TW509875B - Management of volatile and non-volatile memory resources in digital communications terminals - Google Patents

Abstract

Memory resources, such as volatile memory (232) and non-volatile memory (234), are managed in a consumer terminal (150), such as a set-top box. The terminal is authorized to use one or more of a number of available applications, such as e-mail, video on demand, stock ticker, or a web browser. The memory resources are managed by determining whether space is available to store a new application. Data can be deleted, or transferred between the non-volatile memory (234) and the volatile memory (232), to make space available for a new application. A user interface (200) may allow the user to assist in this process by identifying currently-stored applications that are less desired than the new application.

Description

509875 V. Description of the Invention (1) Background of the Invention This application is a partial continuation of the international application PCT / US99 / 24745, which was filed on October 22, 999, and states that the provisional US application number 60 / 161,176 is filed. Priority on October 22, 1999. The present invention relates to a method and device for managing memory resources of a consumer terminal (setting a top box) using most application data. Φ Full application data can provide different service tiers on a fee basis. The invention is matched with, most application data management (MAM), characteristics, its definition Machine 2 construction, information and data construction. The communication over digital networks, including broadband communication networks such as cable television and satellite TV networks, has gradually become popular. This network allows consumers and others to receive high-quality video and audio programming services. Furthermore, = has been used throughout an application material, such as an electronic program guide (EPG), which can be programmed using program-controlled services. With the integration of Botel ’s evaluation of electricity and Kushiro, such as the Internet, telephone network, and wide-j distribution network, many opportunities have arisen to provide new types of application information, search, navigation, and the Internet. Devices, video requirements, audio requirements, and / H (such as email, voicemail, voicemail, or videomail), telephone services, games, gambling, distribution, voting, and more. Rare, silver 仃, purchase and protection, and now lack the ability in the Kuan exhausted digital terminal network. The ancient 4 γ ^ passed a salmon e ^ 々 effectively supported the use of α, plant application information. As mentioned above, typical of this generation # _ k series-electronic program guide. Therefore, the existing digital user experience and increase the profit of service providers

data. Data and management must not be used to download more than one application system: the authorization and activation of different application data of the two terminals are generally based on which application data is authorized and available. Allow digital terminals to support most application data; • Notify the terminal and the end user, such as M ^ such as' start application data; + user selection (eg 3: Zhuqi two: digital end #, if an application data has a special Characteristics (example 4 built-in e-mail), and authorize these characteristics on digital terminals; before starting, the special control source or frequency must be modulated to an application data memory 5 (:: volatile and non-volatile use of factory application data Volatile billing H announcement system (for example, on the headend) authorizes end-use applications: to blame, and to provide different application materials on the basis of fees, including the mention of different rows: 7 · Provide application materials under the conditional cut-off, clock ... enter A Avoid unnecessary expenses; in the case of the queen program, avoid Λ: operator factory) there is a backward compatibility of the terminal to allow the terminal to continue to operate 9. Provide application information updates and test for any adverse side effects; and Management terminal's activation. Version 14 to M's terminal 'and management

Page 6 5. Description of the invention (3) The present invention provides a system with the above and other advantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and a farm for managing memory resources of a consumer terminal using most application data. Notable features of the present invention include: 1. From a digital message (such as a virtual object message simplified to MpEG), transmitted over any network (such as a broadband cable network) to transmit the following to a digital consumer terminal: 1 A · Software application data specific information (such as a virtual application data sheet or, including but not limited to ...), 1) Application of poor material authorization requirements for the download of authorized application data to digital;) Index or reference value to authorized application data (such as (On broadband multiplexers or on the Internet); 2) Application data control requirements are used to authorize digital terminal application data to be executed (or actuated); 玖: Application data feature authorization requirements are used to authorize images This feature is based on data (/ = ° 'built-in email, video requirements, or webpage Liu Lanneng, along with application data such as electronic program guides); 2 special' 7 and the implementation of the operation of application data has priority over the application system And / or start, such as modulation to a specific frequency, most modulators are available); two :) rattan application data directory data is used by a digital terminal for Cha-board applications tribute feed directory can be beneficial chosen by the user, such as information in this article

509875 V. Description of the invention (4) Describe one or more authorized application data (name of the application data); and 1-B. Initialization and construction information allows: i) a digital terminal construction for most application data; ii) a The digital terminal is configured with a specific amount of volatile memory for downloading most application data; and 1 ii) a digital consumer terminal receiving software. 2. The present invention also provides a user application data selection directory, including / listing application data, which now authorizes the dynamic generation of a digital terminal. 3. The present invention also provides an application for removing non-volatile memory or volatile memory. The lean material is based on the current license status of the current version. 4. The present invention is separately authorized for the following, via the announcement system interface: L access to broadcast and / or interactive data servers, allowing access to data objects or data services, such as software application data and related application data features. " As shown in the present invention, the terminal 1 manages most of the application data and includes memory resources. The device is used to determine whether the memory resource is constructed as it is now sufficient to download the application data information received by the terminal and remember you The body management device uses a wheel—management memory I—Yiyuan to construct a memory resource that is suitable for downloading application data received by the terminal. The first source of memory can be managed by data. The crumbs of the memory can be saved, so that the user can be assisted to save the new application information, memory and volatile data. A user interface now stores application data

Decide if space is available for elimination, or switch to non-volatile space to facilitate new edits. This process is aided by the use of data.

