WO2025169309A1 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device that is capable of detecting connection of a cartridge and identifying the type of the connected cartridge. An information processing device according to the present embodiment comprises a first slot into and from which a first cartridge and a second cartridge of a second information processing device are insertable and removable. Provided in the first slot are: a switch which is provided in a space avoiding a portion of a housing of the first cartridge that has been accommodated in the first slot and with which a portion of the housing of the second cartridge comes into contact when the second cartridge has been accommodated in the first slot; and a detection terminal which detects that the first cartridge or the second cartridge has been connected thereto. When the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the detection terminal comes into contact with a terminal of the second cartridge after the portion of the housing of the second cartridge and the switch have come into contact with each other.

Description

Information processing device

The present invention relates to an information processing device to which a cartridge can be connected.

Prior art includes an information processing device equipped with a detection terminal that detects when a cartridge is connected (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-64778 A

However, in the above prior art, the information processing device was not configured to be able to connect a first cartridge to a second cartridge for a second information processing device, and no consideration was given to a structure for identifying the type of cartridge.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device that can detect the connection of a cartridge and identify the type of connected cartridge.

To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

(First Configuration)
A first configuration of this embodiment is an information processing device including: a first slot into which a first cartridge and a second cartridge, which is insertable into and removable from a second slot of a second information processing device, a switch provided in the first slot, the switch changing its on/off state when a part of a housing of the second cartridge comes into contact with the switch when the second cartridge is accommodated in the first slot, and the state remaining unchanged when the first cartridge is accommodated, a circuit for determining the on/off state of the switch, and a detection terminal provided in the first slot for detecting connection of the first cartridge or the second cartridge. The information processing device is configured such that when the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the detection terminal comes into contact with the detection terminal of the second cartridge after the state of the switch changes, and when the first cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the detection terminal comes into contact with the detection terminal of the first cartridge without changing the state of the switch.

As described above, in an information processing device into which a first cartridge and a second cartridge can be inserted, it is possible to determine which cartridge has been inserted based on the state of the switch. Since the connection of a cartridge is detected after the state of the switch is determined, for example, once the cartridge is detected, processing can be performed immediately according to the type of cartridge that has been connected.

(Second Configuration)
In a second configuration, in the first configuration, the housing of the first cartridge has a shape in which a notch is provided relative to the housing of the second cartridge, and when the first cartridge is accommodated in the first slot, the switch may be provided at the position of the notch.

As described above, the state of the switch can be changed depending on whether the notch is present or not, making it possible to determine whether the first cartridge or the second cartridge has been inserted.

(Third Configuration)
In a third configuration, in the first or second configuration, a ground terminal connected to a ground of an electronic circuit provided in the information processing device may be provided in the first slot, and when the first cartridge is accommodated in the first slot, the detection terminal of the first cartridge may be connected to the ground terminal, and when the second cartridge is accommodated in the first slot, the detection terminal of the second cartridge may be connected to the ground terminal.

As described above, the detection terminal on the cartridge side is connected to both the detection terminal on the information processing device side and the ground terminal. This allows the number of terminals on the cartridge side to be reduced.

(Fourth Configuration)
In a fourth configuration, in the first or second configuration, the first slot may further include a ground terminal that is connected to a first ground terminal in the first cartridge when the first cartridge is inserted and housed in the first slot, and that is connected to a second ground terminal in the second cartridge when the second cartridge is inserted and housed in the first slot. When the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the state of the switch may change after the ground terminal and the second ground terminal come into contact, and then the detection terminal may come into contact with the detection terminal of the second cartridge. When the first cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the ground terminal and the first ground terminal may come into contact, and then the detection terminal may come into contact with the detection terminal of the first cartridge.

As described above, whether the first cartridge or the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the ground terminal on the cartridge side and the ground terminal on the information processing device side are first connected. This allows the information processing device to detect the cartridge while it is in an electrically stable state.

(Fifth Configuration)
In a fifth configuration, in the fourth configuration, a signal terminal may be provided in the first slot, the signal terminal being connected to a first signal terminal of the first cartridge and a second signal terminal of the second cartridge. When the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the ground terminal may come into contact with the second ground terminal, and then the signal terminal may come into contact with the second signal terminal, the state of the switch may then change, and then the detection terminal may come into contact with the detection terminal of the second cartridge. When the first cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the ground terminal may come into contact with the first ground terminal, and then the signal terminal may come into contact with the first signal terminal, and then the detection terminal may come into contact with the detection terminal of the first cartridge.

