SEGA Computer Pad patent. Sega POD?

http://http://www.freepatentsonline.com/8264624.pdf

Rumored specs for Sega Pod which will be based off of modified RingEdge 2 hardware:

CPU: Hitachi/Renasas ARM SH-10"Sakura" 10 Core 32-bit RISCs running 3200 MHZs of 32-bit dual-channel 1200 MHz LPDDR3/DDR3 with 28nm Wattage. Mobile variant of Intel Power i5 Clarkdale: http://ark.intel.com/products/43546

GPU/VDP "Miles Prower" 1: Nvidia GeForce GT 425m GPU 24 cores 384 bits. (support DirectX 11+, OpenGL 4.3, and PhysX) 

GPU 2/VDP "Rouge" : NEC Power VR 5 RL Running 384-bits on GDDR3,GDDR4 memory with up to 800 Million Polygons Per Second(380 Million Geo Metrics. DirectX 11.1, OpenGL 4.2,PhysX, Open ESL 2.0 at 600 Mhz. Graphically equivalent to ATI Radeon 5450.

Both Customized with "SEGADRIVE" Graphics,Lighting,Speed Bumping engine. SEGA's low cost,High performance version of UNREAL 3. Capable of creating IMAX-esce 3D Stereoscopic effect. Compatible with each other running separate data.

Memory: Up to 32MBs using 4 Cores of DDR3 PC DRAM.

Storage: Built in 16GBs.

RAM: 4GB(4 Terabytes Based on a 10 core ARM design)

Sound: Based off of iPad Sound tech.

Media: Digital Downloadable or POD ROM(Portable Orbi Disc) using 32GBs Single capacity/Layer. 64 GBs Dual Capacity/Layer uses HDDVD's formatting but capable of Triple it's Average Capacity. BC with GD-ROM and Homebrew Dreamcast software.

Built in Multi DVD Drive.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 801.1 Channel or 4G.

Resolution: Full 1080p HD Resolution.

OS: Novell Vibe 3.1.

Features: Built in Google/Android based Apps.

8 SEGA App store webrings.

1. PLAYSEGA. (All new games. Ranging prices starting at $9.99)

2. FAMILYSEGA. (Family oriented games.)

3. SEGA MUSEUM. (Like Sega Heritage for classic SEGA titles.)

4. SEGA ARCADE.(RINGEDGE,RE2,RINGWIDE,Arcade hardware of the past games. Plus FreeToPlay content.)

5. Dreamcast Reformuled. For playing all Dreamcast games, homebrew DC material in HD.

6. SEGA TUBE. Powered by HULU.

7. NON SEGA. Downloadable non-Sega retro games. NES,Super NES,PSone,PS2,Atari,TG16.

8. SEGA OTAKU.

Will Also support Apple's iTunes.

Sold Separately with 3 Controller designs: GAMUS VISION motion sensor Controllers, PlaySega Saturn-like controllers, Dreamcast6 Blue Tooth controllers. All $49.99 each.

Will come with A/V Cord,HDMI Output.

Will use Power Cord.

Built in Lithium Battery/Rechargeable. 

Unveiling: Projected to be announced in late November/early December 2012 with the new SEGA/Orbi brand.

Bill Of Materials: Believed to be $60. Off-The Shelf componates non-PC and non OEM branded.

SRP: $199. 17,00 Yen($198). 175 Pounds. 160 Euros.

OEM: Partners. Toshiba.Hitachi.NEC.Nvidia.Novell.LG. Apple.(SEGA's decision to use a Novell OS instead of just Android got Apple behind the device.)

Release Date: Upon unveiling, will be immediately available for retail. Tablet devices can be released and manufactured to retail VERY quickly with little to no problem.

What does it look like? An iPad turned on its side facing parallel.

Should SEGA Orbi buy Chuck E. Cheese in 2 years?

Today's blog entry is about the failing long running kid's/Family Restaurant Chuck E. Cheese.

