abstract: A decoder checks a table within its received input signal and tunes to at least one of the listed frequencies to determine its associated service group within a subscriber television system. The associated service group associates the decoder with the modulators, transport streams, and other components providing services and programming to that particular decoder. The decoder transmits its associated service group to the subscriber television system headend. The subscriber television system then knows the services and programming available on that particular decoder. The decoder can periodically verify its associated service group and, if the service group is changed, notify the headend. By establishing decoders for auditing the system, the definition of the service groups can be established or updated when components or configurations are introduced or changed.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving cable broadcast data and a method for transmitting/receiving cable broadcast software are disclosed. It is provided that a method for receiving software by a host, the method includes receiving information of a software code block, receiving the software code block using the received information and outputting download control information including information indicating reception failure of the software code block. The information of the software code block at the receiving step is indicative of at least one of vendor information of the host, hardware version information of the host, and locator information of the software code block. A cable broadcast receiver and a method for transmitting/receiving cable broadcast software according to the present invention can effectively install or update software of a receiver of a cable broadcast system.

Abstract: Advertisements or commercials are integrated into an entertainment program or display by designating locations or fields in the entertainment program or display into which targeted advertisements or commercials may in inserted and/or modified, so that the advertisements blend into the scene in which they are inserted without disrupting the entertainment program or display.

Abstract: An automation server interfaces with broadcast scheduling systems of various types to automatically synchronize the behavior of interactive applications relative to various broadcast programs, such as television shows and commercials, so as to maintain the appropriate interactive application for whatever broadcast program is airing. This allows for television shows which have an associated interactive application, but which are segmented by commercials (which may have their own interactive applications) to have their interactive application displayed while the television show in on, but not during commercials, while maintaining any state information that has been created during execution of the interactive application. The automation server includes multiple channel interfaces, each having a translator and an event manager. The translator translates native control signals from the scheduling system into a fixed set of atomic commands which represent the lifecycle behavior of a broadcast program.

Abstract: An interactive system for obtaining data for diagnostic purposes from a server having access to stores of said data wherein the server supplies the data and software to a data requesting user that enables the user to receive the data progressively so as to decide during the receipt of the data what portions of the data are to be received thereby decreasing the time required to receive the data and that enables the user to load the software to process the supplied data.

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: Disclosed is a system and method that provides rate controlled insertion of asynchronous data into a synchronous stream in a broadcast system. A calculation of the transmission time for an asynchronous data file is determined from the file size, available data transfer rate, redundancy transmission factor, bandwidth scale factor and connect time latency. Transmission time may be employed to schedule transmission of asynchronous data for use at a predetermined time. Transmission time for multiple files may be combined to determine a transmission start time for a first file such that a last asynchronous file is transmitted by a predetermined time.

Abstract: Method for changing channel information in a digital TV receiver which can deal with a channel cancellation/addition during broadcasting, including the steps of (1) determining a channel information of being changed from a broadcasting signal received at every preset time interval and storing the changed channel information, and (2) comparing the stored changed channel information and channel information stored already, for updating the channel information.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the collection and delivery of broadcast data. Broadcast data is captured by broadcast data sources from television broadcasts and the captured broadcast data is collected by a broadcast data source miniport. The miniport differentiates the broadcast data to separate the requested broadcast data and to separate the broadcast data that complies with a protocol from broadcast data that does not comply with a protocol. The nonrequested broadcast data is preferably discarded and the broadcast data that does not comply with a protocol is encapsulated with appropriate headers. The broadcast data is then transferred through the network or system to a common application interface such as Winsock through NDIS and a protocol such as UDP/IP. Alternatively, a RawData module is used that does not rely on sockets and is capable of communicating with the miniport.

