Memory cartridge

• US 5,395,112 A
• Filed: 04/05/1993
• Issued: 03/07/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Codemasters Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Codemasters Incorporated
• Inventors: Darling, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Millin, Vincent
• Assistant Examiner(s): Owens, Kerry
• Application Number:
  US08/042,567
• Time in Patent Office: 701 Days
• Field of Search: 273/148 B, 273/434, 273/435, 273/437 85 G, 364/961, 364/961.4, 364/410, 395/425
• US Class Current: 463/44
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/23 for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1025 details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards

Abstract

A memory cartridge for use in a video game console includes an interface and a compact game cartridge removably attachable to the interface. The compact game cartridge has a Read Only Memory in it storing at least one game program to be executed by the game console. The compact game cartridge may also include other components dedicated to the at least one game program necessary for the game console to execute the game program. The interface has electrical circuitry therein such as for example, a bank switching controller, graphics memory, a security circuit to satisfy a security system in the gaming console etc., which is not dedicated to any specific game program but which nonetheless, is necessary for the game console to execute a game program stored in a compact game, cartridge. In this manner, all non-dedicated circuitry needed for a game program to be executed in the game console is included in the interface, allowing, inexpensive compact game cartridges having only game program specific components therein, to be manufactured. A range of compact game cartridges can therefore, be attached to a single interface and loaded into the game console allowing the game programs stored in the compact game cartridges to be executed.

Claims

1. A memory cartridge for use in a predetermined type video game console comprising:

an interface having a first casing with one end to be received by said predetermined type video game console; and

a game cartridge including a second casing removably attachable to said first casing and including at least one game program stored therein written specifically for and to be executed by said predetermined type video game console, said interface including electrical circuitry therein not dedicated to any specific game program but necessary for said predetermined type video game console to execute said at least one game program in said game cartridge so that said at least one game program is not executable by said predetermined type video game console unless said interface acts between said game cartridge and said predetermined type video game console.

2. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 1 wherein said electrical circuitry includes a bank switching controller in electrical communication with said game cartridge and said predetermined type video game console when said interface and game cartridge are attached and said memory cartridge is received by said predetermined type video game console.

3. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 2 wherein said electrical circuitry further includes a security circuit to communicate with a security system in said predetermined type video game console.

4. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 2 wherein said game cartridge includes a Read Only Memory storing said at least one game program and other electrical components specific to said at least one game program necessary for said predetermined type video game console to execute said at least one game program.

5. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 4 wherein said interface and said game cartridge include complimentary connectors releaseably engageable with each other to establish electrical interconnections between electrical components therein.

6. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 5 wherein said game cartridge push-fits into said interface to inhibit accidental separation therebetween.

7. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 1 wherein said electrical circuitry further includes at least one component which is not necessary to execute the at least one game program but which is desirable to give the memory cartridge extra facilities.

8. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 7 wherein said electrical circuitry further includes power supply means and a game state memory, said game state memory storing data representing the state of a game program being executed by said predetermined type video game console when said memory cartridge is removed from said predetermined type video game console.

9. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 7 wherein said electrical circuitry includes memory in the form of one of non-volatile RAM and E² PROM to store the state of a game program being executed by said predetermined type video game console when said :

memory cartridge is removed from said predetermined type video game console.

10. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 1 wherein said electrical circuitry further includes a graphics memory storing graphics data to be used by said predetermined type video game console and a graphics co-processor electrically connected to said graphics memory to enhance the graphics capability of said predetermined type video game console.