ite
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`1
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`(For new non-provisional applications under 37 CFR § 1.53(b))
`
`u.
`
`to
`tr
`
`ro
`0
`
`CERTIFICATE OF EXPRESS MAIL
`UNDER 37 C.F.R. §I.10
`
`EV 249056147 US
`"Express Mail" mailing label number:
`April 21, 2003
`DATE OF DEPOSIT:
`
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the
`United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office to
`Addressee" service under 37 C.F.R. §1.10 on the date indicated
`above and is addressed to:
`Commissioner for Patents
`Box Patent Application
`Washington, DC 20231
`
`Derrick Brown
`
`Atty. Dkt. No:
`
`5266-06201
`
`Inventor(s):
`Alain Delpuch
`James Whitledge
`Jean-Rene Menand
`Emmanuel Barbier
`Kevin Hausman
`Debra Hensgcn
`Dongmin Su
`
`Title:
`
`SUPPORTING COMMON
`INTERACTIVE TELEVISION
`FUNCTIONALITY
`THROUGH PRESENTATION
`ENGINE SYNTAX
`
`Application Elements
`
`1. E Filing Fee
`The filing fee is calculated as shown below.
`
`Total Claims
`Independent
`Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`
`23
`
`4
`
`- 20 =
`
`3 x
`
`$18.00 =
`
`$54.00
`
`- 3 =
`
`1 x
`
`84.00
`
`$84.00 = $
`Fee:
`Basic Fee:
`Total:
`
`$ 750.00
`$ 888.00
`
`El The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge the filing fee and any other fees which may
`be required or credit any overpayment to Mcycrtons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowcrt & Goetzel, P.C.
`Deposit Account No. 501505/5266-06201/RDR.
`2. 1E] Specification
`97 page(s) of specification; 4 page(s) of claims, 1 page(s) of abstract
`3. E] Drawings
`Formal Figure(s) 1-5 on 5 sheet(s)
`4. q Oath or Declaration
`D Newly executed
`D Copy from a prior application (see 37 C.F.R. § 1.63(d))
`Deletion of Inventor(s) (in continuation or divisional applications):
`q Delete the following inventor(s) named in the prior non-provisional application:
`D The inventor(s) to be deleted are set forth on a signed sheet attached hereto.
`5. q The entire disclosure of the prior application referred to above is considered to be part of the
`accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 1
`
`

`

`11114-2 .1.1373
`
`6. 111 Microfiche Computer Program (Appendix)
`7. 111 Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission (if applicable, all necessary)
`111 Computer Readable copy
`D Paper Copy (identical to computer copy)
`El Statement verifying identity of above copies
`8. Z Assignment Papers
`Z Copy from a prior application (see 37 C.F.R. § 1.63(d)).
`9. Power of Attorney
`LI Is attached.
`LI The power of attorney appears in the original papers of the prior application.
`q Since the power does not appear in the original papers, a copy of the power in the prior
`application is enclosed.
`10. D Information Disclosure Statement (IDS)
`E] Copies of IDS Citations
`11. Amendments
`LI A preliminary amendment is enclosed.
`q Cancel in this application claim(s)
`before calculating the filing fee. At least one
`independent claim is retained for filing purposes.
`Amend the specification by inserting before the first line the sentence: This application
`claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/373,883 entitled "Supporting
`Common Interactive Television Functionality Through Presentation Engine Syntax", filed
`April 19, 2002.
`12. Z Return Receipt Postcard
`13. Small Entity Status
`El A small entity statement is enclosed.
`El A small entity statement was filed in the prior non-provisional application and such status is
`still proper and desired.
`q Is no longer claimed.
`14. Z Priority of provisional application number 60/373,883, filed on April 19, 2002 is claimed under 35
`U.S.C. §§ 119(a)-(e)
`15. El Petition under 37 C.F.R. § 136 for Extension of Time
`16. LA Fee Authorization form
`
`Address all future correspondence to:
`Rory D. Rankin
`Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.
`Customer ID #35690
`P.O. Box 398
`Austin, Texas 78767
`(512) 853-8800; Fax (512) 853-8801
`
`Signature
`Name
`Registration No.
`Date
`
`47,884
`
`Rory D. Rankin
`
`1 (72-/ /I))
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 2
`
`

