CN1902909B - Adapter, cartridge, computer system and entertainment system - Google Patents

Abstract

An adapter is provided which enables a television receiver to be used for various purposes by connecting the television receiver to a computer. A cartridge includes a memory storing a program and data and a high-speed processor capable of generating a video signal and an audio signal in a signal format in which a television receiver receives the video and audio signals, displays an image corresponding to the signals, and outputs sound. The cartridge is mounted in the adapter, and video signals and audio signals from the high speed processor are input to the adapter. The adapter outputs the video and audio signals input from the high-speed processor to the television receiver.

Description

Adapters, cartridges, computer systems and entertainment systems

technical field

The present invention relates to an adapter, a cartridge connectable to the adapter, and techniques related thereto. the

Background technique

1 and 5 in Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 60-52885 (herein referred to as Patent Document 1) describe a game console and a game cartridge as follows. The printed circuit board fits inside the game cartridge. A single LSI (Large Scale Integration) chip is mounted on this printed circuit board. This LSI chip includes a memory for storing game programs and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing various processes. In addition, the LSI chip is provided with I/O ports for inputting and outputting addresses and data, switch operations (joysticks, buttons, etc.), VDG (video display generator, video display generator) control signals, audio signals, and the like. the

On the other hand, the game console is connected to the antenna terminal of the TV receiver. On the upper surface of the game console near the left, an arched handle is formed. Buttons are provided on the upper surface of the handle. The button can be used as a game start button, a game mode selection button, a firing button, and other switches. The player can manipulate the button while holding the handle with the left hand. the

Furthermore, on the upper surface on the right-hand side of the game console, joysticks are provided near the front side, and cartridge insertion slots are provided near the rear side, respectively. The joystick can pivot from front to back and side to side. A button is provided on the left side of the handle of the joystick. The player can manipulate the button while holding the handle with the right hand. The switch function of the button of the handle is different from that of the button of the arched handle. The cartridge insertion slot includes a rectangular insertion opening and a pair of cover plates that are elastically supported and can be opened by pressing the edges of the game cartridge. the

Additionally, on the upper surface of the game console, there is a power switch, a pause button, and a light located between the handle and the joystick. the

Next, the circuit configuration of the game console will be explained. In addition to the memory and the CPU, there are several built-in functional devices within the game console. Specifically, the game console is provided with decoder, video RAM (random access memory), mode selection latch, VDG, address latch, address driver, bus transceiver, sound modulator, video modulator, Low pass filter, high frequency oscillator and various keys. the

This decoder is used to control access to video RAM and operating mode selection latches. The video RAM stores data sent from the game cartridge's memory, and transfers the data to the VDG. The mode selection latch is used to select the working mode of VDG according to the information from the decoder, and latch the selected mode. The address latch is a latch for separating address information from data. the

Controls this address driver when reading and writing addresses used to access video RAM. Using the read and write signals, the bus transceiver controls the sending and receiving of data, and controls the timing of accessing the video RAM in synchronization with the clock. According to the set display mode, this VDG generates a video signal based on the data from the video RAM. the

This display mode can be selected from various graphics modes such as a half graphics mode of 64 x 32 dots in 8 colors, a graphics mode of 64 x 64 dots in 4 colors, and a graphics mode of 128 x 64 dots in 2 colors . The display mode setting is performed using the CPU of the game cartridge. the

The sound modulator synthesizes and modulates the signal from the CPU by frequency modulation to output a 4.5MHz TV audio signal. The video modulator uses a high-frequency oscillator to perform RF amplitude modulation on the VDG signal to generate a TV signal (NTSC) of CH1 or CH2, and then pass the TV signal through a low-pass filter and provide it to the TV. the

In the circuit configuration as described above, the required game content (context) can be realized by using the game program stored in the memory of the game cartridge. The number of colors and picture quality (number of displayed dots) of the image on the screen. the

However, as described above, when a VDG having the ability to display images is implemented in a game console, the CPU of the game cartridge cannot display images. In other words, the game cartridge's CPU cannot generate a video signal. the

As mentioned above, since in the prior art case of Patent Document 1, the game cartridge includes a memory and a CPU, various implementations of the game cartridge can change not only the game content but also other display characteristics such as the display screen The number of points and colors on the . In addition, since memory and CPU can be fabricated on a single chip suitable for mass production, it helps to reduce the overall cost of game cartridges and game consoles. the

However, at present, the technology of a game cartridge having a built-in CPU and a built-in memory as described in Patent Document 1 has become obsolete. Details are given below. From the date when the technology described in Patent Document 1 was proposed to today, as in the computer industry, a large amount of resources have been devoted to the development of powerful hardware and software for the video game industry. In particular, in the video game industry, efforts are aimed at improving the graphics capabilities for displaying realistic three-dimensional images on television monitors. For this reason, while all the hardware and CPU of the expansion circuit are included in the video game console, an enlarged game program, pixel data is also stored in a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) for distribution. wait. Besides, the current trend in the video game industry is to give game machines the functions of home appliances, especially, as audio-visual products, for example, the functions of playing DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), recording TV programs, and the like. the

Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 1, which relates to a cartridge including a CPU and a memory, does not provide information that those skilled in the art are developing in accordance with the reality of the video game industry. the

So far, the actual situation of the video game industry has been described using Patent Document 1. Next, the technology of the personal computer industry will be explained. 1 and 3 in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-289953 (herein referred to as Patent Document 2) show a portable personal processor module as follows. The personal processor module includes processor, memory and hard disk. In addition, the personal processor module is also connected to a docking station. Additionally, peripherals such as monitors and keyboards are connected to the docking station. In this way, a personal processor module, a docking station, and peripheral devices such as a monitor are combined to configure a personal computer. the

One feature that distinguishes the personal computer industry from the video game industry is that personal computers require versatility (can be used for any purpose desired by the user), whereas video game consoles do not require such versatility. However, a common trend in both industries is to give systems the functionality of household appliances, in particular, as audiovisual products. the

Contents of the invention

Meanwhile, video game consoles and personal computers have won over many consumers. However, if a product that differs from the above concepts can be offered, the business is likely to gain significant economic benefits. the

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an adapter and technology related thereto for various purposes by connecting a computer to a television receiver. the

Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a cassette and technology related thereto so that a television receiver can be used for a specific purpose by simply connecting the cassette to an adapter; conversely, by changing the cassette connected, Can be used with a TV receiver for various purposes. the

The adapter according to the first aspect of the invention is an adapter connectable to a television receiver and a cassette comprising a memory and a computer, the memory storing programs and data, the computer being able to perform Algorithm operation, generating video signal and audio signal, the video signal is generated in the signal format that the television receiver receives the video signal and displays an image corresponding to the video signal, and the audio signal is generated in the The television receiver receives the audio signal and outputs the signal format generated corresponding to the sound of the audio signal, and the adapter includes: a first video signal input terminal through which the video signal is received from the computer. The video signal; the first audio signal input terminal, through which the first audio signal input terminal receives the audio signal from the computer; the video signal output terminal, through which the video signal input from the computer is input signal output to the television receiver; an audio signal output terminal through which the audio signal input from the computer is output to the television receiver; a first internal circuit for receiving from the first A video signal input terminal receives the video signal, and outputs the video signal to the video signal output terminal in the signal format of the received video signal; a second internal circuit is used for receiving the video signal from the first audio A signal input terminal receives the audio signal, and outputs the audio signal to the audio signal output terminal in a signal format of the received audio signal.

According to the adapter, by simply connecting the video signal output terminal and the audio signal output terminal of the adapter to the video signal input terminal and the audio signal input terminal of the television receiver, respectively, and installing the cassette in the adapter, The computer-generated video and audio signals can be sent to a television receiver. Accordingly, the television receiver can display images corresponding to the computer-generated video signal and output sound corresponding to the computer-generated audio signal. the

As described above, with the adapter, a computer can be easily connected to a television receiver. Therefore, the television receiver can be easily adapted to the use of the program stored in the memory in the cartridge. Besides, this TV receiver can be easily adapted to various uses by simply changing the cartridge inserted into the adapter. the

Furthermore, with the adapter, the computer can be easily connected to television receivers that are widely distributed and widely used by people, and therefore, the economic burden imposed on the user can be reduced, and at the same time, the user can use the computer unconditionally. the

Incidentally, since a personal computer cannot be used alone without peripherals such as a monitor, users must provide a set of personal computers with all the necessary peripherals, so even for personal computers whose prices have plummeted currently, it is not necessary to unconditionally Use a computer. In addition, it is cumbersome to use a monitor connected to a personal computer by installing a dedicated device driver indispensable for running the monitor, but this cumbersome installation can be avoided by using the above-mentioned adapter because the adapter is connected to the TV receiver without installing device drivers. Furthermore, in general, various functions are installed in the personal computer to make the computer multifunctional with many unnecessary functions, which is burdensome to the user and raises the price. In contrast to this, the user of the present system having the present adapter can use the television receiver for its purpose only by purchasing the corresponding cassette, and functions unnecessary to the user are hardly installed, which reduces the burden. the

In addition, since the computer outputs the video signal and the audio signal in a signal format in which a television receiver receives the video signal and the audio signal, displays images corresponding to the video signal and the audio signal, and outputs sound, respectively, even when the functions of the computer are updated or modified, Users can continue to use the adapter without extensions or modifications. In other words, even when the functions of the computer are updated or modified, the user can use the existing adapter as it is by merely inserting a cartridge equipped with the updated or modified built-in computer into the adapter without knowing the hardware and software. extensions and modifications. Therefore, user-friendliness can be improved, and economical burden on users can be reduced, thus contributing to popularization of cartridges. the

Incidentally, for the game machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, a VDG capable of generating video signals is implemented in the game console, so when updating or modifying the CPU in the game cartridge, it is necessary to correspond to the update of the game cartridge Or modify to update or modify the functionality of the game console. Therefore, with the game machine of Patent Document 1, the user has to purchase a new game cartridge and a new game console, which imposes a significant financial burden on the user and is annoying to the user, and at the same time, the specifications and operating procedures of the game console may change. This also applies to the personal computer disclosed in Patent Document 2. This is because display control circuitry for generating video signals is implemented within the docking station. the

In addition, since the adapter is used to receive video signals and audio signals in a signal format in which a television receiver receives video signals and audio signals, displays images corresponding to the video signals, and outputs sound corresponding to the audio signals, as long as it can output the This signal can be combined with an adapter to use a computer, therefore, the developer of the cartridge can freely and arbitrarily design the hardware and software configuration of the computer according to various uses. As mentioned above, unlike existing personal computers and game consoles, the cartridges are designed with as little limitation as possible on the hardware and software of the platform. the

Thus, with existing personal computers, applications must be designed for each of the different platforms (for example, different operating systems) to be supported, thus increasing development costs. Furthermore, with existing game machines, game programs must be designed for each of the different platforms (eg, different game consoles) to be supported. the

In addition, the adapter is used with a cartridge installed with a program for a specific purpose. For this reason, unlike the personal processor module of Patent Document 2, which requires multi-functionality, a hard disk is not required, and the performance required for the computer can be reduced. Thus, the cost of the cartridge inserted into the adapter can be reduced compared to individual processor modules with versatility. the

Preferably, the adapter further includes: an internal power supply voltage generating circuit for generating an internal power supply voltage according to an external power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply; and a power supply voltage output terminal through which the computer is provided with the internal A power supply voltage generating circuit generates the internal power supply voltage. the

According to this adapter, a power supply voltage required to operate the computer and peripheral circuits inside the cartridge can be supplied from the adapter, and therefore, no power supply circuit is required inside the cartridge. Therefore, the cost of the cartridge can be reduced. On the other hand, although there is a tendency to increase the cost of the adapter in this configuration, since the adapter can generally be used for various cartridges, the economic benefit produced by the cost reduction of the cartridges that are frequently purchased according to different uses exceeds the This increases the cost of the adapter. the

In addition, preferably, the internal power supply voltage generation circuit generates a plurality of power supply voltages with different output levels as the internal power supply voltages respectively; and a plurality of output terminals are set as the power supply output terminals respectively for the The computer supplies the plurality of internal power supply voltages with different output levels. the

According to this adapter, since the cartridge can be designed to operate with various power supply voltages, the degree of freedom in design can be improved. the

In addition, preferably, the adapter further includes: a second video signal input terminal, through which a video signal is received from the outside; a second audio signal input terminal, through which an audio signal is received from the outside; signal; a first switch circuit, which has a first contact, a second contact, and a third contact; a second switch circuit, which has a fourth contact, a fifth contact, and a sixth contact; and a third switch a circuit having a seventh contact, an eighth contact, and a ninth contact, wherein the first contact is connected to the video signal output terminal; the fourth contact is connected to the audio signal output terminal; and said seventh contact is connected to a first line through which said external power supply voltage is supplied, and said second contact is connected to a second line connected to said first video signal input terminal; The fifth contact is connected to a third line connected to the first audio signal input terminal; and the eighth contact is connected to a fourth line connected to the internal power supply voltage generating circuit, and the third contacts are connected to the second video signal input terminal; the sixth contact is connected to the second audio signal input terminal; and the ninth contact is in a high impedance state, and when the seventh contact When connected to the eighth contact, the first contact is connected to the second contact, and the fourth contact is connected to the fifth contact, and when the seventh contact is connected When it comes to the ninth contact, the first contact is connected to the third contact, and the fourth contact is connected to the sixth contact. the

According to this adapter, when it is not necessary to supply the power supply voltage to the cartridge, that is, when the cartridge is not in use, the seventh contact and the ninth contact of the third switching circuit are connected to each other, so that they are used to supply the external power supply voltage The first line is in a high impedance state. On the other hand, the first contact and the third contact of the first switching circuit are connected to each other, therefore, the video signal output terminal is connected to the second video signal input terminal, and the fourth contact and the third contact of the second switching circuit are connected to each other. The six contacts are connected together, and thus, the audio signal output terminal is connected to the second audio signal input terminal. Therefore, when the cassette is not used, video signals and audio signals input from external equipment can be relayed to the TV receiver. Therefore, the adapter can be applied to a wider range of uses. In addition, for users who always connect the adapter to the television receiver, with this configuration, it is possible to avoid shortage of input terminals of the television receiver. In other words, since the adapter is provided with a second video signal input terminal and a second audio signal input terminal, even if the adapter is connected to an input terminal of a television receiver, the number of usable input terminals is not reduced. the

The adapter may further include a rod, wherein the first switching circuit, the second switching circuit and the third switching circuit are combined to form a switching unit, and by pressing the rod against the switching unit to open and close the switching unit. the

According to this adapter, since wiring arrangement can be simplified, manufacturing cost can be reduced and reliability can be improved. Let me explain in detail below. In consideration of user convenience and appearance, it seems reasonable that the user-operated power button is located on the front of the adapter and the terminals are located on the rear of the adapter. However, the switch unit is used not only to turn on and off a power source but also to connect and disconnect terminals therebetween. Therefore, if the switch unit is located on the front side of the adapter, many wirings must be arranged from the back side of the adapter to the front side of the adapter. However, when the switch unit is located on the rear side of the adapter, opening and closing of the switch unit can be controlled by making the rod contact the switch unit from the front side. Therefore, complicated wiring can be avoided. Ultimately, noise and the like can be prevented from affecting the system. the

Preferably, the adapter further includes an AC/DC converter for converting the AC power supply voltage into a DC power supply voltage and outputting the DC power supply voltage to the internal power supply voltage generation circuit. the

According to this adapter, unlike the case where the AC power supply voltage is supplied from an external AC adapter, the AC power supply voltage is internally converted into a DC power supply voltage by this adapter, so it is possible to prevent users from inadvertently connecting a device whose specification is different from that of the adapter. A proper AC adapter, therefore, can improve reliability. the

In addition, preferably, the adapter further includes: a clock oscillator circuit for generating a clock signal with a predetermined frequency; and a clock signal output terminal through which the clock signal is sent to the computer. the

According to the adapter, the adapter provides the clock signal required to run the computer and other circuitry within the cartridge connected to the adapter, and therefore, no clock oscillator circuit needs to be provided within the cartridge. Therefore, the cost of the cartridge can be reduced. On the other hand, although the cost of the adapter tends to increase in this configuration, since the adapter can generally be used for various cartridges, the economic benefit produced by the cost reduction of the cartridges that are frequently purchased according to different uses exceeds the This increases the cost of the adapter. the

More preferably, the adapter further includes: an internal power supply voltage generation circuit for generating a plurality of internal power supply voltages with different output levels according to an external power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply; a clock oscillator circuit for generating a clock signal; and a clock signal output terminal through which the clock signal is sent to the computer, wherein the internal power supply voltage generation circuit converts the plurality of internal power supply voltages having different output levels The internal supply voltage with the highest output level is fed to the clock oscillator circuit. the

According to this adapter, since the clock signal is generated based on the internal power supply voltage of the highest level, the designed cartridge can operate with a clock signal of large amplitude, and thus, the degree of freedom in design can be improved. On the other hand, by providing a circuit for changing the amplitude of the clock signal, the designed cartridge can operate with a clock signal of smaller amplitude. the

The second internal circuit may be provided with a frequency characteristic adjustment circuit for adjusting or modifying the frequency characteristic of the audio signal input from the computer, and outputting the adjusted audio signal to the audio signal output terminal. the

According to this adapter, frequency characteristics can be improved, and therefore, high-quality audio signals can be output to a television receiver. In addition, there is no need to provide a frequency characteristic adjustment function in the cartridge, so the cost of the cartridge can be reduced. On the other hand, although the cost of the adapter tends to increase in this configuration, since the adapter can generally be used for various cartridges, the cost reduction of the cartridges that are frequently purchased according to different uses produces more economic benefits than This increases the cost of the adapter.

Preferably, the adapter further includes: an infrared signal receiver circuit for receiving an infrared signal from the outside and converting the infrared signal into an electrical signal; and a terminal through which the electrical signal from the infrared signal receiver circuit output to the computer. the

According to the adapter, the infrared signal received by the adapter can be transmitted to the cartridge. Therefore, a program stored in the cartridge can be designed to use the information of the infrared signal, and therefore, more types of applications can be realized in the cartridge. the

In addition, preferably, the adapter further includes an annular optical lens, wherein the lens is arranged to face the light receiving part of the infrared signal receiver circuit. the

According to this adapter, with the ring optical lens, infrared rays incident from a wider range of directions can be focused to expand the light receiving range of the infrared sensor. the

More preferably, the lens is integrally formed with an infrared color filter on an optical path leading to the light receiving portion of the infrared signal receiver circuit. the

According to this adapter, by installing an infrared filter, the lens can be set, and therefore, the number of steps in the manufacturing process can be reduced. the

Preferably, the adapter further includes: a predetermined number of switching circuits; a parallel/serial conversion circuit for converting on/off signals input in parallel from the predetermined number of switching circuits into serial signals, wherein the The number of input terminals of the parallel/serial conversion circuit is greater than the predetermined number. the

According to this adapter, since the remaining input terminals other than the input terminals for parallel/serial conversion can be used, additional input can be provided, thus improving expandability. the

A cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention is a cartridge that can be connected to the above-mentioned adapter according to the first aspect, the cartridge does not have a display device, and the cartridge includes: a memory for storing programs and data; and a computer , can utilize said data to carry out arithmetic operation through said program, to generate video signal and audio signal, and said video signal is based on said television receiver receiving said video signal and displaying the image corresponding to said video signal The audio signal is generated in a signal format in which the television receiver receives the audio signal and outputs sound corresponding to the audio signal. the

This cartridge has the same advantages as the adapter according to the first aspect. the

Preferably, the cartridge further includes a camera unit for capturing images of the subject and outputting the captured video signals to the computer. the

According to the cartridge, although its memory can be used to store programs for processing images of captured objects, various applications can be realized within the cartridge. the

According to the card box of the third aspect of the present invention, the card box does not have a display device, and the card box includes: a memory for storing programs and data; a computer that can use the data to perform algorithmic operations through the program to generate video signal and an audio signal, the video signal is generated in a signal format in which the television receiver receives the video signal and displays an image corresponding to the video signal, and the audio signal is generated by the television receiver receiving the video signal generating the audio signal and outputting a signal format of sound corresponding to the audio signal; and a clock amplitude changing circuit for changing the amplitude of the clock signal output from the clock oscillator circuit. the

Even if a clock signal is input from an adapter different from that required inside the cartridge, the cartridge can be operated. the

The computer system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes: a cartridge, which includes a memory and a computer, the memory is used to store programs and data, and the computer can use the data to perform algorithmic operations, generate video signals and an audio signal, the video signal is generated in a signal format in which a television receiver receives the video signal and displays an image corresponding to the video signal, and the audio signal is generated by the television receiver receiving the audio signal and displaying an image corresponding to the video signal outputting a signal format corresponding to the sound of the audio signal; and an adapter in which the cassette can be installed and which can be connected to the television receiver, the adapter comprising: a video signal The input terminal receives the video signal from the computer through the video signal input terminal; the audio signal input terminal receives the audio signal from the computer through the audio signal input terminal; the video signal output terminal receives the audio signal through the video signal input terminal. a signal output terminal for outputting the video signal input from the computer to the television receiver; an audio signal output terminal for outputting the audio signal input from the computer to the a television receiver; and a first internal circuit for receiving the video signal from the first video signal input terminal and outputting the video signal to the video signal in a signal format of the received video signal an output terminal; a second internal circuit configured to receive the audio signal from the first audio signal input terminal, and output the audio signal to the audio signal output terminal in the signal format of the received audio signal . the

The computer system has the same advantages as the adapter according to the first aspect. the

An adapter according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes: a cartridge mounting interface provided with a connector portion composed of a plurality of connection terminals including a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, and connectable to a predetermined function and has a cartridge with a connector designed in a predetermined configuration; first and second signal output terminals, each of which can be connected to a plug designed in a predetermined configuration; a first internal circuit, the first connection terminal and the The first signal output terminals are connected to each other through the first internal circuit; and a second internal circuit, the second connection terminal and the second signal output terminal are connected to each other through the second internal circuit, wherein the first A connection terminal and the first signal output terminal and through the second connection terminal and the second signal output terminal, a signal input from the cartridge through the connector and the connector part is output to the outside equipment. the

A signal sent from the cartridge to an external device can be relayed through the first and second connection terminals and the first and second signal output terminals of the connector portion. In such a simple configuration, the signal from the cartridge can be sent to an external device for any purpose, and therefore, the destination of the processing result of the cartridge can be easily changed. the

Preferably, the cartridge installation interface includes: a cartridge support for stably supporting the cartridge; and a force applying mechanism for applying force to the cartridge support in a predetermined direction and limiting the cartridge support The amount of movement of the member in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction; the connector portion is located at a position where when the cartridge supporting member supporting the cartridge is pushed to the card in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction In a position where movement of the cartridge support is restricted by the urging mechanism, the connector portion may be connected to the connector of the cartridge. the

The cartridge support supports the cartridge, pushes the cartridge in a predetermined direction, and then stops the cartridge at a position where the connector of the cartridge can be inserted into the connector of the adapter while restricting further movement of the cartridge. Therefore, the cartridge can be easily inserted into the adapter. the

Furthermore, preferably, the cartridge support includes a plate-like member of a predetermined shape. the

Since a plate-shaped member of a predetermined shape is used to constitute the cartridge support, the cartridge in the form of a plate can be stably supported by the cartridge support. In addition, operations of handling the cartridge and pushing the cartridge in a predetermined direction are easily performed, so that the cartridge can be easily inserted. the

More preferably, the connection of the cartridge is achieved by sliding the cartridge supported by the cartridge support to the connector portion after pushing the cartridge support to a position where the movement of the pushing mechanism is restricted. connector to the connector portion of the cartridge mounting interface. the

The cartridge can be connected to the connector of the adapter by simply placing the cartridge on the cartridge support, pushing the cartridge down, and then sliding the cartridge on the cartridge support towards the connector of the adapter. the

In an embodiment, said adapter is provided with a housing in the form of a flat rectangular parallelepiped having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a left side, a right side, a front and a back, wherein on said upper surface is formed a An opening for receiving the cartridge, and the cartridge mounting interface is located in the opening on the upper surface. the

After placing the cartridge on the upper surface of the adapter housing, the cartridge can be inserted into the adapter by placing it on the trim, pushing down, and then sliding the cartridge. The operation of pushing down the cartridge can be performed in a stable and reliable manner compared to the pushing operation in the lateral direction. For this reason, the operation of inserting the cartridge can be performed stably and safely. Furthermore, in the case of inserting the cartridge into the mounting interface simply by sliding the cartridge longitudinally, generally speaking, a certain type of mechanism must be provided for disconnecting the cartridge. However, when the cartridge is slid after being pushed down in this manner, such a disconnect mechanism is not required. Furthermore, in the configuration in which the cartridge is pushed inward from the upper surface of the adapter, the upper surface of the cartridge is used to expose the upper surface of the adapter during operation. Therefore, various accessories such as an image sensor, or a connector for connecting an additional cartridge on the upper surface of the cartridge may be provided. Thus, there is a wide variety of possible applications for the cartridge. the

Preferably, the cartridge installation interface includes: a top plate located in the opening of the upper surface and having a main surface on which the cartridge is placed; and a force applying mechanism for supporting the the top plate so that the main surface of the top plate is flush with the upper surface of the housing while urging the top plate in an upward direction and restricting a movement amount of the top plate in a downward direction, wherein The connector portion is located at a position where the movement of the cartridge support is restricted by the urging mechanism by pushing the cartridge provided with the connector oriented in a predetermined direction downward toward the bottom surface. position, and sliding the cartridge in the predetermined direction, the connector portion can be connected to the connector of the cartridge. the

For flushing with the upper surface of the adapter, the top plate is usually supported by means of force application, so that the external design of the adapter is clean from an aesthetic point of view. In addition, since the urging mechanism urges the trim panel in an upward direction, after the cassette slides, the cassette is automatically raised together with the trim panel, thereby disconnecting the cassette. Therefore, the cartridge can be easily removed. the

More preferably, the predetermined direction is a direction toward the front of the casing. the

It is generally considered that the user inserts the cartridge forward of the front face of the adapter, so by placing the cartridge with its connectors facing forward, the user can easily confirm the correct orientation of the cartridge. There is a low chance of placing the cartridge in the wrong orientation. the

More preferably, said cartridge is provided with a housing in the form of a flat rectangular parallelepiped mountable in said opening of said adapter, said housing being provided with an upper surface, a bottom surface, opposite sides, a front and the back, wherein a recessed portion of a predetermined shape is formed on at least one of the opposite sides, wherein the adapter further includes: an engaging member that can enter the recessed portion of a predetermined shape and fit into the The cartridge is fixed in the recessed portion; and the joint support mechanism is used to support the joint in the adapter so that when the top plate of the cartridge installation interface is located at the force applying mechanism, it is limited When the position is moved, the engaging member protrudes into the opening of the housing of the adapter, and when the top plate of the cartridge installation interface is located at a position other than the above position, the engaging member moves out The opening, wherein the recessed portion is formed in such a geometry that when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting interface of the adapter, during sliding of the cartridge in a front-to-rear direction, the The joint does not interfere with any other part of the cartridge. the

When the cartridge is installed, that is, when the top plate of the cartridge installation interface is positioned at a position restricted by the force-applying mechanism, the engaging member is used to enter the recessed portion of the side of the cartridge by the engaging member supporting mechanism. The vertical movement of the cartridge is limited by the joint. For this reason, the cartridge is prevented from being pushed up by the biasing force of the urging mechanism, thereby reducing the risk of undesired disconnection of the cartridge from the adapter. In addition, the recessed portion is formed in such a shape that the engaging member does not hinder the movement of the cartridge when the cartridge is horizontally slid. Therefore, there is no hindrance to intentional insertion and pulling of the cartridge. the

The recessed portion may be formed on two opposite sides of the cartridge, and the engagement member includes a plurality of parts enterable into the recessed portion on each of the opposite sides of the cartridge. the

The recess and engagement member prevent the cartridge from moving in the vertical direction of the cartridge. It is possible to secure the cartridge to the adapter. the

Preferably, the urging mechanism includes: a plurality of urging members, each of which has a first end and a second end; and a support member having a plurality of connecting parts, the plurality of urging members The first ends are respectively connected to the plurality of connection parts to support the top plate from the bottom. The biasing forces of the plurality of force applying mechanisms are applied to the top plate through the support. Therefore, it is possible to urge the top plate in the upward direction, allowing movement in the upward direction and the downward direction while stably supporting the top plate. the

More preferably, a plurality of bottom connection portions to which the second end portions of the plurality of urging members are respectively connected are formed on a bottom surface of the housing of the adapter. the

The second end portion of the urging member may be mounted to a bottom connection portion formed on a bottom surface of the adapter housing. The urging mechanism can be attached to a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the adapter housing, and thus, with the urging mechanism, the top plate can be stably supported. the

Furthermore, preferably, each of the plurality of urging members includes: a pivotable member pivotably mounted to the plurality of urging members at the first end about an axis parallel to the upper surface of the top plate. one of the connecting parts, and is pivotally mounted to one of the bottom connecting parts at the second end about an axis parallel to the shaft, wherein the shaft is a pivotable member at the second end; said first end is pivotally mounted about said shaft; and an elastic member for urging said pivotable member in an upward direction at said second end. The elastic member includes a spring fitted on the pivotable shaft of the second end portion of the pivotable member to act against the adapter in a direction away from the bottom surface of the housing of the adapter. The pivotable member applies force. the

As a component of a plurality of force applying members, a first end portion of each pivotable member is pivotally mounted to the connection portion of the support member about an axis parallel to the upper surface of the top plate. Furthermore, the second end portion is mounted to the bottom connection portion about an axis parallel to the aforementioned axis. The pivotable member is biased by an elastic member such as a spring in a direction away from the bottom surface of the housing of the adapter. When the top board is pushed down, the pivotable member resists the elastic force of the elastic member and pivots to approach the bottom surface of the housing. Thus, the height of the support decreases towards the bottom surface of the housing, and when the pivotable member contacts the bottom surface of the housing, the support no longer moves in the downward direction. When there is no force in the downward direction, because of the elastic force of the elastic member, the first end of the pivotable member leaves the bottom surface, that is, leaves in the upward direction, thereby applying force to the supporting member in the upward direction. In this way, the top plate is stably supported by a biasing force applied in the upward direction, and when pulled down in the downward direction while being stably supported, the top plate is restricted from moving at a predetermined position. the

Preferably, the connector includes: a connector unit in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having a concave engagement portion open toward a front surface of the rectangular parallelepiped for fitting on a male engagement formed on the cartridge partly; a shield fixed to the connector unit for covering at least a part of the upper surface of the connector unit; and a plurality of the connection terminals located in the recessed joint part, wherein the The cartridge is provided with: the protruding engaging portion, which can be fitted in the concave engaging portion, having a plurality of connection terminals to be electrically contacted with the plurality of connection terminals of the connector portion; the concave engaging portion , which can be fitted on the protruding portion of the connector portion formed between the upper surface of the connector portion and the recessed engaging portion; and a conductive shield, which is arranged to cover the card The internal circuit of the box, while a part of the shield of the cartridge is mounted on the inner upper surface of the recessed joint portion of the cartridge, and the shield of the connector part is configured to The shield is in contact with the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted on the connector portion. the

In addition, when the connector of the cartridge is connected to the connector portion of the adapter, the contacts of the shield fixed on the upper surface of the connector unit of the adapter contact the shield for covering the upper surface located inside the recessed joint portion. Part of the shield of the internal circuit of the cartridge, so that a connection can be established between them over a large area. With this connection, the electrical connection between the adapter and the cartridge can be stabilized, and problems in sending and receiving signals can be avoided. Furthermore, if the connection is made using only wires, a potential difference may arise between the ground potential of the cartridge and the ground potential of the adapter (which is more stable), so that the ground potential of the cartridge becomes unstable. If the ground potential of the cartridge is unstable, the sending and receiving signals between the cartridge and the adapter may be unstable. Also, during the operation of the internal circuit of the cartridge, the potential of the shield itself may fluctuate to radiate electromagnetic waves. Since the connection is made over a large area between the connectors of the cartridge and the adapter, the potential difference between the ground potential of the cartridge and the ground potential of the adapter can be minimized, ie, the ground potential of the cartridge is stabilized. the

More preferably, a rear portion of the upper surface of the connector unit is formed lower than a front portion of the upper surface, wherein the shield of the connector unit is provided with an opening so as to form an end A contact fixed to the front portion of the upper surface with the other end located in the lower portion of the upper surface of the connector unit. the

The shield of the connector is urged in a downward direction by contacting the shield of the cartridge at a portion on the inner upper surface of the recessed engagement portion. Above the lower part of the upper surface of the connector unit, the shield of the connector can be moved in the downward direction, therefore, the shield of the connector can be prevented from closely contacting the shield of the cartridge, preventing it from being subjected to stress due to the close contact. Physical failure. the

Furthermore, preferably, the contact is formed to have a predetermined point farthest from the upper surface of the connector unit between the one end and the other end. the

In this configuration, at the contacts, the shield of the connector part can ensure contact with the shield of the cartridge. In addition, although a part of the shield of the connector portion extending on the contact moves in the downward direction, in this case, physical failure of the shield of the connector can be avoided because the upper surface of the connector unit A part of it is formed in the lower position. the

The cartridge according to the sixth aspect of the present invention includes: a memory for storing programs and data; a computer for performing algorithmic operations and generating video signals and audio signals through the programs using the data, and the video signals are based on the The television receiver receives the video signal and displays an image corresponding to the video signal in a signal format, and the audio signal is generated by the television receiver receiving the audio signal and outputting a video signal corresponding to the audio signal and a connector, which is connected to the computer, for sending the video signal and audio signal output from the computer to an external device; and a casing, which accommodates the memory and the The computer is provided with the connector mounted thereon so that the contact portion of the connector is located on the surface of the housing. the

According to the cartridge, according to the data and programs stored in the internal memory, video signals and audio signals generated by the computer can be sent to an external device through the connector. By transmitting the signal generated by the cartridge without the display device to an external device, such as a television receiver or an intermediate device, the results produced by the program running in the cartridge can be used. The memory and the program are installed in the card box, and the video signal and the audio signal can be output by the TV receiver according to the signal format of the video signal and the audio signal to display the image and output the sound respectively. Therefore, the actual configuration of the TV receiver can be ignored. Use a card box. Furthermore, if an intermediate device is used, since the memory and the computer are installed in the cartridge, significantly different functions can be realized with the same intermediate device. Furthermore, when improving the performance of the computer within the cartridge, the functionality of the improved computer is fully available regardless of the configuration of the intermediate device. the

Preferably, the cartridge further includes a dustproof member located in the opening provided with the connection terminal for preventing external dust from entering the interior of the cartridge through the opening. the

The dustproof member is used to prevent external dust from entering the inside of the cartridge through the connector. The cartridge includes several parts sensitive to external dust, such as memory and computer, so the dustproof member can effectively reduce the risk of failure due to external dust. the

In addition, preferably, the case includes: a case main body having an inner space with an opening at one side thereof; a top plate formed in a shape covering the largest part of the opening of the case and capable of Temporarily fixed in a position covering the opening, a fixing member having a protruding claw for securely hooking to a portion of the housing through a portion of the opening of the housing not covered by the top plate An inner portion is predetermined to secure the temporarily fixed top plate to the housing body. the

The top plate is fixed to the case by hooking the top plate on a predetermined portion inside the case on the top plate without using bolts or the like that spoil the appearance of the cartridge. In addition, since the fixing member is fixed to the housing by hooking the claw portion, the fixing member can be easily removed, and therefore, the top plate can also be easily removed, which facilitates maintenance of the cartridge. the

