JPH11102388A - Software rewriting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a software rewriting system which can efficiently sell only the software of a series of software products considering the selling order of the series. SOLUTION: On a CD-ROM 40, different kind of game programs to be sold to customers are stored. When a customer sets a game cassette 10 in a cassette writer 20 and selects game software to be purchased out of the CD-ROM 40 through a store terminal 30, the cassette writer 20 judges whether or not the selected game software requires succession decision making, judges whether or not there is game software meeting specific succession conditions in the game cassette 10 when the succession decision making is needed, and writes the program of the selected game software in the game cassette 10 only when the game software is present.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a software rewriting system, and more particularly, to a program (for example, a game program) written in a storage medium brought by a user to sell the program to the user. Software rewriting system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the rapid spread of computer equipment,
Software is frequently traded in a wide range of fields, such as games, education, and business. At present, the mainstream of the transaction is a recording medium (floppy disk, ROM cartridge, CD-R) storing a software program.
OM etc.) to the user as package software.

However, for the user, the program itself is important, and the recording medium for storing the program is not important. If only programs can be provided to users, the cost of recording media can be reduced,
Software can be provided at a lower cost. On the other hand, the store does not need to stock the recording media storing the programs for each type of software, which saves space and prevents accumulation of funds, thus enabling more sound management. Becomes

[0004] Therefore, it is strongly desired to realize a vending apparatus capable of selling only a program. The present invention is directed to a system that sells only a program to a user by writing the program on a recording medium brought by the user. For that purpose, it is necessary to rewrite the program stored in the recording medium.

[0005]

However, when selling software in a series, it may not be preferable to sell new software to users who have not executed the previous software. For example, if the software is a game program, if a user who has not played the previous game plays a new game, the story of the entire series will not be visible,
A situation may occur in which the user cannot evaluate the true fun of the game. Also, if the software is an educational program, if a user who has not executed the previous educational program executes the new educational program, the learning progress cannot keep up with the new educational program and eventually throws out the new educational program halfway. There is a risk that it will.

Further, a user who has played the previous game has a demand that he / she naturally wants to use the game characters that have been brought up in the previous game in the new game. However, in the current video game system, if a game character raised in the previous game is used in a new game, the game character raised in the previous game cannot be used in the previous game as it is. Similar disadvantages can also occur in educational and business programs in other ways. For example, after completing an education program for elementary school lower grades,
When transitioning to an elementary grade education program, you will need to understand parameters (grading,
(Scores, specialty areas) can be passed on to higher-grade education programs, so that the content of the questions can be changed according to the level of understanding, and guidance can be provided according to scholastic ability. However, if such parameters are taken over, the original parameters cannot be used when reviewing the educational program for lower grades.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a software rewriting system capable of efficiently selling only software while considering the order of selling the serialized software. Another object of the present invention is to provide a software rewriting system which can inherit backup data generated by the progress of a program and used in connection with the progress of the program without inconvenience when writing a series of software programs. It is to provide.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention A first invention is a software rewriting system for selling software to a customer by rewriting a software program stored in a storage medium brought by the customer. Then, one or more software that the customer wants to purchase is selected from a software storage unit storing a plurality of types of software programs to be sold to the customer and a plurality of types of software stored in the software storage unit. Software selection means, determination means for determining whether the software selected by the software selection means is software that requires inheritance determination, and software that is selected by the software selection means and software that requires inheritance determination. The judgment means judges that there is The inheritance determining means for determining whether software satisfying a predetermined inheritance condition with respect to the selected software is stored in the storage medium, and selecting the software by the software selecting means. A software rewriting system comprising, when it is determined that software satisfying a predetermined inheritance condition for the selected software is stored in a storage medium, writing control means for writing a program of the selected software to the storage medium. .

As described above, according to the first aspect, only the software can be sold by rewriting the software program stored in the storage medium brought by the customer. At this time, if the software selected for purchase is software that requires inheritance determination, only when software that satisfies a predetermined inheritance condition for the selected software is stored in the storage medium. Since the program of the selected software is written in the storage medium, for example, software which is serialized and which is desired to be executed in the order of the series number is sold in the order desired by the seller. be able to.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the storage medium stores a program storage area for storing a software program and backup data generated by the progress of the program and used in connection with the progress of the program. The write control unit, as a result of the determination by the inheritance determination unit, stores software that satisfies a predetermined inheritance condition with respect to the software selected by the software selection unit in the storage medium. When it is determined that the selected software is present, the program of the selected software is written into the program area, and the backup data of the software satisfying the predetermined inheritance condition is inherited as the backup data of the selected software in the backup data storage area. That And butterflies.

As described above, according to the second aspect, when writing the software program selected by the software selecting means to the storage medium, the backup data of the software in the storage medium satisfying a predetermined inheritance condition is selected. Since the backup data of the written software is inherited in the storage medium, the backup data can be used by both the already written software and the newly written software.

[0012] In a third aspect based on the first or second aspect, the inheritance judging means stores, in the storage medium, software having the same series as the software selected by the software selecting means and having an earlier series number. It is characterized in that it is determined that a predetermined inheritance condition is satisfied.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable storage medium capable of rewriting data, comprising a first writable and readable storage unit for storing a program, and a program for storing a program stored in the first storage unit. A readable and readable second storage unit that stores backup data generated by the progress and used in connection with the progress of the program, wherein the first storage unit is set in a computer system that sells software. When the selected software program is written and the second storage program is written with the second software program related to the first software already stored in the first storage unit, The backup data of the first software is inherited as the backup data of the second software. To.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of a software rewriting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a software rewriting system according to the present embodiment includes a cassette writer 20 for writing a game program into a set game cassette 10.
And an in-store terminal 30 for operating the cassette writer 20.

