TWI709428B - Method of configuring a bus, and gaming console - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular multi-system gaming console can be configurable for use in conjunction with expansion consoles (also referred to as expansion modules, expansion units, and/or element modules herein) as a gaming console emulator and/or for use as an audio/video converter (e.g., an up-converter), data recorder, or streaming device. Further, the modular multi-system gaming console can evoke the original gaming experience of a game played on original hardware. A modular multi-system gaming console can provide a consistent platform for display, content management, statistical storage and analysis (e.g., high scores, fastest speed runs, etc.), and live streaming and other services (including core services described herein) across a multitude of gaming console platforms. A modular multi-system gaming console can also provide a more authentic game experience via active cartridge reading. Further, by providing a flexible and configurable architecture for the modular multi-system gaming console, support for new consoles can be added to the modular multi-system gaming console without requiring users to purchase an entirely new console that repeats hardware for providing the core services.

Description

Method for configuring a bus and game console

The present invention generally relates to an emulator game console, and more specifically relates to a modular emulator game console with interchangeable expansion console units for playing various original console games.

With the advancement of computing technology, video game console manufacturers have gradually phased out older video game consoles (for example, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)) to support newer and more complex game consoles (for example, Nintendo Switch). However, the popularity of older game consoles continues, and in many cases, the original life span of these consoles and their corresponding game media has long been exceeded. As older game consoles continue to be replaced by newer game consoles, (for example) due to hardware failure, no commercially available sources, or lack of manufacturer support, players may find that they are enjoying games on older game consoles Is not practical or feasible. Therefore, players need tools for enjoying classic games using modern commercially available computer hardware and monitors. At the same time, many players value the real experience of playing these classic games on their original hardware. One option that has become popular is to use a software-based game console "emulator"-which runs on modern computer hardware but mimics the behavior of the original video game console hardware and is executable designed to run on that original hardware. The software that runs the code on the body. Some emulators involve reading game codes from a computer file that contains previously copied data from a unique memory ("ROM") (for example, on a game cartridge or a disc) and data. This behavior can be different from the original hardware that usually reads game code and data directly from the ROM itself rather than from a computer file. Since the behavior of many classic games is highly special and specific to the original game hardware, these simulators may therefore not be able to fully capture the real experience of playing these games. Another option "hardware cloning" involves copying the original hardware of the console. Although hardware duplication can represent the original game hardware more faithfully than software emulators, it is frequently incompatible with modern display devices without using an undesired video conversion process. Therefore, there is a need for technologies that can present a real classic gaming experience on modern computing hardware and displays without the disadvantages of hardware duplication or pure software-based simulation.

A modular multi-system game console can be configured to be used in conjunction with an expansion console as a game console simulator (also called expansion module, expansion unit and/or component module in this article) Use and/or use as an audio/video converter (for example, upconverter), data recorder or streaming device. In addition, the modular multi-system game console can evoke the original game experience of playing a game on the original hardware. A modular multi-system game console can provide display, content management, statistical storage and analysis (for example, high scores, fastest running, etc.), as well as live streaming and other services across a large number of game console platforms (Including the core services described in this article) one of the consistent platforms. A modular multi-system game console can also provide a more realistic game experience through active cartridge reading. In addition, by providing one of the flexible and configurable architectures of the modular multi-system simulator console, support for the new console can be added to the modular multi-system simulator console without Users are required to purchase a new console that is reused to provide these core services.

100: Modular video game system

102: base unit of video game console

104: Universal interface connector

106A to 106C: Expansion console

108A to 108C: Universal interface connector

110A to 110C: box slot

112A to 112C: Input device connector/controller port

114: additional connector

116: optical disc drive

200: Modular video game system

202: base unit

204: Hardware

206: Expansion console

208: Operating System (OS)

210: Simulation Service

212: Analog Unit

214: Expansion bus

216: Controller

300: Expansion console

310: box slot

312: Controller interface

314: Bus

316: Microcontroller

318: signal conditioning block

320: Game Box

322: Game Controller

400: Expansion console

424: Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)

500: Expansion console

526: console hardware

600: Expansion console

616: Microcontroller

628: memory

700: Expansion console

728: Memory

800: configuration sequence

802: step

804: step

806: step

808: step

900: Simulator selection sequence

902: step

904: step

906: step

908: step

910: step

912: step

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary modular video game system architecture according to an example of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an exemplary block of a modular video game system according to an example of the present invention Figure.

Fig. 3 shows a first exemplary extended console configuration according to an example of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a second exemplary extended console configuration according to one of the examples of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a third exemplary extended console configuration according to one of the examples of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a fourth exemplary extended console configuration according to one of the examples of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a fifth exemplary extended console configuration according to one of the examples of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows an exemplary bus configuration sequence according to an example of the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows an exemplary simulator selection sequence according to an example of the present invention.

In the following description of the examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of them and in which specific examples that can be practiced are shown by illustration. It should be understood that other examples can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed examples.

With the advancement of computing technology, video game console manufacturers have gradually phased out older video game consoles (for example, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)) to support newer and more complex game consoles (for example, Nintendo Switch). However, the popularity of older game consoles continues, and in many cases, the original life span of these consoles and their corresponding game media has long been exceeded. As older game consoles continue to be replaced by newer game consoles, (for example) due to hardware failure, no commercially available sources, or lack of manufacturer support, players may find that they are enjoying games on older game consoles Is not practical or feasible. Therefore, players need tools for enjoying classic games using modern commercially available computer hardware and monitors. At the same time, many players value the real experience of playing these classic games on their original hardware. One option that has become popular is to use a software-based game console "emulator"-which runs on modern computer hardware but mimics the behavior of the original video game console hardware and is executable designed to run on that original hardware. Physical execution Code software. Some emulators involve copying data contained in a unique memory ("ROM") (for example, on a game cartridge or a compact disc) to a computer file that provides game data and code to the emulator . However, since the behavior of many classic games is highly special and specific to the original game hardware, these simulators may not be able to fully capture the real experience of playing these games. Another option "hardware copy" involves copying the state of the original hardware of the console. Although hardware duplication can represent the original game hardware more faithfully than software emulators, it is frequently incompatible with modern display devices without using an undesired video conversion process. Therefore, there is a need for technologies that can present a real classic gaming experience on modern computing hardware and displays without the disadvantages of hardware duplication or pure software-based simulation.