Preferably, the housing main body is provided with an opening through which a tool can be inserted for detaching from a predetermined inner portion of the housing after the claw portion of the fixing member is securely hooked on the predetermined inner portion of the housing. the claws. the

The mount and top plate can be easily removed from the upper housing by inserting the prong into the opening to unhook the claw portion from the edge of the upper housing. the

More preferably, fixing parts are provided at a plurality of positions inside the housing, so that any one of constituent elements corresponding in function to each other but having different sizes can be installed by selecting one or more of the fixing parts. the

For example, a plurality of types of boards, shields, etc. each having a different size are to be installed in the cartridge. By forming in advance a fixing portion for receiving any one of a plurality of different sizes, various products having plates, shields, etc. each having different sizes can be manufactured using the same housing. Therefore, the manufacturing process can be simplified, and products can be put into the market quickly without redesigning the housing for each product. the

In an embodiment, a first locking groove is formed on each of the opposite sides of the housing at a position displaced from the center of each of the opposing sides toward the back of the housing, so that the locking piece is used for A portion for fixing the cartridge at a predetermined position is inserted into the first locking groove. The first locking groove may include: a rectangular-shaped first groove having a predetermined height and a predetermined width that are respectively larger than the height and width of the portion of the locking piece; The height of the portion is smaller than the predetermined height of the first groove and the second groove is a rectangular shaped second groove with a predetermined width. the

If you place the cartridge in the correct orientation when inserting it into an adapter, etc., after the partial lock enters the first locking groove from the right or left, make the partial lock Access to the interior of the second slot ensures that the movement of the cartridge in the vertical direction is restricted. the

On each of the opposite sides of the housing, a second locking groove is formed at a position symmetrically opposite to the first locking groove with respect to a center line perpendicular to the opposite side, so that the locking member is used to lock the card. The portion where the cartridge is fixed at a predetermined position is inserted into the second locking groove; the second locking groove has a height and a width selected so that even if the cartridge is placed upside down at the predetermined position, Inserting the portion of the locking member into the second locking groove. the

In the above configuration, even if the cartridge is inserted into the adapter upside down, the engaging member keeps the cartridge away from the locking groove, preventing the cartridge from being no longer pulled out from the adapter. the

The height and width of the first locking groove and the height and width of the second locking groove are respectively selected so that even if the cartridge is placed upside down at the predetermined position, the part of the locking piece can be inserted into the first locking slot or the second locking slot. the

In the above configuration, even if the cartridge is inserted into the adapter upside down and upside down, it is avoided that the cartridge can no longer be pulled out from the adapter. the

An input device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a bowling ball-shaped input device for an electronic game machine, comprising: a casing in the form of a bowling ball; A plurality of finger holes are formed at suitably arranged positions for hands of a smaller size, while an additional finger hole for replacing one of the plurality of finger holes is formed at suitably arranged positions for hands smaller than the predetermined size. the

Since a plurality of finger holes are formed to fit a hand of a predetermined size, a user having an average-sized hand can easily perform a throwing action of throwing a bowling ball using the finger holes. On the other hand, for users with smaller than average hands, such as children, using the finger hole and the additional finger hole, it is easy to make a throwing action of throwing a bowling ball. Therefore, by selecting the appropriate finger holes for the size of the hand, the user can enjoy the game of bowling. the

An input device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a bowling-ball-shaped input device for an electronic game machine, comprising: a first housing case which is hollow and provided with a recess serving as a finger hole; a second housing case a body which is hollow and provided with a fixing protruding portion whose tip end is positioned so as to contact the recessed portion when combined with the first outer shell shell; a first inner shell shell which is hollow and is provided with an opening corresponding to the recessed portion of the first outer shell; and a second inner shell is hollow and provided with the opening corresponding to the second outer shell. The opening of the fixing protruding part, and the second inner casing can be fixed on the first inner casing by using a predetermined number of fasteners, wherein the predetermined number of fasteners are used to fasten the second inner casing to the first inner casing The first and second inner shells are fixed to each other to form an inner shell, wherein the first outer shell covers the inner shell to pass through the first inner shell formed on the inner shell The opening in the body is inserted into the recessed portion of the first outer shell, and the second outer shell covers the inner shell to pass through the second inner shell formed in the inner shell the opening in, insert the fixing protruding portion of the second housing case, and fix the recessed portion of the first housing case to the second housing case by using predetermined fasteners On the said fixing protruding part of the body. the

By fixing the finger holes of the first outer case to the fixing protrusions of the second outer case, the outer case of the bowling ball input device is formed with the inner case held inside. The fasteners are located at the bottom of the finger holes, so they are not visible from the outside. Apart from them, at least any other such components are not used to fix the housing. Thus, a clever design can be achieved for the bowling ball shaped input device. the

Preferably, the first and second housing shells are formed transparent. the

By making the outer case transparent, the optics provided on the inner case can be used from the outside with external light. On the other hand, the design of the input device is attractive because the inner casing can be seen through the outer casing. the

In addition, preferably, retroreflective elements are mounted on the outer side of the inner case. the

Using the retro-reflective part installed on the inner casing shell, the external device can use the light reflected by the part to obtain the position, velocity and acceleration of the input device, and use this information to play games. In addition, no special circuitry is required within the bowling ball input device itself, thus simplifying configuration. the

An input device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is an input device for detecting acceleration and inputting predetermined information on the acceleration to a predetermined device, the input device comprising: a housing; an acceleration sensor mounted on the housing On; an acceleration sensor circuit, for outputting a signal whose voltage level varies with the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor according to an external signal having a predetermined voltage waveform and the output of the acceleration sensor; The predetermined information is generated by the signal output from the acceleration sensor circuit; a judgment circuit for judging whether the acceleration sensor circuit detects acceleration and outputting a judgment signal; The judgment signal starts or stops supply of the external signal having a predetermined voltage waveform to the acceleration sensor circuit. the

When acceleration is not detected, the signal supply control circuit stops sending signals to the acceleration sensor circuit; once acceleration is detected, it starts supplying signals, so that information about acceleration can be output. Therefore, it is possible to provide an input device that saves power consumption when not in operation, and activates the system without delay once in operation. the

An input device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a bat-shaped input device for an electronic game machine, comprising: a head assembly; and a grip portion having a threaded portion that can be formed on the head assembly. The threaded parts of the threaded part are screwed together to fix the holding part to the head assembly by using the threaded part, wherein the head assembly includes: a first part, which is hollow; a second part, which Assembled with a plurality of fasteners; and an electronic circuit for generating a control signal output to said electronic game machine, wherein said second part contains said electronic circuit therein to form a control unit, said head assembly Also included is a cap fitted over the control unit so as to cover at least a portion of the control unit and conceal the plurality of fasteners. the

By fitting the cap on the control unit, the fasteners used to assemble the control unit become invisible. Furthermore, the grip part is secured to the head assembly by means of a threaded part which is also not visible from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to provide a bat-shaped input device that is excellent from an aesthetic point of view without externally visible fasteners such as bolts. the

According to the pixel data acquisition method of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is used to acquire the pixel data as corresponding to Pixel data of the pixel data of one frame, and store the pixel data to the address specified by the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the predetermined storage device, wherein, when it is indicated to start acquiring the pixel data corresponding to one line, the pixel selection is also issued signal. The method includes: a step of initializing the value of the Y coordinate to a predetermined initial value; a step of waiting for the frame state flag signal to take a predetermined value; and responding to the frame state flag signal of the predetermined value, acquiring the The pixel data steps. The step of acquiring pixel data corresponding to one frame includes sequentially acquiring pixel data corresponding to one row specified by each Y coordinate during changing the Y coordinate by a predetermined amount from a predetermined initial value to a predetermined final value. The step of sequentially acquiring pixel data includes: a step of waiting for the pixel strobe signal to take a predetermined value; a step of initializing the value of the X coordinate to a predetermined initial value in response to the pixel strobe signal of the predetermined value; during which the X coordinate is changed from a predetermined initial value to a predetermined final value by a predetermined amount, pixel data is acquired whenever it is judged that the pixel strobe signal takes the predetermined value, and the pixel data is sequentially stored in an array consisting of the value of the X coordinate and the step of address specified by the value of the Y coordinate; the step of incrementing the value of the Y coordinate by the predetermined amount in response to the completion of the step of sequentially storing the pixel data; the step of judging whether the value of the Y coordinate reaches the maximum value; and In response to the determination that the value of the Y coordinate reaches the maximum value, the step of sequentially acquiring pixel data is completed. the

When the frame state flag signal takes a predetermined value, pixel data corresponding to one frame is acquired. In this step, when the Y coordinate increases from a predetermined initial value to a maximum value by a predetermined amount, the pixel data of a row represented by each Y coordinate is sequentially acquired. The step of sequentially acquiring pixel data waits for the pixel strobe signal to take a predetermined value, and initializes the value of the X coordinate in response to the pixel strobe signal of the predetermined value. At this point, no pixel data is stored yet. Thereafter, pixel data is acquired while incrementing the X coordinate to the maximum value. When the acquisition of pixel data for one line is completed, the value of the Y coordinate is incremented by a predetermined amount. Therefore, if the value of the Y coordinate reaches the maximum value, the sequential acquisition step is completed. When the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value for the first time, there is no valid pixel data, so the pixel strobe signal is ignored. That is, pixel data is not acquired when the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value for the first time, and pixel data is actually acquired when the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value next time. Repeating the subsequent processing for actually storing the pixel data, the pixel data can be stored continuously without initializing the X coordinate because the value of the X coordinate has already been initialized. In the prior art, when starting the next row, the X coordinate is initialized after the pixel data of one row is acquired and before the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value. With this prior art, since it takes a certain amount of time to initialize the value of the X coordinate, signal transitions are sometimes lost when the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value when starting the next line. Therefore, it is often not possible to obtain the first pixel data of each row. According to the method of the present invention, after the pixel data of one row has just been obtained, the X coordinate is not initialized, but the pixel strobe signal is waited for to obtain a predetermined value representing the start of obtaining the next row of pixel data. Initialize the value of the X coordinate after a predetermined value. Therefore, loss does not occur when the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value, and therefore, pixel data rarely fails to be acquired. the

According to the interactive entertainment system of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it includes: an operating member, which is operated by the user when the user enjoys the interactive entertainment system; a cartridge including a memory for storing programs and data, and a signal processing A unit, the signal processing unit is connected to the memory and is used to run the program by using the data to generate a video signal and an audio signal according to the content of the interactive entertainment system, wherein the video signal is in the form of the The television receiver receives the video signal and displays an image corresponding to the video signal in a signal format, and the audio signal is generated by the television receiver receiving the audio signal and outputting a video signal corresponding to the audio signal generated by the signal format of the sound; and an adapter arranged at a position where the adapter faces the user when the user enjoys the interactive entertainment system, the adapter is provided with a wireless communication device for using the operating member according to the user's action to accept user input, the adapter may be connected to a television receiver and said cassette to receive said video signal and said audio signal produced by said cassette and convert said video signal to said audio signal Signals are output to the television receiver in the received signal format of the video signal and the audio signal, thereby displaying the image and outputting the sound according to the contents of the interactive entertainment system.

A video entertainment system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, comprising: a cartridge including a memory for storing programs and data, and a signal processing unit connected to said memory and configured to operate by utilizing said data the program to generate an analog video signal according to the content of the video entertainment system; and an adapter connectable to the television receiver and the cassette to receive the analog video signal from the cassette and convert the The analog video signal is transmitted to the television receiver so that an image corresponding to the analog video signal is displayed on the television receiver according to the content of the interactive entertainment system, wherein the adapter converts the analog video A signal is transmitted to the television receiver in the signal format of the received analog video signal. the

According to another example of the video entertainment system, the adapter transmits the analog video signal to the television receiver after encoding the analog video signal according to the standard of the television receiver. the

Description of drawings

By referring to the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other features and objects of the present invention and the way to achieve them will be more apparent, and the invention itself can be better understood. the

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an adapter and a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. the

Fig. 2(a) is a front view showing the adapter shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 2(b) is a left side view showing the adapter; Fig. 2(c) is a rear view showing the adapter. the

Fig. 3(a) is a plan view showing the adapter shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 3(b) is a bottom view showing the adapter. the

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the adapter shown in FIG. 1 . the

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the lower housing shown in FIG. 4 . the

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the upper case shown in FIG. 4 . the

Fig. 7 is a sectional view along line A-A in Fig. 3(a). the

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1 showing the lower housing removed from the adapter. the

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the adapter shown in FIG. 1 with the upper housing and trim panel removed from the adapter. the

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the lifting mechanism and the lifting plate locking mechanism shown in FIG. 4 . the

Fig. 11 (a) is a plan view showing the magnet holder shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 11 (b) is a left side view showing it; Fig. 11 (c) is a plan view showing a lifting plate support; Fig. 11 ( d) is a right side view showing it; FIG. 11(e) is an explanatory view showing a fully opened lift plate lock mechanism; FIG. 11(f) is an explanatory view showing a closed lift plate lock mechanism. the

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the cartridge locking mechanism shown in FIG. 4 . the

13( a ) is an explanatory view showing an installed state of the cartridge lock mechanism shown in FIG. 4 ; and FIG. 13( b ) is an explanatory view showing an installed state of the cartridge lock mechanism shown in FIG. 4 . the

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the pushing mechanism shown in FIG. 4 . the

Fig. 15 (a) is a perspective view showing the infrared color filter shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 15 (b) is a plan view showing the inside of the infrared color filter 19; ) The cross-sectional view of the line B-B in ). the

Figure 16(a) is a front view showing the connector shown in Figure 4; Figure 16(b) is a plan view showing the connector shown in Figure 4; Figure 16(c) is a plan view showing the connector shown in Figure 4 Bottom view. the

Fig. 17(a) is a perspective view showing the shield shown in Fig. 16(a) to (c); Fig. 17(b) is a perspective view showing the connector unit shown in Fig. 16(a) to (c) and Figure 17(c) is a perspective view showing the connector shown in Figure 16(a) to (c). the

Fig. 18 is a sectional view along line C-C in Fig. 16(a). the

Fig. 19 (a) is an explanatory view showing the lifting mechanism and the lifting plate locking mechanism without placing the card box on the decorative plate shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 19 (b) is an explanatory view showing the card box placed on the decorative plate An explanatory view of the lifting mechanism and the lifting plate locking mechanism; FIG. 19( c) is an explanatory view showing the lifting mechanism and the lifting plate locking mechanism that move the cassette on the trim panel down to the lowest position; and FIG. 19( d) is an explanatory view showing the lifting mechanism and the lifting plate locking mechanism connecting the cassette on the trim plate to the connector. the

Figure 20 (a) is a view showing the engagement between the cartridge and the C-shaped piece of the cartridge lock mechanism in the state shown in Figure 19 (b); Figure 20 (b) is a view shown in Figure 19 (c) ) under the state shown, the view of engagement between the cartridge and the C-shaped member of the cartridge locking mechanism; Figure 20(c) is a right side view showing the state shown in Figure 20(b); and Figure 20(d ) is a right side view showing the locked cartridge. the

Fig. 21(a) is a plan view showing the cartridge shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 21(b) is a bottom view showing the cartridge; and Fig. 21(c) is a right side view showing the cartridge. the

Fig. 22 is a sectional view along line C-C in Fig. 21(a). the

Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the cartridge shown in Fig. 1 . the

Fig. 24(a) is a plan view showing the board shown in Fig. 23; and Fig. 24(b) is a right side view showing the connector portion of the board. the

Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing use of the dustproof member shown in Fig. 23 . the

Fig. 26 is a view for explaining the dustproof member shown in Fig. 25 . the

FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the shield shown in FIG. 23 . the

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the inside of the lower housing shown in FIG. 23 . the

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the inside of the upper housing shown in FIG. 23 . the

Fig. 30 is a plan view showing the upper housing shown in Fig. 23 . the

Fig. 31 is a plan view showing a state where the top plate shown in Fig. 23 is fitted in the surface of the upper casing. the

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the fixing member shown in FIG. 23 . the

Fig. 33 is a sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 21(a). the

Figure 34 (a) is a plan view showing the plate shown in Figure 23; Figure 34 (b) is a plan view showing a medium-sized plate whose size is larger than the plate; Figure 34 (c) is a plan view showing a medium-sized plate whose size is larger than the plate Figure 34(d) is a plan view showing the shield shown in Figure 23; Figure 34(e) is a plan view showing a medium-sized shield whose size is larger than the shield; Figure 34(f) is a plan view showing Show a plan view of a large shield that is larger in size than the medium shield. the

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the camera unit-equipped cartridge to be inserted into the adapter shown in FIG. 1 . the

Fig. 36(a) is a plan view showing the cartridge shown in Fig. 35; Fig. 36(b) is a bottom view showing the cartridge; Fig. 36(c) is a right side view showing the cartridge. the

Fig. 37 is a sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 36(a). the

Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in Fig. 36(a) and showing only the imaging unit. the

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view showing the imaging unit shown in FIG. 35 . the

FIG. 40 is a view for explaining the connection between the case member shown in FIG. 39 and the bottom plate. the

Fig. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing the cartridge unit shown in Fig. 35 . the

Fig. 42 is a plan view showing the inner surface of the lower case shown in Fig. 41 . the

FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing the inside of the upper housing shown in FIG. 41 . the

Fig. 44 is a view for explaining a process of attaching the top plate shown in Fig. 41 to the upper casing. the

FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing a typical use 1 of the adapter shown in FIG. 1 . the

FIG. 46 is a plan view showing the racket-shaped input device shown in FIG. 45 . the

FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view showing the main body of the racket-shaped input device shown in FIG. 46 . the

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view showing a grip portion of the racket-shaped input device shown in FIG. 46 . the

Fig. 49 is a sectional view taken along line G-G in Fig. 46 . the

Fig. 50 is a perspective view showing the outer cover and inner cover shown in Fig. 49 opened. the

Fig. 51 is a plan view showing the outer cover and inner cover shown in Fig. 49 closed. the

Fig. 52 is a side view showing the outer cover and the inner cover shown in Fig. 49 opened and closed. the

Fig. 53(a) is a plan view showing the bat-shaped input device shown in Fig. 45; Fig. 53(b) is a bottom view showing the bat-shaped input device. the

FIG. 54(a) is an explanatory view showing the bat-shaped input device shown in FIG. 45 after separation; FIG. 54(b) is an explanatory view showing the bat-shaped input device shown in FIG. 45 after separation; And FIG. 54(c) is an explanatory view showing the bat-shaped input device shown in FIG. 45 after separation. the

Fig. 55 is a sectional view taken along line H-H in Fig. 53(b). the

FIG. 56 is an enlarged view showing the area A shown in FIG. 55 . the

FIG. 57 is an enlarged view showing a region B shown in FIG. 55 . the

FIG. 58 is an enlarged view showing a region C shown in FIG. 55 . the

FIG. 59 is an explanatory view showing a separation mechanism of the bat-shaped input device shown in FIG. 45 . the

FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing the spherical input device shown in FIG. 45 . the

FIG. 61 is a plan view showing the spherical input device shown in FIG. 45 . the

Fig. 62 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I in Fig. 61 . the

Fig. 63 is an explanatory view showing a typical use 2 of the adapter shown in Fig. 1 . the

FIG. 64 is a perspective view showing the bowling-ball-shaped input device shown in FIG. 63 . the

FIG. 65 is a plan view showing the bowling-ball-shaped input device shown in FIG. 63 . the

Fig. 66 is a sectional view taken along line J-J in Fig. 65 . the

FIG. 67 is an exploded perspective view showing the bowling-ball-shaped input device shown in FIG. 63 . the

FIG. 68 is a perspective view showing the interior of the inner sleeve upper shell shown in FIG. 67. FIG. the

FIG. 69 is a perspective view showing the interior of the lower shell of the inner sleeve shown in FIG. 67. FIG. the

Fig. 70 is a plan view showing the inner sleeve upper shell and the inner sleeve lower shell joined together. the

Fig. 71 is a side view showing the inner sheath viewed from the direction of arrow A shown in Fig. 70 . the

Fig. 72 is a side view showing the inner sheath viewed from the arrow B direction shown in Fig. 70 . the

Fig. 73 is a side view showing the inner sheath viewed from the direction of arrow C shown in Fig. 70 . the

FIG. 74 is a bottom view showing the inner sleeve shown in FIG. 70. FIG. the

FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing the interior of the outer casing shown in FIG. 67. FIG. the

Fig. 76 is a schematic view showing the finger hole forming member shown in Fig. 67 . the

FIG. 77 is a perspective view showing the interior of the outer casing shown in FIG. 67. FIG. the

Fig. 78 is a view showing the electrical configuration of the adapter shown in Fig. 1 . the

FIG. 79 is a circuit diagram showing a power supply circuit and a power switch shown in FIG. 78 . the

Fig. 80 is a circuit diagram showing the internal power supply voltage generating circuit shown in Fig. 78 . the

Fig. 81 is a circuit diagram showing the audio amplifier shown in Fig. 78 . the

FIG. 82 is a circuit diagram showing the IR receiver circuit shown in FIG. 78 . the

FIG. 83 is a circuit diagram showing the key block shown in FIG. 78 . the

FIG. 84 is a circuit diagram showing the crystal oscillator circuit shown in FIG. 78 . the

Fig. 85 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of the cartridge shown in Fig. 1 . the

Fig.86 is a block diagram showing the high speed processor shown in Fig.85. the

Fig. 87 is a view showing the electrical configuration of the cartridge shown in Fig. 35 . the

FIG. 88 is a view showing the electrical configuration of the imaging unit shown in FIG. 87 . the

FIG. 89 is a timing diagram showing the operation of a high-speed processor receiving pixel data from the image sensor shown in FIG. 88 . the

FIG. 90 is a timing chart showing expansion of the portion shown in FIG. 89 . the

FIG. 91 is a view showing an electrical configuration of the racket-shaped input device shown in FIG. 45 . the

Figure 92 (a) is a waveform diagram showing the output signal from the output port of the MCU shown in Figure 91; Figure 92 (b) is a waveform diagram showing the input signal input to the input port of the MCU; Figure 92 (c ) is an explanatory view for explaining the input determination of this MCU. the

Fig. 93 is a flowchart showing the processing of the MCU shown in Fig. 91 . the

FIG. 94 is a flowchart showing acceleration detection processing in step S2 shown in FIG. 93 . the

FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing code transmission processing at step S5 shown in FIG. 93 . the

FIG. 96 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the virtual reality system for playing tennis using the racket-shaped input device shown in FIG. 45 . the

FIG. 97 is a flowchart showing code reception processing in step S109 shown in FIG. 96 . the

FIG. 98 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a virtual reality system for bowling using the bowling-ball-shaped input device shown in FIG. 63 . the

FIG. 99 is a flowchart showing an example of sensor initial setting processing executed as initialization processing executed in step S201 shown in FIG. 98 . the

FIG. 100 is a flowchart showing an example of command transmission processing in step S231 shown in FIG. 99 . the

FIG. 101( a ) is a timing chart showing the register setting clock RCLK shown in FIG. 88 ; FIG. 101( b ) is a timing chart showing register data shown in FIG. 88 . the

FIG. 102 is a flowchart showing an example of register setting processing executed at step S233 shown in FIG. 99 . the

FIG. 103 is a flowchart showing the imaging process in step S203 shown in FIG. 98 . the

FIG. 104 is a flowchart showing one example of processing for acquiring a set of pixel data in step S261 of FIG. 103 . the

FIG. 105 is a flowchart showing one example of the process of acquiring pixel data shown in step S276 of FIG. 104 . the

FIG. 106 is a view showing an adapter 1000 according to a typical modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. the

Fig. 107(a) is a side view showing the adapter 1000 shown in Fig. 106; Fig. 107(b) is a rear side view thereof; Fig. 107(c) is a bottom view thereof. the

Fig. 108 is a perspective view showing a cartridge according to a typical modification of the embodiment of the present invention. the

FIG. 109 is a schematic diagram illustrating the power switch assembly within the adapter 1000 . the

FIG. 110 is a view showing an electrical configuration of the adapter 1000 . the

FIG. 111 is a view showing the circuit configuration of the switching regulator 1058 shown in FIG. 110 . the

FIG. 112 is a circuit block diagram showing the circuit configurations of the extension connector, the extension connector peripheral circuit 1050 , and the key block 1052 shown in FIG. 110 . the

FIG. 113 shows the circuit configuration of the internal power supply voltage generation circuit 1056 shown in FIG. 110 . the

FIG. 114 is an exploded view showing a bat-shaped input device 1200 used in an embodiment of the present invention. the

FIG. 115 is an exploded view showing the head and cover 1212 of the bat-shaped input device 1200 . the

FIG. 116 is an internal plan view showing the buttons of the head portion of the bat-shaped input device 1200 . the

FIG. 117 is a view showing the structure shown in FIG. 116 with the fastener 1246 mounted thereon. the

Fig. 118(a) is a front view showing the button with which the head and the grip part of the bat-shaped input device 1200 are assembled together, or they are disassembled; and Fig. 118(b) is a left side view thereof . the

FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the control unit 1210 showing the head portion of the bat-shaped input device 1200 in which the cover 1212 is fitted on the control unit 1210 . the

FIG. 120 is a view showing the control unit 1210 of the head of the bat-shaped input device 1200 on which the cover 1212 is mounted, viewed from the lower end direction of the head. the

FIG. 121 is a perspective view showing the grip portion 1214 of the bat-shaped input device 1200 . the

FIG. 122 is a view showing the button 1222 of the head and the end of the grip portion 1214 just prior to engagement. the

Figure 123 is a side view showing the grip portion 1214 with its end engaged with the button 1222 of the head. the

FIG. 124 is an internal plan view illustrating the control unit 1210 of the bat-shaped input device 1200 shown in FIGS. 114 and 115 . the

Detailed ways

Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Meanwhile, in the respective drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, although various casings are used as follows, they may be composed of, for example, ABS (acrylonitrile buta diene styrene). the

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an adapter 1 and a cartridge 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , the adapter 1 is in the shape of a flat cuboid, which has an upper side, a lower side, a right side, a left side, a front side and a back side. On the left-hand side of the front, the adapter 1 is provided with a power switch 9 , a reset switch 11 and a power light 10 , while on the right-hand side of the front, an infrared filter 19 is provided. The infrared color filter 19 is a color filter that can cut off light beyond the infrared rays and selectively transmits the infrared rays. An infrared sensor is arranged on the infrared color filter 19, and it is positioned at the back of the infrared color filter 19. It is explained below. Furthermore, in the vicinity of the front edge of the adapter 1, arrow keys 17a to 17d are provided thereon. Further, a cancel key 13 is provided on the left-hand side of the arrow key 17a, and an enter key 17 is provided on the right-hand side of the arrow key 17d. Incidentally, the term "arrow key 17" is used to refer to the arrow keys 17a to 17d in general. the

Furthermore, above the middle part of the upper surface of the adapter 1 , an opening is formed, while the decorative plate 4 is provided therein so that its upper face is substantially flush with the upper face of the adapter 1 . Inside the adapter 1, there is a lifting mechanism, which supports and pulls the decorative panel 4 upwards so that the upper surface of the decorative panel 4 is located at the above-mentioned height. The decorative panel 4 is supported by the lifting mechanism to move upwards and downwards in the opening. By placing the card box 500 on the trim panel 4, pushing down the card box 500, and then sliding the card box 500 to the front, the card box 500 can be connected to the connector 69, which will be explained below. The cartridge 500 includes: a high-speed processor, memory, etc., which will be described below. In addition, obviously, when the cartridge 500 is pushed down on the decoration board 4, the lift mechanism limits the distance that the decoration board 4 moves downward, so that the cartridge 500 stops at a predetermined height. the

(A) Structure of Adapter 1

2( a ) is a front view (front view) showing the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 2( b ) is a left side view showing it; and FIG. 2( c ) is a rear view showing it. Fig. 3(a) is a plan view showing the adapter 1 shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 3(b) is a bottom view showing it. the

As shown in FIG. 2( c ), an AV jack 25 , a power jack 27 , a video jack 31V, an L channel audio jack 31L and an R channel audio jack 31R are set on the back of the adapter 1 . Incidentally, the term "AV jack 31" is used to generically refer to a video jack 31V, an L channel audio jack 31L, and an R channel audio jack 31R. The AV jack 25 is an external output terminal, and it is connected to an external input terminal of a television receiver. On the other hand, the AV jack 31 is an input terminal that can be connected to an output terminal of various external devices such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player. the

In addition, to protrude from the back of the adapter 1 (see FIG. 2( b )) and surround the AV1 sockets 25 and 31 and the power socket 27 (see FIG. 2( c )), a socket protector 23 is provided. Direct application of external forces to the plug portions of cables connected to these sockets is prevented by the socket protector 23 . Therefore, the socket protector 23 is used to prevent the cable from coming out of the socket, as well as to prevent damage to the plug portion of the cable, damage to the socket, and the like. the

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2( a ) to ( c ) and FIG. 3( b ), four anti-skid pads 21 are provided on the bottom surface of the adapter 1 . With this configuration, the adapter 1 can be placed stably. the

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in Figure 4, the adapter 1 includes: a decorative panel 2, key tops 35, 37 and 39a to 39d, an upper housing 3, a decorative panel 4, a lifting plate 55, a frame 5a to 5c, key tops 41 and 43, an infrared filter Color device 19, lift plate lock mechanism 59a and 59b, lift mechanism 57, cartridge lock mechanism 61a and 61b, push mechanism 73, reset switch unit 45, LED (Light Emitting Diode) 10 as a power indicator, cancel key unit 47. Input key unit 49, arrow key units 51a to 51d, boards 63, 65 and 67, connector 69, connector reinforcement 71, four poles single throw type power switch unit 53, AV jack 25 , a power jack 27, a video jack 31V, audio jacks 31L and 31R, and a lower case 7. the

Incidentally, the terms "key top 39", "chassis 5", "lift plate lock mechanism 59", "cartridge lock mechanism 61", and "arrow key unit 51" are used to refer to the key tops 39a to 39d, Frames 5a to 5c, elevator plate lock mechanisms 59a and 59b, cartridge lock mechanisms 61a and 61b, and arrow key units 51a to 51d. the

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the lower housing 7 shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the upper housing 3 shown in FIG. 4 . Fig. 7 is a sectional view along line A-A in Fig. 3(a). FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 from which the lower housing 7 is removed. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the adapter shown in FIG. 1 with the upper housing 3 and trim panels 2 and 4 removed. the

As shown in FIG. 5, in the inner surface of the lower housing 7, shaft support projections 111a to 111d are formed, which protrude from the inner surface and have shaft support holes, respectively. Furthermore, in the inner surface of the lower case 7, along the outer edge thereof, cylindrical protrusions 105a to 105j are formed. A hole is formed at the center of each cylindrical protrusion 105 a to 105 j so as to pass through the bottom surface of the lower case 7 . One long side of the lower case 7 (the back of the adapter 1 ) is formed with a cutout portion conforming to the outline of the socket protector 23 . The other long side of the lower case 7 (the front face of the adapter 1 ) is formed with a cutout portion conforming to the outline of the infrared filter 19 . In the inner surface of the lower case 7, along one short side of the lower case 7 (the left side viewed from the front of the adapter 1), support protrusions 108a and 108b are formed to support the pushing mechanism 73 (see FIG. 9). Incidentally, the term "shaft supporting protrusion 111" is used to refer to the shaft supporting protrusions 111a to 111d in general. the

As shown in FIG. 6, in the upper case 3, a rectangular opening 113 is formed. In the upper housing 3, corresponding to the cancel key 13, the arrow keys 17a to 17d, and the enter key 15 shown in FIG. 1, an opening 75, openings 79a to 79d, and an opening 77 are formed. In addition, one long side of the upper housing 3 (the rear side of the adapter 1) is formed with a cutout portion conforming to the outline of the socket protector 23. On the other long side of the upper case 7 (the front side of the adapter 1 ), a cutout portion matching the outline of the infrared filter 19 is formed. the

Along the periphery of the opening 113 of the upper housing 3 , except for the front side of the adapter 1 , there is an inner wall 115 . The inner wall 115 is provided with two guide grooves 117 , and the two guide grooves 117 are opposite to each other for guiding the vertical movement of the lifting mechanism 57 . Furthermore, the inner wall 115 is provided with two openings 119 opposite each other. In addition, the inner wall 115 is provided with cutout portions 120 that are paired with the openings 119, respectively. The opening 119 and the cutout portion 120 are formed to support the cartridge locking mechanism 61 comprising a C-shaped piece, which will be described below, one end of which can be inserted into the opening 113 through the opening 119, and the other end can be passed through the cutout portion 120. into the opening 113. In the inner surface of the upper housing 3, shaft support protrusions 109a and 109b are formed corresponding to the two sets of openings 119 and cutout portions 120, respectively. Ends of the shaft supporting protrusions 109a and 109b are respectively formed with semicircular notches for supporting the shaft of the C-shaped piece. In the inner surface of the upper housing 3, along one short side of the upper housing 3 (the left side viewed from the front of the adapter 1), support projections 107a to 107c are formed to support the pushing mechanism 73 (see FIG. 8). the

Further, in the inner surface of the upper case 3, along the outer edge thereof, cylindrical protrusions 93a to 93k and cylindrical protrusions 103a to 103j are formed. Further, in the inner surface of the upper housing 3, cylindrical protrusions 97a and 97b for the support plate 65 and a cylindrical protrusion 97c for the support plate 67 are formed. In addition, in the inner surface of the upper housing 3, cylindrical protrusions 95a and 95d for supporting the plate 63 are formed. In addition, in the inner surface of the upper housing 3, a cylindrical protrusion 101c serving as a pivot of the pushing mechanism 73 is formed. In addition, in order to support the connector reinforcement 71 in the inner surface of the upper housing 3, a cylindrical protrusion 102a (not shown in this figure) and a cylindrical protrusion 102b are formed. the

lift unit

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the lifting mechanism 57 and the lifting plate locking mechanisms 59a and 59b shown in FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 10, the lifting mechanism 57 includes: a shaft support 149, pivoting members 157a to 157d, torsion springs 147a to 147d, and shafts 141a to 141d, 145a to 145d, and 143a to 143d. The lift plate lock mechanism 59a includes: a shaft 139a, a disc magnet 155a, a magnet holder 153a, and a lift plate support 151a. The lift plate locking mechanism 59b has the same configuration. Incidentally, the terms "pivot 157" and "shafts 141, 145, and 143" are used to generically refer to pivots 157a to 157d and shafts 141a to 141d, 145a to 145d, and 143a to 143d, respectively. Additionally, the terms "lifter locking mechanism 59", "shaft 139", "magnet 155", "magnet holder 153" and "lifter support 151" are used to refer generically to lifter locking mechanisms 59a and 59b, shaft 139a, respectively. and 139b, magnets 155a and 155b, magnet holders 153a and 153b, and lifting plate supports 151a and 151b. the

