JPH09201476A - Game cassette system for electronic game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily expand and develop game contents at a low cost. SOLUTION: A base cassette 11 installed freely attachably to and detachably from a game machine body 1 is provided with a first and a second loading part; the first loading part is at least provided with a terminal for reading in game software. Plural sub-cassettes that are freely loaded to or unloaded from the first and the second loading part are each provided with a game software recording part (ROM) 17A with game software recorded and a non- volatile recording part (SRAM) 19a for recording game data. In addition, the base cassette 11 is constituted of a base recording part (ROM) 11d in which a common program is recorded for starting a game.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game cassette system for an electronic game machine having a high degree of interest, and particularly to provide various game contents at a low cost and to easily expand and develop each game contents. It relates to a game cassette system that can be used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various video game machines have been proposed. A conventional video game machine has a game machine body and a single game cassette that is detachably attached to the game machine body. This game cassette has a memory for recording a game launching program and game software. When playing a game, the game machine body is connected to a television receiver, the game cassette is mounted on the game machine body, the game software is read from the memory, and the game is started. After that, the game image according to the progress of the game is displayed on the television receiver. When another game is desired to be played, the game cassette is replaced with a desired game cassette.

[0003]

However, since the game cassette used in the conventional video game machine stores the original game software and the program for launching this game software in the same memory, There is no relationship to game cassettes, and each game cassette is independent. Therefore, the game contents of a specific game cassette cannot be expanded and developed. Also,
In order to enjoy more games, the game cassette itself has to be additionally purchased, which causes a problem of increased expenses.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game cassette system in which various games can be enjoyed at low cost and the contents of the game can be easily expanded and developed. And

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the first means provided by the present invention has the following requirements. That is, (a) The base cassette is detachably attached to the main body of the game machine. (B) The base cassette has first and second mounting portions. (C) The first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software. (D) The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. (E) Having a plurality of sub-cassettes which are detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (F) Each of the plurality of sub-cassettes has a game software recording section in which game software is recorded and a non-volatile recording section in which game data is recorded. (G) The base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for starting a game.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the second means provided by the present invention has the following requirements. That is, (a) The base cassette is detachably attached to the main body of the game machine. (B) The base cassette has first and second mounting portions. (C) The first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software. (D) The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. (E) Having a plurality of sub-cassettes which are detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (F) The plurality of sub-cassettes are provided for each game, and each has a game software recording section for recording game software and a non-volatile recording section for recording game data. (G) Each of the plurality of sub-cassettes has identification information for identifying the sameness of each game recorded in the game software recording section or the non-volatile recording section. (H) The base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for launching a game. (I) The base cassette reads the identification information of each sub-cassette mounted in the first and second mounting parts, and when both sub-cassettes are not related to the same game, a mounting error is detected and a detection signal is detected. Must have error detection means to output.

The third means provided by the present invention to achieve the above object has the following requirements. That is, (a) The base cassette is detachably attached to the main body of the game machine. (B) The base cassette has first and second mounting portions. (C) The first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software. (D) The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. (E) It has a first sub-cassette that is detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (F) A second sub-cassette is detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (G) The first sub-cassette has at least a game software recording section in which game software is recorded. (H) The second sub-cassette has a recording section for recording game data. (I) The base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for launching a game.

To achieve the above object, the fourth means provided by the present invention has the following requirements. That is, (a) The base cassette is detachably attached to the main body of the game machine. (B) The base cassette has first and second mounting portions. (C) The first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software. (D) The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. (E) It has a first sub-cassette that is detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (F) A second sub-cassette is detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (G) The first sub-cassette has at least a game software recording section in which game software is recorded. (H) The second sub-cassette has a non-volatile recording section in which game data is recorded. (I) The base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for launching a game. (E) The base cassette initializes the contents of the second sub-cassette or copies the contents of the second sub-cassette when the second sub-cassette is mounted in the first mounting portion. Must have processing means to do so.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The first means provided by the present invention is as follows.
The base cassette 11 detachably attached to the game machine body 1 has first and second mounting portions, the first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software, and the second mounting portion is It has at least a terminal for reading game data. Each of the plurality of sub-cassettes detachably attached to the first and second attachment units has a game software recording unit in which game software is recorded and a non-volatile recording unit in which game data is recorded. In addition, the base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for starting a game. As described above, the storage unit for storing the common program for launching the game and the storage unit for storing the game software are separately configured, so that only a plurality of types of the sub-cassettes storing the game software are prepared, thereby reducing the cost. You can enjoy various games at.

