IPTV Game Continuation via Server-Side State Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home video game systems face limitations in saving and accessing previous game information, and Internet-based games can be difficult to play on televisions, requiring authentication and having constraints on memory and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using an IPTV system with a server and set-top box devices to retrieve and authorize previous game information, allowing users to continue games based on their identities, and enabling multiplayer continuation of games across multiple players.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If home video game systems use local memory media to save game information, then users can continue games locally, but the amount of information that can be saved is limited by memory constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevious game informationVSAvoidmemory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (hard drive or other storage device) between the limited memory media and the game system. This intermediary provides expanded storage capacity for saving previous game information, allowing users to continue games without being constrained by the limited capacity of local memory media.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If Internet-based games are accessed from televisions, then users can play games on large displays, but authentication and access difficulties arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame accessibilityVSAvoidauthentication process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically performs authentication and game retrieval operations. When a user requests to continue a game, the system automatically authenticates the user, retrieves the appropriate game information from storage, and launches the game without requiring manual authentication steps, thereby simplifying the user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If home video game systems are used, then users can play games without paying each time, but constraints on memory media limit saved game information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlimited game playVSAvoidprevious game information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If authentication information is required to access previous game information, then security is improved, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser identity verificationVSAvoidgame continuation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8678928B2System and method to deliver video games

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 SBC KNOWLEDGE VENTURES LP

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a system and method to deliver video games. The method includes receiving a request for a game from a set-top box device. The method also includes determining whether at least one user identity is associated with the set-top box device. The method also includes retrieving previous game information associated with the at least one user identity. The method can also include providing the previous game information to the set-top box device and allowing at least one user to continue a previously executed game in response to a user selection at least partially based on the previous game information.