Patent ID: 6813778
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G06F,H04N

Abstract:
A system for managing and controlling a download of programming code objects to a set-top terminal connected to a cable television system so as to prevent disruptions to service by the set-top terminal that may arise said if only some of a list of code objects specified in a download instruction message are successfully downloaded and might, therefore, function improperly or conflict with existing applications, the system comprising:at least one set-top terminal connected to said cable television system for receiving a data signal from a system headend, said set-top terminal comprising a processor for executing programming, a memory for storing data and programming and a tuner for providing said data signal to said processor, wherein said set-top terminal can download code objects from said data signal; and said system headend comprising a processor and transmitter for transmitting to said at least one set-top terminal a download instruction message instructing said set-top terminal to download from said data signal a list of code objects; wherein said set-top terminal conditionally does not enable or execute any code object downloaded in response to receipt of said download instruction message unless all code objects listed for download in said download instruction message are acquired by said set-top terminal; wherein said set-top terminal, in response to an auto purge flag contained in said download instruction message, purges from memory all code objects with an identical name, but a different version, than a corresponding object downloaded by said set-top terminal in response to receipt of said download instruction message.