JP3051174U - Memory card expansion switch for video game consoles - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a memory card expansion switching device capable of saving / loading game data by specifying a specific memory card from a plurality of game data storage memory cards without replacement work. SOLUTION: A casing having a plurality of memory slots, which is mounted in place of the memory card in a memory slot of a memory card in a video game machine and in which the memory card is removably mounted, and the memory slot of the video game machine A connector portion detachably mounted on the video game machine, a changeover switch for designating an arbitrary one of the plurality of memory slots, and electrically connected to the internal circuit of the video game machine via the connector portion. And a switching circuit electrically connected to the plurality of memory slots and including a switching circuit for effectively coupling one memory slot designated by the changeover switch and the internal circuit. .

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

 The present invention relates to a memory card expansion switch for mounting in a memory slot of a memory card for storing game data in a video game machine instead of the memory card.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 The video game machine advances a game by executing a game program stored in a CD-ROM or a ROM cassette. When the power of the television game machine is turned off to interrupt the game, the game progress up to that point is reset.

[0003] Role playing games and the like require an enormous amount of time to complete the game. Usually, the game progresses intermittently over several days to several weeks. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to restart the game from the point at which the interrupted game has elapsed. Therefore, the video game machine saves the content of the game at the time of interruption as game data, and can read the game data to resume the interrupted game from the continuation.

The game data is stored in a storage medium called a memory card dedicated to each video game machine. The memory card is removably inserted into the memory slot of the video game machine and used for writing and reading game data.

[0005]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

 In recent years, video game program data has become larger and the game content has become extremely complex. Therefore, it may be necessary to store the game data using more memory cards than the number of memory slots provided in the video game machine. In such a case, in order to save or load the game data, the memory card must be replaced many times while replacing it, which is very troublesome and time-consuming. In addition, it is necessary to remember the order of attaching and detaching the memory card. Of course, you may have many memory cards for many games. In this case, it is necessary to change the memory card according to the game to be executed.

[0006] A plurality of people, such as family members, may use the same video game machine. In such a usage form, each person who uses the video game machine often owns his or her own memory card. For this reason, every time a person uses the video game machine, he or she has to insert his or her memory card into the video game machine and restart the game in progress. The removal and selective replacement of memory cards is troublesome.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a memory card expansion / exchange switch that can save and load game data by designating a predetermined memory card without having to replace a complicated memory card.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a memory card expansion switch mounted in a memory slot of a game data storage memory card in a video game machine in place of the memory card as follows.

First, according to the first invention, a casing having a plurality of memory slots to which the memory card is removably mounted and electrically connected to each memory card, and the memory of the video game machine are provided. A connector portion detachably mounted in the slot and electrically connected to an internal circuit of the video game machine; and a connector for operating a user to designate any one of the plurality of memory slots. A changeover switch, which is electrically connected to an internal circuit of the video game machine through the connector portion, is electrically connected to the plurality of memory slots, and has one memory slot designated by the changeover switch; A switching circuit for effectively coupling with the internal circuit.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller outlet which is electrically connected to an internal circuit of the video game machine via the connector and to which a controller is detachably mounted.

Further, the casing is provided with a plurality of outlets for the controller, a changeover switch operated by a user to designate an arbitrary one of the plurality of outlets, According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a memory card expansion switching device including a switching circuit for effectively coupling one outlet specified by (1) and the internal circuit.

As a fourth device, the connector in the first to third devices is attached to a flexible cord extending from the casing.

[0013] Further, a fifth aspect of the present invention is a memory card extension switch in which the connector is integrally provided on the back of the casing.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the memory card expansion switch of the first to fifth aspects, the connector section is connected to a controller outlet of the video game machine to form an internal circuit of the video game machine. It was decided to be connected.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the connector portion is connected to a controller outlet provided in parallel with the memory slot in the video game machine, so that an internal circuit of the video game machine is electrically connected to an electrical circuit. A controller connector part to be electrically connected is integrally arranged side by side with the back of the casing, a controller is detachably mounted, and the controller and the internal circuit are connected via the controller connector part. A controller outlet for electrical connection is provided at a portion other than the back of the casing.

In the seventh invention, a plurality of the controller outlets are provided in the casing, and a changeover switch operated by a user to designate an arbitrary one of the plurality of outlets, An eighth aspect of the present invention is a memory card expansion switch including a switch for effectively connecting one outlet specified by the switch and the internal circuit.

[0017]

[Embodiment of the invention]

 === Connection Form with Video Game Machine === FIG. 1 shows a connection form between the memory card expansion switch and the tele game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The memory card expansion switch (hereinafter, switch) 1 has three memory slots 3a to 3c on the front surface of an integral casing 2. A memory card 20 can be removably mounted in each of the memory slots 3a to 3c. On the back of the casing 2, a flexible cord 5 is implanted. The distal end of the code 5 is a card-type connector 6, which is attached to the memory slot 101 of the video game machine 100 by the same coupling method as the memory card 20.