The cassette writer 20 includes a CPU 21 and C
It includes a D-ROM drive 22, a RAM 23, a flash memory 24, an ASIC 25, and a connector 26. The CPU 21 includes a CD-ROM drive 22, an RA
M23, flash memory 24, and ASIC 25 are connected. The connector 26 is connected to the ASIC 25. The connector 11 in the game cassette 10 is detachably attached to the connector 26. by this,
The game cassette 10 and the cassette writer 20 are electrically connected. The in-store terminal 30 is directly connected to the internal bus 27 of the cassette writer 20, and
It is connected to U21.

The CD-ROM drive 22 reads data from the set CD-ROM 40 and
Give to. As described later, this data includes a write control program, a game selection program, a game program, and related information. The CPU 21 performs an operation according to the above-described write control program. RA
M23 stores the game program and related information read from the CD-ROM 22, and data necessary for the arithmetic processing of the CPU 21. The flash memory 24 stores C
The write control program read from the D-ROM drive 22 is stored. The ASIC 25 controls writing and reading of data to and from the game cassette 10 according to a command from the CPU 21. That is, the ASIC 25
Is an input / output interface for the game cassette 10.

The in-store terminal 30 may be connected to the CPU 21 via a LAN cable 29 and a LAN board 28 as shown in FIG. Also, the CPU 21
May be configured to work in conjunction with the electronic cash register 50 connected via the LAN cable 29 and the LAN board 28. In the system configuration of FIG. 1, the physical distance between the cassette writer 20 and the in-store terminal 30 is short, but in the system configuration of FIG. 2, the in-store terminal 30 is installed at a position away from the cassette writer 20. The system configuration of FIG. 1 is such that a clerk who hears an order from a customer
It is suitable for a store where the user operates 0. On the other hand, FIG.
Is suitable for a store where the customer himself / herself operates the in-store terminal 30 to order a required game program.

FIG. 3 shows the game cassette 10 shown in FIG.
And the game machine 60 to which the game cassette 10 is connected.
It is a block diagram which shows a detailed structure. Referring to FIG. 3, game cassette 10 includes a connector 11, a flash memory 12, an SRAM 13, a memory controller 14, a backup IC 15, a backup battery 16, and a check IC 17. The flash memory 12 and the SRAM 13 are connected to the connector 11 via the data bus DB1, and have the address bus AB.
1 and connected to the memory controller 14. The memory controller 14 is connected to the connector 11 via the address bus AB2. The check IC 17 is connected to the connector 11.

As is well known, a flash memory is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and has a small size and a large capacity. In the present embodiment, the flash memory 12
As an example, it has a capacity of 32 Mbit, and is used to store a game program, and is divided into eight blocks in units of 4 Mbit, as described later. The SRAM 13 is a static RAM that retains stored contents as long as power is supplied. In the present embodiment, S
The RAM 13 has a capacity of 256 kbits as an example, and is used to store backup data for a game (e.g., data on a captured stage, acquired items, grown characters, etc.) as described later. , 16 kbits, and is divided into 16 blocks.

The memory controller 14 is connected to the cassette writer 20 or the game machine 60 via the address bus AB2.
From the flash memory 12 and the SRAM 13 to a suitable address for the memory arrangement. The backup IC 15 has a function of stably supplying power to the SRAM 13,
13 is protected from unwanted erroneous writing. The backup IC 15 is supplied with power from a backup battery 16 built in the game cassette 10. Further, although not shown, when the game cassette 10 is set in the cassette writer 20 or the game machine 60, the backup IC 15 supplies power from the cassette writer 20 or the game machine 60 (DC power obtained by stepping down a commercial power supply and smoothing). Power supply). The backup IC 15 includes a cassette writer 20 for the game cassette 10.
Alternatively, when it is disconnected from the game machine 60, the power from the backup battery 16 is supplied to the SRAM 13. When the game cassette 10 is set in the cassette writer 20 or the game machine 60, the backup IC 15 supplies power from the cassette writer 20 or the game machine 60 to the SRAM 13.

Flash memory 12 and SRAM 13
According to the chip select signal CE1 output from the memory controller 14 and the chip select signal CE2 output from the backup IC 15, their selection states are switched complementarily. That is, when one of the flash memory 12 and the SRAM 13 is in the selected state, the other is in the non-selected state. This is because the flash memory 12 and the SRA
Data and addresses are supplied to M13 via a common data bus and address bus, but this is because only access to the memory chip corresponding to the supplied addresses is permitted. The chip select signal CE2 is
The backup IC 15 generates the one-bit decode signal DS output from the memory controller 14 and the power supply state to the SRAM 13. In particular, when the game cassette 10 is the cassette writer 20 or the game machine 6
When the cassette writer 20 or the game machine 60 is powered on in a state where it is set to 0, the address bus AB1 has a transient characteristic when the power is turned on.
Noise may be mixed. This noise happens to be SR
If the address matches any of the addresses of the AM 13, the memory controller 14 erroneously generates the decode signal DS and
Undesired writing is performed at the address corresponding to M13. Therefore, the backup IC 15 monitors the voltage value of the power supplied from the cassette writer 20 or the game machine 60. When the power is turned on, the chip select is performed until the voltage value reaches a predetermined value (about 4.5 V). The signal CE2 is not supplied to the SRAM 13. As a result, unwanted erroneous writing at power-on can be prevented.

