CN1326638A - Television set-top box with configurable functionality - Google Patents

Abstract

A software architecture framework for the soft set top box. A Set Top software architecture (200, 1000) allows the consideration of Set Top application and middleware software functionality (120) independent from the operating system (110) and hardware (100). Various types of functionality can be supported, such as multiple users, secure controlled access of resources, application download, registration, start, stop, and monitoring, resource download, registration, start, stop, and monitoring, and management of audio, video, and data presentations.

Description

TV set-top box with configurable functionality

The application requires the U.S. of submission on October 19th, 1998 at first to file No.60/104,777 priority.

The invention provides a kind of software architecture framework of soft set-top box, and the senior set-top box API classification of different architecture elements (component) and open cable (opencable) is associated.

The present senior API of open cable classifies and summarizes in the 7th joint described in detail below.

This paper uses following abbreviation and term:

The API-application programming interfaces;

ATSC-Advanced Television Systems Committee;

The ATM-asynchronous transfer mode;

The CA-conditional access;

The CORBA-Common Object Request Broker Architecture;

CSLIP-does not have the connection slip;

DASE-ATSC T3/S17 digital television application software environment;

DAVIC-digital audio-video association;

Numerical ciphers II (tm), the digital video standard of the special use of DC-2-common apparatus (GI) company;

Order of DSMCC-digital storage media and control;

The DTV-Digital Television;

The DVB-digital video broadcasting;

The DVD-digital video disk;

The EPG-electronic program guides;

The FTP-file transfer protocol (FTP);

The GUI-graphical user interface;

HSSIO-high-speed serial I/O;

The I/O-I/O;

Agreement between the internet Orb of IIOP-;

The IP-Internet protocol;

The IPG-interactive program guide;

The comprehensive receiver decoder of IRD-;

ISO-International Standards Organization;

The JVM-Java virtual machine;

The MIB-management information bank;

The MPEG-motion picture expert group;

PSIP-program and system information protocol (being used for terrestrial broadcasting and wired);

The RAM-random access memory;

The RMI-RMI;

The Sat-satellite;

SI-(DVB) information on services;

SMPTE-film and Television Engineer association;

The SNMP-Simple Network Management Protocol;

SODA-represents a kind of safety chip of common apparatus company special use;

S/PDIG-

STAMP-set-top box application and middle part platform;

S-vid-video-frequency connector interface;

The TCP-transmission control protocol;

The UHF-superfrequency;

UML-unified modelization (modeling) language;

V.34-physical interface standard; With

XDSL-High Data Rate Digital Subscriber Line modulation-demodulation technique.

Set-top box is also referred to as Integrated Receive Decoder (IRD) or user side, is a kind of equipment that receives the decode the TV signal of being represented by TV.These signals can be via satellite, cable plant or the mode by terrestrial broadcasting transmit.New-type set-top box is also supported video request program (VOD), pay-per-view TV, interactive shopping, ecommerce, and allows the Internet connectivity operation and the possible phone operation based on the internet.The function of the hardware and software starter motor top box by special use.

In the past, provide set-top box software than simple functions little and destructuring, and main purpose is to reduce required memory capacity and processing cycle as far as possible.But, to having drawn one group of new problem, comprising such as the support of services such as data, internet, Internet telephony: the decoding of multi-user's secure access, the management of a plurality of application, resource management, audio frequency, video, figure and other data etc., synthetic, coordinate and expression.The solution of existing set-top box software can not address these problems.

Therefore be desirable to provide a kind of set-top box software that can in the optimizing process, make progress, promptly from function simpler, little and destructuring, saving memory capacity and the software development in the cycle of processing to having than sophisticated functions, big and software that structuring and memory capacity and processing cycle increase.The basic fundamental that constitutes the basis of set-top box software architecture of future generation preferably adopts Java (tm), ActiveX (tm) or the similar OO technology based on assembly.

This technology should allow to consider and the set-top box application of operating system and hardware independent and the function of middleware software.

It would additionally be desirable to provide a kind of equipment and machine, it supports the multi-user, and the security control access of resource is used and downloaded, registers, starts, stops and monitoring, resource downloading, registration, start, stop and monitoring, the management of audio frequency, video and data representation and some other additional function.

The invention provides a kind of system with above-mentioned and other advantage.We are called this technology on " set-top box application and the middle part platform (STAMP) " of common apparatus company.

The invention provides a kind of software architecture framework of soft set-top box.

This set-top box software should allow to consider and the set-top box application of operating system and hardware independent and the function of middleware software.

The present invention can support various functions, as the multi-user, and the security control access of resource, application program is downloaded, registers, starts, stops and being monitored, and resource downloading, registration, starts, stops and monitoring, the management of audio frequency, video and data representation.

In a particular, the present invention is used to provide a kind of TV set-top box terminal with software.This terminal comprises the computer-readable media with computer program code device and is used for computer program sign indicating number device to carry out the device of layered software architecture.In this layered software architecture, application layer allows user and terminal interaction effect; Middle part layer is supported application layer by application programming interfaces (API) are provided; Part layer during operating system layer is supported; And hardware layer is supported operating system layer.In addition, the irrelevant application layer of this layered software architecture permission and operating system layer and hardware layer and the functional configuration of middle part layer.

This layered software architecture comprises set-top box management level, and it supports application layer by the management service that disposes this terminal.Management service comprises one of application, user, resource and expression management at least.

Set-top box management level executable state information module is to indicate the state of this terminal resource.This state information module can be based on ITU-T standard X.731.

This software architecture also can provide application programming interfaces (API) to be used to provide configurable function.This API can enable this terminal with the support multi-user, or the security control access of support resource.This API can enable this terminal to download, to register, to start, to stop and monitoring the application of application layer.This API also can enable this terminal with management audio frequency, video and/or other data representation.

This software architecture also can provide following one or more: set-top box manager, expression manager, application manager, User Manager, explorer, set-top box agency (agent) and program viewing assistant.

A kind of corresponding method also is provided in addition.

Fig. 1 shows the improvement according to the software architecture of STB terminal of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows the software architecture according to detailed STB terminal of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows top layer classification (class) figure according to set-top box management of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows the top layer classification chart according to set-top box application management device of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows the top layer classification chart according to set-top box application management relation of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows the top layer classification chart that set-top box control according to the present invention is used.

Fig. 7 shows the top layer classification chart according to set-top box users manager of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows the top layer classification chart according to set-top box explorer of the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows the top layer classification chart according to available set-top box device of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows the framework according to set-top box software architecture of the present invention.

The invention provides a kind of software architecture framework of soft set-top box.

Fig. 1 shows the improvement according to the software architecture of STB terminal of the present invention.