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 9 , on the front side of the lifting plate 55 (towards the front of the adapter 1 ), a stopper 131 is formed so as to protrude therefrom (see FIG. 7 ). In addition, on the opposite side surfaces of the lift plate 55 , corresponding to the guide groove 117 shown in FIG. 6 , stoppers 133 are formed. In addition, openings 137a and 137b are formed through the lift plate 55 in order to expose the magnets 155a and 155b of the lift plate locking mechanisms 59a and 59b. In the inner surface of the lift plate 55, along one side edge thereof, semicylindrical shaft abutment portions 129a and 129b are formed, and along the other side edge thereof, semicylindrical shaft abutment portions 129c and 129d are formed. Further, in the inner surface of the lift plate 55, on the front side of the lift plate 55 (front side of the adapter 1), a shaft support protrusion 135a is formed, and on the rear side of the lift plate 55 (rear side of the adapter 1), a shaft support protrusion 135a is formed. Shaft support protrusion 135b. As shown in FIG. 7 , the decorative panel 4 is attached to the upper surface of the lifting plate 55 . Incidentally, the terms "opening 137", "shaft abutment portion 129" and "shaft support protrusion 135" are used to refer to openings 137a and 137b, shaft abutment portions 129a to 129d, and shaft support protrusions 135a and 135b in general. the

Thus, the shafts 145a to 145d are non-rotatably fixed to the four elongated corners of the H-shaped shaft support 149 in order to protrude outward. Pivot 157 is pivotally engaged with shaft 145 . To protrude outward, the shaft 141 is non-rotatably fixed to the upper end of the pivot 157 . On the other hand, the lower portion of the pivot member 157 is bifurcated to form a pair of leg portions (see FIG. 8 ). Then, using the torsion spring 147 and the shaft 143 inserted into the two leg portions and the torsion spring 147, the two leg portions are placed between the shaft support protrusions 111 shown in FIG. Item 157. In this case, since the shaft 143 is non-rotatably fixed to the shaft support protrusion 111 , the pivot member 157 can pivot on the shaft 143 . On the other hand, the shaft 141 positioned at the upper end of the pivot member 157 abuts against the shaft abutting portion 129 formed inside the lifting plate 55, and slides on the shaft abutting portion 129 as the lifting plate 55 moves up and down (see FIG. 7). the

While the elastic force of the torsion spring 147 makes the shaft 141 of the pivoting member 157 force the lifting plate 55 upward, the stoppers 131 and 133 keep the lifting plate 55 at a predetermined height. Therefore, when the cartridge 500 is not placed on the trim panel 4 (lifting panel 55 ), the pivot member 157 is kept at an acute angle with the inner surface of the lower housing 7 as shown in FIG. 7 . the

Returning to FIG. 10 , the magnet holder 153 holds the magnet 155 . At the base end of the lifting plate support 151 and the base end of the magnet holder 153 , the shaft 139 is inserted. In this case, the diameter of the hole of the lifting plate support 151 and the magnet holder 153 through which the shaft 139 passes is larger than the diameter of the shaft 139 so that the lifting plate support 151 and the magnet holder 153 can pivot on the shaft 139 . the

Both ends of the shaft 139 of the lift plate lock mechanism 59 configured as described above are non-rotatably fixed to the shaft support projections 135 formed in the inner surface of the lift plate 55 . Then, when the cartridge 500 is not placed on the decorative panel 4 (lifting plate 55), the lifting plate support 151 is erected on the inner surface of the lower casing 7 by its own weight, as shown in FIG. 7 . Meanwhile, the magnet holder 153 forms an acute angle with the lifting plate support 151 . The structure of the lift plate lock mechanism 59 and its arrangement will be described in detail. the

Fig. 11 (a) is a plan view showing the magnet holder 153a shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 11 (b) is a view showing its left side; Fig. 11 (c) is a plan view showing the lifting plate support 151a; Fig. 11(d) is a view showing its right side; FIG. 11(e) is an explanatory view showing the fully opened lift plate lock mechanism 50a; FIG. 11(f) is a view showing the closed lift plate lock mechanism 59a. Illustrative view. the

As shown in FIG. 11( a ), on one side surface of the magnet holder 153 a on the base end side, an included angle restricting portion 173 is formed. As shown in FIG. 11( b ), in the side view, the angle limiting portion 173 is trapezoidal in shape. Further, at the base end of the magnet holder 153a, a shaft support hole 171 into which the shaft 139 is inserted is formed. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 11(c) and 11(d), at the upper corner, the lifting plate support 151a is partially cut to form a stepped portion that provides an included angle for receiving the magnet holder 153a. The receiving section 175 of the limiting section 173 . In addition, at the base end of the lifting plate support 151a, a shaft support hole 172 into which the shaft 139a is inserted is also formed. the

As shown in FIG. 11(e), the magnet holder 153a and the lifting plate support 151a are configured such that they cannot be opened beyond a predetermined fixed angle θ2 therebetween. That is, when the inclined surface 156 of the angle limiting portion 173 is in contact with the receiving portion 175, the magnet holder 153a and the lifting plate support 151a are prevented from being opened beyond the fixed angle θ2 therebetween. The fixed angle θ2 is determined by the angle θ1 between the bottom surface 158 of the angle limiting portion 173 and the inclined surface 156 . In this case, the fixed angle θ2 is an acute angle. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(f), when the magnet holder 153a and the lifting plate support 151a are completely closed, the included angle limiting portion 173 is accommodated in the receiving portion 175. The elevating plate locking mechanism 59a constructed as above is mounted on the shaft support projection 135a of the elevating plate 55 shown in FIG. 10 . In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, when the cartridge 500 is not placed on the decorative panel 4, the corner 160 of the magnet holder 153a shown in FIG. 153a and lift plate support 151a are not fully closed to maintain a certain acute angle between them. The included angle is not greater than the included angle θ2 shown in FIG. 11(e). Incidentally, the configuration of the lift plate lock mechanism 59b is the same as that of the lift plate lock mechanism 59a. the

Cartridge Locking Mechanism

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the cartridge locking mechanism 61a shown in FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 12 , the cartridge locking mechanism 61a includes: a shaft supporting member 161a, a C-shaped member 159a and a torsion spring 165a. A shaft 163 is formed on the side of the C-shaped piece 159a to protrude therefrom. The shaft supports 161a support these shafts 163. Furthermore, a torsion spring 165a is provided around one of the shafts 163 . The torsion spring 165a has a hook portion hooked to the inner surface of the C-shaped piece 159a at one end and a hook portion hung to the bottom surface of the shaft support 161a at the other end. Therefore, the elastic force of the torsion spring 165a is applied to the C-shaped piece 159a, thereby causing the C-shaped piece 159a to rotate toward the included angle limiting portion 167 . However, since the outer surface of the C-shaped piece 159a abuts on the angle limiting portion 167 protruding from the inner side of the shaft support 161a, the inclination of the C-shaped piece 159a beyond a predetermined angle is prohibited. Incidentally, the configuration of the cartridge lock mechanism 61a is the same as that of the cartridge lock mechanism 61b. The cartridge lock mechanisms 61a and 61b constructed as above are mounted in the inner surface of the upper housing 3 shown in FIG. 6 . This will be explained in detail. the

13( a ) and FIG. 13( b ) are explanatory views showing when the cartridge lock mechanism 61 a shown in FIG. 4 is installed in the inner surface of the upper housing 3 . In FIG. 13(b), the included angle limiting portion 167 shown in FIG. 12 is not shown. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the shaft support 161a of the cartridge lock mechanism 61a is fixed to a cylindrical protrusion 99a protruding from the inner surface of the upper housing 3 with a bolt 87a (see FIG. 8). In the same manner, the cartridge lock mechanism 61b is fixed to a cylindrical protrusion 99b protruding from the inner surface of the upper housing 3 with a bolt 87b (see FIG. 8). Further, as shown in FIG. 13(b), a shaft support protrusion 109a protruding from the inner side of the upper housing 3 pivotably supports the shaft 163 of the C-shaped piece 159a (see FIG. 6). In addition, not only the shaft support projections 109a and 109b but also the erect state support portion 169a protruding from the inner surface of the upper housing 3 serves to keep the C-shaped piece 159a in an erect state. Incidentally, the cartridge lock mechanism 61b has the same structure. the

Power Switch Components

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the pushing mechanism 73 shown in FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 14 , the pushing mechanism 73 includes arms 177 , 179 and 181 and a spring 193 . A cylindrical protrusion 191 protruding downward from one end of the arm 179 is inserted into an insertion hole 185 formed through one end of the arm 181 while a washer head screw is screwed into the cylindrical protrusion 191 . The outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 191 is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 185, and the end of the cylindrical protrusion 191 protrudes from the insertion hole 185, so the arm 181 can pivot around the cylindrical protrusion 191. Further, a cylindrical protrusion 189 protruding downward from the center position of the arm 179 is inserted into an insertion hole 187 formed through one end of the arm 177 , and a washer cap bolt 91 b is screwed into the cylindrical protrusion 189 . The outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 189 is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 187 , and the end of the cylindrical protrusion 189 protrudes from the insertion hole 187 , so the arm 177 can pivot about the cylindrical protrusion 189 . Further, a cylindrical protrusion 101c protruding from the inner surface of the upper housing 3 is inserted through an insertion hole 183 formed at the other end of the arm 179, and a washer cap bolt 91c is screwed into the cylindrical protrusion 101c. The outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 101c is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 187, and the end of the cylindrical protrusion 101c protrudes from the insertion hole 183, so the arm 179 can pivot about the cylindrical protrusion 101c. the

The key top 41 is mounted on the other end of the arm 177 (see FIG. 4 ). Furthermore, a spring 193 is fitted around this arm 177 . On the other hand, an engaging portion 197 is formed at the other end of the arm 181, and the end portion of the power switch unit 53 shown in FIG. 4 is loosely fitted into this engaging portion 197 (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the supporting protrusions 107 a and 107 c and the supporting protrusions 108 a and 108 b therebetween support the pushing mechanism 73 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, a spring 193 fitted around the arm 177 is provided between a stopper 195 (see FIG. 14) and the support member 107b. the

Infrared color filter

Fig. 15 (a) is a perspective view showing the infrared color filter 19 shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 15 (b) is a plan view showing the inside of the infrared color filter 19; and Fig. 15 (c) is a view along Fig. Cross-sectional view along line B-B in b). As shown in FIG. 15(b) and FIG. 15(c), in the inner surface of the infrared color filter 19, an annular lens portion 199 is formed. More specifically, the lens portion 199 is provided in the form of a circular cut half in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the circular ring. the

The lens portion 199 has a semicircular cross-section, and its refractive index is greater than that of air. Therefore, infrared rays incident on the infrared filter 19 from the outside pass through the lens portion 199 and are refracted toward the central axis of the lens portion 199 . In addition, since the lens portion 199 is circular, it is possible to focus infrared rays entering from 360-degree directions. Therefore, it is possible to expand the light-receiving range of the infrared sensor 50 (facing the lens portion 199), which is located behind the infrared color filter 19 (see FIG. 9 ). the

Furthermore, the infrared color filter 19 is dyed black or another dark color so as to transmit only infrared rays. Therefore, malfunction of the infrared sensor 50 caused by light other than infrared rays can be avoided as much as possible. the

Incidentally, any appropriate infrared filter may be used instead of the infrared filter 19 having the annular optical lens portion 199 as long as the light-receiving range of the infrared sensor 50 can be expanded. For example, the replacement infrared color filter can be formed by using many small conical protrusions, which can refract the light incident on it to the infrared sensor 50 again. In this case, on the inner surface of the infrared filter, small conical protrusions are formed. the

The adapter 1 can be realized with an infrared sensor with an expanded light receiving range by using an infrared filter capable of focusing infrared rays incident from a wider range of directions using the annular optical lens portion 199 or small tapered protrusions. Besides, the setting of the lens can be performed by installing the infrared filter 19, and therefore, the number of steps of the manufacturing process can be reduced. the

Connector

Figure 16(a) is a front view showing the connector 69 shown in Figure 4; Figure 16(b) is a plan view showing the connector 69 shown in Figure 4; Figure 16(c) is a view showing the connection shown in Figure 4 Bottom view of device 69. Fig. 17(a) is a perspective view showing the shield 201 shown in Fig. 16(a) to 16(c); Fig. 17(b) is a perspective view showing the connector unit shown in Fig. 16(a) to 16(c) 203; and FIG. 17(c) is a perspective view showing the connector 69 shown in FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c). Fig. 18 is a sectional view along line C-C shown in Fig. 16(a). the

As shown in FIGS. 17(a) to 17(c), the connector unit 203 is made of an insulating material in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped form. The shield 201 is made of metal, and is provided to cover the upper surface and the opposite sides of the connector unit 203 . An opening is formed in an upper portion of the shield 201 . Typically, in this plan view, the edge of the opening is formed in the form of a rectangular tooth extending inwardly from the front face of the connector 69 (see FIG. 16( b )). Thus, as shown in FIG. 17( a ), five contacts 207 are formed on the upper surface of the shield 201 . As shown in the cross-section shown in FIG. 18, each contact 207 has a higher central portion and lower opposite side portions (i.e., in the form of ridges), respectively. Furthermore, the shield 201 is provided with a pair of claw portions 208 formed to engage with a pair of fitting portions 209 , respectively. In addition, by cutting opposite sides of the shield 201, a pair of claws 210 are formed. The shield 201 formed as above is mounted on the connector unit 203 to cover it. More specifically, by overlapping the claw portion 208 on the bottom surface of the fitting portion 209 of the connector unit 203 (see FIG. 17(c) and FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c)), and then folding the claw inwardly parts 210 so that they latch on groove portions formed on opposite sides of the connector unit 203 to fit the shield 201 to the connector unit 203 . the

As shown in FIGS. 17( b ) and 18 , a recess 198 is formed on the upper surface of the connector unit 203 . In addition, the connector unit 203 is provided with: an elongated female engaging portion 211 into which the male engaging portion 538 (see FIG. 1 ) of the cartridge 500 fits; Into a position directly above the engaging portion 211, an elongated female engaging portion 539 (see FIG. 1) fits therein. the

In the inside of the connector unit 203, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 16( a), a partition 212 is formed so that the recessed engaging portion 211 is limited to the edge of the partition 212 (see FIG. 18 ) and the edge of the connector unit 203. between the inner surfaces of the bottom. Furthermore, a terminal support 213 extending from one side of the connector unit 203 to the other is formed. Then, 24 terminals T1 to T24 (the term "terminal Tn (n=1 to 24)" is used to generically refer to these terminals) are provided between adjacent ones of the spacers 212, and at one end of each terminal Tn , supported by the terminal support 213 . In addition, a part of the back surface of each spacer 212 is fusion-bonded to the corresponding terminal Tn. This fixes the terminal Tn to the connector unit 203 . Further, as shown in FIG. 18 , the terminals Tn are first bent downward toward the recessed engagement portion 211 from the end supported by the terminal support 213 , and then, upward toward the upper surface of the connector unit 203 . When so formed, contacts 214 are formed at the vertices. In addition, the terminal Tn extends along the upper surface to the rear surface, and then, is bent downward at a right angle. the

Utilize bolt 83b and 83c, the connector 69 constructed as above is fixed on the plate 63, as shown in Figure 8, then, utilize connector reinforcement 71 shown in Figure 4 to reinforce this connector 69 (see Figure 7). The connector reinforcement 71 is fixed to the cylindrical protrusions 102a (not shown in this figure) and 102b shown in FIG. 6 by means of bolts 85b (not shown in this figure) and 85a (see FIG. 8 ). the

Lifting operation

Fig. 19 (a) is an explanatory view showing that the lifting mechanism 57 and the lifting plate locking mechanism 59 of the card box 500 are not placed on the decorative panel 4 shown in Fig. 7; The explanatory view of the lifting mechanism 57 and the lifting plate locking mechanism 59 of the card box 500 is shown; FIG. Explanatory view of mechanism 59; and FIG. the

As shown in FIG. 19( a ), when the cartridge 500 is not placed on the trim panel 4 , the lifting plate support 151 stands upright due to its own weight. Therefore, when the cartridge 500 is not placed on the trim panel 4 , even if an attempt is made to make the lift plate 55 downward, the lift plate 55 does not move downward because it is supported by the lift plate support 151 . Meanwhile, the magnet holder 153 forms an acute angle with the lifting plate support 151 because of its own weight and the angle 160 (see FIG. 11( e )). In this case, despite the force of the torsion spring 147 pushing up the lifting plate 55, the stopper 131 formed on the lifting plate 55 as shown in FIG. 8 (not shown in FIGS. 19(a) to 19(d) ) leans against the inner surface of the upper casing 3, so that the lifting plate 55 stops at a predetermined height. In addition, a stopper 133 (see FIG. 10 ) formed on the side of the lift plate 55 abuts on the end of the guide groove 117 (see FIG. 6 ) to stop the lift plate 55 at a predetermined height. the

As shown in Fig. 19 (b), when the cartridge 500 is placed on the decorative panel 4, the magnet 155 is attracted by the metal plates 536a and 536b provided on the lower casing 504 of the cartridge 500 (the term "metal plate 536" is used for generally refers to these metal plates). Accordingly, the magnet holder 153 pivots on the shaft 139 together with the lifting plate support 151 . This is because, as shown in FIG. 11(e), due to the angle limiting portion 173 and the receiving portion 175, the angle between the magnet holder 153 and the lifting plate support 151 cannot be increased beyond the predetermined angle θ2, so , the two parts pivot together while maintaining a predetermined included angle θ2. Therefore, the lifting plate support 151 no longer functions as a support. the

Therefore, when the cassette 500 on the decorative panel 4 is pushed down, the lifting plate 55 is lowered to the position shown in FIG. 19(c). In this case, when the magnet holder 153 and the lifting plate support 151 are completely closed (see FIG. 11(f)), the height of the trim plate 4 on which the cartridge 500 is placed is equal to the recessed engagement of the connector 69. The height of the bottom surface of part 211. the

Therefore, by sliding the cartridge 500 into the connector 60, as shown in FIG. part 211 and the protruding engagement part 215. Needless to say, when the user manually performs the above-mentioned sequence of steps, even in the state shown in FIG. the

Through the above-described sequence of steps, the cartridge 500 is connected to the connector 69 . On the other hand, the cartridge 500 can be detached by the reverse process to the above. However, after the cartridge 500 is disconnected from the connector 69, the elastic force of the torsion spring 147 raises the lifting plate 55, so it is not necessary to pull up the lifting plate 55 by hand. the

By the way, if the cartridge 500 is placed upside down on the trim plate 4 due to inadvertence, the metal plate 536 is positioned at a position perpendicular to the trim plate 4 to prevent the magnet 155 from being attracted by the metal plate 536 so that the lifting plate is locked Institutions remain locked. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cartridge 500 from being inadvertently installed upside down in the adapter 1 . On the other hand, even if the cartridge 500 is inadvertently placed upside down on the decorative panel 4, the metal plate 536 is located at a position displaced from the center to the right in the lateral direction as shown in FIG. Being in this central position allows the magnet 155 not to be attracted to the metal plate 536, thus allowing the lifter plate locking mechanism to remain locked. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cartridge 500 from being inadvertently mounted upside down in the adapter 1 . the

Cartridge lock operation

Figure 20 (a) is a view showing the engagement between the cartridge 500 and the C-shaped member 159 of the cartridge lock mechanism 59 in the state shown in Figure 19 (b); Under the state shown in 19(c), the view of engagement between the cartridge 500 and the C-shaped member 159 of the cartridge lock mechanism 59; FIG. 20(c) is a view showing the right side in the state shown in FIG. 20(b) view; and FIG. 20( d ) is a right side view showing the locked cartridge 500 . the

As shown in FIG. 20( a ), before contacting the lifting plate 55 , the elastic force of the torsion spring 165 (see FIG. 12 ) installed on the C-shaped pieces 159 makes the two C-shaped pieces 159 open. When the cartridge 500 is pushed down so that the bottom surface of the lifting plate 55 rests against the lower end of the C-shaped member 159, at its upper end, the C-shaped member 159 pivots and rests against the locking groove formed on the opposite side of the cartridge 500. 560a and 560b (the term "locking groove 560" is used to refer to these locking grooves in general), as shown in Figures 20(b) and 20(c). In this case, the lower end of the C-shaped piece 159 is in contact with the side of the lifting plate 55 to maintain the state where the upper end of the C-shaped piece 159 is in contact with the locking groove 560 . the

Then, as shown in FIG. 19( d ), the cartridge 500 is connected to the connector 69 by sliding the cartridge 500 toward the front of the adapter 1 (ie, toward the connector 69 ). As described above, the C-shaped piece 159 in contact with the locking groove 560 does not prevent the sliding of the cartridge 500 because the locking groove 560 is formed to run in the longitudinal direction along the side of the cartridge 500 . As described above, when the cartridge 500 is connected to the connector 69, the C-shaped piece 159 is located at the end of the locking groove 560, as shown in FIG. 20(d). Even in this state, the C-shaped member 159 remains in contact with the side surface of the lifting plate 55, and therefore maintains the state shown in FIG. 20(b). Therefore, the upper end of the C-shaped piece 159 abuts against the lower edge of the locking groove 560 by the elastic force of the torsion spring 147 shown in FIG. 7 being applied to the lifting plate 55 . the

The force of the torsion spring 147 pushing up the lifting plate 55 is applied not only to the protruding engaging portion 538 and the connector 69 of the cartridge 500, but also to the lower edge of the locking groove 560 and the C-shaped piece 159 to disperse the positions where the force is applied. Therefore, deterioration of the contact condition between the cartridge 500 and the connector 69 is avoided as much as possible, which may cause damage or cause other defects. If it is not applied to the cartridge locking mechanism 61, the force of the torsion spring 147 is concentrated on the protruding engagement portion 538 and the connector 69 of the cartridge 500, so that the above-mentioned defects may be caused after long-term use. the

Power switch push operation

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , when the power switch 9 is pushed to turn on the power switch 9 shown in FIG. 1 , the arm 177 of the pushing mechanism 73 moves toward the power switch unit 53 . In response thereto, the arm 179 pivots toward the power switch unit 53 about the cylindrical protrusion 101c (see FIG. 14 ) as a fulcrum. Also, in response thereto, the arm 181 is pushed into the power switch unit 53 . With this action, the end of the power switch unit 53 (see FIG. 14 ) incorporated into the engagement portion 197 of the arm 181 is pushed to turn on the power switch unit 53 . When turned on, the power switch unit 53 maintains its pushed-down state, and thus, the arms 177 , 179 and 181 return to their original positions (default positions) due to the spring 193 . Incidentally, the elastic force of the spring 193 is applied even in the default position, and the stopper 195 formed on the arm 177 abuts against the supporting protrusions 107a and 108a to maintain the default position. the

As mentioned above, the pushing operation is realized by the leverage of the three arms 177, 179 and 181. This configuration is adopted in order to ensure a sufficiently effective pushing distance even when the user performs a short actual pushing distance. the

other structures

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the frame 5a is fixed to the cylindrical protrusions 93b to 93e of the upper housing 3 using bolts 81b to 81e (see FIG. 8). The frame 5b is fixed to the cylindrical protrusions 93f to 93i of the upper housing 3 by bolts 81f to 81i (see FIG. 8). The frame 5c is fixed to the cylindrical protrusions 93a, 93k to 93j of the upper casing 3 by means of bolts 81a, 81k, and 81j (see FIG. 8). the

Referring to FIG. 4, corresponding to the reset switch 11 shown in FIG. , the cancel key unit 47 , the arrow key units 51 a to 51 d , the input key unit 49 , and the infrared sensor 50 are mounted on the board 63 . The plate 63 is fixed to the cylindrical protrusions 95a and 95d of the upper housing 3 by means of bolts 83a and 83d (see FIG. 8). the

Referring also to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the power switch unit 53 , the channel audio jacks 31R and 31L, and the video jack 31V are mounted on a board 65 . The plate 65 is fixed to the cylindrical protrusions 97a and 97b of the upper housing 3 by means of bolts 89a and 89b (see FIG. 6). The power socket 27 and the AV socket 25 are mounted on the board 67 . With bolts 89c, the plate 67 is fixed on the cylindrical protrusion 97c of the upper housing 3 (see FIG. 6). the

Referring to FIG. 4 , a decorative panel 2 is installed on a surface of an upper case 3 . The lower case 7 is fixed to the upper case 3 by bolts 33a to 33j (see FIG. 3(b)) inserted into the cylindrical protrusions 103a to 103j of the upper case 3 from outside the lower case 7. In this case, after fitting the cylindrical projections 105a to 105c and 105f to 105h (see FIG. ), the plates 63, 65 and 67 are supported between the cylindrical protrusions 105i, 105j, 105d and 105e of the lower housing 7 and the cylindrical protrusions 103i, 103j, 103d and 103e of the upper housing 3. Furthermore, a socket protector 23 and an infrared filter 19 are supported between the upper case 3 and the lower case 7 . the

The key tops 35, 37, and 39a to 39d are arranged to be in contact with the heads of the cancel key unit 51, the input key unit 49, and the arrow key units 51a to 51d, respectively, while the key tops are exposed through the insertion holes 75, 77, and 79a to 79d. 35, 37 and 39a to 39d of the head surface. Further, the key tops 41 and 43 are arranged to be in contact with the end of the arm 177 of the push mechanism 73 (see FIG. 14 ) and the end of the reset switch unit 45, respectively. the

Incidentally, the key top 35 and the cancel key unit 47 constitute the cancel key 13 . The key tops 37 and the input key unit 49 constitute the input key 15 . The key top 39a and arrow key unit 51a, the key top 39b and arrow key unit 51b, the key top 39c and arrow key unit 51c, and the key top 39d and arrow key unit 51d constitute the arrow keys 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d, respectively. The key top 43 and the reset switch unit 45 constitute the reset switch 11 . The key top 41 , the push mechanism 73 and the power switch unit 53 constitute the power switch 9 . the

(B) The structure of the cartridge 500

Fig. 21 (a) is a plan view showing the cartridge 500 shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 21 (b) is a bottom view showing the cartridge 500; and Fig. 21 (c) is a right side view showing the cartridge 500. Fig. 22 is a sectional view along line C-C in Fig. 21(a). FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in Figure 23, the cartridge 500 is in the shape of a flat cuboid, has an upper side, a lower side, a right side, a left side, a front side and a back side, and includes a fixing part 510, a top plate 506, an upper shell 502, a shielding part 508, a nut 514 a - 514 d , cylindrical pieces 516 a - 516 d , dust shield 512 , plate 518 , shield 520 , and lower housing 504 . the

24( a ) is a plan view showing the board 518 shown in FIG. 23 ; and FIG. 24( b ) is a right side view showing the connector portion 524 of the board 518 . the

As shown in FIG. 24(a), on opposite side edges of the rectangular plate 518, semicircular cutout portions are formed, while holes 522a to 522f are formed along edges other than the front edge. At the front edge of the plate 518, there is a concave portion, a convex portion further continuing from the concave portion, and another concave portion continuing from the convex portion. This protruding portion is the connector portion 524 . In the width direction of the connector portion 524, 24 terminals t1 to t24 (the term "terminal tn" is used to refer to these terminals generically) are formed. As shown in FIG. 24(b), the leading edge of the connector portion 524 is formed with a downward slope to allow the cartridge 500 to be smoothly inserted into the connector 69 shown in FIG. 17(c). For the same reason, as shown in FIG. 18, the edge (opening edge) of the concave engagement portion 211 is formed with an inclined surface. the

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the dustproof member 512 shown in FIG. 23 . As shown in FIG. 25 , the dustproof member 512 includes a wall portion 529 for preventing external dust from entering the inside through the concave engaging portion 539 . In addition, the surface of the dustproof member 512 is provided with cylindrical protrusions 526a, 526b, 528a, and 528b. Align the cylindrical protrusions 526a and 526b of the dust shield 512 with the holes 522a and 522f of the plate 518, respectively, and then screw the bolts 558a (see FIG. 22) and 558f (not shown in this figure) into the cylindrical protrusions. from 526a and 526b. In this way, the dust guard 512 is mounted on the plate 518 . the

FIG. 26 is a view for explaining use of the dustproof member 512 shown in FIG. 25 . FIG. 26 shows the lower housing 504 with a dust guard 512 on which a plate 518 is placed. As shown in FIG. 26 , while exposing the terminal tn, parallel to the front edge of the protruding engagement portion 538, the wall portion 529 of the dustproof member 512 is arranged with its opposite side edges bent at right angles to the front surface of the lower housing 504 and along the The outer side of the recessed engagement portion 539 extends near the front face of the lower housing 504 . As described above, after completion, the dustproof member 512 serves to block the gap near the recessed engagement portion 539 of the cartridge 500 (see FIG. 22 ) to prevent entry of external dust. the

FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the shield 508 shown in FIG. 23 . As shown in FIG. 27, the shield 508 has the shape and size required to cover the entire plate 518 shown in FIG. 24(a). On opposite side edges of the shield 508, semicircular cutout portions are formed, while along the outer edges, holes 530a to 530f are formed. the

The holes 530b to 530e of the shield 508 are positioned so as to align with the holes 522b to 522e of the plate 518 on which the dust guard 512 is mounted. Then, bolts 558a to 558d (except bolts 558b shown in FIG. 22, which are not shown in this figure) are inserted from the bottom side of plate 518 into holes 522b to 522e and holes 530b to 530e, and screwed into nuts 514a to 530e, respectively. 514d. In addition, the holes 530a and 530f of the shield 508 are positioned so as to align with the cylindrical protrusions 528a and 528b of the dust shield 512, respectively, and then the pins are screwed into the cylindrical protrusions 528a and 528b. In this way, shield 508 is mounted to board 518 . the

As shown in FIG. 22, when the shield 508 is in contact with the board 518 only through the mounting surface (three faces (see FIG. 27)), there is a gap between the upper part of the shield 508 and the board 518, and therefore, the shield 508 does not It is in contact with wiring, LSI (Large Scale Integration), electronic components, etc. formed on the board 518 . the

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the inside of the lower housing 504 shown in FIG. 23 . As shown in FIG. 28, along edges other than the front edge of the lower housing 504, cylindrical protrusions 532b, 532d, 532g, 532h, 532i, 532l, and 532n are formed. Further, inside the lower housing 504, cylindrical protrusions 532c, 532f, 532j, and 532m and cylindrical protrusions 532a, 532e, 532k, and 532o are formed. Each of the cylindrical protrusions 532c, 532f, 532j, 532m, 532a, 532e, 532k and 532o is provided with 4 supports formed around the protrusion and having a flat head. In this case, the length of the support from its base to its end is less than the length of the cylindrical projection from its base to its end. the

In addition, fixing frames 534a and 534b are formed inside the lower housing 504, and metal plates 536a and 536b are fixedly fitted in the fixing frames 534a and 534b. The fixing brackets 534a and 534b are formed so as to be positioned right above the openings 137a and 137b of the lifting plate 55 when the cartridge 500 is placed on the trim plate 4 of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 (see FIG. 9 ). Referring also to FIG. 21(b), along the back edge of the lower housing 504, three through holes 546a to 546c are formed. Except for these three through holes 546 a to 546 c , no through holes pass through the lower case 504 , and the holes made on the cylindrical protrusions 532 a to 532 o are blind holes formed not to pass through the entirety of the lower case 504 . the

In the vicinity of the rear surface, recessed portions are formed on opposite sides of the lower housing 504 to form locking grooves 560a and 560b. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 21(b) and 21(c) and FIG. 22, on the outer surface of the lower housing 504, spacers 552a to 552d are formed. Utilize gaskets 552a to 552d to prevent the entire outer surface of the lower housing 504 from contacting the decorative plate 4 of the adapter 1, so as to avoid scratching the entire surface of the decorative plate 4 as much as possible, and to avoid erasing letters, graphics, etc. as much as possible. the

Returning to FIG. 28 , at the front end of the lower housing 504 , there are convex portions for forming the convex engaging portion 538 , and concave portions for forming the concave engaging portion 539 . the

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the inside of the upper housing 502 shown in FIG. 23 . FIG. 30 is a plan view showing the upper housing 502 shown in FIG. 23 . As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 , an opening 544 is provided to the upper housing 502 in a rectangular form. Further, on the inner surface of the upper case 502, along the outer edge other than the front edge, cylindrical protrusions 540a to 540g are formed. Through the interior of the cylindrical protrusions 540a to 540g to the surface of the upper housing 502, holes are formed so that bolts can be screwed through the upper housing 502 from the upper surface. Further, insertion holes 542a and 542e and insertion holes 542b, 542c, and 542d are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the upper housing 502, respectively. At the same time, an insertion hole is formed all the way through the upper housing 502 from the upper surface to the inner surface. Near the rear, recessed portions are formed on opposite sides of the upper housing 502 to form locking grooves 560a and 560b. the

Thus, a shield 520 (see FIG. 23 ) similar in shape to the plate 518 is mounted on the inner surface of the lower housing 504 . For example, the shield 520 is made of copper foil. Then, by fitting the cylindrical protrusions 532c, 532f, 532j, and 532m of the lower housing 504 into the semicircular cutout portions located at both side edges of the plate 518 on which the dustproof member 512 and the shielding member 508 are installed (see FIG. 24 (a) and FIG. 27 ), the plate 518 is placed on supports formed around cylindrical protrusions 532c, 532f, 532j and 532m. Fit cylindrical members 516a to 516d on respective ends of cylindrical protrusions 532c, 532f, 532m and 532j, and then bolts 554a to 554d (except for bolt 554b shown in FIG. ) screw into the cylindrical protrusions 532c, 532f, 532m and 532j, thereby securing the plate 518 to the lower housing 504. the

Next, the cylindrical projections 540a to 540g on the inner surface of the upper casing 502 are fitted on the respective cylindrical projections 532b, 532d, 532g, 532h, 532i, 532l, and 532n of the lower casing 504, and then the bolts 556a to 556g are fitted. (except for the bolt 556d shown in FIG. 22, which is not shown in this figure) from the openings on the outer surface of the upper housing 502 screwed into the cylindrical projections 532b, 532d, 532g, 532h, 532i, 532l and 532n, thereby The upper housing 502 is secured to the lower housing 504 . Then, the top plate 506 is fitted into the surface of the upper case 502 by inserting the insertion portions 548 a and 548 b formed protruding from the front edge of the top plate 506 into the insertion holes 542 a and 542 e of the upper case 502 . the

FIG. 31 is a plan view showing a state where the top plate 506 shown in FIG. 23 is fitted on the surface of the upper housing 502 . In this state where the top plate 506 is temporarily fixed on the surface of the upper housing 502, the fixing member 510 shown in FIG. This will be described in detail below. the

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the fixing member 510 shown in FIG. 23 . As shown in FIG. 32, at opposite ends of the fixing member 510, claw portions 550a and 550c are formed outward. In addition, at a central portion of the fixing member 510, a claw portion 550b is formed inwardly. On insertion portions 548c and 548d protruding from the back corners of the top plate 506 shown in FIG. By doing so, the top plate 506 can be fixed. the

Fig. 33 is a sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 21(a). As shown in FIGS. 33 and 22 , the claws 550 a to 550 c of the fixing member 510 catch the edge of the upper housing 502 , thereby fixing the fixing member 510 on the upper housing 502 . the

Next, a method of disassembling the cartridge 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 33 . On the outer surface of the cartridge 500 constructed as described above, no bolt heads are exposed outside. Therefore, when the cartridge 500 is disassembled for maintenance, for example, the following steps are performed. The claws 550 a to 550 c are decoupled from the edge of the upper housing 502 by inserting the elongated rods through holes 546 a to 546 c formed in the lower housing 504 . Accordingly, detaching the mount 510 from the upper housing 502 allows the cartridge 500 to be disassembled using a process reverse to the assembly process described above. the

