WO2005059716A2

WO2005059716A2 - Method and system for interaction of idtv and home networks via broadcast gateway

Info

Publication number: WO2005059716A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/042557
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Kaplan; Alexander D. Gelman; Robert S. Fish; Dennis Bushmitch; Rajesh Khandelwal; Nickolay V. Kornet; Dmitry A. Tkachenko
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-12-17
Filing date: 2004-12-17
Publication date: 2005-06-30
Also published as: WO2005059716A3

Abstract

A broadcast gateway system for interaction of iDTV and home networks via a broadcast gateway includes a broadcast carousel, an interactive DTV (iDTV) platform, and a home networking (HN) platform. Interaction of the broadcast carousel, the iDTV platform, and the HN platform allows applications, content, and services to be delivered to a home network via a DTV broadcast stream.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTERACTION OF iDTV AND HOME NETWORKS VIA BROADCAST GATEWAY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to home networks, and relates in particular to a home gateway system that allows applications, content, and services to be delivered to a home network via a DTV broadcast stream.

BACKGROUND [0002] The introduction of digital technologies in the home provides various opportunities for the integration of home networks, digital TV (DTV) networks and other types of consumer communication networks. One emerging approach to organizing home networks is defined by the Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi) specification. The OSGi approach supports integration of different home network technologies along with delivery of different services from a remote service provider to a home network via a service gateway. The service gateway is the central component in an OSGi network and functions as a platform for various communication-based services. In general, an OSGi operator remotely manages this gateway. Software components (called bundles) may be downloaded to the gateway. [0003] One of the primary consumer devices in a home network is a TV receiver. Although traditionally independent from other devices in the home, the advent of digital TV (DTV) provides an opportunity for interesting and useful interactions between DTV and home network platforms. In particular, the adoption of interactive DTV (iDTV) platforms, such as MHP, OCAP and ACAP, allow iDTV applications, services and content to be downloaded from a broadcaster via a broadcast carousel and interact with devices in the home network. [0004] However, service providers, broadcasters and consumers have no mechanism to download and install applications, services and content to home networks via the broadcast stream as well as no mechanism for control and management of home networks. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The proposed innovation is targeted to home networks that include iDTV receivers and set-top-boxes with reception of terrestrial, cable or satellite DTV broadcast channels. The innovation is based on the ability of DTV channels to deliver applications, content and services to consumer iDTV receivers via a broadcast stream, for example, using data and object carousels. [0006] A new scheme is proposed that allows interaction of iDTV broadcast network and home network via a broadcast gateway system and method. This innovation involves a system for delivery of applications, content and services to home networks via TV broadcast channels as well as for control and management of the home network by the broadcaster (or service provider which is connected to the broadcaster site) or by the consumer using display of iDTV receiver or other appropriate device. [0007] Applications can include those that integrate iDTV and home networking resources. For example, a broadcast gateway can allow use of iDTV applications, which interact with services and devices in home networks. Content can include audio and video that is installed and managed on a home media server. Applications and content can relate or not relate to TV programs. Services can include drivers for and software updates to devices that exist in a home network. Download of such services may be performed automatically. [0008] The system comprises a broadcast carousel, an interactive DTV (iDTV) platform and a home networking (HN) platform. The broadcast gateway may be implemented as a single device containing iDTV and HN software platforms or as separate devices (e.g., iDTV receiver/STB and home gateway) with appropriate installed software that are interacting via appropriate protocols. [0009] Also, the broadcast gateway may be connected to a WAN (Internet) that can allow use of a return channel for iDTV and HN applications. The WAN can also allow use of a combination of software and data download via a broadcast stream and the Internet. Basic services of general interest can be delivered to iDTV and home networks via the broadcast stream along with delivery of some exclusive components and services on request via the Internet. [0010] Further, the broadcast gateway can be connected directly to the broadcaster via a physical return channel (like in terrestrial DVB-RCT, satellite