Abstract: A cable television settop receiver and method includes a software component and a frequency acquisition method for determining the ability of the operating system/control program in the settop receiver to operate the settop receiver. The software component, referred to as a “bootloader”, executes on the processor contained in the settop receiver and determines the capability and version of the settop receiver operating system/control program. If the bootloader determines that the operating system/control program should be updated, the bootloader initiates a download sequence, the performance of which allows the proper operating system/control program to be downloaded to the settop receiver. The download occurs after receipt, by the settop receiver, of a code version table (CVT). The CVT includes information that the settop receiver uses to determine which frequency to tune to receive the replacement operating system/control program.

Abstract: A transmission schedule table of program data to be transmitted from a video server to a client is previously transmitted to a filter unit. The filter unit receives program information concerning a currently received program, from the client. Based on a transmission schedule table and program information, the filter unit filters program data multiplexed on the basis of frequency and time, which is transmitted from the video server, while changing its own filtering characteristic. The filter unit transmits the filtered data to the client.

Abstract: A digital cable network architecture and services method includes a cable medium and a plurality of hosts that include a receiver. A policy file store contains policy files having at least one of a service provider section, a consumer section, and a manufacturer section that can be updated by at least one of the service provider, a consumer and a receiver manufacturer, respectively. A service provider that is associated with the policy file store provides digital cable services over the cable medium to the hosts and downloads monitor applications and policy files to the hosts over the cable medium. The MAs use the service provider section, the consumer section, and/or the manufacturer section of the policy file to alter resource contention, alter service provisioning at levels below a channel level, and/or alter fraudulent receiver identification calculations.

Abstract: In a step S1, when the user executes a tuning operation (a service-number input operation) on an input section, the information is output to a control section. In a step S3, the control section determines whether the service number selected in the step S1 corresponds to a promotion channel. When it is determined that the service number corresponds to a promotion channel, the procedure proceeds to a step S11. In the step S11, the control section displays on the monitor a message indicating that the selected service number is not found.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for upgrading a software, including a version comparing unit for comparing a version of a software code and a version of a previously installed software code to determine a newer version and an upgrade processing unit for installing the software by abstracting software data in the software code, can automatically install an upgraded system software in a corresponding apparatus for receiving digital broadcasting by detecting the code of the system software simultaneously included in an advertisement broadcasting and an advertisement broadcasting signal.

Abstract: A worldwide television tuning system is configurable to the television standards and channel frequencies of multiple different countries based on a country's ITU long-distance country code. The tuning system maintains a country code table listing a plurality of countries according to their ITU codes. The tuning system also maintains multiple channel-to-frequency mapping tables that correlate channel numbers to corresponding frequencies for associated countries in the country table. The country table indexes the channel-to-frequency mapping tables. During configuration, a user or application selects a particular country by passing in the ITU code. The tuning system uses the ITU code to locate an entry for that country in the country code table. The table entry contains an index to an associated channel-to-frequency mapping table for the selected country. The tuning system loads and saves the channel-to-frequency mapping table for subsequent use.

Abstract: A program guide information data structure and processing system facilitates both decoding and selectable program guide generation by a decoder. A decoder acquires a directory of object files associated with program guide information items and a map for associating the object files (e.g. representing channel, program or control information or software) with the program guide information items. The decoder creates an image object from an object file and links the image object to a program guide information item. The decoder executes an application software object to form a special program guide for display and executes another application software object to command a device in processing a program listed in a program guide.

Abstract: A system enables connection information and content description information to be separately transmitted from a broadcaster to a receiver. Thus, the description of the content may be provided to a receiver prior to the time that the information needed to specify the connection to the service such as a channel is known. By uncoupling the content description and connection information, the assignment of connection information may be managed dynamically in the broadcast network.

