JP4425294B2 - Game machine, game data backup control program, and backup control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine, a game data backup control program, and a backup control method, and more particularly, to a non-volatile memory having two or three or more backup areas in an electrically rewritable storage area, for example. The present invention relates to a game machine, a game data backup control program, and a backup control method for writing game data.

  An example of a conventional game machine of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the hot start system of Patent Document 1, a backup location is selected from the storage areas of games 1 to 3 provided in the static RAM of the game cartridge by the operation of the operator. If the game data is not backed up at the selected backup location, the backup target data area of the scratch RAM provided in the video game machine is initialized and the game is started from the beginning. On the other hand, if the game data is backed up at the selected backup location, the game data is read into the scratch RAM of the video game machine, and the game is started from the next. As the game progresses, the game data in the scratch RAM is updated. For example, every time the main character is operated, the backup target data among the game data in the scratch RAM is automatically stored in a predetermined (selected) storage area of the static RAM of the game cartridge. The game state is automatically stored as needed.

  Another example of the prior art is disclosed in Patent Document 2. In the file system for a non-volatile memory storage medium of Patent Document 2, a logical block number obtained by searching for the one with the smallest write count information value from among the unused state information in the use frequency list is set as the write target. By doing so, the usable memory blocks are written on average, that is, the writing frequency is leveled, thereby extending the life of the nonvolatile memory.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-12139 (pages 4 to 5, FIGS. 6 to 7) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-31611 (pages 5 to 7, FIGS. 2 to 4)

  However, in the former case, a static RAM is used as a backup memory, and it is necessary to use a battery for backup of game data. For this reason, there is a high possibility that the battery will run out, especially during games where the battery is heavily consumed. In such a case, there is a problem that all game data in the static RAM is lost. In recent years, in order to avoid such a problem, a non-volatile memory (for example, a flash memory, a ferroelectric memory, or the like) that does not require a battery to hold data has started to be used as a backup memory. As described above, if a non-volatile memory is used, there is no risk of running out of the battery. However, the flash memory has a demerit that the writing speed is low and the life of the storage element is short as compared with the static RAM. For this reason, when the same backup location selected by the user is rewritten in a concentrated manner, the life of the storage element at the backup location is shortened compared to other locations, so that the game data stored in the backup area is lost. There is a new problem that it is easy.

  On the other hand, in the latter case, the number of rewrites of each memory block of the nonvolatile memory is leveled so that the lifetime of only a specific memory block is not extremely shortened compared to the lifetime of other memory blocks. .

  However, even if both of the above are considered, if a certain storage element (or a part of the storage area) suddenly becomes defective (lifetime, etc.) while writing the latest game data to a certain backup location, The latest game data can not be written, and furthermore, part of the latest game data has been written in part of the old game data before writing the latest game data, so that the old game data will be destroyed and disappear The problem exists as before. Furthermore, if the game machine is turned off while the latest game data is being written, the old game data is destroyed along with the latest game data, and the worst game data disappears. Note that disappearance due to corruption of game data, which is the result of a player having played a game over a long time, is a very important problem depending on the player.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a game machine, a game data backup control program, and a backup control method that can reliably prevent the disappearance of at least one generation of previous game data.

The present invention is a game machine that includes a nonvolatile memory having two backup areas in an electrically rewritable storage area and writes game data in the backup area. When writing the latest game data, this game machine preferentially selects a backup area for storing game data with an older writing time as a backup target backup area for the latest game data from the two backup areas. An area selecting means, a writing means for executing writing of the latest game data to the write target backup area selected by the area selecting means, a detecting means for detecting whether or not the writing of the latest game data has been performed by the writing means; and When it is detected by the detecting means that the latest game data cannot be written to one of the backup areas, a prohibiting means for prohibiting writing by the writing means to the other backup area is provided.

A game machine (10: reference numeral corresponding to the embodiment; the same applies hereinafter) includes a nonvolatile memory (58) having two backup areas in an electrically rewritable storage area, and game data is stored in the backup area. Write. When the area selection means (40, S15) writes the latest game data, the backup area for storing the game data with the older writing time out of the two backup areas is selected as the backup area for writing the latest game data. Select with priority. The writing means (40, S17, S25) executes writing of the latest game data to the write target backup area selected by the area selecting means (40, S15). The detecting means (40, S27) detects whether or not the latest game data has been written by the writing means (40, S17, S25). When the detecting means (40, S27) detects that the latest game data could not be written to one backup area, the prohibiting means (40, S29) is based on the writing means to the other backup area. Prohibit writing .

