JPH06142338A - Multi-adapter with number of-player automatic setting function for game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make the number of players which is suitable for each game program possible to use a game system by automatically setting the conditions when the data for multiple players for a game program being recorded on a recording carrier is input in a multi-adapter. CONSTITUTION:A TV game apparatus for household 2 is constituted of a connecting terminal 6 to a television receiver 4, power source connecting terminal 8, first and second operation connecting terminals 12-1, 12-2 to connect first and second operating means 10-1, 10-2 setting unit 16 in which a cartridge 14, that is a recording carrier on which game programs are recorded, is inserted and set, a power source switch 18 and a resetting switch 20. When data for multiple players for a game program, which is recorded on the cartridge 14, is input in a multi-adapter 38 while the multi-adapter 38 is inseted between the TV game apparatus for household 2, which is a computer main body section, and an operating means, specially the second operating means 10-2, the conditions are automatically set so that the number of players which is suitable for the game program may be able to use the game system.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-adapter having a game system automatic personnel setting function, and in particular, automatically sets conditions immediately before the start of a game program and enables the use of personnel depending on the game program. The present invention relates to a multi-adapter having an automatic personnel setting function for a game system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, with the development of personal computers and home-use television game machines, the age of users has advanced, and the sales of record carriers for recording game programs, that is, cartridges and floppy disks, has been spurred.

When the game program is operated by the personal computer, for example, a floppy disk, which is a record carrier recording the game program, may be inserted into the main body of the personal computer to read the game program. You can enjoy the game by selecting the items to be played using the keyboard or other operating means.

When operating a game program on a home video game device, for example, a floppy disk is set at a predetermined position on the main body of the video game device, which is a record carrier for recording the game program, and a power supply is turned on. The game program is loaded only by turning it on. Then, after reading, an item displayed on the television receiver is selected by an operating means called a controller to advance the game.

[0005]

By the way, in a conventional game system, particularly a game system using a home video game machine, the contents of the game program are generally designed for one person or two persons. .

However, although game programs that can be played by three or more people are gradually being developed, it is the current situation that home video game devices cannot be initially set for a large number of people.

[0007] In other words, when playing with a game program that can be played by three or more people, because the initial settings cannot be made,
It is necessary to change the player during the play, and when changing the player, it is necessary to operate the slide switch and the push button for each change of the player, and the switching operation becomes troublesome, Not only is it inconvenient to use, but even if an excellent game program is developed, there is a fear that the player will be separated from the point of change operation by the player, and improvement is desired.

[0008]

Therefore, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned inconvenience, the present invention operates the operation means in accordance with the display procedure from the record carrier recording the game program set in the computer main body to the display means. In the game system for operating the game program recorded on the record carrier by operating the, when multiplayer data of the game program recorded on the record carrier is input to the multi-adapter, the number of personnel corresponding to the game program is increased. It is characterized in that conditions are automatically set to enable use.

[0009]

According to the invention as described above, when the data of the game program recorded on the record carrier is input to the multi-adapter, the multi-adapter automatically sets the conditions and the number of personnel corresponding to the game program is increased. It is possible to use it and eliminates the switching operation during play, improving usability.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 9 show an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 is a computer main body, for example, a home video game device, and 4 is a television receiver.

The household video game device 2 has a connection terminal 6 to the television receiver 4, a power supply connection terminal 8, and
First and second operation connection terminals 12-1 and 12-2 to which two first and second operation means 10-1 and 10-2 can be connected, and a cartridge 1 which is a record carrier recording a game program.
4 includes a setting unit 16 for inserting and setting 4, a power switch 18, and a reset switch 20.

A plurality of first and second operating means 10-
1 and 10-2 will be described as the operating means 10, the operating means 10 is, as shown in FIG. 3, a connector 22 connected to the operation connecting terminal 12 of the home video game device 2,
The main body 24 and a connection cord 26 for connecting the main body 24 and the connector 22 are provided. The main body 24 has a start key 28, a reset key 30, a selection key 32, and a selection key necessary for the progress of the game program. A release key 34 and a direction key 36 are provided.

The home video game machine 2 which is the computer main body and the operating means, especially the second operating means (on the side) 1
When the multi-adapter 38 is provided between 0 and 2 and the multi-player data of the game program recorded in the cartridge 14 as the record carrier is input to the multi-adapter 38,
The condition is set automatically so that the number of personnel can be used according to the game program.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the multi-adapter 38 includes a connector 40 which is connected to the second operation connection terminal (on the side) 12-2 of the home video game device 2. , The main body 42 and a connecting cord 44 connecting the main body 42 to the connector 40. The main body 42 has four second to fifth operation means 10-2, 10-.
Connector 22-2, 22- of 3, 10-4, 10-5
First to fourth operation connection terminals 46-1, 46-2, 46-3, 46-4 for connecting 3, 22-4, 22-5, a mode display LED 48, and a mode selection switch 50 are provided.

First, the function selection will be described.

Mode selection is performed by either the software of the game program or the mode selection switch 50.

