Home video game system with hard disk drive and internet access capability

Claim 2

A home video game system for executing video game programs and for generating game play graphics in response to player controller control signals generated by a player operating a player controller for display on a television, said home video game system including a removable memory insertion port for receiving a removable memory storing video game program instructions, comprising: a game processing system including a main processor, operatively coupled to receive video game instructions from said removable memory when inserted into the removable memory insertion port for executing a video game program, and a graphics coprocessor for processing graphics information under control of said main processor, and being responsive to said player controller control signal for generating game play graphics for display on a television; communications circuitry, coupled in use to said game processing system and to a user's communications network, for linking said game processing system to the Internet and permitting communication from the player to another party over the Internet; a writeable mass storage device coupled in use to said game processing system for receiving information downloaded from the Internet; and cryptographic processing circuitry, coupled to said mass storage device, for decrypting at least some of said information downloaded from the Internet.

Claim 3

A home video game system according to claim 1 , further including audio circuitry coupled to said video game processing system.

Claim 4

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein said communications circuitry and said mass storage device are housed in an expansion device and said video game processing system is housed in a separate video game console which is coupled to said expansion device.

Claim 5

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein said communications circuitry comprises a modem, ethernet port, or wireless connection circuitry, and further including a controller for controlling said mass storage device and said communications circuitry.

Claim 6

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein said mass storage device comprises a hard disk drive which stores a network browser program.

Claim 7

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein said mass storage device is a flash memory storage device.

Claim 8

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein said mass storage device stores information downloaded from the Internet.

Claim 9

A home video game system comprising: a removable memory insertion port for receiving a removable memory storing video game program instructions, a game processing system including a main processor, operatively coupled to receive video game instructions from said removable memory when inserted into the removable memory insertion port and a graphics coprocessor for processing graphics information under control of said main processor for executing a video game program and generating game play graphics for display on a user's television in response to player controller control signals generated by a player operating a player controller; communications circuitry, coupled in use to said game processing system and to a communications network, for linking said game processing system to the Internet and permitting communication from the player to another party over the Internet; video generating circuitry for combining game play graphics and signals received via the Internet for display on the user's television; a writeable mass storage device coupled in use to said game processing system for receiving information downloaded from the Internet and for storing at least some of said information in encrypted form; and a microcontroller coupled to said communications circuitry and said writeable mass storage device for controlling at least said writeable mass storage device and said communications circuitry.

Claim 10

A home video game system comprising: a removable memory insertion port for receiving a removable memory storing video game program instructions, a game processing system including a main processor, operatively coupled to receive video game instructions from said removable memory when inserted into the removable memory insertion port and a graphics coprocessor for processing graphics information under control of said main processor for executing a video game program and generating game play graphics for display on a user's television in response to player controller control signals generated by a player operating a player controller; communications circuitry, coupled in use to said game processing system and to a communications network, for linking said game processing system to the Internet and permitting communication from the player to another party over the Internet; video generating circuitry for combining game play graphics and signals received via the Internet for display on the user's television; a writeable mass storage device coupled in use to said game processing system for receiving information downloaded from the Internet and for storing at least some of said information in encrypted form; and a microcontroller coupled to said communications circuitry and said writeable mass storage device for controlling at least said writeable mass storage device and said communications circuitry.

Claim 11

Apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein said writeable mass storage device for is a hard disk drive and stores a network browser program.

Claim 12

Apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein said video generating circuitry includes picture-in-picture display circuitry for generating a picture-in-picture display on said user's television.

Claim 13

Apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein said picture-in-picture display circuitry is operable to generate a picture-in-picture display having a programmable size.

Claim 14

Apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein said picture-in-picture display circuitry is operable to generate a picture-in-picture display having a programmable position.

Claim 15

Apparatus according to claim 8 , further including audio circuitry coupled to said video game processing system.

Claim 16

Apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein said communications circuitry and said video generating circuitry are housed in an expansion device which is coupled to said video game processing system which is housed in a separate video game console.

Claim 17

Apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said communications circuitry comprises a modem, ethernet port, or wireless connection circuitry, and wherein said microcontroller controls said hard disk drive and said communications circuitry.

Claim 20

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 16 , further comprising: generating a picture-in-picture display on said user's television using said information downloaded from the Internet and said game play graphics.