  If game data is not yet stored in the backup area, the backup area is preferentially selected as the write target backup area.

  According to the present invention, game data of one generation before can be reliably left.

  Claim 2 is dependent on claim 1, the writing means writes history data for identifying whether the game data is new or old in the latest game data, and the area selecting means writes the latest game data before writing This is a game machine that selects, based on history data, a backup area that stores game data with an older written time as a backup area to be written.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the writing means (40, S17, S25) writes the history data for identifying whether the game data is new or old in the latest game data, the area selecting means (40, S15). Before writing the latest game data, based on the history data included in the old game data, it is possible to select the backup area for storing the game data with the older writing time as the write target backup area. Therefore, for example, game data having the oldest history data can be determined, and a backup area in which the game data is stored can be selected as a writing target.

Claim 3 is dependent on claim 1 or 2, and includes a message display means for displaying a predetermined warning message when the detection means detects that the latest game data could not be written to one of the backup areas. Furthermore, it is a game machine provided.

In the invention of claim 3, when it is detected by the detecting means (40, S27) that the latest game data cannot be written to one of the backup areas , the message display means (14, 40, S31) A warning message can be displayed to prompt the user to replace the non-volatile memory.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a backup control program for writing game data in a backup area of a nonvolatile memory having two backup areas in a storage area electrically connected to the game machine and electrically rewritable. When the latest game data is written to the computer of the game machine, the backup control program stores a backup area for storing game data with an older writing time out of the two backup areas as a backup target for writing the latest game data. The area selection step that is preferentially selected as the area, the writing step that executes writing of the latest game data to the writing target backup area selected by the area selection step, and whether or not the writing of the latest game data has been completed by the writing step A detection step for detecting the data, and when the detection step detects that the latest game data could not be written to one backup area, a prohibition step for prohibiting writing by the writing step to the other backup area is executed. Let me.

In the invention of claim 4, as in the invention of claim 1, game data of one generation before can be reliably left.

  According to the present invention, when only the backup area storing the game data written immediately before the latest game data becomes selectable as the write target backup area, overwriting the immediately preceding game data is prohibited. The game data immediately before can be surely left. That is, it is possible to prevent game data from being damaged.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, game machine 10 of this embodiment includes a case 12. On the surface of the case 12, a color liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as “LCD”) 14 is provided substantially at the center. The LCD 14 displays a game space and game characters existing in the game space, and displays a message as necessary. In addition, operation buttons 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 are provided on the surface of the case 12. The operation buttons 16, 18 and 20 are arranged on the left side of the LCD 14, and the operation buttons 22 and 24 are arranged on the right side of the LCD 14. Further, operation buttons 26 and 28 are disposed on the upper end surface of the case 12 (above the LCD).

  The operation button 16 is a cross button that functions as a digital joystick. By operating one of the four pressing portions, the operation button 16 instructs the moving direction of the game character displayed on the LCD 14 or moves the cursor. be able to. The operation button 18 is a start button composed of a push button, and is used for instructing the start of the game. The operation button 20 is a select button composed of a push button, and is used for selecting a game mode.

  The operation button 22 is an A button composed of a push button, and can make an arbitrary action such as hitting, throwing, grabbing, riding, jumping, etc., on the game character displayed on the LCD 14. The operation button 24 is a B button composed of push buttons, and is used for changing the game mode selected by the select button 20 or canceling the action determined by the A button 22. The operation button 26 is a left push button (L button) constituted by a push button, and the operation button 28 is a right push button (R button) constituted by a push button. The operation button 26 and the operation button 28 can perform the same operation as the A button 22 and the B button, and can perform an auxiliary operation of the A button 22 and the B button 24.

  In addition, an insertion port 30 is formed at the upper end of the back surface of the case 12. A game cartridge 32 is inserted into the insertion port 30. Although illustration is omitted, connectors are provided at the inner part of the insertion slot 30 and the front end part of the game cartridge 32 in the insertion direction. When the game cartridge 32 is inserted into the insertion slot 30, two connectors are connected. Connected to each other. Therefore, the game cut ridge 32 can be accessed by the CPU 40 (see FIG. 2) of the game machine 10.

