U.S. patent application number 12/064300 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for method and device for sending and receiving game content including download thereof.
Invention is credited to Juha Arrasvuori, Antti Eronen, Jukka Holm, Hui Huang, Ville Kankainen, Ari M. Koivisto, Jian Ma, Jouka Mattila, Ville-Veikko Mattila, Eero Rasanen, Jyri P. Salomaa, Yi Wu, Dongmei Zhang.
Application Number | 20090118020 12/064300 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37771259 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090118020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koivisto; Ari M. ; et
al. |
May 7, 2009 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SENDING AND RECEIVING GAME CONTENT INCLUDING
DOWNLOAD THEREOF
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to methods and devices
as well as handheld stations and computer program products for
sending video game content to handheld mobile terminals, comprising
broadcasting common video game content to handheld mobile
communication terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld
channel, to enable said handheld mobile terminals to execute video
game applications.
Inventors: |
Koivisto; Ari M.; (Tampere,
FI) ; Rasanen; Eero; (Tampere, FI) ; Wu;
Yi; (Beijing, CN) ; Ma; Jian; (Beijing,
CN) ; Huang; Hui; (Beijing, CN) ; Zhang;
Dongmei; (Beijing, CN) ; Arrasvuori; Juha;
(Tampere, FI) ; Holm; Jukka; (Tampere, FI)
; Eronen; Antti; (Tampere, FI) ; Mattila;
Ville-Veikko; (Tampere, FI) ; Mattila; Jouka;
(Tampere, FI) ; Salomaa; Jyri P.; (Jorvas, FI)
; Kankainen; Ville; (Tampere, FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA, 101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Family ID: |
37771259 |
Appl. No.: |
12/064300 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
August 25, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB05/02526 |
371 Date: |
September 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/92 20140902;
H04H 20/95 20130101; H04N 21/6131 20130101; H04L 67/38 20130101;
H04H 60/68 20130101; A63F 13/77 20140902; H04N 21/64315 20130101;
A63F 13/12 20130101; A63F 2300/552 20130101; H04H 20/57 20130101;
A63F 13/338 20140902; A63F 2300/204 20130101; A63F 2300/409
20130101; A63F 13/355 20140902; H04N 21/41407 20130101; A63F 13/332
20140902; H04H 20/91 20130101; H04L 67/04 20130101; H04N 21/4781
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of sending video game content to handheld mobile
terminals, comprising: combining common video game content with a
video data stream; and broadcasting said common video game content
combined with said video data stream to one or more handheld mobile
communication terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld
channel using datacast, to enable said handheld mobile terminals to
execute video game applications.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving said
common video game content from a remote game server.
3. (canceled)
4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a
video data stream, generating said common video game content
according to a content of said received video data stream,
combining said generated common video game content with said
received video data stream, and broadcasting said common video game
content combined with said video data stream to one or more
handheld mobile terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld
channel.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein using datacast comprises
using internet protocol datacast.
6. A method of receiving video game content at a handheld mobile
terminal, comprising: receiving a common video game content at a
handheld mobile terminal combined with a video stream of a digital
video broadcast channel via a digital video handheld broadcast
channel using datacast; extracting said common video game content
from said video stream; displaying said received video stream on a
display of said handheld mobile terminal; and using at least a part
of said extracted common video game content for executing a video
game application on said handheld mobile terminal in accordance
with said received and displayed video stream.
7. A method according to claim 6, further comprising executing at
least a part of said received common video game content.
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. A method according to claim 6, further comprising depicting
said received video stream and video game display elements of said
executed video game application superimposed on said display of
said handheld mobile terminal.
11. A method according to claim 6, further comprising. checking if
said executed video game content is related to an actual content of
said video stream displayed on the display of said handheld mobile
terminal, and interrupting the execution of said video game
application if said executed video game application is not related
to an actual content of said video stream displayed on the display
of said handheld mobile terminal.
12. A method according to claim 6, wherein said handheld mobile
terminal is a handheld mobile communication terminal, and wherein
said common video game content is related to a multi-player online
video game application, and wherein said method further comprises
sending individual video game content via a wireless wide area
communication network.
13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising receiving
individual video game content via a wireless wide area
communication network.
14. A method according to claim 12, wherein said wireless wide area
communication network is a universal mobile telecommunication
system.
15. A method according to claim 6, wherein using datacast comprises
using internet protocol datacast.
16. A method for exchanging video game content of an online video
game application on an online video game server with a number of
connected handheld mobile communication terminals, comprising:
operating an online video game application on said online video
game server, combining common video game content with a video data
stream, sending the common video game content combined with the
video data stream to at least one handheld mobile communication
terminal via a digital video broadcast channel using datacast, and
receiving individual video game content from at least one connected
handheld mobile communication terminal via a wide area
communication network.
17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising sending
individual video game content to at least one connected handheld
mobile communication terminal via a wide area communication
network.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said wireless wide area
communication network is a universal mobile telecommunication
system.
19. A method according to claim 16 to 18, further comprising:
receiving a video data stream, generating said common video game
content according to the content of said received video data
stream, sending said common video game content to a broadcast
station for combination with a video data stream to handheld mobile
communication terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld
channel, checking if said received individual video game content is
related to an actual content of said video stream, and interrupting
the reception of said individual video game content if said
received individual video game content is not related to an actual
content of said video stream.
20. A method according to claim 16, further comprising: generating
said video game content, checking if said video game content is
timing critical, and classifying said video game content as common
video game content if it is not timing critical and classifying
said video game content as individual video game content if it is
timing critical.
21. Computer program product capable of exchanging video game
content of an online video game application between a video game
server and handheld mobile terminals, comprising program code
sections for carrying out the steps of claim 1, when said program
is run on a controller, processor-based device, a computer, a
microprocessor based device, a terminal, a network device, a mobile
terminal or a mobile communication enabled terminal.
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. Digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station, wherein
the digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station is
configured to use datacast for sending game content comprising: a
storage for storing a common video game content; a digital video
broadcast handheld encoder in communication with connected to said
storage, for encoding common video game content retrieved from said
storage, an interface for receiving a video data stream, a
combiner, in communication with the digital video broadcast
handheld encoder for combining the common video game content with
the video data stream, a transmitter connected to said digital
video broadcast handheld encoder, to broadcast said encoded common
video game content combined with the video data stream via a
digital video broadcast handheld channel.
26. Digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station according
to claim 25, further comprising a receiver connected to said
storage, for receiving said common video game content from a remote
game server.