DVB-RCS or cable DVB-RCC and DOCSIS systems). This channel can allow full interactivity of home network and broadcasters/service providers without Internet connection. [0011] Yet further, the broadcast gateway can be connected to a mobile communications network that can allow portable reception of services to networks located in cars, trains and other vehicles. It can also allow remote administration of the home network by the consumer when he/she is out of home. [0012] Further still, the consumer can remotely control, manage, and use the home network via an iDTV receiver located in a remote place outside his/her home. This receiver is connected to a broadcast or communication network via a broadcast gateway having a return channel. [0013] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0015] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the home gateway system according to the present invention; [0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating residential TV and broadband access according to the prior art; [0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating broadband access with iDTV and home networking according to the prior art; [0018] Figure 4-7 are block diagrams of the broadcast gateway according to the present invention; [0019] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the home gateway system implemented as a single device in accordance with the present invention; [0020] Figure 9 is a block diagram of the home gateway system implemented as two separate devices according to the present invention; [0021] Figures 10-13 are four scenarios modeling interaction between an iDTV platform and a home network platform according to the present invention; [0022] Figure 14 is a screenshot of a broadcast bundle service GUI in accordance with the present invention; [0023] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating iTV administration of home networks in accordance with the present invention; [0024] Figure 16 is a screenshot of a remote administration Xlet scene at a DTV screen in accordance with the present invention; [0025] Figure 17 is a block diagram illustrating a Quiz program simulation that demonstrates interaction of an iTV application with a printer in a home network in accordance with the present invention; [0026] Figure 18 is a screenshot of an initial Quiz Xlet scene at a DTV screen in accordance with the present invention; [0027] Figure 19 is a screenshot of a results Quiz Xlet scene at a DTV screen in accordance with the present invention; [0028] Figure 20 is a screenshot illustrating a printer simulation window of a device on the home network responding to the iTV application in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0029] The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. [0030] The emergence and increasing availability of home networking technology provides significant opportunities to manufacturers, operators and third-party developers to introduce enhanced applications, content and services to consumers. Examples of home networking technologies include IEEE 1394, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11 , Bluetooth, etc. Such technology enables new consumer experiences, allowing, for example, the delivery of audio and video to different places within the home, the creation of novel entertainment applications, and the ability to improve control and management of home network devices. However, unskilled consumers will not be willing to manage configurations of his/her home network including installation of new software and devices. Therefore, it may be also necessary to deliver new services and updated software to the home network. That is why some home networking approaches, such as OSGi, allow remote access, control and management of the home network by the service provider along with delivery of software components, data and services to home networks via WAN (Internet). The drawback of this approach is that not all consumers have Internet connections in their homes. Furthermore, Internet connections are non-guaranteed (dial-up access is not always on, DSL/Cable access may have delays for data transfer, etc.). [0031] On the other hand, most consumer homes have TV sets.