509875 V. Description of the invention (5) A corresponding method is also proposed in the text. Brief description of the figure Figure 1 illustrates a digital network Xiangge clock [Tian Dan Data Management. The overview is used for most applications such as the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates the capabilities of a digital terminal. Most of the application data management of Ge + Qingming is very similar to the terminal authorization row of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates the example of the application of the present invention which can facilitate the dynamic generation of application data. 5 Brothers clarify a method for providing detailed descriptions of most application inventions such as the digital network of the present invention and :: About a method And device, used for the memory resources of 4 consumer terminals. Evening numbers apply the beacon using data monthly potential rationale. Bit ": Road Λ Overview 'is used to provide the majority of the roads of the present invention-one hundred and three. A commercial system 105, which can be configured on or in addition to the master end 1 1 5 such as the right side, the health side 3, each specific line of the Li Guangyun network // people; " hygiene TV network to manage the application data authorization of the bulletin network terminal. Right of way

Page 9 If the user can arrange to receive application data authorization, use traditional technology, the above reverse 2 authorized credit card payment, or use the Internet for electronic two-piece shore: heart can be used. For example, the user may request the network: the terminal has the ability to access the network, π, ,, and 罔. Furthermore, the user may have the option to request basic or enhanced electronic / j. 5. Description of the Invention (6) Mail capabilities at different costs. Therefore, the virtual application data V @ & 十 A I / one kind of "service". , T is regarded as coming from the commercial system. In addition to the perspective view, the network operation is to use the data without authorizing a specific terminal to use the data to receive the transaction-parts, promotions, or packaging. field. 1 Purchase other program-controlled services or achieve some other insights. For example, if users purchase imaging business system 105, they can assist ♦ B < «* —zhen φ 1 shellfish I $ ^; nc :, ± electricity ^ and understand records Maintenance and announcement procedures. Business System 105 Contact: Also # 1 q Λ a n n control ^ 12〇, its contact download server iio. The application data of the inter-center iU operation is via interface 13 0, and the physical network and medium Λ ^ & 4, and terminal 1 50. It should be noted that terminal 15 in the example is assumed to be part of Fu 4: part. The application data can be propagated to all terminals, but /, the Γ terminal is restored according to the control data from the controller 120. The use of knowledge = i, or in addition, the control information can be provided to the terminal 150 through other devices such as regional benefits or when the terminal is installed or manufactured. However, the control data is provided by the controller, which is directly controlled at the head end 115. It is believed that the maximum variability is provided because the updated control data can be immediately transmitted to the end by 15 °. Moreover, the conventional decoder addressing and conditional access technology is used to transmit specific control data 'τ to transmit specific control data to a special terminal or terminal'. For example, control data can be hidden under the-key which has been assigned to a specific terminal. The controller 120 constructs and authorizes the terminal under the control of Shangtong i 05 accordingly. Program-controlled services, such as traditional TV shows or other video, sound, or other

509875 V. Description of Invention (7) ----- * --- The information is provided by the program-controlled service function 1 2 5. Application data and control data can be simplified to transport small packets using known techniques, such as MPEG-2 packets. Application data and control data can be contained in the bandwidth, with program-controlled services, or separated from the bandwidth and separated from the program-controlled services. In addition, applications can be constructed via any trusted rotation mechanism, such as via TCP / IP. The physical network and intermediary device 140 may include wired and / or optical fibers, as well as switches, amplifiers, and other conventional components as required. Fig. 2 shows that a digital terminal has most application data management capabilities as in the present invention. The component with the same number corresponds to the line machine 150 in the figure receiving the MPEG message (small packet), such as the example small packet 205, from a communication channel. The use of MPEG packets is only discussed here as an example, and any digital data transfer protocol can be used. An MPEG packet processor and packet confirmer (p) [D) filter 2110 processes the packet 20 5 to recover the control data from the controller 120 in FIG. 1, which provides secure processing | § 2 50 and most applications Data Manager (MAM) 24o. MAM 240 and other terminal functions utilize any known software, microprogramming language, and / or hardware technology. The control data includes authorization status data, which can be stored in a memory together with the ❶ terminal 150. The packet processor 210 additionally recovers the application data and transfers it to the download 230. The downloader 230 has connected memory, such as volatile memory 232 and / or non-volatile memory 234, for storing and downloading application data, including the application data itself such as coded objects and related data. It is worth noting that these memory 2 3 2 and 2 3 4 are examples of memory space, and do not need to be designated as

