C
`Umted States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`Bakoglu et al.
`
`US005632681A
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,632,681
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`May 27, 1997
`
`1/1986 Abraham .................................. 455/4.2
`2/1936 Best
`....................
`364/410
`5/1936 Abraham .................. 455/51
`xlgai-1--------
`343/335
`' "
`7/1939 Shc
`Cy ct
`4,349,317
`463/40
`9/1991 Ragga};""""""""H
`5,051,322
`5/1992 Durst, Jr .364/DIG 1
`5’113:513
`S:166,886 11/1992 Molnar oral.
`364/4'79
`5,131,107
`1/1993 Rhoades ..... ... ..
`. .... 455/4.2
`5,251,909 10/1993 Reed et a1.
`..
`463/43
`5,347,304
`9/1994 Moura et al.
`455/5.1
`5,350,176
`9/1994 Hochstein etal. ..
`463/42
`
`
`
`4,567,512
`4,569,026
`4,590,516
`
`[54] UNIVERSAL ELECTRONIC VIDEO GAME
`RENTING/DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Halil B. Bakoglu. Ossining; Inching
`Chen’ Wappingers Fans; Andy G‘
`Lean’ M°‘fi°k; Kiy°5hi M““'“3"““a’
`ChaPPa‘l“a? Ch““g'“’ai Y“°- Y°‘kt°W“
`Heights all 0f N-Y-
`.
`‘
`_
`International Business Machines
`Corporation, Armonk. N.Y.
`
`_
`[73] Asslgneat
`
`No‘:
`
`,
`.
`Man 7’ 1995
`[22] Filed
`[51]
`Int. Cl.5 ........................................................ A63F 9/24
`U.S.
`.................................
`463/40; 463/25; 455/4.2; 455/5.1; 455/6.2;
`455/6.3; 364/410; 364/479.04; 364/DIG. 1;
`379/90; 348/7; 348/12; 348/13; 348/552;
`340/323 R
`[5 8] Field of Search .......................... .. 463/24-25. 29-31.
`463/40-45; 455/2. 4.1-6.3. 32.1; 364/130.
`141. 146. 410. 479. DIG. 1; 348/3. 7. 10.
`12-13. 552; 340/323 R; 379/90. 102. 91,
`104-105. 111-114, 140; 395/400, 425.
`650
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,398,189
`4,498,079
`
`...................... 463/33
`8/1983 Pasierb, Jr. et al.
`2/1985 Ghosh et al.
`............................. 463/33
`
`Hornbuckle ............................. 364/410
`5,497,479
`Primary Examiner—Jessica Harrison
`Assistant Examiner—Mark Sager
`Attomey, Agent, or Fz'rm—Doug1as W. Cameron
`
`A video game cartridge that can be plugged into a video
`game machine to enable a user to request and play a video
`game for a predetermined number of video frames. The
`cartridge has a receiver for receiving the video game pro-
`gram and the predetermined frame count in response to a
`request from the user. The program and frame count is then
`stored in amemory of the cartridge. Finally, the cartridge has
`a counter which changes its value when the user is actively
`playing the video game program. The counter ceases to
`change its value when the user is not playing the video game
`program. When the counter reaches a predetermined limit,
`the user is no longer authorized to play the video game
`program.
`
`11 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`BASE UNIT
`
`vrnau GAME
`
`TD TV
`MUNITIJR
`
`GAME DR
`PRDGRAM
`SERVER
`
`SHUTDEIVN RDUTINEI
`STDRE REMAINING
`FRAME CDUNT
`
`304
`
`
`
`
`
`NI]
`TE] GAME PROGRAM
`CEILLECTIEINS
`
`Apple Exhibit 1045
`
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`May 27, 1997
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
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`5,632,681
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`

`
`1
`UNIVERSAL ELECTRONIC VIDEO GAME
`RENTING/DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This invention relates to a video game cartridge for
`receiving video game programs from a remote server.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
`
`Today, there are many video games available for purchase
`or for rental at stores. Generally. there is no trial or test
`playing of the games in the stores, and there is no return on
`purchased games once the game package has been opened.
`Therefore, a person who is interested in any game has to buy
`it before playing it and thus may face the risk of not lildng
`the game later. There is no return or refund of the game since
`the package has been opened A person who rents a game
`from a store has to go through the usual VCR tape rental
`trouble of driving to the store, picking up the game and then
`later returning the game to the store.
