KR100810399B1 - Relay, entertainment apparatus, communication system, communication method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

The repeater 70 is used to connect one or more operation terminals or external storage devices to the entertainment device. The entertainment apparatus 10 has a first mode and a second mode as its operation modes. The repeater generates a control signal based on the first relay processing apparatus 200-1 for the first mode, the second relay processing apparatus 200-2 for the second mode, and a selection signal input from the outside. A control signal generator 201 is provided. The repeater 70 performs the relay processing for the first mode when the entertainment apparatus 10 is operating in the first mode, and the repeater 70 for the second mode when the entertainment apparatus 10 is operating in the second mode. Relay processing is performed.

Entertainment device, Communication system, Repeater, Control terminal, Multi-tap, Compatibility, Game

Description

Repeater, Entertainment Device, Communication System, Communication Method, and Program {RELAY, ENTERTAINMENT APPARATUS, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM}

The present invention relates to an entertainment apparatus for executing a game program, a repeater for connecting one or a plurality of operation terminals or an external storage apparatus to an entertainment apparatus, a communication system and a communication method, and a program for operating a computer as the entertainment apparatus. To

An electronic device such as a home entertainment device is connected to an operation terminal such as a controller or an external storage device such as a memory card that stores various data on the operation environment of the operation terminal and the progress of a game played by the entertainment device.

Instead of connecting the operation terminal and external storage device directly to the entertainment device so that a plurality of people can play the game at the same time, it is possible to connect a repeater to the entertainment device and to simultaneously connect a plurality of operation terminals and external storage devices to the repeater. One thing is known. For example, four operation terminals and an external storage device can be connected at the same time. When such a repeater is used, a plurality of operating terminals can be connected to one repeater, so that the use of the entertainment apparatus can be carried out by a large number of people, and the organic diversification can be achieved. Such a repeater may be called a "multitap."

However, with advances in semiconductor technology, higher performance entertainment devices have been developed and sold. If the compatibility between the new model and the old model is not taken in such a new entertainment device, the user who purchased the new model cannot use the old game software with the new model. In order to solve this inconvenience, there is provided an entertainment apparatus that can cope with both old and new software. Such an entertainment apparatus has a first mode and a second mode as its operation mode, and shifts the operation mode according to the type of the storage medium. The first mode is a normal mode in which normal operation (for example, operation as a new model) is performed for the entertainment device, and the second mode is a mode in which compatibility of other models is assumed. Is a compatible mode). In the entertainment apparatus that can cope with both old and new software, the transition of modes is automatically performed, so that the owner can enjoy a desired game simply by setting an organic medium such as a CD or a DVD (for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-314644

However, when playing a game on an entertainment device capable of supporting both old and new software, if a repeater is used, the repeater is exchanged, and the connection between the repeater and the entertainment device is reestablished, and furthermore, to the repeater. There was no choice but to reconnect the operation terminal and the external storage device. In other words, since a conventional repeater does not have a plurality of operation modes, it is necessary to connect a dedicated repeater when the entertainment apparatus is operated in the first mode, and to connect a dedicated repeater when the entertainment apparatus is operated in the second mode.

Even if the entertainment device itself automatically selects the operation mode of the old and new, it is very cumbersome to manually detach the repeater, the operation terminal connected to it, and the external storage device. In this way, the automatic selection function of the operation mode in the entertainment apparatus main body can not be fully utilized, and it is inevitable to burden the instructor, and thus to lose interest in the organic furnace.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and includes a repeater, a communication system and a communication method capable of automatically selecting an operation mode in response to the transition of the operation mode of the entertainment apparatus main body, and an entertainment apparatus suitable for the repeater. The purpose is to provide a program.

The present invention is a repeater used to connect one or a plurality of operation terminals or an external storage device to an entertainment device, and the repeater is an entertainment device when the entertainment device has the first mode and the second mode as its operation mode. Is performed in the first mode when the operation mode is operating in the first mode, and the relay processing for the second mode is performed when the entertainment apparatus is operating in the second mode.

Preferably, the first relay processing apparatus and the second relay processing apparatus at the time of the transition of the mode, in at least one of transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, or transitioning from the second mode to the first mode. Set a time period in which both are not selected. The length of the period in which neither the first relay processing apparatus nor the second relay processing apparatus is selected may be determined in accordance with the communication order with the entertainment apparatus.

The first mode may be a normal mode in which normal operation is performed, and the second mode may be a mode in which compatibility of other types is assumed, and may be a compatibility mode in which operation different from the normal mode is performed.

In addition, the present invention is a communication method for connecting one or a plurality of operation terminals or an external storage device to an entertainment device, wherein when the entertainment device has a first mode and a second mode as its operation mode, information is stored in the storage medium. Determining the operation mode of the entertainment apparatus based on the read-out information, and determining the operation mode of the entertainment apparatus based on the read information, and when the entertainment apparatus is operating in the first mode, And a relaying process for the second mode when the entertainment apparatus is operating in the second mode, based on the determination result of the determination step.