A modular multi-system game console can be configured to be used in conjunction with an expansion console as a game console simulator (also called expansion module, expansion unit and/or component module in this article) Use and/or use as an audio/video converter (for example, upconverter), data recorder or streaming device. In addition, the modular multi-system game console can evoke the original game experience of playing a game on the original hardware. A modular multi-system game console can provide display, content management, statistical storage and analysis (for example, high scores, fastest running, etc.), as well as live streaming and other services across a large number of game console platforms (Including the core services described in this article) one of the consistent platforms. A modular multi-system game console can also provide a more realistic game experience through active cartridge reading. In addition, by providing one of the modular multi-system game consoles with a flexible and configurable architecture, support for the new console can be added to the modular multi-system game console without using The purchaser purchases a new console of hardware that is repeatedly used to provide these core services.

As used herein, the term "analog" refers to a first hardware (for example, including a first CPU type computing hardware) execution (or imitating execution) designed to a second hardware (for example, including a One of the software commands executed on the computing hardware of the second CPU type. The second hardware is This can be called a "target" in this article. For example, executing (or imitating execution) a modern processor (for example, an Intel Core i7 processor) designed for an "old" processor (for example, a Zilog Z80 processor) can be called emulating an old Type processor. Similarly, a modern processor or a device that includes a modern processor can be referred to as a device that simulates an older processor. Similarly, a modern processor or a device that includes a modern processor can be referred to as emulating software designed to run on older processors. As used in this article, a "simulator" is a combination of hardware and/or software that performs simulation.

As used herein, the term "cassette" refers to hardware that includes a ROM including program code (for example, instructions that can be executed by a processor) and/or data (for example, graphics data or audio data). A cassette may include one or more connectors (for example, pins) for connecting the ROM to an external device (for example, a computer including a processor). A cassette may include additional hardware components, such as one or more of a clock, a battery, a storage (for example, a magnetic storage), a memory, a memory controller, and a processor.

Modular video game system architecture

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary modularized video game system 100 (ie, a modularized multi-system game console) according to an example of the present invention. In some examples, the modular video game system may include a video game console base unit 102 that can serve as a master unit of the modular video game system architecture. The base unit 102 may include a universal interface connector 104 for connecting to various expansion consoles 106A to 106C (described in more detail below). In some examples, as discussed in more detail below, the base unit 102 may be configured to receive data from the expansion console 106A to 106C via the connector 104, process the data, and output an audio/video signal to a display and/or Audio system. The base unit 102 may be connected to an expansion console 106A to 106C through a bus (for example, an exemplary configurable expansion bus 214 as discussed further below). In some instances, The base unit 102 may further include additional connectors 114 for connecting to storage, external devices, input/output devices (for example, video game controllers), and further expansion of the block. In some examples, the additional connector 114 may include a USB 3.0 connector, an SD/MMC card slot, and other connection interfaces. In some examples, the base unit 102 may further include an optical disc drive 116, which may be a general-purpose CD-ROM optical disc drive and optionally includes support for formats such as CD-ROM, DVD, and Bluetooth. In some examples, the base unit 102 may further include a connector (not shown) for wired Internet connection and hardware for Wi-Fi network connection capabilities. In some examples, all or part of the base unit 102 may be implemented as an SOC (system on chip) or SOM (system on chip) that may include a CPU, GPU, memory, bus controller, input/output connections, or other components. Module). In some examples, the base unit 102 may have platform software (for example, firmware) that can include a graphical user interface (GUI) and can perform low-level operations on one or more hardware components.

The base unit 102 can be coupled to any of various expansion consoles 106A to 106C through the universal interface connector 104 of the base unit via the respective universal interface connectors 108A to 108C of the expansion console. In some examples, the physical connection can be formed by the universal interface connectors 104 and 108A to 108C, and the communication between the base unit 102 and a connected expansion console (for example, one of 106A to 106C) can be through the universal The interface connector is physically connected to a bus for execution. In some instances, as described in more detail below, the base unit 102 may configure one or more connections of the busbars. For example, the base unit 102 can individually configure each connection of the bus as input, output, bidirectional line, interrupt or flag, or perform custom functions. In some examples, the base unit 102 may configure the connections of the busbars into one or more groups, for example, each includes one or more connections of the busbars and one or more configurable memory banks.

In some instances, each of the expansion consoles 106A to 106C can be combined with a target game console Station associated. The target game console may include a game console designed to execute game code stored on cartridge-based media, such as Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super NES (SNES), SEGA Genesis, and NEC TurboGrafx16. The target game console may also include a game console designed to execute game code stored on optical media (eg, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM) or other forms of computer-readable media, such as Sega Saturn And Sony PlayStation. In some examples, the expansion consoles 106A to 106C may be associated with multiple target game consoles. For example, an exemplary expansion console may be compatible with two or more variants of a target game console (for example, regional variants) (such as Nintendo Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Mega Drive, and Sega Genesis). And NEC PC Engine and NEC TurboGrafx 16) related. In some instances, an exemplary expansion console can be associated with multiple target game consoles from a single manufacturer (eg, Nintendo NES and SNES). In some examples, the expansion consoles 106A to 106C may be associated with multiple game consoles from different manufacturers.

In some examples, one or more of the expansion consoles 106A to 106C may include one or more connectors (such as cassettes 110A to 110C). The cassette slots 110A to 110C can couple an expansion console associated with a target game console to a cassette compatible with the target game console. The expansion console can transfer game code and/or game data to and from one box through the box. In some instances, instead of or in addition to a cassette (e.g., 110A to 110C), the expansion console can include one or more other forms of computer-readable media (such as flash memory (e.g., SD, MMC, etc.), optical disc (for example, CD-ROM, DVD, Bluetooth) or any other suitable format). In some instances, an optical disc drive 116 or appropriate connector 114 of the base unit 102 can be used to read game media.

In some instances, the expansion consoles 106A to 106C may have devices for connecting to One or more input device connectors 112A to 112C of a console specific user input device (for example, a video game controller) of a game console associated with the console. In some examples, each of the different expansion consoles 106A to 106C may have a cassette connector or media (for example, CD) that is not specifically used to interact with software loaded by an optical disc drive 116 included on the base unit 102. -ROM, SD card) reader's console specific user input device (for example, video game controller).

In some examples, the base unit 102 may be configured to run software for simulating a target game console associated with one or more of the expansion consoles 106A to 106C. In some examples, a connected expansion console (for example, one of 106A to 106C) can perform simulation of the target game console, and the base unit 102 can act as a video/audio conversion and output device. In some examples, the base unit 102 and a connected expansion console (for example, one of 106A to 106C) can work together to perform analog and audio/video output tasks, so that the base unit 102 can perform certain tasks. Expand the console to perform other tasks to achieve efficiency. Furthermore, connecting the base unit 102 to a bus of an expansion console allows the flexibility of different console configurations and between the base unit 102 and the expansion console (for example, one of 106A to 106C) The different distribution of game simulation. In some instances, as described below, a bus may be based on, for example, a specific console configuration, a specific expansion unit, or a specific target game to be simulated or the configuration of the target game console.

