Scientific-atlanta, Inc.

Zenith Data Systems Corporation

John T Filion

David B Burleson

Jay C McMullan, Jr

Richard D Ball

Paul Borsetti, Jr

Todd R Witkowski

Raheel Ahmed Khan

Donald Scott Cheek

Vincent J Messina

A communications terminal for receiving digital data services at a location remote from a transmitter comprises a service controller, a bus system, a random access memory and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory preferably comprises FLASH memory. Data is first loaded into random access memory, preferably SRAM and there checked for errors and error-corrected. The data is preferably loaded in blocks into FLASH memory in a predetermined manner to further secure the service data and to permit the use of byte-wide memories accessed as word-wide memories. A service back-up memory is further connected to the bus for storing service data during suspension of play of a service. The service back-up memory preferably comprises a FLASH memory card having its own basic input output service (BIOS) control. A method of storing back-up service data in a home communications terminal comprises the steps of storing current service data in a first FLASH non-volatile memory and storing previous service data in a state in which play of the service is suspended is a second FLASH non-volatile memory, the service back-up memory described above.

Method and apparatus for a game delivery service including flash memory

A communications system for the delivery of digital data programs to a remote location includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal having the digital data programs and a communications terminal located at the remote location. The communications terminal includes a control circuit including authorizing circuitry responsive to authorization data for authorizing the communications terminal to access authorized ones of the digital data programs in one of a first and a second authorization mode. For example, automatic authorization modes for game play may comprise an arcade mode and a rental mode, simulating manual access methods i.e. paying for play at a video arcade or for rental of games from a video game store. Moreover, new games may be accessed without charge by the game player if authorized according to a free service authorization map. Furthermore, parents may limits game play to children prior to a particular time of day such as bed-time or to a maximum playtime limit according to a secret downloadbale password known only to the parents. A game player may only read and not write authorization and control data.

Secure authorization and control method and apparatus for a game

A computer system has a memory and has a processor coupled to the memory, the processor having an access control arrangement for delaying completion of a memory access until the occurrence of a control signal. A deterministic circuit coupled to the-processor and the memory has a register arrangement containing control information loaded by the processor, the deterministic circuit having a signal generation arrangement for generating the control signal. The signal generating arrangement includes a selective delay arrangement which can selectively delay generation of the control signal during an access to the memory by a time interval having a duration which is a function of the control information in the register arrangement.

Flexible deterministic state machine

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Lawrenceville, GA, United States of America

John T Filion