Taking into account the FCC decision on transition to digital TV broadcasting with switch-off of analog TV channels after defined deadline, it is reasonable to assume that in the future all households will have digital TV (DTV) receivers or appropriate set-top-boxes (STB). Broadcast channels are stable, almost always on, and broadcast network operators may deliver information via satellite, terrestrial and cable physical channels so that reception of broadcast channels may be available almost everywhere. Introduction of DTV provides opportunities for broadcasters to introduce interactive DTV (iDTV) applications and services that may be downloaded to the STB or integrated iDTV receiver via broadcast stream. However, service providers, broadcasters and consumers have no mechanism to download and install applications and services to Home Networks via broadcast stream as well as no mechanism for control and management of home networks. [0032] Standard DTV middleware solutions, such as MHP, OCAP and ACAP, define frameworks that allow interactive content to be delivered to iDTV platforms. Such middleware solutions specify a standard application programming interfaces (or APIs) that support the development and execution of applications. Examples of common applications include electronic programming guides (EPGs), video-on-demand programs (VOD), interactive games, etc. These applications, and associated content and services, are generally encapsulated in an MPEG-2 stream and delivered via a broadcast or data carousel. [0033] A system architecture that corresponds to the proposed scenarios is given in Figure 1. Both iDTV applications and home networking services 100A-C are delivered from a content provider 102 and broadcaster 104 to a consumer via a DTV operator network. For example, a terrestrial DTV broadcaster 104 inserts these data into broadcast carousels 105 that can be transmitted in MPEG-2 transport streams of TV channels along with video and audio programs. A DTV receiver or set-top-box 106 extracts home networking services from the carousel and relays them to a home network 108 and corresponding devices 110 via a home networking entity. According to a traditional scenario, home networking services are delivered to the home network via an internet connection to the home networking entity (or a residential gateway, such as an OSGi gateway). In the proposed scenarios according to the present invention, the home networking entity may or may not be connected to the Internet. It is also possible to have the home networking entity as a separate device or to locate the home networking entity within a DTV receiver (or set-top-box). [0034] A representative example of a home networking entity is the OSGi gateway, which comprises a framework and downloadable software components called bundles. The framework provides an execution environment for services that may be contained in the bundles. The OSGi framework is executed on a Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Currently, there are several OSGi service platform implementations available in the market. [0035] The development of the iDTV market started with proprietary platforms (e.g., OpenTV, MediaHighway, etc.) that were suited for "vertical markets" where a consumer is actually connected to a particular provider by the use of specific equipment and software. The introduction of open specifications like MHP, OCAP and ACAP provides opportunities for the creation of "horizontal markets" where the consumer may buy equipment from any certified manufacturer and may download iDTV applications from any corresponding service provider. [0036] Administration of A Home Network From the Screen of the iDTV Platform is now described. OSGi supports remote management of OSGi gateways using a standard Web browser and the OSGi HTTP service. In a TV- centric home network, it is reasonable to assume that a consumer may retrieve information from a home network and control services in the home network using an iDTV platform. [0037] Tin this scenario a management bundle can install, start, stop and uninstall bundles on an OSGi platform (in the home networking entity as shown in Figure 1). This bundle may also obtain a list of bundles currently available on an OSGi platform along with their state information. [0038] The management bundle is connected with an iDTV application (sometimes called an xlet), which is installed on the DTV receiver side as shown in Figure 1 The xlet has a graphical user interface (GUI), which is implemented using the HAVi graphical elements as defined by the MHP/OCAP/ACAP specifications. The consumer may install new bundles and manage these bundles using this GUI, which may be superimposed on a TV picture at the screen of DTV receiver. [0039] Interaction of the iDTV xlet and the OSGi bundle is implemented by sending special commands via an IP network. This prototype solution may be considered to be reasonable since many home network technologies support IP protocols. [0040] Delivery of OSGi Bundles Via the Broadcast Carousel is now described. As noted, Remote Administration is used to install bundles on an OSGi platform. These bundles may be delivered to the DTV receiver from the broadcaster via an object or data broadcast carousel and consequently may be installed on the OSGi platform (home networking entity). [0041] In a TV-centric home network, iDTV applications may interact with devices in the network. There may be different types of devices in the home network based on different technologies. It is reasonable to consider examples of new services and applications based on the interaction of iDTV platforms and OSGi home network devices. [0042] To help illustrate this idea, consider a "Quiz Application" that represents the interaction of an iDTV application and a printer. In this scenario when a quiz show program is broadcast, the consumer may see a set of quiz questions superimposed on the TV picture. If the consumer selects the correct answer, then the printer prints a coupon, which may be used for future purchases. [0043] This application employs three different platforms. The Quiz xlet, which