In addition, the present invention is an entertainment apparatus having a first mode and a second mode as an operation mode, which reads information from a storage medium, determines an operation mode based on the read information, and selects an operation mode according to the determined operation mode. A signal is generated and the generated selection signal is output to the outside.

In addition, the present invention is an entertainment apparatus having a first mode and a second mode as an operation mode, which is a storage medium storing a program for operating a computer, wherein the program is based on the steps of reading information from the storage medium and reading the information. Determining an operation mode, generating a selection signal of the operation mode according to the determined operation mode, and outputting the generated selection signal to the outside.

The program according to the present invention is stored in a storage medium, for example.

Examples of storage media include EPROM devices, flash memory devices, flexible discs, hard discs, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical discs, CDs (including CD-ROMs and Video-CDs), DVDs (DVD-Videos). , DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM), ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge of battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM cartridge and the like.

The storage medium means that information (primarily digital data and programs) can be stored by any physical means, and the storage medium can store information which can cause a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. Can be.

1 is an overall system diagram including an entertainment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a side view of the repeater according to the embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a plan view of the repeater according to the embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a timing chart of data communication between the entertainment apparatus and the repeater according to the embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a functional block diagram of the entire system including the entertainment apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart showing the operation mode change procedure of the repeater according to the embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a flowchart showing another operation mode change procedure of the repeater according to the embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a flowchart showing another operation mode change procedure of the repeater according to the embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a timing chart showing another operation mode change procedure of the repeater according to the embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a timing chart showing another operation mode change procedure of the repeater according to the embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a functional block diagram of an entertainment apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a functional block diagram of an input / output unit (IOP 120) of the entertainment apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

It is a functional block diagram of the repeater which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

14 is an example of a circuit diagram of a control signal generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the code>

10 Entertainment

30 Controller (operating terminal)

50 Memory Card (External Storage)

70 repeater (multi-tap)

200-1 Multi-tap IC (First Relay Processing Unit)

200-2 Multi-tap IC (second relay processing device)

201 control signal generator

2012, 2013 pulse generator

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described with reference to drawings.

1 shows a system including an entertainment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The entertainment system includes an entertainment apparatus 10 which is a central processing apparatus, a controller 30 which is an operation terminal thereof, a memory card 50 which is an external storage apparatus, an entertainment apparatus 10, a controller 30 and a memory card ( A repeater 70 for relaying 50) and a video-audio output device (generally a television receiver) TV connected to the entertainment apparatus 10.

The front side of the entertainment apparatus 10 includes a controller connecting portion 15 and a card slot portion 16 for a memory card.

The entertainment apparatus 10 reads an application program such as a game or a video stored in a storage medium such as an optical disk such as a CD or a DVD, displays it on a video sound output device TV, and instructs an operator using the controller 30. This has the function of executing the program. This entertainment apparatus 10 includes a main board, a power supply unit, a disk drive apparatus, and an input / output signal control board (not shown), which are housed inside the housing of the entertainment apparatus 10.

A disc device (not shown) reproduces an optical disc such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc., which includes an apparatus body including an optical pickup unit disposed inside the housing of the entertainment apparatus 10, and which loads the optical disc onto the apparatus body. The disk tray 13 is provided, and the end surface of the disk tray 13 is exposed to the front right side of the housing. When the switch 14 connected to the disc tray 13 is operated, the disc tray 13 can come out from the inside of the housing of the entertainment apparatus 10 to mount the optical disc.

The controller 30, which is an operation terminal, outputs an operation signal to the entertainment apparatus 10, and includes a connection terminal 33 for connecting with the repeater 70 or the entertainment apparatus 10. For example, when the controller 30 is connected to the entertainment apparatus 10 through the repeater 70, and an application program such as a game is executed, the operator (organizer) of the controller 30 The control signal is output by operating the operation switch, the signal is input to the entertainment apparatus 10 through the repeater 70, and the application program can be executed in the desired state of the operator.

The memory card 50 as an external storage device includes a flash memory mounted on a substrate and a case for accommodating the substrate including the flash memory, and a conductive pattern is formed at the substrate end. The memory card 50 is capable of storing the progress, settings, and the like of an application program such as a game. At the end of the game, a signal is transmitted from the entertainment device 10 to the memory card 50 to preserve the state. Is output. On the other hand, when the game that has been ended once is to be executed again later, the storage information of the memory card 50 is loaded into the entertainment apparatus 10 at the start of the game.

