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Nintendo files patent application for stationary game console without optical disk

R

Rösti

Unconfirmed Member
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On February 10, 2015, Nintendo Co., Ltd, filed in the United States a patent application for a "Stationary Game Apparatus, Game Apparatus, Game System, Recording Medium and Speed Control Method". It was published yesterday, on August 20, 2015, and is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application filed on February 20, 2014. The title of the patent in itself sounds of course not very interesting, but the description and claims are quite peculiar. Additionally it describes a controller with a display screen as well as Speed Control Processing.

This particular patent is a bit lengthy, but I'll try and underline the most interesting/important parts.

Abstract

An example system includes an internal hard disk drive storing a program and/or data, a communication unit transmitting/receiving a program and/or data via a network, and a processor executing a program stored in the hard disk drive to perform game processing. The example system is not provided with an optical disk drive for reading out a program and/or data from an optical disk.

Claims

1. A stationary game apparatus, comprising: an internal hard disk drive storing a program and/or data; a communication unit transmitting/receiving a program and/or data via a network; and a processor executing a program stored in the hard disk drive to perform game processing, wherein the game apparatus is not provided with an optical disk drive.

2. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a first storage configured of a non-volatile memory, wherein the first storage stores a first program starting to be executed when the game apparatus is started, and the hard disk drive stores a second program starting to be executed after the first program starts to be executed.

3. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 2, comprising a second storage configured of a non-volatile memory, wherein the second storage stores the second program.

4. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 3, comprising: a corruption determination unit determining presence/absence of corruption in the second program stored in the hard disk drive; and a program restoration unit causing the hard disk drive to store the second program stored in the second storage, if the corruption determination unit determines that corruption is present.

5. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a program and/or data concerning a game received through the communication unit is stored in the hard disk drive and is not stored in the first storage.

6. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a connection unit to which an external hard disk drive is detachably connected, wherein the program and/or data concerning a game received through the communication unit is stored in the internal hard disk drive or the external hard disk drive connected to the connection unit.

7. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a speed control unit controlling a speed of reading and/or writing of data with respect to the hard disk drive.

8. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 7, comprising an obtaining unit obtaining identification information of a program to be executed by the processor, wherein the speed control unit controls a speed of reading and/or writing of data in accordance with the identification information obtained by the obtaining unit.

9. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the speed control unit controls a speed of reading and/or writing of data in response to a command from a program being executed by the processor.

10. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the processor is able to execute a program which operates by using a different hard disk drive different from the internal hard disk drive, and the speed control unit emulates a speed of reading and/or writing of data with respect to the different hard disk drive when the processor executes the program.

11. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the speed control unit switches a mode for reading and/or writing of data with respect to the hard disk drive to either one of two modes with different speeds.

12. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the two modes is a mode for emulating a speed of reading and/or writing of data with respect to a storage device other than the hard disk drive.

13. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game apparatus is compatible with another game apparatus comprising an optical disk drive for reading out a program and/or data from an optical disk, and a processor for executing the program read out from the optical disk to perform game processing, and an interface for the hard disk drive is same as an interface for the optical disk drive in said another game apparatus.

14. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a wireless communication unit performing wireless communication with a wireless communication device having an operation unit and a battery, and wirelessly transmitting/receiving information concerning an operation accepted by the operation unit; and a power supply unit to which the wireless operation device is detachably connected via a power supply line, and supplying power to the battery of the wireless operation device via the power supply line.

15. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a wireless communication unit performing wireless communication with a wireless operation device wirelessly transmitting/receiving information concerning an operation accepted by an operation unit, wherein the wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with a dedicated communication protocol.

16. The stationary game apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a wireless communication unit performing wireless communication with a wireless operation device having an operation unit and a display unit, and wirelessly transmitting/receiving information concerning an operation accepted by the operation unit and information concerning an image to be displayed on the display unit.

17. A non-transitory recording medium recording a computer program executed by the processor of the stationary game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computer program includes a processing routine for the stationary game apparatus, and one or more processing routines for a game apparatus having a hardware configuration different from the stationary game apparatus, and the computer program causes the processor to operate as an identification information obtaining unit obtaining identification information of a game apparatus, and a selection unit selecting a processing routine in accordance with the identification information obtained by the identification information obtaining unit.

18. A game system, comprising: an internal hard disk drive storing a program and/or data; a communication unit transmitting/receiving a program and/or data via a network; and a processor executing a program stored in the hard disk drive to perform game processing, wherein the game system is not provided with an optical disk drive.

19. A game apparatus, comprising: an internal hard disk drive; and a storage configured of a non-volatile memory, wherein the storage stores a first program starting to be executed when a game apparatus is started, and the hard disk drive stores a second program starting to be executed after the first program starts to be executed.