has a GUI for interaction with a consumer, is installed on the iDTV platform (at the DTV receiver in Figure 1). This xlet interacts via an IP network with the Printer Control bundle, which is installed on the OSGi platform (at the home networking entity in Figure 1). The Printer Control bundle receives commands from the Quiz xlet and responds depending on the availability of the Printer Service, which is exported by the Printer Service bundle. The Printer Service bundle sends printing commands via local IP network to the Printer Application, which is installed at the computer in the home network with a connected printer. [0044] As detailed above, several possible scenarios for interaction between iDTV applications and OSGi home networks are proposed. These scenarios illustrate managing of OSGi home network environment from a DTV receiver, delivering services to a home network via TV broadcast channels, and interacting with devices in the home network. [0045] The goal in providing the broadcast gateway according to the present invention is realization of an architecture that allows applications, content, and services to be delivered to a home network via a DTV broadcast stream. Interaction of the iDTV and Home Network platforms within a Broadcast Gateway is accomplished as follows: (1) applications, content, and services are delivered via an object or data carousel to an iDTV platform; (2) iDTV-related applications, content, and services are managed by the iDTV platform; and (3) the iDTV platform discovers the home networking platform and its associated capabilities, and dispatches home network-related applications, content, and services to the home network platform. [0046] Figure 2 illustrates today's residential DTV and broadband access. In addition, Figure 3 illustrates residential DTV broadcast access and home networking. Therein, iDTV middleware platforms, such as ACAP, MHP, OCAP, allow services (applications and data (e.g., Java Xlets and HTML web pages) to be delivered via MPEG-2 Transport Stream. Therefore, broadcast delivery is generally stable, always on, and uniform. As another result, connection reliability and QOS guarantees are obtained. Also therein, home networking platforms, such as OSGi, allow services and data to be delivered via residential Internet connections (e.g., dial-up, DSL, cable modem). However, Internet delivery cannot be guaranteed, but is best effort only. As a result, not all consumers will pay for it or want it. As another result, it is non-uniform/non- reliable - PSTN 56K dialup, cable modem, or DSL connection. As a further result, it is not always on, and must be dialed up or else suffer broadband connection hangs, deal with other applications hogging bandwidth, and deal with network congestion. [0047] Referring now to Figure 4, the broadcast gateway concept according to the present invention can be implemented as a set top box 200 having a broadcast gateway and connected to a home network having a home server 202. DTV content-related and mission-critical declarative and procedural data designated for networked content-relevant appliances is supplied in realtime via the broadcast gateway of set top box 200, or else cached at, and then retrieved from, home server 202. Provisioning of services, web pages, applications, etc. to the home network over DTV broadcast is therefore enabled to expand merit of MHP/OCAP/ACAP. [0048] Figure 5 illustrates the home gateway concept. Compared to Figure 3, the present invention replaces the home Internet gateway 204 of Figure 3 with a broadcast gateway 206 that incorporates the iDTV platform and the home networking platform. Therein, connection to the Internet 208 is optional, and a physical backchannel to a content provider can be provided. An example of the broadcast gateway having optional Internet connection is provided in Figure 6, while Figure 7 provides another example of the broadcast gateway integrating mobile devices. [0049] Turning now to Figure 8, the iDTV and Home Network platforms can interacts within a Broadcast Gateway that is a single device. In this case, the physical gateway 250 has an operating system 252 running a Java virtual machine 254. the iDTV platform 256 and HN platform 258 run on the Java virtual machine 254, and handle their respective Xlets 260A and 260B, and bundles 262A and 262B. [0050] Turning now to Figure 9, the Broadcast Gateway can alternatively be implemented as two different devices. For example, a DTV receiver on a set top box 300 and a home gateway 302 can be adapted to interact according to a common interaction protocol 301. These devices can each have their own operating systems 304A and 304B running their own Java virtual machines 306A and 306B. Accordingly, an iDTV platform 308 can run on the Java virtual machine 306A of the set top box 300, and handle its own Xlets 310A and 310B. Similarly, HN platform 312 can run on the Java virtual machine 306B of the home gateway 302, and handle its own bundles 314A and 314B. Thus, set top box 300 can combine with home gateway 302 to form a broadcast gateway. [0051] A model for interaction of the iDTV receiver and the home gateway is now described. As one possible option, we propose to use Internet- based protocols (like TCP/IP and UDP) for interaction of iDTV Receiver (STB) and Home Gateway within the Broadcast Gateway. In this case, approaches A and B for interaction of iDTV receiver and Home gateway becomes actually the same: (a) we may use "localhost" IP address for interaction of iDTV Xlets and OSGi bundles according to approach A; and/or (b) we may change these IP addressees to the addresses of different devices in the network and come to approach B. [0052] The main possible scenarios for interaction of iDTV and Home Networks via Broadcast Gateway are as follows. In an enhanced (one-way) broadcast model (Scenario 1) Downloading of Home Network (HN) software components (e.g., OSGi bundles) and DTV software components (e.g. Xlets) occur via broadcast stream. This is the basic Broadcast Gateway concept. In an Interactive broadcast model (Scenario 2), Downloading of HN and DTV applications both via broadcast