The address bus AB1 provided from the memory controller 14 to the flash memory 12 includes:
The upper three bits are used to specify one of the eight divided blocks of the flash memory 12. Similarly, of the address bus AB1 provided from the memory controller 14 to the SRAM 13,
M13 is used to specify any of the 16 divided blocks.

The game machine 60 includes a CPU 61 and a PPU
(Picture Processing Unit) 62, Working RAM 63, Video RAM 64, I / O Interface 65, Connector 66, Check IC 6
7 is included. A connector 66 is connected to the CPU 61 via a data bus DB3 and an address bus AB3.
P via data bus DB4 and address bus AB4
The PU 62 is connected, and the working RAM 63 is connected via the data bus DB5 and the address bus AB5. Further, the CPU 61 includes an I / O interface 6
5, the controller 70 is connected. Video R
AM64 comprises a data bus DB6 and an address bus AB.
6 and connected to the PPU 62. In addition, PPU62
Is provided to the television receiver 80. The check IC 67 is connected to the connector 66.

When enjoying a game, the game cassette 10
Connector 11 is inserted into connector 66 of game machine 60. Thereby, the flash memory 12 and the S
The RAM 13 is under the control of the CPU 61. And CP
U61 reads the game program from the flash memory 12, and starts the game operation. Further, if necessary, backup data corresponding to the game is read from the SRAM 13 and parameters for the game operation are set. The controller 70 is operated by a player and gives various instructions and instructions to the CPU 61. The working RAM 63 stores various data necessary for the arithmetic processing of the CPU 61. The PPU 62 generates display data from the character data stored in the video RAM 64 based on a command from the CPU 61. This display data is given to the television receiver 80 and displayed. Thus, by providing the PPU 62, the CPU 6
1 is released from the display data generation processing, and the original game operation can be performed at high speed.

When the connector 11 is inserted into the connector 66, the check IC 67 performs a predetermined authentication process with the check IC 17. If the authentication result is correct, the check IC 17 outputs a reset release signal / RS. This reset release signal / RS is provided to the memory controller 14. Accordingly, the memory controller 14
Is connected to the CPU 6 via the connector 11 and the connector 66.
1 is released. on the other hand,
If the authentication result is incorrect, the memory controller 14
The reset of the PU 61 is not released. At this time, the CPU 6
1 does not activate the game program. by this,
The use of illegally sold game cassettes can be eliminated.

FIG. 4 shows the flash memory 12 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a memory map of the SRAM 13; 4, the flash memory 12 includes, as data storage areas, a main area 121 for storing a game selection program and a game program, and a related information storage area 122 for storing game related information. The main area 121 is 32M
It has a storage capacity of bits and is divided into eight blocks in units of 4 Mbits. The main area 121 stores a game selection program and a game program in block units. Since one of the blocks is used for storing a game selection program, the main area 121 can store up to seven types of game programs (provided that each game program is 4 Mbit or less). In addition,
When storing a game program of 4 Mbit or more,
You will use multiple blocks.

The SRAM 13 has a storage capacity of 256 kbits and is divided into 16 blocks in units of 16 kbits. The SRAM 13 stores backup data for the game program written in the main area 121.

FIG. 5 shows the related information storage area 1 in FIG.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a memory map of No. 22; In FIG. 5, the related information storage area 122 has an address space different from the address space of the main area 121 and is a memory area that can be accessed only when a special command is given. The related information storage area 122 includes areas 122a to 122i for storing related information unique to the game selection program and the game program stored in the main area 121 of the flash memory 12, respectively. The area 122a indicates the game title, the area 122b indicates the map information, the area 122c indicates the capacity of the flash memory (the capacity required to store the program in the main storage area 121), and the area 1
22d is the capacity of the SRAM (capacity required to store the corresponding backup data in the SRAM 13), and the area 122e is the block number of the flash memory (the number of the block of the main storage area 121 storing the program).
Area 122f indicates the block number of the SRAM (the number of the block of the SRAM 13 storing the corresponding backup data), area 122g indicates the program inheritance flag (a flag indicating whether or not the program inheritance determination should be performed). The area 122h stores a backup data inheritance flag (a flag indicating whether or not to determine whether the backup data is to be inherited), and the area 122i stores information on a game selling price. By the way, C in the game machine 60
The PU 61 has its own wide address space. Then, the game program must be arranged at a predetermined position in this address space. The above map information
The figure shows where in the address space of the CPU 61 the game program should be placed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the principle of rewriting and selling the game software of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data flow when data stored in a D-ROM 40 is written to a game cassette 10. 6, the CD-ROM 40 stores a write control program, a game selection program, a plurality of types of game programs, and information related to each game program. The related information stored in the CD-ROM 40 includes a game title, map information, a capacity to be secured in the flash memory 12 for storing a game program, and an SR for storing backup data.
It includes a capacity to be secured in the AM 13, a program inheritance flag, a backup data inheritance flag, and a game selling price. The program inheritance flag is turned on when the inheritance of the game program is required, and is turned off when the inheritance of the program is not required. Also,
The backup data inheritance flag is ON when backup data inheritance is required, and OFF when backup data inheritance is not required. CD-
The write control program stored in the ROM 40 is read by the CPU 21 of the cassette writer 20 and written into the flash memory 24 in the cassette writer 20. Thereafter, the CPU 21 performs a write control operation of the game program on the game cassette 10 according to the write control program. The game selection program, the game program, and the related information stored in the CD-ROM 40 are read by the CPU 21 of the cassette writer 20 and written into the RAM 23 in the cassette writer 20. The game selection program and the game program written in the RAM 23 are transferred to the game cassette 10 and written in the main area 121 of the flash memory 12. The related information written in the RAM 23 is transferred to the game cassette 10 and written in the related information storage area 122 of the flash memory 12. The game selection program is executed by the CPU 61 of the game machine 60 when the game cassette 10 is set in the game machine 60, and is used to select one game from a plurality of games.