The second means provided by the present invention is a base cassette 1 which is detachably attached to the game machine main body 1.
1 has a first and a second mounting portion, the first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software, and the second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. A plurality of sub-cassettes that are detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions are provided for each game, and a game software recording portion for recording game software and a non-volatile recording for recording game data are provided. Parts. Also,
The plurality of sub-cassettes record identification information for identifying the identity of each game in the game software recording section or the non-volatile recording section. Then, the base cassette has a base recording section in which a common program for launching the game is recorded, reads the identification information of each sub-cassette mounted in the first and second mounting sections, and both sub-cassettes relate to the same game. If not, it has an error detecting means for detecting a mounting error and outputting a detection signal. As described above, the storage unit for storing the common program for launching the game and the storage unit for storing the game software are separately configured, so that only a plurality of types of the sub-cassettes storing the game software are prepared, thereby reducing the cost. You can enjoy various games at. Also, when both sub-cassettes mounted on the first and second mounting parts are not related to the same game,
Since it is configured to detect a mounting error and output a detection signal, an error message can be displayed even when a younger child makes a mounting error, and it is appropriate and safe according to the above message without damaging the device. You can play games.

The third means provided by the present invention is a base cassette 1 which is detachably attached to the game machine main body 1.
1 has a first and a second mounting portion, the first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software, and the second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. First detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions
And a second sub-cassette, the first sub-cassette has a game software recording section in which at least game software is recorded, and the second sub-cassette has a recording section in which game data is recorded. In addition, the base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for starting a game. As described above, the storage unit for storing the common program for launching the game and the storage unit for storing the game software are separately configured, so that only a plurality of types of the sub-cassettes storing the game software are prepared, thereby reducing the cost. You can enjoy various games at. Further, since the first sub-cassette having the game software recording section and the second sub-cassette having the game data recording section are provided, a plurality of the second sub-cassettes can be arranged to reduce the cost of the game. Can be easily expanded and developed.

The fourth means provided by the present invention is a base cassette 1 which is detachably attached to the game machine main body 1.
1 has a first and a second mounting portion, the first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software, and the second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. First detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions
And a second sub-cassette, the first sub-cassette has at least a game software recording section for recording game software, and the second sub-cassette has a non-volatile recording section for recording game data. . In addition, the base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for starting a game. The base cassette has processing means for initializing the contents of the second sub-cassette or copying the contents of the second sub-cassette when the second sub-cassette is mounted in the first mounting portion. Have. As described above, the storage unit for storing the common program for launching the game and the storage unit for storing the game software are separately configured, so that only a plurality of types of the sub-cassettes storing the game software are prepared, thereby reducing the cost. You can enjoy various games at. Further, since the first sub-cassette having the game software recording section and the second sub-cassette having the game data recording section are provided, a plurality of the second sub-cassettes can be arranged to reduce the cost of the game. Can be easily expanded and developed. In addition, when the second sub-cassette is normally mounted in the first mounting portion where the first sub-cassette should be mounted, the contents of the second sub-cassette are initialized or copied. Therefore, even if a mistake is made in mounting, the game machine body is not damaged, and special processing such as initialization and copying can be reliably performed.

[0013]

An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, controllers 3 and 5 are detachably attached to the game machine main body 1. Further, the game machine body 1 is connected to the television receiver 7, and the image signal and the audio signal relating to the game from the game machine body 1 are output to the television receiver 7. Instead of the television receiver 7, an appropriate display such as a liquid crystal display is used. Also,
A commercially available video game machine can be used for the game machine body 1 and the controllers 3 and 5. Game console 1 is CP
It has U1a, RAM1b, and connectors 1c, 1d, and 1e. The CPU 1a performs overall control processing relating to the progress of the game. The RAM 1b temporarily stores game data and the like. The connectors 1c and 1d connect the controllers 3 and 5, respectively. The connector 1e connects to a base cassette 11 described later. Further, the game machine main body 1 has an on / off power switch 1f and an ejector switch 1 for taking out the mounted base cassette 11.
g and a reset switch 1h. The controller 3 has operation switches 3a and 3b, and the controller 5 has operation switches 5a and 5b.