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:: Hardware components. The memory space can be allocated in any place, or shared by the phase / terminal 1 50 — or multiple hardware components. # #Downloads can be viewed as recovery and storage. The downloader 230 additionally receives " modulation of animal transport, " and a message to order it to download special application data, and / or a special version of the same application material from one or more channels. The channel can be known through ρ 丨 D Confirmed by the method. Α J, packet processing state 2 1 0 In addition, traditional program control services are restored for decoding, such as MPEG video decoder 215, and displayed on the display / user interface 2000. MAM 240 can output data to display 2 〇 () is used to start the application of materials, such as electronic parts or web browsers, stock market receivers or similar devices, and v has data from program-controlled services separately or collectively. M AM 24 0 can also output data to the display 2 0 0, use To provide an on-screen directory that is useful for application data (see Figure 4). The user can talk to the directory via the user's command processor 2 5 5 'for example to receive input signals from a keyboard, infrared remote control or similar. Security processor 2 5 0. Regional virtual application data table (v AT) memory 2 6 0. Home VAT data memory 2 6 5 and message routing / filter 2 2 5 communicates with MAM 240. The home VAT data refers to The VAT table is downloaded to all terminals, and the regional VAT data refers to the data used by each terminal and is guided to a subset of the home VAT data according to the terminal authorization status. Basically, the regional VAT data is marked The version of the application data authorized to be downloaded and accessed by the parent terminal recently, the regional VAT data may therefore be different from different terminals. Message filter / routing path 2 2 5 Transmission data such as control data and authorization data 509875 V. Description of the invention ( 9) data, including home VAT data and name management information (EMM) to M AM 240, but the application data code (software) is sent to the downloader 2 3 0. As the present invention 'controller is used to authorize the terminal to obtain Most application data, and application data that activates the use of the terminal. MM AM 240 can be implemented by using new messages from the terminal 150, and amending and / or differently interpreting some existing messages. MAM 240 Receive and process this information, and use the security processor 250 to determine which of the most application data is authorized to obtain and actuate on the terminal. The virtual exchange application data is in MA Μ 2 4 Application data confirmed, downloaded, and actuated under 0 control. Virtual application data can be rotated to terminal 150 to download messages. However, application data can be downloaded via other devices, such as through ΤΤρ. ^ Proposed application data constructs messages and virtual objects Messages, including virtual application data sheets, are examples of messages that can be used in digital networks, such as' for managing most applications, and for building a terminal for most application data management. = Included in flood interest The tribute construction and information also provides the terminal for downloading and for activating and executing application data, or any related to the application

Requires authorization for special features of Behr. For other messages sent by the controller, the terminal receives the authorization right from the application department in relation to any special characteristics of the application data. = Sent from the controller to authorize the terminal for application features. This is done in the same way as authorizing the terminal system at-509875 V. Description of the Invention (ίο) Utilizing an authorization requirement and authorization power, MAM 240 uses the secure processor module 2 50 to determine the application data in terminal 150 Licensed cancer or other special features of any given version. In a feasible implementation, the MAM 240 maintains the authorization status required for the non-volatile memory 234 virtual application data within the terminal 150. The authorization status of the application data determines whether the application data can be downloaded via the downloader 230 of the terminal 15; in other words, whether the application data (or a special version of the application data) is saved, removed, or eliminated from the memory of the downloader. In addition, the authorization status of the application data can determine whether it is a specific resource. The application data of the terminal, such as the amount of volatile memory 232 and non-volatile memory 234, can be configured in advance. For example, with an appropriate amount of memory, users can be configured with: Γ material. One decision can be made as to whether there are enough notes = Erjian, priority over downloading new application materials. If there is enough space, store it in i. If there is not enough memory available, maybe; route r or existing resources. For example, ‘Download application data’ can be used next to U. = Use data can be eliminated to get space for new " or, now store application data from non-volatile 圮 恃 # 蒋 体. Alternatively, the application data can be stored in non-volatile memory. In this regard, the available space is obtained by replacing the non-volatile memory with a hairpin. Comment on seven. Although the memory is stored in non-explosive # ^ ^ will be lost, this is possible; when the terminal is powered off when the source is turned on, especially # 系 τ 褛 Fork, when the terminal system is powered on again Get the application Page 14 V. Description of the invention (11) Optionally, you can use the “r” indicator to select the appropriate action to 3:, for example, by displaying data on the screen, or requiring funds; ;; The source is not enough to store the application; :::. The user can get the applicator = = sex record ^ application data like ϊί. Some application data is not available for users like Xinshitian range can be provided for download from Terminal. Α Γ, notify the related application data memory utilization space: work = possible:] using conventional technology, determine the memory space is sufficient to store application data. "Dry perimeter" to determine whether there is enough so the terminal terminal remembers The system carefully downloads data in order to cooperate with new application data, including new version application data. Regarding application data, the device 120 additionally provides additional information about the terminal. Use Beam, such as an index or reference to the application data of the Internet to provide additional information about the special modulation that can be used to obtain the channel number of the channel. The terminal 15 (3) is related to the application data. Video, audio, and / or information can be stored in non-flash memory, electricity, and access. / / 34 'For example, it can be non-volatile tasks-can be used for hard disk drives ,or