`

`1,117,111-Al-
`
`rc,31-Cir, i2
`
`41-11-12
`
`111:71
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`(For new non-provisional applications under 37 CFR § 1.53(b))
`
`Atty. Dkt. No:
`
`5266-06201
`
`Inventor(s):
`Alain Delpuch
`James Whitledge
`Jean-Rene Menand
`Emmanuel Barbier
`Kevin Hausman
`Debra Hcnsgen
`Dongmin Su
`
`Title:
`
`SUPPORTING COMMON
`INTERACTIVE TELEVISION
`FUNCTIONALITY
`THROUGH PRESENTATION
`ENGINE SYNTAX
`
`CERTIFICATE OF EXPRESS MAIL
`UNDER 37 C.F.R. §1.1O
`
`"Express Mail" mailing label number:
`EV 249056147 US
`DATE OF DEPOSIT:
`April 21, 2003
`
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the
`United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office to
`Addressee" service under 37 C.F.R. §1.10 on the date indicated
`above and is addressed to:
`Commissioner for Patents
`Box Patent Application
`Washington, DC 20231
`
`Derrick Blown
`
`FEE AUTHORIZATION
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge the following fee to Meyertons, Hood,
`Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C. Deposit Account Number 501505/5266-06201/RDR:
`
`Total Claims
`Independent
`Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`
`23
`
`4
`
`- 20 =
`
`3 x
`
`$18.00 =
`
`$54.00
`
`- 3 =
`
`1 x
`
`84.00
`
`$84.00 = $
`Fee:
`Basic Fee:
`Total:
`
`$ 750.00
`$ 888.00
`
`Attorney Docket No.: 5266-06201
`
`The Commissioner is also authorized to charge any extension fee or other fees which may
`be necessary to the same account number.
`
`Signature
`Name
`Registration No.
`Date
`
`• Rory D. Rankin
`47,884
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 3
`
`

`

`ite
`
`.=(;) (-
`
`t 4+1, Ahl
`
`:i
`
`1
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`(For new non-provisional applications under 37 CFR § 1.53(b))
`
`u.
`
`to
`tr
`
`ro
`0
`
`CERTIFICATE OF EXPRESS MAIL
`UNDER 37 C.F.R. §I.10
`
`EV 249056147 US
`"Express Mail" mailing label number:
`April 21, 2003
`DATE OF DEPOSIT:
`
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the
`United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office to
`Addressee" service under 37 C.F.R. §1.10 on the date indicated
`above and is addressed to:
`Commissioner for Patents
`Box Patent Application
`Washington, DC 20231
`
`Derrick Brown
`
`Atty. Dkt. No:
`
`5266-06201
`
`Inventor(s):
`Alain Delpuch
`James Whitledge
`Jean-Rene Menand
`Emmanuel Barbier
`Kevin Hausman
`Debra Hensgcn
`Dongmin Su
`
`Title:
`
`SUPPORTING COMMON
`INTERACTIVE TELEVISION
`FUNCTIONALITY
`THROUGH PRESENTATION
`ENGINE SYNTAX
`
`Application Elements
`
`1. E Filing Fee
`The filing fee is calculated as shown below.
`
`Total Claims
`Independent
`Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`
`23
`
`4
`
`- 20 =
`
`3 x
`
`$18.00 =
`
`$54.00
`
`- 3 =
`
`1 x
`
`84.00
`
`$84.00 = $
`Fee:
`Basic Fee:
`Total:
`
`$ 750.00
`$ 888.00
`
`El The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge the filing fee and any other fees which may
`be required or credit any overpayment to Mcycrtons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowcrt & Goetzel, P.C.
`Deposit Account No. 501505/5266-06201/RDR.
`2. 1E] Specification
`97 page(s) of specification; 4 page(s) of claims, 1 page(s) of abstract
`3. E] Drawings
`Formal Figure(s) 1-5 on 5 sheet(s)
`4. q Oath or Declaration
`D Newly executed
`D Copy from a prior application (see 37 C.F.R. § 1.63(d))
`Deletion of Inventor(s) (in continuation or divisional applications):
`q Delete the following inventor(s) named in the prior non-provisional application:
`D The inventor(s) to be deleted are set forth on a signed sheet attached hereto.
`5. q The entire disclosure of the prior application referred to above is considered to be part of the
`accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 4
`
`

