JPH0787106A - Equipment and system for transferring data - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily execute extension at a low cost by cascade-connecting a data transfer equipment and successively transferring data from a preceding stage device with a next stage device so as to supply it to a receiving device. CONSTITUTION:When a data transfer requesting and synchronizing signal is supplied from the receiving device 20 to the cascade-connected data transfer equipments 21-23 with a lines 14 and 15, the respective transfer equipments successively output data from a user at one pulse by a latching circuit. Then, output data of the transfer equipment 23 is supplied to the receiving equipment 20 with the equipments 22 and 21 and output data of the equipment 22 is with the device 21. The receiving equipment 20 counts the number of the pulse of the synchronizing signal, specifies the output transfer device of data, fetches required data and forms an image signal. Thus, at the time of increasing the data transfer equipment, a system is easily extended at a low cost without requiring the addition and improvement of a processing function.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for transferring data when a data transfer is requested, such as a so-called video game device, a communication system computer device, etc. More particularly, the present invention relates to a data transfer device and a data transfer system that are improved in problems such as expandability and cost of a receiving device that occur when a plurality of data transfer devices are provided to configure the data transfer system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, so-called video game machines are in widespread use. As shown in FIG. 5, this video game device has a so-called CD-ROM whose output terminal is connected to a television receiver and in which game contents are stored.
The receiving device 50 is a game machine main body that advances the game based on the data read from the ROM, and the first to third, for example, three data transfer devices 51 to 53 that are controllers operated by the user. ing.

The receiving device 50 supplies a plurality of data transfer request signal output terminals for supplying a data transfer request signal to each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53 and a synchronizing signal to each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53. Has one synchronization signal output terminal and one data input terminal to which the data transferred from each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53 is supplied.

The plurality of data transfer request signal output terminals of the receiving device 50 have different transfer request lines 54 to 54.
56 is connected to the data transfer request signal input terminal of each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53, and the sync signal output terminal is synchronized with each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53 by a single sync signal line 57. It is connected to the signal input terminal. The data input terminals are connected to the data transfer devices 51 to 5 by a single data bus line 58.
3 data output terminals.

In such a video game machine, when the game is started, the receiving device 50, based on the data read from the CD-ROM, the first to third data transfer devices 51 to 53. A data transfer request signal is supplied to each of

Each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53 is shown in FIG.
The transfer request signal line 5 has a configuration as shown in
When the data transfer request signal is supplied via 5, the data transfer control unit 55a receives the signal and controls the data sequential output unit 52b to capture the data formed by the operation of the user controller. Then, identification data assigned to each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53 is added to the fetched data, and the data sequential output unit 52b is controlled so as to transfer based on the synchronization signal. The transferred data (and identification data) is supplied to the receiving device 50 shown in FIG. 5 via the data bus line 58.

When the data from each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53 is supplied to the receiving device 50, which data transfer device 51 the data is based on the identification data.
Identifies from. Then, only the necessary data from the data transfer device is taken in, an image signal or the like corresponding to the taken-in data is formed, and this is supplied to the television receiver.

As a result, an image or the like according to the user's operation is displayed on the television receiver, and the game proceeds.

[0009]

However, some video games are played by a plurality of people at the same time. Since the number of data transfer request signal output terminals provided in the receiving device 50 is limited in the conventional video game device, only the number of data transfer request signal output terminals provided in the data transfer device (controller) is provided. There was a problem that it could not be attached, and the expandability was poor.

In order to expand the expandability, the receiving device 50 may be provided with a large number of data transfer request signal output terminals and a CPU having a high data processing capacity, but the cost for the terminals and the CPU is increased. The cost of the device itself increases.

Further, in the conventional video game machine, the receiving device is provided with a plurality of data transfer request signal output terminals, and the data transfer request signals are separately supplied to the data transfer devices 51 to 53 through the terminals. It is good that the response is good and the data transfer speed is fast, but since the above-mentioned receiving device is provided with a plurality of data transfer request signal output terminals, in addition to this, it is expensive and There is a problem that separate transfer request lines 54 to 56 are required to connect the respective data transfer devices 51 to 53.