Next, a cassette system detachably attached to the game machine main body 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the cassette system according to the present invention includes a base cassette 1
1 and a plurality of types of sub-cassettes 13 detachably attached to the base cassette 11. As shown in FIG. 8, the base cassette 11 includes a connector 11a connected to the game machine body 1 side, a connector 11b for mounting one sub-cassette 13, a connector 11c for mounting another sub-cassette 13, and a ROM 11d. , Integrated circuit 11
f, 11g. One connector 11b is a first mounting portion having at least a terminal for reading game software. The other connector 11c is a second mounting portion having at least a terminal for reading game data. The ROM 11d is a base recording unit and stores common data such as a common program for launching a game, sound data, font data, menu data, title graphics, and a mounting error warning message. Further, the ROM 11d reads the identification information of each sub-cassette mounted in the first and second mounting portions, and when both sub-cassettes do not relate to the same game, a mounting error is detected and a detection signal is output. The error detection program of is stored. Also, the ROM 11
d is an initialization program for initializing the memory contents,
Various processing programs such as a copy program for copying the memory contents are stored. And the integrated circuit 1
A decoder 11e is configured by 1f and the integrated circuit 11g.

Explaining a plurality of types of sub-cassettes 13, there are a sub-main cassette 13a, a sub-memory cassette 13b and a sub-data cassette 13c. As shown in FIG. 9, the sub-main cassette 13a includes a connector 15a connected to the base cassette 11 and a ROM 17
a, an SRAM 19a, and a battery power source Ea that supplies power to the SRAM 19a. The ROM 17a is a game software recording unit that records game software. In addition, SRAM 19a is a character, stage map,
It is a non-volatile recording unit in which game data such as a background is recorded. The nonvolatile recording unit is not limited to the SRAM, and can be configured by using an appropriate nonvolatile memory, such as an EEPROM. Further, the sub-main cassette 13a is provided for each game such as a role playing game, a racing game, a battle action game, and a sports (baseball, soccer, etc.) game, and is an identification for identifying the identity of each game. Information is recorded in the game software recording unit (ROM 17a) or the non-volatile recording unit (SRAM 19a). Further, a sub-cassette for recording a further upgraded version of the game belonging to the same game as the one sub-main cassette 13a is provided. The plurality of sub-main cassettes 13a have compatibility with respect to mounting on the base cassette 11, and can be mounted on either the connector 11b or the connector 11c.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sub memory cassette 1
3b is a connector 15 connected to the base cassette 11.
b, an SRAM 19b, and a battery power source Eb that supplies power to the SRAM 19b. The SRAM 19b is a non-volatile recording unit in which game data such as characters and weapons is recorded. SRAM is used as the nonvolatile recording unit.
However, the nonvolatile memory is not limited to the memory
It can be configured using a ROM or the like. Further, the sub memory cassette 13b is provided for each game such as a role playing game, a racing game, a battle action game, a sports (baseball, soccer, etc.) game, and identification information for identifying the sameness for each game. Are recorded in the nonvolatile recording section (SRAM 19b). Characters and various parts data are recorded in the sub memory cassette 13b for the role playing game. Further, various parts data such as replacement tires and spark plugs are recorded in the sub memory cassette 13b for the car race game. Various parts data such as characters, weapons, and armor are recorded in the sub memory cassette 13b for the battle action game. Various data such as team data, pitcher data, pitch type data, batter data, and batting average are recorded in the sub memory cassette 13b for a baseball game. In addition, a sub-cassette in which the game data further upgraded with the contents belonging to the same game as that of the sub-memory cassette 13b is recorded is provided. The plurality of sub-memory cassettes 13b have compatibility with respect to mounting on the base cassette 11, and can be mounted on either the connector 11b or the connector 11c.

