KR20060029689A - Method of executing software applications - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a method of executing one or more Xlet software applications in a broadcasting system (10) including a broadcast provider (20) coupled via at least one communication link (30) to at least one corresponding user interface (40, 50) including associated computing hardware therein. The method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving one or more requests from at least one user (60) associated with said at least one user interface (40, 50) for executing at least one preferred software application; (b) checking memory associated with said at least one user interface (40, 50) to determine whether or not said at least one preferred software application is resident therein; (c) when said at least one software application is found to be already stored in said memory and validated, loading from the memory said at least one preferred software application to said computing hardware associated with said at least one user interface (40, 50) and then executing the software application in said computing hardware; and (d) when said at least one application is found to be not already stored in the memory, receiving from the broadcast provider (20) said at least one preferred software application, loading said at least one application to the computing hardware, validating said at least one application in the computing hardware and then subsequently executing said at least one application when validated in the computing hardware.

Description

Method of executing software applications

The present invention relates to methods of executing software applications in a communication device, and in particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to Java ^TM software (Java ^TM). a method for executing software applications implemented in cooperation with a software application, said applications being known as Xlets; The Xlet implementation is, for example, Multimedia Home Platforms, which are set-top-boxes (STBs) suitable for use in interactive digital television (DTV) in a home environment. Is prone to occur on devices such as MHP. In addition, the present invention relates to devices capable of implementing the method when executing software applications, for example Xlet software applications.

The paper entitled "DVB-MHP / JavaTV ^TM Data Transport Mechanism" was published by J.Jones in Sydney, Australia 40th International Conference on Technology and Object-Oriented Languages and Systems. -Submitted by Orientated Languages and Systems (TOOLS Pacific 2002). In this paper, it is described that the Java DVB-MPH standards can provide a wide range of technical opportunities. The application of these standards is suitable in the field of digital television, for example in connection with interactive television. The industry-led consortium of more than 300 stations, manufacturers, network operators, software developers, and coordinator groups of groups in 32 countries is currently working to design global standards for digital television and data services. Such efforts are simultaneously known as "Digital Video Broadcasting Projects," often abbreviated as "DVB" projects.

The DVB project specifies Java ^TM technology as a suitable software application environment language. Java ^TM is a high level object-oriented programming language. In use, what is written as Java software source is translated into platform-independent byte codes by the virtual machine for interpretation. Software applications downloaded to a set top box (STB) are typically formed with a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) tailored for use in an interactive television environment.

Part of the standard, namely MHP 1.0.1, defines a first profile and digital broadcasting of audio and video services is combined with executable software applications. Software applications allow one or more television viewers to interact locally and, for example, do not require an interactive channel to be provided. In addition, the standard defines a second profile wherein, in addition to the features provided to one or more users by improved broadcast, an interactive service range associated with or unrelated to broadcast services is provided, wherein the interactive services are Request the provision of additional interactive channels.

In the context of a multimedia home platform (MHP), MHP software applications are used that are generally not considered to be complete Java ^™ applications in general terms. These MHP software applications are similar applets that are loaded on a given platform and run under the management of a life cycle manager. For example, the platform is a set top box (STB) and the life cycle manager is implemented by dedicated software. MHP software applications are commonly referred to as "Xlets".

Accordingly, the inventors recognize that MHP broadcasts include the delivery of Java ^TM applications such as Xlets. These Xlets are easy to download on MHP compliant products by Digital Media Command and Control (DSM-CC).

In addition, the inventors recognize that Xlet applications often broadcast in succession but hardly change, for example where a "carousel" repetition pattern for broadcast software applications is used. For example, a person at home owns a set top box (STB) linked to a television. A user may use a television in conjunction with an STB to select a label or symbol on a television screen corresponding to one or more targeted services and then call a symbol, commonly known as a symbol "zapping". The "zapping" of the symbol causes the corresponding Xlet to be detected. Now, if a user wants to use an Xlet, the associated classes and images of the Xlet are downloaded to the STB via a communication medium such as a satellite connection and / or a fiber optic link. After downloading, the security manager implemented in the STB's software can inspect the downloaded Xlet, ie ratings and associated images, before the Xlet is loaded on the virtual machine provided to the STB and then executed. In situations where the security manager identifies unstable grades and associated images corrupted by, for example, one or more software values, the security manager may operate to prevent the virtual machine from running the Xlet.