20. A game apparatus, comprising: an internal hard disk drive storing a program and/or data; a processor executing a program stored in the hard disk drive to perform game processing; and a speed control unit controlling a speed of reading or writing of data with respect to the hard disk drive, wherein the speed control unit switches a mode for reading and/or writing data with respect to the hard disk drive to either one of two modes with different speeds, and at least one of the two modes is a mode for emulating a speed of reading and/or writing of data with respect to a storage device other than the hard disk drive.

21. The game apparatus according to claim 20, comprising a connection unit to which an external hard disk drive is detachably connected, wherein the speed control unit emulates a speed of reading and/or writing of data with respect to the external hard disk drive in the mode for emulating.

22. The game apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the processor is able to execute in parallel a plurality of programs including a program concerning a game and/or a program other than the program concerning a game, and the speed control unit switches the mode for reading and/or writing of data, for each program being executed by the processor.

23. A speed control method of controlling, in a game apparatus including an internal hard disk drive storing a program and/or data, a speed of reading or writing of data with respect to the hard disk drive, comprising: obtaining identification information of a program to be executed; and switching a mode for reading and/or writing of data with respect to the hard disk drive to either one of two modes with different speeds in accordance with the obtained identification information.

24. A non-transitory recording medium recording a computer program, causing a processor of a game apparatus including an internal hard disk drive storing a program and/or data to operate as a speed control unit switching a mode for reading and/or writing of data with respect to the hard disk drive to either one of two modes with different speeds in response to a command from a program being executed.

25. A game apparatus, comprising: a wireless communication unit performing wireless communication with a wireless operation device having an operation unit, a display unit and a battery, and wirelessly transmitting/receiving information concerning an operation accepted by the operation unit and information concerning an image to be displayed on the display unit; and a power supply unit to which the wireless operation device is detachably connected via a power supply line and supplying power to the battery of the wireless operation device via the power supply line.

26. A non-transitory recording medium recording a computer program executed by processors of a plurality of types of game apparatuses with different hardware configurations, wherein the computer program includes a plurality of processing routines for each of the plurality of types of game apparatuses, and the computer program causes the processor to operate as an identification information obtaining unit obtaining identification information of a game apparatus; and a selection unit selecting a processing routine in accordance with the identification information obtained by the identification information obtaining unit.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0003] In recent years, high-speed communication such as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) or optical communication has widely been spread. Such high-speed communication is utilized to allow a server apparatus or the like to distribute a game program to a game apparatus. When a game program is obtained through communication, a user can enjoy playing a game using a game apparatus without purchasing a recording medium such as an optical disk.

[0004] According to an aspect of the embodiment, a stationary game apparatus includes an internal hard disk drive storing a program and/or data, a communication unit transmitting/receiving a program and/or data via a network, and a processor executing the program stored in the hard disk drive to perform game processing, while not including an optical disk drive reading out a program and/or data from an optical disk.

[0005] The object and advantages of the present technology herein will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the technology herein.

[0006] The above and further objects and features of the present technology herein will more fully be apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Images (only two are interesting)

[0007] FIG. 1 shows an example non-limiting block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game apparatus according to a present example embodiment;

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[0008] FIG. 2 shows an example non-limiting block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller included in a game apparatus according to the present example embodiment;

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an example non-limiting block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game apparatus according to a present example embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an example non-limiting block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller included in the game apparatus according to the present example embodiment. A game apparatus 1 according to the present example embodiment is not provided with a display unit and displays a game screen on a display apparatus 5 such as a liquid-crystal television. The game apparatus 1 is a so-called stationary game apparatus. The game apparatus 1 includes a processor 10, a first memory 11, a second memory 12, an internal HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13, an image output unit 14, a communication unit 15, a wireless communication unit 16, a power supply unit 17, an HDD connection unit 18, a card slot 19, a controller 3 and the like. The controller 3 is provided exclusively for the game apparatus 1. The controller 3 includes a processor 31, a wireless communication unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, a battery 35, a connection unit 36 and the like.

[0018] The first memory 11 and the second memory 12 are configured using a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, for example. The processor 10 is able to read or write data from/to the first memory 11 and the second memory 12. In the present example embodiment, the first basic program 24 is stored in the first memory 11. The first basic program 24 is, for example, a kernel portion of an operating system. When the game apparatus 1 is started, the processor 10 first reads out the first basic program 24 from the first memory 11 and starts processing. In the first memory 11, for example, setting information for the game apparatus 1, information related to a right for the downloaded game program 26 or the like, version information for a program, or identification information for the game apparatus 1 may be stored. In the first memory 11, it is preferable to store, for example, data with high security, or data which is difficult to be restored or reacquired if corrupted. In the present example embodiment, replicated data 28 is stored in the second memory 12. The replicated data 28 is a copy (backup) of a program, data or the like stored in the internal HDD 13.