Further, in order to identify the data transferred from each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53, the identification data is added to the data for transfer, and the data length becomes longer by the amount of the identification data. was there.

The problem of the data length is solved by fetching the data transferred from each of the data transfer devices 51 to 53 into the receiving device 50 using separate data bus lines. In this case, the separate data bus lines are required and the receiving device 50 must be provided with a plurality of data input terminals, which further increases the cost.

In the current video games, so-called simulation games and role-playing games, in which the game is advanced while thinking, are becoming mainstream. Therefore, the above-mentioned extensibility and cost reduction are realized rather than the above-mentioned data transfer speed. There are many demands.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data transfer device and a data transfer system capable of expanding expandability at low cost.

[0016]

A data transfer apparatus according to the present invention comprises a data generating means for generating first data, a second data input terminal to which second data is supplied, and the first and second data transfer terminals. A data transfer request signal input terminal to which a data transfer request signal requesting transfer of the second data is supplied; and a sync signal input terminal to which a sync signal for transferring the first and second data is supplied. When a data transfer request signal is supplied via the data output terminal for outputting the first and second data and the data transfer request signal input terminal, the first data from the data generating means is fetched, First
Data and the second data supplied through the second data input terminal are sequentially transferred through the data output terminal based on the synchronization signal supplied through the synchronization signal input terminal. Means for Solving the Problems The above problems are solved.

In the data transfer system according to the present invention, the data generating means for generating the first data, the second data input terminal to which the second data is supplied, and the first and second data are provided. A data transfer request signal input terminal to which a data transfer request signal for requesting the transfer of data is supplied; a sync signal input terminal to which a sync signal for transferring the first and second data is supplied; When the data transfer request signal is supplied through the data output terminal for outputting the second data and the data transfer request signal input terminal, the first data from the data generating means is fetched and the first data is fetched.
Data and the second data supplied via the second data input terminal are sequentially transferred via the data output terminal based on the synchronization signal supplied via the synchronization signal input terminal. Means, at least two data transfer devices, one data transfer request signal output terminal for outputting the data transfer request signal, one synchronization signal output terminal for outputting the synchronization signal, and the second data. A receiver having a data input terminal to which the first and second data output from the transfer device are supplied,
The data output terminal of the previous stage data transfer device is connected to the second data input terminal of the next stage data transfer device, and the data output terminal of the final stage data transfer device is connected to the data input terminal of the receiving device. The data transfer request signal output terminal of the receiving device is connected to the data transfer request signal input terminal of each of the data transfer devices, and the synchronization signal output terminal of the receiving device is connected to the synchronization signal input terminal of each of the data transfer devices. The above-mentioned problems are solved by being configured by the following.

[0018]

The data transfer device according to the present invention is provided inside the data transfer device and the second data input terminal to which the second data, which is data from another data transfer device, is supplied. A data transfer request signal input terminal to which a data transfer request signal for requesting transfer of the first data and the second data generated by the data generating means is supplied, and for transferring the first and second data. And a data output terminal for outputting the first and second data.

When a data transfer request signal is supplied from, for example, the receiving device side via the data transfer request signal input terminal, the data transfer means receives the signal. Then, the first data from the data generating means is taken in, and the first data and the second data supplied through the second data input terminal are supplied through the synchronization signal input terminal. The data is sequentially transferred via the data output terminal based on the synchronization signal.

A plurality of such data transfer devices are provided,
A system in which data is transmitted and received by one receiving device is the data transfer system according to the present invention.

That is, if the data transfer system is provided with, for example, three data transfer devices, the data transfer request signal input terminal and the synchronization signal input terminal of each of the first to third data transfer devices are received by the reception device. The data transfer request signal output terminal and the synchronization signal output terminal of the device are respectively connected, and the data output terminal of the first data transfer device is connected to the data input terminal of the receiving device, and the data output of the second data transfer device is connected. A terminal connected to the second data input terminal of the first data transfer device and a data output terminal of the third data transfer device connected to the second data input terminal of the second data transfer device. ing.