As described above, the ground terminals are connected first, allowing the signal terminals to be connected in an electrically stable state.

(Sixth Configuration)
In a sixth configuration, in any of the first to fifth configurations, a first terminal may be provided in the first slot, which has a first function when the first cartridge is connected and a second function when the second cartridge is connected.

As a result of the above, the function of the first terminal can be changed depending on the type of cartridge connected, reducing the number of cartridges and terminals in the first slot and saving space.

(Seventh Configuration)
In a seventh configuration, in the sixth configuration, the first function may be a function as a command output or a response input, and the second function may be a function as a chip enable output.

As described above, the first terminal can function as a command output or response input, or as a chip enable output.

(Eighth Configuration)
In an eighth configuration, in any one of the first to seventh configurations, the information processing device may be a next generation device of the second information processing device.

As described above, a first cartridge and a second cartridge for a second information processing device, which is a previous generation device, can be connected to the information processing device, and the type of connected cartridge can be identified.

(Ninth Configuration)
In a ninth configuration, in any of the first to eighth configurations, a power supply terminal is provided in the first slot for supplying a predetermined power supply voltage to a first power supply terminal of the first cartridge when the first cartridge is accommodated, and the power supply terminal may supply the predetermined power supply voltage to a second power supply terminal of the second cartridge when the second cartridge is accommodated in the first slot.

As a result of the above, the same power supply voltage can be supplied from the power terminal whether the first cartridge or the second cartridge is connected.

(Tenth Configuration)
In a tenth configuration, in any of the first to ninth configurations, a data input/output terminal may be provided in the first slot, which is connected to a first data input/output terminal of the first cartridge when the first cartridge is connected, and transmits and receives signals conforming to a first standard to and from the first data input/output terminal. When the second cartridge is accommodated in the first slot, the data input/output terminal may be connected to a second data input/output terminal of the second cartridge, and transmits and receives signals conforming to a second standard to and from the second data input/output terminal.

As described above, when a first cartridge is connected, signals conforming to the first standard can be sent and received with the first cartridge using the data input/output terminal provided in the first slot, and when a second cartridge is connected, signals conforming to the second standard can be sent and received with the second cartridge using the same data input/output terminal.

(Eleventh Configuration)
The information processing device of the eleventh configuration includes a first slot into which a first cartridge and a second cartridge that can be inserted and removed into a second slot of a second information processing device can be inserted and removed, a switch that identifies whether the first cartridge or the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, a circuit that determines whether the switch is on or off, and a detection terminal that detects that the first cartridge or the second cartridge has been connected after identifying the first cartridge or the second cartridge based on the on or off state of the switch.

As described above, in an information processing device into which a first cartridge and a second cartridge can be inserted, the connection of the cartridge is detected after identifying which cartridge has been inserted. Therefore, for example, after the cartridge is detected, processing can be performed immediately according to the type of cartridge that has been connected.

According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the connected cartridge while identifying the cartridge type.