Data can be stored in other non-volatile memory of the machine. Instead, VAT = memory 232. In its example, each time the terminal is re-obtained, it is simply retrieved from the network. Alternatively, VAT data can be obtained from the controller 12 on a cyclic basis, for example, every

Page 15

However, this time zone can be transmitted to the terminal in 150 seconds and modulated in accordance with the specific network 20 seconds. The virtual application data can be constructed and actuated as follows. The terminal 5o may optionally receive a construction message (" virtual application data construction, f) which notifies it that it is in the MAM state. When constructed in this way, the terminal can receive "virtual objects: glycoxins, which provide home VA to the terminal. The terminal 150 guides the VAT 26 of its own area according to the received home VAT data 26 5 and the received control data To set the terminal authorization row (such as the authorization status).

MAM 240 can maintain virtual application information and virtual object information from non-volatile memory. The information will be saved through any terminal, half of the machine. Half thermal erasure allows volatile memory such as AM to be canceled / erased. This can occur, for example, by unplugging the power supply to the terminal. Lack AM 2 240 to contact the full processor 2 5 0 to check the required authorization. It is used for the application of the customer :: material, which is information specific to receiving VAT. Authorization status information is typical and held in non-volatile memory. The taxi downloader 23 0 maintains an already-stored directory of coded object versions. If the download frequency information is used, it is used for virtual application data.

Receiving, the downloader 230 checks its object directory to determine whether it is the next specific message: the code object version has appeared. Such as coded objects (for example, application data). F Appears i Downloader 230 will check MAM 24 to determine whether to apply the data. 7 This is an authorized download by the department. If MAM is authorized, 2 40 pass. Knowing the downloader 230, a specific virtual application data version means that the downloader 230 modulates the download channel for application data, and

Page 16

Try to obtain specific application data H _ ^, shell material version. After obtaining the virtual application data, it is demodulated from the download channel at 230 during download. Tian Dizhe Recovery 4 'application data can specify a defect π release " state. Alas, in the example, MAM 240 also notified the downloader 230 whether to activate the application data. Alternatively, when they are restored by the downloader 230, the application data may be automatically activated.

In a feasible implementation, only one application data is activated at any given time. This may be § when the application data cannot be moderately shared resources, such as memory, sorting, etc., so the MM 24 must release an application data. In order to get 14 more resources to be used by other application materials. Preferably, the terminal has the ability to actuate more than one application data at a time. To achieve this, a second set of states or operating modes can be added to the activated application data. This setting will constitute the foreground and background modes. In this auxiliary mode, only one application data will be "foreground" application data at any time. MA can also dynamically prepare a screen directory based on authorized virtual application data, as discussed further in relation to Figure 4. Furthermore, If specified, MAM 240 can be modulated to one channel (or multiple channels), which is related to the virtual application data taking precedence over, occurring concurrently, or after the virtual application data occurs. For example, the virtual application data may include a sign of exercise score 'in Its example M AM 240 can cause a specific motion-oriented program-controlled service (eg, ESPN (tm)) to be modulated and displayed. Conversely, when the program-controlled service is modulated, the application data of the motion score can be started automatically. Receive new VAT, receive changes to its existing VAT or receive new authorization rights, for example, through EMM, M AM 240 can be rechecked

509875 V. Description of Invention (14) Authorization required for all virtual application materials. VAT data and control messages < are transmitted to the terminal on the basis of advance, regular interval or only at specific times. Alternatively, each VAT may have correction data ' such as a sequential sequence that changes each time an application data version is added or removed. The MAM 240 may, if necessary, re-examine its grants and modify its regional V AT through modified data conversion, or the M AM 240 may simply re-check its authorization periodically or according to some other standard.

The effective management of terminal memory resources is an important part of the present invention. Therefore, the MAM 240 can provide a control signal to the downloader 230. Based on the existence of the virtual application data and / or the authorization status, it decides whether the downloader 2, 3 must remove or maintain the coded object regarding the virtual application data, which is stored in Download memory 232 and / or 234. In general, the lower version of the application data (authorized or unauthorized) that has been replaced must be eliminated when the new highest authorized version is downloaded.