27. (canceled)
28. Digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station according
to claim 25, further comprising: a generator connected to said
interface for generating common video game content according to a
content of said received video data stream, and wherein said
generator and said interface are connected to said combiner and
said combiner is configured to combine said generated common video
game content with said received video data stream.
29. (canceled)
30. Handheld mobile terminal comprising: a digital video broadcast
handheld receiver, the receiver configured to receive a video
stream of a digital video broadcast channel including for receiving
a common video game content at said handheld mobile terminal via a
digital video broadcast channel according to datacast; an extractor
in communication with the receiver, the extractor configured to
extract the common video game content from the video stream. a
processing unit connected to said digital video broadcast handheld
receiver and the extractor for executing a video game application
using at least a part of said common video game content on said
handheld mobile terminal, and a display connected to the processing
unit.
31. (canceled)
32. Handheld mobile communication terminal according to claim 30,
wherein said processing unit is configured to use at least a part
of said extracted common video game content for executing a video
game application.
33. Handheld mobile communication terminal according to claim 32,
wherein said handheld mobile communication terminal is configured
to display said video stream and/or said executed video game on
said display.
34. Handheld mobile communication terminal according to claim 33,
wherein said processing unit is configured to display said received
video stream on a display of said handheld mobile communication
terminal, and execute said video game application in the handheld
mobile communication terminal in accordance with said received and
displayed video stream.
35. Handheld mobile communication terminal according to claim 34,
further comprising a superimposer connected to said processing unit
to depict said received video stream and video game display
elements of said executed video game application superimposed on
said display on said handheld mobile communication terminal.
36. Handheld mobile communication terminal according to claim 34,
further comprising a checking unit, connected to said processing
unit, to check if an executed video game content is related to an
actual content of said video stream displayed on a display of said
handheld mobile communication terminal, wherein said processing
unit is configured to interrupt the executing said video game
application if said executed video game application is not related
to an actual content of said video stream displayed on a display of
said handheld mobile communication terminal.
37. Handheld mobile communication terminal according to anyone
claim 30, further comprising an interface to a wide area
communication network, connected to said processing unit, for
sending individual video game content via a wide area communication
network, and wherein said common video game content is related to
the multi-player online video game application, and wherein said
processing unit is configured to send individual video game content
via said interface via a wide area communication network.
38. Handheld mobile communication terminal according to claim 37,
wherein said handheld mobile communication terminal is further
configured to receive individual video game content via said
interface or through a wireless wide area communication
network.
39. Handheld mobile communication terminal according to claim 38,
wherein said interface to a wide area communication network is an
interface to a universal mobile telecommunication system.
40. (canceled)
41. Handheld mobile terminal according to claim 30, further
comprising mobile telephone module connected to said processing
unit.
42. Online game server for exchanging video game content of an
online video game application on an online video game server with a
number of connected handheld mobile communication terminals,
comprising: a processing unit to operate an online video game
application, a combiner for combining common video game content and
a video data stream; a first interface to a digital video broadcast
handheld transmitting station, connected to said processing unit,
for sending common video game content combined with the video data
stream to at least one handheld mobile communication terminal via a
digital video broadcast handheld channel using datacast, and a
second interface to a wide area communication network, connected to
said processing unit, for receiving individual video game content
from at least one connected handheld mobile communication terminal
via a wide area communication network.
43. Online game server according to claim 42, wherein said
interface to a wide area communication network is further
configured to send individual video game content to at least one
connected handheld mobile communication terminal via a wide area
communication network.
44. Online game server according to claim 42, further comprising: a
video game content generator connected to said control processing
unit receiving a video data stream, for generating said common
video game content according to content of said received video data
stream, and a checking unit to check if said received individual
video game content is related to an actual content of said video
data stream, wherein said processing unit is configured to send
said generated common video game content to a broadcast station for
combination with a video data stream to handheld mobile
communication terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld
channel, to check if said received individual video game content is
related to an actual content of said video stream, and to interrupt
the reception of said individual video game content if said
received individual video game content is not related to an actual
content of said video stream.
45. A method comprising: operating an online video game application
on an online video game server; generating video game content;
determining if the video game content is timing critical, wherein
determining if the video game content is timing critical comprises
classifying the video game content as common video game content if
the video game content is not timing critical, and classifying the
video game content as individual video game content if the video
game content is timing critical; sending common video game content
to at least one handheld mobile communication terminal via a
digital video broadcast channel; and receiving individual video
game content from at least one connected handheld mobile
communication terminal via a wide area communication network.
46. A computing device comprising: a processing unit configured to
operate an online video game application;
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of game data
transfer to handheld mobile communication terminals. The present
invention also relates to mobile multi-player online gaming. During
such games data including game content has to be sent from the
server to the players and back. The present invention also pertains
to the delivery of amounts of data to mobile terminal devices. The
present invention also proposes a new way to deliver video game
resources (application, sounds, game levels, graphics, etc.) over
digital television broadcasts, wherein the video game can be tied
with television content such as certain shows.
[0002] In the area of online gaming often, the same data has to be
sent to a large number of players. Frequently, this data is not
especially timing critical, e.g. new backgrounds, new levels,
sounds or features or the game software itself. In online gaming
there are also individual data that are often timing critical such
as game character actions. The present invention strives to find a
new way to optimize the use of data transfer resources for an
optimal gaming experience.
[0003] This invention is also related to the networking solutions
for high-quality mobile massive multi-player on-line games (MMOG).
The present invention is especially related to a novel algorithm
with an effective combination of UMTS and radio digital
broadcasting system for handheld devices.
[0004] The global spread of on-line multi-player gaming has made it
more important to investigate the network behavior and game
performance for better and broader networking supports. With
increased requirements of the players and the expanded scale of the
games, the downlink traffic tends to occupy more and more bandwidth
resource, which is scarce and expensive in mobile networks.
[0005] Today, applications, such as games, can be downloaded into
consumer devices over the air (OTA) utilizing cellular networks,
WLAN, BT, etc. These downloading methods offer different bit rates
and have different radio frequency coverage ranges. While cellular
networks today offer good coverage, the available bit rates do not
allow large game content to be downloaded within acceptable time
periods.