`

`11114-2 .1.1373
`
`6. 111 Microfiche Computer Program (Appendix)
`7. 111 Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission (if applicable, all necessary)
`111 Computer Readable copy
`D Paper Copy (identical to computer copy)
`El Statement verifying identity of above copies
`8. Z Assignment Papers
`Z Copy from a prior application (see 37 C.F.R. § 1.63(d)).
`9. Power of Attorney
`LI Is attached.
`LI The power of attorney appears in the original papers of the prior application.
`q Since the power does not appear in the original papers, a copy of the power in the prior
`application is enclosed.
`10. D Information Disclosure Statement (IDS)
`E] Copies of IDS Citations
`11. Amendments
`LI A preliminary amendment is enclosed.
`q Cancel in this application claim(s)
`before calculating the filing fee. At least one
`independent claim is retained for filing purposes.
`Amend the specification by inserting before the first line the sentence: This application
`claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/373,883 entitled "Supporting
`Common Interactive Television Functionality Through Presentation Engine Syntax", filed
`April 19, 2002.
`12. Z Return Receipt Postcard
`13. Small Entity Status
`El A small entity statement is enclosed.
`El A small entity statement was filed in the prior non-provisional application and such status is
`still proper and desired.
`q Is no longer claimed.
`14. Z Priority of provisional application number 60/373,883, filed on April 19, 2002 is claimed under 35
`U.S.C. §§ 119(a)-(e)
`15. El Petition under 37 C.F.R. § 136 for Extension of Time
`16. LA Fee Authorization form
`
`Address all future correspondence to:
`Rory D. Rankin
`Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.
`Customer ID #35690
`P.O. Box 398
`Austin, Texas 78767
`(512) 853-8800; Fax (512) 853-8801
`
`Signature
`Name
`Registration No.
`Date
`
`47,884
`
`Rory D. Rankin
`
`1 (72-/ /I))
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 5
`
`

`

`1,117,111-Al-
`
`rc,31-Cir, i2
`
`41-11-12
`
`111:71
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`(For new non-provisional applications under 37 CFR § 1.53(b))
`
`Atty. Dkt. No:
`
`5266-06201
`
`Inventor(s):
`Alain Delpuch
`James Whitledge
`Jean-Rene Menand
`Emmanuel Barbier
`Kevin Hausman
`Debra Hcnsgen
`Dongmin Su
`
`Title:
`
`SUPPORTING COMMON
`INTERACTIVE TELEVISION
`FUNCTIONALITY
`THROUGH PRESENTATION
`ENGINE SYNTAX
`
`CERTIFICATE OF EXPRESS MAIL
`UNDER 37 C.F.R. §1.1O
`
`"Express Mail" mailing label number:
`EV 249056147 US
`DATE OF DEPOSIT:
`April 21, 2003
`
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the
`United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office to
`Addressee" service under 37 C.F.R. §1.10 on the date indicated
`above and is addressed to:
`Commissioner for Patents
`Box Patent Application
`Washington, DC 20231
`
`Derrick Blown
`
`FEE AUTHORIZATION
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge the following fee to Meyertons, Hood,
`Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C. Deposit Account Number 501505/5266-06201/RDR:
`
`Total Claims
`Independent
`Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`
`23
`
`4
`
`- 20 =
`
`3 x
`
`$18.00 =
`
`$54.00
`
`- 3 =
`
`1 x
`
`84.00
`
`$84.00 = $
`Fee:
`Basic Fee:
`Total:
`
`$ 750.00
`$ 888.00
`
`Attorney Docket No.: 5266-06201
`
`The Commissioner is also authorized to charge any extension fee or other fees which may
`be necessary to the same account number.
`
`Signature
`Name
`Registration No.
`Date
`
`• Rory D. Rankin
`47,884
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 6
`
`