Here, one game program, flash memory 12, and CD-RO storing master data
The relationship between the capacitances of M40 will be described. The flash memory 12 has a capacity of, for example, 32 Mbit. The data amount of one game program is an integral multiple of 4 Mbit, for example, the flash memory 12.
Is 32 Mbit, 4 Mbit, 8
Mbit, 12Mbit, 16Mbit, 20Mbi
t, 24 Mbit, 28 Mbit, and 32 Mbit. One game program is a flash memory 1
2 is set to be equal to or less than the capacity. Therefore, the flash memory 12 can store a maximum of seven types of 4-Mbit game programs and a 4-Mbit game selection program. For example, if one game program is 8 Mbit, three types of game software and a 4 Mbit game selection program can be stored. When storing a 32 Mbit game program, a game selection program is not required.

On the other hand, the CD-ROM 40 has a capacity of several hundred Mbytes.
e. Therefore, since the capacity of the CD-ROM 40 is much larger than the capacity of the flash memory 12 or the capacity of one game program, many types of game programs can be stored. CD-ROM4
0 is sufficient as long as it is capable of storing at least seven types of 4 Mbit game programs and a 4 Mbit game selection program.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data flow when the game program written in the flash memory 12 of the game cassette 10 is rewritten. Here, as an example, in the flash memory 12 in which the programs of the games 1 to 4 are written, the programs of the games 1 and 3 are left, and the programs of the games 2 and 4 are deleted. 2 shows the flow of data when writing a program. In FIG. 7, the CPU 21 of the cassette writer 20
2 to read all the data written in
23. Thereafter, when the games 2 and 4 are selected for erasing in the cassette writer 20, C
The PU 21 erases the programs of the games 2 and 4 from the RAM 23. Further, when the game 5 is selected for purchase in the cassette writer 20, the CPU 21
The game 5 program is read from the CD-ROM 40 and stored in the RAM 23. After that, the CPU 21
The game selection program remaining in AM23 and the game 1,
The programs 3 and 5 are read and transferred to the game cassette 10. As a result, the flash memory 12 of the game cassette 10 stores the game selection program,
The programs of the games 1, 3 and 5 are written.

The related information corresponding to the remaining games 1 and 3 and the related information of the newly written game 5 are written in the related information storage area 122 of the flash memory 12, and details thereof are shown in FIG. Since the description can be easily understood by referring to the description, the description is omitted here.

As described above, in this embodiment, when rewriting the game program written in the flash memory 12 of the game cassette 10, all the data written in the flash memory 12 is once read out to the RAM 23, and Since the game program is arranged and rearranged and then written to the flash memory 12, the game program can be efficiently written. In FIG. 7, all the programs in the flash memory 12 are rewritten. However, the programs whose storage positions (block numbers) in the flash memory 12 are not changed, that is, the game selection program and the game 1 program are not rewritten. You may do it.

FIGS. 8 to 13 show examples of operation screens displayed on the in-store terminal 30 connected to the cassette writer 20. FIG. More specifically, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a game selection screen. FIG. 8 shows a screen before selecting a game to be purchased, and FIG. 9 shows a screen after selecting a game to be purchased. 10 to 12
Shows a game deletion screen. FIG. 10 shows a writable screen before designating a game program to be erased and / or canceled.
FIG. 11 shows a screen before writing the game program to be erased and / or canceled and in a non-writable state, and FIG. 12 shows that the game program to be erased and / or canceled has been specified. The screen after is shown. FIG. 13 is a view showing a menu screen displayed before the start of the game in the television receiver 80 connected to the game machine 60.

FIGS. 14 to 18 are flowcharts showing the operation of the cassette writer 20 according to the write control program. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the game machine 60. FIG. 20 shows the game cassette 1
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how to transfer backup data when writing a series of game programs to 0. Hereinafter, the operation of the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the operation of the cassette writer 20 shown in FIGS. 14 to 19 will be described. When the power is turned on, the CPU 21 determines whether the version of the write control program in the flash memory 24 should be upgraded (step S101). When the write control program is not stored in the flash memory 24, or when the CD-R
If the version of the write control program stored in the OM 40 is newer than the version of the write control program stored in the flash memory 24, it is determined that the version of the write control program should be upgraded. If the write control program should be upgraded, the CPU 21
Is a CD-ROM 4 using a CD-ROM drive 22.
The write control program is read from 0, and the read write control program is downloaded to the flash memory 24 as shown in FIG. 6 (step S102).
The CD-ROM 40 is supplied to a store periodically (for example, every month) so that new software can always be sold. Therefore, by storing the write control program in the CD-ROM 40 and automatically upgrading the software processing of the cassette writer 20 based on the stored write control program, the dealer can Freed from troublesome version upgrade work, you can concentrate on the original in-store operations.