In some examples, the modular video game system 200 may include a handheld device. In these examples, the modular video game system 200 may include an integrated display, an integrated speaker, an integrated input controller (e.g., the controller 216 in FIG. 2) and/or an internal power supply (e.g., One battery). In some examples, the base unit 102, the bus 214, and/or a connected expansion console (for example, one of the expansion consoles 106A to 106C) can be configured for manual use Holding operation. As an example, in an example in which the modular video game system 200 includes a battery without an external power source, the base unit 102, the bus 214, and/or a connected expansion console can be configured to consume more power than a handheld In order to maximize battery life, use less power during the operation. As another example, in an example where the modular video game system 200 includes an integrated display, the base unit 102 and/or a connected expansion console can be configured to depend on the characteristics of the display (eg, screen resolution ) Output video. As another example, since a handheld device is expected to be used in different locations, the base unit 102 may include or be connected to a GPS unit of the modular video game system 200 to determine the location of the system. Software (such as OS 208) running on the modular video game system 200 can then use the data from the GPS unit to add location sensitivity to various software features (eg, leaderboards, social networks). As another example, since a handheld device can be frequently used in close proximity (eg, less than ten meters) to other handheld devices, the base unit 102 can be configured to interact with other nearby devices (eg, via Wi-Fi hardware). (As described above) generates or connects a special network that can be used by the base unit 102 and/or a connected expansion console to send and receive data (for example, game data) with nearby devices. In some instances where the modular video game system 200 includes a handheld device, the handheld device may be connected to the base unit 102 and/or a connected expansion console to: (for example) implement the base unit 102 and/or via Connect the remote operation of the expansion console; realize continuous game play between the handheld device and the base unit 102 and/or the connected expansion console (for example, a user starts to use a display connected to the base unit 102 and / Or the input device is used to play the game, and the handheld device is used to play the game); in addition to a display connected to the base unit 102, a second display (for example, integrated into a display in the handheld device) is also used to ( For example) Use auxiliary content (for example, strategy guide, in-game maps, hints, head-up display) to augment the first display; perform network-based multi-player operations that were originally designed to connect to other players via a physical cable .

Figure 2 shows an exemplary block diagram of a modular video game system 200, which includes an expansion console 206 (which can correspond to the expansion consoles 106A to 106C above) connected via the bus 214 A base unit 202 (which may correspond to the base unit 102 above). As will be described in more detail below, the expansion console 206 can be configured in many different ways and provide various types of output data to the base unit. The base unit 202 can be configured to send data to and receive data from the expansion console 206 (for example, game data, controller data, audio and video data, save game data, force feedback data). The base unit 202 can also be configured to support various communication protocols through the expansion bus 214. Using the configurability of the base unit 202 and the expansion bus 214, the design of the console 206 can be highly variably expanded while providing a consistent user experience. As described in more detail below, the expansion console 206 can transmit game data, controller data, and/or audio/video data (and other types of data) via the bus 214.

The base unit 202 may include a hardware 204. In some examples, the hardware 204 can be used to provide input/output capabilities of a modular video game system. For example, the base unit 202 can present audio and video information (for example, HDMI audio/video output) to a display (such as a TV or a computer monitor (not shown)). The base unit hardware 204 can support various input/output protocols such as SD, USB, Bluetooth, SATA, and Wi-Fi via one or more I/O channels. In some examples, the hardware 204 may include a CPU, GPU, audio processing hardware, GPS, radio, camera interface, live video streaming encoder, and other hardware components. The hardware 204 may include an SOC (system on a chip) or an SOM (system on a module) that may have one or more of the characteristics of the hardware components as described above.

An operating system (OS) 208 running on the hardware 204 (for example, on a CPU of the hardware 204) can perform various functions supporting the modular video game system 100. For example, the OS 208 can perform typical operating system functions such as resource management, access control, and I/O handling. In some In an example, the OS 208 can serve as a user-facing front end of the modular video game system 100, for example, to allow a user to guide, manage, and/or customize the operation of the modular video game system 100. In some examples, the OS 208 may perform functions such as video encoding and game recording and playback. In some examples, the OS 208 may, for example, provide an interface to the user (for example, an interactive graphical user interface) when the modular video game console does not actively present game information. In some examples, the hardware 204 may include a dedicated processing unit for executing the OS function of the base unit 202 (for example, a processor of a multi-processor system or a core of a multi-core processor). In some examples, the OS 208 can run software for displaying a GUI (graphical user interface). In some examples, the OS 208 may run software designed to replace or augment one of the functions of the OS 208 (such as performing low-level functions on the hardware 204). In some examples, the OS 208 may be responsible for launching a game on the modular video game system 100.

Once a game is started, the OS 208 can delegate the control of the game to the simulation unit 212 of the base unit 202. The simulation unit 212 can be used to simulate the functionality of a target game console, so that a user can play a game designed for the target game console. The simulation unit 212 may include software (for example, software running on the hardware 204), processing hardware, or a combination of software and hardware for running software designed for the target game console. In some examples, the OS 208 and the analog unit 212 can be isolated from each other with respect to the base unit 202 (for example, the OS 208 and the analog unit 212 can be allocated a non-overlapping portion of memory) and operate relatively independently. In some examples, the OS 208 and the simulation unit 212 may overlap and share data and resources, and have shared functionality.

The simulation unit 212 can work with the base unit 202 and the expansion console 206 to mimic the user experience of playing a game on a game console for which the game was originally designed. For example, the simulation unit 212 can receive game data from an expansion console 206 via the bus 214 (e.g. For example, via a memory connected to the expansion console 206 (such as game data inserted into a game box in the expansion console 206). The simulation unit 212 may use one or more configurations of processors to execute software. For example, the simulation unit 212 may use a single or multiple processors (for example, one or more processors of a multi-processor system in the hardware 204 and/or one of a multi-core processor in the hardware 204 or Multiple cores) or run software on a specific combination of CPU and GPU hardware. The configuration of the processor (for example, the number and type of processors used) can be determined on a per game or per target game console basis, (for example) to provide a console similar to a specific game or target One of Taiwan’s gaming experience is a gaming experience. For example, the configuration of the processor can be determined based on the resource requirements and performance characteristics of a target game console. For example, for a target game console that only uses a single CPU with limited capabilities and therefore experiences specific performance characteristics, a processor configuration of the simulation unit 212 can be determined so that the simulation unit 212 mimics these characteristics.