Advantageously, it can only update a subset of the terminals of the terminal unit, and by providing the demeater conditions, "constructed for MAM", it determines whether each terminal will obtain a VAT and activate the MAM, and modulate to the download channel In order to obtain the virtual application data. In this way, the terminal without updating the MAM-capable microprogramming language platform code can continue to operate without any adverse side effects caused by the innovation related to MAM. On the other hand, " constructed for MAM ", Can be set to allow the terminal group to be gradually updated. &Quot; Virtual application data construction " messages (for example, " construction data ") are used to construct or decompose MAM terminals and provide MAM construction settings to the terminal guide. Sourced from the virtual application data construction information, is typically non-volatile via the terminal

509875

End (semi-hot state) 5. Invention Description (15) The memory of the sexual memory (for example, via MAM 240) is cleared to save it. The virtual application data construction message may include the following valid scopes in an example syntax: ’’ Construction for multi-party application data, when set to, yes ,, and the ability to construct a final machine for ΜΑΜ. The terminal is then treated as a construct for the MAM state 'and can receive other messages, which is constructed for the MAM decoder condition prior to the message. If this range is cancelled, "No", the terminal will no longer be constructed for MAM 'or actuated for MAM; " Family VAT ID " Affirm that VAT is used as a terminal defect VAT seat VAT11); Π defect Application data ID, confirming that the application data will be used for the virtual application data of the terminal defect. This object D related to the home VAT virtual application data should use the data ID; and ^ "volatile memory construction" specifies the volatile memory position The number of tuples, the terminal configuration and the virtual application data can be used for downloading in addition to the defective virtual application data. 'Further', the present invention can use a message type called "virtual object message", such as transmitting a VAT to a Terminal. Furthermore, this message can be carried in a network stream (an MPEG standard which notes the network P ID in any information transmission multiplexer), and can be sent to a wide broadcast address (to all network terminals) or most broadcast addresses (To—group of terminals) or single broadcast addressing (to a separate terminal). The controller 120 adds a condition for the MAM decoder in front of the virtual object message in the previous part of the message of FIG. 1. Finally, only terminal constructs are used

509875

MAM, will process this message. Capability microprocessor platform code a VAT. This confirms that the terminal is not operational-it has a MAM that will fail the decoder condition test and is not required. If it is configured for MAM and the home VAT has been fully obtained, the terminal is considered to be in a MAM actuated state. Lean messages come from virtual object messages, including VAT, and are usually stored in the terminal's non-volatile memory (for example, in MAM 240) and cleared through the terminal (semi-hot state) to save it. Virtual object messages can include the following important areas ...

"II table subtype" specifies that this virtual object message includes a VAT; '" VAT ID " specifies a validator for the VAT included in this message. This ID may be the same as the home vat id from the virtual application data construction message; " sequence " specifies a version number for VAT. If the sequence used for VAT contained in this message is different from the sequence related to VAT, and the same "ID has appeared on the terminal, this means that VAT has changed; , Continue number of records', specifying how many VAT records appear in the VAT contained in this message; and

" Continue recording " is a VAT record array that constitutes a VAT. Every record authentication — virtual application data. One of the records can confirm the virtual application data, and the defective application data ID is given in the virtual application data construction message. Each VAT record can include the following valid ranges: π 物 仟 应用 页 科 i u — ^ ^ ^ ^ m ^ M im. M data. The validator must be unique among all continuing records in the VAT;

" VCT source ID "is a program-controlled " source " validator table 'which is related to J

Page 20 509875 V. Description of the invention (17) Should: Shellfish. The source of the control includes any image, sound, or data. "Source" can be linked via "㈣ID", which is typically used to formulate source names (eg, BC, ΗΒ0) to virtual channels. Terminals can use these The value is used to get the virtual, the pseudo channel is used to modulate before the virtual application data is activated. The VCT application is expected to be a related virtual application data, t service " confirmer table. The value and usage method are the same as the narrative use. The source ID of the VCT is as above; "Object version" is a version number table for each version, which can contain a virtual application data. The terminal will download the highest authorized version;

The virtual application data row is a list of required authorization rows for virtual application data, one for each version. All application data versions can have the same or the same rank. This specifies the authorization requirements for the version of the virtual application data; and "virtual name" is a text string that can print most of the ASCn characters. The name can be used on the on-screen terminal display. Modulation download channel information is the download control message Sub-command. A range "Modulation download function range" can specify whether the message is applied to a "virtual application data" or to a standard, non-MAM application data.

The modulation download channel information is used for all virtual application data, and must include the structure for the MAM decoder conditions in the message preamble. Finally, only the final machine built for MAM will process this message. This confirms that the terminal cannot run a μA μ capable microprocessor platform code, will fail the decoder condition test, and will not be able to obtain a virtual application data. If a virtual application data is specified in the modulation download channel message, the virtual application data is confirmed by the object application data [D range] in the message. This virtual application data is then related to a

V. Description of the invention (18) ^ " ~ '" " a " The VAT (in other words, the family VAT) maintained by the scholar through the money 240 in Figure 2 (in other words, the family VAT). The modulation application channel ID, modulation resource name, and modulation object version of the download channel must be used in the download message for the virtual application material, which are related to the application data j D, the object name, and the object version. The message can provide a virtual application for the defect of each system. Beco ^ Constructed for the MAM decoding recorder is not applicable to this defect application. Finally, all terminals will always need to apply the defect information of each system.