stream and via WAN (e.g. Internet) can occur with possible control from a DTV receiver or DTV provider with use of return channel. Other possible scenarios and proposals for iDTV/Home Network interaction can use a direct return channel to the broadcaster, mobile communications networks, etc.. [0053] Figures 10-13 illustrate four different scenarios with common components, including iTV content provider 320, HN service provider 322, broadcaster 324, broadcast gateway 326 comprised of a DTV receiver 326A of a set top box and a home gateway 326B, and home network 328. Also, a broadcast steam 330 (e.g. MPEG2 with a data/object carousel) flows from broadcaster 324 to DTV receiver 326A. Figures 11 and 12 add the Internet 332. Figure 12 adds a physical backchannel 334 from the receiver 326A to the broadcaster 324. Figure 13 adds a mobile network 336 having mobile devices 338. [0054] Turning now to Figure 10, Scenario 1 , the Enhanced (one-way) broadcast model is described. In this scenario there is no return channel from the DTV receiver to the broadcaster. Both HN and DTV software components (e.g. OSGi bundles and DTV Xlets) are downloaded via broadcast stream only (e.g. using the data/object carousel). There is no real interactivity in this model. The broadcast gateway does not have access to the Internet and the HN provider has to configure the home network only via broadcast stream. [0055] Turning now to Figure 11 , Scenario 2, the Interactive broadcast model with WAN (Internet) connection to the Home Network (HN) is described. If we remove connections marked by "^*" signs, we obtain a "traditional" scenario when bundles are delivered to the gateway via Internet and interactive TV applications are delivered to the iDTV receiver via broadcast stream. If we add "*" connections, we obtain new interactions so that their combinations may carry new features. Example features include: (a) delivery of HN bundles via broadcast stream; (b) management of Home Network via Internet; (c) download of some iTV applications via broadcast stream; and (d) use of a return channel for implementation of real interactivity. In this scenario, the Broadcast Gateway is connected both to the Broadcast Stream and WAN (e.g. Internet) and may download software components to the Home Network from both sources. [0056] There are both advantages and drawbacks of Interactive broadcast model with return channel via Internet. For example, in this scenario the return channel is connected to the broadcaster via WAN (e.g. Internet). Also, in this case downloading of iTV applications and HN applications to the iDTV receiver and the HN gateway may be implemented both via broadcast stream and via Internet. Further, this scenario includes both full interactivity and flexibility for possible new combinations of technical solutions. Yet, a drawback is that not all consumers have Internet access, which is why it is reasonable to broadcast a mixture of applications that need a return channel and that do not need a return channel (like in scenario 1). Still, it may also be reasonable to produce applications that are compatible with both scenarios 1 and 2, i.e. the applications that implement all functionality in scenario 2, but may work without a return channel with restricted functionality. [0057] Turning now to Figure 12, a third scenario, Scenario 3, is an interactive broadcast model with a direct return channel to the broadcaster. In this scenario, a return channel may be connected directly to the broadcaster (via a physical return channel -like terrestrial DVB-RCT channel as well as satellite DVB-RCS or cable DVB-RCC or DOCSIS, etc.). In this case, If we remove connections marked by "^*" signs, we can remove WAN (Internet) from the return channel path. In this case all interaction goes via the network operated by the broadcaster. If necessary, the Internet access may be implemented via the portal server at the broadcaster site. [0058] Scenario 3 offers potential advantages and disadvantages. For example, an advantage of Scenario 3 is full interactivity like in scenario 2, without need of WAN (internet) connection. However, a drawback of Scenario 3 is that the physical implementation of the return channel is not simple for terrestrial and satellite networks. Yet, implementation of the physical return channel is quite convenient for cable networks. [0059] Turning now to Figure 13, another scenario, Scenario 4, relates to an Interactive broadcast model with connection to a Mobile Communications network. In this scenario, the return channel is connected to the broadcast via the Mobile Communications Network. It is envisioned that IP addressing can be used both in mobile networks with switching of packets and in mobile networks with switching of channels (like in fixed dial-up access). This scenario may be used for portable reception where a local network similar to home network is available (e.g. in cars and other vehicles, etc.). This scenario also allows use of remote mobile communication devices that can allow consumers to configure home networks via broadcast gateway when out of the home. [0060] Some examples of implemented prototypes are now described. One prototype delivers bundles to the OSGi gateway from the broadcast stream via broadcast carousel and an iDTV receiver. Another prototype accomplishes remote administration of the OSGi gateway from the screen of the DTV receiver. Yet another prototype accomplishes interaction of the iDTV Xlets and devices (e.g. printers) in the Home Network (Quiz Show Simulation). [0061] prototype Interaction Scenarios are now described. Broadcast delivery of software components to home networks illustrates opportunity to deliver OSGi bundles from the broadcaster to the home network via broadcast carousel. iTV administration of home networks illustrates opportunity for control and management of home network from the screen of a DTV receiver. Integration of iTV applications with devices in home networks is illustrated by an example of Quiz Xlet, which may print coupons at the printer in the home network. [0062] Delivery of OSGi Bundles to DTV Receiver is now described.