Figure 34 (a) is a plan view showing the plate 518 shown in Figure 23; Figure 34 (b) is a plan view showing a medium-sized plate 562 with a size larger than the plate 518; Figure 34 (c) is a plan view showing a size larger than the medium-sized plate 562 large plate 564 plan view; Figure 34 (d) is a plan view showing the shield 508 shown in Figure 23; Figure 34 (e) is a plan view showing a medium shield 566 larger in size than the shield 508; Figure 34 (f) is a plan view showing a large shield 568 that is larger in size than the medium shield 566 . In the above example, shield 508 is used as a shield while board 518 is used as a board. However, the medium-sized plate 562 and the medium-sized shield 566 , which are larger in size, or the large-sized plate 564 and the large-sized shield 568 , which are larger in size, may be installed into the lower housing 504 without modifying its structure. This is because, as shown in FIG. 28, in addition to forming cylindrical projections 532c, 532f, 532j, and 532m in conformity with the size of the plate 518, the cylindrical projections 532a, 532e, 532e, 532k and 532o. the

In the same manner as plate 518 and shield 508, large plate 564 and large shield 568 may be mounted by fitting them over cylindrical protrusions 532a, 532e, 532k, and 532o. In the same manner as plate 518 and shield 508, mid-size plate 562 and mid-size shield 566 may be mounted by fitting them over cylindrical protrusions 532c, 532f, 532k, and 532o. the

Thus, the relationship between the cartridge 500 and the connector 69 of the adapter 1 when they are connected will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 18 and 22 . The male engaging portion 538 and the female engaging portion 539 of the cartridge 500 are fitted on the female engaging portion 211 and the male engaging portion 215 of the connector 69, respectively. Then, the terminals t1 to t24 (see FIG. 24( a )) formed on the board 518 of the cartridge 500 come into contact with the contacts 214 of the terminals T1 to T24 of the connector 69 in a one-to-one correspondence. On the other hand, since the shield 508 of the cartridge 500 is exposed at the recessed engagement portion 539 , the shield 508 comes into contact with the contacts 207 of the shield 201 of the connector 69 . In this case, the base end of the contact 207 of the shield 201 is bent toward the recessed portion 198 formed on the upper surface of the connector 69, therefore, the convex profile of the contact 207 is prevented from being deformed due to long-term use, resulting in Poor connection. the

(C) Another typical cartridge (a cartridge equipped with a camera unit)

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the camera unit-equipped cartridge 600 to be inserted into the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 35 , an imaging unit 603 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 601 of the cartridge 600 . In addition, in the same manner as the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. 1, on opposite sides of the cartridge main body 601, locking grooves 610a and 610b are formed. Its function is the same as that of the locking grooves 560 a and 560 b of the cartridge 500 . In addition, in the same manner as the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge 600 is provided with a protruding engaging portion 668 having an exposed terminal tn and a recessing engaging portion having an exposed shield 508 (not shown in this figure). 669, which are designed to fit into the female engagement portion 211 and the male engagement portion 215 of the connector 69, respectively. The procedure of installing the cartridge 600 in the adapter 1 is the same as that of installing the cartridge 500 (see FIGS. 19( a ) to 19( d )). The mechanism for locking the cartridge 600 at the time of installation is the same as the mechanism for locking the cartridge 500 (see FIGS. 20( a ) to 20( d )). the

Figure 36 (a) is a plan view showing the cartridge 600 shown in Figure 35; Figure 36 (b) is a bottom view showing the cartridge 600; Figure 36 (c) is a right side view showing the cartridge 600 . Fig. 37 is a sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 36(a). FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in FIG. 36( a ) and showing only the imaging unit 603 . FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view showing the imaging unit 603 shown in FIG. 35. As shown in FIG. 39, the camera unit 603 includes: a cover plate 624, an infrared filter 612 that can selectively transmit only infrared rays, infrared light-emitting diodes 614a to 614d, an LED holder 616, a lens unit 622, and a covered conductor bundle. The board 618 of 620, the housing part 628 and the base plate 626. the

The lens unit 622 is mounted on the board 618 . Then, the lens unit 622 has a cylindrical portion which fits in the hole of the cylindrical portion of the LED holder 616 . Furthermore, an infrared filter 612 closes the hole of the cylindrical portion of the LED holder 616 . In this case, the LED holder 616 and the infrared filter 612 are coupled and positioned so that the holes on opposite sides of the two components are vertically aligned with each other, and then bolts are inserted through the holes to connect them. together. In addition, the two pins of each infrared light emitting diode 614 a to 614 d are inserted into two holes formed near the corresponding ones of the four corners of the LED holder 616 . The camera unit assembly 605 is constructed in this way. the

The camera unit assembly 605 is secured to the cover plate 624 by threading bolts through the back of the plate 618 into two cylindrical protrusions 607 protruding from the inner surface of the cover plate 624 . Then, the cover plate 624 is fixed to the case member 628 together with the imaging unit assembly 605 fixed to the cover plate 624 . In this case, the edge portion of the plate 618 and the conductor bundle 620 are exposed by inserting them into an opening 611 formed through the bottom of the case member 628 (see FIGS. 37 and 38 , in which the conductor bundle 620 is omitted). Then, the housing member 628 is fixed on the surface of the substrate 626 . This will be explained in detail. the

FIG. 40 is a view for explaining the connection between the case member 628 and the substrate 626 shown in FIG. 39 . As shown in FIG. 40, cylindrical projections 644a to 644d formed on the bottom of housing member 628 are aligned with holes 648a to 648d formed through base plate 626, respectively, and then bolts are screwed through them to secure them. In this case, the edge portion of the board 618 and the conductor bundle 620 are inserted into the opening 650 of the base plate 626 to expose them (see FIG. 37 ). the

In this way, as shown in FIG. 38, when the camera unit assembly 605 is installed on the cover plate 624, the infrared light emitting diodes 614a and 614d are inserted into the holes of the cylindrical parts 666a and 666d protruding from the back side of the cover plate 624. The holes of these cylindrical parts 666a and 666d are formed completely through the surface of the cover plate 624, so that on the surface of the cover plate 624, the infrared LEDs 614a and 614d are exposed. The same is true for infrared light emitting diodes 614b and 614c. the

Since the infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d are inserted into the cylindrical portions 666a to 666d in this manner, infrared rays emitted by the infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d can be prevented from being directly detected by the image sensor 654 (see FIG. 37 ) mounted on the board 618. arrive. In addition, the cover plate 624, together with the inner surfaces of the cylindrical portions 666a to 666d into which the IR LEDs 614a to 614d are inserted, are painted in a dull black. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent infrared rays emitted from the infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d from being transmitted through the cylindrical portions 666a to 666d, and to be prevented from being detected by the image sensor 654 mounted on the surface of the board 618 as much as possible. the

Referring to FIG. 37, the lens unit 622 shown in FIG. 39 will be described in detail. The lens unit 622 includes: a unit base 656 , a lens holder 658 , a concave lens 660 and a convex lens 662 . Concave lens 660 is mounted on lens holder 658 with the side facing infrared filter 612 parallel to image sensor 654 mounted on board 618 . Furthermore, a convex lens 662 is mounted on the lens holder 658 in such a manner that the side facing the image sensor 654 is parallel to the image sensor 654 . Furthermore, a cavity (optical path) 664 exists between the concave lens 660 and the convex lens 662 . The infrared rays passing through the infrared filter 612 are detected by the image sensor 654 after passing through the concave lens 660 , the cavity 664 and the convex lens 662 . Meanwhile, the lens holder 658 is fixed on the unit base 656 . the

FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing the cartridge unit 601 shown in FIG. 35 . As shown in FIG. 41, the cartridge unit 601 includes: a top plate 606, an upper housing 602, a shield 508, a dustproof member 512, cylindrical members 516a to 516d, nuts 514a to 514d, a plate 518, a shield 520, and a lower housing 604. The shielding member 508, the dustproof member 512, the cylindrical members 516a to 516d, the nuts 514a to 514d, the plate 518 and the shielding member 520 and their installation process are the same as those of the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. describe. the

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing the inner surface of the lower housing 604 shown in FIG. 41 . As shown in FIG. 42, on the inner surface of the lower housing 504, cylindrical protrusions 532c, 532f, 532j, and 532m and cylindrical protrusions 532a, 532e, 532k, and 532o are formed. These cylindrical protrusions have the same function as the cylindrical protrusions 532c, 532f, 532j and 532m and the cylindrical protrusions 532a, 532e, 532k and 532o of the lower housing 504 of the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. Repeat unnecessary descriptions. Therefore, it goes without saying that in the same manner as the substrate 518 and the shield 520, the medium-sized plate 562 and the shield 566 as shown in FIGS. 34(c) to 34(f), or the large-sized plate 564 and the shield 568 Installed in the cartridge 600 without modifying the structure of the lower housing 604 . the

Further, on the inner surface of the lower housing 604, along the opposite side edges thereof, cylindrical protrusions 621a to 621f are formed. Furthermore, on both corners of the rear surface of the lower housing 604, cylindrical protrusions 630a to 630f are formed. Only the holes in the cylindrical protrusions 630 a and 630 d are formed up to the outer surface of the lower housing 604 . Further, near the rear surface of the lower case 604, cylindrical protrusions 631a to 613d are formed. the

When the fixing frames 534a and 534b are formed on the inner surface of the lower housing 604, the metal plates 536a and 536b are fixedly fitted on these fixing frames 534a and 534b. The functions of the metal plates 536a and 536b are the same as those of the metal plates 536a and 536b of the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. 1, and thus unnecessary descriptions are omitted. the

Recessed portions are formed on opposite sides of the lower housing 604 near the rear to form locking grooves 610a and 610b. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 36( b ) and 36 ( c ) and FIG. 37 , spacers 608 a to 608 d are formed on the outer surface of the lower housing 604 . The functions of the spacers 608a to 608d are the same as those of the spacers 552a to 552d of the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, unnecessary descriptions are not repeated. In addition, at the front end of the lower housing 604 , there are convex portions for forming the convex engaging portion 668 and concave portions for forming the concave engaging portion 669 . the

FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing the inside of the upper housing 602 shown in FIG. 41 . As shown in FIG. 43, the upper housing 602 is provided with openings 638 and 639 in the form of rectangles. In addition, on the inner surface of the upper housing 602, along the edges on opposite sides thereof, cylindrical protrusions 632a to 632f are formed. Holes are formed through the interior of the cylindrical protrusions 632a to 632f to the surface of the upper housing 602 so that bolts can be screwed in through the upper housing 602 from the upper surface. Further, on two corners near the rear side of the upper housing 602, holes 634a to 634c and holes 634d to 634f are respectively formed. At the same time, the holes are formed all the way through the upper housing 602 from the upper surface to the inner surface. On the surface of the opposite side of the upper housing 602, near the rear side, recessed portions are formed so as to form locking grooves 610a and 610b. the

In this way, the cylindrical protrusions 632a to 632f of the upper housing 602 are respectively fitted in the cylindrical protrusions 621a to 621f of the lower housing 604, and then the bolts 652a to 652f are screwed in through the surface of the upper housing 602 (see Figure 44). With this configuration, the upper case 602 is fixed to the lower case 604 to which the plate 518 and the like are fixed. the

FIG. 44 is a view for explaining a process of attaching the top plate 606 shown in FIG. 41 to the upper case 602. Referring to FIG. As shown in FIG. 44, near the front edge of the upper housing 602, two insertion holes 642a and 642b are formed. The top plate 606 is fitted to the upper housing 602 by inserting the insertion portions 640a and 640b formed on the front edge of the top plate 606 into the insertion holes 642a and 642b. the

Then, the cylindrical protrusions 646a to 646f of the base plate 626 shown in FIG. and 630d. In this case, the base plate 626 is positioned over insert portions 640c and 640d protruding from the back edge of the top plate 606 . Then, the camera unit 603 is fixed to the cartridge unit by screwing the bolts 671a and 671b into the cylindrical projections 630a and 630b of the lower casing 604 and the cylindrical projections 646b and 646f of the base plate 626 through the bottom surface of the lower casing 604. 601 on. the

(D) Typical use of adapter 11

FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing a typical use 1 of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 45, while one AV plug (not shown in this figure) of the AV cable 12 is inserted into the AV inlet 25 of the adapter 1, the other AV plug 22 is inserted into the AV inlet 24 of the television receiver 14. Further, while inserting the plug (not shown in this figure) of the power cable 16 into the power socket 27 of the adapter 1 , the plug of the plug unit 18 is inserted into the socket 20 . Incidentally, the plug unit 18 includes a transformer that reduces the voltage supplied from the socket 20 to a certain voltage, and then sends this voltage to the adapter 1 through the power cable 16 . the

In FIG. 45 , the adapter 1 is placed on the upper surface of the television receiver 14 . In the case of this typical use, either the racket-shaped input device 700 or the bat-shaped input device 800 used in combination with the ball-shaped input device 854 is used. Incidentally, a strap 703 is attached to the end of the grip portion of the racket-shaped input device 700 . Additionally, a strap 801 is attached to the handle of the bat-shaped input device 800 . Additionally, strap 803 is connected to spherical input device 854 . In the following description, the structure of each input device will be explained in sequence. the

racket input device

FIG. 46 is a plan view showing the racket-shaped input device 700 shown in FIG. 45 . In this case, description of the tape 703 is omitted. FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view showing the main body of the racket-shaped input device 700 shown in FIG. 46 . FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view showing a grip portion of the racket-shaped input device 700 shown in FIG. 46 . Fig. 49 is a sectional view taken along line G-G in Fig. 46 . the

47 and 48, the racket-shaped input device 700 includes: LED cover 728, lower housing 702, rubber ring 718, piezoelectric element 720, rubber ring 719, splint 724, plate 712, LED brackets 714a and 714b, infrared LEDs 716a to 716d (infrared LEDs 716c and 716d are installed on the reverse side of the board 712, and therefore, are not shown in this figure), operation switch 710, board 726, infrared LED 716e, side cover provided with bolt cover 717 730a, side covers 730b and 730c, dummy ball striking portion 706, upper housing 704, grip cover 732, shaft support 734, cap holder 744, battery plate (positive contact) 742, inner cap 740, shaft 736 and outer cap 738. the

As shown in FIG. 49, the piezoelectric element 720 is supported between a rubber ring 718 and a rubber ring 719, which are arranged together in a cylindrical support 733 having a shallow hole formed on the inner surface of the lower housing 702, and is clamped by a splint. 724 to hold them together. Since the clamping plate 724 holds the rubber rings 718 and 719 , the piezoelectric element 720 is fixed in such a manner as to closely contact the rubber rings 718 and 719 . Thus, the piezoelectric element 720 is installed parallel to the virtual ball striking face. the

LED brackets 714a and 714b are mounted on board 712 . Each LED bracket 714a and 714b is designed to receive infrared light emitting diodes from both sides of the lower housing 702 and the upper housing 704 . Thus, the infrared light emitting diode 716a is fitted in the LED holder 714a from the side of the lower housing 702, and the infrared emitting diode 716d is fitted in the LED holder 714a from the side of the upper housing 704. Likewise, the infrared light emitting diode 716b is assembled in the LED bracket 714b from the side of the lower housing 702, and the infrared emitting diode 716c is assembled in the LED bracket 714b from the side of the upper housing 704. Furthermore, on the side of the upper case 704 , an operation switch 710 is mounted on a plate 712 . The board 712 is secured to the upper housing 704 together with the components mounted thereon. On the other hand, an infrared light emitting diode 716e is mounted on a board 726 . The board 726 mounted with the infrared light emitting diode 716e is inserted into the bracket 735 provided at the end of the upper housing 704 . the

The virtual ball striking portion 706 and the side cover 730a are supported between the upper housing 704 and the lower housing 702 . Regarding the oval portion of the racket-shaped input device 700, the upper housing 704 and the lower housing 702 are joined together by screwing bolts into its sides, thereby securing the side cover 730a and the dummy ball striking portion 706 thereto. Then, side covers 730b and 730c are mounted on the upper case 704 and the lower case 702 to cover the sides thereof. In addition, at two locations on the oval portion of the racket-shaped input device 700 near its front edge, after pulling up the bolt cover 717 covering these two locations, from the surface of the lower housing 702, screw the bolts into the upper The housing 704 then returns the bolt cover 717 to its original position to conceal the bolt heads. On the other hand, regarding the grip portion of the racket-shaped input device 700 , by screwing in bolts from the lower case 702 to the upper case 704 , the upper case 704 and the lower case 702 are joined together. Then, the grip bar cover 732 is fitted on the grip portions of the upper housing 704 and the lower housing 702 . the

As described above, with the side covers 730a to 730c and the lever cover 732, the heads of the bolts are not exposed. Meanwhile, the side cover 730a and the grip bar cover 732 are made of, for example, non-phthalicbase vinyl chloride. Therefore, they are relatively soft. the

On the other hand, infrared LEDs 716e are exposed from the end of the racket-shaped input device 700, infrared LEDs 716a and 716b are exposed from the surface of the lower housing 702, and infrared LEDs 716c and 716d are exposed from the surface of the upper housing 704 (see FIG. 49). At the same time, a transparent LED cover 728 is installed to cover the infrared light emitting diodes 716a to 716d, thereby protecting them (see FIGS. 46 and 47). the

Thus, as shown in FIG. 49 , the cap holder 744 is mounted on the bottom of the grip of the racket-shaped input device 700 . The inner cap 740 into which the shaft 736 is inserted and the shaft support 734 are mounted on this cap frame 744 . In addition, while the battery plate (positive contact) 742 is mounted on the surface of the inner cap 740 using bolts 752 (see FIG. 50 described below), the outer cap 738 is slidably mounted on the inner cap 740 using bolts 750 the opposite of . On the other hand, a battery plate (negative contact) 745 is installed at the rear end inside the grip bar. In this configuration, after opening the outer cap 738 and inner cap 740, insert two AA size batteries 747 into the inside of the grip bar, then, close the outer cap 738 and inner cap 740, Insert the bolts to fix the outer cap 738. Next, opening and closing mechanisms of the outer cap 738 and the inner cap 740 will be described in detail. the

FIG. 50 is a perspective view showing the outer cap 738 and inner cap 740 shown in FIG. 49 opened. FIG. 51 is a plan view showing the outer cap 738 and inner cap 740 shown in FIG. 49 closed. FIG. 52 is a side view showing the outer cap 738 and inner cap 740 shown in FIG. 49 opened and closed. Incidentally, in FIGS. 51 and 52 , illustration of the bolt 750 shown in FIG. 50 is omitted for simplicity of description. the

As shown in FIG. 50, near the front edge of the outer cap 738, hook-shaped fitting claws 760 are formed at both corners. On the other hand, fitting holes 762 are formed at two corners near the front edge of the cap holder 744 corresponding to the fitting claws 760 of the outer cap 738 . In addition, the outer cap 738 is slidably mounted on the back of the inner cap 740 with bolts 750 as described above. This will be explained in detail. the

As shown in FIG. 51, through the inner cap 740, two long holes 754 are formed. Cylindrical protrusions 756 formed on the inner surface of the outer cap 738 are inserted into the two elongated holes 754 . In this case, as shown in FIG. 52 , the end of the cylindrical protrusion 756 protrudes from the elongated hole 754 of the inner cap 740 . Therefore, the outer cap 738 cannot be secured to the inner cap 740 even with the bolt 750 screwed into the cylindrical protrusion 756 . For this reason, the outer cap 738 can move the longest distance L along the elongated hole 754 of the inner cap 740 (see FIG. 51 ). the

As shown in FIG. 52 , when the outer cap 738 and the inner cap 740 are closed, the cylindrical protrusion 756 of the outer cap 738 is located at one end of the elongated hole 754 of the inner cap 740 (ie, the end near the base end of the inner cap 740 ). Therefore, in this case, the fitting claw portion 760 of the outer cap 738 is inserted into the fitting hole 762 of the cap holder 744 . Also, in this case, bolts inserted through bolt holes 758 formed in the outer cap 738 are screwed into nuts (the figure) fixed to the inside of cylindrical protrusions 764 (see FIG. 50 ) formed on the cap frame 744. (not shown) to lock the outer cap 738 and the inner cap 740. the

On the other hand, when opening the outer cap 738 and the inner cap 740, the bolts locking the outer cap 738 and the inner cap 740 are removed. Then, by sliding the outer cap 738 , the fitting claw portion 760 of the outer cap 738 is taken out from the fitting hole 762 of the cap holder 744 . Then, the outer cap 738 and the inner cap 740 are opened. As shown in Figure 52, when the outer cap 738 and the inner cap 740 are opened, the cylindrical protrusion 756 of the outer cap 738 is located at the other end of the elongated hole 754 of the inner cap 740 (that is, the end near the front edge of the inner cap 740). ). When the outer cap 738 and the inner cap 740 are opened in this way, the outer cap 738 is moved to slide in a direction opposite to that at the time of closing. Incidentally, the outer cap 738 and the inner cap 740 can be closed using the reverse procedure of the opening procedure. the

Ball-and-stick input device

53( a ) is a plan view showing the bat-shaped input device 800 shown in FIG. 45 ; and FIG. 53( b ) is a bottom view showing the bat-shaped input device 800 . In this case, the belt 801 is omitted from illustration. As shown in FIG. 53( a ) and FIG. 53( b ), the bat-shaped input device 800 includes: a head 802 and a main body 804 . The main body 804 is composed of an upper half as a control unit 840 and a lower half as a grip portion 844. the

The control unit 840 of the main body 804 is provided with an operation switch 806 as shown in FIG. 53( a ), and a separation button 810 opposite to the operation switch 806 as shown in FIG. 53( b ). In addition, four infrared light emitting diodes 808a to 808d are provided on the outer surface of the control unit 840, exposed at regular intervals. the

54(a) to 54(c) are explanatory views showing the bat-shaped input device 800 shown in FIG. 45 after being separated. As shown in FIGS. 54( a ) and 54 ( b ), the bat-shaped input device 800 can be divided into a head 802 and a main body 804 . As shown in FIG. 54( a ), a coupling member 812 having a hooked claw portion 814 is provided to the proximal end of the head portion 802 . On the other hand, on the bottom of the opening 817 of the control unit 840, corresponding to the two claws 814 of the connecting piece 812, two connecting holes 816 are formed, as shown in FIG. 54(c). By engaging the claws 814 with the connection holes 816, the head 802 and the control unit 840 can be connected together. This will be described in detail below. the

Fig. 55 is a sectional view taken along line H-H in Fig. 53(b). FIG. 56 is an enlarged view showing the area A shown in FIG. 55 . FIG. 57 is an enlarged view showing a region B shown in FIG. 55 . FIG. 58 is an enlarged view showing a region C shown in FIG. 55 . the

As shown in FIG. 55 , the head 802 includes: a container portion 818 , a sponge 820 and a connector 812 . The container portion 818 houses a sponge 820 in the form of a cylinder, and the connecting member 812 is fixedly inserted thereinto. Incidentally, the container portion 818 and the grip portion 844 are composed of, for example, non-(phthalate) vinyl chloride. the

Thus, in the form of a cuboid, the separation button 810 shown in FIG. 53(b) is formed, and it has the cross section shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 56, at the inner end portion of the separation button 810, a convex portion is formed. Then, when one end of the spring 836 is fitted on the protruding portion, the other end of the spring 836 comes into contact with the inner wall of the control unit 840 . Corresponding to the connection holes 816 shown in FIG. 54 , two rectangular openings are formed on the upper surface of the separation button 810 . Then, the claw portion 814 of the connector 812 is inserted into the rectangular opening formed on the upper surface of the separation button 810 through the connection hole 816, and then the claw portion 814 engages with the hook portion 838 of the separation button 810. In this way, the head 802 is connected to the body 804 . On the other hand, the following steps are taken for separation. the

FIG. 59 is an explanatory view showing a separation mechanism of the bat-shaped input device 800 shown in FIG. 45 . As shown in FIG. 59 , when the release button 810 is pressed, the claw portion 814 is disengaged from the hook portion 838 . Therefore, in this state, the head 802 can be easily pulled out. the

Thus, referring to FIG. 56 , the board 824 is installed inside the control unit 840 parallel to the central axis of the bat-shaped input device 800 . Then, the infrared light emitting diodes 808a to 808d fitted in the LED holders 826a to 826d are mounted on the board 824 (the LED holder 826b and the infrared light emitting diode 808b are not shown in this figure). Furthermore, a rubber ring 833 and a rubber ring 832 are held within the holder 828 with the piezoelectric element 830 supported therebetween. Then, the piezoelectric element 830 between the rubber rings 833 and 832 is placed between the bracket 828 and the splint 834 . Since the clamp 834 holds the rubber rings 833 and 832 , the piezoelectric element 830 is fixed in close contact with the rubber rings 833 and 832 . As described above, the bracket 828 holding the piezoelectric element 830 is fixed on the control unit 840 . In this case, the bracket 828 is arranged so that the direction of the piezoelectric element 830 is perpendicular to the central axis of the bat-shaped input device 800 . the

Furthermore, the board 822 is fixed inside the control unit 840 so that it is perpendicular to the central axis of the bat-shaped input device 800 . Then, the operation switch 806 is mounted on this board 822 . the

As shown in FIG. 58 , two AA size batteries 846 are placed inside the grip portion 844 . The negative terminal of the battery 846 is in contact with a battery plate 848 (negative contact) provided in the grip portion 844 , and the positive terminal of the battery 846 is in contact with a battery plate 850 (positive contact) provided in the cover member 852 . At the same time, the cover member 852 pivots about the shaft 884 so that the battery 846 can be replaced by opening the cover member 852 . the

spherical input device

FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing the spherical input device 854 shown in FIG. 45 . FIG. 61 is a plan view showing the spherical input device 854 shown in FIG. 45 . Fig. 62 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I in Fig. 61 . In this case, the belt 803 is omitted from illustration. In addition, Figures 61 and 62 are shown using a left-handed three-dimensional coordinate system. As shown in FIG. 62 , plate 880 is fixed within spherical input device 854 parallel to the XY plane. Then, the operation keys 856a to 856d are mounted on this board 880 . In addition, rubber ring 872 and rubber ring 874 are placed within bracket 876 with piezoelectric element 870 therebetween. Then, piezoelectric element 870 between rubber rings 872 and 874 is placed between bracket 876 and splint 878 . Since the splint 878 holds the rubber rings 872 and 874 , the piezoelectric element 870 is fixed in close contact with the rubber rings 872 and 874 . The bracket 876 holding the piezoelectric element 870 is fixed inside the spherical input device 854 as described above. In this case, the bracket 876 is installed so that the direction of the piezoelectric element 870 is parallel to the YZ plane. the

In addition, a board 868 is mounted inside the spherical input device 854 parallel to the YZ plane, while infrared light emitting diodes 864a and 864b fitted in LED holders 882a and 882b are mounted on the board 868 . Additionally, a battery holder 866 fits inside the spherical input device 854 to accommodate two AA size batteries therein. Incidentally, with this embodiment, although the infrared light emitting diodes 864a and 864b are not exposed to the outside, they may be arranged to be exposed on the surface of the housing. Furthermore, although the diodes are arranged in the vertical direction of the figure, they may be arranged in the lateral direction of the figure. the

(E) Typical use of adapter 1 2

FIG. 63 is an explanatory view showing a typical use 2 of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 . In Fig. 63, the adapter 1 is placed on the floor. For this exemplary use 2, a bowling ball shaped input device 900 is employed. Belt 901 is mounted on bowling ball shaped input device 900 . Incidentally, in the same manner as in FIG. 45 , connection is made using the power supply cable 16 and the AV cable 12 , and therefore unnecessary description is not repeated. the

Bowling Ball Input Device

FIG. 64 is a perspective view illustrating the bowling-ball-shaped input device 900 shown in FIG. 63 . FIG. 65 is a plan view showing the bowling-ball-shaped input device 900 shown in FIG. 63 . Fig. 66 is a sectional view taken along line J-J in Fig. 65 . FIG. 67 is an exploded perspective view showing the bowling-ball-shaped input device 900 shown in FIG. 63 . the

As shown in FIGS. 64 and 65, on the surface of the bowling ball-shaped input device 900, finger holes 906a and 906b and finger holes 908a and 908b are formed. In addition, as shown in Figure 67, this bowling ball shape input device 900 comprises: outer casing upper shell 902, is formed with finger holes 906a and 906b on it; outer casing lower shell 904; finger hole forming part 910, is formed with finger hole 908a and 908b; inner sleeve upper shell 914; inner sleeve lower shell 916; pin 918; and connecting pins 920a to 920e. Each of the connection pins 920a to 920e has the form of a frusto-conical end (a cone with the tip cut off). Incidentally, the casing upper shell 902 and the casing lower casing 904 are translucent or transparent. the

FIG. 68 is a perspective view showing the interior of the inner sleeve upper shell 914 shown in FIG. 67 . FIG. 69 is a perspective view showing the interior of the inner sleeve lower housing 916 shown in FIG. 67 . As shown in FIG. 68, base ends of connecting pins 920a to 920e are fixedly fitted on cylindrical projections 924a to 924e protruding from the inner surface of inner sleeve upper shell 914, respectively. Then, the front ends of the connection pins 920a to 920e fixed on the cylindrical projections 924a to 924e are fitted in engaging portions 928a to 928e protruding from the inner surface of the inner sleeve lower shell 916 shown in FIG. 69 . In this way, the inner sleeve upper shell 914 and the inner sleeve lower shell 916 are joined together (see FIG. 66). the

Fig. 70 is a plan view showing the inner jacket upper shell 914 and the inner jacket lower shell 916 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "inner jacket") joined together. Fig. 71 is a side view of the inner sleeve viewed from the direction of arrow A shown in Fig. 70 . Fig. 72 is a side view of the inner sleeve viewed from the direction of arrow B shown in Fig. 70 . Fig. 73 is a side view of the inner sleeve viewed from the direction of arrow C shown in Fig. 70 . FIG. 74 is a bottom view showing the inner sleeve shown in FIG. 70. FIG. Reflective sheeting (eg, retroreflective sheeting) is mounted on the surface of the inner sleeve constructed as above. the

FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing the inside of the outer casing upper shell 902 shown in FIG. 67 . FIG. 76 is a schematic view showing the finger hole forming member 910 shown in FIG. 67 . FIG. 77 is a perspective view showing the interior of the outer casing lower shell 904 shown in FIG. 67 . the

The finger hole forming member 910 shown in FIG. 76 fits over the opening 934 formed in the outer casing upper shell 902 shown in FIG. 75 . In this case, the fitting holes 940a and 940b formed on the finger hole forming member 910 are fitted on the cylindrical protrusions 938a and 938b protruding from the inner surface of the casing upper case 902, and then, they are fixed with bolts. the

As shown in FIGS. 70 and 68 , recessed portions 926 a to 926 d are formed in cylindrical protrusions projecting inward from the surface of the inner sleeve upper shell 914 . In addition, an opening 922 is formed in the inner sleeve upper shell 914 . On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 69 and 74 , recessed portions 930 a to 930 d are formed in cylindrical protrusions projecting inward from the surface of the inner sleeve lower shell 916 . Furthermore, near the apex of the inner casing upper shell 914, two insertion holes 932a and 932b are formed. the

As shown in FIG. 77, cylindrical projections 949a to 949d and cylindrical projections 947a and 947b protruding from the inner surface of the outer casing lower shell 904 are inserted into recessed portions 930a to 930d of the inner casing lower casing 916 shown in FIG. and insertion holes 932a and 932b; as shown in Figure 75, the cylindrical projections 936a to 936d protruding from the inner surface of the outer casing upper casing 902 are inserted into the recessed parts 926a to 926d of the inner casing upper casing 914 shown in Figure 70 Cylindrical projections 945a and 945b protruding from the bottom of the finger holes 906a and 906b are inserted into cylindrical projections 947a and 947b protruding from the insertion holes 932a and 932b of the inner sleeve lower shell 916; With this arrangement, the inner casing can be fixed to the outer casing (the outer casing upper shell 902 and the outer casing lower casing 904) without bolts. In this case, the cylindrical projections 949a to 949d of the outer casing lower shell 904, the recessed portions 930a to 930d of the inner casing lower casing 916, the cylindrical projections 936a to 936d of the outer casing upper casing 902, and the inner casing upper casing 914 The recessed portions 926a to 926d help secure the inner sleeve. the

Then, as shown in FIG. 66, through the finger holes 906a and 906b of the upper casing 902 of the casing, the bolts 912a and 912b are screwed into the cylindrical protrusions 945a and 945b of the upper casing 902 of the casing and the cylindrical projections 947a of the lower casing 904 of the casing. and 947b to connect the outer shell upper shell 902 and the outer shell lower shell 904 together. Incidentally, the pin 918 shown in FIG. 67 is inserted into the hole 942 of the outer case upper case 902 and the hole 943 of the outer case lower case 904 for mounting the belt 901 . the

In this case, the finger holes 906a, 906b and 908b of the bowling ball-shaped input device 900 shown in FIG. Incidentally, even for users with small hands (such as children), the bowling ball-shaped input device 900 can be easily used by inserting the middle finger, ring finger, and thumb into the finger holes 906a, 906b, and 908a, respectively. Thus, in order to enhance the convenience of many users, finger holes 908a and 908b are provided near and far from finger holes 906a and 906b, respectively. Meanwhile, finger holes set at different positions by users with different sizes of opponents can be applied not only to the bowling ball-shaped input device 900 but also to bowling balls for actual bowling. the

(F) Electrical configuration of adapter 1

FIG. 78 is a view showing the electrical configuration of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 78, the adapter 1 includes: a connector 69, a reset switch 11, a crystal oscillator circuit 252, a key block 254, an infrared signal receiver circuit (IR receiver circuit) 256, an audio amplifier 258, and an internal power supply voltage generator Circuit 260, power circuit 250 including A/D converter, power switch 9, power socket 27, AV socket 25, video socket 31V, L channel audio socket 31L and R channel audio socket 31R. The connector 69 has 24 terminals T1 to T24, and the connector 69 is covered with a grounded shield 201 (see FIG. 17(C)). In addition, the terminals T1, T2, T22, and T24 of the connector 69 are grounded. Incidentally, the connector 69, the reset switch 11, the crystal oscillator circuit 252, the key block 254, the IR receiver circuit 256, the audio amplifier 258, and the internal power supply voltage generation circuit 260 are mounted on the board 63 shown in FIG. Figure 9). On the other hand, the power supply circuit 250, the power switch 9, the video jack 31V, and the audio channel jacks 31L, 31R are mounted on the board 65 shown in FIG. 4 (see FIG. 9). In addition, the power socket 27 and the AV and AV sockets 25 are mounted on a board 67 shown in FIG. 4 (see FIG. 9 ). The above configuration will be briefly explained. the

The AC voltage supplied from the power cable 16 (see FIGS. 45 and 63 ) is supplied to the power circuit 250 through the power socket 27 . The power supply circuit 250 converts the supplied AC voltage into a DC voltage, and then outputs the DC voltage to the line w20 as a power supply voltage Vcc0. When turned on, the power switch 9 connects the line w20 and the line w26 together to supply the power supply voltage Vcc0 to the internal power supply voltage generation circuit 260, and the video signal VD from the line w9 through the lines w14, w15 and w16, respectively. and the audio signals AL2 and AR2 from the lines w12 and w13 are supplied to the AC jack 25 . Therefore, through the AV cable 12, the video signal VD and the audio signals AL2 and AR2 are supplied to the television receiver 14 (see FIGS. not shown) output sound output. the