We all grew up on Chuck E. Cheese, whether your an 80s kid like me or a 90s kid, Chuck E. Cheese is a vital piece of American childhood, in Japan SEGA has always had alternatives to CEC mainly Joyopoils, Amusement Centers with built in Restaurants, e.t.c

Latest financial reports show that CEC Entertainment is struggling and seeing revenue nose dive. 2010 and 2011 saw two straight years of dipping revenue and rising operating income.

http://www.pizzamarketplace.com/article ... akes-a-hit
http://news.yahoo.com/chuck-e-cheese-tr ... nance.html

To add insult to injury, Chuck E. Cheese is receiving very negative consumer feedback. Many consumers are reporting that the Animatronics are old,unappealing and spastic. The game machines and parlor are outdated,un fun and useless to young children and the elementary school demographic that Chuck E.Cheese has become increasingly disinterested in its brand.

But the worse response, is reports that Consumers are growing TIRED of Chuck E. Cheese's original recipe. Its Pizza is reportedly losing among taste tests.


Its clear that the Chain's problem is simply this: Ever since Showbiz Pizza,Inc was purchased by CEC Entertainment in 1999, little to no changes have made, the same Arcade machines from the late 1980s continue to fill each store, the parlor machines from 1991 are still there, the Mascot has grown tired and old and the marketing has cheapened completely. But Chuck E.Cheese's BIGGEST problem is simply "Dave and Busters" D&B's commitment to making it a mostly all ages Arcade experience is stealing CEC's Elementary School Demographic.

Chuck E. Cheese needs to shape up. A new approach,new vision. Newer more up to date Arcade machines and Parlor Machines. Better prizes for kids, an older demographic. The failed Approach of "Discovery Zone" of the 1990s offering mom and pop rides sans tasty food fun and fun Arcade games helped Showbiz CRUSH its first serious competitor like a bug, but D&B is different. Way better at marketing and unlike Chuck E. Cheese, doesn't take Arcade gaming for granted.



Atari Godfather Nolan Bushnell founded Chuck E. Cheese in Silicon Valley in July of 1977, his original vision at 35 years of age was trying to pioneer the approach of merging video games with Family Entertainment. Of Course after the Crash of 1984, Showbiz ignored Bushnell's beliefs in gaming and scaled completely down on Arcade video gaming. For 15 years, Showbiz was able to downplay the importance of Arcade Gaming to family entertainment, and pretty much throughout the 2000s, but times change. And after 35 years of operations, it seems that Chuck E. Cheese is still partying like its 1984.


If Chuck E. Cheese takes 2 more years of losses, they'll be up for sale. I believe in 2014, SEGA Orbi should and will probably take a serious look into to outbidding CEC Entertainment for purchase and takeover.

It wouldn't be difficult to do at all now. CEC Entertainment estimated net worth and Assets are only $788 Million, this budget would be a bit lower than the exact amount it will cost SEGA to build a Dreamcast successor which is $800 million(I believe they already have done this) Since they obviously already put $850 Million into Sega Orbit/Pyzhercast in 2009-2010, paying $790 Million for Chuck E. Cheese would be a convienant if not important purchase for SEGA.


We also need to remember the risky and DANGEROUS Amusement investment SEGA/CSK made in September 1996, when they pumped $2 Billion into starting "SEGA Game Works" even though their revenue was sinking, the Arcade market had pretty much imploded in America and the production costs of Model 2 combined with their new Model 3 pre-Dreamcast technology ballooned SEGA's Operating Income.

Chuck E Cheese would be less expensive, but if SEGA Orbi were to wait until 2014, the purchase would be easier and swifter.

CEC needs SEGA. They need a NEW leaf and SEGA Orbi buying them would completely reinvent them in my opinion. Chuck E. Cheese needs to be tied to gaming. Its been 28 years since they have, maybe they should consider going back to Bushnell's dream.

Possible OVD clues.

The next description sounds like SEGA is already prototyping a NEW Optical format.

"For the computer readable recording-medium, an optical recording medium an optical recording media where data can be optically read, such as CD-RAM, CD-ROM, OVDRAM, DVO-ROM, OVD-R, PO disk, MD disk and MO disk), a magnetic recording medium (a recording medium where data can be magnetically read, such as a flexible disk, magnetic card and magnetic tape), or a portable recording medium, such as a memory cartridge comprising a memory element (a semiconductor memory element such as DRAM, a ferroelectric memory element such as FRAM), are preferable."