The inventors have recognized that as described above, the security manager requires a significant amount of time to perform the security check task described above. Such a delay is a big problem in devising a way in which we can at least partially cope with the problem.

The problem described above has not been conventionally recognized. For example, in US Published Patent Application No. US 2002 / 0120945A1, a software system for use in a digital television (DTV) set top box has been described. The system uses a software bus application programming interface (API) specifically designed to render a set top box compatible with two standard DASE architectures, namely the first and second architectures. In the first architecture, the procedural application engine includes a declarative application engine. In a second architecture, a procedure application engine is included that includes an associated procedure. The application engines are each associated with an application engine manager using a functional cell to intercept all DASE infrastructure APIs coming from the software application downloaded by the set top box from the DTV broadcast. All APIs are routined through the application manager, and all application engines are requested to implement the software bus API contained therein. A specially designed interface is included that operates to enable convenient installation of additional applications by simply changing one line in the software code.

It is a first object of the present invention to provide a method for executing software applications, for example in set-top boxes, in connection with a faster digital television (DTV) in operation when security checking software applications.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of operating according to the method described above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for executing one or more software applications in a broadcast system comprising a broadcast provider coupled to at least one corresponding user interface comprising computing means associated therein via at least one communication link. Method is provided, the method,

(a) receiving one or more requests from at least one user associated with the at least one user interface to execute at least one selected software application;

(b) examining a memory associated with the at least one user interface to determine whether the at least one selected software application is present therein;

(c) when said at least one software application is prestored and validated in said memory, loading at least one selected software application from said memory in said computing means associated with said at least one user interface and then said Executing a software application in the computing means; And

(d) when the at least one application is not previously stored in a memory, receiving the at least one selected software application from a broadcast provider, loading the at least one application into a calculation means, and at least one in the calculation means Identifying an application and then executing said at least one application when verified in said computing means.

The method has the advantage of addressing at least one of the objects of the present invention.

Preferably, in step (d), the at least one software application is stored in memory for later reuse when identified. The reuse allows the user interface to respond better and faster in use.

Preferably, in order to avoid the need to include an excessive amount of memory in each user interface, each user interface has a memory management operable to overwrite less user requested software applications to more recently user requested software applications. Means are provided, thereby allowing reuse of memory capacity for at least one more frequently requested software application by the user.

Preferably, in order for each user interface to respond to an update at the software applications, in method step (b), at least one identified software application stored in the memory has at least one correspondence from the broadcast provider to check for similarity. Compared to a software application broadcast,

(a) at least one identified application stored in memory is executed in the computing means when a correspondence between the at least one stored identified application and the at least one broadcast application is identified; And

(b) said at least one broadcast application is checked for confirmation, stored in memory when successfully verified and executed in later calculation means,

Accordingly, the method operates to update the at least one application stored in memory when a newer corresponding at least one application is broadcast from a broadcast provider.

Advantageously, if bidirectional computing is supported on at least one communication link, the at least one user interface and the corresponding at least one communication link respond to broadcast the requested selected application to the at least one user interface. Operate to convey one or more user requests for the selected software application to the provider.

Advantageously, for example, alternatively or additionally, a broadcast provider is configured to provide one or more software applications via said at least one communication link in an iterative temporal manner for selective loading into an associated memory in said at least one user interface. Operate to broadcast. The "carousel" scheme of software application broadcasting may support user interactive digital television (DTV) while at least one communication link is in mono direction. More preferably, in order to provide an acceptable short user request response delay, the broadcast provider may be operable to broadcast the one or more software applications in a pseudo continuous manner.

Advantageously, in the method, the broadcast system is a digital television (DTV) broadcast system, wherein the at least one user interface is at least one set top box (STB) coupled to an associated display means, and the at least one communication link is It is implemented by at least one wireless link, optical fiber links and conductive wired wire links. More preferably, the display means comprises at least one cathode ray tube, a pixel plasma display, a pixel background illumination liquid crystal display and a pixel projection liquid crystal display in order to make other cost / size compromises in manufacturing.

Advantageously, to support convenient user interaction, said at least one selected software application is selected by use of at least one graphical representation symbol provided to said at least one user in said at least one user interface.

Preferably, in addition or alternatively to digital television (DTV), the at least one user interface is implemented as at least one mobile telephone provided with a corresponding graphical display.