2 shows a right side view of the repeater 70, and FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the repeater 70. The repeater 70 includes a repeater main body 71, a cable 73, and a main body connecting terminal 75. The main body connection terminal 75 includes a controller connection terminal 77 and a memory card connection terminal 79. The repeater main body 71 is provided with four controller connection parts 711, four card slot parts 713, a controller board (not shown), and an housing housing these. In addition, each controller connection part 711 has the same structure as the controller connection part 15 of the entertainment apparatus 10, and each card slot part 713 is also the same as the card slot part 16 of the entertainment apparatus 10. Structure.

The connection terminal 33 of the controller 30 is connected to the controller connecting portion 711 serving as the operation terminal connecting portion. The card slot portion 713 serving as the external memory device connecting portion is provided above the controller connecting portion 711 in accordance with the arrangement of the controller connecting portion 711, and the memory card 50 is inserted and connected.

As shown in the timing chart of Fig. 4, when the communication start notification signal DTR becomes Low, communication between the entertainment apparatus 10 and the repeater 70 is started, and the communication start notification signal DTR always becomes Low during communication. When the communication start notification signal DTR becomes high in the middle of communication, the communication control unit of the repeater 70 cancels the communication in the middle and prepares for the next communication.

The transmission data TXD includes a protocol including an identification code for recognizing a control object, a command for controlling the control object, and is output from the entertainment apparatus 10 in synchronization with the serial clock SCK every 1 byte. The response data RXD includes a recognition code indicating a control object processed by the transmission data TXD, and result information indicating a result of control of the control object. Similar to the transmission data TXD, the response data RXD has a repeater (in synchronization with the serial clock SCK) for each byte. Output at 70).

The communication start acknowledgment signal DSR is a signal for notifying the entertainment apparatus 10 whether or not it is ready to transmit or receive the next one byte signal in transmission and reception for each byte of the above-described transmission data TXD and response data RXD. As can be seen from 4, when the relay 70 is ready to transmit and receive, the repeater 70 outputs the communication start acknowledgment signal DSR as Low.

In addition, if the mode is shifted while the transmission data TXD or the response data RXD is performing communication, the entertainment apparatus 10 may determine that a communication error has occurred, which may cause a malfunction or an error. It is desirable not to perform the transition or to prevent inconvenience even when the mode is shifted. This point will be further described later.

The commands output from the entertainment apparatus 10 and included in the control signal input to the repeater 70 include acquiring the number of the controller connection portion 711 and the card slot portion 713 of the repeater 70. It is set.

Next, operation | movement which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 5, the flowchart of FIGS. 6-8, and the timing chart of FIG. 9, FIG.

5 shows a functional block diagram of the entire system. The IOP 120 for controlling the input / output of the entertainment apparatus 10 is a multi-tap IC 200-1 for the first mode of the repeater 70 through a signal line for transmitting transmission data TXD or a signal line for receiving response data RXD. And the selection signal SEL for mode transition output from the IOP 120 are input to the control signal generator 201 of the repeater 70. This selection signal SEL is output from a predetermined terminal in the card slot section 16 of the entertainment apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is connected to the repeater main body via the memory card connection terminal 79 and the cable 73 shown in FIG. It is input to 71. In addition, a signal line for transmitting the transmission data TXD and a signal line for receiving the response data RXD are also accommodated in the cable 73 in addition to the signal line for transmitting the selection signal SEL. The multi-tap IC 200-1 and the multi-tap IC 200-2 are connected to the controller connector 711 and the memory card connector 713 through the bus buffer 202. The control signal generator 201 selects and operates any one of the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2 according to the selection signal SEL. As a result, the operation mode of the repeater 70 shifts to either the first mode or the second mode in accordance with the selection signal SEL. In addition, although FIG. 5 shows only one connector 711 and 713 for the sake of simplicity, the repeater 70 of this embodiment is provided with the some connector (for example, 4). The IOP 120, the multi-tap IC 200, the control signal generator 201, and the like will be further described later.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation mode transition. The figure shows a case where the transition from the first mode to the first mode is made when the disc is replaced from DVD to CD. When the disc is replaced, the entertainment apparatus 10 reads the disc and determines it (S1). As a result of the determination, since it is a CD, the operation mode of the entertainment apparatus 10 is switched to the second mode, and the output of the selection signal SEL is set to select the second mode (S2). The selection signal SEL is output and received by the repeater 70 (S3). Upon detecting the transition of the selection signal SEL, the repeater 70 resets both of the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2 (S4), and thereafter, the multi-tap IC 200- for the second mode. 2) is selected (S5).

At the time of shifting the operation mode, it is preferable that both of the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2 are once in an inoperative state, and then one of them is made effective as in S4. If both inactive states such as S4 are not set, the outputs of the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2 interfere with each other, and the entertainment apparatus 10 may receive this effect and malfunction. When the repeater is replaced in accordance with the operation mode of the entertainment apparatus 10, since the replacement operation of the connector necessarily occurs, the inoperative state is secured, and the output does not interfere. On the other hand, in the repeater 70 according to the present embodiment, since the operating state of the repeater 70 at the time of shifting the operation mode of the entertainment apparatus 10 is electronically transferred, the processing of S4 is effective.