As shown in FIG. 11, the sub data cassette 1
3c is a connector 15 connected to the base cassette 11.
c and the ROM 17c. The ROM 17c is a recording unit in which game data is recorded. Further, the sub data cassette 13c is provided for each game such as a role playing game, a racing game, a battle action game, and a sports (baseball, soccer, etc.) game, for identifying the identity of each game. Identification information is recorded in the ROM 17c. The plurality of sub-data cassettes 13c are compatible with each other in mounting on the base cassette 11, and can be mounted on either the connector 11b or the connector 11c.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the ROM 11d of the base cassette 11 reads the identification information of the first and second mounting portions, that is, the sub-main cassettes 13a mounted on the connectors 11b and 11c, respectively. An error detection program for detecting a mounting error and outputting a detection signal when the sub main cassettes 13a are not related to the same game is recorded. Therefore, the ROM 11d reads the identification information of each sub-cassette 13 mounted on the first and second mounting portions, and when both sub-cassettes 13 are not related to the same game, a mounting error is detected and a detection signal is detected. Error detecting means for outputting Further, in the ROM 11d, when the sub memory cassette 13b which is the second sub cassette is attached to the connector 11b, the sub memory cassette 1
An initialization program for initializing the contents of 3b is recorded. Therefore, when the second sub-cassette is mounted on the first mounting portion, the ROM 11d stores the second sub-cassette
It has processing means for initializing the contents of the sub-cassette. Further, in the ROM 11d, a sub memory cassette 13b which is a second sub cassette is provided with connectors 11b and 11b.
A processing program for copying the recorded contents of the sub memory cassette 13b on the connector 11b side to the sub memory cassette 13b on the connector 11c side is recorded when mounted on the sub memory c. Therefore, this ROM 11d is the second
When the sub-cassette is mounted in the first mounting portion, it has processing means for copying the contents of the second sub-cassette.

Next, the operation of the embodiment according to the present invention will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 1, the sub-main cassette 13a is connected to the connectors 11b and 11c of the base cassette 11 together.
Next, the operation of playing a game with the base cassette 11 mounted on the game machine body 1 will be described. In step S1 shown in FIG. 12, when the power switch 1f is turned on, the game software is read from the ROM 17a on the connector 11b side, various logos are displayed on the television receiver 7 based on the read information, and then the game title is displayed. Is displayed. In steps S2 and S3, the character, the stage map, the SRAM 19a on the connector 11c side,
The game data such as the background can be read and added to the game software described above to proceed with the game. Step S
In 4, the character data and the like grown by the progress of the game can be recorded in the SRAM 19a on the connector 11b side. This recording process is executed by operating the operation switch or automatically. Similarly, in step S5, the data of characters grown by the progress of the game can be recorded in the SRAM 19a on the connector 11c side. This recording process is executed by operating the operation switch or automatically. In step S6, the power switch 1f is turned off to end the game. Since the recorded contents recorded in the SRAM 19a on the connector 11c side are securely recorded and retained even after the sub main cassette 13a is detached from the connector 11c after the power is turned off, only this sub main cassette 13a is sent to a friend's house or the like. You can take it and play a competitive game using the data of the above-mentioned grown characters. In addition, by purchasing only the sub-main cassette 13a, it is possible to enjoy various kinds of games and easily expand and develop the game contents.