Then, when the data transfer request signal is output from the receiving device, the data transfer means of each data transfer device receives it and fetches the first data from each data generating means, respectively. Data and second above
The second data supplied via the data input terminal of
Transfer based on the synchronization signal.

As a result, the data from the first data transfer device is supplied to the receiving device as it is, and the data from the second data transfer device is received via the first data transfer device. Supplied to the device, the third
The data from the data transfer device is supplied to the receiving device through the second and first data transfer devices in order.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a data transfer device and a data transfer system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, in FIG. 1, the data transfer apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment transfers a controller 2 (data generating means) that generates first data, and transfers the first data and other data from the controller 2. Second supplied from the device
And a data transfer circuit 3 (data transfer means) for sequentially transferring the data.

The data transfer circuit 3 is provided with a data transfer request signal input terminal 4 to which a data transfer request signal from a receiving device, which will be described later, is supplied, and a reference clock for transferring the first and second data. A synchronizing signal input terminal 5 to which a synchronizing signal from the receiving device is supplied, an external data input terminal 12 to which the second data is supplied,
A data output terminal 13 for outputting the second data,
The first data input terminals 6 to 8 to which the first data from the controller 2 is supplied from the controller 2 and the first and second data are latched, for example, FI
It has first to third latch circuits 9 to 11 formed of FO (First In First Out).

In the data transfer circuit 3, the first
The data output terminal 9e of the second latch circuit 9 is connected to the data input terminal 10a of the second latch circuit 10, and the data output terminal 10e of the second latch circuit 10 receives the data input of the third latch circuit 11. It is connected to the terminal 11a.

The data transfer request signal input terminals 9c, 10c and 11c of the latch circuits 9 to 11 are connected to the data transfer request signal input terminal 4, respectively, and the latch circuits 9 to 11 are synchronized with each other. Signal input terminal 9d,
10d and 11d are connected to the sync signal input terminal 5, respectively.

The data input terminal 9a of the first latch circuit 9 is connected to the external data input terminal 12 and the data output terminal 11 of the third latch circuit 11 is connected.
e is connected to the data output terminal 13.

The first data input terminals 9b, 10b, 11b of the latch circuits 9-11 are connected to the first data input terminals 6-8, respectively.

Data transfer device 1 having such a configuration
The data transfer system according to the embodiment of the present invention can be configured by providing a plurality of devices and connecting them to the receiving device.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the data transfer system according to the present embodiment includes first to third data transfer devices 21 to 23 having the same configuration as the above-mentioned data transfer device,
It is composed of a receiving device 20.

Each of the data transfer devices mentioned above has a data output terminal 21 for outputting the first and second data as described above.
a, 22a, 23a, sync signal input terminals 21b, 22
b, 23b, and a data transfer request signal input terminal 21
It has c, 22c, and 23c.

The receiving device 20 has a data input terminal 20a to which the first and second data from the first data transfer device 21 are supplied, and a sync signal output terminal for outputting the sync signal. 20b and a data transfer request signal output terminal 20c for outputting the data transfer request signal.
And have.

Sync signal output terminal 20 of the receiving device 20
b is connected to each synchronization signal input terminal 21b, 22b, 23b of each data transfer device 21-23, and the data transfer request signal output terminal 20c is each data of each data transfer device 21-23. The transfer request signal input terminals 21c, 22c and 23c are respectively connected.

The data output terminal 23a of the third data transfer device 23 is connected to the second data transfer device 2 in the subsequent stage.
2 is connected to the external data input terminal 22d, and the data output terminal 22a of the second data transfer device 22 is connected to the external data input terminal 2 of the first data transfer device 21 in the subsequent stage.
It is connected to 1d. The data output terminal 21a of the first data transfer device 21 is connected to the data input terminal 20a of the receiving device 20.

The data transfer system having such a configuration can be specifically applied to a video game machine as shown in FIG. 3, for example. This video game device is designed so that a plurality of people can enjoy the game at the same time, and is composed of, for example, data transfer devices 21 to 23 for three people, a receiving device 20 which is the main body of the game device, and a television receiver 33. ing.