In some examples, the simulation unit 212 may be configured to use one or more CPUs, but not the GPU. For example, when running the delay associated with GPU rendering can result in a game experience that is significantly different from the game playing on the original console (for example, by introducing the input of the game playing feature on the non-original console This configuration can be selected when the game is delayed). In some instances, especially where game simulation is more computationally intensive (for example, incorporating 3D graphics) and where the CPU alone may lack sufficient computing power, the simulation unit 212 may use one or more CPUs to combine one or Multiple GPUs.

In some examples, the simulation unit 212 can select an simulator or simulator configuration from a group of two or more simulators or simulator configurations to be used with a specific target game or target game console. A simulator or simulator configuration can be selected because it is particularly well suited for simulating the target game or the target game console. For example, an emulator configuration can use a specific combination of resources to meet the needs of a specific target game or game console, or It may contain a dedicated functionality specific to the target game or game console. In some instances, a simulator or simulator configuration can be associated with a processor configuration, as described above. For example, an emulator configuration can use a specific configuration of the CPU and/or GPU associated with a target game console. In some instances, a simulator or simulator configuration can be associated with a power consumption configuration. For example, in power-sensitive background content (such as in the case where the modular video game console 200 is powered by a battery and a handheld console), a specific emulator configuration can limit computing resources to Limit power consumption.

In some instances, the base unit 202 can provide several back-end services, including a store, rankings, achievement tracking and updates (for example, operating data, OS updates), cloud storage of game data, user profile data, and friends List, data used by the recommendation engine, ability to connect to the second screen of the mobile device, and analysis tracking data. In some instances, the back-end services may be controlled by OS 208. In some instances, the backend service may include update functionality that can be used to update the modular video game system 200. For example, the updated functionality can provide new simulators, support for newly expanded console configurations (for example, new communication protocols for bus 214 and different data content), and other new console functionality. This allows the modular video game system 200 to expand indefinitely and continuously acquire new functionality.

In some examples, one or more input controllers 216 may be connected to the base unit 202 via one or more I/O channels (eg, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). In some examples, the input controller 216 may be an original input controller designed for use with a target game console. In some examples, the input controller 216 may be specifically designed for use with a game console including an emulator (such as the modular video game system 200). In some examples, OS 208 can accept user input, including (for example, via bus 214) self-expanding console 206 and/or (for example, via one or more of the I/O channels described above) self-input Controller received by controller 216 signal.

In some examples, the simulation service 210 (eg, software running on the hardware 204) can support one or more of the functions or components of the modular video game system 200. For example, in some examples, the simulation service 210 may facilitate communication between the simulation unit 212, the hardware 204, and the OS 208. In some instances, the simulation service 210 can synchronize input/output data (such as controller data from the expansion console 206 and/or the input controller 216). In some examples, the simulation service 210 can facilitate the transfer of data between an extended console 216 and the simulation unit 212. In some instances, the simulation service 210 may be managed by the OS 208. In some examples, the simulation service 210 can provide an interface between the OS 208 and (for example, by the simulation unit 212) simulation of a game, so that the OS 208 can input data to the game, output data from the game, or control The simulation of the game, or interact with the simulation of the game in other ways. For example, the simulation service 210 can “expose” a multi-player aspect of the game to the OS 208, and the OS 208 can send or receive data by using the network hardware connected to the base unit 102. The simulation service 210 can also expose the game data in the memory of the simulation unit 212 to the OS 208, and the OS 208 can use it to perform analysis functions (for example, tracking high scores or game achievements), as described above.

Expanding console configuration options

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary expansion console 300 (which may correspond to one of the expansion consoles 106A to 106C) according to an example of the present invention. In an example such as that shown in FIG. 3, the expansion console 300 can provide game data from the game box 320 and/or input data from the game controller 322 to the base unit 102 via the bus 314. In this configuration, the base unit 102 can be responsible for the simulation of game data and provide audio and video output signals. In some examples, the expansion console 300 includes a microcontroller 316 and a bus 314 that can be coupled to the microcontroller 316 (which may correspond to the bus 214 above). (As used in this article, "microcontroller" can refer to A microcontroller or any other suitable device such as a compound programmable logic device (CPLD) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). ) In some examples, a game cassette 320 may be coupled to the expansion console 300 at the cassette 310 (which may correspond to at least one of the cassettes 110A to 110C above). The microcontroller 316 can be configured to communicate with the game cassette 320, for example, by providing an address request for the data read from the game cassette 320 and by reading the data returned from the game cassette 320. In some instances, the gaming cassette 320 may have relatively slow operating hardware relative to a modern microcontroller (eg, microcontroller 316) and may therefore exhibit timing issues. In these examples, the microcontroller 316 can be configured to solve these timing issues, for example, by presenting wait states and buffering. By including the microcontroller 316 as part of the expansion console 300 instead of the base unit 102, the base unit 102 is free from having to allocate resources for reading from the game tray 320.

In some examples, a controller interface 312 (which may correspond to the controller ports 112A to 112C above) may be provided on the expansion console 300. The controller interface 312 can serve as an interface between the microcontroller 316 and the game controller 322. In some examples, the game controller 322 may be the original controller hardware of a target game console associated with the expansion console 300. In some examples, the game controller 322 may be designed to be used with a dedicated input device with an emulator system. Some examples may include a signal conditioning block 318, which may, for example, be placed between the cassette 320 and the microcontroller 316 or between the game controller 322 and the microcontroller 316. The signal conditioning block 318 may include signal conditioning hardware and/or software for exchanging compatible signals to and from the game box 320, the game controller 322, and/or the microcontroller 316. For example, in some cases, the game box 320 and/or the game controller 322 may input and output logic levels that are incompatible with the microcontroller 316 or may not comply with the communication protocol required by the microcontroller 316. In some examples, the signal conditioning block 318 can include level shifting, bus termination, and other suitable signal conditioning that can allow the microcontroller 316 to communicate securely with the game tray 320 and/or the game controller 322.