Next, the connector 11 of the base cassette 11
Both sub-main cassettes 13 attached to b and 11c
The operation when the game contents of a are different will be described. FIG.
In step S11 shown in (1), the identification information is read from both sub-main cassettes 13a attached to the connectors 11b and 11c, and it is determined whether or not both types, that is, the same game. When it is determined in step S11 that both sub-main cassettes 13a are related to the same game, the process proceeds to step S12 and the normal process shown in FIG. 12 is performed. Step S1
If it is determined in step 1 that both sub-main cassettes 13a are not related to the same game, step S1
Proceed to 3 and display the error message. Then, in step S14, the power switch 1f is turned off, the corresponding sub-main cassette 13a is replaced, and an instruction message for turning on the power switch 1f again is displayed.
Such a series of processing (steps S13, 14, 15)
Is executed, the player can appropriately and safely play the game by replacing the corresponding sub-main cassette 13a in accordance with the instruction message displayed on the television receiver 7. In step S16, the power switch 1f is turned off to end the game.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the operation when the sub main cassette 13a is attached to the connector 11b of the base cassette 11 and the sub memory cassette 13b is attached to the connector 11c will be described. In step S21 shown in FIG. 15, when the power switch 1f is turned on, the connector 1
The game software is read from the ROM 17a on the 1b side,
The television receiver 7 is based on the read information.
After various logos are displayed, the game title is displayed. In step S22, the SRAM on the connector 11c side
Game data such as characters, stage maps, and backgrounds can be read from 19b and added to the above-mentioned game software to progress the game. In step S23, the character data and the like grown by the progress of the game can be recorded in the SRAM 19a on the connector 11b side. This recording process is executed by operating the operation switch or automatically. In step S24, the connector 1 is copied by copying the data of the grown character.
Data can be backed up by recording in the SRAM 19b on the 1c side. Also, step S2
4, the data in the sub memory cassette 13b can be written in the SRAM 19a of the sub main cassette 13a. In step S25, the power switch 1f is turned off to end the game. The contents recorded in the SRAMs of the sub-main cassette 13a and the sub-memory cassette 13b are securely recorded and held even after the power is turned off. It is possible to go and play a competitive game or the like using the data of the grown character described above.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the operation when the sub memory cassette 13b is attached to the connector 11b of the base cassette 11 and nothing is attached to the connector 11c will be described. In step S31 shown in FIG. 17, when the power switch 1f is turned on, the SRAM 19 on the connector 11b side is turned on.
After the identification information and the like are read from b and various logos are displayed on the television receiver 7 based on the read information, a message to the effect that the SRAM 19b is initialized is displayed. In step S32, the SRAM 19b can be initialized by performing a predetermined operation. In step S33, the SRAM
The initialization of 19b is completed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the operation when the sub memory cassette 13b is attached to both the connectors 11b and 11c of the base cassette 11 will be described. In step S41 shown in FIG. 19, when the power switch 1f is turned on, the identification information is read from both SRAMs 19b,
Based on the read information, the connectors 11b, 11
Both sub cassettes attached to c are sub memory cassette 1
When it is detected that it is 3b, various logos are displayed on the television receiver 7 and then a copy screen is displayed. In step S42, the capacity of the SRAM 19b on the connector 11c side is compared with the capacity of the SRAM 19b on the connector 11b side, and the capacity of the SRAM 19b on the connector 11c side becomes
If it is smaller than the capacity of the SRAM 19b on the connector 11b side, the flow advances to step S43 to display an error message. If the capacity of the SRAM 19b on the connector 11c side is larger than the capacity of the SRAM 19b on the connector 11b side, the process proceeds from step S42 to step S44.
The contents of the SRAM 19b on the connector 11b side are stored in the connector 1
It can be copied to the SRAM 19b on the 1c side. In step S45, copying ends when the predetermined time has elapsed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the operation when the sub-main cassette 13a is attached to the connector 11b of the base cassette 11 and nothing is attached to the connector 11c will be described. In step S51 shown in FIG. 21, when the power switch 1f is turned on, the ROM 17a on the connector 11b side is turned on.
The game software is read from, and various logos are displayed on the television receiver 7 based on the read information, and then the title of the game is displayed. Step S52
Then, the game can be played based on the read game software. In step S53, data of characters grown by the progress of the game can be recorded in the SRAM 19a on the connector 11b side. This recording process is executed by operating the operation switch or automatically. In step S54, the game ends by turning off the power switch 1f. The contents recorded in the SRAM 19a of the sub-main cassette 13a are securely recorded and retained even after the power is turned off. Therefore, take only the sub-main cassette 13a to a friend's house or the like and store the data of the above-mentioned grown character. You can use it to play competitive games.