`

`CD '14 - of 11. 11.1 ,s
`
`PATENT
`
`5266-06201
`
`OPTV-187
`
`"EXPRESS MAIL" MAILING LABEL
`EV 249056147 US
`NUMBER
`DATE OF DEPOSIT
`APRIL 21, 2003
`
`I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS PAPER OR
`FEE IS BEING DEPOSITED WITFI THE
`UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
`"EXPRESS MAIL POST OFFICE TO
`ADDRESSEE" SERVICE UNDER 37 C.F.R. §
`1.10 ON TILE DATE INDICATED ABOVE
`AND IS ADDRESSED TO THE
`COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND
`TRADEMARKS, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20231
`
`DERRICK BROWN
`
`Supporting Common Interactive Television Functionality
`Through Presentation Engine Syntax
`
`By:
`
`Alain Delpuch
`James Whitledge
`Jcan-Rcnc Mcnand
`Emmanuel Barbicr
`Kevin Hausman
`Debra Hensgen
`Dongmin Su
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 7
`
`

`

`:111,3,..11:."1.11-1-3E1, 1,
`
`'041-12:1: 1. 1,3173
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`The invention relates generally to interactive television systems and more
`particularly to a system and method for creating and controlling interactive television
`content.
`
`Description of Related Art
`
`Interactive television systems provide a means to deliver interactive content as
`well as ordinary television audio and video to a large number of subscribers. Programs
`broadcast by these systems may incorporate television audio and video, still images, text,
`interactive graphics and applications, and many other components. They may also
`provide a number of services, such as commerce via the television, electronic program
`guides (EPGs), video-on-demand, and other interactive applications to viewers. The
`interactive content of the interactive television signal may therefore include application
`code, data associated with the audio and video, control signals, raw data and many other
`types of information. This information can be combined into a single signal or several
`signals for transmission to a receiver connected to the viewer's television or the provider
`can include only a subset of the information.
`
`The interactive functionality of the television is generally controlled by an
`integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) or similar mechanism, frequently incorporated into a
`set-top box, connected to the television. The IRD receives the signal provided by a
`broadcast service provider or system operator and separates the interactive portion from
`the audio-video portion. The IRD uses the interactive information to, for example,
`execute an application while the audio-video information is transmitted to the television.
`The IRD may combine the audio-video information with interactive graphics or audio
`
`1
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 8
`
`

`

`11 -if
`-'"4111
`
`- --
`4jI rr'it
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`(31 1.1-ii?
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`oi
`
`generated by the interactive application prior to transmitting the information to the
`television.
`
`Interactive content such as application code or information relating to television
`programs may be broadcast in a cyclical or repeating format. The pieces of information
`which are broadcast in this manner form what may be referred to as a "carousel." A
`carousel may include multiple modules of data, including a directory module which
`indicates the particular modules which correspond to a given application. Frequently, a
`single carousel is transported as a contiguous data stream. However, it is also possible to
`multiplex two or more carousels in a single data stream. As an alternative to using a
`carousel format, some systems may utilize a return path to request and/or receive
`interactive content.
`
`Broadcast systems may transmit information in a carousel format in order to allow
`receivers in the system to selectively obtain particular pieces of information in the
`carousel without requiring a return path from the receivers to the server. If a particular
`receiver needs a particular piece of information, it can simply wait until the next time that
`piece of information is broadcast, and then extract the information from the broadcast
`data stream. By employing carousels to broadcast information, the system may eliminate
`the need to connect each of the receivers with a server and further eliminate the need for
`the server to process individual requests for information.
`
`The pieces of information, or data objects, in a carousel may be intended to be
`combined in a single object data stream to form a program. This program may also
`contain streaming data such as audio or video. For example, an interactive television
`game show may combine television audio and video with interactive content such as
`application code which allows users to answer questions. Another example would be a
`news program which combines audio and video with application code that inserts current
`stock prices in a banner at the bottom of the screen. Typically, each program is
`associated with a corresponding channel and, when a channel containing a particular
`
`2
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 9
`
`