[0006] The term computer game is a game usually composed of a
computer controlled virtual environment in which players may
interact in order to achieve a goal or a set of goals. The
expression "video game" is used in the text in the sense of a game
that for execution is depicted on a screen or a display of a
handheld terminal device. The expression "video games" is not used
in the sense of a video console game that is strongly tied to a
single hardware equipment. The term "video game" is used in the
sense of computer game where the video display is the primary
feedback or output device. The expressions "computer game" or
"video game" are not restricted to games to be executed on personal
computers or video game consoles. In the following text the
expression video game is used to refer to interactive game software
of computer and video games irrespective on which kind of device or
terminal (neither personal computer nor video game console) it is
executed.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention a
method of sending video game contents to handheld mobile
communication terminals is provided. The method comprises
broadcasting common video game content to handheld mobile
communication terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld
channel. This basic embodiment simply discloses the use of a
digital video broadcast handheld channel for downloading common
video game content.
[0008] This embodiment is directed to special game online games
such as obstacle race (a game where a user has to avoid obstacles
on a path with increasing speed) or other pure reaction games that
are based on single data stream. This first example embodiment can
be used to utilize the whole digital video broadcast handheld
channel only for common video game content. The term "common video
game content" has been selected to indicate that the video game
content is common i.e. not individually tailored for each user or
receiver. This first embodiment does not require any upload or
uplink data transfer and may be used as a kind of downlink only
game. It may also serve to download complete software updates.
[0009] This embodiment of the method is intended to be executed on
a digital video broadcast handheld (DVB-H) broadcast station,
especially for game content downloading. However, it is also
possible to execute this method also at an online game server that
is capable of digital video broadcast handheld (DVB-H) broadcasting
including game content.
[0010] The use of mobile, digital TV broadcasting networks,
provides a wide area coverage and high bit rate, to download large
game content over the air for mobile online multi-player
gaming.
[0011] It should be noted that a whole DVB-H channel may be used
for data transmission alternatively to TV transmission (e.g. at
times of the day when there is no TV program). It is also envisaged
to utilize unused capacity of TV transmission (e.g. when the
picture doesn't change much and the data stream for TV only
requires a low data rate) for the data transmission.
[0012] In an example embodiment the method further comprises
receiving said common video game content from a remote game server.
In this case the sender or provider of the said common video game
content may be a remote server, such as e.g. from an online game
provider or from an advertisement server.
[0013] In another example embodiment the method can further
comprise combining/integrating said common video game content (that
may have been received from a remote game server) with/into a video
data stream, and broadcasting said common video game content
combined with/integrated in said video data stream to said handheld
mobile communication terminal via a DVB-H channel including game
content.
[0014] In yet another example embodiment the method further
comprises receiving a video data stream, generating said common
video game content according to a content of said received video
data stream, combining said generated common video game content
with said received video data stream, and broadcasting said common
video game content combined with said video data stream to handheld
mobile communication terminals via a digital video broadcast
handheld channel.
[0015] The video data stream can be received from a digitizer, a
storage, an archive, or a video stream provider. The common video
game content is generated according to a content of said received
video data stream. The software for generating said common video
game content might be received from a remote game server. That is
the common video game content is related to the video data stream.
It is for example possible to define certain target areas in the
video stream as common video game content. This embodiment is
directed to provide a kind of augmented TV online gaming.
[0016] Then the generated common video game content and the video
data stream are merged and broadcasted to handheld mobile
communication terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld
channel. That is the video game content is tied to the content of
the video stream and may further be related to the content of the
video stream.
[0017] In another example embodiment said common video game content
is transferred to said handheld mobile communication terminals
using Internet protocol datacast (IPDC).
[0018] In the context of massive multi-player games that are played
by wide audiences who all share a lot of common data of the game
world, such data could be sent in a broadcast, from which each
client filters out the unnecessary data, using only the parts
essential for the particular player.
[0019] The method of the invention may be extended by an additional
step of filtering out the necessary data, using only the parts
essential for that particular player for executing the online game
application.
[0020] According to another aspect of the invention a method is
provided for receiving video game content at a handheld mobile
communication terminal. The method comprises receiving a common
video game content at a handheld mobile communication terminal via
a digital video broadcast channel, and using at least a part of
said common video game content for executing a video game
application on said handheld mobile communication terminal.
[0021] This basic embodiment may be embodied as the download of
video game content at a handheld mobile communication terminal.
This may be embodied to utilize the whole digital video broadcast
handheld channel only for common video game content. The common
video game content is common i.e. not individually tailored for
each single terminal. This first embodiment does not require any
upload or uplink data transfer and may be used as a kind of
downlink only game.
[0022] In another example embodiment said method further comprises
executing at least a part of said received common video game
content. This embodiment requires an execution of the game
application. This embodiment may also select a certain part of the
common video game content for executing the video game application.
This embodiment may not necessarily require an uplink. This
embodiment may be used to transfer e.g. two different common video
game contents to enable a two player combat game experience, with
two different kinds of target areas that are e.g. only valid for a
single user.
[0023] In yet another example embodiment of the present invention
said common video game content is received at the handheld mobile
communication terminal combined with a video stream of a digital
video broadcast channel. In this case the method further comprises
extracting said common video game content, from said video stream,
and using at least a part of said extracted common video game
content for executing a video game application on said handheld
mobile communication terminal.
[0024] This embodiment discloses the use of a background download
of common video game content via DVB-H, e.g. while a user is
watching TV on his mobile device.
[0025] In another example embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises displaying said received extracted video stream
on a display of said handheld mobile communication terminal, and
executing said video game application in the handheld mobile
communication terminal in accordance with said received and
displayed video stream.
[0026] This embodiment represents a kind of augmented television
gaming, wherein the game is related to the content of a DVB-H audio
or video stream.
[0027] This may be implemented as a "censorship" game, one-button
game to "beep out" any mentioning of a name of a certain person in
a TV play (with points for every completely garbled name (or other
word such as "and") and "negative points for garbled non-target
words).
[0028] Another implementation could be a "play along music videos"
implementation. In this implementation, a set of sample files is
transferred in the beginning as part of the broadcast. The idea in
the game is that the player must press correct buttons at correct
times in accordance to audio signals (or respective display
elements). The buttons the player should press may appear on the
screen superimposed on top of the music videos, or may each be
illuminated at the point in time these keys have to be pressed. It
is also possible that the buttons trigger musical sample files that
are in harmony with the part of the music that is currently heard.
In addition to "jamming" along the music video, also a score is
calculated about the player's efforts.
[0029] It may also be possible to use special audio/video games
that require to press a certain button in case a certain character
or a certain event occurs in the video stream, for example to
generate a certain sound effect as an confirmation.