`To make video game rental easier for the consumer, Sega
`has created the Sega Channel. In this service, via cable and
`using a cable adapter unit which is plugged into the Sega
`Genesis game machine. people can play games that are
`downloaded to the cable adapter. It requires the on-line Sega
`Channel connection as well as the special adapter while the
`game is being played.
`Down loading a software program to a personal computer
`over the modem connection exists today. Such software can
`come with a limited life where the life can be specified by
`expiration date. or time, or the number of times of the
`software usage. These schemes in limiting the software
`usage is not applicable to down loading Video games to
`cartridges which are plugged into existing video game base
`units because these game base units do not have timer device
`built in. Thus a new scheme for controlling the usage of the
`game is needed.
`The US. Pat No. 4,905,280 to J. D. Wiedemer, et al
`describes a method for real time down loading of broadcast
`programs for pay-per-view or for subscription.
`Descrambling of broadcast programs is done by codes on
`a replaceable memory module. which is delivered to a
`subscriber by the service provider. This patent is applicable
`to the “purchase” of software content or real-time service,
`but it is not applicable to limiting the life of rented software.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,909 to Reed et al describes software
`renting or distributing schemes in which access is granted to
`a subscriber prior to the actual programs being transmitted.
`This patent describes an off-line process and is not appli-
`cable to delivering software for rental purposes.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is an object of this invention to provide a portable Video
`game cartridge which can be plugged into a video game
`machine base unit, such as Nintendos, Sega Genesis” video
`game machine or Atari’s Jaguarm video game machine. The
`cartridge will allow a video game program to be used by
`receiving the video program over a telephone network or
`cable system.
`The current invention describes a way of distributing and
`controlling the usage of a video game program (or any
`software program) by using a “watchdog mechanism” and
`by limiting the “life” of a game by limiting the total number
`of graphic frames that a video machine can generate. It offers
`a simple and effective way of software renting and distri-
`bution where game machines have no timer.
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`It is also an object of this invention to prevent piracy of
`video programs and programs in general by storing the
`frame count in a random location of the memory that is
`unknown to a potential pirate, especially if the count itself
`is encrypted. Since the count is part of the video game
`program or program execution path, the video game or
`program cannot be used without knowledge of the count.
`This invention is generally an apparatus and method for
`enabling a user to request and use a program where the user
`receives the program and a frame count indicating the
`number of frames of the program that the user is authorized
`to execute or use. This program and the frame count is then
`stored in a memory. When the user is actively providing
`input to the program, the frame count changes. The frame
`count will cease to change when the user is not providing
`input to the program. When the count reaches a predeter-
`mined limit, the user is prevented from continuing use of the
`program.
`This invention is a video game cartridge which can be
`plugged into a video game machine for enabling a user to
`receive and play a video game for a predetermined number
`of frames. The cartridge has a receiver for receiving the
`video program and for receiving a frame count indicating the
`number of video frames of the video game program that the
`user is authorized to play. The video program and frame
`count is then stored in a memory of the cartridge. The
`cartridge also has a counter which changes the frame count
`when the user is actively playing the video game program.
`When the user is not playing the video game program, the
`counter ceases to change its count. Finally when the counter
`reaches a predetermined limit, the user is prevented from
`further playing the video game program.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the major components of
`the video game cartridge along with a video game machine
`and a remote server.
`
`FIG. 2 is a functional diagram showing the functions of
`each of the major components of the video game cartridge.
`FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the flow chart for the
`watch “dog mechanism”.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a sample diagram of a electronic game
`or program renting system setup. The dotted line encloses
`the portable and programmable game cartridge unit 100 that
`can be plugged into a video game machine base unit 102,
`such as Sega Genesis” video game machine, and remotely
`be connected to a video game server 101 via a modem
`connection. The connection to the remote video server can
`
`be through cable TV, or other telecommunication facilities.
`When a video game base unit 102 is powered on, a user
`could either play a game (or games) stored in the program-
`mable game cartridge 100 or place an order of a new game
`(either for rental or for purchase) to the game or program
`server 101. The cartridge 100 contains screen assistance
`(and voice assistance) to help place an order for a video
`game program to the server 101.
