Importance

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Abstract

An inventive client/server system provides a platform for cable system operators to deliver a full range of sophisticated new products to cable television subscribers. Preferably a middleware solution, the information platform provides a flexible, versatile, and adaptable Internet-centric platform that network operators can use to deploy interactive television applications. The information platform mediates the communication between an abundance of Web-based content and the television set. Content and applications are written entirely in industry standard HTML and Java. Traditional television programming is integrated with Web content using TV-specific extensions to HTML and Java. Applications can be loaded from the network, from carousels, or from file systems, such as flash memory or EEPROM. The information platform consists of client-side middleware integrated with a native electronic program guide application. It includes a master application that defines service functionality, TV ticker, a suite of games, and a microbrowser for broadcast managed content. The presently preferred embodiment of the information platform supports broadcast-only applications, i.e. applications not requiring a return path) and also provides limited support for two-way applications such as store and forward and imprint server for gathering subscriber interactions and statistics.

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First Claim