  Further, on the surface of the case 12 and below the A button 22 and the B button 24, a speaker 34 is provided for outputting BGM, the voice of the game character, or an artificial voice sound during the game.

  Although not shown, an external extension connector is further provided on the top side of the case 12, a battery storage box is provided on the back side of the case 12, and a power source is provided on the bottom side of the case 12. A switch, volume volume, earphone jack, and the like are provided.

  The electrical configuration of the game machine 10 is shown as in FIG. With reference to FIG. 2, the game machine 10 is provided with the CPU 40 as described above. The CPU 40 is also called a computer or a processor, and controls the game machine 10 as a whole. The CPU 40 or the computer is connected to a work memory 44, an external memory interface (I / F) 46, a controller I / F 48, a VRAM 50 and a liquid crystal driver 52 via an internal bus (hereinafter simply referred to as “bus”) 42.

  The work memory 44 is used as a work area or a buffer area for the CPU 40. As described above, the game cartridge 32 inserted into the insertion slot 30 is connected to the external memory I / F 46 via a connector (not shown).

  The controller I / F 48 is connected to the controller 54 including the cross button 16, the start button 18, the select button 20, the A button 24, the B button 26, the L button 30 and the R button 32 shown in FIG. An operation signal corresponding to the button operation is input to the CPU 40 via the controller I / F 48.

  Under the instruction of the CPU 40, game image data and character image data are drawn on the VRAM 50. Further, the liquid crystal driver 52 reads game image data and character image data drawn in the VRAM 50 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 40 and displays a game screen and characters on the LCD 14.

  The game cartridge 32 is provided with a ROM 56 and a flash memory 58 as an example of a nonvolatile memory. Although not shown, the ROM 56 and the flash memory 58 are connected to each other via a bus and to a connector. Therefore, as described above, when the game cartridge 32 is mounted on the game machine 10, the CPU 40 is electrically connected to the ROM 56 and the flash memory 58.

  In this embodiment, the flash memory 58 is used. However, for example, a ferroelectric memory (FeRAM) or an EEPROM can be used as another nonvolatile memory.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ROM 56 stores (stores) a game program 560, image data (game image data, character image data, message display image data, etc.) 562 and a backup control program 564 in advance. The backup control program 564 includes an area selection program 564a, a failure detection program 564b, an overwrite prohibition program 564c, a message display program 564d, and a history data update program 564e. However, these programs 564a to 564e are not separately executed independently, but are executed as a series of processes (see FIG. 10).

  Although not shown, the ROM 56 also stores various data and programs necessary for the game program such as music data necessary for the game.

  The flash memory 58 stores game data (backup data). For example, when a user plays a game using the game machine 10, game data is stored (updated) in the work memory 44 of the game machine 10 according to the progress of the game. Then, the game data is written (saved) in the flash memory 58 of the game cartridge 32 in accordance with a user instruction or a predetermined timing (event). Thereafter, when the game is continued, the game proceeds as it is, and game data storage and backup as described above are executed. In addition, once the game is finished, when the next game is played, the backed up game data can be read and the game can be started from the previous game.

  Here, the flash memory 58 for backing up game data has an advantage that it does not have a backup power supply when compared with a memory such as an SRAM, but has a drawback that the rewrite life is short and the rewrite speed is slow. In particular, when a non-writable failure such as a physical failure or an electrical failure occurs at the time of data writing, a part of the game data cannot be written, and as a result, the game data is damaged. In particular, the game data is frequently rewritten as the game progresses as described above, and therefore, if no treatment is made, damage to the game data becomes obvious.

  The physical failure includes a memory cell (storage element) failure, a solder failure, a wiring failure, and the like. Electrical failures include inadvertent power cuts and momentary power outages. In the event of a momentary power failure, problems such as not returning to the recovery process occur.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, two backup areas are provided in the flash memory 58, and game data is sequentially stored in the two backup areas. As a result, even when one of the backup areas fails, the game data always remains in the other backup area to prevent the complete disappearance of all the game data. Furthermore, when only the overwriting of the game data (old game data) written immediately before can be performed, overwriting of the previous game data immediately before is prohibited. This prevents both game data from being lost due to a failure when the latest game data is overwritten on the old game data.