Several codenames pop up on this patent. And this just isn't a spelling error. These are actually in the patent description. Based on my observations, this is probably what they stand for: CD-RAM and CD-ROM were redbook Applications SEGA originally used for the Dreamcast and NAOMI its what the GD-ROM was formatted with. So in this patent, SEGA is making it clear, GD-ROM is BACK.



OVD-RAM. I believe SEGA Orbi has unofficially christened the new format "Orbi Video Disc" OVD. Toshiba in turn will handle its distribution. OVD-RAM is probably a letterbook built for anti piracy concerns mainly for beta storage of games and media ROMs.

DVO-ROM. "Digital Versatile  Orbi". So this means that "Sega Orbit" and RINGWAVE will use this as a media format and is INDEED proof that SEGA's new arcade board and its console will have its OWN special media.

OVD-R (Orbi Video Disc Recordable). The home recordable video version of OVD-Video(whom I suspect Toshiba is carrying its license).



PO. "Portable Orbi". It looks as if this patent is the official development kit for Sega Pod or rather "Orbi Pad"( Yes I'm now suspecting that this is the FINAL name for the KIDSPAD/Sega Pod.) Portable Orbi is made from HD-DVD ROM and the Letterbooking from GD-ROM.

MD. Multi Digital. Rather "Mini Orbi Media Disc" 

MO. Mini Orbi. Like I had mentioned before, SEGA has developed their own version of UMD. (Whearas, UMD used the Letterbooking for DVD, MOMD uses HDDVD's letterbook.)



So folks, it looks like SEGA Orbi is getting to work on all its NEW formats.

What will the final name for SegaPod/Orbi Pad's portable media be? What kind of marketing does anyone think Sega Orbi will be doing? 

Sega Orbi's possible 2nd Party Partners.

In today's blog entry I will discuss who SEGA Orbi's possible OEM partners regarding the rumored "SEGA Orbit" game console.


I think the long 3 year theory that Toshiba is likely the BIGGEST partner for SEGA's next console is pretty obvious. The patents of the defunct HD DVD can still be used by SEGA and it is believed that the mini UMD like format the "DC Pad" will use is based on HD-DVD ROM but instead will have more layers and space. Also since the Orbi mark makes it very clear that they will be branding their very own DVD format and will Toshiba's patent department extremely and heavily active, we can say, that Toshiba will distribute the new format as a partner for Sega Orbi while maintaining the rights to the concept. Also keep in mind, that Hitachi's non mobile customary CPU market has been idle for almost a decade. If the Orbit indeed uses a modified built of Nvidia's Project Denver/RM ARM El Nino( ARM's design is right up SEGA's ally of cheap,inexpensive Mirco Architecture) , Toshiba's investment arm is the best candidate to implement a special lower cost design. Hitachi Renasas would have to purchase the parts and silicon from ARM and Nvidia themselves and just divide the ARM ISA design while Toshiba can just use their own off the shelf components while splitting the build into 4 large 128-bit CPUs with 8 cores on each side. 

Toshiba we should know is pissed at Sony for losing the format war, and are no longer doing business with them.


Also regarding Apple. Speculation under the radar has suggested that Apple Computer is looking at becoming a 2nd party OEM manufacturer for future video game consumer products. There's already that meeting that took place at Valve(who in turn is interested in a 3DO-like Steam device) while it s pretty obvious that the meeting was probably VALVE's own attempt to sell Steam to iOS user, previous,recent behavior from Apple does suggest that they are definitely considering the option of providing 2nd party silicon for the next console maker, it wouldn't surprise me if Apple partners up with Sega Orbi. It is also my belief that Apple would use its brand name to help get SEGA Orbit on the map.


Also we gotta take a look at LG. Lucky Goldstar is looking to have thier brand name associated with gaming, SEGA Orbi would be a perfect candidate for LG to build their Korean brand and out do their biggest competitor Samsung.