A slide switch 10 of a three-point connection type is installed on the upper part of the casing 2. The user operates the switch 10 to select an arbitrary memory slot from the three memory slots 3a to 3c.

An operation controller 110 is connected to the controller outlet 102 of the video game machine 100 via a signal line 111 and a controller plug 112 at the end thereof.

=== Internal Configuration and Operation === Circuit Configuration FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the switch 1. The memory card 20 used in this embodiment is electrically connected to the terminals # 1 to # 9 of the memory slots 3a to 3c by a connector shape and a terminal arrangement based on the standard of the video game machine 100. The seven terminals # 1 to # 5 and # 7 and # 9 of the memory slots 3a to 3c are connected in parallel with each other and connected in parallel to the connector 6 connected to the memory slot 101 of the video game device 100. . The internal circuit of the selector 1 and the internal circuit of the video game machine 100 are connected via the connector 6. # 8 is an unused terminal.

The IC 30 has a selector function of one input (IN) and three outputs (OUT 1 to 3), and has an input terminal IN and an appropriate output terminal OUT 1 to 3 according to a control signal input to a control input (SELECT 1 to 3). Are electrically connected.

The # 6 terminal of each memory slot 3 is connected to the output terminals OUT1 to OUT3 of the IC 30, respectively. The # 6 terminal of the connector 6 is connected to the input terminal IN of the IC 30. Further, three contacts 11a to 11c of the three-point switch 10 are connected to control input terminals SELECT1 to SELECT3 of the IC 30, respectively. Each of the contacts 11a to 11c is connected to a power source via a resistor. On the other hand, the common line 12 of the changeover switch 10 is grounded. Thereby, when the contact of the switch is switched, the selected contact and one of the control input terminals SELECT1 to SELECT3 of the IC 30 connected thereto become Low level, and the other two opened contacts and the control of the IC 30 connected thereto are controlled. The input terminals SELECT1 to SELECT3 have a power supply voltage value (High level).

When the user operates the changeover switch 10 based on the above circuit configuration, the switch 1 performs the following operation.

Switch Operation and Its Operation The changeover switch 10 is operated to ground certain contacts 11a to 11c. Here, it is assumed that the contact 11b has been selected. By this switching operation, the control input terminal SELECT2 of the IC 30 connected to the contact 11b becomes low level. The IC 30 performs a switching operation such that the input IN and the output OUT2 are brought into a low resistance (short circuit) state in a circuit according to the input of the low level signal. As a result, the terminal # 6 of the memory slot 3b is electrically connected to the terminal # 6 of the connector. The other output terminals OUT1 and OUT3 enter a high impedance state, and the signal path between the terminal # 6 of the connector 6 and the terminal # 6 of the memory slots 3a and 3b is cut off.

The terminal # 6 is for a DTR (data terminal ready) signal from an internal circuit of the video game machine 100, and the memory card 20 mounted in the memory slot 3b is activated by receiving the DTR signal. It is possible to perform data communication with the internal circuit of the video game machine 100 via the connector 6.

As described above, the switch 1 effectively couples the memory slots 3 a to 3 c selected according to the operation of the changeover switch 10 by the user with the internal circuit of the video game machine 100. Then, the memory card 20 inserted in the memory slot is made usable for saving and loading game data.

Note that this communication procedure is based on the standard of the video game machine 100 in the present embodiment. In a switch corresponding to another type of video game machine, the terminal arrangement and shape of the memory slot and the connector, the video game machine The communication procedure between the machine and the memory card is naturally different. Of course, the number of memory slots, the mode of the changeover switch, and the like can be appropriately changed.

=== Other Embodiments === FIG. 3 shows an appearance and a connection example of a switch in the second embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, a cord is used for connection between the switching device and the video game machine. Instead, it is also possible to fix the connector 6 on the rear surface of the casing 2 and install the switch 1 directly in the memory slot 101 of the video game machine 100.

Note that, depending on the type of the video game machine, the memory slot and the outlet for the controller may be arranged vertically. Therefore, when the switch shown in the second embodiment is directly attached to the video game machine, the casing blocks the controller outlet. FIG. 4 shows a switch corresponding to such a case as a third embodiment. A controller connector 8 is arranged on the back of the casing 2 in addition to the memory slot connector 6. The positions of these connectors 6 and 8 match the positional relationship between the memory slot 101 and the controller outlet 102 in the video game machine 100. A controller outlet 7 is provided alongside the memory slot 3 on the front surface (of course, the side surface) of the casing 2 of the switch 1. The terminal of the outlet 7 is directly connected to the terminal of the controller connector 8. Thus, when the controller plug 112 of the controller 110 is inserted into the controller outlet 7, an operation signal from the controller 110 is transmitted to the controller via the controller connector 8 and the controller outlet 102 of the video game machine 100 connected thereto. It is connected to the internal circuit of the game machine 100.