Claim 21

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 17 , wherein said generating a picture-in-picture display on said user's television includes the generating a picture-in-picture display having a programmable size.

Claim 22

A home video game system comprising: a removable memory insertion port for receiving a removable memory storing video game program instructions, a game processing system including a main processor, operatively coupled to receive video game instructions from said removable memory when inserted into the removable memory insertion port and a graphics coprocessor for processing graphics information under control of said main processor for executing a video game program and generating game play graphics for display on a television in response to player controller control signals generated by a player operating a player controller; communications circuitry, coupled in use to a communications network, for linking said home video game circuitry to the Internet; an address and data bus coupled in use to said game processing system; a digital signal processor coupled to said communications circuitry and said address and data bus for processing information received via said communications circuitry from said communications network and for coupling processed information to said address and data bus; an audio input for receiving audio input signals, said digital signal processor for receiving data indicative of said audio input signals and for processing said audio input signals; and a writeable mass storage device coupled to said address and data bus for receiving information downloaded from the Internet and for storing at least some of said information in encrypted form.

Claim 23

A home video game system comprising: a removable memory insertion port for receiving a removable memory storing video game program instructions, a game processing system including a main processor, operatively coupled to receive video game instructions from said removable memory when inserted into the removable memory insertion port and a graphics coprocessor for processing graphics information under control of said main processor for executing a video game program and generating game play graphics for display on a television in response to player controller control signals generated by a player operating a player controller; communications circuitry, coupled in use to a communications network, for linking said home video game circuitry to the Internet; an address and data bus coupled in use to said game processing system; a digital signal processor coupled to said communications circuitry and said address and data bus for processing information received via said communications circuitry from said communications network and for coupling processed information to said address and data bus; an audio input for receiving audio input signals, said digital signal processor for receiving data indicative of said audio input signals and for processing said audio input signals; and a writeable mass storage device coupled to said address and data bus for receiving information downloaded from the Internet and for storing at least some of said information in encrypted form.

Claim 24

Apparatus according to claim 19 , wherein said audio input is an analog microphone input, and an analog to digital converter coupled to said digital signal processor for converting the analog microphone input to digitized microphone data, said digitized microphone data being coupled to said digital signal processor.

Claim 25

Apparatus according to claim 19 , further including an audio output coupled to said digital signal processor via an digital to analog converter.

Claim 26

Apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein said audio output is coupled to receive the audio output of said video game processing system.

Claim 27

Apparatus according to claim 19 , wherein said digital signal processor is configured to generate audio output signals, further including mixing circuitry for mixing video game system generated audio signals and said audio output signals generated by said digital signal processor.

Claim 28

Apparatus according to claim 19 , further including an audio output coupled to said digital signal processor via an digital to analog converter, said video game processing system for generating an audio output, said digital signal processor being coupled to receive and being operable to process said video game processing system audio output.

Claim 29

Apparatus according to claim 24 , wherein the processed audio output of said video game processing system audio output results in a special audio effect.

Claim 30

Apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein said writeable mass storage device stores a network browser program.

Claim 31

A home video game system comprising: a game processing system having a main processor and a graphics coprocessor for executing a video game program and generating game play graphics for display on a television; communications circuitry, coupled in use to a communications network for linking said home video game system to the Internet, said communications circuitry including a modem, ethernet Port, or wireless Connection circuitry; a writeable mass storage device for storing information downloaded from the Internet; an address and data bus coupled in use to said game processing system; and a microcontroller coupled to said modem, said writeable mass storage device, and said address and data bus for controlling at least both said communications circuitry and said writeable mass storage device and for accessing encrypted information downloaded from the Internet stored on said mass storage device.

Claim 32

A home video game system comprising: a game processing system having a main processor and a graphics coprocessor for executing a video game program and generating game play graphics for display on a television; communications circuitry, coupled in use to a communications network for linking said home video game system to the Internet, said communications circuitry including a modem, ethernet Port, or wireless Connection circuitry; a writeable mass storage device for storing information downloaded from the Internet; an address and data bus coupled in use to said game processing system; and a microcontroller coupled to said modem, said writeable mass storage device, and said address and data bus for controlling at least both said communications circuitry and said writeable mass storage device and for accessing encrypted information downloaded from the Internet stored on said mass storage device.