[0030] In yet another additional example embodiment the method
further comprises depicting said received video stream and video
game display elements of said executed video game application
superimposed on said display on said handheld mobile communication
terminal.
[0031] This feature allows the implementation of games with a wide
variability of forms such as "Assassin" wherein in the beginning of
a television program, the player sees a picture of the character he
must attempt to "shoot" during the television program. Every time
the character appears on the screen, the game application is
notified about this. This gem may also be extended by a crosshair
that may be moved via screen to aim a virtual weapon to a certain
character. In the end of the program, the game shows to the player
how many "hits", "misses" and "innocent victims" he made at
shooting the character. This use case fits particularly well for
cartoon television shows.
[0032] It may be considered to use similar games for broadcasts of
sport events (for directing water bottles to a player), parliament
broadcast debates (directing a microphone to a certain Member of
Parliament) and the like. The same principle may be implemented as
the game "anonymous" wherein a user controls the location, size and
the orientation of a black eye bar on the display to anonymize e.g.
a certain character in e.g. a TV series.
[0033] In yet another additional example embodiment the method
further checks if said executed video game content is related to an
actual content of said video stream displayed on a display of said
handheld mobile communication terminal. In this embodiment the
executing of said video game application can be interrupted (and
the video game content may be deleted) if said executed video game
application is not related to an actual content of said video
stream displayed on a display of said handheld mobile communication
terminal. That is, after a certain broadcast has ended, the
resources become unusable. This may be implemented as a watch and
game implementation, wherein it is only possible to execute a
certain game when a DVB-H program is received. However in a more
sophisticated embodiment the game may be terminated if a certain TV
program or TV has ended.
[0034] It is for example possible to implement "playable
commercials", i.e. special advertisements during which small games
could be played. The theme of the game could be closely related to
the advertised product: e.g. a kind of "Snakes" game in a
commercial for a candy coated chocolate pastilles wherein the snake
hunts graphic elements in the form of candy coated chocolate
pastilles.
[0035] In another example embodiment of the present invention the
common video game content is related to the multi-player online
video game application. In this embodiment the method further
comprises sending individual video game content via a wireless wide
area communication network. The individual video game content is
exchanged with a game server or with another player for executing a
multi-player online game. The term "individual video game content"
has been selected as a content that is terminal specific and may be
timing critical. The individual video game content may be
transferred from a terminal device to a game server and may
comprise e.g. position and status data of a player in a virtual
environment and game input data which may be transferred to, e.g.,
an online game server. The individual video game content may be
transferred via an online connection via a telecommunication
network such as a cellular telephone network. It is also envisaged
to transfer individual video game content from a server to a
terminal via an online communication connection such as e.g. scores
timing critical updates and the like. In the context of the present
invention individual video game content is transferred via a mobile
communication network and the common video game content is sent by
using DVB-H broadcast.
[0036] Such a multi-player online game may be implemented as "Play
the commercial". This implementation is an application to other
television content besides programs. This embodiment may be
implemented by the task to press a button when a certain commercial
is shown. When the player has caught e.g. 50 chocolate bar
commercials, he may be rewarded with a free box of these Products.
The advertisers also benefit from these types of games because they
can get data about the visibility of their advertisements.
[0037] In yet another example embodiment of the present invention
the method further comprises receiving individual video game
content from a game server or from another player via a wireless
wide area communication network.
[0038] This embodiment may be implemented for example as a betting
service on events occurring in live broadcasts. In the beginning of
the broadcast of some live event (e.g. an ice hockey game, a
horse/car race, or the like), the game application is transferred
to the terminals. The users can place bets in real-time of e.g. who
they guess is going to be the next player getting a penalty,
scoring a goal, etc. that are then transferred as individual game
content to another player, an online betting-office or an online
bookmaker. Depending on the legislation of the country where this
service is provided, the player could actually bet real money from
his account. This implementation can be used to transform, everyday
television watching (except of repetitions of TV shows) into a
game.
[0039] According to another example embodiment said wireless wide
area communication network is a wireless wide area communication
network according to the universal mobile telecommunication system
standard. This implementation is directed to DVB-H enabled cellular
game phones or cellular smart phones.
[0040] In another example embodiment of the present invention said
common video game content is received at a handheld mobile
communication terminal via a digital video broadcast channel using
Internet protocol datacast.
[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention a
method for exchanging video game content of an online video game on
an online video game server with a number of connected handheld
mobile communication terminals is provided. The method comprises
operating an online video game on said online video game server,
sending common video game content to at least one handheld mobile
communication terminal via a digital video broadcast channel, and
receiving individual video game content from at least one connected
handheld mobile communication terminal via a wide area
communication network.
[0042] The operation of an online video game application on said
online video game server comprises executing at least a part of
said video game content for managing, executing, or controlling a
video game application. By performing these actions the online
video game application can be executed at least partially on at
least one (connected) handheld mobile communication terminal.
[0043] In an embodiment the game server simply provides common
video game content via a digital video broadcast channel as a
down-link and receives individual video game content from connected
handheld mobile communication terminals via a wide area
communication network as an uplink. This allows a complete data
exchange between the game server and gaming terminals. This
embodiment is especially suitable for games that use a common
virtual game area.
[0044] In an example embodiment the method further comprises
sending individual video game content to at least one connected
handheld mobile communication terminal via a wide area
communication network such as e.g. a GSM (Global System for Mobile
communication) mobile telephone network. It is for example possible
to use e.g. GPRS (general packet radio service) of GSM for
downloading player specific information directly top a certain
user.
[0045] In yet another example embodiment said wireless wide area
communication network is a universal mobile telecommunication
system, which is also known as UMTS. More exactly the wide area
communication network is a wide area communication network that is
operated according to the data formats protocols and standard of
UMTS.
[0046] In another example embodiment the method further comprises
receiving a video data stream, generating said common video game
content according to the content of said received video data
stream, sending said common video game content to a broadcast
station for combination with a video data stream to handheld mobile
communication terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld
channel. The method further comprises checking if said received
individual video game content is related to an actual content of
said video stream, and interrupting the reception of said
individual video game content if said received individual video
game content is not related to an actual content of said video
stream.
[0047] By receiving a video data stream, generating said common
video game content according to the content of said received video
data stream the game server can be used to provide an augmented
reality TV online game experience to users of DVB-H enabled
terminals.
[0048] A DVB-H transmitting station may perform the transmission of
the common video game content on a video data stream in a DVB-H
channel to handheld mobile communication terminals.
[0049] Up to this section the server serves as a game server for
generating common video game content according to a video stream.