7 is a flowchart showing another example of operation mode transition. The same figure shows the case where the transition from the second mode to the first mode occurs when the CD is taken out. Since the default is the first mode, when the CD is not loaded in the disk drive, the mode is automatically returned to the first mode (S11). The operation mode of the entertainment apparatus 10 is shifted to the first mode and the output of the selection signal SEL is set to select the first mode (S12). The selection signal SEL is output and received by the repeater 70 (S13). Upon detecting the transition of the selection signal SEL, the repeater 70 resets both of the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2 (S14), and thereafter, the multi-tap IC 200- for the first mode. 1) is selected (S15).

8 is a flowchart showing another example of operation mode transition. The same figure shows the case where it is set to the 2nd mode at the time of starting of power supply or reset. Since the default is the first mode, it is automatically set to the first mode at startup (S21). The operation mode of the entertainment apparatus 10 is set to the first mode, and the output of the selection signal SEL is set to select the first mode (S22). The selection signal SEL is output and received by the repeater 70 (S23). When the power supply is detected or reset, the repeater 70 resets both of the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2 (S24), and thereafter, the multi-tap IC 200- for the first mode. 1) is selected (S25). Since the power supply of the repeater 70 is supplied from the entertainment apparatus 10, the repeater 70 is reset when the power supply is turned on or reset.

Fig. 9 shows a timing chart when a CD is set and an application of the second mode is executed. When the application is newly executed, the power is turned on or reset. As shown in the reset (power on) in FIG. 9, at the time T1, the voltage level of the power drops momentarily to near zero, and then gradually returns to the normal level. Go (time T1 is the time when the reset took place). The reset IC MTAP-RST at L level is generated from time TI to time T2 by the reset IC built in the control signal generator 201. When the power is turned on or reset, the mode is determined by the entertainment apparatus 10, and the selection signal SEL is output in accordance with the result. Since the first mode is selected by default, the first mode is L level, and after completion of determination, the first mode is H level. In Fig. 9, the signal represented by the PS-mode (corresponding to the selection signal SEL) is set to the H level at time T3, but this means the selection of the second mode. After time T3, the entertainment apparatus 10 operates in the second mode, but in the repeater 70, both the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2 are deactivated once between the times T3 and T4. It is in a state. This is to avoid interference of the output. In Fig. 9, the PS1 MTAP / RES (corresponding to the selection signal of the multi-tap IC 200-2) and the PS2 MTAP / RES (corresponding to the selection signal of the multi-tap IC 200-1) are both over time T3 at time T3. All are at L level. After time T4, the PS1 MTAP / RES becomes H level, and the multi-tap IC 200-2 is selected so that the repeater 70 operates in the second mode. At time T4, the entertainment apparatus 10 operates in the second mode and continues to operate normally because it detects that the repeater 70 is operating in the second mode.

10 shows a timing chart when an application of the first mode is executed. Since this is the default state, after time T2, the multi-tap IC 200-1 is selected so that the repeater 70 operates in the first mode. Both the PS1 MTAP / RES and the PS2 MTAP / RES are at L level from the time T1 to the T2, so that there is no interference of the output at the time T2.

Common to Figs. 9 and 10 is that when the operation mode is changed (times T1 at which the PS-mode changes from H level to L level in Figs. 9 and 10, and changes from L level to H level in Fig. 9). A certain time (300ms) from time T3) is that both PS1 MTAP / RES and PS2 MTAP / RES are at L level. This is for avoiding signal interference as described above, but it is preferable to set both L levels to at least the data communication time (the duration of TXD or RXD) in Fig. 4 so that the entertainment apparatus 10 does not malfunction.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, since the repeater is provided with the IC for the first mode and the IC for the second mode, the relay apparatus is automatically selected according to the transition of the operation mode of the entertainment apparatus main body, so that any operation mode can be supported. It is possible to provide a repeater (multi-tap). When the repeater according to the embodiment of the present invention is used, complicated operations such as the recombination of the repeater and the reconnection of the controller and the removal of the memory card are unnecessary in the case of the mode change.

In addition, since the IC for the first mode and the IC for the second mode are not operated for a predetermined time or more immediately after the transition of the operation mode, the inconvenience caused by the collision of their output signals can be avoided.

Next, the description of the configuration of the entertainment apparatus 10 and the repeater 70 is added.

(1) Description of the entertainment apparatus 10, in particular, the transition of the operation mode

Next, the internal structure of the entertainment apparatus 10 will be described in detail.