4 shows an exemplary block diagram of the configuration of an exemplary expansion console 400 (which may correspond to one of the expansion consoles 106A to 106C) according to an example of the present invention. In an example such as that shown in FIG. 4, the expansion console 400 can provide game data from the game tray 320 and/or input data from the game controller 322 to the base unit 102 via the bus 314. In this configuration, the base unit 102 can be responsible for the simulation of game data and provide audio and video output signals. In some examples, the expansion console 300 includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) 424 and a bus 314 that can be coupled to the FPGA 424 (which may correspond to the bus 214 above). (Although an FPGA is used as an example here, other suitable technologies can be used.) In some examples, a game cassette 320 may be in the cassette 310 (which may correspond to at least one of the cassettes 110A to 110C above ) Is coupled to the expansion console 300. The FPGA 424 can be configured to communicate with the game box 320 by, for example, providing an address request for the data read from the game box 320 and by reading the data returned from the game box 320, and can perform complete Or part of the game console simulation. In some examples, the exemplary expansion console 400 may provide video frames and audio data to the base unit 102 via the bus 314 instead of providing game data and controller data. In some instances, the game magazine 320 may have relatively slow operating hardware (eg, FPGA 424) relative to modern computing hardware and may therefore exhibit timing issues. In these examples, FPGA 424 can be configured to solve these timing problems, for example, by presenting wait states and buffering. By including the FPGA 424 as part of the expansion console 300 instead of the base unit 102, the base unit 102 is free from having to allocate resources for reading from the game box 320.

In some examples, a controller interface 312 (which may correspond to the controller ports 112A to 112C above) may be provided on the expansion console 400. The controller interface 312 can serve as an interface between the FPGA 424 and the game controller 322. In some examples, the game controller 322 may be the original controller hardware of a target game console associated with the expansion console 400. In some In an example, the game controller 322 may be a dedicated input device designed for use with a simulator system. Some examples may include a signal conditioning block 318, which may be placed between the cassette 320 and the FPGA 424 or between the game controller 322 and the FPGA 424, for example. The signal conditioning block 318 may include signal conditioning hardware and/or software to facilitate the compatibility and exchange of signals to and from the game box 320, the game controller 322, and/or the FPGA 424. For example, in some cases, the game box 320 and/or the game controller 322 may input and output incompatible with the FPGA 424 or may not comply with the logic level of the communication protocol required by the FPGA 424. In some examples, the signal conditioning block 318 can include level shifting, bus termination, and other suitable signal conditioning that can allow the FPGA 424 to communicate securely with the game tray 320 and/or the game controller 322.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary block diagram of the configuration of an exemplary expansion console 500 (which may correspond to one of the expansion consoles 106A to 106C) according to an example of the present invention. In the example shown, the illustrative expansion console 500 includes console hardware 526. The console hardware 526 may be incorporated into the state of the hardware of a target game console associated with the exemplary expansion console 500. In some examples, the console hardware 526 may include a duplicate of the original hardware used in the target game console. In some examples, in addition to unused hardware in the target game console (for example, modern computing hardware designed to mimic the behavior of the original hardware), the console hardware 526 may also include original hardware. In some examples, the console hardware 526 may include modern computing hardware (eg, modern computing hardware designed to mimic the behavior of original hardware). The console hardware 526 can convey, for example, one of the advantages of allowing the simulation of the behavior of the target console to closely resemble the behavior of the target game console by copying the highly hardware-specific behavior of the target console that can be difficult or impossible to simulate via software .

In some examples, the bus 314 (which may correspond to the bus 214 above) may be coupled to the console hardware 526. In some instances, the console hardware 526 can be used without additional signal modulation In the case of hardware connection, it is connected to a game box 320 and a game controller 322. In some examples, the console hardware 526 may include hardware that is not directly compatible with the cassette 320 and/or the game controller 322 (for example, a hardware that has a different logic level from the cassette 320 and/or the game controller 322). Hardware), and optionally a signal conditioning block (for example, 318 above) may be added between the console hardware and the cassette 320 and/or the game controller 322 to promote compatibility. In some examples, the console hardware 526 can generate video frames and audio data for transmission via the expansion bus 314 (similar to the expansion console 300 above). In some examples, the console hardware 526 may include original console hardware used to provide video and audio data using a well-known protocol (for example, VGA). However, in some examples, a signal conditioning block that can include one or more digital-to-analog converters (DAC) (not shown) can be added between the console hardware 526 and the expansion bus 314 to protect The sensitive hardware of the base unit 102. Therefore, in some examples, as an alternative to or in addition to providing game data and controller data, the exemplary expansion console 500 can provide video frames and audio data to the base unit 102 via the expansion bus 314.

6 shows an exemplary block diagram of the configuration of an exemplary expansion console 600 (which may correspond to one of the expansion consoles 106A to 106C) according to an example of the present invention. In some examples, the expansion bus 314 (which may correspond to the expansion bus 214 above) may couple the base unit 102 to the microcontroller 616 (which may correspond to the microcontroller 316 above). In some examples, the microcontroller 616 can be coupled to a memory 628 (e.g., flash memory, SD, MMC, etc.) that can contain game data (e.g., as a ROM file or ISO file). The microcontroller 616 can read game data from the memory 628 and transfer the data to the base unit 102 via the expansion bus 314. Therefore, in the configuration of FIG. 6, the exemplary expansion console 600 can provide game data to the base unit 102 via the bus 314.

In another exemplary configuration of the expansion console 600, the microcontroller 616 may be an FPGA (For example, the FPGA 424 above) is replaced, and simulation can also be performed on the expansion console 600, where the expansion console 600 provides video frames and audio data to the bus 314, as described above for the expansion console 400 description. In another exemplary configuration, the functions of the expansion consoles 300 and 600 can be combined to be able to read directly from a cassette (for example, 220) and a game controller (for example, 222) and from a memory (For example, 628) A single expansion console for reading game data. In this configuration, as described below, active cassette reading can also be performed directly from a cassette (for example, 220) while reading supplementary data from the memory (for example, 628 above).

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary block diagram of the configuration of an exemplary expansion console 700 (which may correspond to one of the expansion consoles 106A to 106C) according to an example of the present invention. The exemplary expansion console 700 may include all the components described above with respect to the expansion console 400. In addition, in some examples, the expansion console 700 may include a separate memory 728, which may include game data. In some examples, the memory 728 can supplement the game cassette 220, which can be read using an active cassette as described below. In some examples, the memory 728 may include game data corresponding to one or more target games. In addition, in some examples, the game data may be included with the expansion console (for example, as a bonus item for purchasing the expansion console). Similarly, in some examples, the memory 728 used for game data may be included in any expansion console (such as the expansion console 300 to 600 described above). In some examples, an expansion console can include hardware (eg, one or more level shifters, Microcontroller, CPLD and/or FPGA).