As shown in FIG. 22, the base cassette 11
The operation when the sub main cassette 13a is attached to the connector 11b and the sub data cassette 13c is attached to the connector 11c will be described. Step S6 shown in FIG.
In No. 1, when the power switch 1f is turned on, the connector 11b
The game software is read from the side ROM 17a, various logos are displayed on the television receiver 7 based on the read information, and then the game title is displayed. In steps S62 and S63, R on the connector 11c side
Game data such as characters, stage maps, and backgrounds can be read from the OM 17c and added to the above-mentioned game software to progress the game. In step S64, the character data and the like grown by the progress of the game can be recorded in the SRAM 19a on the connector 11b side. This recording process is executed by operating the operation switch or automatically. In step S65, the power switch 1f is turned off to end the game. Since the recorded contents recorded in the SRAM 19a are securely recorded and retained even after the power is turned off, only the sub-main cassette 13a is brought to a friend's house or the like, and the battle is performed using the data of the grown character described above. You can play games.

[0026]

As described above, according to the first means of the present invention, the base cassette detachably mounted on the game machine main body has the first and second mounting portions,
The mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software, and the second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. Each of the plurality of sub-cassettes detachably attached to the first and second attachment units has a game software recording unit in which game software is recorded and a non-volatile recording unit in which game data is recorded. In addition, the base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for starting a game. As described above, since the storage unit that stores the common program for launching the game and the storage unit that stores the game software are configured separately, by arranging only a plurality of types of sub-cassettes storing the game software,
An effect that various games can be enjoyed at low cost can be obtained.

According to the second means provided by the present invention, the base cassette detachably provided to the game machine main body has first and second mounting portions, and the first mounting portion is at least game software. The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. A plurality of sub-cassettes that are detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions are provided for each game, and a game software recording portion for recording game software and a non-volatile recording for recording game data are provided. Parts. In addition, the plurality of sub-cassettes record identification information for identifying the identity of each game in the game software recording section or the non-volatile recording section. The base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for launching the game, and includes the first and second base recording units.
It has an error detecting means for reading the identification information of each sub-cassette mounted to the mounting portion of the sub-cassette and detecting a mounting error and outputting a detection signal when both sub-cassettes are not related to the same game. As described above, the storage unit for storing the common program for launching the game and the storage unit for storing the game software are separately configured, so that only a plurality of types of the sub-cassettes storing the game software are prepared, thereby reducing the cost. The effect that various games can be enjoyed is obtained. In addition, when both sub-cassettes mounted on the first and second mounting parts are not related to the same game, the detection error is output and a detection signal is output, so that a child of a young age can mount the same. Even if a mistake is made, an error message can be displayed, and the game can be appropriately and safely played according to the message without damaging the device.

According to a third means provided by the present invention, the base cassette detachably attached to the game machine main body has first and second mounting portions, and the first mounting portion is at least game software. The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. The first and second sub-cassettes are detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions, and the first sub-cassette has a game software recording portion in which at least game software is recorded. The sub-cassette has a recording unit for recording game data. In addition, the base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for starting a game. As described above, the storage unit for storing the common program for launching the game and the storage unit for storing the game software are separately configured, so that only a plurality of types of the sub-cassettes storing the game software are prepared, thereby reducing the cost. The effect that various games can be enjoyed is obtained. Further, since the first sub-cassette having the game software recording section and the second sub-cassette having the game data recording section are provided, a plurality of the second sub-cassettes can be arranged to reduce the cost of the game. Can be easily expanded and developed.