When the download of the writing control program is completed, the CPU 21 starts the writing control program (step S103). Thereafter, the CPU 21 operates according to the write control program. Next, the CPU 21
Reads data (game title, capacity, and selling price) necessary for displaying the game selection screen from the CD-ROM 40, and writes the data into the working area of the RAM 23 as shown in FIG. 6 (step S104). Next, CPU2
1 displays a game selection screen as shown in FIG.
(Step S105). The game selection screen includes a sale game list 301 and a page update button 3
02 and 303, a purchased game list 304, and total capacity display sections 305 and 306. In the sale game list 301, the RAM in step S104 is stored.
According to the title, capacity and price of the game written in 23, the title, capacity and price of the game to be sold are displayed. If there are many types of games to sell, 1
Although it is difficult to display the entire sales game list on the screen, a page update button 302 or 30 on the screen is displayed.
By selecting 3, the display page of the sales game list can be updated in the front-rear direction, whereby all types of games included in the sales game list can be viewed. As a method of selecting a button, a method of providing a touch panel on a display screen and pressing the corresponding button with a finger may be used, or a method in which a cursor is moved to the corresponding button with a pointing device such as a mouse and clicked. Method may be used. In-store terminal 30 described below
Are also performed in the same manner as described above. At this time, since the game to be purchased has not been selected,
No information is displayed in the purchase game list 304 and the total capacity display sections 305 and 306. The purchase decision button 307 is a button selected when the selection of the game to be purchased is completed.

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the game cassette 10 has been set (mounted) on the connector 26 (step S106). When the game cassette 10 is set, the CPU 21 calculates the free space of the flash memory 12 and the SRAM 13 (hereinafter, referred to as a game cassette free space) based on the related information stored in the related information storage area 122, and Information storage area 1
22 is read out (step S
107). At this time, the calculated free space in the game cassette and the read data are temporarily stored in the RAM 23 (see FIG. 7).

Next, a clerk or customer (a clerk in the case of the system configuration of FIG. 1, a customer in the case of the system configuration of FIG. 2)
Operates the in-store terminal 30 and selects a game to be purchased from the sales game list (step S108). In response, CPU 21 causes RAM 23 to temporarily store the relevant information of the game selected for purchase (step S109). At this time, as shown in FIG.
At 0, the title, capacity and price of the selected game in the purchased game list 304 are displayed. Next, C
The PU 21 calculates a total capacity of the games selected up to that time (hereinafter, referred to as a selected game total capacity) (Step S110). The calculated total game total capacity is
It is displayed on the total capacity display sections 305 and 306 in FIG. Note that the total capacity display unit 305 displays the capacity of the flash memory 12 required for writing in units of blocks.
The total capacity display unit 306 displays the SRAM1 required for writing.
3 is displayed in units of blocks. Next, the CPU 21
Performs an inheritance determination process (step S300). Details of this subroutine step 300 are shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 17, CPU 21 reads, from RAM 23, relevant information of the game selected from CD-ROM 40 in step S108 described above (step S301). Next, the CPU 21 searches for related information read from the RAM 23, and determines whether or not there is a game program or backup data that requires inheritance (step S302). If the program inheritance or backup inheritance flag is on,
The game program or the backup data is determined to require inheritance. If there is no game program or backup data requiring inheritance, the CPU 21 returns to the main routine of FIG. On the other hand, when there is a game program or backup data that needs to be inherited, the CPU 21 reads the related information from the related information storage area 122 of the flash memory 12 in the game cassette 10 (step S3).
03). Next, the CPU 21 sets the related information storage area 122
Among the related information (hereinafter, referred to as first related information) read out from the game program or backup data (hereinafter, referred to as second related information) for which the inheritance is determined to be necessary in step S302. It is determined whether or not there is related information having a predetermined relationship with (step S)
304). Here, the predetermined relationship means the following. (1) A game title that matches the game title of the second related information (excluding the series number) in the first related information. (2) The series number portion of the matched game title is
The first related information is one older than the second related information. For example, if “Mario 2” is present as a game title in the second related information, the game title is included in the first related information. If “Mario 1” exists, it is determined that related information having a predetermined relationship with the second related information exists in the first related information.

If there is no related information having a predetermined relationship with the second related information in the first related information, the CPU 21
Causes the in-store terminal 30 to display an error message. This error message indicates that writing is prohibited because the game selected for purchase is a series of games, and the game cassette does not store the game program immediately preceding the selected game. Including the display of. On the other hand, when there is related information having a predetermined relationship with the second related information in the first related information, the CPU 21
After turning on the inheritance flag (set in the working area of the RAM 23) (step S305), the process returns to the main routine of FIG.

Referring again to FIG. 14, CPU 21 determines whether or not the selection of the game to be purchased has been completed (step S111). When the store clerk or the customer selects the purchase decision button 307 in FIG. 9, it is determined that the selection of the game to be purchased has been completed. If the game selection has not been completed, the operations of steps S108 to S110 are repeated again.

On the other hand, when the game selection is completed, the CP
U21 determines whether or not the selected game total capacity calculated in the aforementioned step S110 is equal to or less than the game cassette free space calculated in the aforementioned step S107 (step S112). When the total capacity of the selected games is equal to or less than the free space of the game cassette, the CPU 21
At 0, a game deletion screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. On the other hand, when the total capacity of the selected games exceeds the free space of the game cassette, the CPU 21
A game deletion screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the game deletion screen includes a cassette game list 308, free space display sections 309 and 310, and a purchase game list 30.
4, a total capacity display section 305 and 306, a writable button 311, a delete all in cassette button 312, and a screen return button 313. The game list 308 in the cassette displays a list of games stored in the game cassette 10. In addition, the free space display section 3
In 09, the free space of the flash memory 12 is displayed. The free space display section 310 displays the free space of the SRAM 13. Game list 30 in these cassettes
8. The display contents of the free space display sections 309 and 310 are as follows.
The determination is made based on the data stored in the RAM 23 in step S107 described above. The writable button 311 is selected when giving an instruction to write the program of the game listed in the purchase game list 304 to the game cassette 10. Here, comparing FIG. 10 and FIG. 11,
On the game deletion screen of FIG. 10, the writable button 311 is selectable, whereas on the game deletion screen of FIG. 11, the writable button 311 is not selectable. This is because, in the state of FIG. 11, since the total capacity of the selected game exceeds the free space of the game cassette, the writing instruction of the game program is prohibited. The delete-all-in-cassette button 312 is selected when all game programs stored in the game cassette 10 are to be collectively deleted. The screen return button 313 is selected when returning the game deletion screen to the game selection screen shown in FIG.