Claim 33

A home video game system comprising: a game processing system having a main processor and a graphics coprocessor for executing a video name program and generating game play graphics for display on a television; communications circuitry, coupled in use to a users communications network for linking said home video game system to the Internet, said communications circuitry including a modem, ethernet port, or wireless connection circuitry: a writeable mass storage device for storing information downloaded from the Internet; an address and data bus coupled in use to said game processing system; a microcontroller coupled to said modem, said writeable mass storage device, and said address and data bus for controlling at least both said communications circuitry and said writeable mass storage device and for accessing encrypted information downloaded from the Internet stored on said mass storage device; an audio input for receiving audio input signals; and a digital signal processor, coupled to said communications circuitry, for receiving data indicative of said audio input signals and for processing said audio input signals.

Claim 34

A home video game system comprising: a game processing system having a main processor and a graphics coprocessor for executing a video name program and generating game play graphics for display on a television; communications circuitry, coupled in use to a users communications network for linking said home video game system to the Internet, said communications circuitry including a modem, ethernet port, or wireless connection circuitry: a writeable mass storage device for storing information downloaded from the Internet; an address and data bus coupled in use to said game processing system; a microcontroller coupled to said modem, said writeable mass storage device, and said address and data bus for controlling at least both said communications circuitry and said writeable mass storage device and for accessing encrypted information downloaded from the Internet stored on said mass storage device; an audio input for receiving audio input signals; and a digital signal processor, coupled to said communications circuitry, for receiving data indicative of said audio input signals and for processing said audio input signals.

Claim 35

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes game play data related to a multi-player game.

Claim 36

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes information related to head-to-head game play competition.

Claim 37

A home video game system according to claim 29 , wherein the communication between players is substantially real time.

Claim 38

A home video game system according to claim 30 , wherein the communication between players is substantially real time.

Claim 39

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein the other party is a game service provider.

Claim 40

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein the other party is an Internet service provider.

Claim 41

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet relates to the information downloaded from the Internet.

Claim 42

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet does not relate to the information downloaded from the Internet.

Claim 43

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes security information used to authenticate downloading information from the Internet.

Claim 44

A home video game system according to claim 37 , wherein the security information is a unique identifier.

Claim 45

A home video game system according to claim 37 , wherein the security information is an encryption key.

Claim 46

A home video game system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes authentication information used to establish a session with an Internet service provider.

Claim 47

A home video game system according to claim 8 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes game play data related to a multi-player game.

Claim 48

A home video game system according to claim 8 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes information related to head-to-head game play competition.

Claim 49

A home video game system according to claim 41 , wherein the communication between players is substantially real time.

Claim 50

A home video game system according to claim 42 , wherein the communication between players is substantially real time.

Claim 51

A home video game system according to claim 8 , wherein the another party is a game service provider.

Claim 52

A home video game system according to claim 8 , wherein the another party is an Internet service provider.

Claim 53

A home video game system according to claim 8 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet relates to the information downloaded from the Internet.

Claim 54

A home video game system according to claim 8 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet does not relate to the information downloaded from the Internet.

Claim 55

A home video game system according to claim 8 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes security information used to authenticate downloading information from the Internet.

Claim 56

A home video game system according to claim 49 , wherein the security information is a unique identifier.

Claim 57

A home video game system according to claim 50 , wherein the security information is an encryption key.

Claim 58

A home video game system according to claim 8 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes authentication information used to establish a session with an Internet service provider.

Claim 59

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 16 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes game play data related to a multi-player game.

Claim 60

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 16 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes information related to head-to-head game play competition.

Claim 61

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 53 , wherein the communication between players is substantially real time.

Claim 62

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 54 , wherein the communication between players is substantially real time.

Claim 63

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 16 , wherein the other party is a game service provider.

Claim 64

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 16 , wherein the other party is an Internet service provider.

Claim 65

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 16 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet relates to the information downloaded from the Internet.

Claim 66

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 16 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet does not relate to the information downloaded from the Internet.

Claim 67

A method for operating a home video game system according to claim 16 , wherein the communication from the player to another party over the Internet includes security information used to authenticate downloading information from the Internet.

Claim 68

Apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the communications circuitry is configured to permit communication from the player to another party over the Internet.

Claim 69

Apparatus according to claim 62 , wherein the communication from the player to the other party includes the audio input signals.

Claim 70

Apparatus according to claim 63 , wherein the communication from the player to the other party includes player performance data.