On the other hand, when turned off, the power switch 9 connects the lines w17, w18, and w19 to the lines w14, w15, and w16. With this configuration, the video signal input from the video jack 31V, the L channel audio signal input from the L channel audio jack 31L, and the R channel audio signal input from the R channel audio jack 31R are supplied to the AV jack 25 . Thus, video signals and audio signals input from the jacks 31V, 31L, and 31R are transmitted from the AV jack 25 to the television receiver 14 through the AV cable 12 . As described above, when the power switch 9 is turned off, video signals and audio signals input from an external device such as a DVD player can be output to the television receiver 14 through the jacks 31V, 31L, and 31R. the

Using the power supply voltage Vcc0 supplied from the power switch 9, the internal power supply voltage generating circuit 260 generates a power supply voltage Vcc1 (for example, 5.0 V), a power supply voltage Vcc2 (for example, 3.3 V), a power supply voltage Vcc3 (for example, 2.5 V), and a power supply voltage Vcc4 (for example, 1.5V), and outputs each power supply voltage to the line w22, the line w23, the line w24, and the line w25. Line w22 is connected to terminals T7 and T8 of connector 69; line w23 is connected to terminals T11 and T12 of connector 69; line w24 is connected to terminals T15 and T16 of connector 69; line w25 is connected to terminals T18 and T19. The line w26 from the power switch 9 is connected to the terminal T5 of the connector 69 . In this case, each power supply voltage is determined in the order of Vcc0>Vcc1>Vcc2>Vcc3>Vcc4. the

The audio amplifier 258 amplifies the R channel audio signal AR1 input through the line w11 connected to the terminal T21 and the L channel audio signal AL1 input through the line w10 connected to the terminal T20, and converts the amplified R channel audio signal AR2 and L channel audio signal AL2 are output to lines w13 and w12. The audio amplifier 258 is supplied with a power supply voltage Vcc1. the

A line w9 for inputting a video signal VD to the power switch 9 is connected to a terminal T23 of the connector 69 . the

IR receiver circuit 256 digitally demodulates the received digitally modulated infrared signal and outputs the digitally demodulated signal on line w8. The line w8 is connected to the terminal T17 of the connector 69 . Incidentally, the IR receiver circuit 256 is supplied with a power supply voltage Vcc2. the

The key block 254 includes the cancel key 13, the arrow keys 17a to 17d, and the enter key 15 (see FIG. 1), converts parallel signals from these keys into corresponding serial signals, and outputs the converted signals to the line w3. This line w3 is connected to the terminal T6 of the connector 69 . In addition, a clock signal is sent to the key block 254 through a line w5 connected to the terminal T10, and a control signal is sent to the key block 254 through a line w4 connected to the terminal T9. In addition, the key block 254 is connected to the lines w6 and w7, and the lines w6 and w7 are connected to the terminals T13 and T14. This will be described in detail below. Incidentally, the key block 254 is supplied with a power supply voltage Vcc2. the

The crystal oscillator circuit 252 oscillates a clock signal at a predetermined frequency (for example, 3.579545 MHz), and sends the clock signal to the line w2. The line w2 is connected to the terminal T3 of the connector 69 . Incidentally, the power supply voltage Vcc1 is supplied to the crystal oscillator circuit 252, and the power supply voltage Vcc1 is the highest among the internal power supply voltages. the

The reset switch 11 outputs a reset signal for resetting the system to the line w1. Line w1 is connected to terminal T4 of connector 69. the

Power circuit 250 and power switch 9

FIG. 79 is a circuit diagram showing the power supply circuit 250 and the power switch 9 shown in FIG. 78 . As shown in FIG. 79, the power supply circuit 250 includes: a full-wave rectifier 270 composed of four diodes D1 to D4 connected in a bridge manner; a capacitor 266; an electrolytic capacitor 268 for smoothing the output voltage; and a fuse 264. The cathode of the diode D1 and the anode of the diode D3 are connected to one end of the power socket 27 through the fuse 264 . The anode of the diode D4 and the cathode of the diode D2 are connected to the other end of the power socket 27 . The anode of diode D1 and the anode of diode D2 are grounded. The cathodes of diode D3 and diode D4 are connected to line w20 which in turn is connected to one terminal of capacitor 266 and the positive terminal of electrolytic capacitor 268 . The other terminal of capacitor 266 and the negative terminal of electrolytic capacitor 268 are grounded. the

The full-wave rectifier 270 full-wave rectifies the AC voltage input from the power supply inlet 27, smoothes it with the electrolytic capacitor 268, and outputs it to the line w20 as a DC power supply voltage Vcc0. the

Incidentally, the power switch 9 is a four-pole double-throw type switch composed of four switching circuits sw1 to sw4. The contacts "a", "b" and "c" of the switching circuit sw1 are connected to the lines w16, w13 and w19, respectively. The contacts "a", "b" and "c" of the switching circuit sw2 are connected to the lines w15, w12 and w18, respectively. The contacts "a", "b" and "c" of the switching circuit sw3 are connected to the lines w14, w9 and w17, respectively. The contacts "a" and "b" of the switching circuit sw4 are connected to the lines w20 and w26, respectively. In addition, the contact "c" of the switching circuit sw4 maintains its high impedance state. the

When the power switch 9 is turned on, the contacts "a" and "b" of each of the switching circuits sw1 to sw4 are connected to each other. Therefore, in this case, the video signal VD from the line w9 and the audio signals AL2 and AR2 from the lines w12 and w13 are supplied to the AV jack 25 . Also, the power supply voltage Vcc0 from the line w20 is output to the line w26. As described above, when the power switch 9 is turned on, the video signal and audio signal input through the connector 69 (that is, the video signal and audio signal output from the cassette 500 or 600) are sent to the AV jack 25, and then, They are output to the television receiver 14 . the

On the other hand, when the power switch 9 is turned off, each of the switching circuits sw1 to sw4 connects the contact "a" and the contact "c" to each other. Therefore, in this case, the lines w16 and w19, the lines w15 and w18, and the lines w14 and w17 are respectively connected together. Furthermore, the line w20 maintains its high impedance state. Therefore, the power supply voltage Vcc0 is not supplied to the circuits of the adapter 1, and therefore, the adapter 1 does not operate. Furthermore, since the jacks 31L, 31R, and 31V are connected to the AC jack 25 , the audio signals and video signals output from the jacks 31L, 31R, and 31V are output to the television receiver 14 through the AV jack 25 . As described above, when the power switch 9 is turned off, the adapter 1 relays only the audio signal and the video signal from the external device. the

Internal power supply voltage generating circuit 260

FIG. 80 is a circuit diagram showing the internal power supply voltage generating circuit 260 shown in FIG. 78 . As shown in FIG. 80, the internal power supply voltage generating circuit 260 includes: a Vcc1 generating circuit having capacitors 273 and 274, an electrolytic capacitor 275, and a regulator 272; a Vcc2 generating circuit having capacitors 277 and 278, an electrolytic capacitor 279, and a regulator 276; a Vcc3 generating circuit having capacitors 281 and 282, an electrolytic capacitor 283, and a regulator 280; a Vcc4 generating circuit having capacitors 285 and 286, an electrolytic capacitor 287, and a regulator 284; a resistor 290; and an LED 10. the

Regulators 272, 276, 280 and 289 have respective inputs connected to lines w26, w22, w23 and w24 and respective outputs connected to lines w22, w23, w24 and w25. The line w26 is connected to one end of the capacitor 273, and the other end of the capacitor 273 is grounded. The line w22 is connected to one terminals of the capacitors 274 and 277 and to the positive terminal of the electrolytic capacitor 275 . The other terminals of the capacitors 274 and 277 and the negative terminal of the electrolytic capacitor 275 are grounded. In addition, the line w22 is connected to one end of the resistor 290, the other end of the resistor 290 is connected to the anode of the LED 10, and the cathode of the LED 10 is grounded. The line w23 is connected to one terminals of the capacitors 278 and 281 and the positive terminal of the electrolytic capacitor 279 . The other terminals of the capacitors 278 and 281 and the negative terminal of the electrolytic capacitor 279 are grounded. The line w24 is connected to one terminals of the capacitors 282 and 285 and to the positive terminal of the electrolytic capacitor 283 . The other terminals of the capacitors 282 and 285 and the negative terminal of the electrolytic capacitor 283 are grounded. The line w25 is connected to one end of the capacitor 286 and the positive end of the electrolytic capacitor 287 . The other end of the capacitor 286 and the negative end of the electrolytic capacitor 287 are grounded. the

The regulator 272 is used to generate a power supply voltage Vcc1 lower than the power supply voltage Vcc0 from the power supply voltage Vcc0 of the line w26, and output the power supply voltage Vcc1 to the line w22. In this case, the electrolytic capacitor 275 smoothes the output voltage of the regulator 272, and outputs it on the line w22 as the power supply voltage Vcc1. Using the power supply voltage Vcc1, the regulator 276 generates a power supply voltage Vcc2 lower than the power supply voltage Vcc1, and outputs the power supply voltage Vcc2 to the line w23. Also, in this case, the electrolytic capacitor 279 smoothes the power supply voltage Vcc2. Using the power supply voltage Vcc2, the regulator 280 generates a power supply voltage Vcc3 lower than the power supply voltage Vcc2, and outputs the power supply voltage Vcc3 to the line w24. Also, in this case, the electrolytic capacitor 283 smoothes the power supply voltage Vcc3. Using the power supply voltage Vcc3, the regulator 284 generates a power supply voltage Vcc4 lower than the power supply voltage Vcc3, and outputs the power supply voltage Vcc4 to the line w25. Also, in this case, the electrolytic capacitor 287 smoothes the power supply voltage Vcc4. Incidentally, when the power switch 9 shown in FIG. 78 is turned on, the power supply voltage Vcc0 is supplied to the line w22, and the regulator 272 outputs the power supply voltage Vcc1 to the line w22, so that the LED 10, that is, the power lamp 10, emits light (see FIG. 1). the

Audio Amplifier 258

FIG. 81 is a circuit diagram showing the audio amplifier 258 shown in FIG. 78 . As shown in FIG. 81, the audio amplifier 258 includes: an R channel amplifier 290R for amplifying the R channel audio signal AR1 input from the line w11, and outputting the amplified signal as a signal AR2 to the line w13; and an L channel amplifier 290L , for amplifying the L-channel audio signal AL1 input from the line w10, and outputting the amplified signal as the signal AL2 to the line w12. the

R channel amplifier 290R includes electrolytic capacitor 292 , resistor 294 , capacitor 300 , resistor 298 , inverter 296 , loudness circuit 304 , resistor 322 and electrolytic capacitor 324 . Loudness circuit 304 includes: resistor 302 , capacitor 306 , resistor 308 , capacitor 310 , resistors 312 and 314 , capacitors 316 and 318 , and inverter 320 . the

An electrolytic capacitor 292 and a resistor 294 are connected in series between the input terminal of the inverter 296 and the line w11. Capacitor 300 and resistor 298 are connected in parallel between the input and output of inverter 296 . Capacitor 306 and resistor 308 are connected in parallel between the input of inverter 320 and the other end of resistor 302 connected at the other end to the output of inverter 296. An input terminal of the inverter 320 is connected to one terminal of the capacitor 310 and one terminals of the resistors 312 and 314 . The input terminal of inverter 320 is connected to the other terminal of capacitor 310 , the other terminal of resistor 312 and one terminal of capacitors 316 and 318 . The other end of resistor 314 is connected to the other ends of capacitors 316 and 318 . A resistor 322 and an electrolytic capacitor 324 are connected in series between the output terminal of the inverter 320 and the line w13. the

Resistor 294, capacitor 300, resistor 298 and inverter 296 combine to function as a negative feedback amplifier and low pass filter. That is, these circuits function as amplifiers whose gain is determined by the ratio of resistor 298 to resistor 294 at frequencies below the cutoff frequency f1 , which is determined by the capacitance value of capacitor 300 and the capacitance value of capacitor 298 . On the other hand, since the impedance of the capacitor 300 is small at frequencies above the cutoff frequency f1, negative feedback is substantially applied to the signal to reduce signaling. the

Loudness circuit 304 is a circuit for boosting signals at low and high frequencies determined by the resistance values of resistors 302 , 308 , 312 and 314 and the capacitance values of capacitors 306 , 310 , 316 and 318 . This will be explained based on specific examples. For example, assume that the resistance values of resistors 302, 308, 312, and 314 are r1 (eg, 470 kΩ), r2 (eg, 3 kΩ), r3 (eg, 39 kΩ), and r4 (eg, 1.5 kΩ), respectively, such that r3>r2 >r4>r1. Furthermore, assume that the capacitance values of capacitors 306, 310, 316, and 318 are c1, c2, c3, and c4, respectively, where c1=c3=c4 (for example, 10×10 ⁴ pF)>c2 (for example, 10×10 ³ pF) . At frequencies above a certain frequency f2 determined by capacitor 306 and resistor 308, the impedance of capacitor 306 is small. On the other hand, the specific frequency determined by the capacitors 316 and 318 and the resistor 314 is the same as the specific frequency f2. Therefore, the gain of the loudness circuit 304 is basically determined by the ratio of the combined resistance value of the resistor 312 and the resistor 314 to the resistance value of the resistor 302 when the frequency is higher than a specific frequency f2, and when the frequency is higher than a specific frequency f2, Signal gain is high. Incidentally, the capacitance value of the capacitor 310 is small, so it can be ignored when calculating the specific frequency f2.

However, at a frequency higher than a certain frequency f3 determined by the capacitor 310 and the resistor 314, the impedance of the capacitor 310 is large, and thus, the gain becomes small. In this case, the high value resistor 312 is ignored. In this example, the capacitance c2 of the capacitor 310 is smaller than the capacitance c1 of the capacitor 306 , and the resistance r4 of the resistor 314 is smaller than the resistance r2 of the resistor 308 , so f3 > f2 . the

In addition, at frequencies below a certain frequency f4 determined by resistor 312 and capacitors 316 and 318, the gain of loudness circuit 304 is determined by the ratio of resistor 312 to the combined resistance value of resistor 302 and resistor 308, so the The gain becomes larger. Meanwhile, in this case, the resistance value r4 of the resistor 314 is small, so it is ignored. In this example, the combined capacitance (2×c1) of the capacitors 316 and 318 is greater than the capacitance c1 of the capacitor 306, and the resistance r3 of the resistor 312 is greater than the resistance r2 of the resistor 308, therefore, f2>f4. the

Therefore, the above approximate calculation results in f3>f2>f4. Accordingly, the loudness circuit 304 is used to enhance signals with frequencies above a certain frequency f2 and signals with frequencies below a certain frequency f4. Incidentally, the values of the resistor 298 and the capacitor 300 are selected such that the cutoff frequency f1 is higher than the certain frequency f3. the

Meanwhile, the circuit configuration of the L-channel amplifier 290L is the same as that of the R-channel amplifier 290R, and therefore unnecessary description is not repeated. the

IR receiver circuit 256

FIG. 82 is a circuit diagram showing the IR receiver circuit 256 shown in FIG. 78 . As shown in FIG. 82, the IR receiver circuit 256 includes: resistors 330 and 334, an electrolytic capacitor 332, and an infrared sensor 50 (see FIG. 4). Through the resistor 330 , the power supply voltage Vcc2 is supplied to the infrared sensor 50 . Furthermore, the output terminal OUT of the infrared sensor 50 is connected to the line w8. Therefore, the infrared sensor 50 digitally demodulates the received digitally modulated infrared signal, and outputs the digitally demodulated signal to the line w8. Incidentally, since the infrared sensor 50 has an open-collector output, the pull-up resistor 334 is connected to the line w8. the

Key block 254

FIG. 83 is a circuit diagram showing the key block 254 shown in FIG. 78 . As shown in FIG. 83 , the key block 254 includes a cancel key 13, an enter key 15, arrow keys 17a to 17d, resistors 341 to 346, and a shift register 340. One contact of the input key 15 is connected to one end of the resistor 341 and the terminal H of the shift register 340, and the other contact is grounded. One contact of the cancel key 13 is connected to one end of the resistor 342 and the terminal G of the shift register 340, and the other contact is grounded. One contacts of the arrow keys 17a to 17d are respectively connected to one ends of the resistors 343 to 346 and terminals F to C of the shift register 340, while the other contacts thereof are grounded. In addition, the other ends of the resistors 341 to 346 are connected to the line w23 for receiving the power supply voltage Vcc2. the

The shift register 340 includes: a terminal OUT connected to the line w3; a clock input terminal CLK connected to the line w5; and a control terminal P/S connected to the line w4. Furthermore, the terminals A and B of the shift register 340 are connected to the lines w7, w6, respectively. the

The shift register 340 converts parallel signals input through the terminals A to H into corresponding serial signals, and then sequentially outputs the serial signals to the line w3. In other words, an ON/OFF signal is input through the keys 15, 13 and 17a to 17d, the ON/OFF signal is subjected to parallel/serial conversion, and then, it is output to the line w3. In this case, terminals A and B of shift register 340 are inverted for future use, so that two additional input signals can be added if required for a certain application. Additional input signals can come from inside the adapter 1 or from outside via connector 69 . At the same time, when the working clock is input to the clock input terminal CLK through the line w5, the control signal is input to the control terminal P/S through the line w4. When the control signal is at L level, the shift register 340 loads parallel data in response to the control signal at L level, and when the control signal is at H level, the shift register 340 outputs serial data. the

According to this adapter 1, the number of inputs of the shift register 340 is greater than the number of on/off signals of the keys 15, 13 and 17a to 17d. In this configuration, since the remaining inputs can be used, additional inputs can be provided, thus improving scalability. the

Crystal oscillator 252

FIG. 84 is a circuit diagram showing the crystal oscillator circuit 252 shown in FIG. 78 . As shown in FIG. 84, the crystal oscillator circuit 252 includes: a crystal oscillator 356, inverters 350 and 354, a resistor 352, capacitors 358 and 360, and a semi-variable capacitor 362. One terminal of the quartz oscillator 356 is connected to one terminal of the capacitor 358 , the input terminal of the inverter 350 , the output terminal of the inverter 354 , and one terminal of the resistor 352 . The other end of the quartz oscillator 356 is connected to one end of the capacitor 360 , one end of the semi-variable capacitor 362 , the input end of the inverter 354 , and the other end of the resistor 352 . The other ends of capacitors 358 and 360 and semi-variable capacitor 362 are grounded. Furthermore, the output terminal of the inverter 350 is connected to the line w2. the

By connecting opposite ends of the quartz oscillator 356 to capacitors 358 and 360, respectively, with the other ends of the capacitors 358 and 360 grounded, the phases of the opposite sides of the quartz oscillator 356 are opposite to each other. On the other hand, since the output of the inverter 354 has an opposite phase to its input, it is combined with the crystal oscillator 356 to form a positive feedback circuit so that as the input is pulled up, the output is pulled down, and as the input is pulled down, The output is pulled up, causing oscillation. The resistor 352 is a bias resistor for maintaining the potential of the input terminal of the inverter 354 at the threshold voltage. The inverter 350 is a buffer for preventing the oscillation from being adversely affected by parasitic capacitance and noise on the line w2. In addition, by adjusting the capacitance value of the semi-variable capacitor 362, the oscillation frequency can be fine-tuned. the

(G) The electrical configuration of the cartridge 500

FIG. 85 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 85 , the cartridge 500 includes: a high-speed processor 575 , a memory 577 , terminals t1 to t24 , an address bus 579 , a data bus 581 , an amplitude setting circuit 583 , and resistors 586 and 587 . The amplitude setting circuit 583 includes: a resistor 584 and a resistor 585 . The high-speed processor 575 includes a reset input port /RESET for inputting a reset signal, a clock input port XT for inputting a clock signal SCLK2, and input/output ports (I/O ports) 100 to 100 ( "n" is a natural number, for example, n=24), analog input ports AIN0 to AINk ("k" is a natural number, for example, k=6), audio output ports AL and AR for outputting audio signals AL1 and AR1, with A video output port for outputting a video signal VD, a control signal output port for outputting a control signal (for example, a chip enable signal, an output enable signal, a write enable signal), a second data bus, and a second address bus. For example, memory 577 may be ROM (read only memory), flash memory, or any suitable memory. the

The control signal output port of the high-speed processor 575 is connected to the control signal input port of the memory 577 . The second address bus of the high-speed processor 575 and the address bus of the memory 577 are connected to the address bus 579 . A second data bus of the high-speed processor 575 and a data bus of the memory 577 are connected to the data bus 581 . In this case, the control signal output port of the high-speed processor 575 includes: an OE output port for outputting an output enable signal; a CE output port for outputting a chip enable signal; a WE output port for outputting a write enable signal wait. In addition, the control signal input port of the memory 577 includes: the OE input port connected to the OE output port of the high-speed processor 575; the CE input port connected to the CE output port of the high-speed processor 575; the WE output port connected to the high-speed processor 575 port WE input port etc. the

Upon receiving the chip enable signal, the memory 577 responds to the signal as a destination of the signal to output a data signal in accordance with the address signal and the output enable signal supplied substantially simultaneously with the chip enable signal. When the data signal is input to the high-speed processor 575 via the data bus 581 , the address signal is input to the memory 577 via the address bus 579 . Furthermore, upon receiving the chip enable signal, the memory 577 responds to the signal as a destination of the signal to write a data signal in accordance with the address signal and the write enable signal supplied substantially simultaneously with the chip enable signal. When the data signal is input from the high-speed processor 575 to the memory 577 via the data bus 581 , the address signal is input to the memory 577 via the address bus 579 . the

When the cartridge 500 is installed in the adapter 1 , the terminals t1 to t24 are connected to the terminals T1 to T24 of the connector 69 of the adapter 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. In addition, the terminals t1, t2, t22 and t24 are grounded. The terminal t3 is connected to the amplitude setting circuit 583 . The terminal t4 is connected to the reset input port /RESET of the high-speed processor 575 . In addition, one end of the resistor 588 and one end of the capacitor 589 are connected to a line through which the reset input port /RESET is connected to the terminal t4. Also, the power supply voltage Vcc3 is supplied to the other end of the resistor 588, and the other end of the capacitor 589 is grounded. the

The power supply voltage Vcc0 is supplied from the terminal t5. The power supply voltage Vcc1 is supplied from terminals t7 and t8. A power supply voltage Vcc2 is supplied from terminals t11 and t12. The power supply voltage Vcc3 is supplied from terminals t15 and t16. The power supply voltage Vcc4 is supplied from terminals t18 and t19. Terminals t6, t9, t10, and t17 are connected to I/O ports IO21, IO20, IO19, and IO16 of the high-speed processor 575, respectively. Terminals t13 and t14 are connected to one ends of resistors 586 and 587 , respectively, and power supply voltage Vcc2 is supplied to the other ends of resistors 586 and 587 . Terminals t20 and t21 are connected to audio output ports AL and AR of the high-speed processor 575, respectively. Terminal 23 is connected to video output port VO of high speed processor 575 . the

One end of the resistor 584 of the amplitude setting circuit 583 is connected to the terminal t3 , and the other end thereof is connected to the clock input port XT of the high-speed processor 575 and one end of the resistor 585 . The other end of resistor 585 is grounded. In other words, the amplitude setting circuit 583 is a resistor divider network. the

Through the terminal t3, the clock signal SCLK1 generated by the oscillation of the crystal oscillator circuit 252 of the adapter 1 is input to the amplitude setting circuit 583, and then the amplitude setting circuit 583 generates a clock signal SCLK2 whose amplitude is smaller than the clock signal SCLK1, and transmits the clock signal SCLK2 Output to clock input port XT. That is, the amplitude of the clock signal SCLK2 is set to a value determined by the ratio between the resistor 584 and the resistor 585 . the

The analog circuit of the high-speed processor 575 is supplied with a power supply voltage Vcc2, and the digital circuit of the high-speed processor 575 is supplied with a power supply voltage Vcc3. the

Incidentally, the cartridge 500 is provided with a shield 592 . The circuits shown in FIG. 85 are mounted on the board 518 shown in FIG. 23 between the ground shield 508 and the ground shield 520 . Accordingly, shield 592 shown in FIG. 85 includes shields 508 and 520 . With the shield 592, it is possible to prevent electromagnetic waves leaked from the high-speed processor 575 and the like from being radiated to the outside as much as possible. the

According to the present embodiment as described above, since the amplitude setting circuit 583 is provided, even if the amplitude of the clock signal SCLK1 is different from that required in the cartridge 500, the cartridge 500 can still operate with the clock signal SCLK1 input from the adapter 1. . the

Electrical Configuration of High Speed Processor 575

Fig. 86 is a block diagram showing the high speed processor 575 shown in Fig. 85 . As shown in Figure 86, the high-speed processor 575 includes: a central processing unit (CPU) 401, a graphics processor 402, an audio processor 403, a DMA (direct memory access, direct memory access) controller 404, a first bus arbitration circuit 405, second bus arbiter circuit 406, internal memory 407, A/D converter (ADC: analog-to-digital converter) 408, input/output control circuit 409, timer circuit 410, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory ) Refresh cycle control circuit 411 , external memory interface circuit 412 , clock driver 413 , PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit 414 , low voltage detection circuit 415 , first bus 418 and second bus 419 . The first bus 418 includes: an address bus and a data bus. The second bus 419 includes: an address bus and a data bus. Incidentally, the bus 590 includes an address bus 579 and a data bus 581 shown in FIG. 85 . the

The CPU 401 performs various operations and controls the entire system according to programs stored in the memory (internal memory 407 or memory 577). The CPU 401 is a bus master of the first bus 418 and the second bus 419, and can access resources connected to the respective buses. the

The graphics processor 402 is also the bus master of the first bus 418 and the second bus 419, generates a video signal VD according to the data stored in the internal memory 407 or the memory 577, and then outputs the video signal VD through the video output port VO. Through the first bus 418, the CPU 401 controls the graphics processor 402. Also, the graphics processor 402 has a function of outputting an interrupt request signal 420 to the CPU 401. In this case, for example, the video signal VD output by the graphics processor 402 is a composite signal. However, the video signal is not limited to a composite signal, and may be any other type of video signal, for example, an S-video signal, as long as the television receiver can process it to display images. the

For example, according to the standard of the analog television system, a video signal conforming to any one of NTSC, NTSC4.43, PAL, PAL 60, PAL-M, PAL-N, and SECAM, etc. can be generated. In addition, any one of Y/C video signal (also referred to as S-video signal), YCbCr component video signal, etc. may be used instead of the composite video signal depending on the analog video signal format. In addition, depending on the digital video signal format, video signals can be output according to any one of the Dn (D1 to D5) video interface (conforming to the JEITA CP-4120 standard for digital image broadcasting), iLink interface, DV interface, etc. In addition, according to the digital interface standard, HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface, high-definition multimedia interface) can be used for this purpose. In addition, it is also possible to design the above-mentioned system to output either or both digital video signals and analog video signals. the

The audio processor 403 is also the bus master of the first bus 418 and the second bus 419, according to the data stored in the internal memory 407 or the memory 577, produces audio signals AL1 and AR1 as analog signals, and then, through the audio output port AL and AR, output audio signals AL1 and AR1. Via the first bus 418, the CPU 401 controls the sound processor 403. In addition, the sound processor 403 has a function of outputting an interrupt request signal 420 to the CPU 401. the

The DMA controller 404 is used to transfer data from the memory 577 to the internal memory 407 . In addition, the DMA controller 404 has a function of outputting an interrupt request signal 420 indicating completion of data transfer to the CPU 401. The DMA controller 404 is also the bus master of the first bus 418 and the second bus 419 . Through the first bus 418, the CPU 401 controls the DMA controller 404. the

According to system requirements, the internal memory 407 can be realized by using one of mask ROM, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and DRAM or any necessary combination. In the case of DRAM, a so-called refresh cycle is performed periodically in order to retain the data contained therein. the

The first bus arbiter circuit 405 accepts the first bus use request signal from each bus master of the first bus 418, performs bus arbitration in the request to the first bus 418, and sends the first bus use permission signal to each bus One of the masters. Each bus master is allowed to access the first bus 418 after receiving the first bus use permission signal. In FIG. 86 , a first bus use request signal and a first bus use permission signal are shown as a first bus arbitration signal 422 . the

The second bus arbiter circuit 406 accepts the second bus use request signal from each bus master of the second bus 419, performs bus arbitration in the request to the second bus 419, and sends the second bus use permission signal to each bus One of the masters. Each bus master is allowed to access the second bus 419 after receiving the second bus use enable signal. In FIG. 86 , a second bus use request signal and a second bus use permission signal are shown as the second bus arbitration signal 423 . the

The input/output control circuit 409 is used to perform input and output operations on input/output signals to enable communication with external input/output devices and/or external semiconductor devices through I/O ports IO0 to IOn shown in FIG. 85 . Through the first bus 418, input/output signals from the I/O ports 100 to 10n are input and output from the CPU 401. Furthermore, this input/output control circuit 409 has a function for outputting an interrupt request signal 420 to the CPU 401. the

The timer circuit 410 has a function of periodically outputting an interrupt request signal 420 to the CPU 401 at preset time intervals. Through the first bus 418, the CPU 401 performs settings of the timer circuit 410, for example, time intervals. the

The ADC 408 converts the analog input signals input from the analog input ports AIN0 to AINk shown in FIG. 85 into digital signals. Through the first bus 418, the CPU 401 reads the digital signal. Furthermore, the ADC 408 has a function for outputting an interrupt request signal 420 to the CPU 401. the

The PLL circuit 414 generates a high frequency clock signal by multiplying the high frequency clock signal SCLK2 input from the clock input port XT. the

Clock driver 413 amplifies the high frequency clock signal received from PLL circuit 414 to a signal level high enough to provide clock signal 425 to each module. the

When the power supply voltages Vcc2 and Vcc3 are respectively set with predetermined threshold voltages, the low-voltage detection circuit 415 monitors the power supply voltages Vcc2 and Vcc3, and when the power supply voltage Vcc2 or Vcc3 falls below the corresponding threshold voltage, resets the reset signal 426 of the PLL circuit 414 and The reset signal 427 is sent to other circuit units throughout the system. the

The external memory interface circuit 412 has a function of connecting the second bus 419 to the external bus 590 and issuing a bus cycle completion signal 428 of the second bus 419 to control the length of the bus cycle of the second bus 419 . In addition, the external memory interface circuit 412 outputs a control signal of the memory 577 from a control signal output port. the

The DRAM refresh cycle control circuit 411 periodically and unconditionally obtains the ownership of the first bus 418 at a certain interval, so as to perform a refresh cycle on the DRAM. Needless to say, in the case where the internal memory 407 includes a DRAM, the DRAM refresh cycle control circuit 411 is provided. the

(H) The electrical configuration of the cartridge 600

FIG. 87 is a view showing the electrical configuration of the cartridge 600 shown in FIG. 35 . As shown in FIG. 87 , although this cartridge 600 includes an imaging unit 603 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 85 , other elements are the same as those of the cartridge 500 , and therefore unnecessary descriptions are not repeated. the

FIG. 88 is a view showing the electrical configuration of the imaging unit 603 shown in FIG. 87 . FIG. 89 is a timing chart showing the operation of the high-speed processor 575 receiving pixel data from the image sensor 654 shown in FIG. 88 . FIG. 90 is an enlarged timing chart showing a part of FIG. 89 . the

Referring to FIG. 88, since the image sensor 654 (see FIG. 37) is a sensor that outputs pixel data D(X, Y) in the form of an analog signal, the pixel data D(X, Y) is input to the analog signal of the high-speed processor 575. Input port AIN0. The analog input port AIN0 is internally connected to the ADC 408 within the high speed processor 575 so that the high speed processor 575 obtains the pixel data in the form of a digital signal. the

The reference voltage internally generated by the image sensor 654 determines the center point of the analog pixel data D(X, Y) described above. Through the I/O port of the high-speed processor 575, various digital signals are output from the high-speed processor 575 to control the image sensor 654, and input to the high-speed processor 575 to receive image signals. These I/O ports are digital ports that can control input and output operations and are connected to the input/output control circuit 409 within the high speed processor 575 . the

More specifically, a reset signal “reset” for resetting the image sensor 654 is output from the I/O port IO8 of the high-speed processor 575 to the image sensor 654 . On the other hand, a pixel data strobe signal PDS and a frame status flag signal FSF are output from the image sensor 654 and input to I/O ports IO10 and IO9 of the high-speed processor 575 . the

The pixel data strobe signal PDS is a strobe signal for reading each pixel signal D(X, Y) as shown in FIG. 89(b). The frame state flag signal FSF is a flag signal for indicating the state of the image sensor 654, and is used for determining the exposure time period of the image sensor 654 as shown in FIG. 89(a). In other words, while the exposure period is determined by the low level period of the frame state flag signal FSF as shown in FIG. 89(a), the high level of the frame state flag signal FSF as shown in FIG. 89(a) The level period determines the non-exposure period. the

In addition, the high-speed processor 575 outputs commands (or commands related to data) to be set in a control register (not shown in the figure) of the image sensor 654 from the I/O ports IO0 to IO6, and will periodically alternate A register setting clock RCLK for a high level and a low level is supplied to the image sensor 654 . the

Four infrared light emitting diodes 614a, 614b, 614c and 614d (see FIG. 35) are connected in parallel with each other. These infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d are made to emit light or not to emit light (non-light emission) by the LED drive circuit 690 . The LED drive circuit 690 receives the above-mentioned frame state flag signal FSF from the image sensor 654 , and the frame state flag signal FSF is sent to the base of the PNP transistor 686 through a differential circuit 685 including a resistor 683 and a capacitor 684 . The base of this PNP transistor 686 is also connected to a pull-up resistor 687 for pulling the base up to a high level. Then, when the frame state flag signal FSF is pulled down to low level, the low level signal is input to the base through the differential circuit 685, so that only in the low level period of the frame state flag signal FSF, the PNP transistor 686 conduction. the

The emitter of PNP transistor 686 is grounded through resistors 680 and 689 . On the other hand, the connection point between emitter resistors 680 and 689 is connected to the base of NPN transistor 681 . The anodes of the respective infrared light emitting diodes 614 a to 614 d are commonly connected to the collector of the NPN transistor 681 . The emitter of NPN transistor 681 is directly connected to the base of another NPN transistor 682 . The cathodes of the respective infrared light emitting diodes 614 a to 614 d are commonly connected to the collector of the NPN transistor 682 , and the emitter of the NPN transistor 682 is grounded through a resistor 691 . the

Only when the LED control signal LEDC output from the I/O port IO13 of the high-speed processor 575 is activated (at a high level), and the frame state flag signal FSF output from the image sensor 654 is at a low level, the LED driving circuit 690 turns on infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d. the

As shown in FIG. 89( a ), when the frame state flag signal FSF is pulled low, the PNP transistor 686 is turned on for a low period (actually including a delay corresponding to the time constant of the differentiating circuit 685 ). Therefore, when the high-speed processor 575 outputs the LED control signal LEDC shown in FIG. 89(d) as a high-level signal, the base of the NPN transistor 681 is pulled up to a high level and turned on. When transistor 681 is turned on, transistor 682 is also turned on. Accordingly, current flows from the power supply Vcc1 through the respective infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d and the transistor 682, and in response thereto, the respective infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d emit light as shown in FIG. 89(e). the

Only when the LED control signal LEDC is activated as shown in Figure 89(d), and as shown in Figure 89(a), the frame state flag signal FSF is at a low level, the LED driving circuit 690 turns on the infrared light emitting diode 614a to 614d, therefore, only during the exposure period of the image sensor 654 (see FIG. 89(f)), the infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d are turned on. the