Then you look at Pioneer,NEC and JVC. Pioneer developed a 16 layer Blu-Ray ROM 4 years ago. And its rumored that Orbi Versatile Disc uses 16 layers just like Blu-Ray 16. Pioneer hasn't partnered with SEGA in 20 years. Since scrapping plans for a Laser Disc based Mega Drive in 1990 and being allowed to use the code for Mega Drive hardware in its LaserActive in 1992. Pioneer has stayed away from the gaming hardware silicon world for years. Would they be willing to return for Sega Orbi's sake.


NEC used to be both a rival and nuisance to SEGA back in the day. But they packed their 1st party and video gaming bags up 15 years ago. They've abandoned gaming eons ago. During Dreamcast they were fairly secondary as Imagination Tech were the mainsayers of DC's capabilities, with SEGA a hardware company again, NEC would only be happy to oblige. NEC since the late 1990s has become a household name in Japan's PC market. This time around they would be an even bigger help to SEGA.

JVC, the Greatest Electronic Company in the world. A serious partner of SEGA's back in the early 1990s during SEGA CD/Mega CD's heyday and briefly during Saturn. Since the 2000s, they've become niche, unable to develop a new cutting edge media format, in 2007 they sunk their assets into developing a new optical format(There were numerous patents filed during that time regarding it) but sense then, investors are reported to have retooled it into a flash media card format codenamed "Melink Video Media". JVC Kenwood who merged in 2008, is more of a at-your-convienace OEM manufacturer. They would have to be approached by SEGA Orbi to provide Bill Of Materials.


Things are getting very interesting. SEGA Orbi's public formation can't come sooner.

Possible Middleware partnerships for Sega Orbi.

There new reports as well as fairly solid evidence that SEGA is in the process of licensing Middleware software GUI,GNU and OS patches for the first time since NAOMI/Dreamcast.

On the ORBI trademarkia link, several photos popped up that lead to Middleware companies being involved with SEGA. As you all know, Dreamcast used GLBasic for GUI and Middleware basic coding with C Language. Inside of the Orbi trademarkia (http://www.trademarkia.com/orbi-85517210.html), the links and images to these lead to these Middleware companies:


"Orbit Software" http://orbitsw.com/ 

Which is a Austin,TX based group that develops Anti-Piracy GUI's and Binary IIRC Codes.

"Gnome, Inc" http://www.gnome.org/ 

A Mexico City GNU development company.

When I looked at the Mysterious ORBIT logo, this popped up:

http://orbit-resource.sourceforge.net/

So in that thesis, I discovered that ORBIT is actually a C Language Patch for coding games and media on "Home Consumer" I said Home Consumer Only electronics! I also discovered that "Gnome's" GNU is owned by Novell Software Inc, which could explain the patent SEGA-TUDE found!

Also remember everyone, C Language is only used by SEGA for home console hardware, not arcade, Why the hell would Sega Orbi be looking to license C Language software again for the first time in 15 years?!

The indications of the console being called "SEGA Orbit" is still there. The logo can BE used, since the name is untrademarked and obscure. The name is probably both a reference to Saturn and a tip of a hat to Gnome's C Language design.

Non Sega Digital Patents from '99.

The following entry entails some patents DC-Talk user SEGA-TUDE PM'd me back in April.

These three patents were all filed WAY back in 1999 and 2000. The listed assignees are Middleware OS maker Novell,LG Electronics and a rogue Taiwanese mobile phone and digital cable company Zeemote.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/8145798.pdf

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/8145798.html

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/8113955.pdf

The thing about these patents is not only were they originally filed 12 years ago during the time Dreamcast was out, but that the Novell patent references SEGA's old "Sega Channel" service from 1994-95.

The interesting point about all 3 patents is not only did it take over a DECADE to get issued and developed, they all refer to some sort of digital device,via TV or mobile online streaming for games. None of these companies have gaming experience,gaming R&D or an gaming brand or game division to pull off a concept on their own.



