Method and apparatus for controlling set-top box hardware and software functions

• US 6,915,525 B2
• Filed: 02/14/2001
• Issued: 07/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.), Sony Electronics Inc. (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.), Sony Electronics Inc. (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Ozawa, Toshiro
• Primary Examiner(s): LAO, SUE X
• Application Number:
  US09/783,255
• Publication Number:
  US 20010049718A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,602 Days
• Field of Search: 719/328, 719/330, 719/310, 709/203, 709/220, 709/230, 709/217
• US Class Current: 719/328
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/434 Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams, extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream demultiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4345 Extraction or processing of SI, e.g. extracting service information from an MPEG stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4431 characterized by the use of Application Program Interface [API] libraries
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4438 Window management, e.g. event handling following interaction with the user interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4782 Web browsing , e.g. WebTV
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4821 using a grid, e.g. sorted out by channel and broadcast time
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6118 involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/64307 ATM
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/84 Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors systems specially adapted for using meta-information in broadcast systems H04H60/73
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/45 Picture in picture , e.g. displaying simultaneously another television channel in a region of the screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/163 by receiver means only

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling set-top box hardware and software functions. An HTTP microserver is used to intercept HTTP requests for access to local devices and software. When the HTTP microserver receives a URL from the TCP/IP network stack, it directs instructions to an appropriate interface module that in turn generates an API call for an appropriate middleware module. The middleware module may then appropriately control a lower level software module to effect a software function or to drive hardware.

Claims

1. A method of controlling local hardware or software using a browser, comprising:

directing an HTTP request from a browser to a local HTTP microserver having an IP address;

at the local HTTP mioroserver, parsing the HTTP request to identify a target interface module, and directing the HTTP request to the target interface module;

at the target interface module, generating an API call from the HTTP request;

sending the API call to a middleware software module, wherein the middleware software module controls a lower level software code segment that comprises a television tuner driver;

controlling a television tuner using the television tuner driver; and

wherein the HTTP request from the browser comprises a request to change a television channel and the API call directs the television tuner driver to change the television channel selected by the television tuner.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lower level software code segment carries out memory write operations under the direction of the API call.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the HTTP request is directed to the HTTP microserver by a network stack.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the network stack comprises a TCP/IP network stack.

5. A method of controlling local hardware or software using a browser, comprising:

directing a request from a browser to a local microserver having an address;

at the local microserver, parsing the request to identify a target interface module, and directing the request to the target interface module; and

at the target interface module, generating an application call from the request;

sending the application call to a middleware software module, wherein the middleware software module controls a lower level software code segment comprising a television tuner driver;

controlling a television tuner using the television tuner driver; and

wherein the request from the browser comprises a request to change a television channel and the application call directs the television tuner driver to chance the television channel selected by the television tuner.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the lower level software code segment carries out memory write operations under the direction of the application call.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the request comprises an HTTP request and wherein the microcserver comprises an HTTP microserver and wherein the HTTP request is directed to the HTTP microserver by a network stack.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the network stack comprises a TCP/IP network stack.

9. A television set-top box, comprising:

a programmed processor;

a browser software segment running on the programmed processor;

a user interface software segment running on the programmed processor that receives a user command to select a link using the browser software segment;

a network stack receiving messages directed to an IP address from the browser software segment in response to the user command selecting a link, and issuing an HTTP request in response thereto directed to the IP address;

a middleware software module running on the programmed processor; and

an HTTP microserver having an IP address and running as a software segment on the programmed processor, the HTTP microserver comprising an interface module that interfaces with the middleware software module by issuing an API call to the middleware software module in response to the HTTP request, the API call implementing the user command.

10. The television set-top box of claim 9, further comprising a hardware driver, and wherein the middleware software module interfaces to and controls the hardware driver.

11. The television set-top box of claim 10, further comprising a television tuner, and wherein the hardware driver comprises a television tuner hardware driver.

12. The television set-top box of claim 11, wherein the user command comprises a command to change a selected television channel, the API call directs the middleware software module to change channels and the middleware software module directs the television tuner driver to change a channel tuned by the television tuner.

13. The television set-top box of claim 9, further comprising a segment of lower level software code and wherein the lower level software code segment carries out memory write operations under the direction of the API call.

14. The television set-lop box of claim 9, further comprising a segment of lower level software code and wherein the lower level software code segment carries out memory read operations under the direction of the API call.

15. The television set-top box of claim 9, wherein the network stack comprises a TCP/IP network stack.

16. A television set-top box, comprising:

a programmed processor;

a browser software segment running on the programmed processor;

a user interface software segment running on the programmed processor that receives user commands to select a link using the browser software segment;

a network stack receiving messages directed to an IP address from the browser software segment in response to user commands that select links, and issuing HTTP requests in response thereto directed to the IP address;

a plurality of middleware software modules running on the programmed processor; and

an HTTP microserver having an IP address and running as a software segment on the programmed processor, the HTTP microserver comprising a plurality of interface modules that interfaces with the plurality of middleware software modules by issuing API calls to the plurality of middleware software modules in response to the HTTP request, the API calls implementing the user commands.