  Since the flash memory 58 generally needs to rewrite data in units of sectors (blocks) (some products can be rewritten in units of addresses), the backup area includes one or more sectors. That is, the number of sectors included in the backup area is determined by the game data capacity.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the flash memory 58 has a first backup area 58a and a second backup area 58b. Further, as described above, in order to sequentially write the game data in the first backup area 58a and the second backup area 58b, in this embodiment, the game data includes (adds) history data. That is, FIG. 4A shows a state in which game data having history data (1) is written in the first backup area 58a and game data having history data (2) is written in the second backup area 58b. ing.

  Instead of the history data, for example, by storing a saved game data pattern in the work memory 44, it is possible to determine which is the old game data.

  Here, when the game data (latest game data) stored in the work memory 44 of the game machine 10 is written in the flash memory 58, history data (3) is assigned to the latest game data, and a predetermined rule (area According to the selection condition), the area for writing the latest game data, that is, the first backup area 58a or the second backup area 58b is selected.

  The history data is assigned to the game data in the order of 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 1 by the CPU 40 of the game machine 10 and is included in the game data. For example, although not shown, the history data is determined by the count value of a 2-bit counter, and the counter is incremented when storing game data. That is, the count value is changed as “00” (“1”) → “01” (“2”) → “10” (“3”) → “11” (“4”), and the maximum value “ At “11”, the counter is reset (“11” → “00”).

  In this embodiment, the maximum value “11” (“4”) is determined as a multiple of the number of backup areas. Therefore, a counter that can count at least a multiple of the number of backup areas may be used as the counter.

  The region selection condition is expressed by four inequalities of 2> 1, 3> 2, 4> 3, 1> 4. The numbers 1 to 4 are the numbers indicated by the history data, and the game data including the history data of the right side is older than the game data including the history data of the left side (written to the flash memory 58). Means that the data is old. As such region selection conditions, inequalities (conditions) used corresponding to the history data of the latest game data are determined (defined), and are specifically shown in Table 1.

  Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 4A, the latest game data including history data (3) is written according to the area selection condition (2> 1). The stored first backup area 58a is selected. In the same manner, a backup area to be written is selected. When the latest game data is written in the first backup area 58a, the state shown in FIG. 4B is obtained.

  When the next game data (latest game data) is written in the state of FIG. 4B, history data (4) is assigned to the latest game data stored in the work memory 44, and the latest game data The write target is selected as the second backup area 58b in accordance with the area selection condition (3> 2). Then, when the latest game data including the history data (4) is written in the second backup area 58b, a state as shown in FIG. 5 (A) is obtained.

  In the state of FIG. 5A, when writing the next game data (latest game data), history data (1) is assigned to the latest game data stored in the work memory 44, and the latest game data The write target is selected as the first backup area 58a in accordance with the area selection condition (4> 3). Then, when the latest game data including the history data (1) is written in the first backup area 58a, a state as shown in FIG.

  In the state of FIG. 5B, when writing the next game data (latest game data), history data (2) is assigned to the latest game data stored in the work memory 44, and the latest game data The write target is selected as the second backup area 58b in accordance with the area selection condition (1> 4). Then, the latest game data including the history data (2) is written in the second backup area 58b.

  As described above, the game data is written (overwritten) according to the area selection conditions. As described above, the latest game is added to the area selected according to the area selection conditions due to a physical failure or an electrical failure of the flash memory 58. Data may not be written. In such a case, it is conceivable to overwrite the previous game data (one generation before), but if a physical or electrical failure occurs at the time of overwriting, all game data will be lost. Therefore, in this embodiment, overwriting of the latest game data is prohibited. That is, the game data writing process is forcibly terminated.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, game data including history data (1) is written in the first backup area 58a, and game data including history data (4) is written in the second backup area 58b. If so, the writing target of the latest game data including the history data (2) is selected in the second backup area 58b in accordance with the area selection condition (4> 1). Then, the latest game data writing process is executed. In the game data writing process, it is determined by the checksum whether or not the game data has been normally written. If the game data has not been normally written, the writing process is repeated a plurality of times (for example, three times). If writing of game data fails as a result of performing the writing process a plurality of times, it is determined that writing is impossible. Then, the game data writing process is forcibly terminated in order to prohibit writing of the latest game data to another area (first backup area 58a in FIG. 6).