Abstract: The present invention describes and claims a new system and technique or method for decoupling the interpretation of broadcast content information from the display of this information. The information may exist in any of the available types, such as audio, video, or data. In addition, the information may be received in any form, such as streaming or non-streaming, combinations of the two, or even parts thereof. The decoupling and encapsulating of the broadcast content information is accomplished using a content proxy. All content information in the content proxy is accessed via an Application Program Interface. The content proxy employs a hierarchical Document Object Model (DOM) that contains Program and System Information Protocol (“PSIP”) data, that has been converted to an eXtendible Markup Language format using a conversion algorithm, broadcast content data, as well as content data or information about all of the hardware, software, and appliances connected within the networked environment.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for adapting a navigation device to 5 operate with a plurality of different point of deployment (POD) modules that provide conditional access to video programming. A POD type for a POD module that is interfaced with the multichannel video receiver is first determined, and interface parameters for the POD type are subsequently determined. The multichannel video receiver is then adapted to provide the interface parameters to the POD module interfaced with the multichannel video 10 receiver. The POD type may be determined automatically by the multichannel video receiver, or by prompting a user of the multichannel video receiver to determine and input the POD type for the POD module inteffaced with the multichannel video receiver. The POD type may be achieved by automatically receiving a type message from the POD module video receiver, and displaying an on-screen message on video monitor.

Abstract: A system for scheduling caching of in-band data operates as part of a computerized system to receive and store data broadcast in-band in a channel at a scheduled time. The scheduled caching system determines the scheduled time and channel for the in-band data broadcast and causes a real-time clock in the computerized system to schedule a subsequent execution of the scheduled caching system at approximately the scheduled time. When the scheduled caching system subsequently executes, the scheduled caching system instructs tuning circuitry in the computerized-system to tune to the scheduled channel, receives the in-band data from the tuning circuitry and stores the in-band data on mass storage for subsequent processing. The scheduled caching system also powers on the tuning circuitry and parses the in-band data from other content broadcast in the channel if necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data processing system and method that control the outputs of a receiving apparatus depending upon a copy restriction code. The receiving apparatus determines whether the copy restriction code allows for one or no copies to be made and controls the outputs of the receiving apparatus accordingly.

Abstract: A system that allows service providers, consumer electronic (CE) manufacturers or standards bodies to define flexible security policies (110) for the execution of downloaded applications (120) on digital television (DTV) receivers (160). The current receiver environment in which a software application is to be run is evaluated. For example, environmental factors such as time of day, date, channel currently tuned in, parental lockout status, grouping of major and minor virtual channels, and so forth, may be considered. An access controller (168) determines if the receiver's environmental factors satisfy the conditions for granting a permission to a downloadable application to allow access to the receiver functions (161), receiver resources and user private data. The security policy can be modified by installing or downloading a new security policy (110), or modified by a user with the provision of an appropriate interface. A Java code-implemented embodiment is disclosed.

Abstract: A software system for use with a Digital Television set-top box. The system uses a software bus application programming interface (API) that is specially designed to make the set-top box compatible with two standard DASE architectures: (1) the architecture wherein the procedural application engine contains the declarative application engine, and (2) the architecture wherein the declarative application engine contains the procedural. An application engine manager uses a function call router to intercept all DASE infrastructure APIs incoming from software applications downloaded by the set-top box from a DTV broadcast. All APIs are routed through the application manager, and all application engines are required to implement the software bus API. A specially-designed software interface also enables the convenient installation of additional applications by simply changing one line of software code.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which an interactive television program guide is implemented on user television equipment containing a memory. The system allocates the memory among different categories of program guide data used by the program guide. When new channels are added to the channel line-up, the program guide adjusts its memory allocation accordingly. When it is desired to install a new non-program-guide application on the user television equipment in addition to the program guide, memory can be reallocated to accommodate the new application.

Abstract: A video recording and reproducing apparatus is provided which is capable of, even if the number of elementary streams (ES) of bits of a program to be recorded is too large and all the elementary streams can hardly be recorded, carrying out a recording operation with ease substantially corresponding to the direction of the user. The apparatus allows an ES selector to identify the elementary streams of video data, audio data, and their relevant data video in the stream of bits received from its program selector and, when the number of the elementary streams is higher than a given setting, pick up elementary streams which satisfy the predetermined requirements while deleting the other elementary streams. The elementary streams are then recorded by a recorder/player in the apparatus. Even if the elementary streams of bits are not all recorded, the elementary streams which satisfy the predetermined requirements can readily be recorded.