Whether the normal mode (2-person mode, 2P) or the multi-mode (5-person mode, 5P) is present can be confirmed by the mode display LED 48. When the mode display LED 48 is lit, the normal mode is displayed. When the multi mode (five-person mode) is set, the mode display LED 48 is turned off.

When the power is turned on, the normal mode is set and the mode display LED 48 is lit.

When the mode selection switch 50 is used for mode switching, the mode selection switch 50 may be pressed, and each time the mode selection switch 50 is pressed, the normal mode (2P) and the multi mode (5P) are switched. Alternates.

The switching of the mode by the software of the game program is not normally performed, and the home-use television game device 2 is used.
Although it is possible to confirm whether the multi-adapter 38 is connected to the second operation connection terminal (〓 side) 12-2 of, the normal mode or the multi-mode is selected depending on the mode state or the connection environment. Is set, and the game program proceeds.

When the multi-adapter 38 is connected,
Multi-adapter 38 for mode switching data [C927H]
Send to the side.

The transmission procedure of this mode switching data is C9.
Bit 7 of H is sequentially transmitted from PP7 up to bit 0.

That is, first, OUT0 is set to H level, then data of bit7 is set in PP7, and then 4017H is read (RD).

However, this read (RD) operation is a dummy.

Then, the next bit data is again PP7.
And 4017H is read (RD). This operation is repeated 8 times, and thereafter, data of 27H is similarly sent out 8 times. During this period, OUT0 maintains the H level.

A total of 16 data sets to PP7,
If read (RD) is repeated on 4017H, 40
17H is read (RD) again.

Then, finally, the read (RD) operation of 4017H continues twice, and the mode switching is completed.

If the above operation is not performed after switching the operation several times, the message "Please push the mode selection switch to confirm that the mode display LED is off" is displayed on the television receiver 4. That is, the mode selection switch 50 has a function of manually switching to the multi-mode when using a multiplayer game without an automatic setting program.

Next, multi-mode (5-person mode, 5P)
Will be described.

To enter the multi mode, the mode selection switch 50 is pressed to select the multi mode (5P). This selection can be confirmed by turning off the mode display LED 48.

In this multi mode, the multi adapter 38 is used.
First to fourth operation connecting terminals 46-1, 46-2, 46-
Second to fifth operating means 10 connected to 3, 46-4, respectively
-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, the second operation connection terminal of the home video game device 2 (〓 side)
By sending to D0 and D1 of the connector 22 connected to 12-2, it is possible to play up to 5 people, and the sending data format is as shown in FIG.
It is clear from the time chart of.

That is, to check the multi-adapter 38, OUT0 is set to H level and 4017H
Read D1 of 8 times, and then reset OUT0. Then, when all eight times of CH0 to CH7 of D1 read at that time are [1], the multi-adapter 38 is connected.

In other cases, it is determined that the connection is not established.

This determination of non-connection is made by the multi-adapter 38.
It also occurs when the connector is removed or the connector is about to come off, and it is necessary to check it at regular intervals.

The reading of the first operating means (on the side of 〓) 10-1 is the same as the conventional one, but the second to fifth operating means (on the side of
Side) 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5 is PP
7 operation and data reading from D1 and the number of data is 2
It is the same as the conventional one except that it is doubled.

That is, first, OUT0 is set and immediately reset. By this operation, the first operating means (on the side of) 10
-1, and second to fifth operating means (on the side of) 10-2, 10-
Input data of 3, 10-4 and 10-5 are set.

Then, PP7 is set. As a result, the second and third operation means (on the side) 10-2, 10-3 are selected.

After that, 4017H is read 17 times. D
In addition to the second operation means (〓 side) 10-2 in 0,
The third operation means (on the side of the side) 10-3 is entered in D1, and the order of the operations is sent from a predetermined button (actually button [B]).

The 17th time is a bit for confirming the presence / absence of the operating means. In the case of [1], it can be determined that the operating means is present.

Next, when PP7 is reset, the read-out destination ports are the fourth and fifth operation means (on the side of) 10-4, 1
0-5, the above-mentioned second and third operating means (〓
Side) Similarly to the 10-2 and 10-3 sides, data reading is performed 17 times again. At this time, the sending order and the contents of the 17th bit are the same.

The normal mode (two-person mode, 2P)
Can be turned on by pressing the mode selection switch 50 when the power is turned on or in the multi mode.
In addition, the state of this normal mode is the mode display LED
It can be confirmed by the fact that 48 is lit.

In the normal mode (two-person mode, 2P), the first operation means 10-1, the first operation connection terminal (on the side) 12-1 of the home video game device 2 and the first of the multi-adapter 38 are provided. All the terminals of the second operation means 10-2 connected to the operation connection terminal 46-1 and the second operation connection terminal (on the side) 12-2 of the home video game device 2 are directly connected to each other, and A normal game can be played without removing the adapter 38, and there is no problem in playing a conventional one-player or two-player game.

At this time, the third to fifth operating means 10-3,
Ports 10-4 and 10-5 are invalid and no data is read.