  When game data cannot be written to the flash memory 58 as described above, a warning message is displayed on the LCD 14 to prompt the user to replace the flash memory 58 (repair the game cartridge 32). . For example, when the user instructs to save the game data (display the save screen), a screen (save screen) for selecting whether or not to execute the save as shown in FIG. Is displayed. Specifically, the CPU 40 reads the image data of the save screen from the image data 562 stored in the ROM 56 of the game cartridge 32 in accordance with a user instruction, and develops it on the VRAM 50. The liquid crystal driver 52 reads the image data of the save screen developed on the VRAM 50 under the instruction of the CPU 40 and outputs it to the LCD 14.

  In the following, when a screen is displayed, such processing is executed, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted each time.

  Since the save screen is displayed on a part of the game screen, strictly speaking, the image data on the save screen is overwritten on a part of the image data on the game screen developed in the VRAM 50. The same applies to the save end screen and error screen described later.

  If “No” is selected on this save screen, the game screen is displayed and the game is continued. On the other hand, when “Yes” is selected, a writing process of the latest game data is executed. When the latest game data has been successfully written, a screen (save end screen) that displays a save end (normal end) message such as “save finished” is displayed as shown in FIG. 7B. The On the other hand, if writing of the latest game data fails and writing to another backup area is prohibited, as shown in Fig. 7 (C), "The backup memory has failed. The latest data will not be saved. A screen (error screen) that displays a warning message such as "" is displayed.

  As described above, the game data of the previous generation can be reliably left, and when the warning message is displayed, the game data of the previous generation is left by, for example, sending the cartridge to the manufacturer for repair. It is possible to replace it with a new flash memory. Thereby, although it is the game data of the previous generation, the player can start the game from the next.

  If one of the backup areas becomes unwritable and the other backup area becomes write-protected, and the player further advances the game, a message is displayed that writing is not possible for the first time when the latest game data is stored. Therefore, there is a risk that the previous player's labor may be wasted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, if a write prohibition flag area 58c is further provided in the flash memory 58 and the prohibition flag of the backup area in which writing is prohibited is set (turned on), that is, If overwriting is prohibited, a warning message can be displayed immediately by referring to the write prohibition flag area 58c when the game is started or when a display of a save screen is instructed. You can also.

  Further, since a physical failure or an electrical failure may occur in the write prohibition flag area 58c, predetermined data (for example, the last cell) in the first backup area 58a and the second backup area 58b In this embodiment, “FF”) is written, and when writing to the backup area becomes impossible, the predetermined data written to a specific cell in the backup area is changed to other data (other than “FF”). Data). In this way, by examining the data written to a specific cell in each backup area, you can easily know which backup area has become unwritable, and if one of the backup areas is unwritable Therefore, it can be determined that overwriting of the old game data written in the other backup area is prohibited.

  Note that the predetermined data (“FF”) to be written in a specific cell is data that prohibits the writing of game data to the cell, and normally, data writing (rewriting) is not executed, so that the lifetime is long.

  2 is processed according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 to 12. As shown in FIG. 9, when the game is started, game data generated according to the progress of the game is stored in the work memory 44 in step S1. That is, the game data is updated. In a succeeding step S3, it is determined whether or not a save screen display is instructed. If “NO” in the step S3, that is, if the save screen display is not instructed, the process returns to the step S1 as it is.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S3, that is, if a save screen display is instructed, a save screen as shown in FIG. 7A is displayed in a step S5.

  In a succeeding step S7, it is determined whether or not save is selected. That is, it is determined whether or not “Yes” is selected on the save screen. If “NO” in the step S7, that is, if “No” is selected, the process returns to the step S1 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S7, that is, if “Yes” is selected, the backup process is executed in a step S9, and then the process returns to the step S1.