`FIG. 2 illustrates the components of the video game
`cartridge unit 100. It consists of modem 201, microcontrol-
`ler 202, flash memory 203 and an interface 204 to the video
`game base unit 102. The modem 201 performs the interface
`to the telephone or cable network. It can optionally perform
`decompression of received game or software if necessary.
`
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`5,632,681
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`3
`The received game is stored in flash memory 203. The game
`comes with its “life” which is indicated by the total number
`of graphic frames the video game machine 102 is authorized
`to generate when the game is actively played. For example.
`the game machine could render game graphics frame by
`frame at the rate of thirty flamers per second.
`After the number of graphic frames is exhausted. further
`playing of the game is prevented by the following mecha-
`nism. The flash memory 203 also stores a “watchdog mecha-
`nism” which keeps track of the remaining life of the game.
`An hourglass routine is embedded in the watchdog mecha-
`nism which is executed by microcontroller 202. This watch-
`dog mechanism updates and tracks down a specified register
`in the flash memory 203 with its location randomly deter-
`mined by the game server 101 in FIG. 1 during the down
`loading of the game.
`The use of expiration date or time for voiding the game is
`an obvious approach if the video game base unit 102 comes
`with a timer. Since this patent application assumes a game
`base unit 102 which has no timer (which is the case of many
`existing game machines). the “ ' e” of the rented game is
`determined by the total number of graphic flames that the
`base game unit can generate. This “life”, or frame count. is
`what a renter gets when a game is down loaded. It is stored
`into a location in the flash memory 203. The location into
`which the frame count is stored in the flash memory is
`determined randomly by the video server at the time of the
`game down loading. The video game can resume at any time
`when it is being turned on, provided there is available frame
`count stored in the designated random location. The micro-
`controller 202 can pick up the frame count and allow the
`renting period. and thus the game or software. to be con-
`tinued. As the rented game is being played, the frame count
`is decremented. When the user turns off the power. the
`hourglass routine in memory 203 will first store the remain-
`ing frame count to a random location in the non-volatile
`memory 203 and then shut down the game. The rental
`expires when there is no frame count remaining. The micro-
`controller 202 will not allow any portion of the game to be
`played by the game base unit 102 when the frame count
`reaches zero.
`
`FIG. 3 illustrates the watchdog mechanism embedded
`with the video game program execution path that contains
`the hourglass routine which serves as part of the watchdog
`mechanism which can expire the game. When the user starts
`the game. the flame count is first fetched (305) and checked
`(306). If the frame count reaches zero. the game is over even
`though the game unit still has its power on (306N). If the
`frame count is still greater than zero (306Y). the scanner
`continues to monitor the game player’s input in playing the
`video game (307). No active input (307) means the player is
`not playing the video game. and the scanner continues to
`monitor the player inputs from the key pad connected to the
`Video game. When there is no active input. the video game
`will not render any game graphic flames. Therefore. the
`game program execution path will fall through decisions 308
`and 309 and immediately return to continue scanning (307).
`When the game is not actively played and the player leaves
`the game machine’s power on. the game will be sitting idle
`without rendering any new graphic frames. The frame count
`will not be consumed until the player becomes active again
`in playing the game as detected by the scanner (307 and
`308).
`If the player’s input has been detected as active (307), a
`check is made to see if graphic rendering is required (309).
`Graphics rendering is required when the game program
`determines that the input signals from the key pad connected
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`to the video game are valid signals. Ifrendering is required
`(309Y), the frame counter will be decremented (301). The
`hourglass routine (301 and 302) decrements the frame count
`and checks for any frame count left.
`If the count is valid (302Y). then the program flows back
`to (310) which is the game program main collections. and
`then at the same time. 302 Y‘ branches to check for power-
`off condition (303).
`If the user decides to power-oif the game. the watchdog
`mechanism will go through decision (303) and the shutdown
`routine (304) to store any remaining flame count in the flash
`memory. The shutdown routine stores the remaining frame
`count in the flash memory and exits the game. In summary
`flowchart components (301-306) and their associated flash
`memory form the “watchdog mechanism” that contains the
`hourglass routine (301 and 302) to keep track of the games
`“life” (remaining frame count). The watchdog mechanism
`also insures that the game can be resumed if there is still a
`valid frame count in the flash memory. Microcontroller
`(202) can also give advance warning when the rental is about
`to expire. Rental extension. if desired. can be downloaded
`again by the server (101) through a telephone or cable
`connection. Thus. server (101) in FIG. 1 has complete
`control over the game playing time. which should reflect the
`user’s request for renting the game.