Therefore, useless power consumption can be limited. In addition, since the frame state flag signal FSF is also sent to the coupling capacitor 684, even if the frame state flag signal FSF is fixed at a low level due to problems such as loss of control of the image sensor 654, it is still necessary to turn off the transistor 686 after a certain period of time. , so that it is also necessary to turn off the infrared LEDs 614a to 614d after the specific period of time. the

Therefore, by adjusting the flag duration of the frame state flag signal FSF, the exposure time period of the image sensor 654 can be changed arbitrarily and freely. the

In addition, by adjusting the marking duration and frequency of the frame state flag signal FSF and the LED control signal LEDC, the infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d can be arbitrarily and freely set and changed, that is, the lighting time period, non-lighting time period, and The cycle of light-emitting/non-light-emitting time periods, etc. the

Meanwhile, the image sensor 654 is connected to the terminal t3 and operates in synchronization with the clock signal SCLK1 generated by the crystal oscillator circuit 252 . the

According to this cartridge 600, although its memory can be used to store programs for processing images of subjects, a wider variety of application programs can be executed within the cartridge 600. the

(1) Electrical configuration of racket-shaped input device 700

As shown in FIG. 49, a racket-shaped input device 700 is realized using a piezoelectric element 720 fixed as part of an acceleration sensor circuit 766 (described below). As is well known, the piezoelectric element 720 includes a ceramic sheet mounted on a metal sheet, and is used as an acceleration sensor. That is, as is well known in the art, the ceramic sheet of the piezoelectric element 720 is composed of piezoelectric ceramics that generate electrical signals when subjected to mechanical pressure. Accordingly, the electrical signal generated by the piezoelectric element 720 is detected as a signal representing the motion of the piezoelectric element 720 , that is, the motion of the racket-shaped input device 700 . the

FIG. 91 is a view showing an electrical configuration of the racket-shaped input device 700 shown in FIG. 45 . Fig. 92 (a) is the waveform diagram of the output signal from the output port 0 of MCU 768 shown in Fig. 91; Fig. 92 (b) is the waveform diagram of the input signal input to the input port 0 of this MCU 768; Fig. 92 (c ) is an explanatory view for explaining the input determination performed by the MCU 768. the

Referring to FIG. 91 , the piezoelectric element 720 is included in the acceleration sensor circuit 766 . In addition, the MCU 768 is provided with an external crystal oscillator circuit 767, and operates in response to a clock signal generated by the crystal oscillator circuit 767. Then, the MCU 768 outputs a rectangular wave signal from the output port 0, and applies the rectangular wave signal to one electrode 720a of the piezoelectric element 720 through the resistor 791. The electrode 720 a of the piezoelectric element 720 is grounded via a capacitor 792 . the

The other electrode 720b of the piezoelectric element 720 is connected to the input port 0 of the MCU 768 through a resistor 793, and is connected to a diode circuit 788 so that the voltage fluctuation is kept within a fixed range. At the same time, the two electrodes 720a and 720b of the piezoelectric element 720 are electrically isolated from each other by a relatively high resistor 790 . the

Input port 1 of MCU 768 is connected to a node between resistor 769 and resistor 770. The other end of the resistor 769 is connected to the power supply Vcc. The other end of the resistor 770 is connected to one end of the switch 771, and the other end of the switch 771 is grounded. If the switch 771 is turned on, the node connected to the input port 1 is equal to the potential of the power supply Vcc. If the switch 771 is closed, current flows from the power supply Vcc to ground to pull down the potential of the node connected to the input port 1 to a potential determined by the voltage division between the resistor 769 and the resistor 770 . According to the change of the potential, the MCU 768 can judge whether the switch 771 is turned on. the

The output port 1 of the MCU 768 is connected to the base of a PNP transistor 773 through a resistor 772. The emitter of the transistor 773 is connected to a power supply Vcc, and the collector thereof is connected to one end of resistors 774 , 775 , 776 , 777 and 778 . The other ends of these resistors 774, 775, 776, 777, and 778 are connected to the respective infrared light emitting diodes 716a to 716e (see FIG. 47), as described above. Using the output of the output port 1, the light emission of the infrared light emitting diodes 716a to 716e can be controlled. the

When a rectangular wave signal as shown in FIG. 92(a) is applied to the electrode 720a of the piezoelectric element 720, a triangular wave signal as shown in FIG. 92(b) is input to the MCU 768 during charging and discharging of the capacitor 792. Enter port 0. However, the amplitude (peak-to-peak) of the triangle wave signal is determined by diode circuit 788. the

When the racket-shaped input device 700 is at rest, ie, not moving, the potential of the triangular wave signal does not change, being at its lowest level (negative) as shown at the left end of FIG. 92(b). However, if a player moves the racket-shaped input device 700 in three-dimensional space, the piezoelectric effect associated with this movement generates a voltage within the piezoelectric element 720 . The acceleration-dependent voltage biases the triangular wave signal on the negative side. Therefore, when the racket-shaped input device 700 is moved, a voltage related to the acceleration is generated in the piezoelectric element 720 according to the amplitude of the displacement acceleration, and therefore, the lowest level of the triangular wave signal input to the input port 0 of the MCU 768 is shown in FIG. The level of the acceleration-dependent voltage 789 shown in 92(b) changes. the

The MCU 768 converts the deviation of the lowest level of the triangular wave signal into acceleration data, and controls the infrared light emitting diodes 716a to 716e based on it. the

Incidentally, the starting circuit 779 includes a current mirror circuit 799 and a capacitor 786 . One end of this capacitor 786 is connected to the electrode 720 b of the piezoelectric element 720 , and the other end thereof is connected to the base of the PNP transistor 782 . The emitters of the PNP transistors 782 and 783 are connected to the power supply Vcc. Collectors of PNP transistors 782 and 783 are connected to one end of resistors 780 and 781 . The other ends of the resistors 780 and 781 are grounded. Resistors 784 and 785 are connected in series between the base of PNP transistor 782 and the base of PNP transistor 783 . The connection point between the resistor 784 and the resistor 785 is connected to the collector of the PNP transistor 783 . In addition, the collector of PNP transistor 782 is connected to input port 3 of MCU 768. the

In this case, for example, assume that the resistors 784 and 785 have a resistance value of 1 MΩ, the resistor 780 has a resistance value of 100 kΩ, and the resistor 781 has a resistance value of 1 MΩ. Thus, the resistance values of the resistors 784 and 785 are set large. In addition, the resistance value of the resistor 781 is greater than the resistance value of the resistor 780 . the

First, when the racket-shaped input device 700 does not move so that the piezoelectric element 720 does not generate voltage, the MCU 768 does not output a rectangular wave signal from the output port 0. In this case, the collector current of the PNP transistor 782 is equal to the collector current of the PNP transistor 783, and the resistance value of the resistor 780 is smaller than the resistance value of the resistor 781, therefore, the potential of the collector of the PNP transistor 782 is lower than that of the PNP transistor 783. The potential of the collector of the transistor 783 (1/10 in this example). For this reason, a low-level signal is sent to the input port 3 of the MCU 768, and therefore, the MCU 768 stops outputting the rectangular wave signal. the

Then, when the racket-shaped input device 700 is moved, the piezoelectric element 720 oscillates, so that a voltage is generated in response to the oscillation. In this case, when this voltage is generated in the negative direction, the base current of the PNP transistor 782 flows into the capacitor 786, and therefore, the base current of the PNP transistor 782 rises compared to the case where the racket-shaped input device 700 does not move. . Thereafter, the collector current of the PNP transistor 782 rises to pull up the potential of the collector terminal, thereby supplying a high-level voltage to the input port 3 of the MCU 768 . Through this process, the MCU 768 starts to output a rectangular wave signal from the output port 0. the

Meanwhile, the electrical configurations of the bat-shaped input device 800 and the ball-shaped input device 854 are the same as those of the racket-shaped input device 700 , and thus unnecessary descriptions are not repeated. However, in the case of the bat-shaped input device 800, four infrared light emitting diodes 808a to 808d are employed. Also, in the case of the spherical input device 854, two infrared light emitting diodes 864a and 864b are employed. the

(J) Processing of the MCU 768 of the racket-shaped input device 700

FIG. 93 is a flowchart showing the processing of the MCU 768 shown in FIG. 91. Referring to FIG. 93, in a first step S1, the MCU 768 initializes variables to be described below and processed by the MCU 768, for example, detection offset values and offset counters and input ports and output ports (FIG. 91). the

Then, after the acceleration detection process of step S2 (will be described in detail below), in step S3, MCU 768 judges whether it is in sending state. Although not shown in this figure, the MCU 768 is provided with a state counter as a software counter, and when the state counter reaches a predetermined value, the MCU 768 is in a sending state. Therefore, in step S3, it is judged whether the state counter has reached a predetermined value. If "No" in step S3, then in step S4, send code is set to "0", otherwise, if " yes " in step S3, then skip step S4, this process enters the code transmission process of step S5 ( will be described in detail below). After the code transmission process is executed at step S5, a state counter (not shown in the figure) is incremented by 1 (+1) at step S6, and then, returns to step S2. Incidentally, as described below, when code transmission processing is performed using a serial bit sequence, the required time is extremely short on the order of microseconds. the

FIG. 94 is a flowchart showing acceleration detection processing executed in step S2 shown in FIG. 93 . Referring to FIG. 94, in the first step S11 of this acceleration detection process, the MCU 768 copies the detected offset value held in a register (not shown in this figure) to an offset counter (not shown in this figure). "Detection offset value" is the value adjusted to input the high-level duration and low-level duration of the rectangular wave signal shown in FIG. 92(a). When the piezoelectric element 720 does not generate voltage, the high The level duration and the low level duration are equal to each other, and the detection offset value is set to an arbitrary default value immediately after starting the system. the

In step S12 following step S11, MCU 768 sets output port 0 to "1". In other words, the MCU 768 outputs "1", that is, a high level. Next, in step S13, the MCU 768 reads data from the input port 0. the

In step S14, it is judged whether or not the data read from input port 0 in step S13 is "1". If "Yes", then in the next step S15, the MCU 768 increments an accumulation counter (not shown in the figure) by 1 (+1). "Accumulating counter" is used to calculate the period of time that input port 0 continues to take high level, so if input port 0 is "1" that is high level, it increments, and if input port 0 is "0", then not incremented. the

In step S15 accumulative counter increments, or under the situation of " no " in step S14 judgment, in next step S16, MCU 768 makes deviation counter increment, and in step S17 judges whether the count value of this deviation counter reaches predetermined value . The predetermined value is the number "N/2" explained in the following description. In other words, after the output port 0 is set to "1" in step S12, as long as it is judged as "No" in step S17, the MCU 768 continues to output "1" from the output port 0. the

Then, when it is determined in step S17 that the count value of the offset counter reaches a predetermined value, in the next step S18, the MCU 768 outputs port 0 to be set to "0", that is, a low level. In the next step S19, the MCU 768 copies the detection offset value set in the register to the offset counter. the

In the next step S20, the MCU 768 reads data from the input port 0. In step S21, it is judged whether or not the data of input port 0 read in step S20 is "1". If "Yes", then in the next step S22, the MCU 768 increments the accumulation counter. the

After step S22 increments accumulative counter, or after step S21 judges "No", in next step S23, MCU 768 makes offset counter decrement 1 (-1), and judges whether the count value of offset counter is in step S24 reached "0". In other words, after the output port 0 is set to "0" in step S18, as long as it is determined to be "No" in step S24, the MCU 768 continues to output "0" from the output port 0. the

Then, when the judgment is "Yes" in step S24, that is, when the offset counter is zero (0), in the next step S25, the MCU 768 calculates the difference by subtracting the intermediate value from the count value of the accumulation counter value. In this case, the "intermediate value" is "N/2", where "N" is the repeated execution of the processing between step S17 and step 13 for detecting the high level duration and the repeated execution of the process for detecting the high level duration. The total number of times of processing between step S20 and step S24 of the average duration. In general, the default value of detection offset is "N/2". The reason why the difference value is calculated from the intermediate value in this step S25 is that in the case where the piezoelectric element as an ideal piezoelectric element (i.e., duty ratio = 50%) does not generate a voltage related to acceleration, the high level duration The ratio to the low level duration is used as a reference for detecting acceleration. the

More specifically, when the accumulative counter indicates the number of times "1" is read from the input port 0, that is, the number of high levels, as long as the piezoelectric element is an ideal piezoelectric element and no voltage is generated, the difference in step S25 The value, ie, "Accumulating Counter - Intermediate Value" must be 0. Therefore, if the piezoelectric element 720 produces a certain voltage, the difference becomes a significantly non-zero value. For this reason, the displacement acceleration of the racket-shaped input device 700 is determined based on the difference in step S26. In general, the difference is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient to obtain the desired acceleration data. the

Thereafter, in step S27, the detection offset value is corrected based on the difference obtained in step S25. That is, since the player does not swing the racket-shaped input device 700 in the initial state, the piezoelectric element 720 does not generate a voltage related to acceleration. If a non-zero difference is detected in step S25 irrespective of the above fact, it means that the detection offset value set in step S11 is inappropriate in view of the characteristics of the piezoelectric element used in the racket-shaped input device. In other words, this means that the piezoelectric element is not ideal. For this reason, in this case, the difference value is used to correct the detection offset value in step S27 to compensate for the characteristic difference between the piezoelectric element used and the ideal piezoelectric element. the

On the other hand, in the case of always changing or correcting the detection offset value in step S27, the detection offset value is adjusted even if the difference is calculated using the acceleration-related voltage actually generated by the piezoelectric element. However, the voltage generation time period of the piezoelectric element is very short compared with other time periods. Therefore, in practice, no problem arises even if step S27 is performed each time the difference is detected. This will simplify the algorithm. the

In the next step S28, the MCU 768 reads the input data "1" or "0" from the operation switch 710 through the input port 1, and prepares a transmission code with an additional parity bit in step S29, which indicates that the data read from the switch 710 The input data and the displacement acceleration or motion acceleration of the racket-shaped input device 700 determined in the previous step S26, and then return to the step S3 of the main program. the

FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing code transmission processing at step S5 shown in FIG. 93 . Referring to FIG. 95, in a first step S41, the MCU 768 copies the transmission code prepared in step S2 or S4 to a temporary data register (not shown in this figure). Then, it is judged whether the most significant bit is "1". If the most significant bit is "1", then it is determined as "Yes" in step S42, and in the next step S43, the MCU 768 sets the output port 1 to "1" to turn on the infrared light emitting diodes 716a to 716e. Thereafter, in step S44, the MCU 768 waits for a predetermined waiting time. However, if "NO" in step S42, that is, if the most significant bit is "0", the process skips step S43 and proceeds to step S44. the

In step S44, after a predetermined waiting time elapses, the MCU 768 sets the output port 1 to "0", and turns off the infrared light emitting diodes 716a to 716e in step S45. Thereafter, the MCU 768 waits for a predetermined waiting time in step S46. the

Then, after a predetermined waiting time elapses in step S46, the MCU 768 shifts the temporary data to the left by 1 bit in step S47, and shifts the transmission bit to the least significant bit. In other words, the transmitted bits are sequentially permuted for serial bit transmission. Then, it is judged in step S48 whether all bits have been transmitted. If "NO", the processing returns to step S42, and if "YES", the processing is completed and proceeds to step S6 shown in FIG. 93 . the

The processing of the MCU installed in the bat-shaped input device 800 and the ball-shaped input device 854 shown in FIG. the

(K) Virtual reality experience using the racket-shaped input device 700 shown in FIG. 45

For example, as shown in FIG. 45, in the case of using the television receiver 14 as part of a virtual reality system for playing tennis, the adapter 1 is provided with a cartridge 500 (see FIG. 85) having a built-in memory 577. 577 stores programs and data necessary for realizing the virtual reality system for playing tennis. Then, the television receiver 14 is turned on, and the power switch 9 of the adapter 1 is turned on. the

In the virtual reality system for playing tennis, the high-speed processor 575 of the cartridge 500 generates a video signal VD for displaying the ball, player character, net character and court character on the television receiver 14, and outputs to the video output port VO. The video signal VD is transmitted to the television receiver 14 through the terminal t23 of the cassette 500 , the terminal T23 of the adapter 1 , and the AV jack 25 . In this configuration, the television receiver 14 displays an image such as a ball. Also, the high-speed processor 575 generates audio signals AL1 and AR1 for outputting music, sound effects, etc. to be output to the speaker of the television receiver 14, and outputs them to the audio output ports AL and AR. The audio signals AL1 and AR1 are sent to the television receiver 14 through the terminals t20 and t21 of the cassette 500, the terminals T20 and T21 of the adapter 1, the audio amplifier 258, and the AV jack 25. In this configuration, the television receiver 14 outputs music and the like through speakers. the

In the case of this virtual reality system for playing tennis, when the player swings the racket-shaped input device 700 in the real space, the infrared light emitting diode 716a to 716e output infrared signals to IR receiver circuit 256 of adapter 1 . After receiving the infrared signal, the IR receiver circuit 256 digitally demodulates the received infrared signal and outputs it to the terminal t17 of the cartridge 500 through the terminal T17. The high-speed processor 575 inputs these signals from the I/O port IO16 and executes processing according to programs stored in the memory 577 . the

For example, if the player swings the racket-shaped input device 700 in real space in synchronization with the timing of the movement of the ball displayed on the screen, according to the signal corresponding to the acceleration of the piezoelectric element 720, from the infrared LED 716a to 716e sends the infrared signal to the IR receiver circuit 256, the high-speed processor 575 detects the swing, and then, based on the timing and the position of the ball on the screen when the racket-shaped input device 700 swings at a predetermined movement speed, the The ball moves towards the opponent on the court as if the racket were actually used to return the ball. Based on where the ball moves, it is determined whether the ball is in the court. However, if the timing of swinging the racket-shaped input device 700 does not coincide with the position of the ball on the screen, it is determined that the player swings and misses (passes the ball). the

FIG. 96 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the virtual reality system for playing tennis using the racket-shaped input device 700 shown in FIG. 45 . In step S101, the high speed processor 575 shown in Fig. 85 first executes initialization processing. Specifically, the system and variables are initialized. the

Thereafter, the high speed processor 575 updates the video signal VD, and updates the image displayed on the television receiver 14 at step S102. However, the process of updating the display image is performed for each frame (television frame or video frame). the

Then, according to the state, the high speed processor 575 performs processing. The first processing to be performed is to select the mode. In step S103, in this mode selection, the player operates the arrow keys 17a to 17d of the adapter 1 to select a single player mode or a two player mode, and a singles mode or a doubles mode, and sets the difficulty level of the game. the

Whereas real tennis starts with a serve and then goes into a rallies, the ball in this game must be thrown on this screen to serve. In this case, at step S104, the high-speed processor 575 executes throw preparation processing, and then, at step S105, executes throw processing. That is, if the operation switch 710 is pressed in the throw preparation process, the process goes to the throw process, and in the throw process, if the racket-shaped input device 700 does not swing, the process returns to the preparation process. On the other hand, if the racket-shaped input device 700 is swung during the throw process, the process proceeds to the sparring process in step S106. Then, if a score is scored in the sparring process, the process proceeds to the process of processing the score in the next step S107. Also, depending on whether the score in the scoring process satisfies the termination condition, the process returns to the mode selection (S103), or the throw preparation process (S104). the

Thereafter, if there is an interruption of the video system synchronization signal, a process of updating the display image is performed in step S102. Furthermore, the sound processing in step S108 is performed when an audio interruption for outputting sound effects such as music, batting sound is issued. When receiving the infrared signal (code), the IR receiver circuit 256 of the adapter 1 outputs the interrupt request signal to the high-speed processor 575, then, after accepting the interrupt request or the timer interrupt, in step S109, the high-speed processor 575 Start the following code reception processing as an interrupt handler. the

FIG. 97 is a flowchart showing code reception processing executed in step S109 shown in FIG. 96 . This code receiving process is called by a timer interrupt signal, so that the high speed processor 575 judges in the first step S51 whether a timer interrupt is set. If "No", set a timer interrupt in step S52, and if "Yes", then the process skips step S52 and proceeds to step S53. the

In step S53, the high speed processor 575 allocates a temporary data area for receiving codes in the memory 407 (FIG. 86). Then, in the next step S54, the high-speed processor 575 reads data from the input port 1016 to which the output signal from the IR receiver circuit 256 (FIG. 78) is input. In the next step S55, the high speed processor 575 shifts the temporary data to the right and places the data read in step S54 in the most significant bit position of the temporary data. the

Thereafter, in step S56, it is judged whether all bits have been received, if "No", then in step S57, the high speed processor 575 waits for the next timer interrupt. If "Yes", the timer interrupt setting is released in step S58, and the temporary data is copied as the reception code in step S59. The high speed processor 575 executes the processing shown in FIG. 96 using the received code. the

Incidentally, for example, in the case of using the television receiver 14 as part of a virtual reality system for playing baseball using the bat-shaped input device 800 and the ball-shaped input device 854 shown in FIG. 577 (see FIG. 85 ), the built-in memory 577 stores the required programs and data for realizing the virtual reality system for playing baseball. Then, when turning on the power switch 9 of the television receiver 14 and the adapter 1, the high-speed processor 575 generates the video signal VD and the audio signals AL1 and AR1 according to the program stored in the memory 577, and outputs these signals to the TV receiver 14. the

In the case of such a virtual reality system for playing baseball, if the player swings the bat-shaped input device 800 in the real space, based on a signal related to acceleration from the piezoelectric element 830 of the bat-shaped input device 800, Infrared signals are sent from the infrared light emitting diodes 808a to 808d to the IR receiver circuit 256 of the adapter 1 . After receiving the infrared signal, the IR receiver circuit 256 digitally demodulates the received infrared signal and outputs it to the terminal t17 of the cartridge 500 through the terminal T17. The high-speed processor 575 inputs these signals from the I/O port IO16 and executes according to programs stored in the memory 577 . Incidentally, similar processing is also performed when the player holds the spherical input device 854 in the real space and makes a motion of throwing the ball. the

Before playing the game, the player puts the strap 703 of the racket-shaped input device 700, the strap 801 of the bat-shaped input device 800, or the strap 803 of the ball-shaped input device 854 around his wrist. With such a wrist strap, security can be increased. the

(L) Use the virtual reality experience of the bowling ball input device 900 shown in Figure 63

For example, as shown in FIG. 63 , in the case of using the television receiver 14 as part of a virtual reality system for playing baseball, the adapter 1 is provided with a cartridge 600 (see FIG. 85 ) having a built-in memory 577 . Stores programs and data required to implement a virtual reality system for bowling. Then, the television receiver 14 is turned on, and the power switch 9 of the adapter 1 is turned on. the

In the virtual reality system for bowling, the high-speed processor 575 of the cartridge 600 generates a video signal VD for displaying bowling lanes, pins, etc. on the television receiver 14, and outputs it to the video output port VO. This video signal VD is sent to the television receiver 14 through the terminal t23 of the cassette 600 , the terminal T23 of the adapter 1 , and the AV jack 25 . In this configuration, the television receiver 14 displays images such as bowling lanes. Furthermore, music, sound effects, and the like are output to the speakers of the television receiver 14 in the same manner as in the virtual reality system for playing tennis. the

In the case of this virtual reality system for playing bowling, when the player makes a throwing action with the bowling ball shape input device 900 in the real space, the high-speed processor 575 turns on and off the infrared light-emitting diode shown in FIG. 35 614a to 614d to intermittently output infrared signals and analyze and process the image of the image sensor 654 every time it is turned on and off, so as to intermittently detect the position of the bowling ball input device 900 . Then, the high-speed processor 575 controls the motion of the bowling ball displayed on the screen according to the position (coordinates) of the bowling ball shape input device 900, and does not knock down the wooden pins according to the motion of the bowling ball, or knocks down one or more wooden pins . Incidentally, the player will wear the 901 around his wrist before making the throw. Increase safety with this wrist strap. the

The reflective sheet installed on the inner case of the bowling ball input device 900 is irradiated with the infrared light of the infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d, and reflects the infrared light. The image sensor 654 uses the infrared light reflected by these reflective sheets to acquire images of the reflective sheets to output image signals of the reflective sheets. the

FIG. 98 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a virtual reality system for bowling using the bowling-ball-shaped input device 900 shown in FIG. 63 . The high speed processor 575 first performs initialization processing in step S201. Specifically, the system and variables are initialized. the

After step S201, the high speed processor 575 updates the video signal VD and updates the image displayed on the television receiver 14 at step S202. However, the process of updating the display image is performed for each frame (television frame or video frame). the

In step S203, the high speed processor 575 executes imaging processing. Then, the high speed processor 575 performs processing according to the state. However, the processing to be performed first is mode selection. In step S204, when making this mode selection, the player operates the arrow keys 17a to 17d to select a single player mode or a two player mode, and set a game difficulty level. the

When rolling the ball in an actual bowling game, the player of the game utilizes the bowling ball-shaped input device 900 to throw the ball. In this case, in step S205, the high speed processor 575 performs a judging process of a throwing action, and then judges whether or not the throwing action is actually made. Then, if the throwing action is actually made, then in step S206, while calculating the course of the ball, displaying that the ball moves on the fairway, and then performing a hit determination process of determining that the ball hits the pin. Then, when the ball reaches the end of the fairway, in step S207, according to the result of the hit determination process in step S206, the process of judgment result and score calculation is performed. the

Thereafter, if there is an interruption of the video system synchronization signal, a process of updating the display image is performed in step S202. Also, when an audio interruption for outputting a sound effect such as music, rolling sound of a bowling ball is issued, the sound processing of step S208 is performed. the

FIG. 99 is a flowchart showing an example of sensor initial setting processing executed as processing of the initialization processing executed in step S201 shown in FIG. 98 . As shown in FIG. 99, in the first step S230, the high speed processor 575 prepares the command "CONF" as data to be set. In this case, the command "CONF" is a command for notifying the image sensor 654 that the high speed processor 575 is ready to send commands to the image sensor 654 in configuration mode. Then, at the next step S231, command transmission processing is performed. the

FIG. 100 is a flowchart showing an example of command transmission processing in step S231 shown in FIG. 99 . As shown in FIG. 100, in the first step S240, the high-speed processor 575 sets the setting data (command "CONF" in the step S231) as register data (I/O ports IO0 to IO6), and in the next step S241, Set the register setting clock RCLK (I/O port IO7) low. Then, after waiting for a predetermined time in step S242, the register setting clock RCLK is set to high level in step S243. Then, after waiting for the predetermined time in step S244, set the register setting clock RCLK to low level in step S245. the

In this way, as shown in Figure 101, by changing the level of the register setting clock RCLK between low level and high level while waiting for a predetermined time before each change, it is possible to execute the send command (that is, the command related to data ) processing. the

Return to Fig. 99 to continue the description. The pixel mode is set in step S232. In the case where the image sensor 654 is a CMOS image sensor of 32 pixels×32 pixels, “0h” indicating 32 pixels×32 pixels is loaded to the setting address “0” of the pixel mode register. In the next step S233, the high speed processor 575 executes register setting processing. the

FIG. 102 is a flowchart showing an example of register setting processing in step S233 shown in FIG. 99 . As shown in FIG. 102, in the first step S250, the high-speed processor 575 sets the command "MOV" related to the address as the setting data, and then, in the next step S251, executes the command sending process as described above with reference to FIG. 100, to send the command. Next, at the next step S252, the high speed processor 575 sets the data-related command "LD" as setting data, and then, at the next step S253, executes command transmission processing to transmit the command. Then, in step S254, the high speed processor 575 sets the command "SET" as setting data, and in the next step S255, sends the command. Incidentally, the command "MOV" is a command for sending the address of a control register; the command "LD" is a command for sending data; and the command "SET" is a command for actually loading the data into the address. Incidentally, if there are a plurality of control registers to be set, the above processing is repeated. the

Return to Fig. 99 to continue the description. In step S234, the setting address is set to "1" (the address of the low nibble of the exposure time setting register), and "Fh" is loaded into the low nibble of the exposure time setting register as the index representing the longest exposure time Low nibble data of "FFh". Then, in step S235, the register setting processing shown in Fig. 102 is executed. In the same way, in step S236, the setting address is set to "2" (the address of the high nibble of the exposure time setting register), and "Fh" is loaded into the high nibble of the exposure time setting register as a representation The upper nibble data of "FFh" of the longest exposure time, then, register setting processing is performed in step S237. the

Thereafter, a command "RUN" indicating that the initialization is completed and the image sensor 654 starts outputting data is set in step S238, and then the command "RUN" is transmitted in step S239. Sensor initialization processing is performed in this way. However, the specific examples shown in FIGS. 99 to 102 may be modified according to the specifications of the image sensor 654 actually employed. the

FIG. 103 is a flowchart showing the imaging process in step S203 shown in FIG. 98 . As shown in FIG. 103 , in step S260 , the high-speed processor 575 turns on the infrared light-emitting diodes 614a to 614d to realize stroboscope imaging. More specifically, pull up the LED control signal shown in Figure 88 to high level. Thereafter, in step S261, the high speed processor 575 executes a process of acquiring a set of pixel data. the

In step S262, the pixel data array is stored, for example, in the working area of the internal memory 407 as data of the acquired lighted image. In step S263, the high speed processor 575 turns off the infrared light emitting diodes 614a to 614d by pulling down the LED control signal to low level or the like. Thereafter, in the same manner as in step S261, the pixel data array is acquired in step S264 with the diodes 614a to 614d turned off, and in the same manner as in step S262, the pixel data array is acquired in step S265 The array is stored in the work area of the internal memory 407 . the

FIG. 104 is a flowchart showing one example of the process of acquiring a set of pixel data in step S261 of FIG. 103 . As shown in FIG. 104, in the first step S270, the high-speed processor 575 assigns "0" to the X index and Y index of the pixel data array. Then, in step S271, the high speed processor 575 checks the frame state flag signal FSF input from the image sensor 654, and judges in step S272 whether its rising edge (from low level to high level) is detected. If the rising edge of the frame state flag signal FSF is detected in step S272, the process proceeds to step S273. On the other hand, if the rising edge of the frame state flag signal FSF has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S271. the

The high-speed processor 575 checks the pixel strobe signal PDS output from the image sensor 654 in step S273, and determines whether the rising edge of the pixel strobe signal PDS from low level to high level is detected in step S274. If the judgment in step S274 is "No", the high speed processor 575 proceeds to step S273. On the other hand, if the judgment in step S274 is "Yes", then in step S275, the high speed processor 575 assigns "0" to the X index. A process of acquiring pixel data is performed in the next step S276. the

FIG. 105 is a flowchart showing one example of the process of acquiring pixel data shown in step S276 of FIG. 104 . As shown in FIG. 105, in a first step S291, the high-speed processor 575 instructs the ADC 408 to start converting analog pixel data into digital data. Then, the high-speed processor 575 checks the pixel strobe signal PDS input from the image sensor 654 in step S292 , and determines whether the rising edge of the pixel strobe signal PDS from low level to high level is detected in step S293 . the

If the determination in step S293 is "No", the process proceeds to step S292, and if the determination in step S293 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S294. In step S294, the high speed processor 575 acquires digital pixel data (converted value) from the ADC 408. Then, in step S295, the acquired pixel data is saved in a temporary register (not shown in the figure). Then, the process proceeds to step S277 of FIG. 104 . the

In step S277, the high speed processor 575 assigns the pixel data stored in the temporary register to the pixel data array P[Y][X]. In the next step S278, the index X is incremented. If X is smaller than 32, the above-described processing from step S276 to step S278 is repeatedly performed. If X is equal to 32, that is, if the acquisition process of pixel data reaches the end of the current line, then at step S280, Y is incremented, and the acquisition process of pixel data is repeated from the head of the next line. If Y is equal to 32 in step S281, that is, if the acquisition processing of pixel data reaches the end of the pixel data array P[Y][X], the processing proceeds to step S262 of FIG. 103 . the

Thus, according to the adapter 1 of the present invention, when the cassette 500 or 600 is inserted into the adapter 1, only by connecting the AV jack 25 (the video signal output end and the audio signal output end) of the adapter 1 to the AV jack of the television receiver 14 24 (video signal input terminal and audio signal input terminal), the video signal and audio signal generated by the computer (high-speed processor 575) can be sent to the television receiver 14. Accordingly, the television receiver 14 can display screen images using video signals generated by the computer (high-speed processor 575), and output sound using audio signals generated by the computer (high-speed processor 575). the

In this way, with the adapter 1, the computer (high-speed processor 575) can be easily connected to the television receiver 14. Therefore, the television receiver 14 can be easily used for the programs stored in the memory 577 inside the cartridge 500 or 600 . Besides, only by changing the cartridge 500 or 600 inserted into the adapter 1, the television receiver 14 can be easily used for various purposes. the

In addition, utilizing the adapter 1, the computer (high-speed processor 575) can be easily connected to the TV receiver 14 widely distributed and widely used by people, therefore, the user can use the computer (high-speed processor 575) at will, and the user's burden can be relieved. economic burden. the

Incidentally, since personal computers cannot be used alone without peripherals such as monitors, users must provide a set of personal computers with all necessary peripherals, so even with the current plunge in prices of personal computers , and don't have to use a computer at all. Furthermore, although it is cumbersome to use a monitor connected to a personal computer by installing a dedicated device driver, which is generally necessary to run the monitor, such cumbersome installation can be eliminated by using the above-mentioned adapter 1 because connecting the adapter 1 to the TV Receiver 14 to improve user convenience. Furthermore, in general, various functions are installed in the personal computer to have multifunctionality with many unnecessary functions, which are burdensome to the user and raise the price. On the contrary, only by purchasing the corresponding cartridge 500 or 600, the user of the present system with the adapter 1 can use the television receiver 14 for its purpose, and hardly install functions unnecessary to the user to reduce trouble. the

In addition, since the computer (high-speed processor 575) outputs the video signal and the audio signal in the signal format in which the television receiver 14 receives the video signal and the audio signal, and displays images and outputs sound corresponding to the video signal and the audio signal, respectively, even when When the functions of the computer (high-speed processor 575, memory 577) are upgraded or modified, the user can continue to use the adapter 1 without expansion or modification. In other words, even when the functions of the computer (high-speed processor 575, memory 577) are upgraded or modified, only by putting the cartridge equipped with the upgraded or modified built-in computer (high-speed processor 575, memory 577) 500 or 600 is inserted into the adapter 1, the user can still use the existing adapter 1 as it is, without knowing the expansion and modification of hardware and software. Therefore, user-friendliness can be improved, and economic burden on users can be reduced, thus contributing to popularization of the cartridges 500 and 600 . the

Incidentally, in the case of the game machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, a VDG capable of generating video signals is implemented on its game console, and therefore, when the CPU inside the game cartridge is upgraded or modified, it must be upgraded or modified The game console corresponds to an upgraded or modified function of the game cartridge. Therefore, in the case of the game machine of Patent Document 1, the user must purchase a new game cartridge and a new game console together, although it is possible to change the technical specifications and operation procedures of the game console, imposing a considerable economic burden on the user And cause trouble to the user, also be like this for the personal computer disclosed in the patent document 2. This is because display control circuitry for generating video signals is implemented within the docking station. the

In addition, since the adapter 1 of the present embodiment is designed to receive video signals and audio signals in a signal format in which the television receiver 14 can receive video signals and audio signals, display images corresponding to the video signals and output images corresponding to the audio signals. The sound of the signal, so as long as such a signal can be output, a computer (for example, a high-speed processor 575) can be used in combination with the adapter 1. Therefore, the developer of the cartridge 500 or 600 can freely and arbitrarily design the hardware and software configurations of the computer (high-speed processor 575) according to various purposes. As described above, unlike existing personal computers and game machines, when designing the cartridge 500 or 600, it is possible to eliminate the limitations of the platform on hardware and software as much as possible. the