The present invention can also replace the use of the download control message, because the M AM 240 has a message t via VAT.) About which application data must be activated, deactivated, removed, etc., the downloader 23 can no longer directly act on the download control secondary pointer. , Put the message on the receipt. Finally, if the MAM is activated, the "Activate," ,,, "Remove", "Remove", and "Remove" functions are specified in the download control message for the virtual application data and are ignored by the downloader 23. In addition The function 'If actuated MM AM, π actuated' is designated for download control information for a virtual application data, so that the download 23 asks MM 240 to know whether a special application data must be actually activated. MAM responds to commands to activate or deactivate virtual application data.

The present invention can also use a virtual channel construction message. If M AM is activated, the terminal will be irrelevant to the definitions vc on, vc on, VC off, and VC off range specified by this message. If the defective virtual application data has a meaning V C T source ID. " V C " indicates a virtual channel. In this example, the terminal will tune to the channel associated with the KT source ID given to the defective virtual application data.

Page 22 509875 V. Description of the invention (19)-The MAM feature requires software version performance. It can perform MAM functionality on the controller 1 2 0 and on the terminal 15 0 ′. The controller 丨 2 〇 must have a software version ′, generate and send new and revised messages to the terminal. The controller must be able to provide one-way update of specific construction messages to the terminal. The control is also required to provide the majority voting system authorization support for most applications data. All current terminal executions outside the r OM code cannot be constructed; ^ mam ′ because the reserved entry and range are used to assist the function of%. force

Similarly, 'all terminals running non-MAM-capable software from flash memory' must download a software version that has MAM capability, which can obtain, understand, and process new and revised messages regarding MAM functions. The invention implements M AM during which defective virtual application data, such as electronic program guide (EPG), is provided on the basis of an extensive system to reduce the amount of application data that changes.

The modulation download channel information is used for a wide range of system defect virtual application data, only that the system message has its designated object as the virtual application data, and it is not necessary to construct a condition for the MAM decoder before the message. Each modulation download The channel message specifies an object to download. For standard application data, the message includes-application data name and version, and a channel for transmitting application data objects. When a terminal receives this message, it modulates the specified channel to obtain the item. For virtual application data, this message also includes application data ID for the object, except that the included information is used for standard application data. Finally, any terminal that is not capable of running a software version with M AM capability will obtain and activate a wide range of system defect application data without regard to it as

Page 23 509875 V. Description of the invention (20) A virtual application material. A terminal which runs on a microprogramming language platform coded version with MIMO capability can also obtain extensive system defect application data. However, once the application data is obtained, it will be treated as a virtual application data managed by M AM 240. A MAM actuates the virtual application data of the terminal defect, which is downloaded to the terminal's non-volatile memory, and another non-volatile memory is used for its setting, in order to save the defect even when another virtual application data is activated. When M AM is activated, if the defective virtual application data appears on the terminal, it is typically activated after any terminal is semi-hot cleared, or when the terminal is switched to 'π terminal switched on' to " terminal closed, Fig. 3 reveals that the generation of a VAT in a region is used for a terminal, according to the terminal authorization arrangement according to the present invention. The VAT data is received by each MAM of the network construction terminal, and is usually expressed at 300, Includes many record columns (continued records) 31, 30, 35, and 370. Records 312, 332, 352, and 372 include the first, second, third, and fourth application data (ie, application data numbers, respectively) 1, 2, 3, and 4) confirmation (object application data ID). Records 314, 316, and 318 include the authenticator version (object version) and the required row (virtual application data row) for the first application data. For example, Record 314 has a version, '! · 〇 " and needs to be sorted " 4 >, record 316 has a version,' 1 · Γ 'and needs to be sorted, 5, 5, and record 318 has a version, 1, 1 · 2 ”and one need to be ranked 丨 丨 7 丨 1 〇As an example Application information number 1 can have e-mail capability, mow 9875, invention is described in (21) where > Version 1.1 billion at Basic version, release Shu-1 system enhanced version, and version 1.2 test version of the system. Therefore, the present invention allows the network operator to control which versions of the application data number 1 can be accessed by the machine. Those who pay a small fee can access version 1 · 0, those who pay more can access version 丨 · 1, and others can access version 1 · 2, such as providing feedback to network operators, regarding whether the version is 1 · 2 Work properly or provide desired characteristics. For the application data number 2, record 334 has a version "2 · 〇, and one needs to be ranked π 5", record 3 3 6 has a version π 2 · 1 "and one needs to be ranked" 6.

For application data number 3, record 354 has a version "7.5", and one needs to be ranked "8". For application data number 4, record 3 7 4 has a version " 1 · 0, and one needs to be ranked "3lf, record 3 7 6 has a version " 1 · 1" and needs to be sorted "4", record 378 has a version "2 · Οπ and needs to be sorted" 7Π, and record 379 has a version π2 · 1 "and a Need to rank " 8Π. Versions and rankings are usually numerical values. The name of the virtual application data is a series of texts, which is related to all virtual application data versions and displayed in a dynamically created directory. For example, one version is authorized on the terminal. The VAT data authorized in the terminal indicates the area VAT data at 355, which is a combination of the received VAT records 300, according to the row (virtual application data row) and the authorized special terminal. In the example, it assumes that the terminal's authorized power includes π 411 and " 5Π, the regional VAT data 3 5 5 and its remarked terminal authorization status. In this example, the ranking requirement with the vAT record of 300 is in records 3, 16, 334 and 376. Therefore, the 'terminal area VAT 35 5 includes these records, for example, the VAT memory 2 60 stored in FIG. 2, such as records 3 16, 334, and

