Interactive communication system for communicating video game and karaoke software

Abstract

A communication system is proposed for transmitting at least one of the data, the program, and a combination of them from a host facility to a communicator such as a communication terminal device. In this communication system, the data or the program becomes unable to be used when a predetermined time has elapsed after it is transmitted from the host facility to the communicator. This communication system is provided with the function of giving a warning before the use of the transmission becomes unable and the function of resuming the use in accordance with the user's instruction even after the use becomes unable.

Description

[0001] This is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 08 / 642,560 filed May 3, 1996.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to an interactive communication system for transmitting video game and karaoke software from a host facility to communication terminal devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Video games have become a very popular form of family entertainment. In order to play a video game, a game cassette is first installed in a video game machine body. Game data, contained in the cassette and including video information and usually audio information, is read and outputted to a common television receiver. Accordingly, the one who wishes to play a video game must have a video game machine and a game cassette, besides a television set. Once the game cassette is installed, the player can play the game whenever and as many times as the player wishes. [0004] However, therein lies a problem: the player has to purchase each and every game cassette he wishes to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an interactive communication system that allows video game and karaoke software to be transmitted and played at a communication terminal device in a home. The communication terminal device includes a communication means for sending and receiving data, and a computer for controlling the communication means. The computer controls the communication means by supplying control instructions to the communication means. The communication terminal device also includes temporary storage means for temporarily storing the data inputted from the communication lines, and game data outputting means for outputting the game data to display and sound generating means. The game data can be deleted after a predetermined time period. The communication system also includes a host facility intercommunicably connected to the communication terminal device, which sends game data to the communication terminal device upon request. The game data is temporarily stored in the temporary storage means and then deleted. The invention provides a cost-effective and convenient way for players to access video games and karaoke software without the need for expensive game cassettes. The system also allows for easy sharing of game data among multiple players and provides child discipline benefits."

Problems solved by technology

However, therein lies a problem: the player has to purchase each and every game cassette he wishes to play, which can be very costly.

Thus, there arise problems of accumulated expenditure and limited storage space for the increasing number of karaoke programs.

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