Bundle streamer generates a carousel with OSGi bundles; the broadcaster may add or delete bundles at the carousel. The carousel carries OSGi bundles (jar files) and a list of bundles in XML format. [0063] Interaction of DTV Receiver and OSGi Gateway is now described. The BBS agent application installed at the DTV receiver and BBS bundle installed at the home gateway interact by exchange of XML messages bases on UDP connection. Messages from the BBS bundle to the BBS agent include registration, bundle request, and deregistration. Messages from the BBS agent to the BBS bundle include bundle list and bundle body. A Bundle may be separated into several messages depending on its size. The Bundle body can be Base64 encoded. [0064] Turning now to Figure 14, a graphical user interface of the broadcast bundle service provides a list of bundles that are available for installation from the carousel. The user can refresh lists of available broadcast bundles, and can refresh a list of installed broadcast bundles. The user is also permitted to install and start a bundle. [0065] Turning now to Figure 15, iTV administration of home networks occurs by UDP interaction between an iTV platform 450 running a remote administration Xlet 452 and an OSGi platform 454 running a remote administration bundle 456. This prototype simulates remote control and management of a home network from the screen of a DTV receiver. It allows transmission of OSGi bundles from a DTV receiver to an OSGi gateway and performs the life cycle management of applications in the home network. It also monitors the list of bundles installed at the gateway and reports their status, and allows a user to install, to start, to stop and to uninstall bundles. [0066] Turning now to Figure 16, a Remote Administration Xlet Scene at a DTV Screen is provided. The user may select bundles for installation from a lower table. Status of the bundles which are installed at the gateway can be shown in an upper table. [0067] Turning now to Figure 17, a Quiz Program Simulation is conducted with a DTV receiver 500, an OSGi gateway 502, and a personal computer 503 controlling a printer 504 via a printer application 506. A quiz Xlet 508 supplies printer control and printer service bundles 510 and 512. This simulation illustrates interaction of an iTV application with a printer in the home network. An Initial Quiz Xlet Scene at the DTV Screen is shown in Figure 18. The viewer has to select an answer to a quiz question. If the user selects the correct answer, another scene shown in Figure 19 lets the user know that the correct answer was selected. At the same time, the iTV application sends a message to the PC with the connected printer via the OSGi gateway. Alternatively or in addition, the coupon may be displayed in a printer simulation window for redemption at a remote terminal as shown in Figure 20. [0068] There are a number of advantages in our approach. For example, advantages for consumers include a Broadcast gateway that provides a high-bandwidth/high-quality/always on connection to residences that do not have broadband access. This gateway allows the delivery of applications, content and services to consumers, which would otherwise not be possible. Also, since the broadcast stream is generally stable, is always on and presents a predictive environment (in contrast to typical residential Internet connections), the delivery of home networking applications, content and services can be guaranteed. Further, applications, content, and services may be related directly to TV programs and may contain new features such as interaction of iDTV applications with devices in home networks. Also, advantages for broadcasters include a Broadcast gateway that allows delivery of new value-adding applications to consumers that may attract more revenues on a subscription and/or pay-per-use basis or may increase the rating of free channels. Further, advantages for manufacturers include integration of iDTV and home networks that can increase market opportunities both for manufacturing of new consumer devices and for development of new software applications. [0069] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is Claimed is: 1. A broadcast gateway system for interaction of iDTV and home networks via a broadcast gateway, comprising: a broadcast carousel; an interactive DTV (iDTV) platform; and a home networking (HN) platform, wherein interaction of said broadcast carousel, said iDTV platform, and said HN platform allows applications, content, and services to be delivered to a home network via a DTV broadcast stream.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said broadcast gateway is implemented as a single device containing said iDTV platform and said HN software platform.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said broadcast gateway is implemented as separate devices, one device containing said iDTV platform, another device containing said HN software platform, said separate devices having installed, mutually compatible software interacting via compatible protocols.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein said broadcast gateway is connected to a wide area network (WAN) that allows use of a return channel for iDTV and HN applications.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the WAN allows use of a combination of software and data download via a broadcast stream and the WAN.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein basic services of general interest are delivered to iDTV and home networks via the broadcast stream along with delivery of some exclusive components and services on request via the Internet.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein said broadcast gateway is connected directly to a broadcaster via a physical return channel allowing full interactivity of home network and broadcasters/service providers without Internet connection.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein said broadcast gateway is connected to a mobile communications network allowing portable reception of services to networks located in vehicles.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said mobile communications network allows remote administration of a home network by a consumer when the consumer is at a remote location outside of a home containing the home network.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein a consumer can remotely control, manage, and use the home network via an iDTV receiver located in a remote location outside of a home containing the home network, said receiver connected to one or more of a broadcast network and a communication network via a broadcast gateway having a return channel.