However the game server also executes an online game that is
performed/based on individual game data that are received or
exchanged with connected mobile terminal devices. The online game
server can execute the game in a timing critical manner and only as
long as a respective video game content is executed.
[0050] This embodiment of the method is executed a the game server
and further comprises checking if said received individual video
game content is related to an actual content of said video stream,
and interrupting the reception of said individual video game
content (and maybe deleting said video game content) if said
received individual video game content is not related to an actual
content of said video stream. With these steps the game server
ensures that after a broadcast has ended, the resources become
unusable, as the game server rejects all incoming individual game
content.
[0051] In still another example embodiment said method further
comprises generating said video game content, checking if said
video game content is timing critical, and classifying said video
game content as common video game content if it is not timing
critical and classifying said video game content as individual
video game content if it is timing critical.
[0052] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a software
tool is provided comprising program code means for carrying out the
method of the preceding description when said program product is
run on a computer or a network device.
[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
computer program product downloadable from a server for carrying
out the method of the preceding description is provided, which
comprises program code means for performing all of the steps of the
preceding methods when said program is run on a computer or a
network device.
[0054] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a computer
program product is provided comprising program code means stored on
a computer readable medium for carrying out the methods of the
preceding description, when said program product is run on a
computer or a network device.
[0055] According to another aspect of the present invention a
computer data signal is provided. The computer data signal is
embodied in a carrier wave and represents a program that makes the
computer perform the steps of the method contained in the preceding
description, when said computer program is run on a computer, or a
network device.
[0056] According to just another aspect of the present invention
digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station is provided.
The digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station comprises
a storage, a digital video broadcast handheld encoder and a
transmitter. The storage is provided for storing a common video
game content, that may be retrieved from said digital video
broadcast handheld transmitting station. In an embodiment said
storage is just an in queue storage of interface to a game server.
The digital video broadcast handheld is encoder connected to said
storage, for encoding said receiving a common video game content
according to the DVB-H data formats, standards and protocols. The
transmitter is connected to said digital video broadcast handheld
encoder, to broadcast said encoded common video game content to
handheld mobile communication terminals via a DVB-H radio channel.
This embodiment is especially suitable for providing game software
download to DVB-H terminals.
[0057] In an example embodiment of the present invention said
digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station is further
provided with a receiver or an interface that is connected to said
storage, for receiving said common video game content from a remote
game server. The addition of the receiver for receiving said common
video game content the broadcast station may also be used to send
an online game content via a DVB-H channel.
[0058] The receiver may also be implemented as a hard-wired
connection to a remote game server, i.e. the receiver or the
interface may also be a receiver for a cable connection, e.g., an
interface to the Internet or another communication network or
communication connection.
[0059] Both preceding embodiments may use up to a whole DVB-H
channel only for downloading a respective common game content.
[0060] An example embodiment of the digital video broadcast
handheld transmitting station of the present invention is further
provided with an interface for receiving a video data stream and a
combiner or an integrator. The interface for receiving a video data
stream is provided to enable the digital video broadcast handheld
transmitting station to broadcast a video stream.
[0061] The combiner is not a mathematical element to perform
combination or integration operations but serves to
integrating/combining said common video game content (that may be
have been received from a remote game server) into/with a video
data stream, to be broadcasted via a digital video broadcast
handheld channel. The combiner is connected to said receiver, said
interface for receiving a video data stream and to said a digital
video broadcast handheld encoder.
[0062] The device may also be provided with a receiver, a storage
or a digitizer for obtaining/providing a digital video data stream
from an analog video source such as an analogue video archive or an
analogue video TV receiver.
[0063] In just another example embodiment said digital video
broadcast handheld transmitting station further comprises a
generator connected to said interface for generating common video
game content according to a content of said received video data
stream. The generator is connected to said combiner. The combiner
is configured to integrate/combine said generated common video game
content into/with said received video data stream.
[0064] By broadcasting said common video game content that is
combined with and related to said video data stream to handheld
mobile communication terminals via a digital video broadcast
handheld channel augmented television online gaming becomes
possible wherein gameplay is directly related to the content of a
video stream. In a case the video stream may only serve as a
background for the execution of the online (or better "on-screen")
games. In more sophisticated embodiments a tight relation between
the background and the on screen game may be provided as indicated
in the detailed description of the method of the present
invention.
[0065] In yet another example embodiment of the present invention
said digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station is
configured to use Internet protocol datacast for sending said
common online game content.
[0066] According to still another aspect of the present invention a
handheld mobile terminal is provided. The handheld mobile terminal
comprises a digital video broadcast handheld receiver and a
processing unit. The digital video broadcast handheld receiver is
provided for receiving a common video game content at the handheld
mobile terminal via a digital video broadcast channel. The
processing unit is connected to said digital video broadcast
handheld receiver. The processing unit is configured to execute a
video game application that uses at least a part of said common
video game content on said handheld mobile terminal.
[0067] This basic embodiment may just serve to download common
video game content via a DVB-H channel, the performance for
executing game software or using the common video game content may
be less important.
[0068] It should be mentioned that the handheld mobile terminal may
also comprise e.g. a user interface with components such as e.g.
displays, screens amplifiers loudspeakers, force feed back
components input components such as keys rocker keys joysticks
touch-screens, touch-pads and the like. The handheld mobile
terminal may also be provided with a camera module.
[0069] In an example embodiment said handheld mobile terminal is
further provided with a digital video broadcast handheld tuner, a
display and an extractor. The digital video broadcast handheld
tuner is connected to said processing unit, to receive a video
stream of a digital video broadcast channel. The display is
connected to said processing unit. The extractor is connected to
said processing unit, to extract said common video game content
from said video stream. The extractor is substantially the
counterpart of the combiner of the DVB-H broadcast station. This
embodiment may be used as DVB-H TV and as a mobile gaming device.
However this embodiment may not be able to execute gaming software
and displaying a DVB-H video stream simultaneously on a screen. It
may not even be able to extract common video game content while
depicting a DVB-H video stream.
[0070] In yet another example embodiment said processing unit is
configured to use at least a part of said extracted common video
game content for executing a video game application.
[0071] In still another example embodiment said handheld mobile
terminal is configured to display said video stream and/or said
executed video game application on said display.
[0072] This embodiment shows that the handheld mobile terminal may
be used as (online) gaming device, communication terminal or a
DVB-H "TV". The device may be also capable of executing an online
game while displaying a DVB-H video stream e.g. in the background
or in a section of the display, while in the foreground or in
another section of the display area an online video game
application may be executed.