11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entertainment apparatus 10. As shown in the figure, the entertainment apparatus 10 includes a main processing unit (MPU) 100, a graphics processor (GP) 110, an input / output sub-processor (IOP) 120, and a CD / DVD decoder ( 130, a sound processing unit (SPU) 140, an OSROM (read-only memory) 150, a main memory 160, and an IOP memory 170.

The MPU 100 and the GP 110 are connected by a dedicated bus 101. In addition, the MPU 100 and the IOP 120 are connected by a bus 102 called an S bus. The IOP 120, the CD / DVD decoder 130, the SPU 140, and the OSROM 150 are connected to a bus 103 called an SS bus.

The main memory 16 is connected to the MPU 100, and the IOP memory 170 is connected to the IOP 120. The controller (PAD) 30 or the repeater 70 is connected to the IOP 120.

The MPU 100 is also the main CPU (central operation unit) of the entertainment apparatus 10. The MPU 100 performs a predetermined process by executing a program stored in the OSROM 150 and by executing a program loaded in the main memory 160 from a CD or a DVD.

GP 110 is in charge of the rendering function of the present entertainment apparatus. The GP 110 performs the drawing process in accordance with an instruction from the MPU 100.

The IOP 120 controls the exchange of data between the MPU 100 and a peripheral device (CD / DVD decoder 130, SPU 140, etc.).

The CD / DVD decoder 130 reads data from the CD or DVD and transfers the data to the main memory 160.

The SPU 140 reproduces the compressed waveform data stored in the sound buffer (not shown) at a predetermined sampling frequency based on the pronunciation command from the MPU 100 or the like.

The OSROM 150 is a ROM in which a program executed by the MPU 100 or the IOP 120 is stored at startup. In the OSROM 150, the code shared by the MPU 100 and the IOP 120 and the code dedicated to each processor are separated and stored. The code (program) dedicated to the MPU 100 includes, for example, a GPU emulator to be described later.

The main memory 160 is a main memory of the MPU 100, and stores instructions executed by the MPU 100, data used by the MPU 100, and the like.

The IOP memory 170 is the main memory of the IOP 120. The IOP memory 170 stores instructions executed by the IOP 120, data used by the IOP 120, and the like.

In order to ensure compatibility with other paper entertainment apparatuses, the entertainment apparatus 10 has two operation modes, a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a normal mode in which normal operation is performed on the apparatus, and the second mode is a mode in which compatibility with other models is assumed, and is a compatibility mode in which operation different from the normal mode is performed. The entertainment apparatus is usually activated in the normal mode and operates in the normal mode. However, this entertainment apparatus shifts to the compatibility mode when executing titles (software) for other kinds of entertainment apparatus.

In the compatibility mode, the IOP 120 operates as the main CPU of other models, and the MPU 100 and the GP 110 emulate a drawing processor (GPU) of other models, thereby providing a title for entertainment devices of other types. Run That is, in this entertainment apparatus, there are a first processor means having the MPU 100 and the GP 110 and a second processor means having the IOP 120. In the normal mode, the first processor means functions as the main CPU and the drawing processor while the second processor means functions as the I / O processor. On the other hand, in the compatibility mode, the second processor means functions as the main CPU and the first processor means functions as the drawing processor.

Therefore, the IOP 120 is equipped with the processor core equivalent to the main CPU of other models. That is, the IOP 120 can execute the program code prepared for the main CPU of other types of entertainment apparatus as it is, and performs the same operation. In addition, the processor core of the IOP 120 can execute the program code prepared for the main CPU of other types of entertainment apparatus as it is, and it should just perform the same operation (for example, binary compatible processor core). In the present embodiment, the same processor core is used in order to further improve backward compatibility with other types of entertainment apparatuses.

Further, the operating frequency of the IOP 120 is, for example, 37.5 MHz in the normal mode, but shifts to 33 MHz in the compatible mode as other entertainment devices. This makes it possible to surely operate the game software even when the game software is optimizing the operation at the level of one clock with respect to the hardware of other types of entertainment devices.

The MPU 100 and the IOP 120 also transition according to the interface operation mode between them. That is, in the compatibility mode, the IOP 120 provides the MPU 100 with the same interface as the other main CPUs, and the MPU 100 also provides the IOP 120 with the same interface with other GPUs.

Further, the SPU 140 also performs an operation in the compatibility mode and the normal mode. In other words, in compatible mode, it works exactly like the SPUs of other entertainment devices. On the other hand, it operates as a sound processing processor having a higher performance than the SPU in the normal mode. The operating frequency of the SPU 140 is 44.1 KHz in correspondence with the sampling frequency of the CD-ROM, and 48 KHz in correspondence with the DVD sampling frequency in the normal mode.

Next, the outline | summary of the determination method of an operation mode is demonstrated.