Set-top box software can be counted as an optimizing process, and it is complicated, big and the software that structuring, memory capacity and processing cycle increase of function from simpler, the little and destructuring of function, saving memory capacity and the software development in the cycle of processing.Java (tm), ActiveX (tm) or the similar OO technology based on assembly can be counted as the basic fundamental that constitutes set-top box software architecture of future generation basis.

We are called this technology on " set-top box application of common apparatus company and middle part platform (STAMP) ".This technology allows consideration and the set-top box application of operating system and hardware independent and the function of middleware software.

STAMP provides a kind of equipment and machine, it supports the multi-user, security control access, the application program of resource are downloaded, register, start, stop and being monitored, and resource downloading, registration, start, stop and monitoring, the management of audio frequency, video, data representation and some other additional function.This technology allows the set-top box application and the middleware software function of consideration and operating system and hardware independent.

STAMP is according to Java API platform construction.Therefore, its most direct ATAMP realizes being to use Java.Fig. 1 shows the improvement of the software architecture of set-top box with the form of simplifying.This architecture comprises hardware layer 100, operating system layer 110 and application of this machine and middle part layer 120." this machine " uses and middle part is designed in the specific operating system and hardware environment.In future recent architecture, use and middle part layer 120 develops into the combination that comprises proprietary application and middle part 122 and application of this machine and middle part 120.In future long-term architecture, use and middle part layer 120 develops into and only comprises proprietary application and the middle part 122 that has nothing to do with operating system and hardware environment.For example, the application program such as browser is written into and an operating system and an irrelevant level of abstraction of hardware environment.

The method that adopts in the design of STAMP is to use the STAMP assembly, unless it is because performance or other requirement former thereby infeasible, at this moment, the STAMP assembly can be replaced by this thermomechanical components.

Fig. 2 shows the software architecture according to detailed STB terminal of the present invention.The figure illustrates the layered architecture of the near-term solution of STAMP.

Architecture 200 comprises hardware layer 205, device drive layer 210 and real time operating system layer 215.Another layer 222 comprises the STAMP task 225 and the native application task 230 of STAMP interpretive program task 220, compiling.Following one deck 232 comprises this machine API265 and several sublayers, comprises that STAMP assembly sublayer 260, STAMP use API sublayer 255, comprise standard A PI sublayer 250 such as standards such as DAVIC, DVB, ATSC, part API sublayer 245 and sublayer with STAMP interpretive program task 235 and STAMP compiler 240 among the STAMP.

STAMP set-top box management level 270 then are provided, and are the layer 272 with STAMP application 275 and this machine application 280 afterwards.JAVA small routine (applet) layer 285 also is provided.

Layer in this software architecture has indicated the possible correlation from the higher level to the lower level.For example, an application program will be used STAMP parts 260, and STAMP parts 260 then use some standard A PI250, and API250 can or can compile on STAMP compiler 240 in operation on the STAMP interpretive program 235.

It is generally acknowledged each layer support or serve its last layer.

The user is top by two, JAVA small routine layer 285 and application layer 275,280 and set top box interactive effect.These application or JAVA small routine have all been passed through with any type of reciprocation of set-top box.Defined different layers by following theory:

1. top layer comprises processing entities, and they are temporary transient in essence and move in the application program such as browser, and download, or be distributed through broadcast channel, internet.The JAVA small routine moves in application program, thereby can utilize the resource of application program and be limited within their ability.Application can be that STAMP uses or this machine is used.

2. application is permanent or is long-term at least.They are that only elementary layer is used processing entities and is that basic set-top box software distributes or subsequently by some distributions of code down loading updating or the part of other device.In the STAMP side, they are implemented as light process group (for example Java thread (thread) group).

3.STAMP all set-top box resource of set-top box management control and between different set-top box application multiplexed they.

4. application, JAVA small routine and management component place outside the STAMP parts group (for example, java applet package assembling (bean bag)).Different parts groups is defined at different problem categories, for example figure, networking etc.The advantage of use parts group is the uniformity of parts, promptly can be than being easier to build the house with the stone that varies in size with brick.

5.STAMP parts use various API to make up.The highest api layer in the software architecture is made of the suitable abstract API that those have been defined as producing such as different categories such as conditional access, set-top box management.The STAMP parts can use any api layer, but best API Access layer is ensuing one deck, and it is that STAMP uses api layer 255.

Use standard A PI definition 6.STAMP use API, the whole industry of this standard A PI definition such as the public set-top box functionality of MPEG PSI, DVB SI etc. feasible abstract.STAMP uses API can use any api layer, but best API Access layer is ensuing low one deck, and it is a standard A PI layer 250.

7. part API 245 defines among the standard A PI use STAMP, for example, as the standard Java API of individual Java, Java safety API etc.

8.STAMP middle part API goes up at interpretive program (such as JVM) and carries out or compiled.

9. if part API is explained among the STAMP, then this interpretive program is carried out as task within the operating system 215 or task groups.

10. all set-top box resource of operating system 215 control and start reciprocation between various tasks and the resource.

11. operating system 215 is utilized device driver 210 control various devices and is communicated by letter with various device.

12. the bottom is actual hardware.

Agency (agent) is the processing unit that enables to represent the function of another entity.Agency's example can be one " management " agency, and it allows to come telemanagement IRD by head end device by MPEG transmission, modulation or other method.Perhaps, " individual " agency material (for example, program viewing assistant) that can work and be complementary user's behavior with the action of supervisory user and search and their behavior.

§ 1. carries out and Governance framework

After opening set-top box, the sequence of steps below STAMP sets:

1. after OS started and moves, the STAMP interpretive program started from GI set-top box program.

2.GI the set-top box program is formed in order to initialization and single Infinite Cyclic of starting processing threads by one.

First thread that starts is " management thread ", and it serves other all threads.These threads also have the exception of initialization apparatus.

3. using thread is activated as the result of the action of set-top box manager thread group.

4.JAVA small routine is by application start.

Within the set-top box manager thread group control interpretive program or outside set-top box on all tasks.

6. set-top box manager thread group can stop JVM or set-top box itself.

The set-top box Governance framework is made of following management entity:

1. set-top box manager (SetTopManager)-controller top box and initialization and startup all functions; Dispose all management services, comprise application, user, resource and expression management; With expression manager reciprocation, the expression manager is controlled the expression of all audio-visual material nearly; Dispose, start, stop and acting on behalf of reciprocation with set-top box, this set-top box agency starts the remote set-top box management by internet or transport stream; Dispose, start, stop and mutual with the program viewing assistant.