Abstract: A modularized broadcast receiver driver architecture includes one or more control nodes, under control of a network module, that perform a series of one or more functions to receive a broadcast signal and extract content information from the signal. None of the multiple control nodes requires knowledge of the network type via which the signal is being received. Rather, a network module is aware of the network type and configures the control nodes to carry out their respective functions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect a device; detect a status level corresponding to the device; receive content on the device based on the status level; and display the content on the device based on the status level.

Abstract: A video memory manager manages video data in a computer environment having a main processing unit for executing an operating system and an application, a system memory, and a graphics processing unit having an aperture that maps, in a tiled manner, between a portion of system memory and the graphics processing unit. The video memory manager manages memory for video data in a heap located in a private address space of the application. The video memory manager allocates and maintains virtual memory mappings between the allocated virtual memory, the heap, and the aperture such that both the main processing unit and the graphics processing unit can view the data in an untiled manner.

Abstract: A program replacing method capable of updating a program by executing instead a temporarily downloaded program without deleting the existing program as well as capable of easily restoring such existing program. Moreover, when a function not equipped to the existing program is required to be added, said program replacing method downloads a program so that it can be executed concurrently with the existing program.

Abstract: A novel technique automatically stores synchronized group history related to an online group interaction and enables individual group members to later view and access the group history. In an embodiment of the invention, the group history is accessible by group members independently of group interactions at any later time. According to various embodiments of the invention, the group history may be presented in an overview form or a detailed form. With respect to the detailed form, the group history may be presented graphically, such as in an icon timeline or collage, textually, such as in list form, or in any combination of presentation formats. In a further embodiment of the invention, the synchronized group history is writable by group members in addition to being automatically maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for managing the transmission of interactive information over a satellite broadcast system in a fashion that is compatible with a user's set-top box such that the user can view the interactive content. The interactive information comprises graphic and textual data that enhances the current video broadcast. The present invention converts textual data into OpenTV data and graphical data into MPEG data. OpenTV software located on the user's set-top box reads the interactive information and displays the interactive information on the user's display device. The interactive information comprises additional interactive movie information, sports information, weather, and other information. Transmitting additional information to the user in an interactive format enhances and improves the quality of the content being provided by the content provider, which allows the content provider to increase subscription fees and enjoy increased revenue.

Abstract: A digital display monitor module (DDMM) has a display device to display video provided thereto. An interactive network module (INM) removably interfaces with the DDMM to provide the video signals to the DDMM. The INM comprises an input interface and a programmable conditional access system (PCAS) to enable conditional access to at least one premium television service received by the input interface. The PCAS is programmable by at least two different service providers.

Abstract: A method and system manages and controls the download of programming, i.e., code objects, to a set-top terminal connected to a cable television system so as to prevent disruptions to service that may arise if only some of the objects specified are successfully downloaded and might, therefore, function improperly or conflict with existing applications. When the message to download new or additional code objects lists two or more objects to be acquired, the set-top terminal will only enable and execute downloaded objects if all the listed objects are successfully acquired. If only some of the objects the terminal has been instructed to download are acquired, those downloaded objects may either be purged or stored in memory without being enabled and executed. The system operator may specify in the message instructing the terminal to acquire new objects, whether the listed objects must be implemented as a group or not at all.