In order to provide a quick start when energizing for one or more user requests, the memory is implemented as a permanent memory that operates to keep data therein upon energy release. More preferably, the memory is implemented as a solid state flash memory, a nonvolatile memory using magnetic disk memory.

Preferably, for widespread general acceptance, the at least one software application runs as one or more Java Xlets. Java is an internationally known and widely used modern computer language.

Preferably, in method step (d), the verification is performed by a software implemented security manager and the verified software applications are executed on a software implemented virtual machine provided to the computing means.

Advantageously, said at least one software application is adapted in said computing means to provide more predictable, uniform, and stable operation while efficiently using, downloading, verifying and storing in said verified memory. It is performed continuously and simultaneously as a background action.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a broadcast system for executing one or more software applications, the system comprising a broadcast provider coupled to at least one corresponding user interface via at least one communication link, each The user interface of

(a) interfacing means for receiving one or more requests from at least one user associated with the user interface to execute at least one selected software application;

(b) means for storing at least one software application;

(c) determine whether the at least one selected software application is already identified and stored in the memory, and if the software applications are not previously stored in memory, identify one or more software applications received from a broadcast provider, and The corresponding one or more software applications that the one or more identified software applications stored in memory may receive from the broadcast provider to provide the at least one user with a faster transient response to the one or more requests from the at least one user. Computing means for executing one or more identified software applications in response to the one or more user requests to be executed preferentially to verify the application. .

Advantageously, in the system, said computing means is operative to store said at least one software application when later confirmed in memory for potential reuse.

Preferably, each user interface is provided with memory management means operative to overwrite more recently requested software applications and less frequently requested software applications.

Preferably, in the system, the computing means is operative to compare the at least one identified software application stored in the memory with at least one corresponding software application broadcast from the broadcast provider to check for similarity,

(a) at least one identified application stored in the memory is executed in the calculating means when a correspondence between the at least one stored application and the at least one broadcast application is identified; And

(b) said at least one broadcast application is stored in a memory when the confirmation is checked and if confirmed in the calculation means and subsequently executed,

The calculating means is operative to update the at least one application stored in memory when the newer corresponding at least one application is a broadcast from a broadcast provider.

Advantageously, in the system, the at least one user interface and the corresponding at least one communication link correspond to one or more user requests for a selected software application to a broadcast provider responsive to broadcasting the requested selected application to the at least one user interface. To deliver them.

Advantageously, in a system, a broadcast provider operates to broadcast one or more software applications over said at least one communication link in an iterative temporal manner for selective loading in said at least one user interface. More preferably, the broadcast provider operates to broadcast the at least one software applications in a pseudo continuous manner.

Advantageously, said broadcast system is a digital television broadcast system, said at least one user interface corresponding to at least one set top box coupled to an associated display means, said at least one communication link being at least one wireless link, an optical fiber. Implemented by links and conductive wired communication links. More preferably, the display means comprises at least one of a cathode ray tube, a pixel plasma display, a pixel backlight liquid crystal display and a pixel projection liquid crystal display.

Advantageously, said at least one selected software application is selectable by use of at least one graphical representation symbol provided to said at least one user in said at least one user interface. More preferably, the at least one graphic symbol is embodied as at least one graphic icon.

Advantageously or alternatively or in addition to a digital television (DTV), said at least one user interface is embodied as at least one mobile telephone provided with a corresponding graphical display.

Preferably, the memory is implemented as a permanent memory that operates to retain data therein when the energy supply is interrupted. More preferably, the memory is implemented as a nonvolatile memory using at least one of a solid state flash memory and a magnetic disk memory.

Advantageously, said at least one software application is implemented with one or more Java Xlets.

Preferably, the computing means is operable to perform the verification by the software implemented security manager and to execute the software applications identified by the software implemented virtual machine provided in the computing means.

Advantageously, said computing means operates to download, verify and store said at least one identified software application in said memory as a continuous modern background operation.

It is recognized that the features of the invention can be combined in any combination without departing from the scope of the invention.

Embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the following figures.

1 is a schematic diagram of a digital television broadcast network linked to several set top boxes.

2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional method for downloading and executing Xlet software applications in set top boxes (STBs).

3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the method of the present invention for downloading and executing Xlet software applications in set top boxes (STBs).

In order to explain the present invention in such an environment, a brief description of a digital television (DTV) will be described with reference to Figs.

