Set-Top Box Game Caching Reduces Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Game on Demand server systems consume excessive broadband bandwidth during play sessions as game content remains resident on the server, processing controller commands over the network, leading to potential glitches and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where video game content is downloaded and installed on a set-top box, allowing local execution of controller commands, reducing network traffic and enhancing gameplay experience through local processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If game content remains resident on the server for processing controller commands, then network connectivity is maintained, but broadband bandwidth consumption increases excessively and network delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts game content from the server and stores it locally on the set-top box. The set-top box downloads and caches game binaries, allowing it to process controller commands locally rather than continuously querying the server. This extraction of content from the network reduces bandwidth consumption while maintaining network connectivity for authorization and updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by downloading and caching game content before actual gameplay. The set-top box pre-loads game binaries into local memory, so when a player initiates a game, the content is already available locally. This preliminary retrieval of content eliminates the need for continuous network transactions during play, reducing bandwidth usage and latency.
2Extent of automation
If game content is processed over the network through the server, then centralized control is maintained, but network traffic increases and gameplay smoothness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the game processing function between the server and the set-top box. The server maintains centralized authorization control and manages user accounts, while the set-top box handles local game execution and controller command processing. This segmentation allows automated centralized control for security while eliminating network processing delays for actual gameplay operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box acts as an intermediary between the player's controller and the server. It receives controller commands locally, processes them through the cached game binary, and only communicates with the server for authorization and state synchronization. This intermediary role eliminates direct network processing delays while maintaining server-based automation for control and security.
3Loss of energy
If video game content is downloaded and installed on the set-top box for local execution, then network bandwidth consumption is reduced, but device storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by downloading and caching only the necessary game binaries and assets required for specific games, rather than storing all possible content. The set-top box selectively retrieves game content based on user selection and game state, reducing the total storage footprint while maintaining the ability to play multiple games. This partial caching approach reduces bandwidth consumption during play without requiring excessive storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for the automated payment, download over a network, installation on a set-top box, and play of console and online video games by user interaction with a controller-adapted set-top box. Security measures inhibit video game piracy.