The total capacity of the selected game is the flash memory 1
2 and SRAM 13 or less, the CPU 2
1 judges whether the writable button 311 or the screen return button 313 has been selected by the clerk or customer (step S113). When the screen return button 313 is selected, the steps S108 to S108 are performed again.
The operation of 112 is repeated. That is, in the repetitive operation of steps S108 to S112, a game to be purchased is added or changed. On the other hand, when the writable button 311 is selected, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the CPU 21 stores the program of the game selected for purchase, the game selection program, and the related information in the CD-ROM 40. And / or the flash memory 12 and the SRA in the game cassette 10.
All data stored in M13 (game program,
The backup data is read out and stored in the RAM 23 (step S114).

If the total capacity of the selected game exceeds the free space of the game cassette in the above-mentioned step S112, it is necessary to delete the game program stored in the game cassette 10 or cancel the game selected for purchase. is there. The clerk or customer selects a game to be deleted from the in-cassette game list 308 and / or a game to cancel the purchase from the purchase game list 304 on the game deletion screen shown in FIG. Details of the subsequent operation are shown in FIG.

In FIG. 16, the CPU 21 determines whether the cancellation of the game to be purchased is selected or the deletion of the game program is selected (steps S115 and S116). When the cancellation of the game is selected, the CPU 2
1 performs a process of canceling the selected game (step S
117). As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, in the purchased game list 304 of the game deletion screen, a cancellation display is made for the game selected to be canceled. When the deletion of the game program is selected, the CPU 21 turns on a deletion flag (not shown) (step S118).
At this time, the game list 3 in the cassette on the game deletion screen
At 08, as shown in FIG. 12, an erasure display is made for the game selected to be erased.

After step S117 or S118, the CPU 21 recalculates the total capacity of the selected game and the free space of the game cassette (step S119). The recalculation result at this time is reflected on the total capacity display sections 305 and 306 and the free capacity display sections 309 and 310 as shown in FIG. Here, the customer may reconsider not to delete the game program in the game cassette 10. In such a case, the clerk or customer cancels the deletion of the game program by reselecting the game selected to be deleted in the in-cassette game list 308. The CPU 21 determines whether or not such erasure is released (step S120).
If the deletion has been canceled, the CPU 21
After the erasure flag set in step S118 is turned off (step S121), the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if the erasure has not been released, the CPU 2
1 is a step S1 without resetting the erase flag.
Proceed to 122.

In step S122, the CPU 21
Determines whether or not the recalculated total game total capacity is equal to or less than the recalculated free space of the flash memory 12 or the SRAM 13. If the total capacity of the selected games exceeds these free capacities, steps S115 to S115 are repeated.
The operation of S121 is repeated. That is, the game to be canceled and / or deleted is added or changed until the total capacity of the selected game becomes equal to or less than the free space of the flash memory 12 or the SRAM 13. When the selected game total capacity becomes equal to or less than the free space, the CPU 21 determines whether the writable button 311 has been selected by the clerk or the customer.
It is determined whether the screen return button 313 has been selected (step S123). When the screen return button 313 is selected, the operation returns to the operation of step S108 again. That is, a process of adding or changing a game to be purchased is performed. On the other hand, when the writable button 311 is selected,
The CPU 21 stores the game program selected for purchase, the game selection program, and the related information on a CD-ROM.
In addition to reading from the ROM 40, all data (game program, backup data) stored in the flash memory 12 and the SRAM 13 in the game cassette 10 is read and stored in the RAM 23 (step S1).
24). Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the erasure flag is turned on (step S125). If the erasure flag is on, the CPU 21 determines whether the inheritance flag is on (step S12).
6). If the inheritance flag is not turned on, the CPU 21
Performs an erasing process (step S127). In the erasing process, the game program, backup data, and related information selected for erasing are erased from the data of the game cassette 10 stored in the RAM 23 in the above-described step S107 (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, when the inheritance flag is on, the backup data of the game selected for erasing is buffered (for example, RAM2
3 (set in the working area 3) (step S128).

After the processing in step S114 is completed, or when it is determined in step S125 that the erasure flag is turned off, or after the erasure processing in step S127 is completed, or the backup data saving processing in step S128 is performed. Is completed, the CPU 21 executes a backup data transfer process (step S40).
0). Details of this subroutine step are shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 18, CPU 21 has a RAM
It is determined whether the backup data has been saved in the buffer area in the storage device 23 (step S401). If the backup data has not been saved, the CPU 21
It returns to the main routine of FIG. On the other hand, if the backup data has been saved, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the saved backup data includes backup data that requires inheritance (step S402). When the corresponding backup data inheritance flag in the related information read from the related information storage area 122 of the flash memory 12 is turned on, the backup data is backup data that requires inheritance. If there is backup data that requires inheritance, the CPU 21 specifies a block of the SRAM 13 for writing the backup data (step S403), and writes the backup data to the specified block (step S404). Thereby, the backup data of the erased game is inherited as the backup data of the newly written game (see FIGS. 20A and 20C).