Referring first to Figure 1, a conventional DTV broadcast network, generally indicated at 10, is shown. The network 10 includes a DTV broadcast provider 20 that includes an infrastructure for distributing DTV signals. The infrastructure includes, for example, one or more microwave radio links, fiber optic communication links, signal switching units and in-line components such as one or more amplifiers, regenerators, equalizers and filters. The broadcast provider 20 includes "n" outputs for providing DTV services to users 1 for "n". Each output is coupled to a wideband optical fiber link and a wireless radio link, preferably via a communication link 30 that is one or more coaxial frequency wired links. In addition, each user is associated with a set top box (STB) 40 coupled between the television monitor 50 and the corresponding link 30 that can be viewed by the user 60. The monitor 50 is one or more cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, pixel liquid crystal displays (LCDs), LCD projection units, and plasma displays. In addition, monitor 50 includes a corresponding audio system and interface control panel, such as a small computer keyboard and / or computer mouse, tracker ball, or the like.

The STB 40 includes computer hardware along with high speed signal processing hardware. The computer hardware includes at least one processor coupled to the nonvolatile and nonvolatile memory devices via suitable digital buses; Nonvolatile memory devices may provide permanent memory, as will be described later. The STB 40 may run internally and function as a virtual machine, i.e., a substantially universal computer emulation capable of receiving Xlets among various software applications and corresponding visual and / or audio services. Contains software that can be run to provide.

Referring again to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is shown as a flowchart of the processing steps executed within each STB 40; Processing steps are generally indicated at 100. Steps 100 include symbol selection step 110 (symbol selection), request for Xlet step 120 (REQ. FOR XLET), receipt of Xlet step 130 (RECEIPT OF XLET), Xlet security / verification check Step 140 (SECURITY CHECK XLET), decision step 150 (XLET SAFE TO EXECUTE?) And finally Xlet execution step 160 (EXECUTE XLET). Steps 110-160 are to execute a temporary sequence as shown in FIG.

The operation of the broadcast network 10 will be described in full with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The broadcast provider 20 operates to output digital signals to each user 60 via one or more links 30. Digital signals include at least one digital program material, executable software and software related data.

Each user 60 may select a given digital data stream sent from provider 20 and instruct, for example, the corresponding STB 40 to select a preferred program channel. In addition, each user 60 may select one or more software applications to be sent to the user's STB 40 for execution therein as will be described.

Each STB 40 is operative to receive application requests from the user 60. The user 60 selects a preferred option on the monitor 50; For example, the option is selected in step 110 by the user 60 by moving the mouse icon displayed on the monitor 50 to the selected icon software application symbol provided.

In the first interaction mode of operation, the user 60 sends this request to the provider 20 via the STB 40 in step 120; For example, user 60 presses an “execute” button or switch that causes STB 40 to send a request to broadcast provider 20 via link 30. Accordingly, the provider 20 may, in step 130, download one or more corresponding software applications, eg, one or more Xlets, for final execution in the STB 40 for display on the monitor 50. Answer.

In the second interaction mode of operation, when the broadcast provider 20 outputs software applications repeatedly and continuously in a "carousel" manner, the STB 40 may receive from incoming signals delivered to the STB 40. In response to a request from the user 60 by detaching the selected Xlet, the isolated selection Xlet is ultimately executed in the STB 40 for display on the monitor 50.

In steps 140 and 150, in order to prevent corruption of the STB 40 and the data stored therein, the STB 40 may include one or more received software from the broadcast provider 20, eg, the Xlets described above. Run the verification software known as the security manager for verifying the applications. The confirmation may be to determine whether the software applications were provided from a bona fide source and / or the software applications contain computer viruses or similar aberrations that are likely to adversely affect the operation of the STB 40. It is desirable to ensure.

When an Xlet is received at one or more STBs 40, it is first identified by the security manager software described above running on one or more STBs 40. In step 150, if successfully verified by the security manager, it is loaded on the virtual machine provided by the SBT 40 and in the next step 160 performs the corresponding service, eg, weather report, investor bank. Reports, stock market reports and / or video games to users 60.

The inventors have found that at step 140 the security manager of STB 40 is relatively slow to execute the verification function, resulting in the user 60 having to wait for a period before the identified software application icon or similarity appears for the response and function. Recognized. In addition, when the software applications are relatively large and the bandwidth available over the link 30 is limited, a significant amount of time may be applied to the associated STB 40 from the broadcaster 20 via the link 30 at step 130. It is requested to load. This delay gives the user 60 separation and potentially annoying.

