Methods and apparatus for delivering application data to applications

摘要

Methods and apparatus for supplying unbound applications with data via in-band program channel signaling are described. Unbound applications are STB or other customer premise device applications which continue to run when a tuner in the device changes between program channels. Applications executed in a STB, in accordance with the present invention, e.g., eBIF applications, continue to run despite changes in program channels with data being supplied via in-band signaling, out of band signaling, or a combination of in-band and out of band signaling. The methods and apparatus are well suited for supporting delivery of program catalog information relevant to an individual program channel using in-band signaling reducing or eliminating the need to delivery a multi-channel program catalog via out of band signaling to support various VOD applications.

主权项

1. A method of operating a customer premise device, the method comprising:
executing an unbound application on said customer premise device, said unbound application using, while said customer premise device is tuned to a first channel, first data specific to the first channel or programs being supplied on the first channel, said first data being received in-band on the first channel which is also used to communicate first channel program content, said first data including at least one of control data, catalog data or channel data which specifically corresponds to the first channel; executing a first bound application while said customer premise device is tuned to said first channel, said first bound application corresponding to the first channel; tuning said customer premise device to a second channel used to communicate second program content; terminating the first bound application in response to said customer premise device tuning to said second channel, executing a second bound application while said customer premise device is tuned to said second channel, said second bound application corresponding to the second channel; and continuing to execute said unbound application using second data received in-band on said second channel in place of said first data previously received on said first channel, said second data being specific to the second channel or programs being supplied on the second channel, said second data including at least one of control data, catalog data or channel specific data which specifically corresponds to the second channel.