Now, while you think about that, I want you to take a look at this. These are taken from the "Orbi" document:

Now, while you think about that, I want you to take a look at this. These are taken from the "Orbi" document:

"home video games; electronic circuits and CD-ROMs containing game programs for use with hand-held video game machines; home video game software; game software for hand-held game machines; game equipment sold as a unit for playing a parlour-type computer game primarily composed of {indicate principle components, i.e., video game software, computer hardware, computer monitors}; CD-ROM computer game discs and computer programs, namely, software linking digitized video and audio media to a global computer information network; {replaced “,” with “;”} cellular telephone accessories, namely hands-free accessories in the nature of hands free devices, cellular telephone covers; records, namely, blank record disks; electronic circuits; {changed “,” to “;”} CD-ROMs, namely, blank CD-ROMS for sound or video recording and pre-recorded CD-ROMS featuring {indicate subject mater, i.e., music and video games}; "



From 028:

; hand held electronic games, namely, {identify with specificity, i.e., handheld electronic games adapted for use with television receivers}; handheld game apparatus with liquid crystal displays; electronic hand-held game units for use with an external display screen; 


Is it possible that SEGA has chosen a specially designed Operating System that uses Novell middleware?

Also is it VERY possible that the tablet will use LG as a networking and GUI interface?

Is Zeemote's brand being contracted for overseas distribution and licensing by SEGA?

Which LLCs could spawn from SEGA Orbi?

The following blog entry is a list of brand names and LLCs that are reported to be coming from the formation of SEGA Orbi, I'll list the 14 that may come in Japan, the 8 in North America and 5 in Europe.


SEGA and Sammy Holdings,Inc to becoming SEGA Orbi Enterprises,Inc owned and operated by parent company Orbi Holdings and Investments,Inc. These are a list of 14 Limited Liability Company headquartered in Haneda Chome Toyko,Japan that shall soon be formed:

1. Main Conglomerate/Company. SEGA Orbi International,LLC. For handling all ICs in American and European Divisions and domestic HQs. Parent company is Sega Orbi Enterprises,INC.


2. SEGA Orbi Enterprises,LLC. The first party global game hardware division for Home Consumer gaming products.

3. SEGA Orbi Amusements,INC. SEGA 's 1st party Research and Development gaming division for Game Arcade hardware, home game hardware, and 1st party game software formally AM3,AM4,Away-27 and Sega Rosso and for Theater franchising.

4. SEGA Orbi Communications,INC. For mobile phone OEM manufacturing,Secondary parts and Electronic services.

5. SEGA Orbi Electronics,INC. For selling own brand of Electronic devices and hardware, parent company and license holder for Toshiba "ORBIS DVD".


6.SEGA Networks,Inc and Software Publishing,Inc. Former crippled software 3rd party division formed in 2001 after demise of CSK Enterprises. Overseas digital,social network,mobile,PC and portable only development.

7. SEGA Orbi Lodging,INC. Hotel, Restaurant franchising in Japan and parent company of Western Hotel/Resorts LLC, "Orbi Lodging LLC".

8. SEGA TOYS. Still SEGA Toys.

9. TMS Entertainment. Intact from SEGASammy.

10. Orbi Industries,INC. Contracting,manufacturing and selling parts for Appliances,Industrial parts and factory parts. Selling Vending machines,Casino Slots and Soda Machines, this time worldwide.

11. Orbi Foods,LLC. Branding of food ingredients. Domestic only.

12. SEGA Orbi Decor and Furniture,LLC. For home decor. Domestic only.

13. Orbi Clothing,INC.

14. Orbi Sundries,LLC. For selling cheap dollar store like products.



North American/Sega Orbi America:

1. Either Sega Orbi Games,LLC or Sega Corporation America,Inc. Likely Sega Orbi Games,LLC. For the first party brands only.

2. Sega Alliance,Inc (Formerly SOA's 3rd party division).

3.Orbi Communications,Inc.

4. Orbi Electronics and Parts,LLC.

5. Sega Toys and Accessesories.

6. Orbi Lodging,LLC.

7. Sega Orbi Amusements and Restaurants,Inc.

8. Orbi Industrises,LLC.


Sega of Europe.

1. Sega Online Entertainment. 3rd party division mainly digital,social networking,mobile,PC games and IPs.

2. SEGA Orbi Europe. SEGA of Europe's reformed 1st party division.

3. Orbi Euro Communications,LLC. Handles all of Sega Orbi's non gaming brands/Electronics in Europe.

4. Sega Orbi Amusements Europe. 

5. Orbi Euro Industries,LLC.