Mass storage repository for a wireless network

• US 20040110464A1
• Filed: 12/10/2002
• Published: 06/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OnLive Incorporated, Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: OnLive Incorporated
• Inventors: Perlman, Stephen G.
• Granted Patent: US 7,558,525 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/3.04
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 40/90 specially adapted for satellite broadcast receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold

Abstract

A video repository unit includes a plurality of disk drives arranged in a redundant array and circuitry to control writing/reading of video programs to/from the redundant array. A wireless transceiver receives video programs and transmits a selected video program to a remote viewer responsive to a request received by the wireless transceiver. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. A video repository unit comprising:

a plurality of disk drives arranged in a redundant array;

circuitry to control writing/reading of video programs to/from the redundant array; and

a wireless transceiver to receive the video programs and to transmit a selected video program to a remote viewer responsive to a request received by the wireless transceiver.

2. The video repository unit of claim 1 further comprising a housing that provides a protective environment for the plurality of disk drives and the circuitry.

3. The video repository unit of claim 2 wherein the wireless transceiver is disposed outside the housing.

4. The video repository unit of claim 2 wherein the wireless transceiver is disposed inside the housing.

5. The video repository unit of claim 3 wherein the wireless transceiver operates in the 5 GHz band.

6. The video repository unit of claim 1 wherein the wireless transceiver operates in compliance with IEEE 802.1x specification.

7. The video repository unit of claim 1 wherein the wireless transceiver receives the video programs from a satellite communication link.

8. The video repository unit of claim 1 wherein the video programs include video games.

9. The video repository unit of claim 2 wherein the housing comprises a weather-resistant enclosure.

10. The video repository unit of claim 1 wherein the circuitry further comprises means for compressing video data.

15. The video repository unit of claim 1 wherein the video programs include video games.

11. A video repository unit comprising:

a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID);

circuitry to control writing/reading of video data to/from the redundant array;

a housing that provides a protected environment for the RAID and circuitry;

an antenna assembly mounted to the housing, the antenna assembly including;

at least one low-noise block converter (LNB) to receive satellite-transmissions that contain video programs to be stored in the RAID;

a wireless transceiver to transmit a selected video program to a remote viewer responsive to a request received by the wireless transceiver.

12. The video repository unit of claim 11 wherein the wireless transceiver is disposed outside the housing.

13. The video repository unit of claim 11 wherein the wireless transceiver operates in the 5 GHz band.

14. The video repository unit of claim 11 wherein the wireless transceiver operates in compliance with IEEE 802.1x specification.

16. The video repository unit of claim 11 wherein the housing comprises a weather-resistant enclosure.

17. The video repository unit of claim 11 wherein the circuitry further comprises means for compressing video data.

18. A method of operation for a video library comprising:

receiving video programs via wireless transmission from a wireless local area network (WLAN);

storing the video programs in a redundant array of disk drives to accumulate a video library;

receiving a request for a selected video program contained in the video library; and

transmitting the selected video program via wireless transmission responsive to the request.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the video library includes a wireless transceiver that transmits and receives in compliance with IEEE 802.11a specification.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the wireless transceiver operates in the 5 GHz band.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein the video programs include video games.

22. The method of claim 18 wherein the WLAN includes a connection to a satellite broadcast service that provides the video programs.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein the WLAN includes a connection to a cable television service that provides the video programs.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein the WLAN includes a broadband connection to a service that provides the video games.

25. The method of claim 18 further comprising compressing the selected video program prior to transmitting the selected video program.