Next, the CPU 21 controls the game cassette 10
Writing of a program to the memory is started (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 15). First, the CPU 21 reads the flash memory 1
The first block is designated (step S129). Next, the CPU 21 stores the game program to be written into the flash memory 12 (the game program selected for purchase and the game program originally stored in the game cassette 10 and not erased). It is determined whether or not the game program uses all 12 blocks (32 Mbits) (hereinafter referred to as a full size game program) (step S130). If the game program to be written is not a full size game program, C
The PU 21 stores the game selection program (C
Game selection program read from D-ROM 40)
Is read and written in the first block of the main area 121 of the flash memory 12 (step S131). On the other hand, when the game program to be written is a full-size game program, the CPU 21 does not write the game selection program to the flash memory 12 because the game machine 60 does not need to make a game selection later. Thereby, when the capacity of the game program is large, writing can be performed by making the maximum use of the capacity of the flash memory 12.

After step S131 or after it is determined in step S127 that the game program to be written is a full-size game program, the CPU
21 reads the game program from the RAM 23,
The data is written to the main area 121 of the flash memory 12 (Step S132). At this time, if the game program to be written is a full-size game program, writing is started from the first block of the main area 121 of the flash memory 12, and if the game program to be written is not a full-size game program, Writing is started from the second block of the main area 121. Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there are two or more game programs to be written in the flash memory 12 in the RAM 23 (step S1).
33). If there are two or more game programs to be written, the CPU 21 specifies the next block of the main area 121 of the flash memory 12 (the block where writing of the next game program is started) (step S13).
4). Thereafter, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the writing of the game program has been completed (step S13).
5). On the other hand, if there is only one game program to be written and the program is not a full-size game program, C
The PU 21 makes the determination in the step S135 without designating the next block. If the writing of the game program has not been completed, the CPU 21 returns to step S
The operations of 132 and below are repeated. Thus, the game programs stored in the RAM 23 are sequentially written into the main area 121 of the flash memory 12. On the other hand, when the writing of the game program is completed, the CP
The U21 writes the backup data stored in the RAM 23 to the SRAM 13 and writes the related information to the related information storage area 122 of the flash memory 12 (Step S136). At this time, the CPU 21
As shown in (b), as for the backup data of the game requiring inheritance, the backup data of the game already written in the game cassette 10 is copied and written as the backup data of a new version of the game to be newly written. . Thereafter, the CPU 21 proceeds to FIG.
It returns to the operation of step S106 of No. 4.

Next, with reference to FIG. 19, an operation when the game machine 60 executes the game program stored in the game cassette 10 will be described. The game cassette 10 is set in the connector 66 of the game machine 60 and the game machine 6
When the power supply 0 is turned on, the memory controller 14 in the game cassette 10 generates a reset signal RS, and supplies the reset signal RS to the CPU 61 in the game machine 60 via the connectors 11 and 66. As a result, the CPU 61 is put in an operation stop state.

Thereafter, the memory controller 14 reads out the related information from the related information storage area 122 of the flash memory 12 and temporarily stores it, and sets an address conversion parameter based on the map information included in the related information. (Step S201). At this time, CP
U61 is still in an operation stop state. As described above, the game program must be arranged at a predetermined position in the address space of the CPU 61. The predetermined position differs depending on the type of the game. The above address conversion parameters are used for an address conversion process for matching the address space of the CPU 61 with the address space of the flash memory 12.

Thereafter, the check ICs 17 and 67 operate to perform the authentication processing of the game cassette 10. As a result of the authentication processing, when it is confirmed that the game cassette 10 is a legitimate genuine product, the reset IC 17 outputs a reset release signal / RS. This reset release signal /
RS is provided to the memory controller 14. When receiving the reset release signal / RS, the memory controller 14 releases the reset signal RS supplied to the CPU 61 via the connectors 11 and 66. As a result, the CPU 61 starts operating, and first reads a program (a game program or a game selection program) from the first block of the main area 121 of the flash memory 12.

When the game program stored in the flash memory 12 is a full size game program, the program read from the first block is a full size game program. On the other hand, when the game program stored in the flash memory 12 is not the full size game program, the program read from the first block is a game selection program.
When the CPU 61 finishes reading the program from the top block, the CPU 61 determines whether the read program is a full-size game program or a game selection program (step S202).

First, the operation when the full-size game program is read from the first block will be described. In this case, the CPU 61
The full-size game program is read out from the main area 121 in block order, and game processing is executed according to the read-out full-size game program (step S2).
03). Next, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the game has ended (step S204). Until the game is over, the game process of step S203 is continuously executed. When the game ends, the CPU 61 executes a predetermined end process (Step S205). In this end processing, for example, backup data is stored in the SRAM 13. Next, the CPU 61 determines whether or not there has been a reset request from the player (that is, whether or not the reset button (not shown) of the game machine 60 has been pressed by the player) (step S206). When there is a reset request, the CPU 61 repeats the operation of step S203 and subsequent steps again. On the other hand, if there is no reset request, C
The PU 61 ends the operation.

Next, the operation when the game selection program is read from the first block will be described. In this case, the CPU 61 executes a game selection process according to the read game selection program (step S20).
7). In this game selection process, the television receiver 8
At 0, a game selection menu as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. The player uses the controller 70 to select a game to play from a game selection menu. next,
The CPU 61 determines whether or not the player has finished selecting a game (step S208). When the selection of the game is completed, an address conversion process is performed by the memory controller 14 (step S209). In this address conversion process, the CPU 61 is reset again and is put in an operation stopped state. Further, the memory controller 14 designates the head address of the block of the flash memory 12 in which the selected game is stored, and
In order to make the program arrangement position in the address space of U61 coincide with the start address, the address conversion parameter set in step S201 is changed. The reason why the CPU 61 is set to the reset state in step S209 is to prevent the CPU 61 from running out of control in an unstable state. Thereafter, the memory controller 14
Release the reset of U61. Thereby, the CPU 6
1 starts the operation, and performs the operations of steps S210 to S213. The operations in steps S210 to S213 are the same as the operations in steps S203 to S206, respectively, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

In the above-described embodiment, the game cartridge 1 having a built-in flash memory is used as a storage medium on which the game program is written. However, instead of this, the MOD (magnetic optical disk) and the CDR (writable compact disk) are used. ), A DVDR (writable digital video disk), a floppy disk, or another storage medium.