2. expression manager-constitute, i.e. decoder, synthesizer and announcer by three elements; But dispose all indication equipments (video, audio frequency etc.); Control the decoding that all can represent material; Combination is used for all materials represented of audio frequency and/or representation of video shot; Represent all materials represented; Can and be forwarded to the incident reciprocation of all registered application with all processing; Support is used to represent the user interface of priority.

3. the life cycle used of application manager-management, the carrier that comprises maintenance, the possible deciphering or the decompress(ion) of the registration (packing into) of application, a series of useful application and move to address space, estimate application program and whether can carry out the attribute operation, start/stop/resource of monitoring application program thread and distribution, communicates by letter in using, the application (registration) that communication events is extremely considered according to it; And support is used for the user interface of application management.

4. a series of users of User Manager-manage, their priority and they are to the access right of set-top box resource.Verify mandate/safety so that element can be operated.Support is used for the user interface of User Priority, user management and set-top box access control management.

5. explorer-the provide access of all set-top box resources by various resource special API.Manage these resources.Support is used for the user interface of resource management.

6. the Java SNMP agency of MIB is acted on behalf of-had to set-top box, and it allows default, configuration, record keeping, performance and the safety management of set-top box.

7. program viewing assistant-utilization is based on the intelligent agent of the forward link of unification algorithm; It allows the user to be associated with all kinds of different expression materials that use the IPG database at least; It supports mutual demonstration, and this demonstration can be used as an application program and starts, and perhaps helps the user by the help of prompting, mode swift to operate or other type in back way.

The following figure that discusses is the classification chart of unified model language (UML), and it has described the classification relation between the various set-top box management component.

Fig. 3 shows the top classification chart according to set-top box management of the present invention.Fig. 3 has used the unified model language by the exploitation of U.S. Rational software company.Classification chart is represented the static structure of a system, and represents the behavior pattern that this system presents.This realizes by the existence of presentation class and their relation.Each classification is shown by the frame table with three parts.Uppermost part has been listed specific name.Mid portion is represented a series of attributes, and nethermost part is represented sequence of operations.In the figure, in order only to have shown specific name for simplicity.

Solid line between the classification is represented correlation.Solid line with white diamond tips is represented set with mark (reference), and set is represented with numerical value in the black diamonds tip.The triangle arrow is represented the navigation that is restricted, as operation but not the succession of structure.

In addition, numeral can randomly be illustrated in the next door of the line end that contacts with classfying frame, with the radix of expression correlation, as 0,1....In addition, " * " expression " perhaps bigger ", for example, " 0 ... * " expression " 0 or bigger ".The set of " 0 ... 1 " expression 0 or 1.

All management entities all constitute (light process or task) by processing threads.All management processing threads all are the parts of set-top box manager thread group 305, and set-top box manager thread group 305 also is further divided into application manager 310, expression manager 315, User Manager 320, explorer 325 and set-top box agency's 330 sets of threads.

All management entities are junctor top box management information bank (SetTopMIB) 335 all.The part of each management entity (MngmtEntity) 335 control MIB, set-top box agency 330 provides the external access (that is, SNMP, RMI, CORBA, IIOP etc.) of MIB simultaneously.MngmtEntity 335 is associated with thread 360 that all is derived from Java.lang and sets of threads 365.

Registration (AppRegistry) 340 used in application manager 310 controls, expression manager control expression registration 345, User Manager control user registration (UserRegistry) 350, and explorer control resource registering (ResourceRegistry) 355.Each following trifle has been described different management entities in more detail.

Should be pointed out that the present invention starts with such as the ITU-T application program of the described generic state information module of standard X.731 within application, resource and set-top box MIB.This standard is the part of the Q3 standard of telecommunications management network (tmn) employing.The TMN standard by CCITT (present ITU-T) exploitation so that a kind of architecture to be provided, to realize interconnected between various management systems and the telecommunication apparatus, to be used for coming exchange of management information through standard interface.TMN is mainly based on the OSI Management standard, and comprises:

The principle of TMN (ITU-T M.3010 and M.3020), it defines this architecture;

Universal network information model (ITU-T M.3100);

Management service (ITU-T M.3200);

Management function (ITU-T M.3400); With

The protocol overview of management interface (profile) (ITU-TQ.811, Q.812, Q.773).

The equipment of all-network, telecommunications service and main type all can be managed by TMN.

TMN plays the effect of exchange of management information by ITU-T X-700 series (OSI system management) mode of standard.The resource that each software section in the TMN layer represents that himself and it manages as the upper strata of management object.Reciprocation between manager and the agency defines by the mode of CMISE/CMIP.The tissue of information architecture, promptly MIB has comprised the management object that can come the particular technology of refinement by the common template that provides among the universal network information module ITU-T M-3100.

All TMN communication is all based on the example (paradigm) of proxy manager.The Q3 interface depends on the OSI Management model that uses the OSI Common Management Information Protocol.CMIP uses so that public management information service (CMIS) to be provided between public management information service element (CMISE).

§ 1.1. application management

Application manager is controlled some application, and these are used all and make up according to the common application template, and this common application template can be carried out the monitoring of application manager.

Application management API provides the function relevant with application integrity with the application life cycle to system.

Application verification and affirmation API-application verification and affirmation API provide the function of TBD to system.

The application life cycle, API-application life cycle API provided the function of packing into, start, suspend, stopping and unloading application program to system.

Use registration API-and use registration API provides registrer application version and function from application resource information to system.

Fig. 4 shows the top layer UML classification chart according to set-top box application management device of the present invention.

Similar components among each figure corresponds to each other.

Here, resource client segmentation 405 is relevant with common application classification 410, and common application classification 410 is relevant with modulation acting server (Proxy) classification 415, and the classification 415 of modulation acting server is relevant with the classification 420 of resource broker service device.

Resource client segmentation 405 and resource broker service device classification 420 can be derived from org.davic.resources.Common application classification 410 can be derived from gi.settop.application.

Common application is carried out by each and is used the resource client 405 of employed all resources and the interface of Resource Broker 420.

All application, though only by the application management management, must be mutual with expression 315, user 320 and explorer 325.

Fig. 5 shows the top layer UML classification chart according to set-top box application management relation of the present invention.

Common application classification 410 can be associated with various classification, as download classification 505, watch TV classification 510, Email classification 515, contact maker (ticker) classification 520, web browser classification 525 and EPG classification 530, each classification wherein all can be derived from gi.settop.applications.

Can realize by the set-top box controlling application program alternately between user and all management entities, set-top box controlling application program with other all application the same also be to control by the template of common application 410 by application manager 310.

Fig. 6 shows the top layer UML classification chart that set-top box control according to the present invention is used.

The reciprocation that (SetTopControlApp) 605 comes between coordinates user by set-top box control GUI (SetTopControlGUI) 610 and different set-top box managers 310,315,320 and 325 is used in set-top box control.