`

`..1117104.:11„ '774i 11-5+ A
`
`14-1F'
`
`program is selected by the interactive television receiver, the data which is being
`broadcast on that channel is downloaded and the program is started.
`
`As television receivers become more sophisticated, and include the ability to
`access a wider range of data and resources, efforts have been made to develop
`mechanisms to handle these additional resources. For example, the DVB MHP 1.1
`specification and DAVIC 1.4.1 Part 9 specification define a URL scheme to access
`broadcast services. Since DAVIC broadcast networks carry Service Information (SI) that
`contains globally unique parameters for locating the services in a broadcast network, their
`URL scheme is able to address services in a physical network independent manner.
`
`Unfortunately, such schemes may not work on ATSC networks or other networks
`that define different or even proprietary signaling formats. Therefore, a new more
`flexible scheme is desired.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`A method and mechanism are described which enable content authors to use
`directives, such as HTML, scripting languages, or other languages, with television
`extensions to create and/or control interactive television content. The method and
`mechanism may be utilized with digitally recorded programs as well as with live
`broadcasts.
`
`In one embodiment, a device in an interactive television system is configured to
`receive one or more directives provided by a content author which describe or otherwise
`indicate an audio and/or video presentation. Included among these directives are one or
`more directives which indicate that a particular subset of resources required for the
`presentation are deemed prerequisites. In response to detecting these directives, the
`providing of the presentation is withheld until the prerequisite resources are obtained.
`
`3
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 10
`
`

`

`i2
`
`1..1:31 73
`
`In one embodiment, the directives are received by a centrally located proxy server
`which may be configured to receive, transcode and convey transcoded web based content
`to client devices. Upon detecting directives which indicate prerequisite resources for a
`presentation, the proxy server separately conveys to the client devices signals, or some
`other indication, that these resources are prerequisites. In response, the client device
`receiving the conveyed signals may take actions to prefetch these resources.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Fig. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a broadcast television system.
`
`Fig. 2 is a diagram of one embodiment of a headend.
`
`Fig. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a client device.
`
`Fig. 4 is a diagram of one embodiment of a television system.
`
`Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method utilizing prerequisite directives.
`
`4
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 11
`
`

`

`.113 '44- 2 '14
`
`1. ...101.14.7HR
`
`417.1i su
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`0. System Overview
`
`Referring to Fig. 1, one embodiment of a television system 100 is shown. In the
`embodiment shown, receiving devices 30 are coupled to several sources of programming
`and/or interactive content. Each of receiving devices 30 may comprise any suitable
`device, such as a set-top box (STB), a television (TV), a video cassette recorder (VCR), a
`digital video recorder (DVR), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer
`(PC), a video game console, or a mobile/cell phone.
`
`Included in the embodiment of Fig. 1 is a broadcast station 16 coupled to
`receiver(s) 30 via a transmission medium 17 and back channel 26. In addition, receiver(s)
`30 are coupled to a source 18 and source 19 via a network 20. Further, broadcast station
`16 is coupled to a remote source 13, and Internet 60. In the embodiment shown, broadcast
`station 16 includes sources 14 and 15 and transmitter 22. Transmission medium 17 may
`comprise a satellite based system 23, a cable based system 24, a terrestrial or multiple
`multi-point distribution service (MMDS) based system 25, a combination of these
`systems, or some other suitable system of transmission.
`
`In the embodiment of Fig. 1, broadcast station 16 may include a variety of sources
`of content 14, 15, and 60 to be utilized and conveyed by transmitter 22. Content sources
`14 and 15 may include databases, application servers, other audio/video sources, or other
`data sources. In one embodiment, content may be created at a source 14 which may
`include an authoring station configured to create such content. An authoring station may
`include a computer workstation configured with software which aids in the development
`of interactive content. An authoring station may be part of broadcast station 16 in which
`case the conveyance of the created content may be through a local computing network, or
`similar configuration. Alternatively, an authoring station may he remotely located 13
`from broadcast station 16. In an embodiment where authoring station is not directly
`
`5
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 12
`
`