When software applications are run within STB 40, they are typically erased and / or overwritten by new later software applications provided from network provider 20.

As described above, when one-way links 30 are provided to the network 10, the network provider 10 may select selected software applications to which the STBs 40 correspond in step 120, 130, eg, For example, if the users 60 do not perform the Xlets to be loaded into the memory of the STB 40 for identification in steps 140 and 150 for later execution (if it is a bona fide), then the STB 40. Iteratively sends software applications that are typically ignored in each of

The inventors have recognized that software applications provided from the broadcast provider 20 are repeatedly broadcasted in the second interaction mode described above, ie, almost continuously modified but effectively and continuously in a data "carousel" manner. If the user 60 "zaps" a software application icon as described above, the corresponding Xlet is identified. If the user wants to run the Xlet, the ratings and pictures associated with the Xlet are downloaded from the provider 20 to the STB 40 of the user 60. The grades are then loaded by the virtual machine in the loading phase where the security manager requests each grade before the Xlet is finally executed, and the verification requires a relatively large execution time in the STB 40.

The inventors have recognized the present invention as it would be desirable to download Xlets to one or more STBs 40, such as two step processing, store processing and execution processing. In particular, the storage is preferably non-volatile permanent storage, for example, storage in solid state flash memory and / or magnetic hard disk memory that retains data upon power down when power is disconnected from the STB 40. Other forms of nonvolatile memory can be used to provide the permanent storage.

Thus, in the method of the present invention, in the first case where an Xlet is executed in one or more STBs 40, the STB 40 calls the security manager to identify the Xlet in all relevant classes and then the STBs 40 It is programmed to store Xlets identified in permanent memory. In a later case where the user 60 invokes the selected Xlet icon on the monitor 50 of the user 40, the corresponding STB 40 first determines whether the selected Xlet is previously stored in the persistent store of the STB 40. Check to determine. The STB 40 then checks to ensure that the identified storage Xlet is similar to the continuous output from the broadcast provider 20 as its output in the "carousel" mode of operation for broadcasting the Xlets. If the broadcast and stored Xlet are the same, STB 40 will identify that two Xlets are identified and then processed to execute the stored Xlet. If the selected stored Xlet is different from that output from the broadcast provider 20 by software update and / or upgrading implemented by the provider 20, the SBT 40 downloads the preferred selected Xlet from the provider 20 and It is operative to be verified by the security administrator before loading into the persistent store and executing as described above in the virtual machine.

As an alternative to storing complete acknowledgment Xlets, STB 40 may provide validation data corresponding to the selected selected Xlet, e.g., so that incoming incoming Xlets can be quickly validated by using a checksum before execution in the virtual machine. For example, store the checksum; The implementation of the method of the present invention requires less memory capability in the STB 40.

The method of the present invention will be further described with reference to FIG. 3.

3, a flowchart of processing steps corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Processing steps are generally represented as 200. Steps 200 include Xlet loading from symbol selection step 210 (SYMBOL SEL.), Software application check step 220 (XLET ALREADY LOADED & SECURITY CHECKED IN STB?), And permanent memory loading step 230. XLET FROM STB STORAGE), execute Xlet step 240 (EXECUTE XLET), request for Xlet step 250 (REQ. FOR XLET), Xlet receive step 260 (REC. OF XLET), Xlet security check step ( 270) (SEC. CHECK XLET), Xlet verify check step 280 (XLET VALID?), And finally Xlet store (STORE XLET) in permanent memory step 290. Steps 200 are requested in step 250 or received in step 260 whether the user-selected Xlet is available for permanent storage of the STB 40 prepared for later execution in step 240, and received in step (260). 270 is verified by the security manager described above, and checked in step 280 for confirmation and finally if confirmed in step 220 depending on whether it is stored in steps 240 and 290 and executed later. It is executed in a temporal sequence shown as branching.

In steps 270 and 280 a security check is performed in the security manager software described above executed by STB 40. In addition, execution of the identified Xlets is performed by a virtual machine provided to the computing hardware of STB 40.