In some examples, an expansion console (such as the exemplary expansion console described above with respect to FIGS. 3 to 7) may include a memory (eg, memory 728 in FIG. 7) and/or be used for A box (for example, box 320 in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7) is a connector, but may not include a controller interface (for example, the controller interface 312 in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7). In addition, these instances may include a control However, it may not have a game controller connected to the controller interface (for example, the game controller 322 in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7). In these examples, the memory or cartridge may provide game code and/or data, which has a controller external to the expansion console (for example, a controller connected to the base unit (for example, connected to FIG. 2) The controller 216 of the base unit 202)) provides the controller input. These examples are useful for reducing the physical size and/or manufacturing cost of the expansion console by omitting a controller or controller interface, or in which the required external dimensions of one of the modular video game systems 200 will be connected to It may be advantageous in situations where it is not practical or feasible to expand one of the controllers of the main console.

In some examples, an expansion console (such as the exemplary expansion console described above with respect to FIGS. 3 to 7) may include a controller interface (for example, the controller in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7) The interface 312), but may not include a memory (for example, the memory 728 in FIG. 7) or a connector for a box (for example, the box 320 in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7). In these examples, a controller connected to the controller interface can provide input signals, and the game code and/or data can be extended from a source external to the console (for example, connected to a memory in the base unit (for example, , Through a USB interface connected to a hard disk of the base unit 202 in FIG. 2)) provided. These examples are useful for reducing the physical size and/or manufacturing cost of the expansion console by omitting a memory or a cassette interface, and for reducing the power requirements of the expansion console, or in which the video game system 200 is modularized. A desired external size would make it impractical or infeasible to have a memory or a game box connected to the expansion console can be advantageous in situations.

Bus configuration

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary configuration sequence 800 of a modular video game system 200 according to an example of the present invention. In some examples, after the base unit 102 is activated, a configuration sequence 800 may be initiated. The configuration sequence 800 may include a configuration bus 214 (for example, by configuring and Stream 214 is associated with a communication protocol). In some examples, the bus 214 may be software configurable so that software (eg, platform software running on the base unit) can set a configuration of the bus 214. In some examples, the bus 214 may be hardware configurable so that a bus controller can set a configuration of the bus 214.

In an exemplary bus configuration, a first group of bus connections can be assigned to represent the universal input to the base unit 102, and a second group of connections can be assigned to represent the universal input to the base unit 102 Output. In an exemplary bus configuration, a first group of bus connections can be assigned as a universal input; a second group of bus connections can be assigned as a universal output; a third group of bus connections can be assigned The group acts as an interrupt and/or control line. In some instances, a subset of the bus connections can remain dedicated to the communication between the base unit 102 and the expansion console (for example, 300 to 700 above) using a fixed protocol (for example, I2C, SPI, etc.) . According to some bus configurations, the bus 214 can also control the data register solely based on software or change its read/write behavior in addition to controlling the data register based on software. In some examples, the first group of one of the data registers can be assigned as the universal write register, the second group of one of the data registers can be assigned as the universal read register and the data register can be assigned One of the third group of devices is used for miscellaneous data.

In some examples, at step 802, the base unit 102 may, for example, use a preset data protocol for communication between the base unit 102 and the expansion console (for example, 300 to 700 above) to connect A communication protocol associated with the bus 214 is set as a default configuration. In some examples, at step 804 of the configuration sequence, when the bus is in a preset configuration, the base unit 102 can be based on an expansion console (for example, the expansion console 300 to the above Any one of 700) is associated with a target game console to set a configuration of the bus 214. For example, the base unit 102 may communicate with the expansion console to identify one of the expansion consoles' target game console (e.g. For example, NES, Sega Genesis, TurboGrafx16), and set a configuration of the bus 214 associated with the target game console. In some instances, if no expansion console is connected to the base unit 102, the configuration sequence 800 can remain at step 804 (in some instances, in a preset configuration) until an expansion console is connected (For example, 300 to 700 above). Once it is detected that a game console connected to an expansion console (for example, 300 to 700 above) is associated, at step 806, the base unit 102 can reconfigure the bus 214 to be associated with the target console as appropriate. One of the associated bus configurations. In some instances, at step 808, if it is detected that the expansion console (for example, 300 to 700 above) has been disconnected from the base unit 102, the configuration sequence 800 can return to step 802, thereby changing The bus (for example, 214 above) is set to the default configuration and allows the base unit to communicate with the newly connected expansion console. In other words, the configuration sequence 800 allows the heat exchange of two or more expansion consoles. One of the first expansion consoles needs a first bus configuration, and a second expansion console needs to be different from the first expansion console. One configuration and one second bus configuration.

In some examples, the modular video game system 200 may be compatible with two or more expansion consoles that send and receive significantly different data. For example, as described above, the expansion consoles 300 and 600 can provide game data and game controller data to the base unit 102; however, the game data and game controller data can comply with various incompatible formats and protocols. For example, during step 806 as described above, the configuration of the bus 214 can improve the compatibility of the modular video game system with many types of expansion consoles and associated target game consoles. For example, in an example where low latency can be expected to be used to obtain game cassette data and game controller data to the base unit simulator, in step 806, the bandwidth bus configuration can be reduced according to one of promoting low latency. Configure bus 214. Conversely, in some instances, as a replacement or supplement to the original game box data, an expansion console (for example, expansion consoles 400 and 500) may only The video frame and audio output data are provided to the base unit 102. Here, a higher latency and higher bandwidth interface (for example, SDIO, USB, etc.) can be expected to ensure consistent handling of this data between the expansion console and the base unit 102 (for example, outputting audio/video signals to a monitor). In these examples, the bus 214 can be configured at step 806 to correspond to a higher delay and higher bandwidth interface.

Active cartridge reading

In some examples, the modularized video game system 200 that simulates a target game console can use active cartridge reading to better imitate the experience of running a game on the target game console. Active cassette reading involves directly and optionally reading data, similar to how a target game console can read data from a physical game cassette. The conventional emulator is different from its target game console by not self-containing game data (for example, a ROM file) corresponding to a game box instead of self-containing a memory reading box data. This practice can accurately reproduce the behavior of the target game console (no matter how special) by relying on the simulator software (which can be caused by reading data from a game box) and compromise the authenticity of the simulation. Active box reading can improve the conventional simulator by accessing data directly from the box instead of from a computer file corresponding to the box. In some instances, the data is accessed at the moment when the simulator needs the data (which is usually during execution of one of the prefetching of the next simulation command). In some instances, the data from the cassette only resides in memory long enough to be processed, and is then replaced when the following request for the data has been executed.