Page 25 509875 V. Description of the invention (22) 376 '. Note that when a terminal is authorized to receive two or more versions of the same application (for example, records 3 14 and 3 16), it usually wants to select the latest two copies (for example, record 31 6). Normally, when the terminal is securely processing the CMM and received by the EMM, the authorization status required for the application data is used to determine the authorization status of the terminal. ~, ‘T’ ° When it ’s not clear, if it is not used in the terminal, for example, when the application data number is used, the terminal is not authorized to receive application data and it cannot be downloaded. … Can provide the highest level of application data that is required and / or authorized. It allows the terminal to receive all

Note that the VAT data 3 0 0 shown is only an example, and the data, versions and ranks of various numbers can be expressed in VAT data. In addition, the regional VAT includes receiving home VAT 300, all or part of the application data / Figure 4 illustrates an example of the application data that the terminal of the present invention can use to dynamically generate a directory. The directory 400 indicates that authorized application data can be used to use Or, for example, 'on the TV screen. Note that the directory entry is equivalent to the terminal area vAT 3 55. Each application data can have a user-friendly text data (virtual name). Based on this, the message provided to the terminal provides this narrative application data text. This information can be used in the terminal display directory 400. For example, with respect to the example of FIG. 3, the application data numbers 1, 2, and 4 may have text data "email", "video requirements," and "f, web browser", respectively. Optionally, an additional text string Make a note of the version of the application data, or equivalent service < not purchased by its user. For example, for marketing purposes, the version may be marked with bronze, silver or gold or similar elements.

509875

Using this application-related text, MAM 24 in Figure 2 can build a directory of authorized application data. ^ A terminal user can use traditional interface technology, such as using a remote control = key to activate this directory, and start (eg, start) one or more available application data. A special button can be retained in the remote control as the "MAM directory button,". According to receiving VAT data from the controller 120, MAM can create a directory consisting of a list of authorized application data. This can be done using, for example, conventional software technology. Yuancheng. The directory can also include an "exit" item to exit the directory. The directory can be assisted by a complete or partial screen-overlapping mute sound. In addition, the front LEDs can be canceled when the catalog is displayed. The user can activate the directory display, press the "MAM directory button" on the remote control, and use the remote control or the "up" or "down" button on the front panel to select through the directory. The user can select the application data by pressing the "Select" button on the remote control or the front panel of the terminal. ~ When the application data is selected from the catalog, the MAM 240 may notify the download of 23 to activate the application data and start the application data (eg, start). The terminal can modulate to the specified channel before activating the application data.

If the user chooses not to authorize, or is not indicated in the VAT or downloading the object catalog, the MAM 240 will attempt to regenerate the catalog and display it again. After several failed attempts to start specific virtual application data, the terminal will be reclassified into a graceful recovery action. The user may choose not to select the virtual application data on any directory. As a result of this, MA M will re-activate the previously activated (in other words, 'priority to the directory display) virtual application data, or resort to graceful recovery actions. Actuatable

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509875 V. Description of the invention (24) Virtual application materials of terminal defects. Figure 5 illustrates a way to provide data management for most applications of the digital network of the present invention. A simplified overview of the method of the invention is shown. For example, it is indicated in the block 5 0 0 ′ that the control data includes the authorization right of the terminal, and that the MAM construction data has an activation signal ”is sent to each terminal in the network or the terminal is selected. At block 51 0, the application data (ie, VAT data) and version are determined. Ninjas and authorization requirements (for example, need to be row) are used for each application data, which is transmitted to the terminal. At block 5 2 0 ', considerable authority and construction data are stored in the terminal. As mentioned above, each terminal can have its own authorization status', which can then be replaced or supplemented. At block 530, the terminal compares its authorization status to the authorization requirements, and for each version of the application data for the home VT to create and store its regional VAT. At block 540, the required authorization status of the highest application data version is equivalent to the terminal authorization status (in other words, the regional VAT version) is downloaded. Replaces the lower version (authorized or unauthorized) of the application data, if any, canceled on the terminal. At block 550, the terminal continues to monitor the reception control data and VAT data to determine if this data has changed. If so, blocks 5 2 0, 5 3 0, and 540 are repeated. A terminal authorization status and / or VAT data changes may or may not cause download of new home or regional VAT and new application data. Therefore, it can be understood that the present invention provides a method and an apparatus for managing the memory resources of a consumer terminal using most application data. Different terminals separately authorize access to one or more of the application data, according to the combination of application data / version authorization specifications, and the authorization status of the terminal