  Although FIG. 9 shows only the case where the backup process is executed when the user instructs saving, the backup process may be automatically executed while the game is in progress. For example, a timer for counting a predetermined time is provided, and backup processing is executed when the timer counts the predetermined time, or the progress of the game and a predetermined operation of the user during the game (operation other than a save instruction) Backup processing can be executed according to the situation. These are arbitrarily determined (set) by the game developer or programmer.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the backup process is started, history data is assigned to game data (latest game data) stored in the work memory 44 in step S11. That is, numerical data corresponding to the count value of the counter is assigned (included) to the latest game data. Next, in step 13, history data included in the game data stored in the backup area 58a and the backup area 58b is read, and in step S15, a backup area selection process to be written is executed.

  In the subsequent step S17, the latest game data and history data are written to the selected backup area to be written. That is, the latest game data writing process including history data is executed. In step S19, it is determined whether or not the data has been normally written by the checksum. That is, the CPU 40 reads the written game data from the flash memory 58 and compares it with the game data stored in the work memory 44 to determine whether they match. If they match, that is, if “YES” in the step S19, it is determined that the data has been normally written, the history data updating process is executed in a step S21, and as shown in FIG. 7B in a step S23. Display the save end screen and return the backup process.

  On the other hand, if the game data do not match, that is, if “NO” in the step S19, it is determined that the data has not been normally written, and the game data is written a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) in a step S25. . At this time, whenever the game data is written, the checksum as described above is executed.

  In a succeeding step S27, it is determined whether or not the game data has been successfully written. If “YES” in the step S27, that is, if the writing of the game data is successful, the process proceeds to a step S21. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S27, that is, if the writing of the game data fails even if the writing process is executed a plurality of times, the writing process is performed in the step S29 so as to prohibit overwriting the game data of the previous generation. Is terminated (forced termination), and an error screen as shown in FIG. 7C is displayed in step S31, and then the backup process is returned. As described above, when the game data (latest game data) writing process is forcibly terminated, the latest game data is discarded.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the write prohibition flag area 58c is provided in the flash memory 58, when the write processing of the write prohibition flag is executed when the game data writing process is completed in step S29, In step S31, an error screen may be displayed. In this way, when the next game starts or when a save screen display is instructed, it is possible to easily know whether writing of the latest game data is prohibited by referring to the write prohibition flag area, An error screen can be displayed immediately.

  Even in the case where the write prohibition flag area 58c is not provided, the data of the last cell in the backup area that has become unwritable may be changed when the game data write process is terminated in step S29. . In this case, it is easy to know whether writing of the latest game data is prohibited by referring to the data of the last cell in each backup area when the next game start or display of the save screen is instructed. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the backup area selection process is started, in step S31, the read history data are compared according to the area selection conditions as described above. As described with reference to Table 1, the area selection conditions used at this time are determined according to the history data assigned to the latest game data. In step S33, the backup area in which the game data including the oldest (older) history data is written is selected as the backup area to be written, and the selection process is returned.

  However, if game data is not stored in the flash memory 58 in the initial state or the like, the history data cannot be referred to. Therefore, priorities are assigned to the areas in advance, and the game data is written in the backup areas. Until it is played, game data may be written according to the priority order. That is, in this embodiment, the game data can be written in the order of the first backup area 58a and the second backup area 58b, or the game data can be written in the reverse order.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the history data update process is started, it is determined in step S41 whether the history data is “4”, that is, the count value of the counter is “11”. If “NO” in the step S41, that is, if the count value is not “11”, the history data in the work memory 44 is incremented by 1 in a step S43, that is, the counter is incremented, and the history data update processing is returned. To do.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S41, that is, if the count value is “11”, the history data in the work memory 44 is rewritten to “1” in a step S45, that is, the counter is reset and the history data is reset. Returns the update process.

  According to this embodiment, when the writing of the game data to one backup area becomes impossible, the writing of the game data to the other is prohibited, so that the game data of the previous generation can be reliably left. That is, it is possible to prevent game data from being damaged.

  Further, since the number of rewrites is leveled by sequentially writing the game data in the two backup areas, the rewrite life of the flash memory can be maximized.

