Software architecture for a television set-top terminal providing compatibility with multiple operating environments

摘要

A software architecture is provided to enable core television set-top software (20) to run in different operating environments. A kernel abstraction component (18) uses kernel calls and kernel-specific translations to abstract operating system-specific functions from an operating system kernel (16). The functions are made available to the core software (20) in a generic format. Additionally, a device drivers-to-driver model interface (30) separates the details of the driver model environment from the core system software (20). Furthermore, a software interface (26) allows application programs (10) (such as program guides, games, and Internet web browsers) and middleware (12) to communicate with the core set-top system software (20). The core software allows the set-top to provide television functions such as service acquisition, system information management, download capability, return path communication, set-top configuration, and conditional access control.