Thus, in the case of existing personal computers, application programs must be designed for each supported different platforms (eg, different operating systems), thus increasing development costs. Furthermore, in the case of existing game machines, it is necessary to design game programs for each supported different platforms (for example, different game consoles). the

Furthermore, the adapter 1 of the present embodiment is used together with the cartridge 500 or 600 in which a program for a specific use is installed. For this reason, unlike the personal processor module of Patent Document 2, which requires multi-functionality, a hard disk is not required, and the performance required for the computer can be reduced. Therefore, the cost of the cartridge 500 or 600 to be inserted into the adapter 1 can be reduced compared to a personal processor module having multiple functions. the

Furthermore, according to the adapter 1 of the present embodiment, the power supply voltage required to operate the computer and peripheral circuits in the cartridge 500 or 600 can be supplied from the adapter 1 so that no power supply circuit is required in the cartridge 500 or 600 . Therefore, the cost of the cartridge 500 or 600 can be reduced. On the other hand, in this configuration, although the cost of the adapter 1 tends to increase, since the adapter 1 can be commonly used for each cartridge, there is an economy produced by cost reduction of the cartridges 500 and 600 which are frequently purchased according to different purposes. The benefit outweighs the increased cost of adapter 1. Furthermore, in the case of the adapter 1 of this embodiment, since the cartridges 500 and 600 can be designed to operate with various power supply voltages, the degree of freedom in design can be improved. the

Furthermore, with the adapter 1 of the present embodiment, when it is not necessary to supply the power supply voltage to the cartridge 500 or 600, that is, when the cartridge 500 or 600 is not used, the contact "c" and the contact "a" of the switching circuit sw4 ” are connected to each other so that the line w20 for supplying the external power supply voltage is in a high-impedance state. On the other hand, the contact "c" and the contact "a" of the switching circuit sw3 are connected together so that the AV jack 25 is connected to the jack 31V, and the contact "c" and the contact "a" of each of the switching circuits sw1 and sw2 are connected to each other. The points "a" are connected together so that the AV jack 25 is connected to the jacks 31R and 31L. Therefore, when the cassette is not used, video signals and audio signals input from an external device can be relayed to the television receiver. Therefore, the adapter 1 can be applied to a wider range of uses. Also, with this configuration, when there are users who always connect the adapter 1 to the television receiver, it is possible to avoid a shortage of input terminals of the television receiver. In other words, since the adapter 1 is provided with the sockets 31R, 31L, and 31V, even if the adapter is connected to an input terminal of a television receiver, the number of usable input terminals is not reduced. the

The adapter 1 according to the above-described embodiment is provided with the power button pushing mechanism 73 . In consideration of user convenience and appearance, it seems reasonable that the power button operated by the user is located on the front of the adapter 1 and the terminals are located on the rear of the adapter. However, the power switch unit 53 is used not only to turn on and off the power supply but also to connect and disconnect the terminals therebetween. Therefore, if the power switch unit 53 is located on the front side of the adapter, many wirings must be arranged from the back side to the front side of the adapter 1 . However, when the power switch unit 53 is located on the rear side of the adapter 1, the power switch can be turned on and off on the front side by making rod-shaped members such as arms 177, 179, and 181 shown in FIG. 8 contact the power switch unit 53 from the front side. Unit 53 performs control. Therefore, complicated wiring can be avoided. Ultimately, noise and the like can be prevented from affecting the system. the

In addition, since the AC power supply voltage is internally converted into the DC power supply voltage according to this adapter 1 unlike the case where the AC power supply voltage is supplied from an external AC adapter, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently connecting a device whose specifications are different from those of the adapter 1. An improper AC adapter, therefore, can improve reliability. the

In addition, according to the adapter, the adapter 1 is used to provide the clock signal SCLK1 required to operate the computer and other circuits implemented in the cartridge 500 or 600 connected to the adapter 1, therefore, there is no need for a clock signal SCLK1 in the cartridge 500 or 600. Set up the clock oscillator circuit. Therefore, the cost of the cartridge 500 or 600 can be reduced. On the other hand, although in this configuration, the cost of the adapter 1 tends to rise, since the adapter 1 can be commonly used for each cartridge, the economical effect of the cost reduction of the cartridges 500 and 600 purchased frequently according to different purposes Cost rises beyond adapter 1. the

In addition, since the clock signal SCLK1 is generated from the highest level internal power supply voltage Vcc1 according to the adapter 1, the cartridge 500 or 600 can be designed to operate with a large-amplitude clock signal, thus improving design freedom. On the other hand, the cartridge 500 or 600 may be designed to operate with a smaller amplitude clock signal by providing the cartridge 500 or 600 with the circuit 583 for changing the amplitude of the clock signal SCLK1. the

According to this adapter 1, the frequency characteristics of the audio signals AL1 and AR1 input from the computer (high-speed processor 575) of the cartridge 500 or 600 can be improved in the adapter 1, so that high-quality audio signals AL1 and AR1 can be output to the television receiver. In addition, there is no need to provide a frequency characteristic adjustment function in the cartridge 500 or 600, so the cost of the cartridge 500 or 600 can be reduced. On the other hand, although in this configuration, the cost of the adapter 1 tends to rise, since the adapter 1 can be commonly used for each cartridge, the economical effect of the cost reduction of the cartridges 500 and 600 purchased frequently according to different purposes Cost rises beyond adapter 1. the

In addition, according to the adapter 1 of this embodiment, the infrared signal received by the adapter 1 can be transmitted to the cartridge 500 or 600 . Therefore, a program stored in the cartridge 500 or 600 can be designed to use the information of the infrared signal, so that wider applications can be realized in the cartridge 500 or 600 . the

In addition, according to the adapter 1 of this embodiment, through the connection terminals T20, T21 and T23 of the connector 69, and the output terminal 25, it is possible to relay the transmission from the card box 500 or 600 to an external device (in this embodiment, a TV receiver). device) signal. In such a simple configuration, a signal from the cartridge 500 or 600 can be sent to an external device for any purpose, and therefore, the destination of the processing result of the cartridge 500 or 600 can be easily changed. the

In addition, according to the card box 500 or 600, the card box 500 or 600 can be placed on the decorative panel 4 or the lifting mechanism 57, and it is pushed down to limit the further movement of the card box 500 or 600 and the connection of the card box 500 or 600 Insert the adapter into the connector 69 of the adapter 1. Therefore, it is possible to easily insert the cartridge 500 or 600 into the adapter 1 . the

Since the cartridge support is formed using the decorative plate 4 in the form of a rectangular plate, the plate-shaped cartridge 500 or 600 can be stably supported by the cartridge support. In addition, the operation of the cartridge 500 or 600 and the pressing operation of the cartridge 500 or 600 are easy, so the cartridge 500 or 600 can be easily inserted. the

In addition, according to the cartridge 500 or 600 of the above-mentioned embodiment, only the cartridge 500 or 600 is placed on the decorative board 4, the cartridge 500 or 600 is pushed down, and then the cartridge 500 or 600 is pushed upward on the decorative board 4. The simple step of sliding the connector 69 of the adapter 1 connects the cartridge 500 or 600 to the connector 69 of the adapter 1 . the

Since the decorative plate 4 on which the cartridge 500 or 600 is placed is located on the upper surface of the housing of the adapter 1, it can be inserted only by placing the cartridge 500 or 600 on the decorative plate 4, pushing it down, and then sliding it. It plugs into adapter 1. The operation of pushing down the cartridge 500 or 600 can be performed in a stable and reliable manner compared to the operation of pushing in the lateral direction. For this reason, the operation of inserting the cartridge 500 or 600 can be performed stably and safely. Furthermore, in the case of inserting the cartridge 500 or 600 into the connector 69 only by sliding the cartridge 500 or 600 in the longitudinal direction, generally a certain type of mechanism must be provided for disconnecting the cartridge 500 or 600 . However, such a disconnection mechanism is not required when sliding the cartridge 500 or 600 after being pushed down in the manner according to the present embodiment. In addition, in the configuration in which the cartridge 500 or 600 is pushed inward from the upper surface of the adapter 1, the top plate 506 or 606 of the cartridge 500 or 600 used is exposed on the upper surface of the adapter 1 during operation. Therefore, various accessories such as an image sensor (eg, camera unit 603 ) or a connector for connecting an additional cartridge may be provided on the top plate 506 or 606 . Accordingly, there are a variety of possible applications utilizing the cartridge 500 or 600 . the

In addition, in order to be flush with the upper surface of the adapter 1 , the above-mentioned decorative panel 4 is generally supported by the lifting mechanism 57 , so that the exterior design of the adapter 1 is neat from an aesthetic point of view. In addition, since the lift mechanism 57 urges the trim panel 4 in an upward direction, after sliding the cassette 500 or 600 , the cassette 500 or 600 is automatically lifted together with the trim panel 4 to disconnect the cassette 500 or 600 . Therefore, the cartridge 500 or 600 can be easily removed. the

In addition, when inserting the cartridge 500 or 600 into the adapter 1 , the sliding direction of the cartridge 500 or 600 is toward the front of the housing of the adapter 1 . It is generally considered that the user inserts the cartridge 500 or 600 in front of the front of the adapter 1, therefore, by placing the cartridge 500 or 600 so that its connector portion 524 faces forward, the user can easily confirm the correct orientation of the cartridge 500 or 600 . The possibility of placing the cartridge 500 or 600 in the wrong orientation is low. the

In addition, according to the adapter 1 of the present embodiment, when the cartridge 500 or 600 is installed, that is, when the decorative panel 4 is positioned at a position restricted by the elevating mechanism 57, the cartridge locking mechanisms 61a and 61b are used, and the cartridge locking mechanism 61a One end of the C-shaped pieces 159a and 159b of the cartridge and 61b enters the locking grooves 560a and 560b on the side of the cartridge 500 or 600 . The vertical movement of the cartridge 500 or 600 is restricted by the C-shaped pieces 159a and 159b. For this reason, the cartridge 500 or 600 is prevented from being pushed up by the biasing force of the lift mechanism 57 to reduce the risk of accidental disconnection of the cartridge 500 or 600 from the adapter 1 . In addition, the locking grooves 560a and 560b are formed in such a shape that when the cartridge 500 or 600 slides horizontally, the C-shaped pieces 159a and 159b do not hinder the movement of the cartridge. Therefore, there is no hindrance to intentional insertion and withdrawal of the cartridge 500 or 600 . the

Form locking grooves 560a and 560b on opposite sides of the cartridge 500 or 600, so that the cartridge 500 or 600 can be securely fixed in the Adapter 1 on. the

In addition, the lifting mechanism 57 includes the lifting plate 55 and a plurality of parts for urging the lifting plate 55 in the upward direction, so that the decorative panel 4 can be urged in the upward direction while stably supporting the decorative panel 4 to allow the upward direction. and movement in the downward direction. the

Among the components that apply force to the lifting plate 55 in the upward direction, the pivotable member 157 is provided with a pivotally connected upper end of the lifting plate 55 and a shaft support formed on the bottom of the housing of the adapter 1 The lower end of the protrusion 111 can therefore stably support the decorative panel 4 by the lifting mechanism 57 . the

When the card box 500 or 600 is placed on the trim board 4 and the card box 500 or 600 is pulled down, the height of the lifting plate 55 is reduced toward the lower surface of the housing of the adapter 1, and when the pivotable member 157 contacts the When the lower surface of the housing is closed, the cartridge 500 or 600 no longer moves in the downward direction. When there is no force in the downward direction, the elastic force of the spring 147 moves the upper end of the pivotable member 157 in the upward direction, thereby exerting force on the lifting plate 55 in the upward direction. In this way, with the bias force applied in the upward direction, the decorative plate 4 is stably supported, and when pulled down in the downward direction while being stably supported, when the lifting plate 4 contacts the bottom surface of the housing of the adapter 1 position to limit the movement of the decorative panel 4 . the

Furthermore, when the cartridge 500 or 500 according to the present embodiment is inserted into the adapter 1, the contacts 207 of the shield 201 fixed on the upper surface of the connector unit 203 of the adapter 1 contact the shield 508 covering the The internal circuit of the cartridge 500 or 600 is recessed at a portion on the inner upper surface of the engaging portion 539, and therefore, connection can be established between them over a large area. With this connection, the electrical connection between the adapter 1 and the cartridge 500 or 600 can be stabilized, and problems in sending and receiving signals can be avoided. Furthermore, in the case where the connection is made using only lines through the terminals t1, t2, t22 and t24, a potential difference may arise between the ground potential of the cartridge 500 or 600 and the (relatively stable) ground potential of the adapter 1 such that The ground potential of the cartridge 500 or 600 is not stable. If the ground potential of the cartridge 500 or 600 is unstable, transmission and reception of signals between the cartridge 500 or 600 and the adapter 1 may be unstable. Furthermore, during the operation of the internal circuit of the cartridge 500 or 600, the potential of the shield member 508 itself may fluctuate so as to radiate electromagnetic waves. Since the connection is realized over a large area between the cartridge 500 or 600 and the connector 69 of the adapter 1, the potential difference between the ground potential of the cartridge 500 or 600 and the ground potential of the adapter 1 can be minimized, i.e. , to stabilize the ground potential of the cartridge 500 or 600 . the

By contacting the shield 508 of the cartridge 500 or 600 at a portion on the inner upper surface of the concave engagement portion 539, the shield 201 of the connector 69 of the adapter 1 is urged in the downward direction. Above the recessed portion 198 of the upper surface of the connector unit 203, the shield 201 of the connector 69 can move in the downward direction, therefore, the shield 201 of the connector 69 can be prevented from strongly contacting the shield of the cartridge 500 or 600. 508 and protect against physical failures caused by this intense contact. the

Furthermore, according to the adapter 1 of the above-described embodiment, each contact 207 of the connector 69 is formed to have a predetermined point (ie, in the form of a ridge) between one end and the other end farthest from the upper surface of the connector unit 203 . In this configuration, shield 201 of connector 69 may securely contact shield 508 of cartridge 500 or 600 at contact 207 . Furthermore, when a part of the shield 201 of the connector 69 extending over the contact 207 is moved in the downward direction, physical failure of the shield 201 of the connector 69 can also be avoided in this case because the connector unit A part (recessed portion 198) of the upper surface of 203 is formed at a lower position. the

In addition, according to the cartridge 500 or 600 of this embodiment, the video signal and audio signal generated by the high-speed processor 575 according to the data and programs stored in the internal memory 577 can be provided to an external device through the adapter 1 . By transmitting a signal generated by the cartridge 500 or 600 without a display device to an external device, for example, a television receiver or an intermediate device, a result generated by running a program in the cartridge 500 or 600 can be used. The memory 577 and the program are installed in the cartridge 500 or 600, and the cartridge 500 or 600 outputs video signals and audio signals in such a signal format that the television receiver can display images corresponding to the video signals and output images corresponding to the audio signals. Sound, therefore, can be used with either cartridge 500 or 600 regardless of the configuration format of the television receiver. In addition, in the case of using an intermediate device, since the memory 577 and the high-speed processor 575 are installed in the cartridge 500 or 600, basically different functions can be realized with the same intermediate device. Furthermore, when improving the performance of the high-speed processor 575 inside the cartridge 500 or 600, the functions of the improved computer are fully available regardless of the configuration of the intermediate device. the

In addition, the dustproof member 512 serves to prevent external dust from entering the inside of the cartridge 500 or 600 through the recessed engagement portion 539 or 669 . The cartridge 500 or 600 includes several components that are sensitive to external dust, such as the memory 577 and the high-speed processor 575. Therefore, the dust-proof component 512 can effectively reduce the risk of failure caused by external dust. the

In addition, on the top plate 506, the claw portion 550 of the fixing member 510 is installed in the insertion hole 542 of the casing 502, and the claw portion 550 is hooked on the edge of the casing 502 to fix the top plate 506 on the casing 502. The cartridge 500 according to the present embodiment is constructed without using bolts or the like that damage the exterior of the cartridge 500 . In addition, since the fixing member 510 is fixed on the housing 502 by hooking the claw portion 550 , the fixing member 510 can be easily removed, and therefore, the top plate 506 can also be easily removed for maintenance of the cartridge 500 . the

The lower housing 504 is provided with a hole 546, after the fixing member 510 is fixed on the upper housing 502 by hooking the claw portion 550 on the edge of the upper housing 502, a rod can be inserted into the hole 546 so that the claw of the fixing member 510 Portion 550 decouples from the edge of upper housing 502 . The mount 510 and top plate 506 are easily removed from the upper housing 502 by inserting the prongs into the holes 546 to disengage the claws 550 from the edges of the upper housing 502 . the

In addition, according to the cartridge 500 or 600 of the present embodiment, since the cylindrical protrusion 532 is formed to receive any one of a plurality of boards and shields of different sizes, it is possible to make use of the same casing 502 and 504 respectively to have different Various products such as boards, shields, etc. Therefore, the manufacturing process can be simplified, and products can be quickly put on the market without redesigning the housings 502 and 504 for each product. the

In addition, the bowling ball-shaped input device 900 according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of finger holes 906a, 906b and 908b corresponding to predetermined hand sizes, therefore, using the finger holes 906a, 906b and 908b, users with average-sized hands can easily Make a throwing action of throwing a bowling ball. On the other hand, for users whose hands are smaller than average-sized hands, such as children, in addition to the finger holes 906a and 906b among the finger holes of the above-mentioned plurality of finger holes 906a, 906b, and 908b, it is also possible to use the additional finger hole 908a. Come and easily make the throw action of throwing bowling ball. Therefore, the user can enjoy the bowling game by selecting an appropriate finger hole that fits the size of the user's hand. the

In addition, according to the bowling-ball-shaped input device 900 of the present embodiment, the outer cover of the bowling-ball-shaped input device 900 is formed with an inner sleeve, and by utilizing bolts 912a and 912b, the cylindrical shape located at the end of the finger holes 906a and 906b of the upper housing 902 of the outer cover is used. The protrusions 945a and 945b are fixed on the fixing cylindrical protrusions 947a and 947b of the lower casing 9004 of the outer casing, so that the inner sleeve can be kept inside the outer casing. Bolts 912a and 912b are located at the bottom of finger holes 906a and 906b so they are not visible from the outside. At least for securing the housing, apart from bolts 912a and 912b, no other such components are used. For this reason, a clever design of the bowling ball-shaped input device 900 can be achieved. the

By making the outer shells 902 and 904 transparent, optical elements disposed on the inner shells 914 and 916, eg, reflective sheeting (eg, retroreflective elements such as retroreflective sheeting), may be externally controlled using external light. On the other hand, the design of the input device 900 appears attractive because the inner housings 914 and 916 are visible through the outer housings 902 and 904 . Using the light reflected from retroreflective elements mounted on the outer surfaces of the inner sleeve shells 914 and 916, the high speed processor 575 can obtain the position, velocity and acceleration of the input device 900, and then use this information to play the game. Furthermore, no special electronic circuitry is required within the bowling ball input device 900 itself, thus simplifying the configuration. the

In addition, according to the racket-shaped input device 700 of the above-mentioned embodiment, when the acceleration is not detected, the starting circuit 779 and the MCU 768 cut off sending the rectangular wave signal to the acceleration sensor circuit 766, and once the acceleration is detected, the rectangular wave signal is started to be provided, Therefore, information on acceleration can be output. Therefore, it is possible to provide the racket-shaped input device 700 that saves power consumption when not in operation and activates the system without delay once in operation. the

In addition, according to the bowling game program installed in the cartridge 600 of the present embodiment, when the frame state flag signal takes a predetermined value (that is, "Yes" in step S272 of FIG. 104 ), start to acquire the pixel data. In steps S273 to S281, while the Y coordinate (index) is incremented by a predetermined amount from a predetermined initial value to a maximum value, pixel data of one row designated by each Y coordinate is successively acquired. First, the process waits until the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value (YES in step S274), and then, when the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value, initializes the value of the X coordinate (index) (S275). At this point, the pixel data has not been stored. Thereafter, during incrementing the X coordinate to the maximum value, the pixel data is acquired (S276 to S279). When the acquisition of pixel data for one line is completed (YES in step S279), the value of the Y coordinate is incremented by a predetermined amount (S280). Therefore, if the value of the Y coordinate reaches the maximum value (YES in step S281), the sequence acquisition step is completed. When the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value for the first time ("YES" in step S274), there is no valid pixel data, so the pixel strobe signal is skipped. That is, when the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value for the first time ("Yes" in step S274), the pixel data is not acquired, and when the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value next time ("Yes" in step S274), the actual Get pixel data. Repeating the subsequent processing for actually storing the pixel data (S276), the pixel data can be stored continuously without initializing the X coordinate because the value of the X coordinate has already been initialized (S275). In the prior art, when starting the next line, the X coordinate is initialized after the pixel data of one line is acquired (“Yes” in step S279 ), and before the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value. For this prior art, since it takes a certain amount of time to initialize the X coordinate value, the signal transition is sometimes lost when the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value when starting the next row. Therefore, it is generally not possible to obtain the first pixel data of each row. According to the method of the present invention, after the pixel data of one row has just been acquired ("Yes" in step S279), the X coordinate is not initialized, but the pixel strobe signal is waited for ("Yes" in step S274) to indicate that the acquisition of the next row is started. A predetermined value of the pixel data of one row, and then, only immediately after the pixel strobe signal takes the predetermined value, the value of the X coordinate is initialized (S275). For this reason, when the pixel strobe signal takes a predetermined value, there is no loss, and therefore, pixel data rarely fails to be acquired. the

Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the essential scope of the present invention, as described in the following typical modification examples. the

(M) Typical Modifications of Adapters and Cassettes

The configurations of the adapter 1 and the cartridges 500 and 600 described above are merely illustrative examples, and various modifications are conceivable. FIG. 106 is a schematic diagram showing an adapter 1000 according to a typical modification. Fig. 107(a) is a side view showing the adapter 1000; Fig. 107(b) is a rear view thereof; Fig. 107(c) is a bottom view thereof. The configuration of this adapter 1000 is basically the same as that of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1, except for various technical specifications, for example, in addition to the configuration of the adapter 1, an extension connector to which an external device can be connected is also provided. Meanwhile, in the following drawings, the same units as those of the adapter 1 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 105 still use the same reference numerals. Its name and function are also the same. Therefore, unnecessary detailed descriptions are not repeated. the

shell configuration

106 and 107, the adapter 100 includes: an extension connector 1003 (only shown in FIG. 107 ), formed on the side of the housing and covered by a cap 1001 (only shown in FIG. 106 ); on the expansion connector 1003 (not shown in Figure 106 and Figure 107). In addition, as shown in FIGS. 106 and 107 , the housing of the adapter 100 is provided with a plurality of openings 1002 for releasing heat inside the housing. The plurality of openings 1002 are closed with insulating paper inside the casing to prevent dust and the like from entering inside. the

Incidentally, in the lift mechanism 57 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , in particular, the lift plate locking mechanism 59 shown in FIG. 11 is not formed on this adapter 1000 . That is, this adapter 1000 is only provided with a lift mechanism that urges the trim panel 4 (see FIG. 1 ) only in an upward direction. This is because, with a smaller number of components, costs can be reduced and the probability of failure can be reduced. Needless to say, whether or not to employ the lift plate locking mechanism 59 is judged based on a compromise between various requirements, and the judgment depends on the design concept. the

Cassette configuration

Incidentally, the decorative panel 4 shown in FIG. 1 can freely move up and down without using the lifting panel locking mechanism 59 . That is, even if the cartridge 500 is placed upside down on the decorative panel 4, the lift plate can move up and down. Therefore, a user may inadvertently install the cartridge 500 upside down in the cartridge 1000 . In this case, when the cartridge 500 is pulled down, the lifting plate 55 pushes the lower end of the C-shaped member 159 shown in FIG. 106, so that the upper end protrudes from the opening. However, with regard to the side slot 560 of the cartridge 500 (see FIG. 1 ), if the cartridge 500 is placed upside down, there is no slot where the C-shaped piece 159 protrudes. Therefore, in the side of the cartridge 500, in order to fix the cartridge 500, the surface part away from the groove 560 is pressed tightly by the C-shaped piece 159, so that the lifting plate 55 cannot move, and the cartridge 500 can no longer be pulled from the adapter 1000. out of danger. the

Also, in the case where the cartridge 500 is placed on the adapter 1000 upside down, in the side of the cartridge 500, in order to fix the cartridge 500, the surface part away from the groove 560b is pressed tightly by the C-shaped piece 159, so that the lifting plate 55 Nor can it be moved, creating the danger that the cartridge 500 can no longer be pulled out of the adapter 1000 . the

For this reason, in the case of the cartridges 1010 and 1020 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 108, additional grooves 1012 and 1022 are also provided on the opposite sides near the front, their positions relative to the center line perpendicular to the opposite sides. Symmetrically opposite slot 560b as described above, and in this embodiment, on the opposite side, near the back, the slot 560b shown in FIG. 1 is reshaped as slots 1014 and 1024 . The slots 1012 and 1022 are shaped and positioned so that the C-shaped piece 159 can enter the slots 1012 and 1022 even when the cartridges 1010 and 1020 are placed in the adapter 1000 upside down. In addition, its height in the vertical direction is determined so that the upper end of the C-shaped member 159 can enter the groove even when the cartridge 500 is inserted in the correct orientation but upside down. Therefore, even if the cartridge is inserted into the adapter 1000 upside down, the C-shaped member 159 can enter the groove to prevent the cartridge from being fixed, the lifting plate 55 from being immovable, and the cartridge from the adapter from being unable to be removed. 1000 pull out. Furthermore, although the geometry of the slots 1014 and 1024 on the side near the back is somewhat similar to the geometry of slot 560b of the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. The portion is wider than the front portion of the groove shown in FIG. 1, so even if the cartridge is inserted upside down, the upper end of the C-shaped member 159 can enter the grooves 1014 and 1024 in the same manner as the groove portions 1012 and 1022. Therefore, even if the cartridge is inserted upside down into the adapter 1000, the C-shaped piece 159 can enter the slots 1014 and 1024, thereby preventing the cartridge from being fixed, the lifting plate 55 from being immobile, and the cartridge from being unable to move. Pull out from adapter 1000. Like the grooves 1015 and 1025, closer to the back, grooves 1014 and 1024 are formed with a smaller height. The height of the grooves 1015 and 1025 is slightly greater than the height of the upper end of the C-shaped piece 159 . the

In addition, according to the cartridges 1010 and 1020, if the cartridges 1010 and 1020 are inserted in the correct direction, after the upper end of the C-shaped member 159 of the cartridge locking mechanism 61 enters the grooves 1014 and 1024 from the right and left sides, the Sliding the cartridges 1010 and 1020 frontally so that the upper end of the C-shaped member 159 enters the slots 1015 and 1025 does limit the movement of the cartridges 1010 and 1020 in the vertical direction. The same applies to cartridges 500 and 600 discussed above. the

In addition, slots 1012 and 1022 are provided on opposite sides near the front, respectively, and are positioned symmetrically facing slots 1014 and 1024 with respect to a centerline perpendicular to the opposite sides, to receive the end of C-shaped piece 159, so that the card The box is fixed at a predetermined position, and the height and position of the grooves 1012 and 1022 are selected so that even when the cartridges 1010 and 1020 are fixed upside down or upside down on the predetermined position, the C-shaped member 159 can still enter the grooves 1012 and 1022. 1022 within. In addition, although the geometry of the grooves 1014 and 1024 near the back on the side is the same as the geometry of the groove 560b of the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the cartridge is inserted upside down, the upper end of the C-shaped member 159 can still enter the grooves 1014 and 1024 in the same manner as in the case of the groove portions 1012 and 1022. In this configuration, even if the cartridges 1010 and 1020 are inserted into the adapter 1000 upside down or front to back, the C-shaped piece 159 is prevented from holding the cartridges 1010 and 1020 out of the slots 1012, 1014, 1022 and 1024, Also, it can be avoided that the cartridges 1010 and 1020 can no longer be pulled out from the adapter 1000 . the

Power Switch Components

FIG. 109 is a schematic diagram illustrating the power switch assembly within the adapter 1000. Referring to FIG. Referring to FIG. 109, instead of the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the power switch assembly of the adapter 1000 includes a single lever 1032 which is supported by support protrusions 1038 and the like, and whose one end is formed with an engagement portion 1034, and whose other end contacts the power switch 9. key top 41. An end portion of the power switch unit 53 is loosely fitted in the engagement portion 1034 . A stopper 1040 is formed at an end of the power switch unit 53 , and a spring 1036 is installed between the power switch unit 53 and the stopper 1040 . the

In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 109 , the spring 1036 always urges the key top 41 in the downward direction, and in the upward direction when power is applied, thereby pushing the switch of the power switch unit 53 until the lever 1032 is blocked. The pushed position of the . When the user presses the top 41 again, the lever 1032 is released to move freely, and then, by the elastic force of the spring 1036, it moves downward in the figure to return to the initial position. the

While the pushing distance required to push the key top 41 may increase, the pushing mechanism of the power switch 9 can be realized with a simplified structure compared to the case where a plurality of arms 177, 179, and 181 are combined as shown in FIG. the

Configuration of internal circuit

FIG. 110 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of the adapter 1000 . Although the electrical configuration of this adapter 1000 is similar to that of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 78 , it is different from the electrical configuration of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. Instead of the internal power supply voltage generating circuit 260 shown in FIG. 78, the adapter 1000 includes: a switching regulator 1058 for receiving the power supply voltage Vcc0 from the power supply circuit 250 through the power switch 9, and generating the ground potential GND on the line w50, and the ground potential GND on the line w50. A power supply voltage Vcc1 is generated on the line w22; and an internal power supply voltage generating circuit 1056 is used to generate power supply voltages Vcc1, Vcc2, Vcc1, Vcc2, Vcc3 and Vcc4. Incidentally, the switching regulator 1058 and the internal power supply voltage generating circuit 1056 are combined to constitute an internal power supply voltage generating unit. Instead of the key block 254 shown in FIG. 78 , the adapter 1000 further includes a key block 1052 that can be connected to the expansion connector peripheral circuit 1050 . The connection between the key block 1052 and the expansion connector peripheral circuit 1050 will be described below. the

Furthermore, unlike the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 78, this adapter 1000 includes a cylindrical ferrite 1054 that covers the wires w9, w12, and w13 so that electromagnetic waves leak from the execution wires. the

Circuit Configuration of Switching Regulator

FIG. 111 is a schematic diagram showing the circuit configuration of the switching regulator 1058 shown in FIG. 110 and the circuit configuration of its peripheral circuits (switch 9 and power supply circuit 250). Referring to FIG. 111, the power switch 9 includes a contact 1102 connected to the power circuit 250, and two contacts 1100 and 1104 respectively connected to a switch regulator 1058. The power switch 9 is configured to respond to the operation of the power switch to enable Contact 1100 is connected to contact 1102, and when de-energized, contact 1100 is connected to contact 1104. the

Switching regulator 1058 includes: capacitor 1060 connected between contact 1100 and ground potential; electrolytic capacitor 1062 connected between contact 1100 and contact 1104 for smoothing the voltage signal; PNP transistor 1066; and NPN transistor 1072 and 1084. the

The emitter of transistor 1066 is connected to contact 1100, while the emitters of transistors 1072 and 1084 are respectively connected to ground potential. the

Switching regulator 1058 also includes: resistor 1064, connected between the emitter and base of transistor 1066; resistor 1070, connected between the base of transistor 1066 and the collector of transistor 1072; resistor 1068, connected between between contact 1104 and the base of transistor 1072; capacitor 1074, connected between the collector of transistor 1066 and the base of transistor 1072; and Schottky diode 1078, connected between the collector of transistor 1066 and ground potential . the

Switching regulator 1058 also includes: a coil 1079 connected at one end to the collector of transistor 1066 and at the other end to output node 1081; a diode 1080 and a resistor 1082 connected in series between output node 1081 and the base of transistor 1084 and a capacitor 1086 between the output node 1081 and the base of the transistor 1084 . the

The switching regulator 1058 also includes: a zener diode 1088 and a resistor 1090 connected in series between the output node 1081 and ground potential for generating a reference voltage Vz; an electrolytic capacitor 1092 connected between the output node 1081 and ground potential; 1094, connected between output node 1081 and ground potential; coil 1096, one end of which is connected to output node 1081, the other end of which is connected to line w22, for noise removal; and coil 1098, connected between line w50 and ground potential , used to remove noise. The contact between Zener diode 1088 and resistor 1090 is also connected to the base of transistor 1084 . the

The reference voltage Vz generated by the Zener diode 1088, the base-emitter voltage Vbe of the transistor 1084, and the output voltage Vcc1 on the output node 1081 satisfy the equation Vcc1=Vz+Vbe. Therefore, when the output voltage Vcc1 decreases, the base-emitter voltage Vbe of the transistor 1084 decreases to turn off the transistor 1084 . For this reason, transistor 1072 is turned on to turn on transistor 1066 . Current is then passed from the power supply circuit 250 through the transistor 1066 , thus delivering current to the coil 1079 and output node 1081 . the

When the power supply voltage Vcc1 rises, the base-emitter voltage Vbe of the transistor 1084 is pulled up, so that the transistor 1084 is turned on. For this reason, transistor 1072 is turned off, and then transistor 1066 is turned off. Therefore, the supply of current from the transistor 1066 is stopped. In response thereto, coil 1079 is used to provide current from Schottky diode 1078 to output node 1081 . In this way, the power supply voltage Vcc1 can be maintained. the

The circuit configuration of expansion connector peripheral circuit 1050 and key block 1052

FIG. 112 is a circuit block diagram showing the circuit configurations of the extension connector 1003 , the extension connector peripheral circuit 1050 , and the key block 1052 shown in FIG. 110 . Referring to FIG. 112 , the extension connector 1003 is provided with first to ninth terminals (in the following description, referred to as terminals TE1 to TE9 ). The key block 1052 has a similar configuration to the key block 154 shown in FIG. 83 . That is, the key block 1052 includes: a cancel key 13 , an enter key 15 , arrow keys 17 a to 17 d , resistors 341 to 346 , and a shift register 340 . the

Each pair of resistor 341 and enter key 15, resistor 342 and cancel key 13, resistor 343 and arrow key 17a, resistor 344 and arrow key 17b, resistor 345 and arrow key 17c, and resistor 346 and arrow key 17d In this order, they are respectively connected in series between the power supply voltage Vcc2 and the ground potential. In addition, the contact between the resistor 341 and the enter key 15, the contact between the resistor 342 and the cancel key 13, the contact between the resistor 343 and the arrow key 17a, the contact between the resistor 344 and the arrow key 17b The contacts between the resistor 345 and the arrow key 17c and the contacts between the resistor 346 and the arrow key 17d are connected to terminals F, E, D, C, B and A of the shift register 340, respectively. the

Through the line w3, the output terminal OUT of the shift register 340 is connected to the terminal T6; the clock input terminal CLK is connected to the line w5; and the control terminal P/S is connected to the line w4. Furthermore, the terminal SER of the shift register 340 is connected to the line w55. the