  Since the game machine 10 of the other embodiment is the same as the above-described embodiment except that three or more backup areas of the flash memory 58 provided in the game cartridge 32 are provided, redundant description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in another embodiment, the flash memory 58 is provided with N backup areas 58n (1 ≦ n (natural number) ≦ N). Also in other embodiments, game data is sequentially stored in each backup area 58n as in the above-described embodiments. For example, until the game data is stored in all the backup areas 58n, the game data is stored by selecting the backup areas in order from n = 1, but after the game data is stored in all the backup areas 58n Then, the game data is overwritten in accordance with a predetermined region selection condition.

  In this embodiment, until the first game data is stored in all the backup areas 58n, the backup areas are selected in order from n = 1, but writing to the overlapping backup areas is performed. If not, the backup area may be selected by any method.

  The area selection conditions in the other embodiments are shown in Table 2, and the area selection conditions used corresponding to the history data of the latest game data are determined in advance, as in the above-described embodiment. For example, if the history data of the latest game data is “1”, the area selection condition to be used is 2N> 2N−1>...> N + 2> N + 1.

  That is, similarly to the above-described embodiment, a counter that can count a number (2N) or more of the number of backup areas (N) is provided, and the count value of the counter is incremented to obtain a numerical value of history data. If the counter is reset when a multiple of the number of backup areas is counted, the area selection condition can be set using a simple inequality as shown in Table 2. it can.

  Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the game data including the history data indicated by the number of right sides is older than the game data including the history data indicated by the number of left sides of the inequality. Therefore, when writing the latest game data in accordance with the area selection condition, the backup area in which the game data including the number of history data (at the rightmost side) described at the right end is stored is selected as the backup area to be written. The

  However, if there is a backup area that cannot be written, the game data history data stored in the backup area excluding the backup area that cannot be written is acquired and applied to the area selection conditions. The backup area to be written is selected. Therefore, for example, if the backup area in which the game data including the history data of the rightmost number is stored in the area selection condition becomes unwritable, the next oldest game data (the second number from the right end) A backup area in which (game data including history data) is stored is selected for writing. That is, as a result of comparing the read history data according to the region selection conditions, the backup region in which the game data including the number of history data corresponding to the rightmost side is stored is selected as the write target. In other words, the backup area for storing the game data with the older time when the game data was written in the flash memory 58 is preferentially selected.

  Next, specific processing of the CPU 40 will be described. Since the processing is the same as the processing described in the above embodiment except that part of the backup processing is different, redundant description will be omitted.

  Specifically, the CPU 40 executes backup processing according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the same reference numbers (step numbers) are assigned to the same processing as the backup processing shown in FIG. 10.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the backup process of another embodiment, if “NO” is determined in the step S27, that is, if the writing of the game data fails, another writing can be performed in the step S101. Determine if there is a backup area. Specifically, it is determined whether there are two or more writable backup areas. If “NO” in the step S101, that is, if there is only one writable backup area, the game data writing process is ended in a step S29 in order to prohibit writing to the backup area.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S101, that is, if there are two or more writable backup areas, another writable (writing target) backup area is selected in the step S103, and then the process returns to the step 17. . That is, in step S103, a backup area in which the game data that is next to the game data recorded in the backup area selected in the backup area selection process in step S15 is stored is selected. As described above, the selection process of the backup area to be written is repeatedly executed until overwriting is prohibited.

  In another embodiment, since it is determined in step S101 whether there is another backup area that can be written, a write prohibition flag area as described with reference to FIG. Judgment can also be made easier.

  However, until the write prohibition flag is turned on, that is, until there is one normal backup area, the game data writing process to the backup area that has become unwritable is executed. As shown in the figure, an area (write disable flag area) 58p for writing a flag (write disable flag) for a backup area that has become unwritable is provided, and if unnecessary write processing is avoided, the backup process can be completed quickly. it can. In this case, if the writable flag area 58p is fixed, the writable area cannot be easily checked when a physical failure or an electrical failure occurs in the area. 58p is also considered in the same way as the backup area 58n, and when it becomes necessary to rewrite, it is necessary to move (rewrite) it to another backup area 58n. For example, the unwritable flag area 58p may be rewritten in the backup area in which the game data that is next to the game data recorded in the backup area 58 in which the latest game data is written is recorded. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to end the writing process when there are two writable backup areas.

  Even if the write disable flag area 58p is not provided, it is impossible to write even if data indicating whether or not write is possible is written in the last cell of each backup area as described in the above embodiment. It is possible to easily know the backup area 58n.