Set-top box control application 605 and set-top box control GUI610 can be derived from gi.settop.applications.

§ 1.2. user management

User profile API provides customer-centric and is the function at center with account to system.

Charging API-charging API provides account executive also to carry out the function of the affairs relevant with the account to system.

Priority API-priority API provides the function of the characteristic of management customer-centric to system.

The service of hobby AP services I-hobby provides the services set of leading subscriber definition and the function of subclass to system.

Safe API provides the function of the access of control and management application, content and service to system.

Content control API-content control API is provided for the function that criterion (father and mother's lock) according to customer-centric is controlled the access of application, content and service to system.

Conditional access API-conditional access API is provided for limiting the function of controlling access service according to service restriction and account to system.

Mandate and verification management API-mandate and verification management API provide the function of TBD to system.

Cryptography API-cryptography API is provided for the function of the content that encryption and decryption are broadcast to system, are stored in the system or send from system to system.

The user access control of set-top box and User Priority management are by user manager processes.User Manager uses set-top box MIB to use and user interactions as its information-storing device and by set-top box control.

Fig. 7 shows the UML top layer classification chart according to set-top box users manager of the present invention.

Security manager classification 705 can be derived from java.lang.

§ 1.3. resource management

Resource management API is provided for measuring, distribute and go to distribute (de-allocating) to limit the user's of hardware system and service function to system.

The profile API of profile API-system of system provides the function of determining system resource and configuration information to system.

The synchronous API of API-is provided for making such as the synchronous function of the different resource of Voice ﹠ Video decoder to system synchronously.

Resource allocation API-resource allocation API provides the function of request, assessment and release hardware system and service to system.

System testing API-system testing APT provides the function of applications testing hardware system and service to system.

System diagnostics API-system diagnostics API provides the function of close beta and diagnostic system fault to system.

Fig. 8 shows the UML top layer classification chart according to set-top box explorer of the present invention.

The common apparatus classification 805 that can be derived from gi.settop.devices is relevant with explorer classification 325.

Set-top box application is managed by explorer 325 access of all set-top box resources.This explorer can use DAVIC resource API.

Fig. 9 shows the UML top layer classification chart according to available set-top box device of the present invention.

Common apparatus classification 805 can be associated with following one or more classification as an example: hard disk driver 902, disc driver 904, ram disc 906, smart card 908, DVD 910, DC2Sat 912, ATSC terminal 914, MPEG916, MPEG video 918, MPEG/AC3 audio frequency 920, terminal 922, DVBSat 924, keyboard 926, input equipment 928, HSSIO930, video output 932, audio frequency output 934, front panel shows 936, SODA 938, IEEE1284 is parallel, UHF remote control 942, infrared remote control 944, IEEE1394 946, analogue audio frequency 948, S/PDIG digital audio 950, communication 952, digital cable 954, XDSL956, V34958,10BaseT960, ATM962, SMPTE video output 964, rgb video output 966 and CCIR16 video output 968.

Each classification all can be derived from gi.settop.devices.

Available resources are carried out reciprocation by the principle of common apparatus.Equipment Control API provides the function of management equipment to system.Medium control API comprises:

The function tuning and demultiplexing API-is tuning and demultiplexing API provides selection to serve and flow to system.

Decoder API-decoder API provides the function of the element in decoded video streams, audio stream, data flow and these stream to system.

The control API-that resets resets and controls the function that API provides management flow to reset to system.

§ 1.4. represents management

Play a part certain in expression management and two kinds of schemes (scenario) of expression API in set-top box.

1. but indicated object (figure, video, audio frequency) produces as application start or with using relevant result.

2. indicated object is as producing through the decoding process result of the data of rotating disc type tape, internet input.

Expression API and expression manager (PM) are simplified two schemes in an identical manner, promptly produce identical object and have the same procedure that can be activated.

Expression API to system provide show and control to the function of user's display message, state, content and control.

Representation of video shot API-representation of video shot API provides the function of management display video data on main display surface to system.

Front panel display manager API-front panel display manager API provides the function of managing display message, state and control on the plate display surface in front to system.

Diagrammatic representation API-diagrammatic representation API provides the function of management display graphics data on main display surface to system.

Script management API-script management API provides to system and packs into, selects and the function of display font on main display surface.

Audio representation API-audio representation API provides the function of management in main audio output audio playback data to system.

Some application and JAVA small routine in the STAMP have GUI.They comprise:

1. ﹠amp is installed; The diagnosis screen;

2. set-top box choosing top screen, they provide the access of main set-top box feature and application and carry out configuration screen (for example, grade is preferential, language is preferential, audio/video pattern etc.)；

3. watch the title and the details of TV;

4.IPG screen;

5. web browser shields;

6. Email shields;

7. contact maker (as being used for stock price);

8.JAVA small routine screen; With

9. Downloadable application screen.

All these GUI all make up outside one group of parts by expression API definition.

§ 2.JAVA small routine

On the set-top box that has the local browser that Java browser that Java enables or Java enable, support the Java small routine.This JAVA small routine is downloaded by the Http on the internet or is downloaded by the service of DSMCC rotating disc type tape.

§ 3. uses

§ 3.1. watches TV

TV-the system of watching provides simple radio and television to watch environment.The user can upwards change channel, downwards change channel or be back to before channel and select a specific channel.

Watch the TV-system that has father and mother's lock to provide of the access of a kind of device to the user with restriction service, channel or incident.The password device can be rewritten limited-access.Access can be based on channel, event class, event scheme or some other criterions.

Watch TV-system that a device can be provided so that limit the access of service, channel and incident according to access right as service supplier's client's user with conditional access.Access right limits relevant with service restriction or account.

Watch TV-system can obtain a more than audio stream at a particular video stream with in addition optional audio frequency.The user has the chance of another optional audio stream of selection and video flowing synchronized playback.

Watch the TV-system that has subtitle can obtain one or more texts or graphical stream with video flowing synchronously or be superimposed upon on the video flowing.

§ 3.2. down load application

It is purchased or store situation in the system into that the scheme of down load application has been described broadcasted application or data, services.

Watch have the permanent not TV-system of sync data service provide one with current audio and video stream asynchronous data service (for example stock contact maker).Use the application program of this data, services (as the graphical user interface of stock contact maker) to reside in the system, what transmit in this scheme only is data (share prices).

Watch TV-system that a kind of and current audio and video stream data in synchronization service (as corresponding to the athletic movement statistics data on the present screen) is provided with permanent sync data service.Use the application of this data, services to reside in the system, what transmit in this scheme only is data.

TV-the system of down load application at the appointed time of watching provides a kind of device to be used for the stipulated time and in the application of downloading subsequently in the not service in current service.