The shift register 340 converts parallel signals input through the terminals A to H into serial signals, and then outputs them to the line w3. In other words, the on/off signals output from the key tops 15, 13, and 17a to 17d are subjected to parallel/serial conversion, and then, they are output to the line w3. Incidentally, the shift register 340 is provided with terminals G and H for future use so that two additional input signals can be added if required for some application. Additional input signals may be provided from within the adapter 1000, or externally via connector 69 or expansion connector 1003. In addition, when the operation clock is input to the clock input terminal CLK through the line w5, a control signal is input to the control terminal P/S through the line w4. When the control signal is at L level, the shift register 340 loads parallel data in response to the control signal at L level, and when the control signal is at H level, the shift register 340 outputs serial signals. In addition, a line w55 connected to the terminal SER is connected to an extension connector 1003 described below to send serial data from the extension connector 1003 to the shift register 340 . With this embodiment, it is assumed that an external device that can be connected to the expansion connector 1003 is provided with the same shift register as the shift register 340 . Since the shift register of this external device can convert 8-bit parallel input data into serial data and output the serial data in the same manner as the shift register 340, when the serial data is input to the shift register 340 When the terminal SER of the terminal SER is connected, the shift register 340 is used to output a total of 14 bits of serial data to the line w3. Incidentally, the shift register of the external device may be different from the shift register 340, and the bit length handled by the shift register is not limited to 8 bits. the

The expansion connector peripheral circuit 1050 includes: a line 1121 for connecting the terminal TE1 of the expansion connector 1003 to ground potential; resistors 1110, 1112 and 1114 respectively connected between the terminals TE9, TE2 and TE8 and the lines w4, w51 and w5 between; resistor 1122, connected between terminal TE3 and power supply voltage Vcc1; resistors 1116, 1118 and 1120, respectively connected between terminals TE7, TE4 and TE6 and lines w55, w52 and w53; and resistor 1124, Located between terminal TE5 and power supply voltage Vcc2. the

Expansion connector peripheral circuit 1050 also includes electrolytic capacitor 1126 and capacitor 1128 connected in series between terminals TE5 and TE9 , and capacitor 1130 between terminal TE2 and the contact between electrolytic capacitor 1126 and capacitor 1128 . The contacts between electrolytic capacitor 1126 and capacitor 1128 are grounded. The expansion connector peripheral circuit 1050 also includes capacitors 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138 connected between the terminals TE8, TE7, TE4, and TE6 and the line 1121, respectively. the

According to the expansion connector peripheral circuit 1050 constructed as above, through the terminals TE3 and TE5, the power supply voltages Vcc1 and Vcc2 can be supplied to an external device connected to the expansion connector 1003. In addition, terminals TE2, TE4, and TE6 are used to exchange signals with external devices. The same clock signal as that sent to the shift register 340 can be sent to an external device through the terminal TE8. Through the terminal TE9, the same control signal as that sent to the shift register 340 can be sent to an external device. the

Circuit Configuration of Power Supply Voltage Generating Circuit 1056

FIG. 113 shows the circuit configuration of the internal power supply voltage generation circuit 1056 shown in FIG. 110 . Referring to FIG. 113 , in this internal power supply voltage generating circuit 1056 , the number of regulators is smaller than that in the internal power supply voltage generating circuit 260 shown in FIG. 80 . Referring to FIG. 113, the internal supply voltage generating circuit 1056 includes: three regulators 276, 280 and 1164; a resistor 290 and a power lamp (LED) 10 connected in series between the supply voltage Vcc1 and ground potential; a resistor 1150 and 1152, connected in parallel between the supply voltage Vcc1 and the input of regulator 276; electrolytic capacitor 1154, connected between ground potential and the contact between resistor 1150 and regulator 276; and capacitor 277, connected at the regulator Between the input terminal of device 276 and the ground potential. Incidentally, the regulator 276 is provided with a heat sink, which is not shown in this figure. At an output connected to the input of regulator 280 , regulator 276 outputs a supply voltage Vcc2 . the

The internal power supply voltage generation circuit 1056 also includes capacitors 278 and 281 and an electrolytic capacitor 279 connected between the output terminal of the regulator 276 and ground potential, respectively. The regulator 280 outputs the power supply voltage Vcc3. The internal supply voltage generation circuit 1056 also includes a capacitor 282 and an electrolytic capacitor 283 connected in parallel between the output terminal of the regulator 280 and ground potential. the

Internal supply voltage generation circuit 1056 also includes: resistors 1156 and 1158 connected in parallel between the output of regulator 276 and the input of regulator 1164; and electrolytic capacitor 1160 and capacitor 1162 connected in parallel at the input of regulator 1164 terminal and ground potential. The regulator 1164 outputs the power supply voltage Vcc4. the

Internal supply voltage generating circuit 1056 also includes: resistors 1166 and 1168 connected in series between the output terminal of regulator 1164 and ground potential; capacitor 286 and electrolytic capacitor 287 disposed between the output terminal of regulator 1164 and ground potential between. the

The ground terminal of regulator 1164 is connected to the contact between resistor 1166 and resistor 1168 while the ground terminals of regulator 276 and regulator 280 are respectively connected to ground potential. the

As described above, the number of regulators used in the internal power supply voltage generating circuit 1056 of this embodiment is smaller than the number of regulators used in the internal power supply voltage generating circuit 260 shown in FIG. 80 . For this reason, system cost is reduced, and at the same time, heat generation is reduced. the

Incidentally, in FIG. 110, lines w51, w52, and w53 extending from the expansion connector peripheral circuit 1050 are connected to terminals T13, T14, and T5 of the connector 69, respectively. In the same manner as shown in FIG. 78 , the wires w3 , w4 and w5 connected to the key block 1052 are connected to the terminals T6 , T9 and T10 of the connector 69 , respectively. the

Electrical configuration of cartridges 1010 and 1020

Although the electrical configurations of the cartridges 1010 and 1020 are similar to those of the cartridge 500 shown in FIG. 85 and the cartridge 600 shown in FIG. 78 , they differ in connection of terminals t5, t13, and t14. That is, the terminals t5, t13, and t14 are connected to corresponding I/O ports of the high-speed processor 575, respectively. the

(N) A typical modification example of a ball-and-stick input device

In the case of the bat-shaped input device 800 as shown in FIG. 45 and FIGS. 53 to 59 , bolts and the like (for example, see FIG. 53( b )) for fixing the respective components are exposed outside. However, such bolts are not exposed on the actual bat. In fact, from an aesthetic point of view, such bolts detract from the appearance. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a bat-shaped input device in which the bolt is not visible. This bat-shaped input device 1200 as shown in FIGS. 114 to 124 is constructed using bolts that are not visible from the outside. the

Referring to FIGS. 114 and 115 , the bat-shaped input device 1200 generally includes 3 parts, namely, a head 1202 , a cap 1212 , and a grip 1214 . the

In the same manner as the head of an actual bat, a head 1202 is formed, but a control unit 1210 having LEDs, buttons, etc. is provided at a lower portion thereof. The control unit 1210 is provided with a plurality of LEDs (only one is shown in FIG. 114 ). The cap 1212 is hollow, and is formed so that the control unit 1210 can be installed inside it, as described below. A button 1222 is provided at a location on the surface of the control unit 1210 for engaging the grip portion 1214 with the head 1202 and cap 1212 . At the same time, by operating the button 1222, the grip portion 1214 can be separated from the head 1202 and the cap 1212, as described below. the

At a predetermined position of the cap 1212, there are: an opening 1226 through which a part of the button 1222 is exposed when the control unit 1210 is engaged with the cap 1212; a plurality of openings 1227 through which the control unit 1210 is exposed and an opening (not shown in this figure) through which an operation switch (operation switch 806 shown in FIG. 53(a)) is exposed. The size of the opening 1226 is selected to allow small movements of the button 1222 in the axial direction of the bat-shaped input device 1200 . In order to accurately install the cap 1212 on the control unit 1210 with the button 1222 aligned with the opening 1226, a raised portion 1220 is formed on the surface of the control unit 1210, while a recessed portion 1228 is formed on the inner surface of the cap 1212 to facilitate Loose fit to raised portion 1220 . A cutout portion 1224 is formed at the end of the raised portion 1220 of the control unit 1210 , and a raised portion 1264 is formed on the inner surface of the cap 1212 corresponding to the position of the cutout portion 1224 when the control unit 1210 is installed in the cap 1212 . the

FIG. 116 is an inside view of the control unit 1210 showing the button 1222 shown in FIGS. 114 and 115 . In this figure, the button 1222 and the internal structure of the control unit 1210 surrounding the button 1222 can be seen from the rear side of the button 1222 . 116, in the control unit 1210 are formed: a pair of wall portions 1241 formed parallel to the axial direction of the control unit 1210; a stopper 1243 formed perpendicular to the axial direction of the control unit 1210; and a pair of walls The portion 1245 is formed perpendicular to the axial direction of the control unit 1210 with a space therebetween. The button 1222 is inserted between the pair of wall portions 1241 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction in the figure. The spring 1240 is interposed between the button 1222 and the stopper 1243, so that, as can be seen from FIG. 116 , the button 1222 is urged in a downward direction. The position where the button 1222 is provided on the control unit 1210 has an opening, not shown in this figure, into which the operation piece 1250 of the button 1222 is inserted (see FIG. 118 ). As can be seen from this figure, the stopper 1243 and the spring 1240 always urge the button 1222 in the downward direction, and in this state, the claw portion 1244 of the button 1222 protrudes downward from the wall portion 1245 . As the button 1222 is moved in an upward direction, the claw portion 1244 rises above the wall portion 1245 . the

FIG. 117 is a view showing the button 1222 shown in FIG. 116 , which is prevented from coming off from the control unit 1210 by attaching the holding tool 1246 to the button 1222 . In this case, an opening 1247 is formed by the holding tool 1246 at a position corresponding to the claw portion 1242 . The opening 1247 is provided so as not to prevent the movement of the claw portion 1242 of the button 1222 in a direction perpendicular to the drawing sheet of FIG. 117, as described below. In other words, when the control unit 1210 is inserted and installed in the cap 1212, the inner surface of the cap 1212 urges the button 1222 toward the center of the control unit 1210, so that the claw 1242 moves in a normal direction perpendicular to the drawing. If the opening 1247 is not formed, the claw portion 1242 contacts the holding tool 1246 so that the button 1222 cannot sufficiently enter into the control unit 1210 and the control unit 1210 cannot be installed in the cap 1210 . For this reason, the opening 1247 must be formed. Incidentally, the button 122 is operated only when the grip portion 1214 is separated from the head 1202 and the cap 1212 after the control unit 1210 is installed in the cap 1210 . In this case, the button 1222 slides in the upward direction shown in FIG. 117 . Since the holding tool 1246 is located in front of the claw 1242 , the button 1222 can slide as it is without being obstructed between the claw 1242 and the holding tool 1246 . the

Fig. 118(a) is a front view showing the button 1222; and Fig. 118(b) is a left side view thereof. Referring to FIG. 118, the button 1222 has an operation member 1250 that can slide in a direction perpendicular to the drawing of (a) and in a direction from one side of the drawing of (b) to the other side. A spring 1254 is provided in the operating member 1250 so that the operating member 1250 is biased in the rightward direction in FIG. 118( b ). The rear end of the operating member 1250 is provided with the above-mentioned claw portion 1242, and the claw portion 1242 is engaged with the main body of the button 1222 to prevent the operating member 1250 from being dismounted from the main body of the button 1222. The operating member 1250 can be pushed down toward the rear side in a direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIG. 118( a ). In this case, the operation member 1250 moves in the leftward direction of the drawing of FIG. 118( b ). the

FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional view showing the lower part of the control unit 1210 and the cap 1212 when the control unit 1210 is inserted into the cap 1212 . Referring to FIG. 119, at the lower end of the control unit 1210, a claw portion 1262 is formed. On the other hand, at the lower end of the cap 1212, a stepped portion 1260 is formed. When the control unit 1210 is inserted into the inside of the cap 1212 from the upper part in the figure, the control unit 1210 and the cap 1212 may be slightly deformed due to their elasticity, therefore, by connecting the claw portion 1262 with the stepped portion 1260 at the final stage of installation Joined together, the control unit 1210 may be mounted within the cap 1212 . With the claw portion 1262 engaged with the stepped portion 1260 , it is difficult to pull out the control unit 1210 from inside the cap 1212 . the

Incidentally, with the control unit 1210 fully engaged within the cap 1212 , the protruding portion 1264 formed on the inner surface of the cap 1212 engages with the cutout portion 1224 formed at the lower end of the control unit 1210 . Accordingly, the control unit 1210 is prevented from rotating relative to the cap 1212 . the

In the above configuration, by inserting the control unit 1210 into the hollow space of the cap 1212 using the protruding portion 1220 of the control unit 1210 as a guide, thereby fitting the protruding portion 1264 in the cutout portion 1224, the button can be exposed through the opening 1226. 1222 and expose the exact position of the LED through the opening 1227, and install the cap 1212 on the control unit 1210. In addition, the operation switch 806 is also exposed through a corresponding opening (not shown in this figure), and therefore, the operation switch 806 can be operated. the

FIG. 120 is a view showing a head assembly 1270 formed by combining a cap 1212 and a head 1202 as viewed from the lower end direction. In Fig. 120, a bat-shaped input device 1200 is positioned such that buttons 1222 are on the lower surface. Referring to Fig. 120, header assembly 1270 includes positive terminal 1280 and negative terminal 1282 formed in positions visible through the bottom opening for internal circuitry. A threaded portion 1284 (see FIG. 124 ) is provided on the inner surface of the bottom opening of the control unit 1210, and the threaded portion 1284 engages with the threaded portion 1229 (see FIGS. 121 to 123 ) of the grip portion 1214. The grip portion 1214 may be mounted on the head 1202 and the cap 1212 by screwing the threaded portion 1229 into the threaded portion 1284 formed on the inner surface of the control unit 1210 . Further, at the lower end thereof, at four positions of the control circuit 1210, arcuate cutout portions 1286 are formed. By inserting the ends of a tool provided for removing the cap 1212 into these 4 cutout portions 1286, while pushing these ends inwardly to deform the lower end of the control unit 1210 inwardly, it can be pulled out from the control unit 1210 Cap 1212. the

FIG. 121 is a schematic view showing the grip portion 1214 to be mounted on the head assembly 1270 viewed obliquely from above. Referring to FIG. 121 , a threaded portion 1229 is formed around the outer surface of the end of the gripping portion 1214 . A positive terminal 1290 is provided at the center of the end of the grip portion 1214 and a negative terminal 1292 is provided around the positive terminal 1290 . Further, at a position on the periphery of the grip portion 1214, a cutout portion 1294 is formed to engage with the claw portion 1244 of the above-mentioned button 1222 (see FIG. 118). the

FIG. 122 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the button 1222 and the grip portion 1214 just before the grip portion 1214 is fully screwed into the control unit 1210 . Referring to Fig. 122, the button 1222 can be moved in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 122 , the end of the grip portion 1214 contacts the end of the claw portion 1244 to move the button 1222 in an upward direction just before the grip portion 1214 is fully screwed into the control unit 1210 . the

FIG. 123 is a view showing the grip portion 1214 fully screwed into the control unit 1210. FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 123 , the claw portion 1244 of the button 1222 is fitted in the cutout portion 1294 of the upper end of the grip portion 1214 . Therefore, in this case, even if an attempt is made to twist the grip portion 1214, the grip portion 1214 cannot move relative to the control unit 1210, and thus, the grip portion 1214 is integrated with the control unit 1210. The operating member 1250 of the button 1222 is exposed through the opening 1226, as shown in FIGS. The grip portion 1214 can then be detached from the control unit 1210 by twisting the grip portion 1214 around the control unit 1210. the

FIG. 124 is a view showing the internal structure of the control unit 1210 shown in FIG. 114 . Referring to FIG. 114 , a board 824 is mounted on the control unit 1210 perpendicular to the central axis of the bat-shaped input device 1200 . Then, on the board 824, around the central axis of the control unit 1210, four LED brackets 826 are installed at an angle of 90 degrees apart from each other, and the LEDs are respectively installed on the LED brackets 826, as shown in FIG. 114 . the

Furthermore, inside the control unit 1210 there are a bracket 828 and a clamping plate 834 for fixing an acceleration sensor (piezoelectric element) not shown in the figure between them. In this case, the bracket 828 is located in the control unit 1210 so as to arrange the piezoelectric element perpendicular to the central axis of the bat-shaped input device 1200 . In addition, inside the control unit 1210 , there is an operation switch not shown in the figure mounted on a plate 822 , and the plate 822 is fixed parallel to the central axis of the bat-shaped input device 800 . the

Furthermore, within the control unit 1210, there is a unit 1300 provided with: a positive terminal 1280; a negative terminal 1282; a spring supporting and urging these terminals in a downward direction so as to move in the vertical direction in the figure; and Boards, not shown in this figure, are used to provide wiring for the electrical connections. In this configuration, with the grip portion 1214 mounted on the control unit 1210, a force is applied to the positive end 1280 and the negative end 1282 toward the positive end 1290 and the negative end 1292 of the grip portion 1214 as shown in FIG. Good electrical contact is achieved between them. the

The operation of the bat-shaped input device 1200 described above is similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 53 to 59 . However, with this bat-shaped input device 1200 , since the integrally molded cap 1212 covers the control unit 1200 , bolts and the like are not exposed on the surface of the bat-shaped input device 1200 . For this reason, from an aesthetic point of view, the appearance is very good, and it is possible to provide a realistic product that is very close to an actual bat and effectively enhances the interest of the game. the

Incidentally, although the above description has been provided with reference to a bat-shaped input device, any other type of input device that covers the control unit with an integrally molded cover to hide bolts and the like can be designed according to this technique. Such other types of input devices include, for example, the types described above, namely, racket-shaped, ball-shaped, and bowling-ball-shaped. the

According to the bat-shaped input device 1200 of the above-described embodiment, by mounting the cap 1212 on the control unit 1210 , a plurality of fasteners for assembling the control unit 1210 is invisible. In addition, the grip portion 1214 is secured to the head assembly 1270 by means of threaded portions 1229 and 1284, also not visible from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to provide the bat-shaped input device 1200 which is excellent from an aesthetic point of view while having no externally visible fasteners such as bolts. the

Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but the following modifications are possible. the

(1) In the above typical example, the adapter 1 or 1000 is used to adapt the television receiver 14 for a virtual reality system for tennis, a virtual reality system for baseball, or a virtual reality system for bowling. However, the application is not limited thereto, and the adapter 1 or 1000 can be used to adapt the television receiver 14 for various other uses. For example, it can be adapted for various uses in the field of education, for various uses in the field of entertainment, for various uses in the field of health care, for various uses in the field of finance, for various uses in the field of medicine TV receivers for various purposes in various fields, as well as in any other field. the

(2) Although any appropriate processor may be used as the high-speed processor 575 shown in FIG. 85, it is preferable to use a high-speed processor related to a patent application already filed by the present applicant. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307790 and its corresponding US Patent No. 6,070,205 describe the high-speed processor in detail. the

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative only, and the present invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. the

(3) In the above example, the adapter 1 or 1000 is configured to be connected to the television receiver 14 which is an analog television. However, the application of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the adapter may be configured to connect with a digital television receiver. For example, if the HDMI interface is set for the digital TV receiver, the analog composite video signal and analog audio signal output from the card box can be converted into digital basic color signals received by the digital TV receiver through the HDMI interface by setting it (YUV signal) and digital audio signal (PCM signal) analog-to-digital conversion circuit, the adapter can be configured to connect with the digital television receiver. the

On the other hand, if the TV receiver is not provided with an HDMI interface but only with an IEEE1394 interface, the analog composite video signal and analog audio signal can be encoded into MPEG- TS encoder, the adapter can be configured to connect to the digital television receiver. In these cases, as described above, an adapter configured to connect to a digital television receiver can be used for an analog television receiver 14 together with the above-mentioned cartridge 500 or 600 connectable to the adapter 1 or 1000 . the

However, if an analog television receiver is not considered, but only a digital television receiver, it is natural to design an adapter and a cassette for a digital television receiver in the following manner according to the present invention. That is, the cartridge is configured to generate digital basic color signals (YUV signals) and digital audio signals (PCM signals), and then output these signals without converting between digital signals and analog signals. On the other hand, configuring the adapter for a digital television receiver in the same manner as the adapter 1 or 1000 simply transmits the analog signal from the above-mentioned cartridge 500 or 600 to the analog television receiver 14, simply These digital signals of the cartridge are transmitted to a digital television receiver provided with an HDMI interface. the

In view of the detailed description of the invention, the scope of the invention is defined by each claim, and the scope of the invention includes any type of modification within the scope of the description under the principle of equivalents. the

Claims (30)

1. adapter that can be connected to television receiver and cartridge, this cartridge does not have display device and button, this cartridge comprises memory and computer, these memory stores program and data, this computer can utilize described data to carry out the algorithm computing by described program, generate vision signal and audio signal, described vision signal is to receive described vision signal and show that the signal format corresponding to the image of described vision signal generates with described television receiver, described audio signal is to receive described audio signal and output with described television receiver to generate corresponding to the signal format of the sound of described audio signal, and described adapter comprises:

First video signal input terminal receives described vision signal by this first video signal input terminal from described computer;

First audio signal input end receives described audio signal by this first audio signal input end from described computer;

Video signal output terminal will output to described television receiver from the described vision signal of described computer input by this video signal output terminal;

Audio signal output end will be from the described audio signal output of described computer input to described television receiver by this audio signal output end;

First internal circuit is used for receiving described vision signal from described first video signal input terminal, and described vision signal is outputed to described video signal output terminal with the signal format of the described vision signal that received;

Second internal circuit is used for receiving described audio signal from described first audio signal input end, and described audio signal is outputed to described audio signal output end with the signal format of the described audio signal that received,

Wherein by changing described cartridge, described adapter makes described television receiver be applicable to various purposes.

2. adapter according to claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises:

The internal power source voltage generative circuit is used for producing internal power source voltage according to the outer power voltage that provides from external power source: and

The supply voltage lead-out terminal provides the described internal power source voltage that is produced by described internal power source voltage generative circuit by this supply voltage lead-out terminal to this computer.

3. adapter according to claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises:

The internal power source voltage generative circuit is used for producing a plurality of internal power source voltages with different output levels according to the outer power voltage that provides from external power source; And

A plurality of lead-out terminals are used for providing described a plurality of internal power source voltage to described computer respectively.

4. adapter according to claim 2 is characterized in that, also comprises:

Second video signal input terminal, by this second video signal input terminal from outside receiving video signals;

Second audio signal input end, by this second audio signal input end from outside received audio signal;

First commutation circuit, it has first contact, second contact and the 3rd contact;

Second commutation circuit, it has the 4th contact, the 5th contact and the 6th contact; And

The 3rd commutation circuit, it has the 7th contact, the 8th contact and the 9th contact, wherein

Described first contact is connected to described video signal output terminal; Described the 4th contact is connected to described audio signal output end; And described the 7th contact is connected to first circuit, provides described outer power voltage by this first circuit, and

Described second contact is connected to second circuit that links to each other with described first video signal input terminal; Described the 5th contact is connected to the tertiary circuit that links to each other with described first audio signal input end; And described the 8th contact is connected to the 4th circuit that links to each other with described internal power source voltage generative circuit, and

Described the 3rd contact is connected to described second video signal input terminal; Described the 6th contact is connected to described second audio signal input end; And described the 9th contact is in high impedance status, and

When described the 7th contact was connected to described the 8th contact, described first contact was connected to described second contact, and described the 4th contact is connected to described the 5th contact, and

When described the 7th contact was connected to described the 9th contact, described first contact was connected to described the 3rd contact, and described the 4th contact is connected to described the 6th contact.

5. adapter according to claim 4 is characterized in that, also comprises rod-like element, wherein

Described first commutation circuit, described second commutation circuit and described the 3rd commutation circuit are combined the formation switch unit, and

Come the described switch unit of open and close by making described rod-like element against described switch unit.

6. adapter according to claim 2 is characterized in that, also comprises the AC/DC transducer, and being used for the AC power supplies voltage transitions is the DC supply voltage, and this DC supply voltage is outputed to described internal power source voltage generative circuit.

7. adapter according to claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises:

Clock oscillator circuit is used to produce the clock signal of preset frequency; And

Clock signal output terminal by this clock signal output terminal, is delivered to described computer with described clock signal,

Wherein, move described computer and need described clock signal.

8. adapter according to claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises:

The internal power source voltage generative circuit is used for producing a plurality of internal power source voltages with different output levels according to the outer power voltage of supplying with from external power source;

Clock oscillator circuit is used to produce the clock signal of preset frequency; And

Clock signal output terminal by this clock signal output terminal, is delivered to described computer with described clock signal, wherein

Described internal power source voltage generative circuit will have and have the internal power source voltage of high output level in described a plurality of internal power source voltages of different output levels and deliver to described clock oscillator circuit.

9. adapter according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described second internal circuit is provided with the frequency characteristic regulating circuit, be used to regulate or revise from the frequency characteristic of the described audio signal of described computer input, and the described audio signal after will regulating outputs to described audio signal output end with the signal format of the described audio signal that received.

10. adapter according to claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises:

The infrared signal receiver circuit is used for receiving infrared signal from input equipment, and this infrared signal is converted to the signal of telecommunication; And

Terminal will output to described computer from the signal of telecommunication of described infrared signal receiver circuit by this terminal,

Wherein said input equipment has acceleration transducer, and the acceleration that detects according to described acceleration transducer sends described infrared signal.

11. adapter according to claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprises the optical ring lens, wherein

Described lens are set to the light receiving part in the face of described infrared signal receiver circuit.

12. adapter according to claim 11 is characterized in that, forms described lens with infrared colour filter on the light path that is positioned at the described light receiving part that leads to described infrared signal receiver circuit.

13. adapter according to claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises:

The commutation circuit of predetermined quantity;

Parallel/serial conversion circuit, being used for to be serial signal from the parallel on/off conversion of signals of importing of the commutation circuit of described predetermined quantity, wherein

The quantity of the input terminal of described walking abreast/serial conversion circuit is greater than described predetermined quantity.

14. the cartridge that can be connected to adapter according to claim 1 comprises:

Memory is used for stored program and data; And

Computer, can utilize described data to carry out the algorithm computing by described program, to generate vision signal and audio signal, described vision signal is to receive described vision signal and show that the signal format corresponding to the image of described vision signal generates with described television receiver, described audio signal is to receive described audio signal and output with described television receiver to generate corresponding to the signal format of the sound of described audio signal

Wherein said cartridge does not have display device and button, and

Wherein by changing described cartridge, described adapter makes described television receiver be applicable to various purposes.

15. cartridge according to claim 14 is characterized in that, also comprises:

By the infrarede emitting diode of intermittent connectivity to realize that stroboscopic is made a video recording, and

Image unit, this image unit are used to take the image of subject and shot image signals are outputed to described computer.

16. the cartridge that can be connected to adapter according to claim 7 comprises:

Memory is used for stored program and data;

Computer, can utilize described data to carry out the algorithm computing by described program, to generate vision signal and audio signal, described vision signal is to receive described vision signal and show that the signal format corresponding to the image of described vision signal generates with described television receiver, and described audio signal is to receive described audio signal and output with described television receiver to generate corresponding to the signal format of the sound of described audio signal; And

The clock amplitude changes circuit, is used to change the amplitude from the described clock signal of described clock oscillator circuit output,

Wherein said cartridge does not have display device and button, and

Wherein by changing described cartridge, described adapter makes described television receiver be applicable to various purposes.

17. a computer system comprises:

Cartridge, this cartridge does not have display device and button, this cartridge comprises memory and computer, this memory is used for stored program and data, this computer can utilize described data to carry out the algorithm computing, generate vision signal and audio signal by described program, described vision signal is to receive described vision signal and show that the signal format corresponding to the image of described vision signal generates with television receiver, and described audio signal is to receive described audio signal and output with described television receiver to generate corresponding to the signal format of the sound of described audio signal; And

Adapter, described cartridge can be installed in this adapter, and this adapter can be connected to described television receiver,

Described adapter comprises:

Video signal input terminal by this video signal input terminal, receives described vision signal from described computer;

Audio signal input end by this audio signal input end, receives described audio signal from described computer;

Video signal output terminal by this video signal output terminal, will output to described television receiver from the described vision signal of described computer input;

Audio signal output end, by this audio signal output end, will be from the described audio signal output of described computer input to described television receiver; And

Internal circuit, be used for receiving described vision signal from described video signal input terminal, and described vision signal outputed to described video signal output terminal, and receive described audio signal from described audio signal input end, and with described audio signal output to described audio signal output end;

Wherein by changing described cartridge, described adapter makes described television receiver be applicable to various purposes.

18. an adapter comprises:

Be provided with the cartridge mounting interface of connector part, this connector part is made of a plurality of splicing ears that comprise first splicing ear and second splicing ear, and can be connected to the cartridge that plays predetermined function and have the connector that designs with predetermined configurations;

First and second signal output terminals, its each can be connected to plug with the predetermined configurations design; And

First internal circuit, described first splicing ear and described first signal output terminal are connected to each other by this first internal circuit; And

Second internal circuit, described second splicing ear and described secondary signal lead-out terminal are connected to each other by this second internal circuit, wherein

By described first splicing ear and described first signal output terminal and by described second splicing ear and described secondary signal lead-out terminal, will output to external equipment from the signal of described cartridge input by described connector and described connector part,

Wherein said adapter is provided with opening, and described opening is formed on and is used to accept described cartridge on the upper surface, and

Wherein said cartridge mounting interface is arranged in described opening,

Described cartridge mounting interface comprises:

Top board, this top board is arranged in described opening, and has first type surface, and this cartridge is placed on this first type surface; And

Force application mechanism is used to support described top board, make along upward to the described top board application of force and when limiting the amount of movement of described top board along downward direction, the described first type surface of described top board and described upper surface flush.

19. adapter according to claim 18, it is characterized in that, described connector part is positioned at as upper/lower positions: by will dispose with this cartridge of connector as described in the predetermined direction orientation towards as described in the basal surface of adapter shift onto downwards as described in force application mechanism limit as described in the position of moving of cartridge strutting piece, and this cartridge is slided along described predetermined direction, described connector part can be connected to the connector of described cartridge;

Wherein said predetermined direction is the direction towards the front of described adapter.

20. adapter according to claim 19, it is characterized in that, described cartridge is provided with the housing of flat rectangular shape, this housing can be installed in the described opening of described adapter, this housing is provided with upper surface, basal surface, relative side, front and back, wherein form the recess of reservation shape at least one in described relative side, wherein

Described adapter also comprises:

Fastener, it can enter the recess of described reservation shape and fix described cartridge in the described recess by being assembled to; And

The fastener supporting mechanism, be used for supporting described fastener at described adapter, when being positioned at described force application mechanism and limiting its position of moving with the described top board of the described cartridge mounting interface of box lunch, described fastener protrudes in the described opening of described adapter, when the described top board of described cartridge mounting interface is positioned at position outside the above-mentioned position, described fastener shifts out described opening, wherein

Described recess is formed following geometry: when in the described cartridge mounting interface that described cartridge is installed in described adapter, during fore-and-aft direction slided, described fastener did not hinder any other parts of described cartridge in described cartridge.

21. adapter according to claim 20 is characterized in that, forms described recess at two opposite sides of described cartridge, and

Described fastener comprises a plurality of parts of the described recess of each opposite side that can enter described cartridge.

22. adapter according to claim 18 is characterized in that, described force application mechanism comprises:

A plurality of force-applying pieces, each force-applying piece has first and second ends; And

Strutting piece with a plurality of coupling parts, the described first end of described a plurality of force-applying pieces connects this a plurality of coupling parts respectively, with from the described top board of bottom support.

23. adapter according to claim 22 is characterized in that, forms coupling part, a plurality of bottom on the basal surface of described adapter, the described the second end of described a plurality of force-applying pieces is connected to this coupling part, a plurality of bottom respectively.

24. adapter according to claim 23 is characterized in that, each of described a plurality of force-applying pieces comprises:

But pivotal part, it is pivotally mounted in described a plurality of coupling part one at described first end about the axle of the upper surface that is parallel to described top board, and be pivotally mounted in the coupling part, described a plurality of bottom one at described the second end about the axle that is parallel to above-mentioned axle, but wherein should above-mentioned axle be pivotal part described first end about this above-mentioned axle install pivotly spool: and

Elastic component, but be used at described the second end in the upward direction to the described pivotal part application of force.

25. adapter according to claim 24, it is characterized in that, described elastic component comprises spring, but but this spring be assemblied on the pivotal axis of described the second end of described pivotal part, but with along the direction of the described basal surface that leaves described adapter to the described pivotal part application of force.

26. adapter according to claim 18 is characterized in that, described connector part comprises:

The connector unit of rectangular shape, it has towards the recessed bonding part of the front openings of described cuboid, is used to be assemblied in the protrusion bonding part that is formed on the described cartridge:

Be fixed to the shielding part on the described connector unit, be used to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of described connector unit; And

Be arranged in a plurality of described splicing ear of described recessed bonding part, wherein

Described cartridge is provided with: described protrusion bonding part, and it can be assembled in the described recessed bonding part, has a plurality of splicing ears that will electrically contact with a plurality of splicing ears of described connector part; Recessed bonding part, it can be assembled on the projection of the described upper surface that is formed on described connector part and the described connector part between the recessed bonding part; And conductive shielding part, it is configured to cover the internal circuit of described cartridge, and simultaneously the part of the described shielding part of described cartridge is installed on the interior upper surface of described recessed bonding part of described cartridge, and

The described shielding part of described connector part is configured to contact with the described shielding part of described cartridge when being installed in described cartridge on the described connector part.

27. adapter according to claim 26 is characterized in that, the rear portion of the described upper surface of described connector unit is formed the anterior part that is lower than described upper surface, wherein

The described shielding part of described connector unit is provided with opening, and the other end is arranged in the contact of described low part of the described upper surface of described connector unit so that form that an end is fixed to the described anterior part of described upper surface.

28. adapter according to claim 27 is characterized in that, described contact is formed in the upper surface predetermined point farthest that has between a described end and the described other end apart from described connector unit.

29. an interactive entertainment system comprises:

Operating parts, when the user enjoyed described interactive entertainment system, the user operated this operating parts;

Cartridge, comprise and be used for stored program and memory of data and signal processing unit, this signal processing unit is connected to described memory and is used for by utilizing described data to move described program, produce vision signal and audio signal with content according to described interactive entertainment system, wherein, described vision signal is to receive described vision signal and show that the signal format corresponding to the image of described vision signal generates with described television receiver, and described audio signal is to receive described audio signal and output with described television receiver to generate corresponding to the signal format of the sound of described audio signal; And

Adapter, it is set at the user oriented position of described adapter when the user enjoys described interactive entertainment system, this adapter is provided with and is used for the radio communication device that uses the action of described operating parts to accept to import from the user according to the user, this adapter can be connected to television receiver and described cartridge, so that receive described vision signal and described audio signal by described cartridge produced, and described vision signal and described audio signal outputed to described television receiver with the described vision signal that received and the signal format of described audio signal, thereby the content according to described interactive entertainment system shows described image and exports described sound

Wherein said operating parts has acceleration transducer or reflecting element.

30. a video entertainment system comprises:

Cartridge, it comprises and is used for stored program and memory of data and signal processing unit, this signal processing unit is connected to described memory and is used for producing analog video signal by utilizing described data to move described program with the content according to described video entertainment system; And

Adapter, it can be connected to television receiver and described cartridge, so that receive described analog video signal from described cartridge, and described analog video signal is sent to described television receiver, thereby on described television receiver, show image corresponding to described analog video signal according to the content of described interactive entertainment system

Wherein said cartridge does not have display device and button, and

Wherein by changing described cartridge, described adapter makes described television receiver be applicable to various purposes.

Images