When the power supply is turned on, the entertainment device 10 starts the CD / DVD decoder 130 in the normal mode, and determines whether the disc mounted in the CD / DVD drive is for this entertainment device or other entertainment device. Determine. As a result of the determination, when the drive contains a CD / DVD disc for the entertainment apparatus or nothing is inserted, the drive starts in the normal mode. On the other hand, if the disc in the drive is a CD for other types of entertainment devices, the mode shifts to compatibility mode.

Next, the internal structure of the IOP 120 is demonstrated. 12 shows the internal structure of an IOP. As shown in the figure, the IOP 120 includes a processor core 500, an MPU interface unit 510, an SS bus interface unit 520, a memory controller 530, a serial input / output unit 540, And a DMA controller 550.

The processor core 500 is a control unit that controls the operation of the entire IOP 120. As described above, the processor core 500 is the same as the processor core of the main CPU of other types of entertainment devices.

The MPU interface unit 510 is an interface unit for exchanging data with the MPU 100.

The SS bus interface unit 520 is an interface unit for exchanging data with the SS bus 103.

The serial input / output unit 540 is an interface unit for exchanging data with the controller 30 or the repeater 70 connected to the IOP 120.

The DMA controller 550 exchanges data between the IOP memory 170 and the components of the IOP 120.

The memory controller 530 is a controller that controls reading and writing of data to the IOP memory 170.

Next, the transition method from the normal mode to the compatible mode will be described.

In the entertainment apparatus 10, the transition from the normal mode to the compatible mode is performed by using the reset signal (power ON).

When the power is turned on or the reset switch is pressed, the reset signal is made valid, and when all the power is started and a predetermined time elapses, the reset signal is released.

When the MPU 100, IOP 120, SPU 140, and the like are reset in the reset signal, they first start operation in the normal mode.

In the case where the transition to the compatible mode is made in accordance with the determination result of the operation mode described above after the completion of the necessary initialization processing, the MPU 100 generates a predetermined mode transition signal, and the IOP 120 and the SPU 140 are generated by this signal. And the like respectively start operation in the compatibility mode.

Next, a boot sequence of the present entertainment apparatus will be described.

When set by the reset signal, the MPU 100 and the IOP 120 first start execution of the program at the same boot vector address. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the MPU 100 and the IOP 120 are processors of the same architecture, and the boot vector address is the same.

At this time, the IOP 120 directly accesses the OSROM 150. On the other hand, the MPU 100 accesses the OSROM 150 through the IOP 120. The IOP 120 puts the MPU 100 into a standby state without giving the MPU 100 a right to use the bus until the necessary initialization processing is completed.

The processor ID is obtained in the area of the OSROM 150 accessed by the MPU 100 and the IOP 120 at the time of reset, and it is determined whether the MPU 100 or the IOP 120 is itself. The code jumping to the code for each processor is stored. The IOP 120 and the MPU 100 jump their own code by executing the code.

When the IOP 120 jumps to its own code, it first determines whether the current reset is reset by the reset signal or the mode transition signal. IOP 120 may determine these by referring to the bits of a particular control register.

In this case, since the reset is performed by the reset signal, the hardware is initialized for the entertainment apparatus in order to start the entertainment apparatus. Then, the driver setup of peripheral devices (controller, CD / DVD drive, etc.) is performed.

When the necessary initialization processing is completed, the IOP 120 starts the operation of the MPU 100 that was in the waiting state (MPU ON), and the self enters the request waiting state from the MPU 100. MPU ON is performed by the IOP 120 changing the bits of a particular control register.

The MPU 100 reads a program from the OSROM 150 and executes the read program when access to the OSROM 150 is permitted by the IOP 120 having completed its initialization process (when the MPU is turned on). Initiate. In the program, the MPU 100 obtains its processor ID similarly to the IOP 120 and jumps to the code for itself (i.e., for the MPU 100).

When the MPU 100 performs the code jump for itself, the MPU 100 displays the opening screen.

Next, the type judgment of the disc loaded in the CD / DVD drive is performed. This determination is made by referring to the disc type register in the CD / DVD decoder 130.

When the CD / DVD decoder 130 is reset by the reset signal, the CD / DVD decoder 130 first identifies the disc inserted in the drive, and as a result (the disc for this entertainment device / the disc for other entertainment devices / no disc, etc.). ) Is reflected in the disc type register in the CD / DVD decoder 130 to enter a command standby state.

As a result of the disc type determination, if the disc for this entertainment apparatus is loaded or if no disc is loaded, it starts as this entertainment apparatus as it is.

Further, when the disc for the entertainment apparatus is mounted in the drive, the MPU 100 loads the software for the entertainment apparatus into the main memory 160 from the disc and executes it. During the execution of the software, when the drawing process is performed, the drawing is instructed to the GP 110, and when the audio is output, the SPU 140 is instructed via the IOP 120.

On the other hand, as a result of the disc type determination, when the drive is loaded with a disc for another type of entertainment device, the drive enters the compatibility mode and starts as the other type of entertainment device.