[0019] The internal HDD 13 is a magnetic storage device with a large volume compared to the first memory 11 and the second memory 12. The internal HDD 13 transmits/receives data to/from the processor 10 through an interface with a standard of, for example, SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). It is to be noted that the same interface as that used between the optical disk drive and the processor in the conventional game apparatus, for example, may be employed for the interface between the internal HDD 13 and the processor 10.

[0020] The game apparatus 1 according to the present example embodiment has a compatibility with another game apparatus on which an optical disk drive capable of reading out a game program from an optical disk is mounted. In other words, it is possible for the game apparatus 1 according to the present example embodiment to execute the same game program as another game apparatus on which an optical disk drive is mounted. The same interface as that of the optical disk drive mounted on another compatible game apparatus is employed for the interface of the internal HDD 13 in the game apparatus 1 according to the present example embodiment.

[0028] The card slot 19 of the game apparatus 1 may receive or discharge the memory card 7 such as an SD memory card. The card slot 19 can read or write data from/to the attached memory card 7. In the present example embodiment, the game apparatus 1 is able to read out the first basic program 24 or the second basic program stored in the memory card 7 through the card slot 19, and to store the read-out program in the first memory 11 or the internal HDD 13. This can realize, for example, version upgrade of the first basic program 24 and the second basic program 25. It is to be noted that the version upgrade of a program may be realized by downloading a program from the server apparatus 9 through the communication unit 15.

<Speed Control Processing>

[0035] The game apparatus 1 according to the present example embodiment is able to switch the speed of reading and writing of data with respect to the internal HDD 13 between two stages of a high speed mode and a low speed mode. According to the present example embodiment, in the high speed mode, the game apparatus 1 reads or writes data at a speed with which the performances of the internal HDD 13, the processor 10 and the like are utilized to a maximum extent. On the other hand, in the low speed mode, the game apparatus 1 reads and writes data from/to the internal HDD 13 by emulating the reading and writing characteristics of the external HDD 6 which is slower than the internal HDD 13. The difference in speed between the internal HDD 13 and the external HDD 6 may occur due to, for example, the difference of interfaces related to data transmission/reception with respect to the processor 10.

[0036] Even the game program 26 is created on the assumption that the reading and writing speed is set for the external HDD 6, the game apparatus 1 according to the present example embodiment is able to store the game program 26 in the internal HDD 13, and to read out the game program 26 from the internal HDD 13 and execute it by the processor 10. In the case of reading out and executing the game program 26 created with the reading and writing speed for the external HDD 6, the game apparatus 1 switches modes as described above.

[0037] The speed control of the game apparatus 1 as described above is performed by the speed control unit 21 implemented by the processor 10 executing the first basic program 24 or the second basic program 25. It is to be noted that the speed control unit 21 may be implemented by either the first basic program 24 or the second basic program 25. In the present example embodiment, the speed control unit 21 may be implemented by executing the first basic program 24.

[0038] In the present example embodiment, when the processing of the first basic program 24 or the second basic program 25 is performed, the speed control unit 21 reads and writes data from/to the internal HDD 13 in the high-speed mode. The speed control unit 21 switches between the high-speed mode and the low-speed mode as described above when the game program 26 is executed.

[0039] The game program 26 designates which one of the high-speed mode and the low-speed mode is used to read or write data from/to the internal HDD 13 in the processing of the game program 26 itself. In the case where a command for designating the speed is issued from the game program 26 upon executing the game program 26 by the processor 10, the speed control unit 21 switches between the high-speed mode and the low-speed mode in response to the command.

[0040] The speed control unit 21 switches between the high-speed mode and the low-speed mode according to its own judgment, for the game program 26 not explicitly providing a command for designating the speed. For example, the server apparatus 9 distributes the game program 26 together with the information indicating which one of the high-speed mode and the low-speed mode is used to operate the game program 26. When downloading the game program 26 from the server apparatus 9, the game apparatus 1 obtains information related to the speed and stores, as a table, the association between the speed and the information for identifying the game program 26 in the internal HDD 13. The information for identifying the game program 26 may be, for example, a game title, a program version and the like. The speed control unit 21 obtains the identification information of the game program 26 to be executed, and determines which one of the high-speed mode and the low-speed mode is used to operate the game program 26 by referring to a table which has been stored.

[0041] The processor 10 of the game apparatus 1 according to the present example embodiment can execute multiple programs in parallel. This is so-called background processing, overlay processing or the like. The processor 10 may implement parallel processing by simultaneously executing multiple programs, or may implement pseudo parallel processing by processing multiple programs in a time-division manner. The multiple programs executed in parallel may include various programs such as a program for displaying a menu screen, a program for accepting change of setting for the game apparatus 1, a program for downloading the game program 26 and a program for browsing the Internet. For example, while performing game processing by executing a game program 26, the processor 10 may download another game program 26 in the background. For example, when an operation for displaying a system menu is performed while executing a game program 26 for game processing, the processor 10 may execute the game processing in the background and displays the system menu.