11. A broadcast gateway method for interaction of iDTV and home networks via a broadcast gateway, comprising: providing a broadcast carousel; providing an interactive DTV (iDTV) platform; providing a home networking (HN) platform; and configuring said broadcast carousel, said iDTV platform, and said HN platform to interact in a manner that allows applications, content, and services to be delivered to a home network via a DTV broadcast stream.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising implementing said broadcast gateway as a single device containing said iDTV platform and said HN platform.

13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising implementing said broadcast gateway as separate devices, one device containing said iDTV platform, another device containing said HN software platform, said separate devices having installed, mutually compatible software interacting via compatible protocols.

14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising connecting said broadcast gateway to a wide area network (WAN) that allows use of a return channel for iDTV and HN applications.

15. The method if claim 14, further comprising connecting said broadcast gateway to a WAN that allows use of a combination of software and data download via a broadcast stream and the Internet.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising configuring said broadcast gateway to allow basic services of general interest to be delivered to iDTV and home networks via the broadcast stream along with delivery of some exclusive components and services on request via the WAN.

17. The method of claim 11 , further comprising connecting said broadcast gateway directly to a broadcaster via a physical return channel allowing full interactivity of home network and broadcasters/service providers without Internet connection.

18. The method of claim 1 , further comprising connecting said broadcast gateway to a mobile communications network allowing portable reception of services to networks located in vehicles.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising connecting said broadcast gateway to a mobile communications network that allows remote administration of a home network by a consumer when the consumer is at a remote location outside of a home containing the home network.

20. The method of claim 11 , further comprising configuring said home gateway in a manner that allows a consumer to remotely control, manage, and use the home network via an iDTV receiver located in a remote location outside of a home containing the home network, said receiver connected to one or more of a broadcast network and a communication network via a broadcast gateway having a return channel.