For this purpose, the MPU 100 loads the GPU emulator from the OSROM 150 into the main memory 160 and executes it.

Next, in order to transfer the IOP 120 or the like to the compatible mode, a mode transition signal is generated. Upon generating the mode transition signal, the MPU 100 enters a graphics command wait state from the IOP 120. The MPU 100 + GP 110 then operates as GPUs of the other types.

If the IOP 120 reset by the mode transition signal jumps to the code for the IOP 120 in the same manner as the reset signal in the reset signal, whether the current reset is reset by the reset signal, It is determined whether the reset is performed by the mode transition signal.

In this case, since the reset is performed by the mode transition signal, the IOP 120 initializes the hardware for the other type of entertainment device to start the other type of entertainment device. Also similar to the IOP 120, the SPU 140 reset in the mode transition signal starts up in the compatibility mode. When the mode transition signal is asserted, an interrupt occurs for the CD / DVD decoder 130. When the CD / DVD decoder 130 detects this interrupt, it starts operation in the compatibility mode. The command waits.

After completion of the necessary initialization processing, the IOP 120 starts operation as the main CPU in the same manner as the main CPU in other types of entertainment devices, and boots the compatible kernel. Thereafter, the IOP 120 executes software for other types of entertainment devices in the same manner as the main CPU of other types of entertainment devices. When executing graphics drawing while the software is running, the IOP 120 instructs the drawing by sending a GPU command to the MPU 100, and when outputting audio, to the SPU 140 in the compatible mode. Instructs audio output.

(2) Description of the repeater 70

Next, the internal structure of the repeater 70 will be described in detail.

13 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the repeater 70. 200-1 is a multi-tap IC for the first mode PS2, and 200-2 is a multi-tap IC for the second mode PS1. The multi-tap IC 200-1 performs relay processing of communication between the plurality of controllers and the memory card and the entertainment apparatus 10 in the first mode, and the multi-tap IC 200-2 performs a plurality of communication in the second mode. Communication processing between the controller and the memory card and the entertainment apparatus 10. FIG. The signals of the controller connector 77 are connected to the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2. Further, the signal of the memory card connector 79 is connected to the multi-tap IC 200-1.

201 is a control signal generator that generates a control signal (reset & select) for selecting any one of the multi-tap ICs 200-1 or 200-2. By this control signal, the multi-tap IC 200-1 operates in the first mode, and the multi-tap IC 200-2 is in an inoperative state. The reverse is the case in the second mode.

202-1 to 202-4 relay the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2, the four controller connectors 711A to 711D, and the memory card connectors 713A to 713D. Bus switch. The controller connectors 711A to 711D are connected to the bus switches 202-1 and 202-3. The bus switch 202-1 is connected to the multi-tap IC 200-1, and the bus switch 202-3 is connected to the multi-tap IC 200-2. Therefore, the signal of the controller 30 can be transmitted and received to either the multi-tap IC 200-1 or 200-2. The memory card connectors 713A to 713D are connected to the bus switches 202-2 and 202-4. The bus switch 202-4 is connected to the multi-tap IC 200-2, and the bus switch 202-2 is connected to the multi-tap IC 200-1 and the connector 79 for a memory card. Therefore, the signal of the memory card 50 can be transmitted and received to either the multi-tap IC 200-2 or the multi-tap IC 200-1 and the memory card connector 79.

The repeater 70 is configured as described above, so that the signals of the controller 30 and the memory card 50 are controlled by either the multi-tap IC 200-1 or 200-2 by the control signal of the control signal generator 201. Can be processed in one.

14 shows a specific circuit example of the control signal generator 201. In the example of the figure, when the selection signal SEL input from the outside is at L level, the first mode PS2 is selected, and the multi-tap IC 200-1 is selected. When the selection signal SEL is at the H level, the second mode PS1 is selected, and the multi-tap IC 200-2 is selected.

In Fig. 14, 2011 is a reset IC for generating the reset signal MTAP-RST. 2012 is a pulse generator that generates a pulse having a predetermined width (300 ms) when the selection signal SEL becomes H level. 2013 is a pulse generator that generates a pulse having a predetermined width (300 ms) when the selection signal becomes L level. These times can be adjusted by the value of the capacitor | condenser C and resistor R which are connected. 2014 is an inverter. 2015 is a three-input AND gate that receives the output of the select signal SEL, pulse generator 2012, and reset IC 2011. 2016 is a three-input AND gate that receives the inverted signal of the selection signal SEL, the output of the pulse generator 2013, and the reset IC 2011.