Abstract: A method and system manages and controls the download of programming, i.e., code objects, to a set-top terminal connected to a cable television system so as to prevent disruptions to service that may arise if only some of the objects specified are successfully downloaded and might, therefore, function improperly or conflict with existing applications. When the message to download new or additional code objects lists two or more objects to be acquired, the set-top terminal will only enable and execute downloaded objects if all the listed objects are successfully acquired. If only some of the objects the terminal has been instructed to download are acquired, those downloaded objects may either be purged or stored in memory without being enabled and executed. The system operator may specify in the message instructing the terminal to acquire new objects, whether the listed objects must be implemented as a group or not at all.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel transmission system suitable for a digital broadcasting system that broadcasts television programs of many channels. Specifically, a selected one of television programs of a plurality of channels is supplied to an AV adjusting device. At this time, the selected television program is supplied to a monitor to allow recognition of its adjustment state. Since video signals and audio signals of television programs supplied from respective program supplying companies and program producing companies have different characteristics, they need to be adjusted to have common characteristics. Adjusted television programs and unselected television programs are supplied to a multiplexing section via routers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a system propagating wireless home networking communication signals to a system propagating television signals over a coaxial cable system to a device capable of receiving television signals that includes a three-port adapter having an antenna port, a first coaxial cable port and a second coaxial cable port. The antenna port is coupled to the system propagating home networking communications signals. The first coaxial cable port is coupled to the system propagating television signals over a coaxial cable. The second coaxial cable port is coupled to a device capable of receiving television signals.

Abstract: A system for and method of remotely controlling a recording device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a program server coupled to a signal transmitter. The program server is configured to (1) allow searching a pool of programs from which one or more programs are selected for recording, (2) translate information related to the selected programs into one or more control codes used to control a recording device for recording the selected programs, and (3) transmit the control codes to the signal transmitter. The signal transmitter is configured to receive the control codes and store them. The signal transmitter is further configured to emit control signals containing the control codes and used to control the recording device to record the selected programs, either manually or by programming the recording the device to record the programs at a later date and time.

Abstract: To provide a device capable of determining a delivery destination of an event automatically without requiring choosing operation of an operator. An event entered through an event input means 4 is given to a delivery destination determining means 6 which in turn determines to which of applications AP1, AP2, . . . , APn the given event is to be delivered according to the contents of the event and according to delivery destination determining information stored in a delivery destination determining information storing section, and delivers accordingly. Therefore, the event is delivered to an appropriate application even if the operator does not choose an addressed application.

Abstract: Circuitry and processed carried out thereby are disclosed for transmitting video-on-demand and interactive service data and other service data on an MPEG multiplex and sending management and control data including conditional access EMM key data in-band in said MPEG multiplex in MPEG packets having the DOCSIS PID. Processes to send conditional access data by sending ECM messages containing control words encrypted with session keys in said MPEG multiplex and sending EMM messages containing session keys encrypted with private set top box users keys are disclosed. The EMM messages are sent in-band in MPEG packets having the DOCSIS PID to only the set top boxes that request them and which have ordered an encrypted service. A head end with routing/switching capability to route MPEG transport streams encapsulated in IP packets is also disclosed.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus and method for reproducing information comprises an identification information provider for providing an identification information. A receiver receives broadcast information including broadcast identification information. The receiver includes a comparer for comparing the provided identification information with the broadcast identification information; and a sorter for sorting out received broadcast information in which the provided identification information matches the broadcast identification information. The sorted out information is then output from the apparatus.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for returning to a previously viewed channel is disclosed. A user defines a preferred time period for a timed return feature. A viewer then invokes the timed return feature while viewing a primary channel presented on a display device associated with a television receiver. The timed return feature allows the viewer to view channels other than the primary channel during the preferred time period. At the end of the preferred time period, the primary channel is again presented to the viewer on the display device. The preferred time period is retained in memory so that each time the timed return feature is invoked, the preferred time period is used for the timed return feature.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus capable of running properly, with automatically executing a backup OS program or a default OS program, from an automatic judgment in a case that a current OS program does not run properly, in which a state flag is disposed in a flash ROM in order to indicate whether or not the current OS program runs properly at the previous time, and a state of the state flag is checked when the current OS program is executed, the current OS program is executed in the case that the current OS program runs properly at the previous time, and the backup OS program is executed in the case that the current OS program does not run properly at the previous time.