Preferably, each STB 40 operates to store all detected Xlets in permanent memory. The storage of Xlets is a continuous execution background activity within each STB 40. In order to prevent the STB 40 from executing the capability of permanent memory, each SBT 40 is arranged to maintain an internal Xlet record in the form of a journal of memory; Each STB 40 uses an Xlet record to determine the least used Xlets and non-executing Xlets and deletes the record from the persistent store to free memory space, thus preventing memory execution. Thus, for example, an Xlet selected by the user 60 not yet stored in the permanent memory of the associated STB 40 will preferably replace the least used Xlet previously stored in the permanent memory of the STB 40.

Each STB 40 uses a digital storage medium command and control (DSN-CC) for downloading modules, each module including one or more classes and files. The module versions are preferably identified in a download information identifier (DII) known in the environment of the DTV. Preferably, the DII information is preferably stored with corresponding Xlets in the permanent memory of the STB 40. Thus, when the user 60 requests an Xlet to be executed, the DSM-CC checks to determine whether the Xlet is stored in advance and whether it is checked; If no Xlet is found to be verified, the Xlet is downloaded from the provider 20 and confirmed and executed as described above.

Thus, each STB 40 includes rating loader software that operates to invoke the security manager described above if the stored Xlets were not previously executed or during an update.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention described above may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, although the method of the present invention described above is used in DTV systems that include an STB, the method is characterized in that the STB 40 and its monitors 50 are provided by portable mobile phones, for example, in two dimensions. It is applicable to mobile telephone networks replaced by a mobile telephone that includes a liquid crystal display suitable for displaying graphical messages.

It will be appreciated that the STB 40 and its associated monitors 50 are located in the same location in the corresponding housing and are not limited to two mutually separable items.

In the above, the expressions, including, have a non-exclusive construction, and do not exclude other parts or items provided with the expressions. In addition, references to singular will consist of including the plural.

Claims (34)