Watch the TV-system of Impulse Buy to provide a kind of to its device of notifying the device of obtainable application and a kind of purchase and down load application being provided to the user to the user with application.

Watch TV-system to provide a kind of device (not destroying current Voice ﹠ Video represents) in the backstage down load application to the user with background application renewal.

§ 3.3. TV shopping

The scheme of TV shopping has been described the user can be by the situation of obtainable application requests information, product or service in system.

Watch TV and solicited message-system to provide the device of a kind of request corresponding to the information of current in progress video and audio frequency to the user.For example, during vehicle transaction, the user can ask a brochure.

Watch TV and Impulse Buy-system to provide the device of a kind of purchase corresponding to the product of current in progress video and audio frequency to the user.For example, at the trading time period of memorial tablet, the user can buy this board.

Provide a kind of device of the navigating directory by comprising figure, video and audio frequency by being the catalogue browsing at center and purchase-system with the video to the user.The user can select and buy commodity or the service in the catalogue.

Provide a kind of device of the navigating directory by comprising figure and audio frequency by being the catalogue browsing at center and purchase-system with the audio frequency to the user.The user can select and buy commodity or the service in the catalogue.

Provide a kind of device of the navigating directory by comprising figure by being the catalogue browsing at center and purchase-system with the figure to the user.The user can select and buy commodity or the service in the catalogue.

§ 3.4. is similar to video request program

Approximate video request program (NVOD) scheme has been described the user can select film (or some other audio-video is served) from similar film or service multiple multiplexing situation.

Pay-per-view TV-system provides a kind of device of buying a service from multiplexed service to the user.Interactivity is limited in selection and the purchasing process usually.

Interactive mode pay-per-view TV-system provides a kind of device of buying a service from multiplexed service to the user.The user can " suspend " this service, till available this service next time.

§ 3.5. recreation

Game scheme allows the user to play games by the service that network transmits.Recreation can be single user or multi-user's recreation, can place (this locality) in the system fully, also can play by network.

Watch TV and local participation-system to provide a kind of device of watching TV programme and " playing simultaneously " single subscriber's local to use to the user.For example, during playing " lucky rotating disk ", the user can " rotate this rotating disk " and make their conjecture.

Watch TV and multi-user participation-system to provide a kind of device of watching TV programme and " simultaneously " and other user competition to the user.

Solitaire game-system provides a kind of device that does not have the object for appreciation of other remote participant based on the recreation of system to the user.

Multi-user recreation-system provides a kind of to the user has other remote participant to play device based on the recreation of system together.

§ 3.6. the Internet access

The Internet access scheme allows the interior perhaps function of user access based on the internet: html webpage, Email, chat, streaming audio etc.

Browse network-system provides a kind of device that browses web sites to the user.

Email-system provides the device of a kind of reading and writing and reply email to the user.

Chat-system provides a kind of at the device that exchanges in real time with other user on the internet to the user.

Watch TV-system to provide a kind of and watch the Voice ﹠ Video service to carry out device simultaneously simultaneously, wherein should activity can utilize or obtain by this audio-video service based on the activity of internet to the user with internet content.

Browse webpage-system and provide a kind of device of watching the audio or video service that obtains by project based on the internet to the user with television content.

§ 3.7. information on demand

The information on demand scheme allows user access and information-related content when their are wished or customize their priority.

Pay-per-view press service-system provides one to buy audio frequency, video or be the device of the press service at center with the text to the user.This service can provide the service of details, degree of depth details, edit file or some other degree of title class.

Inquiry-the system of news item provides a device of inquiring one or more " articles " relevant with user definition or user-selected standard in a plurality of useful sources to the user.

Individualized news-system provides a kind of device that press service is customized to their preferred themes to the user.

Subscribed services-system provides a kind of purchase and subscription audio frequency, video or is the device of the press service at center with the text to the user.

§ 3.8. electronic program guides

The electronic program guides scheme allows user access channel, service and event information.Usually, the user also can use this management information system or navigate in system.

Current channel now and the next one-system provide relevant and on current channel, can obtain what service at present and next be the information of what service.

All channels now and the next one-system provide relevant and on all known channels, can obtain what service at present and next be the information of what service.

The present of all channels provides the relevant information that can obtain what service at present and can obtain what service in certain scheduled time in future on all known channels with the next one-system.

The device of a request service sample is provided to the user by guide request preview-system.For example, the user may ask the ending of a film or the demonstration of an application.

Provide the device of buying future event or service by electronic program guides to the user by guide purchase events-system.

Program prompting signal-system is set provides one to be defined in the following device of notifying the time of future event sometime to the user.

Buy application-system by guide and provide the device of a kind of purchase by the application of electronic program guides download to the user.

§ 3.9. distance learning

The distance learning scheme has been described a kind of student and teacher not at the Virtual Class in same place.

Watch TV-system that the video and the audio frequency of Virtual Class are provided with talk.System provides a kind of device that participates in teacher or other student (being positioned at the different location) by talk to the user.

Watch TV-system that the video and the audio frequency of Virtual Class are provided with test.System provides a kind of device that participates in teacher or other student (being positioned at the different location) by talk to the user.

§ 3.10. Home Banking

Home Banking's scheme described with the user in the much the same service of retail bank (retail bank) obtainable service.

Information retrieval-system provides the device of a kind of access and the bank function information relevant with their personal account to the user.

The device that affairs-system provides a kind of electronics of carrying out typical retail bank to transfer the possession of to the user.

Service applications-system provides a kind of device of serving such as credit card, the retail bank of providing a loan and writing a check of being applied to the user.

Consulting-system provides a kind of device that individualized finance help that obtains to the user.

§ 3.11. navigation

Navigation scheme has been described the situation that the user is enabled in service available in the system, application and content.

The device that application start-system provides a kind of startup (moving or pack into (launch)) to use to the user.

Deletion-the system that uses provides a kind of device of deletion application from system storage, local storage or the remote memory relevant with system to the user.

System priority-system provides the device of the priority of a kind of identification customer-centric relevant with the operation of system or its user interface to the user.

Favorite channels setting-system provides a kind of discern or the customize set of obtainable service or the device of subclass to the user.

§ 4.STAMP element architecture

Parts group (canned program assembly (bearn bag)) is defined as making things convenient for the set of territory special use (for example IPG) application component structure.These set do not disconnect.JAVA program package assembling is:

1.GI application system canned program assembly-these group parts comprise all canned programs (bean) that all different application parts groups are all general.This can comprise message exchange, synchronizer, timing device, storage device etc.

2.GI GUI canned program assembly-these group parts comprise all GUI canned programs that all different application are all general; This can comprise tabulation, button, sliding contact etc.

