Memory cartridge with interface having graphics co-processor

• US 5,599,232 A
• Filed: 10/06/1994
• Issued: 02/04/1997
• 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): Harrison, Jessica J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SAGER, MARK ALAN
• Application Number:
  US08/318,968
• Time in Patent Office: 852 Days
• Field of Search: 273/148 B, 273/433-437, 463/43-47, 364/410
• US Class Current: 463/44
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• 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 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• 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 catridge 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 so 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 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 removably received by a predetermined type video game console which has a microprocessor and a graphics processor, said cartridge comprising:

an interface including a graphics co-processor and a first casing with one end 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 therein requiring the combination of said graphics co-processor and said predetermined type video game console graphics processor for execution.

2. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 1 wherein said interface further includes a bank switching controller in electrical communication with said game cartridge and said predetermined 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 1 wherein said interface 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 1 wherein said interface 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.

5. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 4 wherein said at least one component comprises power supply means and a game state memory, said game state memory storing data representing a 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.

6. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 4 wherein said at least one component comprises a memory including at least one of a non-volatile RAM or 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.

7. 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 at least one other electrical component specific to said at least one game program and necessary for said predetermined type video game console to execute said at least one game program.

8. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 1 wherein said interface and said game cartridge include complementary connectors releasably engageable with each other to establish electrical interconnections between electrical components therein.

9. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 8 wherein said game cartridge push-fits into said interface to inhibit accidental separation therebetween.

10. A memory cartridge removably received by a video game console having a graphics processor, comprising:

an interface including a first casing adaptably receivable by said 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 played by said video game console, said interface including at least one graphics co-processor used by said video game console and said at least one game program requiring said at least one graphics co-processor in combination with said video game console graphics processor for execution of said at least one game program.

11. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said interface further includes a graphics memory storing graphics data, said at least one graphics co-processor being electrically connected to said graphics memory.

12. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said interface further includes a bank switching controller in electrical communication with said game cartridge and said video game console when said interface and game cartridge are attached and said memory cartridge is received by said video game console.

13. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 12 wherein said interface further includes a security means to communicate with a security system in said video game console.

14. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 13 wherein said interface further includes power supply means and a game state memory, said game state memory storing data representing a state of a game program being played by said video game console when said memory cartridge is removed from said video game console.

15. A memory cartridge as defined in claim 14 wherein said interface further includes memory including at least one of a non-volatile RAM or E² PROM to store the state of the game program being played by said video game console when said memory cartridge is removed from said video game console.

16. An interface device for use with a video game console having a graphics processor and an electrical connector intended to receive a memory cartridge, said apparatus comprising:

electrical engagement means to removably connect said interface device to said electrical connector of said video game console; and

a graphics co-processor electrically connected to said electrical engagement means to provide additional graphics processing capabilities in combination with said video game console graphics processor to execute one or more programs from a memory storage device removably connected to said combination of said video game console and said graphics co-processor, said one or more programs being nonexecutable on said video game console when said graphics co-processor is absent.

17. An interface device according to claim 16 further including a graphics memory.

18. An interface according to claim 17 wherein said graphics memory comprises a ROM memory.

19. An interface device according to claim 16 wherein said memory storage device comprises a memory cartridge.

20. An interface device for use with a video game console having a graphics processor and an electrical connector intended to receive a memory cartridge, the interface including:

an electrical engagement means to removably connect said interface device to said electrical connector of said video game console; and

a graphics co-processor in said interface electrically connected to said electrical engagement means to provide additional graphics processing capabilities in combination with said video game console graphics processor to execute one or more programs from a memory storage device, said programs being nonexecutable on said video game console when said interface device is disconnected therefrom.

21. An interface device according to claim 20 wherein said memory storage device comprises a memory cartridge.

22. An interface device according to claim 20 wherein said interface further includes a graphics memory.

23. A memory cartridge to be removably received by a predetermined type video game console which has a microprocessor and a graphics processor, said cartridge comprising:

an interface including a graphics co-processor and a first casing with one end received by said predetermined type video game console; and

a game cartridge including a second casing removably attached to said first casing and including at least one game program therein requiring the combination of said graphics co-processor and said predetermined type video game console microprocessor for execution.