`

`..„ Il,. ti 111-12 11. .0 7.7:).3;
`
`coupled to broadcast station 16, the content created by a source 13 may be conveyed to
`broadcast station 16 via Internet, broadcast, cable, etc. In some cases, content created by
`at a remote location 13 may first be transferred to a storage medium, such as a CD-RW,
`DVD, or flash memory device, and transported to broadcast station 16 via more
`conventional means where it may be stored in a database or other storage device.
`
`Subsequent to its creation, content from sources 13, 14, 15 and 60 may be
`delivered to receiver(s) 30 through a broadcast transmission network. This network
`consists essentially of broadcast station 16 which assembles the content from sources 13,
`14, 15 and 60 and processes the content as appropriate (e.g., digitizes, compresses,
`packetizes), and a transmission network 17 which receives the content 40 from broadcast
`station 16 and conveys it 42 to receiving device(s) 30. In one embodiment, broadcast
`station 16 includes software and/or hardware which is configured to process the content
`conveyed by sources 13, 14, 15 and 60 as described above. A second delivery mechanism
`may include a direct point-to-point connection 138 between receiver(s) 30 and source 18
`which may be some type of server. This connection 138 may be made via an ordinary
`telephone line, cable, wireless, or otherwise. A third delivery mechanism may also be a
`point-to-point connection 136, but transmission of the content from a source 19 to
`receiver(s) 30 is made via one or more shared networks (e.g., over the Internet).
`
`Fig. 1 also illustrates broadcast station 16 may be optionally coupled to source 18
`and/or source 19. Such a coupling may enable broadcast station 16 to work cooperatively
`with source 18 or source 19 in conveying content to receiver(s) 30. Also illustrated in
`Fig. 1 is a back channel (or return path) 26 by which receiver(s) 30 may convey to and/or
`receive data from broadcast station 16. Back channel 26 may comprise a telephone line,
`cable, wireless, or other connection.
`
`One delivery mechanism, the direct point-to-point connection to a source of
`content, may comprise communication via an ordinary telephone line. This type of
`connection is typically initiated by the receiver(s) 30 to convey information to, or retrieve
`information from, a data server. Another delivery mechanism, the point-to-point
`
`6
`
`NFLE 1002 - Page 13
`
`