3.GI HotJAVA program package assembling-these group parts comprise all parts that can be used as a browser part.

4.GI IPG canned program assembly-these group parts comprise all parts of a part that can be used as the IPG application.

5.GI comprising, tuning canned program assembly-these group parts can be used as tuning all parts of using a part.

6.GI Email canned program assembly-these group parts comprise all parts that can be used as an e-mail applications part.

Comprise all parts that can be used as a down load application part 7.GI download canned program assembly-these group parts.

8.GI comprising, contact maker canned program assembly-these group parts can be used as all parts that the information contact maker is used a part.

9.GI comprising, player's canned program assembly-these group parts can be used as all parts that the player uses a part.

§ 5. application programming interfaces (API)

API provides the independent level of abstraction of hardware and operating system to system.This allows broadcasted application to be sent to processor and the big different system of operating system: from set-top box with risc processor and real time operating system to personal computer with microprocessor and non-real time operating system.

All API can use with this machine or the Java application separates use.Following API need define outside the scope of those API that defined by DAVIC and standardized those API of JavaSoft.

§ 5.1. incident management API

Incident management API to system be provided for sending and receiving information, the function of incident and " interruption ".

Incident dispensing (dispatch) API-incident sends API provides branch carry information, incident and " interruption " to system function.

The user imports API-user and imports API the function (keyboard, mouse, front panel, remote controller etc.) that receives and send the incident that comes from the user is provided to system.

(inter-process) communication API-interprocess communication API is provided for the function of transmission information and incident between application, process and thread between process to system.

Scheduling API-scheduling API is provided for the function of settling time and date trigger event and " interruption " to system.

§ 5.2. uses public (utility) API

Using public API provides by the general general utility functions of application program to system.

Mathematics API-mathematics API provides the function of carrying out mathematical routine to system.

Time API-time API provides access time and date and carries out the function of common time program to system.

Character string API-character string API is provided for packing into, unloading and handle the function of character string to system.

Table A PI-Table A PI provides the function of admin table and other public dynamic data structure to system.

File API-file API provides the function of carrying out the operation relevant with file to system.

Location (localization) API-position location API provides the function of carrying out public positioning action to system.

Communication API-comprises all communications of dialup connection, internet, Route Selection, transport stream etc. and the advanced interface of telecommunication management parts.

Information exchange between objects services API-support target; This comprises information model, type, correlation, operation, characteristic, name, registration, distribution etc.

Database service API-supports storage and indexing unit, comprises universal document system and registration.

Download service API-supports download service.

§ 5.3. Content Management API

Content Management API provides and content life cycle and content integrity function associated to system.

Content integrity API-content integrity API is provided for the function of TBD to system.

Content is downloaded API-content download API and is provided for the function of stored broadcast to the application of system to system.

Contents version control API-contents version control API is provided for function managed storage or the content loaded version to system.

Content stores API-content stores API is provided for the function that interior in the storage and retrieval system perhaps utilizes remote memory storage and retrieval of content to system.

§ 5.4. system information API

System information API provides and MPEG-2 system information and program streams of information function associated to system.

Event information API-event information API provides the function of explaining event information stream to system.

Channel and map of services API-channel and map of services API provide the function of this system of explanation and service information flow to system.

§ 5.5.GI represents API

Top box management one saves according to circumstances.The structure of the expression manager component of startup such as decoder, synthesizer and announcer; Access is required all expression subsystems that comprise figure, Voice ﹠ Video except DAVIC and standard Java API; Manipulation required all except DAVIC and standard JavaAPI are represented subsystems; All the expression parts initialization, startup, handle, close and coordinate; And so on.

§ 5.6.GI set-top box Administration API

Top box management one saves according to circumstances.This API uses by the management of following step starter motor top box, i.e. initialization by parts hook (hook-up) function, parts supervision and controlled function, all internal process/demons/application are provided, start, close and coordinate; The processing of asynchronous event and the incident that produces by acquisition of information; Or the like.

Operation supports API-to act on behalf of API simplification set-top box Administration API by non-Java interface of Java/ and SNMP.

§5.7.DAVIC?API

Following DAVIC API is supported:

1. the standard set-up of resource notification API (org.davic.resources)-application in order to registration interest place in scarce resource, and is used to notify the variation of these resources or these resources of deletion under this environment.

2.MPEG API (org.davic.mpeg)-comprise MPEG components A PI, MPEG unit filtering device API and mpeg transport stream API.

3. the network interface of tuning API (org.davic.net.tuning)-comprise multi-network interface (local and/or long-range) tuning.

4. conditional access API (org.davic.net.ca)-the be used for CA system stand-alone interface of access CA function.

5.DVB the interface of SI API (org.davic.net.dvb.si)-DVB SI database (comprising access) by the actual transmissions stream of optional cache memory.

6.ATSC the interface of PSIP API (org.davic.atsc.psip)-ATSC SI and PSI database (comprising access) by the actual transmissions stream of optional cache memory.

7. the expansion of media player API (org.davic.media)-Java media framework is to simplify set-top box.

8.DSM-CC the subclass of U-U API (davic.dsmccuu)-DSM-CC-U-U API that execution defines in ISO/IEC 13818-6.

§ 5.8. standard Java API

1. individual this API of people Java-is the subclass of JDK 1.1 API, and is additional by the new API of minority of the requirement that is designed for the built-in application program that satisfies networking.The Java API that draws after JDK 1.1 will can not become the part of individual Java API automatically.New API will be examined and be assessed its appropriateness before being added to individual Java.

JDK 1.1 bags that are included among the individual Java are:

java.applet

java.awt

java.awt.datatransfer

java.awt.event

java.awt.image

java.awt.peer

java.beans

java.io

java.lang

java.lang.reflect

java.net

java.util

2.Java text API-supports internationalization.

3.Java safe API is a framework that is used for the developer, so that easily and safely safety function is included in their the JAVA small routine and application.This function comprises the cryptography that uses digital signature, encryption and mandate.

4.Java commercial API will bring network and buy and financial management with safety.The Java wallet is initial element, the framework of credit card, debit card and the electronic cash affairs of its definition and execution client.

5.Java media framework (JMF) regulation entity architecture is in order to transmit agreement and the interface of media player, Java media capture and Java media conference is programmed.JMF will be published as three API.At first announce the Java media player; Java media capture and Java media conference API will come forth subsequently.The Java media player be one in order to synchronously, control, handle and expression comprises the compression fluidisation of video and audio frequency and the API of the medium of storage regularly.

6.Java the OO distributed treatment API of RMI (comprising CORBA)-support CORBA.

The software architecture of § 6 set-top box

Figure 10 shows the framework according to set-top box software architecture of the present invention.