The data transfer devices 21 to 23 are so-called controllers operated by the user according to the contents of the game, and the control pad 30 provided with a cross key, push buttons, etc., and the operation of the control pad 30. And a data transfer circuit 31 that transfers the formed data.

Next, the operation of the data transfer system according to this embodiment when it is applied to a video game machine will be described, including the operation of the data transfer device.

First, when the game is started in FIG. 2, the receiving device 20 performs the process shown in FIG. 4 based on the data read from a so-called CD-ROM in which the game contents are stored.
Along with the data transfer request signal shown in (a), a synchronization signal which is a repetitive pulse having a constant cycle as shown in (b) of FIG.
1 to 23.

Specifically, the data transfer request signal is
The data transfer circuit 3 is transferred through the transfer request signal line 14 shown in FIG.
It is supplied to each of the latch circuits 9 to 11 therein. The sync signal is transferred through the sync signal line 15 and supplied to the latch circuits 9 to 11 through the sync signal input terminal 5.

When the data transfer request signal is supplied to the data transfer circuit 3, the latch circuit 9-1 outputs the first data from the controller 2 generated by the user's operation.
Take in 1. Then, for each pulse of the synchronization signal,
The first data latched by the third latch circuit 11 is output as second data via the data output terminal 13, and the first data latched by the second latch circuit 10 is latched by the third latch. The first latch circuit 9 is transferred to the circuit 11.
The first data latched by is transferred to the second latch circuit 10.

The data transfer circuit 3 has the first data transfer circuit.
When the first data latched by the latch circuit 9 is transferred, the second data output from another data transfer device and supplied through the external data input terminal 12 is taken into the first latch circuit 9. .

The data transfer circuit 3 performs an operation of outputting the first data thus formed internally and taking in the second data from the outside for each pulse of the synchronizing signal.

That is, in FIG. 2, three data 3 from the third data transfer device 22 as shown in FIG.
When a, 3b, and 3c are sequentially output, at the same time, the second
Data transfer device 22 and first data transfer device 21
Is three data 2 as shown in FIGS. 4 (d) and 4 (c).
a, 2b, 2c and data 1a, 1b, 1c are sequentially output. Then, the second data transfer device 22
Outputs the data 2a, fetches the data 3a supplied from the third data transfer device 23, and
When the first data transfer device 21 outputs the data 1a, the first data transfer device 21 takes in the data 2a supplied from the second data transfer device 22.

As a result, the third data transfer device 2
The data output from the second data transfer device 22
And the receiving device 2 via the first data transfer device 21.
The data output from the second data transfer device 22 is supplied to the receiving device 20 via the first data transfer device 21, and the data output from the first data transfer device 21 is It is supplied to the receiving device 20 as it is.

As described above, each data transfer device 21
The latch circuit provided in each of FIGS.
It is composed of O. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4C, data 1 from each of the data transfer devices 21 to 23 is
a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c
Is the reception device 20 in sequence for each pulse of the synchronization signal.
Will be supplied to.

The receiver 20 detects which data transfer device the data currently supplied is, for example, by counting the number of pulses of the output synchronization signal. Then, only the necessary data from the data transfer device is taken in, an image signal or the like corresponding to the taken-in data is formed, and this is supplied to the television receiver.

As a result, an image or the like according to the user's operation is displayed on the television receiver, and the game proceeds.

In this way, when the data transfer device is expanded by supplying the data from the previous data transfer device to the receiving device through the next data transfer device,
The data output terminal, the data transfer request signal input terminal and the synchronization signal input terminal of the added data transfer apparatus are respectively used as the second data input terminal of the existing data transfer apparatus, the data transfer request signal output terminal and the synchronization of the receiving apparatus. It suffices to connect to the signal output terminal, and the terminal provided on the receiving device side is one data input terminal for inputting the above data and one data transfer request signal output for outputting the above data transfer request signal. Only a total of three terminals, that is, a terminal and an output terminal for outputting one synchronization signal for outputting the above-mentioned synchronization signal, may be provided. Furthermore, data from each data transfer device may be transmitted through one data input terminal. Are supplied in sequence, and it is not necessary to provide a CPU with high data processing capability, so cost can be reduced and expandability can be expanded. It is possible.