Page 28 5. Invention Description (25) Complaint. Each terminal establishes its own "area η VAT", which recognizes the application data / version for which it is authorized. The invention allows network operators to provide different responsibilities on a fee basis. Furthermore, the directory on the user screen is used In each terminal, it can be dynamically generated according to the VAT data of the terminal area. In addition, the memory resources are managed by whether space is available to store a new application data, which can be eliminated, or converted to non-volatile and ; = W of the memory, making space available for a new application; and: Save :: 2: 02 Allow users to assist in this process, it is confirmed that the stored applications are less expected to be used for new applications Materials. But those skilled in the art will not deviate from the application. Although the present invention has been described in the related embodiments, it will be understood that most applications and modifications can be obtained from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, its various syntax Elements have been proposed here and any grammar can be used. Think of them as examples and more. Although the present invention is discussed in terms of wired or satellite networks, it can be understood that other networks Digital Video Broadband (DSLs), Local Area Network Groups (1 ^^, Metropolitan Area Circuits (MANs), Wide Area Networks (WMs), Internet Known Network Groups and Internet, or The combination can be used.,, And, Intranet < 1

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Claims (1)

509875 VI. Scope of Patent Application 1. A terminal that manages most applications. The terminal is provided on a digital network with a headend. The headend provides program-controlled services and application data to a terminal unit through a communication channel. The terminal includes: a memory resource; a determination device for determining whether the currently constructed memory resource is sufficient to cooperate with the download of application data received by the terminal; and a management device which is responsive to the determination device and is used for managing memory The physical resource is used to construct the memory resource to cooperate with the download of the application data received through the terminal. 2 · If the terminal of the scope of the patent application is No. 1, wherein: the decision device restores a range related to the application data, it indicates the storage requirements of the application data received by the terminal, and uses this range and available The memory resource storage capacity is compared to determine whether the currently constructed memory resource is sufficient for downloading application data received via the terminal. 3. For the terminal of the scope of application for patent No. 2, in which: When the memory resources currently constructed are not enough to support the download of application data received by the terminal, the download of application data received by the terminal is bypassed. 4. For the terminal of the scope of application for patent, the management device manages the memory resources by at least one of erasing data and converting data. 5. For a terminal as claimed in item 1 of the patent scope, where the memory resource includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. 6. If you apply for a terminal in the first scope of patents, of which: Page 31 509875 VI. Application Outline-" —— $ 官 理 装置 has been removed and now stores application data management memory resources to free up space for downloading application data received via the terminal. 7. If the terminal of the scope of patent application is applied for, the application data includes at least one of the following: electronic program guide, Internet browser, video demand, sound demand, mail service, telephone service, stock market price, climate Information, travel information, games, gambling, banking, shopping and voting. , 8 · If the terminal of the scope of patent application No. 1 is: The digital network includes a broadband television communication network. 9 · If the terminal of the scope of patent application is No. 1, wherein: the decision device restores a range of application data received by the terminal indicating its storage requirements; and the management device reflects the scope to configure at least a part The memory resource is used for downloading application data received by the terminal. 10. If the terminal of the scope of patent application is No. 1, wherein: the management device manages the memory resources, which is configured to download at least a part of the memory resources for the terminal to be authorized to access the application data version of the application data download . 11. If the terminal of the scope of patent application is No. 1, among which: the terminal is assigned an authorized state for the application data access of the authorized application data; and the management device manages the memory resources when the terminal is authorized When the status is reduced, the current stored application data is eliminated by eliminating at least one previously authorized application data, so that the at least one previously authorized application data is no longer authorized. Page 32 509875 VI. Application scope of patent 12. If the terminal of the scope of patent application No. 1 is applied, the official management device manages the memory resources, stores the data through conversion, and frees up space for the terminal to receive applications. Application of downloading data 1 3 · For example, the terminal in the scope of patent application No. 12 of which: ^ The application data currently stored is converted from a non-volatile memory to a memory to free up space in the non-volatile memory For downloading application data received through volatility. 1. Machine terminal 1 4 · ~ The terminal device as described in the first patent application scope, wherein: The management device includes a user interface for presenting option memory resources to match the application data received by the terminal device J 15 · If you apply for a terminal in the scope of patent application No. 14, where: This option includes at least one of erasing data and converting data. 16. If the terminal is under item 14 of the scope of patent application, among which: the option package = confirm that the application stored now is less required by the user than the application related to the application data received through the terminal. 17. The terminal as claimed in item 14 of the scope of patent application, wherein: the option includes storing application data received via the terminal in a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory of a memory resource. 18. The terminal as claimed in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein: the application data includes J / -coded objects, and the data is used by the coded objects. 19. A method for the memory resources of Lu Liyi's terminal, which manages most applications. The terminal is provided on a digital device with a head end. Page 33 509875 6. Patent application network, the head end For a program-controlled service and application data to a terminal group via a communication channel, the method includes the following steps: determining whether the currently constructed memory resource is sufficient to cooperate with the download of the application data received by the terminal; and managing the memory in response to the decision step Resources to construct memory resources to cooperate with the download of application data received by the terminal.