Architecture 1000 is corresponding to the architecture 200 of Fig. 2, but every layer details and example further are provided.

The nucleus module of the device driver in layer 210 is usually corresponding to the classification among Fig. 9.

§ 7. and the relation of opening cable API

Below each joint summarized the classification of current open cable API.

§ 7.1. operating system＜-network AP I

Procotol is used in all layers of ASB, so that communicate with other client, application and service device.Although use and also to use procotol, much be actually the network stack that OS carries out in them, be called through OS＜-use API.The agreement that is exclusively used in the problem of handling the application layer client server will be encompassed in the client＜-server one joint in.

§ 7.1.1. video and data network/transportation protocol

These agreements are used for the network packet Route Selection, connect and set up, control and dismounting (teardown).The industry Open Standard is the TCP that is used for towards connecting transmission, is used for the UDP of disconnected real time business transmission and is used to wrap the IP of Route Selection.RSVP is used for the network bandwidth and channel is standby.MPEG-2 is obviously favored in video transmits.

§ 7.1.2. session/presentation protocol

These agreements are used for session to be safeguarded, and in order to be provided for to application program from the public procedure of content server request and reception data.FTP is used for the file transmission, HTTP is used for WWW access and HTML transmission, and NNTP is used for the NEWS SERVER access, and SMTP and IMAP are used for Email.But be not used in the standard of talk.

§ 7.1.3. directory service agreement

Catalogue is most of read-only distributed data base, is designed for the attribute inspection with location, mandate and renewal network object.As the standard directories of TCP/IP network and the LDAP that occurs fast is the light version of more complicated directory access protocol X.500.LDAP has been exceeded 40 main software manufacturers and has adopted, and support is watched with the data that access has nothing to do, layering storage, many storage schemes, enrich access control, various database types and example, and network copy.

The link of § 7.1.4. data, physics, mac-layer protocol

Modulation, coding and the management of the data flow of these API control cable line facilities.

§ 7.1.5. network encryption agreement

These agreements are used for encryption and decryption video, data and transaction scheme.

§ 7.1.6 multi-user/Web broadcast agreement

Be that broadcast data stream is needed effectively between network.

§ 7.2.OS＜-application API

Operating system provides two groups of key service to application program, and they allow these tops that are applied in system to implement.Basic OS such as scheduling, virtual memory, multithreading etc. serves the basic service that provides to nearly all application, and does not need the too many workload of programmer one side.The API major part that is used for these services is invisible.On the other hand, the OS java standard library is the code module of being scheduled to, and then impels application program to use this module when carrying out the function of OS support.For example, network application is encouraged to use the network library of OS, and nearly all application is all encouraged to use the GUI storehouse of OS, and so on.In fact, java standard library is used for maintaining coherency, prevents to duplicate to make great efforts and accelerate development.Sometimes, for aesthetic reason or in order to optimize code, application will be ignored some storehouse.

§ 7.2.1. application service and storehouse

The heart of these API controller top boxs.This machine is used (application that writes for ASB specially, the performance and the hardware of requirement maximum are mutual) and will be carried out according to the OS service and the storehouse that provide by these API.

§ 7.2.2. computer graphical

The picture and the reproduction of these API control 2D and 3D object.Application designer uses them to come the graphic simplicity function.The window that they also are used to carry out graphical user interface and open the tool box for application program.

Long-range execution environment/the virtual machine of § 7.2.3.

The application that allows to be stored on the network is downloaded, carries out and abandons.Encapsulation environment running time, security model and object model.Present rival is and the Java of platform independence and the ActiveX of Windows special use.Script comprises JavaScript and VBScript.

§ 7.3. operating system＜-hardware API

These API of so-called device driver allow operating system to control various hardware.They are carried out in software by equipment manufacturers usually, and the architecture API of the device driver of the good definition that equipment manufacturers provide by operating system manufacturer inserts their in operating system.For the facility inventory of good definition, operating system manufacturer provides the common apparatus driver of entire equipment classification sometimes.This general driving program can provide the function of minimum common standard (denominator) when the driver of manufacturer is unavailable, be that Macintosh OS provides general laser-light write driver for all laser printers, but the printer with its own Available drivers can utilize manufacturer/model specific features.The system of the automatic identification equipment and the suitable driver of packing into is classified as plug and play.

§ 7.3.1. hardware abstraction layer (HAL) API

HAL separates hardware with OS, and OS is transplanted between any platform of supporting HAL.

§ 7.3.2. registers API

The local storage format and the control of RAM memory fast.

§ 7.4. operating system＜-operating system API

These API when an OS the same with situation in the virtual machine carries out at the top of another OS or two OS use when communicating with one another.Latter event is rarely found, and handles by procotol usually, but some parts are communicated by letter between OS with the object that object model allows to distribute.

Long-range execution environment/the virtual machine of § 7.4.1. (VM) is linked to OS

The details of the embodiment of control virtual machine on existing RTOS.If special-purpose VM is implemented, if utilizing with the designated link of OS, implements perhaps open VM, then the portability for VM is important.

§ 7.4.2. distributed objects model

Allow application program with the storage of public object form and with other networking application program swap data.The rival is the distributed elements object model (DCOM) and the JavaBeans/CORBA (public object request broker architecture) of Microsoft.Remote procedure call device (ONC, DCE) is also within this API.

§ 7.5. client＜-server A PI

Client and server usually transmit application data by the standard gateway protocol, but remote client's management, mandate, software download and renewal will be handled by specific client-server API.These API are general closed often and division, and this is because a large amount of potential combination and problem are caused.

§ 7.5.1. network management

The Remote Management of Network of all-network element.

§ 7.5.2. software administration and renewal

The API that Control Software is downloaded and module is loaded program.

§ 7.5.3. network/Telefile

Control documents storage and search method

§ 7.5.4. digital certificate

The mandate of control user, manufacturer and product.

§ 7.5.5. Calendar server agreement

Determine that the user determines the storage and the mutual form of date and scheduling feature.

§ 7.5.6. synchronous protocol

Clock synchronization and regularly required.

§ 7.5.7. uses data collection API

The method and the form of data collection, storage and transmission used in definition.

§ 7.5.8. charge system API

The method and the form of charging collected, stored and transmit in definition to data.

§ 7.6. application＜-file API

Use and use the specific format storage and retrieve the data that they use.(these forms are closed and special-purpose in itself for ASCII, HTML) exception except the high observability form of minority.Except only supporting the static data that some use also storage, retrieval and the execution of support insertion code module, and release allows third party manufacturer to make up the API of these plug-in units.

The storage format of § 7.6.1. text document

The storage format of plain text document.