`Although this embodiment was described in terms of a
`video game program in a cartridge. this invention can be
`extended to software programs in general. As long as the
`programs monitor user inputs, a scanner and watchdog
`mechanism can be implemented in similar fashion using a
`non-volatile memory.
`The watchdog mechanism can even be made more secure
`by encrypting the frame count. which is stored at a random
`location in the memory. Even if the would-be pirate
`stumbles across the count in the memory. he/she wouldn’t
`know what he/she found.
`
`Having thus described our invention. what we claim as
`new and desire to secure by Letters Patents is:
`1. An apparatus for enabling a user to request and use a
`program, said apparatus comprising:
`a. a receiver for receiving the program and a frame count
`indicating a number of frames of the program that is
`authorized for execution by the user;
`b. a memory for storing the program and the frame count
`received by the receiver; and
`c. a counter for changing the flame count when the user
`is actively providing input to the program. wherein the
`counter ceases to change the count when the user is not
`providing input to the program. and wherein the user is
`prevented flom continuing use of the program when the
`counter reaches a predetermined limit.
`2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1. further comprising:
`means for randomly determining an address in the
`memory in which the frame count
`is stored. and
`wherein the address is unknown to the user.
`3. A method of enabling a user to request and use a
`program. said method comprising:
`a. receiving the game program and a frame count indi-
`cating a number of frames of the program that is
`authorized for use by the user in response to a request;
`b. a memory for storing the program and the flame count;
`and
`
`c. changing the frame count when the user is actively
`using the program, wherein the flame count ceases to
`change when the user is not using the program and
`
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`5,632,681
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`5
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`wherein the user is prevented from continuing use of
`the program when the counter reaches a predetermined
`limit.
`4. Amethod as recited in claim 3, wherein the frame count
`is stored in a randomly determined location in the memory.
`5. A video game carlridge which is plugged into, for
`operation with, a video game machine to enable a user to
`request and play a video game program which is received
`from a remotely located server, said video game cartridge
`comprising:
`a. a receiver for receiving from the server the video game
`program and a frame count indicating a number of
`frames of the video game program that is authorized for
`play by the user in response to a request;
`b. a memory for storing the video game program and the
`frame count received by the receiver; and
`c. a counter for changing the frame count when the user
`is actively playing the video game program. wherein
`the counter ceases to change the count when the user is
`not playing the video game program, and wherein the
`user is prevented from further playing the video game
`program when the counter reaches a predetermined
`limit. indicating that the user has played said video
`game for the number of frames.
`6. A video game cartridge as recited in claim 5, further
`comprising:
`means for randomly determining an address in the
`memory in which the frame count is stored.
`7. A video game cartridge as recited in claim 5, further
`comprising:
`a modem for transmitting to the server the request from
`the user to play a video game program.
`8. A video game cartridge. as recited in claim 5. wherein
`said memory is a non-volatile memory.
`9. A video game cartridge. as recited in claim 8, wherein
`the frame count indicated in the counter is stored in the
`
`memory when power for the video game machine is turned
`off.
`
`6
`10. A video game cartridge, as recited in claim 9, further
`comprising:
`a means for retrieving the frame count stored in the
`memory when power for said game machine is turned
`on.
`
`11. A video game cartridge which is plugged into, for
`operation with, a video game machine to enable a user to
`request and play a video game program which is received
`from a remotely located server, said video game cartridge
`comprising:
`a. a modem for transmitting from the user over a tele-
`phone or cable network a request to receive the video
`game from the server, and for receiving the video game
`program and frame count from the server over the
`telephone or cable network. the frame count indicating
`a predetermined number of frames of the video game
`program that is authorized for play by the user in
`response to the request;
`b. a non-Volatile memory for storing the video game
`program and the frame count;
`c. a counter for changing the frame count when the player
`is actively playing the video game;
`d. a means for storing the changed frame count of the
`counter in the memory when the power to the video
`game machine is turned off; and
`e. a means for retrieving the changed frame count stored
`in the memory when the player resumes playing the
`video game, wherein the user is prevented from further
`playing of the video game program when the frame
`count of the counter reaches a predetermined limit,
`indicating that the user has played said video game for
`the predetermined number of frames.
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