[0073] In another example embodiment of the present invention the
processing unit is configured to display said received extracted
video stream on a display of said handheld mobile terminal, and
execute said video game in the handheld mobile terminal in
accordance with said received and displayed video stream.
[0074] This embodiment is suitable of executing a video game on a
first section of the display while another section of the display
can be used to show a DVB-H video stream.
[0075] In yet another example embodiment said handheld mobile
terminal is further provided with a superimposer. The superimposer
is connected to said processing unit and possibly to said display
and possible to said DVB-H tuner. The superimposer is provided to
depict said received video stream and video game display elements
of said executed video game application superimposed on said
display on said handheld mobile terminal.
[0076] In a simple embodiment a user may play games such as "pong",
"breakout" or "Tetris" in front of a DVB-H background with the
additional thrill not to allow the stones to block the view to the
DVB-H program.
[0077] In another example embodiment of the present invention said
handheld mobile terminal further comprises a checking unit. The
checking unit is connected to said processing unit. The checking
unit is provided to check if an executed video game content is
related to an actual content of said video stream displayed on a
display of said handheld mobile terminal. In this embodiment the
processing unit is configured to interrupt the executing said video
game (and may delete said video game content) if said executed
video game is not related to an actual content of said video stream
displayed on a display of said handheld mobile terminal. This
embodiment is provided to terminate the online game after the
broadcast has ended.
[0078] This embodiment is designed for the execution of online game
applications that are strongly tied to the content of a current
video transmission such as the commercial online video games
mentioned in the preceding description.
[0079] In another example embodiment of the present invention
handheld mobile terminal is as handheld mobile communication
terminal that is further provided with an interface to a wide area
communication network. The interface to a wide area communication
network is connected to said processing unit. The interface to a
wide area communication network is provided for sending individual
video game content via a wide area communication network for
executing an online multi-player game to a game server or to
another player. In this embodiment the common video game content is
related to the multi-player online video game.
[0080] In just another example embodiment of the present invention
said handheld mobile communication terminal is further configured
to receive individual video game content from a game server or from
another player via said interface to a wireless wide area
communication network. This embodiment allows the execution of
multi-player online games that require a fast data exchange between
the devices of all participants to enable reaction-based
multi-player gaming.
[0081] In yet another example embodiment of the present invention
said interface to a wide area communication network is an interface
to a universal mobile telecommunication system. That is the
handheld mobile communication terminal is a DVB-H enabled UMTS
mobile game telephone.
[0082] In still another example embodiment of the present invention
said handheld mobile communication terminal further comprises
components to decode data received via said digital video broadcast
handheld receiver according to the internet protocol datacast.
[0083] In just another example embodiment said handheld mobile
terminal is further provided with a mobile telephone module
connected to said processing unit. That is, this embodiment of the
terminal device may be used a cellular telephone or as a wireless
telephone. This embodiment may be utilized as a basis for SMS
(short message) based DVB-H TV online video games.
[0084] According to yet another aspect of the present invention an
online game server for exchanging video game content of an online
video game application on an online video game server with a number
of connected handheld mobile communication terminals is provided.
The online game server comprises a processing unit, a first
interface to a digital video broadcast handheld transmitting
station, and a second interface to a wide area communication
network.
[0085] The processing unit is provided to operate at least one
online video game application, execute at least a part of said
video game content for
"managing/executing/controlling/overheadding" of video games that
are to be at least partially executed on said at least one handheld
mobile communication terminal. The first interface is an interface
to a digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station, and is
connected to said processing unit, for sending common video game
content to at least one handheld mobile communication terminal via
a digital video broadcast channel. The second interface is an
interface to a wide area communication network, and is also
connected to said processing unit. The second interface is provided
for receiving individual video game content from at least one
connected handheld mobile communication terminal via a wide area
communication network.
[0086] The online game server can provide at least download of game
software while more sophisticated embodiments relate to online game
servers.
[0087] An embodiment of the online game server can be operated with
a DVB-H down-link and a GSM or GPRS uplink for providing at least a
kind of duplex data exchange.
[0088] In an example embodiment, the online game server interface
to a wide area communication network is further configured to
receive individual video game content from at least one connected
handheld mobile communication terminal via a wide area
communication network, such as e.g. a GSM (Global System for Mobile
communication) mobile telephone network.
[0089] This embodiment allows fully interactive online gaming as
the data exchange between the server and the terminal can be
performed in full duplex and with only short time delay to enable a
rich game experience even in the case of reaction based
multi-player games.
[0090] In another example embodiment said online game server
further comprises a video game content generator and a checking
unit. Said video game content generator is connected to said
control unit and possibly to said interfaces. The video game
content generator receives a video data stream, for generating said
common video game content in accordance with the content of said
received video data stream.
[0091] This embodiment is directed to a game server that generates
the common game content and simultaneously serves as an online game
server for a number of terminal devices using individual game
content.
[0092] In this embodiment the processing unit is configured to send
said generated common video game content to a broadcast station for
combination with a video data stream to handheld mobile
communication terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld
channel. The processing unit is also configured to check if said
received individual video game content is related to an actual
content of said video stream, and to interrupt the reception of
said individual video game content if said received individual
video game content is not related to an actual content of said
video stream.
[0093] The processing unit may also be configured to delete
received individual video game content if said received individual
video game content is not related to an actual content of said
video stream.
[0094] After the broadcast has ended, the resources become
unusable, as the online game server becomes inaccessible.
[0095] In the following, the invention will be described in detail
by referring to the enclosed drawings in which:
[0096] FIG. 1 depicts a basic method for sending video game content
to handheld mobile terminals according to the present
invention,
[0097] FIG. 2 depicts a more sophisticated method for sending video
game content to handheld mobile terminals according to the present
invention,
[0098] FIG. 3 depicts a basic method for receiving video game
content at a handheld mobile terminal according to the present
invention,
[0099] FIG. 4 depicts a more sophisticated method for receiving
video game content at a handheld mobile terminal according to the
present invention,
[0100] FIG. 5 depicts a basic embodiment of a method for exchanging
video game content of an online video game application on an online
video game server with a number of connected handheld mobile
communication terminals according to the present invention,
[0101] FIG. 6 depicts a more sophisticated embodiment of a method
for exchanging video game content of an online video game
application on an online video game server with a number of
connected handheld mobile communication terminals according to the
present invention,
[0102] FIG. 7 shows a basic embodiment of a digital video broadcast
handheld transmitting station according to the present
invention,
[0103] FIG. 8 shows a more sophisticated embodiment of a digital
video broadcast handheld transmitting station according to the
present invention,
[0104] FIG. 9 shows a basic embodiment of a handheld mobile
terminal according to the present invention,
[0105] FIG. 10 shows a more sophisticated embodiment of a handheld
mobile communication terminal according to the present
invention,
[0106] FIG. 11 shows a basic embodiment of an online video game
server according to the present invention, and
[0107] FIG. 12 shows a more sophisticated embodiment of an online
video game server according to the present invention.