Active cartridge reading also allows the simulator to request data from dedicated hardware (such as custom memory controllers and microcontrollers) as needed. This procedure relaxes the requirement for an emulator to truly reproduce the output of the dedicated hardware in the software; instead, the emulator can directly access the data from the hardware itself. Therefore, active cartridge reading allows the use of conventional simulation methods to achieve a level of authenticity that is difficult or impossible to achieve. In addition, the simplification of active cartridge reading can show unusual logic layouts and memory technologies (such as Memory bank switching and unorthodox memory mapping) to simulate game data on the game box. Therefore, the conventional simulator faces the problem of where to find ROM data and must adapt the game cartridge memory technology through software (using technologies that can be unreliable and difficult to implement, such as a custom memory mapper). In contrast, active cassette reading removes the need for this adaptation by dynamically requesting data from a cassette. Even dedicated game boxes with the characteristics of non-standard data organizations (including unnamed game boxes, boxes to be released and boxes developed by the game community) without low-level analysis or reverse engineering and without the complexity of simulator software and It is easily adapted in the case of expensive modifications.

Simulator selection

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary simulator selection sequence 900 according to an example of the present invention. In some examples, the modular video game system 200 can support several target games and the simulation of the target game console. Generally speaking, each target game or target game console presents unique challenges and technical requirements. Furthermore, different target games and target game consoles operate on different hardware (including different processors with different instruction sets). Therefore, there is no universal simulator that can provide simulation for each target game console or even for each game on a single target game console. Therefore, it can be expected to select an emulator that is most suitable for the particular game or game console on a per game or per game console basis.

The exemplary selection sequence 900 for the modularized video game system 200 illustrates the selection of a target simulator for a target game or target game console. In some examples, at step 902, the selection sequence 900 can determine whether an expansion console (for example, any of the expansion consoles 300 to 700 above) is connected to the base unit 102. If an expansion console is detected, then at step 904, the selection sequence 900 can identify one or more target game consoles associated with the detected expansion console. In some examples, at step 906, the selection sequence 900 may be based on one or more target game console configurations for the base unit 102 to use a target simulator. In some instances, A console identifier of one or more target game consoles can be used as an index including one of one or more simulators to log in to select a target simulator from the register. In some examples, the simulator log can be stored in a memory (e.g., flash memory) on the base unit, retrieved from a remote location (e.g., a server on the Internet), or both. In some examples, a target emulator may be identified and/or configured based only on one or more target game consoles associated with an expansion console.

In some instances, as described above, a specific game of a game console may be associated with a different simulator of one of the other games of the same console. For example, some game consoles may include auxiliary hardware components that do not exist in most game consoles of the same associated console. These games can benefit from the special handling of an emulator. In some examples, an emulator (which may be the same as or different from the emulator selected at step 906 above) may be associated with a particular game. In some instances, the configuration parameters of the simulator can be based on a detected game setting, and can cause the simulator to operate differently from other games on the same associated console for a particular game. At step 908, the exemplary selection sequence 900 can determine which game is associated with specific game data (e.g., by identifying one game on a game box, identifying which game is selected among multiple games on a flash memory One game for simulation, etc.). The game data can be associated with a game cartridge, a flash memory, a compact disc or other suitable media. In some instances, no specific identifying information is included in the game data itself (for example, game data for game consoles that will not support any such information).

In some instances, a game-specific hash can be used to log in from an emulator to identify a target emulator. For example, if the game data on a box is detected at the expansion console 300, the expansion console 300 can use the data in the box (or other memory on the expansion console) to calculate a hash and The hash is transferred to the base unit 102 via the bus 214. In some instances, the substrate The unit 102 can directly compute the hash. In some examples, the simulator log may include a hash table with an item for each available game (ie, a game library) on a particular game console. In some examples, the simulator login may include a default simulator associated with a specific game console, and a game list that is one of the exceptions to the default simulator. If a game is not listed in the exception list, one of the default emulators can be selected for use with the game. In some examples, a hash can be a unique identifier for each game. In some examples, at step 910, the selection sequence 900 can determine whether there is a game-specific simulator or game-specific simulation setting corresponding to the game data. If there is a game-specific simulator or game-specific simulation setting, at step 912, the selection sequence 900 can change the simulation configuration (for example, on the expansion console or base unit) to use the game-specific simulator or game-specific simulation set up. If at step 910, the selection sequence 900 determines that there is no game-specific simulator or game-specific simulation setting, the simulator identified in step 906 can be used.

In some examples, the simulator configuration at step 906 can be skipped, and an simulator can be selected only when a game is detected and the calculation corresponds to a hash value of the game. In these examples, at step 912, the selection sequence 900 can configure the simulation configuration to use one of the simulators suitable for the detected game.

Therefore, according to the above, some examples of the present invention relate to a method of configuring a bus, which includes: configuring the bus with a first configuration of input and output; detecting a removable module Exist on one of the bus bars; receive an input indicating a module type of the removable module on the bus bar; and a first video game according to the module type of the removable module Determine one of the first module types associated with the console, configure the bus with a second configuration of input and output; and according to the module type of the removable module is different from One of the first video game consoles and one of the second video game consoles is associated with one of the second module types to determine A third configuration that is different from the input and output of the first configuration and the input and output of the second configuration configures the bus. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the first module type outputs video data to the bus, and the second module type outputs game data to The bus. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, based on the determination that the module type of the removable module is the first module type, the selection is A video game console is associated with an emulator. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the method further includes the determination that the module type of the removable module is the second module type, Select an emulator associated with the second video game console, and the emulator associated with the second video game console is different from the emulator associated with the first video game console. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the method further includes detecting whether to move from the bus when the bus is configured with the second configuration Remove the removable module, and determine that one of the removable modules is removed from the bus to configure the bus with the first configuration. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the first configuration is different from the second configuration.