The output of the AND gate 2015 is a selection signal of the multi-tap IC 200-1, and outputs an H level signal when the selection signal SEL is L level. The output of the AND gate 2016 is a selection signal of the multi-tap IC 200-2, and outputs an H level signal when the selection signal SEL is H level. However, when the reset signal is valid immediately after the power is turned on or when the selection signal SEL changes to the H level or the L level, and the predetermined time (30 ms) elapses, the output of the AND gate 2015 is L level to be. Therefore, the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2 are not all selected during the reset, and are the same for a predetermined time since the operation mode of the entertainment apparatus 10 is shifted. In particular, as in the latter case, both the multi-tap ICs 200-1 and 200-2 do not operate immediately after the transition of the operation mode for a predetermined time or more, such that their output signals collide and the entertainment apparatus 10 determines that it is an error. Discomfort can be avoided.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and needless to say that they are also included within the scope of the invention.

According to the present invention, the operation mode of the repeater is automatically selected according to the transition of the operation mode of the main body of the entertainment apparatus, so that complicated operations such as replacing the repeater every time the operation mode is shifted are unnecessary.

In addition, since the operation of the first mode and the operation of the second mode are not performed immediately after the transition of the operation mode, the inconvenience caused by collision of their output signals can be avoided.

Claims (14)

A repeater for connecting one or a plurality of operation terminals or external storage devices with an entertainment device having at least a first mode and a second mode as an operation mode, A repeating process for a first mode when the entertainment apparatus is operating in the first mode, and a repeating process for a second mode when the entertainment apparatus is operating in the second mode . The first mode according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a transition from the first mode to the second mode or a transition from the second mode to the first mode is performed. And a period during which the relay processing for both of the second modes is not performed. The repeater according to claim 2, wherein the length of the period during which the relay processing is not performed in both the first mode and the second mode is determined in accordance with a communication procedure with the entertainment apparatus. 4. The entertainment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the entertainment apparatus receives a selection signal corresponding to an operation mode executed by the entertainment apparatus, and relays the first mode or the relay for the second mode according to the received selection signal. A repeater which performs the process. The first relay processing apparatus according to claim 4, A second relay processing apparatus for the second mode, And a control signal generator for generating a first control signal for operating said first relay processing device and a second control signal for operating said second relay processing device based on said selection signal. The pulse generator of claim 5, wherein the control signal generator generates a pulse having a predetermined width when the control signal generator transitions from the first mode to the second mode or when transitioning from the second mode to the first mode. A repeater comprising a generator. The said 1st mode is a normal mode in which normal operation | movement is performed, The second mode is a mode in which compatibility with other models is assumed, and is a compatibility mode in which an operation different from the normal mode is performed. An entertainment apparatus having at least a first mode and a second mode as an operation mode, And read information from a storage medium, determine an operation mode based on the read information, generate a selection signal of the operation mode according to the determined operation mode, and output the generated selection signal to the outside. Device. A communication system having an entertainment device having at least a first mode and a second mode as an operation mode, and a repeater for connecting the entertainment device to one or more operation terminals or an external storage device, The entertainment apparatus transmits a selection signal corresponding to the operation mode to be executed to the repeater, The repeater receives the selection signal and performs relay processing for the first mode when the entertainment apparatus is operating in the first mode based on the received selection signal, and the entertainment apparatus performs the second mode. And a relay process for the second mode when operating in the control mode. A communication method for connecting one or more operation terminals or an external storage device with an entertainment device having at least a first mode and a second mode as an operation mode, Reading information from a storage medium by the entertainment device; Determining an operation mode of the entertainment apparatus based on the read information; Generating a selection signal corresponding to the determination result; Transmitting, by the entertainment apparatus, the selection signal to the repeater; Receiving, by the repeater, the selection signal; When the received selection signal is a signal corresponding to the first mode, the repeater performs relay processing for the first mode; And And repeating the repeater for the second mode when the received selection signal is a signal corresponding to the second mode. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein the determination step includes setting an operation mode to the first mode when the storage medium is detached, and generating a selection signal corresponding to the first mode. Way. The said repeater has a 1st relay processing apparatus for a 1st mode, and a 2nd relay processing apparatus for a 2nd mode, When the selection signal is shifted from one to the other of the signal corresponding to the first mode and the signal corresponding to the second mode, the repeater determines both of the first relay processing device and the second relay processing device. And resetting the period of time. The said repeater has a 1st relay processing apparatus for a 1st mode, and a 2nd relay processing apparatus for a 2nd mode, The determining step includes setting an operation mode to the first mode when the entertainment apparatus is powered on, and generating a selection signal corresponding to the first mode, When the entertainment device is powered on and a selection signal corresponding to the first mode is newly generated, the repeater resets both the first relay processing device and the second relay processing device for a predetermined period. Communication method characterized in that it further comprises. An entertainment apparatus having a first mode and a second mode as an operation mode, the storage medium storing a program for operating a computer, Reading information from the storage medium; Determining an operation mode based on the read information; Generating a selection signal of an operation mode according to the determined operation mode; And And outputting the generated selection signal to the outside.

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