[0108] FIG. 1 depicts a basic embodiment of the method for sending
video game content to handheld mobile terminals the present
invention comprising only the step of broadcasting 10 common video
game content to handheld mobile communication terminals via a
digital video broadcast handheld channel, to enable said handheld
mobile terminals to execute video game applications.
[0109] This implementation may be used to repeat a certain video
data stream with and certain video game content. In this case a
stored video stream and respective common video game data are
transmitted again. This implementation is especially useful for any
kind of playable advertisements.
[0110] FIG. 2 depicts a more sophisticated embodiment of the method
for sending video game content to handheld mobile terminals. In
contrast to FIG. 1 the combined video/common video game data stream
ha to be generated.
[0111] In FIG. 2 the method starts by retrieving or receiving 2 a
video stream is at the DVB-H transmission station.
[0112] Then common video game data are received from a remote
server 4, or are generated according to the content of the video
stream a the DVB-H transmission station (serving also as video game
data generator).
[0113] Then said common video game content is combined with said
video data stream 8. The common video game content combined with
said video data stream is then broadcasted 10 to handheld mobile
terminals via a digital video broadcast handheld channel.
[0114] Said common video game content may be transferred 12 to said
handheld mobile terminals using Internet protocol datacast.
[0115] FIG. 3 depicts a basic method for receiving video game
content at a handheld mobile terminal according to the present
invention. The method starts with receiving a common video game
content at a handheld mobile terminal via a digital video broadcast
channel 14 and continues with using 20 at least a part of said
common video game content for executing a video game application on
said handheld mobile terminal. This embodiment may be restricted to
a method that uses a DVB-H channel to download video game data or
video game content.
[0116] FIG. 4 depicts a more sophisticated method for receiving
video game content at a handheld mobile terminal according to the
present invention.
[0117] The first step 14 is the same as in FIG. 3. In addition to
the FIG. 3 it is possible receive the broadcast via a digital video
broadcast channel using Internet protocol datacast 16.
[0118] In a next step the common video game content is extracted
from said video stream 18, and at least a part of said extracted
common video game content is used 20 for executing a video game
application on said handheld mobile terminal (as in FIG. 3).
[0119] At least a part of the received common video game content is
executed 22 which means that a video game is actually played on the
terminal device.
[0120] The received DVB-H video stream is displayed 24 on a display
of said handheld mobile terminal, i.e. the terminal device serves
as an operating TV set.
[0121] The video game application in the handheld mobile terminal
is executed 26 according to the received and displayed video
stream. That is, the video stream may be used to control a random
element in the video game.
[0122] The received video stream and video game display elements of
said executed video game application are then displayed 28 in a
superimposed manner on said display of said handheld mobile
terminal.
[0123] In connection with the execution of the video game and in
case the common video game content is related to a multi-player
online video game application, said method further comprises
sending or receiving 32 individual video game content via a
wireless wide area communication network such as a UMTS mobile
telephone network 32.
[0124] It is also checked 34 if said executed video game content is
related to an actual content of said video stream displayed on a
display of said handheld mobile terminal. If said executed video
game content is related to an actual content of said video stream
displayed on a display of said handheld mobile terminal the method
is continued (i.e. the execution of the game is continued). If the
executed video game content is not related to an actual content of
said video stream displayed on a display of said handheld mobile
terminal, the execution of said video game application is
interrupted 36.
[0125] FIG. 5 depicts a basic embodiment of a method for exchanging
video game content of an online video game application on an online
video game server with a number of connected handheld mobile
communication terminals according to the present invention. The
method of FIG. 5 comprises, operating 38 an online video game
application on an online video game server, using common video game
content and individual video game content. The common video game
content is sent 50 to at least one handheld mobile communication
terminal via a digital video broadcast channel, for example via a
DVB-H broadcast station. The individual video game content is
received from at least one connected handheld mobile communication
terminal via a wide area communication network such as a mobile
communication network and/or via Internet.
[0126] FIG. 6 depicts a more sophisticated embodiment of a method
for exchanging video game content of an online video game
application on an online video game server with a number of
connected handheld mobile communication terminals according to the
present invention.
[0127] The method of FIG. 6 starts the same as the method of FIG. 5
with operating an online video game application on an online video
game server.
[0128] The method of FIG. 5 is extended by receiving or retrieving
40 a video data stream on the basis of which said
received/retrieved video data stream (at least a common) video game
content is generated 24.
[0129] Then it is checked if said video game content is timing
critical 44, and the video game content is classified 46 as common
video game content if it is not timing critical and classified 48
as individual video game content if it is timing critical.
[0130] As in FIG. 5, the common video game content is sent 50 to a
broadcast station for combination with a video data stream to be
forwarded to handheld mobile communication terminals via a digital
video broadcast handheld channel.
[0131] Common video game content is sent 52 or received 54 to and
from at least one connected handheld mobile communication terminal
via a wide area communication network using 54 UMTS.
[0132] The method of FIG. 6 is also depicted as comprising as step
of checking 58 if received video game content is related to an
actual content of said video stream. If said received individual
video game content is related to an actual content of said video
stream the method is continued (i.e. the execution of the game is
continued or repeated). If the received video game content is not
related to an actual content of said video stream, the execution of
said video game application and/or the reception of individual
video game content is interrupted 36.
[0133] FIG. 7 shows a basic embodiment of a digital video broadcast
handheld transmitting station according to the present invention.
The digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station 70,
comprises a storage 72 for storing a common video game content, a
digital video broadcast handheld encoder 74 connected to said
storage, for encoding common video game content retrieved from said
storage, and a transmitter 76 connected to said digital video
broadcast handheld encoder, to broadcast said encoded common video
game content. The transmitter can transmit the common video game
content that has been coded into a DVB-H channel via an antenna as
an electromagnetic signal 80.