`

`connection through one or more networks, may comprise a typical connection between
`nodes on the Internet. Because data may be routed through many different shared
`networks in this case, it may be read, stored and written many times as it is transmitted
`from source 19 to receiver(s) 30. The third delivery mechanism may include a satellite,
`cable or terrestrial broadcast network 17. Information may be transmitted from and to
`receiver(s) 30 both in real time or store and forward.
`
`In one embodiment, broadcast station 16 further includes a proxy server 21 which
`is configured to transcode received content to a format compatible with one or more of
`client devices 30. For example, proxy 21 may receive web based content including
`-
`directives written in HTML, JavaScriptTM
` (JavaScript is a trademark of Sun
`Microsystems, Inc), CSS, or other languages, and transcode the received content to a
`format compatible with clients 30. In alternative embodiment, clients may be configured
`to directly process such directives. In such a case, proxy 21 may be configured to perform
`certain types of preprocessing of the content prior to conveyance to the clients.
`
`Turning now to Fig. 2, an overview of one embodiment of a broadcast station
`(head-end) 16 is shown. The broadcast station 16 of Fig. 2 includes an application server
`250 and a database 230 which may contain previously created interactive content. Also
`shown in Fig. 2 is a source 13 of content (e.g., the Internet) which is external to broadcast
`station 16 and coupled to broadcast station 16. Database 230, server 250, Internet 60, and
`source 13 are coupled to a content processing mechanism 200 which is configured to
`process the content received and convey the processed content to a multiplexor 220. In
`the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2, proxy server 21 includes server 250 and processing
`mechanism 200.
`
`In one embodiment, content processing mechanism 200 comprises a computer
`coupled to receive and convey content from source 13, database 230, or server 250.
`Processing mechanism 200 is configured to convey the processed content to multiplexor
`220. Multiplexor 220 is also coupled to receive audio/video signals 240. Multiplexor 220
`multiplexes the received signals and conveys the multiplexed signal to network
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`communications operator 17 where it is subsequently conveyed to a receiving device. As
`noted above, proxy 21 may be configured to process received content prior to conveying
`the content to client devices. For example, proxy 21 may be configured to receive
`requests from clients for web based content, obtain the requested content, and transcode
`the received content to an alternate format prior to conveyance to the requesting client.
`Finally, in addition to the above, broadcast station 16 includes a return data processor 210
`coupled to back channel 26. In one embodiment, return data processor 210 may comprise
`a modem which receives data for further processing within broadcast station 16.
`
`While the above description describes a source of interactive content as being at a
`broadcast station 16, in an alternative embodiment database 230 and content processing
`mechanism 200 may reside at the location of a network communications operator 17. An
`example of such an alternative embodiment may be a cable station which inserts
`interactive content into a broadcast signal prior to transmission. Numerous such
`alternatives are possible and are contemplated.
`
`Turning now to Fig. 3, one embodiment of a receiving/initiating device 1012,
`hereinafter referred to as a "client" is shown. While Fig. 3 illustrates the client 1012 in
`the form of a set top box 1012, client 1012 may comprise other devices as well. Generally
`speaking, client 1012 is configured to receive a first signal 1070, such as a broadcast
`signal, and convey a second signal 1080, such as to a display or recording device. While
`in the embodiment shown, client 1012 is shown coupled to an external mass storage
`device 1018, such storage may be internal to the client 1012 itself. Client 1012 includes a
`control unit 1030, front end 1026, return channel 1038, transport stage 1028, and AV
`stage 1034. Also represented in Fig. 3 is a memory 1080 which includes OS and/or
`middleware 1044, message processing engine 1036, and applications 1042. Also shown is
`an I/O interface 1040 and conditional access (CA) module(s) 1032. I/O interface 1040
`may be configured to detect user interaction via a remote control, keyboard, or other
`device. Control unit 1030 may comprise a microprocessor, memory (e.g., RAM), and
`other components which are necessary to perform ordinary general purpose computing.
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`In one embodiment, applications 1042, OS/middleware 1044, CA module(s)
`1032, and message processing engine 1036 comprise code which may be stored in a
`memory device of set-top box 1012. Additionally, CA module(s) 1032 may comprise
`system software configured to control access to particular programs or services which are
`accessible by set-top box 1012. While message processing engine 1036 is shown as
`program code which may be stored in memory 1090 and executed by control unit 1030, it
`is understood that other embodiments are possible and are contemplated. For example,
`message processing engine 1036 may comprise circuitry or a combination of hardware
`and software. For example, message processing engine 1036 may comprise a processing
`device executing program instructions. Further, message processing engine 1036 may be
`configured as an external device which may he coupled to a receiving unit. For example,
`such an external device may comprise an expansion module which is configured to add
`message processing functionality to a preexisting device.
`
`Generally speaking, client 1012 is operable to receive and decompress signals
`which may include digital data. The decompressed signals may be converted into analog
`signals such as PAL, SECAM, or NTSC format signals for television display, or may be
`in digital format for use by a digital television display. As shown in Fig. 3, client 1012
`includes front end circuitry 1026 operable to receive audio, video, and other data from a
`received signal 1070. The received signal 1070 is fed into the client 1012 at the front end
`1026, which may comprise an analog to digital (A/D) converter and tuner/demodulators
`(not shown). Front end 1026 may select and pass a particular frequency, demodulate it,
`and convert analog signals to a digital format. While analog data may be converted to
`digital data, as noted above a received signal may comprise digital data which may
`require no such conversion. The digitized output may then be conveyed to a transport
`stage 1028 which further processes the data, conveying a portion of the data to an audio-
`visual (AV) stage 1034 for display and another portion to control processor 1030. In
`addition, CA module 1032 may receive data from transport stage 1028 and may
`conditionally convey a descrambled or other signal to AV stage 1034. Signaling and
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`control information may also be included in the broadcast along with the audio-video
`data and may be manipulated by software within the client 1012.
`
`Audio-video signals and program control signals received by the client 1012 may
`include television programs, metadata, and menu selections accessible by a viewer
`through a user interface, as well as applications that may be executed. A viewer may
`control the client 1012 in a variety of ways, including through an infrared remote control
`unit, a control panel on the client, or a device that is used to choose from a menu
`displayed on the television screen. Selections and entries made by the viewer may be
`intended for one or more of several applications that are executing on the client. As
`mentioned above, broadcast signals 1070 are received via front end 1026 and are filtered
`by transport stage 1028. Unicast or multicast signals may generally be received via return
`channel 1038. Applications 1042 which execute on the client 1012 may arrive there in a
`variety of ways. For example, applications may be received via a broadcast signal 1070,
`via the return channel resource interface 1038, or via storage device 1018. Applications
`received via storage device 1018 may have been shipped originally with the client 1012
`or may have been downloaded previously from another source and stored on storage
`1018.
`
`In one embodiment, client 1012 may be configured as a digital set top box for use
`with a satellite receiver or satellite integrated decoder/receiver that is capable of decoding
`MPEG video, audio, and data. For example, client 1012 may be configured to receive
`digital video channels that support broadband communications using Quadrature
`Amplitude Modulation (QAM), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), Coded
`Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (COFDM), or 8-vestigial side band (VSB),
`and to control channels for two-way signaling and messaging. T