In the fourth means provided by the present invention, the base cassette detachably attached to the game machine main body has first and second mounting portions, and the first mounting portion is at least game software. The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. The first and second sub-cassettes are detachably attached to the first and second attachment units, and the first sub-cassette has a game software recording unit in which at least game software is recorded. The sub-cassette has a non-volatile recording section in which game data is recorded. In addition, the base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for starting a game. The base cassette has processing means for initializing the contents of the second sub-cassette or copying the contents of the second sub-cassette when the second sub-cassette is mounted in the first mounting portion. Have. As described above, the storage unit for storing the common program for launching the game and the storage unit for storing the game software are separately configured, so that only a plurality of types of the sub-cassettes storing the game software are prepared, thereby reducing the cost. The effect that various games can be enjoyed is obtained. Further, since the first sub-cassette having the game software recording section and the second sub-cassette having the game data recording section are provided, by arranging only a plurality of the second sub-cassettes,
The effect that the game content can be easily expanded and developed at low cost is obtained. In addition, when the second sub-cassette is mounted in the first mounting portion, which should normally be mounted in the first sub-cassette, the contents of the second sub-cassette are initialized or copied. Therefore, even if the player makes a mistake in mounting, the game machine body is not damaged, and special processing such as initialization and copying can be reliably performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an entire game machine.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the entire game machine.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the cassette system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a base cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the base cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a sub-cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the sub-cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a base cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of a sub-main cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a sub memory cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a sub data cassette according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation when both sub-main cassettes are mounted on both mounting portions of the base cassette.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation in the case where both sub main cassettes mounted on the mounting portion of the base cassette are different games.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram when the sub-main cassette and the sub-memory cassette are attached to the attachment portion of the base cassette.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation when the sub-main cassette and the sub-memory cassette are mounted on the mounting portion of the base cassette.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram when only the sub memory cassette is mounted in the mounting portion of the base cassette.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation when only the sub memory cassette is mounted on the mounting portion of the base cassette.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram when both sub-memory cassettes are attached to both attachment portions of the base cassette.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation when both sub memory cassettes are attached to both attachment portions of the base cassette.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram when only the sub-main cassette is attached to one attachment portion of the base cassette.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation when only the sub-main cassette is attached to one attachment portion of the base cassette.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram when the sub-main cassette and the sub-data cassette are mounted on the mounting portion of the base cassette.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation when the sub main cassette and the sub data cassette are mounted on the mounting portion of the base cassette.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Game Console Main Body 11 Base Cassette 11b Connector 11c Connector 11d ROM 13 Sub Cassette 13a Sub Main Cassette 13b Sub Memory Cassette 13c Sub Data Cassette 15a Connector 17a ROM 19a SRAM 19b SRAM

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Katsunori Kubo 2-5-4 Komagata, Taito-ku, Tokyo Inside Bandai Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A game cassette system for an electronic game machine having the following requirements. (B) The base cassette is detachably attached to the game console. (B) The base cassette has first and second mounting portions. (C) The first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software. (D) The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. (E) Having a plurality of sub-cassettes which are detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (F) Each of the plurality of sub-cassettes has a game software recording section in which game software is recorded and a non-volatile recording section in which game data is recorded. (G) The base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for starting a game. 2. A game cassette system for an electronic game machine having the following requirements. (B) The base cassette is detachably attached to the game console. (B) The base cassette has first and second mounting portions. (C) The first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software. (D) The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. (E) Having a plurality of sub-cassettes which are detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (F) The plurality of sub-cassettes are provided for each game, and each has a game software recording section for recording game software and a non-volatile recording section for recording game data. (G) Each of the plurality of sub-cassettes has identification information for identifying the sameness of each game recorded in the game software recording section or the non-volatile recording section. (H) The base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for launching a game. (I) The base cassette reads the identification information of each sub-cassette mounted in the first and second mounting parts, and when both sub-cassettes are not related to the same game, a mounting error is detected and a detection signal is detected. Must have error detection means to output. 3. A game cassette system for an electronic game machine having the following requirements. (B) The base cassette is detachably attached to the game console. (B) The base cassette has first and second mounting portions. (C) The first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software. (D) The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. (E) It has a first sub-cassette that is detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (F) A second sub-cassette is detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (G) The first sub-cassette has at least a game software recording section in which game software is recorded. (H) The second sub-cassette has a recording section for recording game data. (I) The base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for launching a game. 4. A game cassette system for an electronic game machine having the following requirements. (B) The base cassette is detachably attached to the game console. (B) The base cassette has first and second mounting portions. (C) The first mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game software. (D) The second mounting portion has at least a terminal for reading game data. (E) It has a first sub-cassette that is detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (F) A second sub-cassette is detachably attached to the first and second attachment portions. (G) The first sub-cassette has at least a game software recording section in which game software is recorded. (H) The second sub-cassette has a non-volatile recording section in which game data is recorded. (I) The base cassette has a base recording unit that records a common program for launching a game. (E) The base cassette initializes the contents of the second sub-cassette or copies the contents of the second sub-cassette when the second sub-cassette is mounted in the first mounting portion. Must have processing means to do so.