One or more software in the broadcast system 10 comprising a broadcast provider 20 coupled to at least one corresponding user interface 40, 50 including computation means associated therein via at least one communication link 30. In the method of running the application, (a) receiving one or more requests from at least one user (60) associated with the at least one user interface (40, 50) to execute at least one selected software application; (b) examining the memory associated with the at least one user interface (40, 50) to determine whether the at least one selected software application remains inside the memory; (c) the computing means associated with the at least one user interface 40, 50 when the at least one software application is found to have been previously stored and identified in the memory. Loading in, and then executing the software application in the calculating means; And (d) when it is found that the at least one application has not been previously stored in the memory, the at least one selected software application is received from the broadcast provider 20 and the at least one application Loading, identifying at least one application in said calculating means and thereafter executing said at least one application when subsequently confirmed in said calculating means. The method of claim 1, wherein in step (d), the at least one software application is identified and stored in memory for subsequent potential reuse. 3. The user interface (40, 50) of claim 2, wherein each user interface (40, 50) is provided with memory management means operable to overwrite less frequently user requested software applications to more recently user requested software applications. And thus allowing reuse of memory capacity for at least one frequently requested user software application. The method of claim 1, wherein in step (b), at least one identified software application stored in the memory is compared with at least one corresponding software application broadcast from the broadcast provider to check for similarity, (a) said at least one identified application stored in said memory is executed in calculating means when a correspondence between said at least one stored confirming application and at least one broadcast application is identified; And (b) the at least one broadcast application is checked for verification and stored in the memory when successfully verified and subsequently executed in the calculating means, and accordingly The method is operable to update the at least one application stored in the memory when a newer corresponding at least one application is broadcast from the broadcast provider (20). The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface 40, 50 and the corresponding at least one communication link 30 respond to broadcast the selected application requested to the at least one user interface 40, 50. Operable to communicate one or more user requests for the selected software application to a broadcast provider. The software application execution of claim 1, wherein the broadcast provider is operable to broadcast one or more software applications over the at least one communication link in an iterative temporal manner for selective loading into an associated memory in the at least one user interface. Way. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the broadcast provider is operable to broadcast the one or more software applications in a pseudo continuous manner. The system of claim 1, wherein the broadcast system is a digital television broadcast system, and the at least one user interface corresponds to at least one set top box 40 coupled to an associated display means 50, and the at least one communication link. 30 is implemented by at least one of wireless links, fiber optic links, and conductive wired communication links. 9. The display device of claim 8, wherein the display means 50 comprises a cathode ray tube, a pixel plasma display, a pixel back-lit liquid crystal display and a pixel projection liquid crystal display. And at least one of the following. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one selected software application is selected by using at least one graphical representation symbol provided to the at least one user in the at least one user interface. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one graphic symbol is implemented as at least one graphic icon. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface is implemented as at least one mobile phone provided with a corresponding graphical display. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory is implemented as permanent memory operable to retain data therein when energy supply is interrupted. The method of claim 13, wherein the memory is implemented as a nonvolatile memory using at least one of a solid state flash memory and a magnetic disk memory. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one software application is implemented as one or more Java Xlets. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step (d) the verification is performed by a software implemented security manager and the verified software applications are executed on a software implemented virtual machine provided to the computing means. The software application of claim 1, wherein downloading, verifying, and storing the identified at least one software application in the memory is performed as continuous concurrent background activity in the computing means. How to run. In the broadcast system 10 for executing one or more software applications, The system 10 includes a broadcast provider 20 coupled to at least one corresponding user interface 40, 50 via at least one communication link 30, each user interface 40, 50 having a corresponding interface. , (a) interfacing means for receiving one or more requests from at least one user (60) associated with the user interface (40, 50) to execute at least one selected software application; (b) a memory for storing at least one software application; (c) determine whether the at least one selected software application has already been identified and stored in the memory, and if the one or more software applications are not already stored in the memory, the one or more software applications received from the broadcast provider. And one or more identified software applications stored in the memory, including computing means for verifying and executing one or more identified software applications in response to the one or more user requests. Confirm corresponding one or more software applications that can be received from the broadcast provider to provide the at least one user with a faster temporal response to requests. Broadcast system, which is executed preferentially. The method of claim 18, Said computing means being operable to store said at least one software application in said memory for subsequent potential reuse when identified. The method of claim 19, Each user interface is provided with memory management means operable to overwrite less frequently requested software applications with more recently requested software applications, for at least one more frequently used user-requested software application. A broadcast system that allows recycling of memory capacity. 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said calculating means compares at least one identified software application stored in a memory with at least one corresponding software application broadcast from said broadcast provider to check for similarity, (a) said at least one identified application stored in said memory is executed in calculation means when a correspondence between said at least one stored application and at least one broadcast application is identified, (b) said at least one broadcast application is checked for confirmation and stored in said memory when confirmed in said calculating means and subsequently executed, and accordingly The computing means is operable to update the at least one application stored in the memory when a newer corresponding at least one application is broadcast from the broadcast provider. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one user interface and the corresponding at least one communication link is one for the selected software application to the broadcast provider responsive to broadcast the requested selected application to the at least one user interface. And operable to convey the above user requests. 19. The broadcast system of claim 18, wherein the broadcast provider is operable to broadcast one or more software applications over the at least one communication link in an iterative temporal manner for selective loading in the at least one user interface. 24. The broadcast system of claim 23 wherein the broadcast provider is operable to broadcast the one or more software applications in a pseudo continuous manner. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the broadcast system is a digital television broadcast system, the at least one user interface corresponding to at least one set top box coupled to an associated display means, the at least one communication link being a wireless link, an optical fiber A broadcast system implemented by at least one of the links and the conductive wired communication links. 26. The broadcasting system according to claim 25, wherein said display means comprises at least one of a cathode ray tube, a pixel plasma display, a pixel backlighting liquid crystal display and a pixel projection liquid crystal display. 19. The broadcast system of claim 18, wherein the at least one selected software application is selectable by using at least one graphical representation symbol provided to the at least one user in the at least one user interface. 28. The broadcast system of claim 27 wherein the at least one graphic symbol is implemented as at least one graphic icon. 19. The broadcast system of claim 18 wherein the at least one user interface is implemented as at least one mobile telephone provided with a corresponding graphical display. 19. The broadcast system of claim 18 wherein the memory is implemented as a permanent memory operable to retain data therein when energy supply is interrupted. 32. The broadcast system of claim 30 wherein the memory is implemented as a nonvolatile memory using at least one of a solid state flash memory and a magnetic disk memory. 19. The broadcast system of claim 18 wherein the at least one software application is implemented as one or more Java Xlets. 19. The broadcasting system of claim 18, wherein the computing means is operable to perform verification by a software implemented security manager and to execute software applications identified by a software implemented virtual machine provided to the computing means. 19. The broadcast system of claim 18, operable to download, verify, and store in the memory the at least one identified software application as continuous concurrent background activity.

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