The storage format of § 7.6.2. hyperlink document

Enrich the storage format of hyperlink text

§ 7.6.3. Image storage form

The compressed format of image.

The storage format of § 7.6.4. 3D graphic documentation

The compressed format of 3D data.

The storage format of § 7.6.5. video clips

The coding of streaming and non-stream video clips.

The storage format of § 7.6.6. audio documents

The coding of sound and music.

The storage format of § 7.6.7. animation document

Moving picture coding.

§ 7.6.8. network/video packed format

Definition is used for based on network content and traditional tv program combination storehouse and method together.

Example comprises that hyperlink advertisement, button bar and contact maker are overlapping, virtual network channel etc.

§ 7.6.9. personal information storage

The storage of customer identification information, priority and access control information.

§ 7.7. client＜-content API

This group API control is from the service and the transmission of the content of all kinds of server to client.It is actually the subclass of client-server API, but is just mentioned significantly, and this is because some manufacturers may make great efforts by requiring private server to come distribution of content to realize locking.

§ 7.7.1. network data services

The form that is suitable for Web content.Except standard HTTP, some webservers can use service-specific method (that is, now using server page (Active Server Pages)).

The service of § 7.7.2. video data

The form that is suitable for video content.

The service of § 7.7.3. data splitting

The service and the coordination of the network/data content of combination.

§ 7.8. content＜-access API

This group API control is from the service and the transmission of the content of all kinds of server to client.It is actually the subclass of client-server API, but is just mentioned significantly, and this is because some manufacturers may make great efforts by requiring private server to come distribution of content to realize locking.

The access control of § 7.8.1. video

The access control of video flowing and encryption.

The control of § 7.8.2. data access

The mandate of data content transmission.

§ 7.9. browser＜-resident engine API

Really not the independent subset of API in essence, browser＜-resident engine reciprocation be actually OS＜-subdirectory using, and clearly show, this is to cause owing to the fact that its tactful importance and most of browser manufacturer have comprised this API in their product.In the operating system of a good design, resident HTML, VRML, Java and high-speed cache engine are the services that OS offers all interested application.But most of browser manufacturers engine that these are important is bundled in the browser, thus hidden and these important API of control, even under the situation that they should obviously be exposed.

The explicit HTML engine control of § 7.9.1.

Separate with browser in case HTML reproduces engine, then control access and use it.In addition, if used professional format, OS supplier just should provide the data of employed API, and authority is forever offered these free API.

The explicit cache memory control of § 7.9.2.

In case the high-speed cache engine separates with browser, then control access and use it.

Therefore as can be seen, the invention provides a kind of set-top box software architecture, it allows consideration and the set-top box application program of operating system and hardware independent and the function of middleware software.

The present invention can support various functions, as the multi-user, and the security control access of resource, application program is downloaded, registers, starts, stops and being monitored, and resource downloading, registration, starts, stops and monitoring, the management of audio frequency, video, data representation.

Although the present invention is described in conjunction with various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should be appreciated that under the situation that does not deviate from the scope of the invention described in claims and spirit can carry out a large amount of adaptations and improvement.

For example, although this paper has discussed various syntactic elements, should be pointed out that they only are examples, any grammer all is operable.

And in fact the present invention is applicable to the network of any type, comprises wired or satellite television broadband communication network, Local Area Network, metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, in-house network and internet, or their combination.

Claims (22)

1. TV set-top box terminal with software comprises:

A computer-readable media has computer program code means; With

One is used to carry out described computer program code means to carry out the device of layered software architecture, wherein:

An application layer allows user and this terminal interaction effect;

A middle part layer is supported application layer by application programming interfaces (API) are provided;

Part layer during an operating system layer is supported;

A hardware layer is supported operating system layer; And

The application layer that described layered software architecture permission and operating system layer and hardware layer are irrelevant and the functional configuration of middle part layer.

2. according to the terminal of claim 1, wherein:

This layered software architecture comprises the set-top box management level, and these management level are supported application layer by the management service that disposes this terminal.

3. according to the terminal of claim 2, wherein:

Described management service comprises one of application, user, resource and expression management at least.

4. according to the terminal of claim 2, wherein:

These set-top box management level are carried out a state information module to specify the resource status of this terminal.

5. according to the terminal of claim 4, wherein:

Described state information module is based on ITU-T standard X.731.

6. according to the terminal of claim 1, also comprise:

Application programming interfaces (API) that are used to provide configurable functionality.

7. according to the terminal of claim 6, wherein:

Described API makes described terminal can support a plurality of users.

8. according to the terminal of claim 6, wherein:

Described API makes the described terminal can the security control accessing resource.

9. according to the terminal of claim 6, wherein:

Wherein said API makes described terminal can download, register, start, stop application program with the surveillance application layer.

10. according to the terminal of claim 6, wherein:

Described API makes described terminal can manage audio frequency, video and/or other data representation.

11., also comprise one of following at least according to the terminal of claim 1:

A set-top box manager;

An expression manager;

An application manager;

A User Manager;

An explorer;

A set-top box agency; With

A program viewing assistant.

12. a method that is used to carry out the layered software architecture of TV set-top box terminal, the step that comprises is:

A computer-readable media is provided, and it has computer program code means; With

Carry out described computer program code means to carry out layered software architecture, wherein:

An application layer allows user and this terminal interaction effect;

A middle part layer is supported application layer by application programming interfaces (API) are provided;

Part layer during an operating system layer is supported;

A hardware layer is supported operating system layer; And

The application layer that described layered software architecture permission and operating system layer and hardware layer are irrelevant and the functional configuration of middle part layer.

13. according to the method for claim 12, wherein:

This layered software architecture comprises set-top box management level, and it supports application layer by the management service that disposes this method.

14. according to the method for claim 13, wherein:

Described management service comprises one of application, user, resource and expression management at least.

15. according to the method for claim 13, wherein:

These set-top box management level are carried out a state information module to specify the resource status of this method.

16. according to the method for claim 15, wherein:

Described state information module is based on ITU-T standard X.731.

17. according to the method for claim 12, wherein:

Described layered software architecture provides application programming interfaces (API) by configurable functionality is provided.

18. according to the method for claim 17, wherein:

Described API can support a plurality of users.

19. according to the method for claim 17, wherein:

Described API can guarantee the control access of resource.

20. according to the method for claim 17, wherein:

Described API can download, registers, starts, stops and monitoring the application program of application layer.

21. according to the method for claim 17, wherein:

Described API can manage audio frequency, video and/or other data representation.

22., wherein in described layered software architecture, provide one of following at least according to the method for claim 12:

A set-top box manager;

An expression manager;

An application manager;

A User Manager;

An explorer;

A set-top box agency; With

A program viewing assistant.

Images