The operation by the program software will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power switch 18 is turned on after the cartridge 14 is set in the setting section 16 of the home video game device 2, the start (100) state is set.

Then, the home television game device 2 reads the game program in the cartridge 14 (10
2) It is determined (104) whether the multi-adapter 38 which is a peripheral device is connected.

If this judgment (104) is NO, the fact that "there is no peripheral device" is displayed on the television receiver 4 (106) if necessary, and then the process proceeds to the end (114).

When the determination (104) is YES, the condition setting instruction is output to the multi-adapter 38 (10
8) Do.

Then, it is judged (110) whether or not the mode switching is completed. If the judgment (110) is YES, the process proceeds to the end (114), and if the judgment (110) is NO. Indicates that "manual switching is to be performed" is displayed on the television receiver 4 (112) and the process proceeds to the end (114).

The operation at the time of setting the automatic condition will be described with reference to FIG.

When the home video game device 2 reads the game program in the cartridge 14 and the connection of the multi-adapter 38, which is a peripheral device, is confirmed, the automatic condition setting program starts (200).

In the game program in the cartridge 14, an automatic condition setting command is prepared in advance as data (202), and a transmission signal is output (204) by this command data.

Next, 1-bit output of the instruction data (20
6) and the data transmission signal is output (208). Then, it is judged whether the transmission of all the data is completed (21
0) and if this judgment (210) is NO, after shifting (212) the instruction data, it returns to the 1-bit output (206) of the instruction data, and if the judgment (210) is YES, it transmits. The output of the signal is stopped (214), the data transmission signal is output (216), and the end (218) is reached.

Thus, the multi-mode (5-person mode,
5P), it is possible to automatically set the conditions for the household video game device 2 for a large number of people when playing the game, and when changing the player, every time the player is changed There is no need to operate slide switches or push buttons, and switching operations are performed automatically, improving usability.

Further, since the condition is automatically set immediately before playing the game on the home-use video game device 2, it is possible to surely prevent the condition from being forgotten and erroneous operation at the time of setting, and to use the game software quickly. In addition, it can be surely performed and is practically advantageous, and it is possible to surely prevent the player from leaving due to the troublesomeness of the changing operation of the player.

Further, the multi-adapter 38 includes first to third
Fourth operation connection terminals 46-1, 46-2, 46-3, 46
-4 has a function of enabling a game of personnel matching the number of operating means depending on the number of operating means connected.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but various application modifications are possible.

For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the home video game machine was explained as the computer main body. However, if a multi-adapter for a personal computer is used, it will automatically be played immediately before playing with the personal computer. It is also possible to set conditions.

[0060]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the operating means is operated in accordance with the display procedure from the record carrier recording the game program set in the computer main body to the display means, and the record carrier is operated. In the game system for operating the game program recorded in the above, when the multi-player data of the game program recorded on the record carrier is input to the multi-adapter, the automatic operation is performed to enable the use of personnel according to the game program. Since the condition is set dynamically, multi-mode (5-person mode, 5P)
When playing a game, the computer main unit can be automatically set for a large number of people, and when changing the player, a slide switch or push button is required every time the player is changed. There is no need to operate, switching operation is automatically performed, and usability can be improved. In addition, since the conditions are automatically set immediately before playing on the computer body, it is possible to reliably prevent forgetting of setting conditions and erroneous operation at the time of setting, and to use the game software quickly and reliably. In addition to being practically advantageous, it is possible to surely avoid the player's separation from the troublesome operation of the player's changing operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a connected state of a home video game device showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a home video game device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of operation means called a controller.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a multi-adapter.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a multi-adapter.

FIG. 6 is a time chart of a transmission data format.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a multi-adapter.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for operation by program software.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for operation when setting automatic conditions.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Home Video Game Equipment 4 Television Receiver 6 Connection Terminal 8 Power Supply Connection Terminal 10-1 First Operation Means 10-2 Second Operation Means 10-3 Third Operation Means 10-4 Fourth Operation Means 10-5 5 Operation Means 12-1 First Operation Connection Terminal 12-2 Second Operation Connection Terminal 14 Cartridge 16 Set Section 18 Power Switch 20 Reset Switch 22 Connector 24 Body Section 26 Connection Code 28 Start Key 30 Reset Key 32 Selection Key 34 Selection Deselection 34 Key 36 Directional key 38 Multi-adapter 40 Connector 42 Main body 44 Connection code 46-1 First operation connection terminal 46-2 Second operation connection terminal 46-3 Third operation connection terminal 46-4 Fourth operation connection terminal 48 mode Display LED 50 Mode selection switch

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] January 11, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 1]

[Fig. 2]

[Figure 3]

[Figure 4]

[Figure 5]

[Figure 6]

[Figure 7]

[Figure 8]

[Figure 9]

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A game system for operating a game program recorded on a record carrier by operating an operating means in accordance with a display procedure from a record carrier recording a game program set in a computer main body to a display means, When the multi-player data of the game program recorded on the record carrier is input to the multi-adapter, the condition is automatically set to enable the use of personnel according to the game program. A multi-adapter that has an automatic personnel setting function for the featured game system.