In the above embodiment, the CD-ROM 4
0 is used to record the original data.
-Instead of the ROM 40, another large-capacity storage medium such as MOD, CD, DVD, etc. may be used.

In the above embodiment, a system for selling a game program as software has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a system for selling other types of software such as an educational program and a business program. It is.

In the above-described embodiment, the game cassette 10 is configured to store the game program in the flash memory 12 and store the backup data in the SRAM 13. However, each data is stored in another type of memory ( However, the game program and the backup data may be stored in a single memory.

In the above embodiment, the game program and the backup data are stored in different memories, but they may be written in the same memory. In this case, inheritance of backup data
This is performed as shown in FIG.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of a software sales system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second configuration example of the software sales system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a game cassette 10 shown in FIG. 1 and a game machine 60 to which the game cassette 10 is connected.

FIG. 4 shows a flash memory 12 and an SRA shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a memory map of M13.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a memory map of a related information storage area 122 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data flow when data stored in a CD-ROM 40 is written to a game cassette 10.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data flow when rewriting a game program written in the flash memory 12 of the game cassette 10.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a game selection screen displayed on the in-store terminal 30, particularly showing a screen before selecting a game to be purchased.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a game selection screen displayed on the in-store terminal 30, particularly showing a screen after a game to be purchased is selected.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a game deletion screen displayed on the in-store terminal 30, particularly showing a writable screen before designating a game program to be erased and / or canceled.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a game deletion screen displayed on the in-store terminal 30, particularly showing a screen in a state where writing is not possible and before a game program to be deleted and / or canceled is designated. .

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a game deletion screen displayed on the in-store terminal 30, particularly showing a screen after a game program to be deleted and / or canceled is designated.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a menu screen displayed before the start of the game in the television receiver 80 connected to the game machine 60.

FIG. 14 shows a cassette writer 2 according to a write control program.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a first operation of the first operation.

FIG. 15 shows a cassette writer 2 according to a write control program.
11 is a flowchart showing a second operation of the second operation.

FIG. 16 shows a cassette writer 2 according to a write control program.
11 is a flowchart showing a third operation of the third operation.

FIG. 17 is a subroutine step S300 shown in FIG. 14;
6 is a flowchart showing details of the process.

FIG. 18 is a subroutine step S400 shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing details of the process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game machine 60.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing how to transfer backup data when writing a series of game programs to a game cassette.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing how to transfer backup data when writing a game program and backup data to one memory.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game cassette 11 ... Connector 12 ... Flash memory 121 ... Main area 122 ... Related information storage area 13 ... SRAM 14 ... Memory controller 15 ... Backup IC 16 ... Backup battery 17 ... Check IC 20 ... Cassette writer 21 ... CPU 22 ... CD-ROM drive 23 ... RAM 24 ... Flash memory 25 ... ASIC 26 ... Connector 30 ... In-store terminal 40 ... CD-ROM 50 ... Electronic cash register 60 ... Game machine 61 ... CPU 62 ... PPU 63 ... Working RAM 64 ... Video RAM 65 I / O interface 66 Connector 67 Check IC 70 Controller 80 Television receiver

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. By rewriting a software program stored in a storage medium brought by a customer,
A software rewriting system for selling software to a customer, comprising: a software storage unit storing a plurality of types of software programs to be sold to the customer; and a plurality of types of software stored in the software storage unit. Software selection means for selecting one or more software that the customer wants to purchase; determination means for determining whether the software selected by the software selection means is software that requires inheritance determination; When the determination unit determines that the software selected by the unit is software that requires inheritance determination, software that satisfies a predetermined inheritance condition for the selected software is stored in the storage medium. Determine whether or not As a result of the judgment by the inheritance judging means, the inheritance judging means determines that software satisfying a predetermined inheritance condition with respect to the software selected by the software selecting means is stored in the storage medium. Writing control means for writing the written software program to the storage medium. 2. The storage medium has a program storage area for storing a software program, and a backup data storage area for storing backup data generated by the progress of the program and used in connection with the progress of the program. The write control unit determines that software satisfying a predetermined inheritance condition with respect to the software selected by the software selection unit is stored in the storage medium as a result of the determination by the inheritance determination unit. When
The program of the selected software is written into the program area, and backup data of software satisfying the predetermined inheritance condition is inherited as backup data of the selected software in the backup data storage area. The software rewriting system according to claim 1. 3. The inheritance judging means satisfies a predetermined inheritance condition when software having the same series as the software selected by the software selecting means and having an earlier series number is stored in the storage medium. The software rewriting system according to claim 1, wherein the software rewriting system is determined. 4. A portable rewritable data storage medium, comprising: a writable and readable first storage unit for storing a program; and a program generated by a progress of the program stored in the first storage unit. And a writable and readable second memory for storing backup data used in connection with the progress of the program.
The first storage unit, when set in a computer system that sells software, writes a program of the selected software, and the second storage unit stores the first program in the second storage unit. When the program of the second software related to the first software already stored in the storage unit is written, the backup data of the first software is inherited as the backup data of the second software. A storage medium, characterized by the following.