In the above description of the embodiments, the data transfer device and the data transfer system according to the present invention are applied to what is called a video game machine.
It goes without saying that the device may be applied to, for example, a communication system or a computer device as long as it is a device that transfers data when a data transfer is requested.

[0052]

In the data transfer device and the data transfer system according to the present invention, the data from the data transfer device at the preceding stage is supplied to the receiving device via the data transfer device at the next stage. When adding
The data output terminal, the data transfer request signal input terminal and the synchronization signal input terminal of the added data transfer apparatus are respectively used as the second data input terminal of the existing data transfer apparatus, the data transfer request signal output terminal and the synchronization of the receiving apparatus. It suffices to connect to the signal output terminal, and the terminal provided on the receiving device side is one data input terminal for inputting the above data and one data transfer request signal output for outputting the above data transfer request signal. Only a total of three terminals, that is, a terminal and an output terminal for outputting one synchronization signal for outputting the above-mentioned synchronization signal, may be provided. Furthermore, data from each data transfer device may be transmitted through one data input terminal. Are supplied in sequence, and it is not necessary to provide a CPU with high data processing capability, so cost can be reduced and expandability can be expanded. It is possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a data transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram when the data transfer system of the present invention is applied to a video game device.

FIG. 4 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the data transfer system according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional video game device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a data transfer device provided in the conventional video game machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Data transfer device 2 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Controller 3 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・..Data transfer circuit 4 ... Data request signal input terminal 5 ... Synchronous signal input terminal 6 to 8・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Data input terminals 9 ～ 11 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ First to third latch circuits 12 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・External data input terminal 13 Data output terminal 14 Transfer request signal line 15・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Synchronous signal line 16 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Data bus line 20 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Reception devices 21-23・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ First to first Data transfer device 3 ... 25 Output terminal 30 Controller 31 Controller・ ・ ・ Data transfer circuit 32 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Reception device 33 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ TV receiver

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. Data generation means for generating first data, a second data input terminal to which second data is supplied, and a data transfer request signal for requesting transfer of the first and second data. , A data transfer request signal input terminal, a sync signal input terminal to which a sync signal for transferring the first and second data is supplied, and a data output for outputting the first and second data When the data transfer request signal is supplied through the terminal and the data transfer request signal input terminal, the first data from the data generating means is supplied.
Data of the first data and the second data supplied through the second data input terminal, and the data output terminal based on the synchronization signal supplied through the synchronization signal input terminal. And a data transfer means for sequentially transferring the data via the data transfer device. 2. Data generating means for generating first data, a second data input terminal to which second data is supplied, and a data transfer request signal for requesting transfer of the first and second data. , A data transfer request signal input terminal, a sync signal input terminal to which a sync signal for transferring the first and second data is supplied, and a data output for outputting the first and second data When the data transfer request signal is supplied through the terminal and the data transfer request signal input terminal, the first data from the data generating means is fetched, and the first data and the second data input terminal are connected. At least two pieces of data comprising a data transfer means for sequentially transferring the second data supplied via the sync signal input terminal based on the sync signal supplied via the sync signal input terminal. A transfer device, one data transfer request signal output terminal that outputs the data transfer request signal, one synchronization signal output terminal that outputs the synchronization signal, and the first and the first data output from the second data transfer device. A receiver having a data input terminal to which second data is supplied, the data output terminal of the previous stage data transfer device is connected to the second data input terminal of the next stage data transfer device, and the final stage The data output terminal of the data transfer device is connected to the data input terminal of the receiving device, the data transfer request signal output terminal of the receiving device is connected to the data transfer request signal input terminal of each data transfer device, and A data transfer system characterized by being configured by connecting a sync signal output terminal of a receiving device to a sync signal input terminal of each of the data transfer devices. .