It is possible to use a dedicated controller whose shape, button arrangement, and the like are devised according to the game genre and the like. FIG. 5 shows a switch for that purpose as a fourth embodiment. A plurality of controller outlets 7 are arranged on the side of the casing 2 of the switch 1 in correspondence with the plurality of controllers 110 (of course, they may be on the front). As in the fourth embodiment, a memory slot connector 6 and a controller connector 8 are fixedly arranged side by side on the back surface of the casing 2. These connectors 6 and 8 are connected / coupled to a memory slot 101 and a controller outlet 102 in the video game machine 100.

The user operates the switch 11 to specify an arbitrary controller outlet 7. Then, the controller outlet 7 specified by the same circuit configuration as the memory card selection switching means is effectively connected to the internal circuit of the video game machine 100, the controller connector 8 and the controller outlet 102.

Note that, depending on the type of the video game machine, the memory card slot and the controller outlet of the video game machine may be connected in parallel inside the game machine by a bus connection. In such a case, it is not necessary to provide both the connector for the memory card and the connector for the controller in the switching device as in the third and fourth embodiments described above, and the internal circuit of the video game machine is provided inside the switching device. The memory slot to be effectively connected and the controller outlet may be connected in parallel. Of course, the connector may be connected to either the memory slot or the controller connector in the video game machine.

[0033]

[Effect of the invention]

 According to the present invention, a plurality of memory cards are mounted, an arbitrary memory card is selected, and this memory card is used for storing and reading out game data by a video game machine. Therefore, when the game data to be stored is large and the game data is stored in a plurality of memory cards separately, or when a plurality of users own the memory card and each user uses one TV game machine. It is not necessary to remove and insert the memory card from the video game console or replace it when saving or reading game data, such as when using a game console. The selection of the memory card to be used only needs to be specified by a switch operation, and a specific memory card can be quickly and easily selected and used. Therefore, a comfortable game environment can be provided.

Further, by allowing the controller and the memory card to be mounted in the same casing, wiring work such as cord routing can be simplified. Furthermore, depending on the type of video game machine, such as when the memory card slot and the controller socket are connected internally by a bus or not, the signals from the memory card and the controller can be sent to the same connector or separate connectors. It can be easily changed according to the model of the video game machine, for example, by exchanging via a unit.

The connection form between the TV game machine and the memory expansion switch may be a code and a connector installed at the end thereof, or a connector fixed to the back of the memory expansion switch, for example. It can be changed as appropriate according to the model and installation location.

Further, by installing a plurality of controller outlets on the casing and selecting a controller to be used from the controllers respectively coupled to the outlets, it is possible to select a controller to be used according to a game genre, operability preference, or the like. Even when using different controllers, the desired controller can be operated with a single switch operation without replacing the controller. It is also possible to switch to a different controller while running the same game. For this reason, various effects can be expected, such as comparing the operational feeling of each controller and finding the controller that is the easiest to use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage pattern of a memory card expansion switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram inside the memory card expansion switch.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a memory card expansion switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a memory card expansion switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a memory card expansion switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Memory card expansion switch 3, 3a-3c Memory slot 6 Connector 10 Changeover switch 20 Memory card 100 Video game machine 101 Memory slot 110 Controller

Claims (8)

[Utility model registration claims] 1. A memory card expansion switch for mounting in a memory slot of a memory card for storing game data in a video game machine in place of the memory card, wherein the memory card is removably mounted to each of the memory cards. A casing having a plurality of memory slots electrically connected to the card; a connector portion detachably mounted in the memory slot of the video game machine and electrically connected to an internal circuit of the video game machine; A changeover switch operated by a user to designate an arbitrary one of the plurality of memory slots; and a plurality of the plurality of memory slots electrically connected to an internal circuit of the video game machine via the connector unit. One of the memory slots designated by the changeover switch and And a switching circuit for effectively coupling the internal circuit. 2. The memory according to claim 1, further comprising: a controller outlet that is electrically connected to an internal circuit of the video game machine through the connector and to which a controller is detachably mounted. Card expansion switch. 3. The switch according to claim 2, wherein the casing is provided with a plurality of controller outlets, and is operated by a user to designate an arbitrary one of the plurality of outlets. When,
A memory card expansion switching device comprising: a switching circuit for effectively connecting one outlet specified by the switching switch and the internal circuit. 4. The additional memory card switch according to claim 1, wherein the connector is attached to a flexible cord extending from the casing. 5. The memory card expansion switch according to claim 1, wherein the connector is integrally provided on a back of the casing. 6. The memory card expansion switch according to claim 1, wherein the connector is connected to a controller outlet of the video game machine and connected to an internal circuit of the video game machine. Is done. 7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein:
A controller connector portion connected to a controller outlet provided in parallel with the memory slot in the video game machine and electrically connected to an internal circuit of the video game machine is integrally arranged on the back of the casing. The controller is detachably mounted, and a controller outlet for electrically connecting the controller and the internal circuit via the controller connector is provided in a portion other than the back of the casing. A memory card expansion switch. 8. The memory card expansion switching device according to claim 7, wherein the casing is provided with a plurality of the controller outlets, and is operated by a user to select any one of the plurality of outlets. And a changeover circuit for effectively coupling the one outlet specified by the changeover switch and the internal circuit.