Some examples of the present invention relate to a game console, which includes: a base unit; a bus coupled to the base unit and capable of being coupled to a removable module; a bus controller; and platform software , Which is configured to: configure the bus with a first configuration of input and output; detect the presence of the removable module on one of the bus; receive instructions on the bus Input of one of the module types of the removed module; judged according to one of the first module types of the removable module that is associated with a first video game console, with different Configure the bus in a second configuration of the input and output of the first configuration; and according to the module type of the removable module, which is different from the one of the first video game console Second video game master It is determined that a type of a second module is associated with the station, and the bus is configured with a third configuration that is different from the input and output of the first configuration and the input and output of the second configuration. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the first module type outputs video data to the bus, and the second module type outputs game data to The bus. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the platform software is further configured to: be the first module according to the module type of the removable module For the determination of the type, select an emulator associated with the first video game console. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the platform software is further configured to: be the second module according to the module type of the removable module To determine the type, select an emulator associated with the second video game console, and the emulator associated with the second video game console is different from that associated with the first video game console The simulator. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the bus controller is further configured to: when the bus is configured with the second configuration, detect It is tested whether the removable module is removed from the bus, and the bus is configured with the first configuration according to the determination of removing one of the removable modules from the bus. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the first configuration is different from the second configuration. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the removable module further includes a memory for storing game data. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the game console includes a handheld game console. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the game console includes one or more of a display, a speaker, an input controller, and a battery.

Some examples of the present invention relate to a method of configuring a modular game console, which It includes: starting the game console with a first configuration; determining whether a first removable module connected to the game console corresponds to a first video game console; and according to the movable The elimination module corresponds to a determination of the first video game console, and initially corresponds to a first simulator of the first video game console. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the method further includes: detecting the removal of the first removable module; detecting that is different from the first removable module Remove the connection of a second removable module of one of the modules; determine whether the second removable module connected to the game console corresponds to a second video game console; and according to the movable The exclusion module corresponds to a determination of the second video game console, and the start is different from the first emulator and corresponds to a second simulator of the second video game console. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the method further includes: detecting that a game box is inserted into the first video game console corresponding to the first video game console. Remove the module; determine whether the game cartridge is associated with a specific simulator that is different from the first simulator; and determine whether the game cartridge is associated with the specific simulator of the cartridge, and the start is different The box specific simulator of the first simulator.

Some examples of the present invention relate to a method of configuring a modular game console, which includes: starting the game console with a first configuration; determining whether the first game data corresponds to a first video Game and a first video game console; determine according to the first game data corresponding to one of the first video game and the first video game console, start a first simulator; determine the second game data Whether it corresponds to a second video game and the first video game console; and based on the second game data corresponding to one of the second video game and the first video game console, the start is different from the One of the first simulator is the second simulator. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the first simulator and the second simulator belong to a plurality of simulations associated with the first video game console Device. As disclosed above Supplement or alternative to one or more of such examples. In some examples, the method further includes: determining whether the third game data corresponds to a third video game and a second video game console; and according to the third The game data corresponds to the determination of one of the third video game and the second video game console, and initially a third simulator associated with the second video game console.

Some examples of the present invention relate to a game console, which includes: a base unit coupled to a socket for receiving a game box, the game box including a computer containing instructions executable by a first processor A readable medium, the base unit including a second processor configured to use an emulator to simulate a console for running a game corresponding to the instructions, the console corresponding to the game box; And a cassette reading controller configured to read data from the game cassette, wherein running the game from the game cassette includes: requesting first data from the game cassette by the emulator; responding to the request , By the cassette reading controller to read the first data from the game cassette and the second data from the old game cassette, the second data based on the request; and by the cassette reading controller The first data for running the game is provided to the simulator. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the game box further includes a clock, a battery, a memory, a memory, a memory controller, and a processor One or more of the devices. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the first processor corresponds to a first type, and the second processor corresponds to a different type from the first type. One second type. As a supplement or alternative to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples, the first processor corresponds to a first instruction set, and the second processor corresponds to a different first instruction set. A second instruction set, and the instructions correspond to the first instruction set.

Although the examples of the present invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand various changes and modifications. Such changes and modifications should be understood as including The scope of the examples of the invention defined in the scope of the invention application is attached.

100: Modular video game system

102: base unit of video game console

104: Universal interface connector

106A to 106C: Expansion console

108A to 108C: Universal interface connector

110A to 110C: box slot

112A to 112C: Input device connector/controller port

114: additional connector

116: optical disc drive

Claims (15)

A method of configuring a bus, which includes: configuring the bus with a first configuration; detecting the presence of a removable module on one of the bus; receiving instructions on the bus An input of one of the module types of a removable module; one of the first module types is determined according to the module type of the removable module is associated with a first video game console, and A second configuration associated with the first video game console is used to configure the bus; and the module type of the removable module is different from that of the first video game console One of the second module types associated with a second video game console is determined, and the bus is configured with a third configuration associated with the second video game console. The third group The state is different from the first configuration and the second configuration. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein the first module type outputs video data to the bus, and the second module type outputs game data to the bus. For example, the method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting an emulator associated with the first video game console based on the determination that the module type of the removable module is the first module type. For example, the method of claim 3, further comprising: selecting according to the determination that the module type of the removable module is the second module type An emulator associated with the second video game console, and the emulator associated with the second video game console is different from the simulator associated with the first video game console. For example, the method of claim 1, further comprising: when the bus is configured with the second configuration, detecting whether to remove the removable module from the bus, and according to removing the removable module from the bus One of the removable modules determines that the bus is configured with the first configuration. Such as the method of claim 1, wherein the first configuration is different from the second configuration. A game console includes: a base unit; a bus, which is coupled to the base unit and can be coupled to a removable module; a bus controller; and platform software, which is configured to : Configure the bus with a first configuration; detect the presence of the removable module on one of the bus; receive a module type indicating the removable module on the bus An input; a judgment based on one of the first module types of the removable module that the module type is associated with a first video game console to be associated with the first video game console A second configuration to configure the bus; and the module type according to the removable module is associated with a second video game console that is different from the first video game console One of the second module types is judged by A third configuration is associated with the second video game console to configure the bus, the third configuration is different from the first configuration and the second configuration. For example, the game console of claim 7, wherein the first module type outputs video data to the bus, and the second module type outputs game data to the bus. For example, the game console of claim 7, the platform software is further configured to: According to the determination that the module type of the removable module is the first module type, select the first video game host An emulator associated with the console. For example, the game console of claim 9, the platform software is further configured to: According to the determination that the module type of the removable module is the second module type, select the second video game host An emulator associated with the console, and the emulator associated with the second video game console is different from the emulator associated with the first video game console. For example, the game console of claim 7, the bus controller is further configured to: when the bus is configured with the second configuration, detect whether the removable module is removed from the bus According to the determination of removing one of the removable modules from the bus, the bus is configured with the first configuration. For example, the game console of claim 7, wherein the first configuration is different from the second configuration. For example, the game console of claim 7, wherein the removable module further includes One of the play data is memory. For example, the game console of claim 7, wherein the game console includes a handheld game console. For example, the game console of claim 14, wherein the game console further includes one or more of a display, a speaker, an input controller, and a battery.

Images