[0042] In the case where the processor 10 executes multiple programs in parallel, the speed control unit 21 selects, for each program, the high-speed mode or the low speed-mode for reading and writing of data with respect to the internal HDD 13. When, for example, two programs are executed in parallel, the speed control unit 21 can operate the first program in the high-speed mode and the second program in the low-speed mode. When a request for reading or writing of data with respect to the internal HDD 13 is made from the first program, the speed control unit 21 reads or writes data concerning the request in the high-speed mode. When a request for reading or writing of data with respect to the internal HDD 13 is made from the second program, the speed control unit 21 reads or writes data concerning the request in the low-speed mode.

[0043] It is also possible for the game apparatus 1 to store the association between identification information and speed, as a table, for programs other than the game program 26. The speed control unit 21 can select the high-speed mode or the low-speed mode with reference to the table. These programs may issue a command for explicitly designating the speed, and the speed control unit 21 can switch between the high-speed mode and the low-speed mode in response to the command. Accordingly, for example, while a game program 26 is being executed in the low-speed mode, it is possible to download another game program 26 in the background in the high-speed mode.
Source: Search "20150231511" here.
 

Neoxon

Junior Member
Is that memory card their new physical format? If not, I don't think a digital-only console would go over well with the general public. Data caps & limited access to the internet are still real problems that need to be overcome before a digital-only system can be accepted by consumers.
 

Neoxon

Junior Member
You guys keep thinking downloadable, but they're going back to carts.
That's what I was thinking. If that memory card is their new physical format, then it needs to be 32-64GB in able to keep up with the space needed for current-gen games.

I'm not liking the idea of a digital only console one bit.
Look closely, there's a memory card that looks to be taking the place of the usual disc.
 
I'd be very surprised if this turned out true, but it's certainly possible. Nintendo love to surprise us.

That being said, how many times has a patent actually revealed Nintendo's current plans? Most seem to be for ideas already implemented and made public or ditched for something else.

Edit: also an HDD connector? No word on USB?! Finally?

Edit 2: Wait, also an internal HDD? I'm speeding through this so much I can barely process what I'm seeing!
 
I would be super surprised if Nintendo does the first digital-only "traditional" console first. It would likely be the end of an era for me personally. It will be interesting to see.
 
R

Rösti

Unconfirmed Member
The Memory Card Slot is what intrigue me the most about this design, they going from disks to carts?
It is described as such:
[0028] The card slot 19 of the game apparatus 1 may receive or discharge the memory card 7 such as an SD memory card. The card slot 19 can read or write data from/to the attached memory card 7. In the present example embodiment, the game apparatus 1 is able to read out the first basic program 24 or the second basic program stored in the memory card 7 through the card slot 19, and to store the read-out program in the first memory 11 or the internal HDD 13. This can realize, for example, version upgrade of the first basic program 24 and the second basic program 25. It is to be noted that the version upgrade of a program may be realized by downloading a program from the server apparatus 9 through the communication unit 15.
 

Neoxon

Junior Member
I would be super surprised if Nintendo does the first digital-only "traditional" console first. It would likely be the end of an era for me personally. It will be interesting to see.
It isn't digital-only, but rather the cartridges replacing the disc.

What's the benefit of carts over discs again? Other than sharing formats, that is.
Significantly faster loading times, fewer moving parts, can share a physical format with the handheld.
 

Neoxon

Junior Member
Nintendo is ready for Microsoft's vision of the future?
Again, look closer. They're switching to cartridges according to they patent. A digital-only console as the only option wouldn't sit well with the general public.
 

PSqueak

Banned
You guys keep thinking downloadable, but they're going back to carts.

Are memory carts cheap enough for it to be worth it?, i mean USB drives have been getting crazy cheap lately, is it likely that they can use carts that can competitively hold large games?
 

Oregano

Member
What exactly does it mean by "First Basic Program" and "Second Basic Program"?

They are separate from the Game Program but are stored on a memory card.
 

emb

Member
They never stopped using carts for handhelds, so that might be a good point. Unifying handheld and console, they decided to use handheld's media method.
More feasible than including an optical disc drive in a handheld.

I think the memory card here is just an SD card? And the programs on there are just downloaded games? Crazy to think about a Nintendo console I wouldn't want to buy (assuming digital only). :(
 

Siphorus

Member
What's the benefit of carts over discs again? Other than sharing formats, that is.

Cartridges could techincally load faster since instead of having to seek (moving the laser to the sector on the disk that is desired), the cartridge can simply jump to it since there are no moving parts.

Think SSD vs HDD, but with probably way less speed than a SSD for a cartridge.
 
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