  According to another embodiment, when the oldest game data is overwritten and the game data cannot be written to all of the backup areas other than the one backup area, the game data to the first backup area is lost. Since the writing of is prohibited, the game data of the previous generation can be reliably left. That is, it is possible to prevent game data from being damaged.

  Further, by sequentially writing game data in a plurality of backup areas, the number of rewrites can be leveled, so that the rewrite life of the flash memory can be maximized.

  In these embodiments, a portable game machine has been described as an example of the game machine in the present invention. However, as a game machine that executes a game program and saves game data in a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to any form such as a personal computer, a home game machine, an arcade game machine, a portable information terminal, and a mobile phone as long as they function.

  Further, the ROM and the nonvolatile memory storing the backup control program need not be detachably provided in the game machine, and may be provided in the game machine.

It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the game machine shown in FIG. 1 Example. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a memory map of a ROM provided in the game cartridge shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view for describing selection of a backup area when two backup areas of the flash memory shown in FIG. 2 are provided. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view for describing selection of a backup area when two backup areas of the flash memory shown in FIG. 2 are provided. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view for explaining a state in which when two backup areas of a flash memory are provided in FIG. 2 and writing of one backup area becomes impossible, writing of data to the other backup area is prohibited. . FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a save screen, a save end screen, and an error screen displayed on the LCD shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. When two flash memory backup areas are provided in FIG. 2 and a write prohibition flag area is further provided, when one of the backup areas becomes unwritable, data writing to the other backup area is prohibited. It is an illustration figure for demonstrating. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the whole process of CPU shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the backup process of CPU shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing backup area selection processing of the CPU shown in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of the historical data of CPU shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the memory map of the flash memory provided in the game cartridge with which the other game machine of this invention is mounted | worn. It is a flowchart which shows a part of backup processing of CPU in another Example. It is a flowchart which shows another part of backup processing of CPU in another Example. It is an illustration figure which shows another example of the memory map of the flash memory provided in the game cartridge with which the game machine of another Example is mounted | worn.

Explanation of symbols

10… Game console 14… LCD
16 to 28 ... operation buttons 32 ... game cartridge 40 ... CPU
44 ... Work memory 50 ... VRAM
56… ROM
58 ... Flash memory

Claims (6)

A game machine comprising a non-volatile memory having two backup areas in an electrically rewritable storage area and writing game data in the backup area,
An area selection means for preferentially selecting a backup area for storing game data having a shorter writing time as a backup target backup area for the latest game data, among the two backup areas when writing the latest game data;
Writing means for writing the latest game data to the write target backup area selected by the area selecting means;
When the latest game detecting means for detecting whether or not the writing of data, and it is detected that could not be said of the latest game data writing to one of the backup area by said detecting means by said writing means, and the other A game machine comprising prohibiting means for prohibiting writing by the writing means to the backup area . The writing means writes history data for identifying whether the game data is new or old in the latest game data,
The area selection means selects, as the write target backup area, a backup area for storing game data with an earlier writing time based on the history data before writing the latest game data. The game machine described. The game according to claim 1, further comprising message display means for displaying a predetermined warning message when the detection means detects that the latest game data could not be written to the one backup area. Machine. A backup control program for writing game data to a backup area of a nonvolatile memory having two backup areas in a storage area electrically connected to the game machine and electrically rewritable,
In the game machine computer,
An area selection step for preferentially selecting a backup area for storing game data with a shorter writing time as a backup target backup area for the latest game data, among the two backup areas when writing the latest game data;
A writing step of writing the latest game data to the writing target backup area selected by the area selecting step;
When detected that could not the latest game data writing to one of the backup area by the detection step, and the detecting step detects whether or not the writing of the latest game data by said writing step, the other A backup control program for executing a prohibiting step for prohibiting writing by the writing step in the backup area . The writing step includes writing history data for identifying whether the game data is new or old in the latest game data,
It said region selecting step, said before writing the latest game data, based on said history data, to select the backup area the time written to store older game data as the write target backup area, claim 4 The game data backup control program described. The detection when it is detected that can not be the latest game data writing to one of the backup area by step, further executes the message display step of displaying a predetermined warning message, according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the game Data backup control program.

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