Abstract: Feature activation has historically been performed exclusively at the system that will provide the features to subscribers and/or users. The features have been built in as a part of a system software package. Even though the features have been built in, they were only available for use by the system to the extent that licenses for those features had been purchased. When the proper licensing fee is paid, an ON/OFF bit was set to ON in a feature activation table. Features that have numerical use values instead of ON/OFF use multiple bit entries in the feature activation table. The feature activation table was encrypted by the software provider to discourage tampering with or misappropriation of telephone service features. With such an arrangement, feature changes could only be made by sending software provider personnel to the system to load a new feature activation table, which also can with the latest version of the system software.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for delivering a data stream having a computer video signal to a video appliance within a customer premises. A transport medium internal to the customer premises is isolated from a transport medium external to the customer premises such that operational changes to one of the internal and external transport media do not affect the other of the internal and external transport media. The data stream is received from the external transport medium. A television signal is also received from the external transport medium. The computer video signal is combined with the television signal, and the combined signal is transmitted to the video appliance over the internal transport medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to an information delivery system, an information delivery method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method used advantageously to deliver content stream data easily, reliably and inexpensively to the general users. A personal computer 12 prepares a content file and an order form file using software provided by a center system 4, and transmits the prepared files to the center system 4 over the Internet 1. Given the order form file from a customer device 2, the center system 4 encodes a content file accordingly to generate content stream data and causes a moving picture delivery server 25 to deliver the generated stream data to user terminals 3. This invention can be applied, among others, to systems for delivering content data over the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method enables a set-top box to share the processing, communications, and storage resources of another local device, such as a personal computer, other set-top box, or an electronic appliance. The set-top box is interconnected with the other local devices using a “transmission medium such as wire, concentric cable, or a wireless medium. The interconnected devices form a resource sharing group that includes a control member. The control member receives a request for a resource from a requesting member, and then determines whether the resource is available from a set-top box that is a member of the resource sharing group. If the resource is available, the set-top box shares the resource, and uses the shared resource to perform a task. The system and method also enables members of the resource sharing group to share video, audio, and related content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gradually delivering software over a terrestrial or satellite network are disclosed. Packets of a software program are conveyed wirelessly from a central server to customers using a portion of standard FM radio or television signals. These packets are conveyed to a wireless receiver at the customer's premises over a relatively long period of time. The packets are slowly accumulated in the customer's receiver, which includes a storage device such as an array of hard drives or memory chips. After this “accumulation period” is completed, and a full software program has been built up, subscribers may then retrieve and use the software. The invention provides a highly secure distribution system which thwarts copyright infringement and other unauthorized copying. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the data conveyed to customers is computer software, including operating systems, applications and updates.

Abstract: A data structure stored on computer readable media is presented comprising one or more data tags, each data tag used to provide information regarding a broadcast advertisement. Also provided are one or more electronic program guide action tags, each electronic program guide action tag used to define a valid electronic program guide feature that may be accessed from within the broadcast advertisement. The data structure is operative to provide a link between the broadcast advertisement and an electronic program guide to provide access to electronic program guide features defined by the electronic program guide action tags from within the broadcast advertisement.

Abstract: The MPEG2TS packet S3 as the digital broadcast data is obtained from the ECC decoder. The NIT detecting circuit detects NIT from this packet S3, changes the transmitting frequency information and deletes the information (service information) of the program to be limited for viewing, thereby to obtain the table NITb. The NIT replacing circuit detects NIT from the packet S3 and replaces it to the table NITb, thereby to obtain the MPEG2TS packet S4 as the digital broadcast data in CATV. The digital broadcast signal BS1 for CATV can be obtained by executing the error correction code adding process, modulating process and frequency-converting process to the packet S4. The receiving apparatus for receiving the predetermined program on the basis of the program information of NIT can no longer receive the program in relation to the program information deleted by NIT.