[0134] FIG. 8 shows a more sophisticated embodiment of a digital
video broadcast handheld transmitting station according to the
present invention. In contrast to FIG. 7 comprises the digital
video broadcast handheld transmitting station further a game data
receiver 82 for receiving said common video game content from a
remote game server, that is (indirectly) connected to said storage
72. The game data receiver 82 may comprise an air interface 84, 86
or may also embodied as a communication line interface to e.g. the
Internet or a broadband local area network.
[0135] FIG. 8 also shows video data receiver 88 for receiving said
common video game content from a remote video server, that is also
(indirectly) connected to said storage. The video data receiver 88
may comprise an air interface 90, 82 or may also embodied as a
communication line interface to e.g. the Internet or a broadband
local area network to a video data server.
[0136] The digital video broadcast handheld transmitting station of
FIG. 8 is also provided with a game data generator 96 (i.e. a video
game component) that is connected to said video data receiver 88
and is indirectly connected to said storage 72. Digital video
broadcast handheld transmitting station can obtain video game data
alternatively by reception of by generation.
[0137] A combiner 94 is inserted between said video data receiver
88, said game data generator 96, said game data receiver 82 on one
hand and said storage 72. It is also possible to insert the
combiner 94 between the storage 72 and the DVB-H-Encoder 74. The
combiner combines the video data or the video stream and the
received or generated (common) video game data for
transmission.
[0138] FIG. 9 shows a basic embodiment of a handheld mobile
terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 9 the handheld
mobile terminal 98 comprises a digital video broadcast handheld
receiver 100 with an antenna 104 for receiving a common video game
content 102 at a the handheld mobile terminal via a digital video
broadcast channel. The digital video broadcast handheld receiver
100 is connected to a processing unit 106 that is provided for
executing a video game application on said handheld mobile terminal
that uses at least a part of said common video game content
received via said receiver 100.
[0139] FIG. 10 shows a more sophisticated embodiment of a handheld
mobile communication terminal according to the present invention.
The handheld mobile communication terminal 98 comprises all
components that are present in FIG. 9.
[0140] In FIG. 10 the handheld mobile communication terminal is
provided with a display 110 that is connected to said processing
unit 106. With the display the device may output video images while
executing a video game (software or data which have been received
via a DVB-H channel).
[0141] The handheld mobile communication terminal of FIG. 10 is
provided with a digital video broadcast handheld tuner 108 that is
connected to said processing unit and to said DVB-H receiver 100.
The digital video broadcast handheld tuner 108 enables the device
to receive and utilize a video stream of a digital video broadcast
channel, and to depict the received video stream via said CPU 106
on said display 110.
[0142] In the handheld mobile communication terminal an extractor
112 is provided that is connected to said processing unit, to
extract said common video game content e.g. form said video stream
received as the CPU 106. The extractor can enable the device to
extract the video stream data or the video game content from the
DVB-H signal received from the DVB-H receiver 100.
[0143] The handheld mobile communication terminal 98 of FIG. 10 is
provided with a superimposer 114 that is connected to said
processing unit 106 to depict said received video stream and video
game display elements of said executed video game application
superimposed on said display 110.
[0144] A checking unit 122 is provided in FIG. 10 to check if an
executed video game content is related to an actual content of said
video stream displayed on a display 110. The checking unit 122
connected to said processing unit 106 to be able to perform the
checking operation. The processing unit 106 is configured to
interrupt the executing said video game application if a signal
from the checking unit is received indicating that an executed
video game application is not related to an actual content of said
video stream displayed on a display of said handheld mobile
communication terminal or received by the DVB-H receiver 100.
[0145] The terminal of FIG. 10 is also provided with an interface
to a wide area communication network 116 that is embodies as an
UMTS-Network transceiver. The interface 116 is connected to said
processing unit 106, for exchanging individual video game content
via a wide area communication network, to a online video game
server.
[0146] The handheld mobile terminal also comprises a decoder unit
124 to decode data received via said digital video broadcast
handheld receiver that are coded according to e.g. the internet
protocol datacast.
[0147] The handheld mobile terminal is also provided with a storage
126 to store video streams, game data, scores and the like.
[0148] Handheld mobile terminal is further provided with mobile
telephone module 128 that is connected to said processing unit 106.
With the mobile telephone module 128 the handheld mobile
communication terminal 98 can provide a fully-fledged
telephonability.
[0149] FIG. 11 shows a basic embodiment of an online video game
server according to the present invention. The online game server
130 is provided for exchanging video game content of an online
video game application running on the online video game server with
a number of connected handheld mobile communication terminals. The
online video game server 130 is provided with a processing unit 132
to operate/execute an online video game application. A first
interface to a digital video broadcast handheld transmitting
station 134 is provided, that is connected to said processing unit
132, for sending common video game content to at least one handheld
mobile communication terminal via a digital video broadcast
channel. A second interface 140 to a wide area communication
network is provided that is connected to said processing unit 132,
to receive individual video game content from at least one
connected handheld mobile communication terminal via a wide area
communication network.
[0150] FIG. 12 shows a more sophisticated embodiment of an online
video game server according to the present invention. In addition
to the components of FIG. 9 the online video game server 130 is
additionally provided with a video game content generator 146 to
generate said video game content in accordance with a video data
stream received via said first interface to a digital video
broadcast handheld transmitting station 134.
[0151] The online game server may be configured to send generated
individual video game content to at least one connected handheld
mobile communication terminal via a wide area communication
network.
[0152] The online game server is depicted comprising a storage 148
that may be used to store all relevant data required for execution
of the computer/video game, performing the data exchange with the
handheld mobile communication terminals or the digital video
broadcast handheld transmitting station store individual and common
video game data and the like.
[0153] In FIG. 12 the online game server is depicted comprising a
checking unit 150 to check if an received individual video game
content is related to an actual content received via interface 134.
The checking unit 150 connected to said processing unit 136 to be
able to perform the checking operation. The processing unit 136 is
configured to interrupt the executing said video game application
if a signal from the checking unit is received indicating that an
received individual video game content is not related to an actual
content of said video stream displayed received via said interface
134 to the DVB-H station.
[0154] This application contains the description of implementations
and embodiments of the present invention with the help of examples.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the
present invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments
presented above, and that the invention can also be implemented in
another form without deviating from the characteristics of the
invention. The embodiments presented above should be considered
illustrative, but not restricting. Thus the possibilities of
implementing and using the invention are only restricted by the
enclosed claims. Consequently various options of implementing the
invention as determined by the claims, including equivalent
implementations, also belong to the scope of the invention.
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