Apparatus and method for wireless video gaming

Abstract

Apparatus for video gaming includes a box having a slot with an interface that connects to a game card providing a platform to run a software video game. The game card outputs video game data through the interface at a data rate of approximately 200 Mbps or greater. A unit processes the video game data for output to a display device. A wireless transceiver is included to receive the software video game via a wireless local area network (WLAN) and to transmit game information to a remote player having access to the WLAN during interactive play of the software video game. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus comprising:
 a unit operable to execute at least one video game for one or more users, video game video being produced therefrom;   a compression unit for compressing the video game video with a latency of a finite duration less than approximately 150 ms; and   means for sending the compressed video game video to, and receiving commands from, the one or more users, the one or more users being located a remote distance beyond a premises where the apparatus is located.   
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the means to send and receive the compressed video game video includes a wireless network. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the means to send and receive the compressed video game video includes a wired network. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the means to send and receive the compressed video game video includes both wireless and wired networks. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the unit is further operable to receive the at least one video game from either a satellite communication link or a cable television service transmission link. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 22  wherein at least a portion of the wireless network operates in compliance with an IEEE 802.11x standard. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 22  wherein at least a portion of the wireless network operates in a 5 GHz band. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 22  wherein at least a portion of the wireless network operates in a 2.4 GHz band. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 22  wherein at least a portion of the wireless network operates in a license-free band. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 21  further comprising a library of video games available for on-demand request by the one or more users. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the one or more users comprise a plurality of users, at least some of whom are located in a different location. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 21  further comprising a graphics platform that evolves over time to support a newer generation of games. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 21  further comprising a graphics platform that evolves over time to support newer generations of games without requiring the one or more users to upgrade the capabilities of the devices used to receive compressed video from the apparatus. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the unit is further operable to download a video game to a device local to the one or more users via a network. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the unit is further operable to deliver media content to the one or more users via a network. 
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the unit is further operable to deliver live broadcast programs to the one or more users via a network. 
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 36  wherein live broadcast programs are recorded from a WLAN. 
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the apparatus further comprises a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) device. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 38  wherein the DVR device is operable to record live broadcast programs. 
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 38  wherein the DVR device includes pause, fast forward and rewind functionality. 
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the network includes interactive capabilities that provides enhanced viewing flexibility to the one or more users via one or more of the commands. 
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 35  wherein the media content includes videos, television, movies, pay-per-view content or other viewable programs. 
     
     
         43 . The apparatus of  claim 35  wherein the unit is operable to deliver the media content on an on-demand basis. 
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 21  further comprising a storage medium that provides storage of individual data for the one or more users. 
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 44  wherein the individual data includes photographs, documents, books or articles. 
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 44  wherein storage medium comprises a plurality of mass storage devices configured to tolerate failure of some, but not all, of the mass storage devices. 
     
     
         47 . The apparatus of  claim 46  wherein the individual data is stored such that it is secure from unauthorized access by other users. 
     
     
         48 . The apparatus of  claim 44  wherein individual data is backup for the one or more users. 
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 46  wherein the plurality of mass storage devices are configured in a RAID configuration. 
     
     
         50 . The apparatus of  claim 35  wherein the compressed video game video and media content is provided simultaneously to the one or more users over one or more networks. 
     
     
         51 . The apparatus of  claim 50  wherein the media content includes television, pay-per-view programs or on-demand programs. 
     
     
         52 . An apparatus comprising:
 a unit operable to execute at least one video game for one or more users, video game video being produced therefrom;   a compression unit for compressing the video game video with a latency of a finite duration less than approximately 80 ms; and   means for sending the compressed video game video to, and receiving commands from, the one or more users, the one or more users being located a remote distance beyond a premises where the apparatus is located.   
     
     
         53 . An apparatus comprising:
 a unit operable to execute interactive content for one or more users, interactive content video being produced therefrom;   a compression unit for compressing the interactive content video with a latency of a finite duration less than approximately 150 ms; and   means for transmitting the compressed interactive content video to, and receiving commands from, the one or more users, the one or more users being located a remote distance beyond a premises where the apparatus is located.   
     
     
         54 . An apparatus comprising:
 a unit operable to execute interactive content for one or more users, interactive content video being produced therefrom;   a compression unit for compressing the interactive content video with a latency of a finite duration less than approximately 80 ms; and   means for sending the compressed interactive content video to, and receiving commands from, the one or more users, the one or more users being located a remote distance beyond a premises where the apparatus is located.