17. The television set-top box of claim 16, further comprising a hardware driver, and wherein one of the middleware software modules interfaces to and controls the hardware driver.

18. The television set-top box of claim 17, further comprising a television tuner, and wherein the hardware driver comprises a television tuner hardware driver.

19. The television set-top box of claim 18, wherein one of the user commands comprises a command to change a selected television channel, and wherein one of the API calls directs the one of the middleware software modules to change channels and the one of the middleware software modules directs the television tuner driver to change a channel tuned by the television tuner.

20. The television set-top box of claim 16, further comprising a segment of lower level software code and wherein the lower level software code segment carries out memory write operations under the direction of one of the API calls.

21. The television set-top box of claim 16, further comprising a segment of lower level software code and wherein the lower level software code segment carries out memory read operations under the direction of the API call.

22. The television set-top box of claim 16, wherein the network stack comprises a TCP/IP network stack.

23. The television set-top box of claim 16, further comprising an HTTP request parser receiving the HTTP requests and selecting one of the plurality of interface modules to direct the HTTP request.

24. A television set-top box, comprising:

a programmed processor;

a browser software segment running on the programmed processor;

a user interface software segment running on the programmed processor that receives user commands to select a link using the browser software segment;

a network stack receiving messages directed to an address from the browser software segment in response to user commands that select links, and issuing requests in response thereto directed to the address;

a plurality of middleware software modules running on the programmed processor; and

a microserver having the address and running as a software segment on the programmed processor, the microserver comprising a plurality of interface modules that interfaces with the plurality of middleware software modules by issuing application calls to the plurality of middleware software modules in response to the requests, the application calls implementing the user commands.

25. The television set-top box of claim 24, further comprising a hardware driver, and wherein one of the middleware software modules interfaces to and controls the hardware driver.

26. The television set-top box of claim 25, further comprising a television tuner, and wherein the hardware driver comprises a television tuner hardware driver.

27. The television set-top box of claim 26, wherein one of the user commands comprises a command to change a selected television channel, and wherein one of the application calls directs the one of the middleware software modules to change channels and the one of the middleware software modules directs the television tuner driver to change a channel tuned by the television tuner.

28. The television set-top box of claim 24, further comprising a segment of lower level software code and wherein the lower level software code segment carries out memory write operations under the direction of one of the application calls.

29. The television set-top box of claim 24, further comprising a segment of lower level software code and wherein the lower level software code segment carries out memory read operations under the direction of the application call.

30. The television set-top box of claim 24, wherein the network stack comprises a TCP/IP network stack.

31. The television set-top box of claim 24, further comprising a request parser receiving the requests and selecting one of the plurality of interface modules to direct the request.

32. A television set-top box, comprising:

a programmed processor;

a browser software segment running on the programmed processor;

a user interface software segment running on the programmed processor that receives a user command to select a link using the browser software segment;

a TCP/IP network stack receiving messages directed to an IP address from the browser software segment in response to the user command selecting a link and issuing an HTTP request in response thereto directed to the IP address;

a middleware software module running on the programmed processor;

an HTTP microserver having an IP address and running as a software segment on the programmed processor, the HTTP microserver comprising an interface module that interfaces with the middleware software module by issuing an API call to the middleware software module in response to the HTTP request, the API call implementing the user command;

a television tuner hardware driver, wherein the middleware software module interfaces to and controls the television tuner hardware driver;

a television tuner; and

wherein the user command comprises a command to change a selected television channel, the API call directs the middleware software module to change channels and the middleware software module directs the television tuner driver to change a channel tuned by the television tuner.

33. A television set-top box, comprising:

a programmed processor;

a browser software segment running on the programmed processor;

a user interface software segment running on the programmed processor that receives a user command to select a link using the browser software segment;

a TCP/IP network stack receiving messages directed to an IP address from the browser software segment in response to the user command selecting a link, and issuing an HTTP request in response thereto directed to the IP address;

a middleware software module running on the programmed processor; and

an HTTP microserver having an IP address and running as a software segment on the programmed processor, the HTTP microserver comprising an interface module that interfaces with the middleware module by issuing an API call to the middleware software module in response to the HTTP request, the API call implementing the user command;

a segment of lower level software code and wherein the lower level software code segment carries out one of a memory write and a memory read operation under the direction of the API call.

34. An electronic storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on a programmed processor, carry out a process of controlling local hardware or software using a browser, comprising:

directing an HTTP request from a browser to a loyal HTTP microserver having an IP address;

at the local HTTP microserver, parsing the HTTP request to identify a target interface module, and directing the HTTP request to the target interface module; and

at the target interface module, generating an API call from the HTTP request;

sending the API call to a middleware software module, wherein the middleware software module controls a lower level software code segment comprising a television tuner driver;

controlling a television tuner device using the television tuner driver; and

wherein the HTTP request from the browser comprises a request to change a television channel and the API call directs the television tuner driver to change the television channel selected by the television tuner.

35. The electronic storage medium of claim 34, wherein the lower level software code segment carries out memory write operations under the direction of the API call.

36. The electronic storage medium of claim 34, wherein the HTTP request is directed to the HTTP microserver by a network stack.

37. The electronic storage medium of claim 34, wherein the network stack comprises a TCP/IP network stack.