Six-sided views showing the appearance of the cartridge 1 of this embodiment FIG. 1 is a front view of the cartridge 1, showing an example of the size of the cartridge 1. FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the cartridge 1, showing an example of the size of the cartridge 1. Six-sided views showing the appearance of the front housing 2 Six-sided views showing the appearance of the rear housing 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. Cross-sectional view of line B-B in FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the cartridge 1 and a new game device or an old game device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a new game device 50. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a new cartridge 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 12 of the new cartridge 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the new game device 50 and the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the new game device 50 when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is configured as a common cartridge. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of data stored in the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is configured as a common cartridge. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is configured as a dedicated cartridge. FIG. 10 shows an example of a game image when a common cartridge is connected to the new game device 50 and a game program is being executed. FIG. 10 shows an example of a game image when a common cartridge is connected to an old game device 70 and a game program is being executed. FIG. 10 shows an example of an image displayed when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70 in the case where the new cartridge 1 is configured as a dedicated cartridge. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of terminals T1 to T16 provided on the front surface of the new cartridge 1. A diagram showing the functions of each terminal T of the new cartridge 1 Front view of old cartridge 7 A diagram showing the functions of each terminal T of the old cartridge 7 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the shape of the cartridge insertion opening of the first slot 51. Enlarged view of the cartridge insertion slot from an angle FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of terminals P provided inside the first slot 51. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the functions of each terminal P provided inside the first slot 51. 1 is a diagram showing the state when the ground terminal T15 of the new cartridge 1 first comes into contact with the ground terminal P15 of the first slot 51 when the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51. 29, when the power terminal of the new cartridge 1 comes into contact with the power terminal of the first slot 51. 30, when the reset terminal T16 of the new cartridge 1 comes into contact with the reset terminal P16 of the first slot 51. 31, when the ground terminal T1 of the new cartridge 1 comes into contact with the ground terminal P0 of the first slot 51. 32, when the clock terminal and the strobe terminal of the new cartridge 1 come into contact. 33, when the detection terminal T1 of the new cartridge 1 comes into contact with the detection terminal P1 of the first slot 51. 10 is a diagram showing the state when the terminal P17 of the first slot 51 changes from the OFF state to the ON state. 35, when the detection terminal T1 of the old cartridge 7 comes into contact with the detection terminal P1 of the first slot 51. 36, when the old cartridge 7 is fixed in the first slot 51. A sequence diagram of the new game device 50 and the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50. A sequence diagram of the old game device 70 and the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70. A flowchart showing an example of a process performed when the new cartridge 1 receives a reset release signal from the game device. 1 is a sequence diagram of the new game device 50 and the old cartridge 7 when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 12 in the new cartridge 1 according to the first modification. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a second modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a third modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a fifth modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a sixth modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the seventh modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the seventh modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the eighth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the eighth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the ninth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the ninth modified example. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the tenth modified example. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the tenth modified example. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when a new cartridge 1 is connected to a new game device 50 according to an eleventh modified example. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the eleventh modified example. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the twelfth modified example. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another identification method, showing the state when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 according to the twelfth modified example. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge that is a modified version of the new cartridge 1 and includes a removable storage medium 11.

(Appearance of cartridge 1)
The cartridge 1 of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. The cartridge 1 is inserted into a slot of a game device (described later) and connected to the game device. The cartridge 1 stores a game program that enables execution of a predetermined game (for example, any game such as a racing game, role-playing game, shooting game, fighting game, rhythm game, etc.). The game device reads the game program stored in the cartridge 1 and executes the game program.

First, we will explain the appearance of the cartridge 1. Figure 1 is a six-sided view showing the appearance of the cartridge 1 of this embodiment.

(a) in Figure 1 is a front view of cartridge 1, (b) in Figure 1 is a left side view of cartridge 1, (c) in Figure 1 is a right side view of cartridge 1, (d) in Figure 1 is a top view of cartridge 1, (e) in Figure 1 is a bottom view of cartridge 1, and (f) in Figure 1 is a rear view of cartridge 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, cartridge 1 is formed from a front housing 2 and a rear housing 3. A substrate 40 having a plurality of terminals T is housed within the housing composed of front housing 2 and rear housing 3. The front housing 2 and rear housing 3 are formed, for example, from synthetic resin and are joined by welding. Any material may be used for the front housing 2 and rear housing 3. The front housing 2 and rear housing 3 may be fixed by any method, such as fitting a claw and a hole or screwing. The housing of cartridge 1 does not necessarily have to be composed of the front housing 2 and rear housing 3; for example, it may be composed of three or more housings. The housing of cartridge 1 may also be composed of a single housing in which the front housing 2 and rear housing 3 are essentially integrated.

Here, the direction in which cartridge 1 is inserted is the negative y-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the y-axis and pointing to the right when viewing front housing 2 from the front is the positive x-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the y-axis and x-axis and pointing from front housing 2 to rear housing 3 is the positive z-axis direction. The x-axis direction is also referred to as the rightward direction, and the y-axis direction is also referred to as the upward direction. The direction looking at the surface on which terminal T is provided is the front view. In the following, for example, when referring to the "positive x-axis direction," the word "positive" will be omitted and it will be written as the "x-axis direction." The same applies to the y-axis and z-axis directions.

As shown in Figure 1(a), the front housing 2 has five openings 23 for exposing multiple terminals T provided on the circuit board 40. Specifically, the openings 23 are formed to extend in the y-axis direction from the bottom end of the cartridge 1 (the bottom end in Figure 1(a), also called the tip).

A separator 24, which is a housing that extends between each terminal, is provided between each opening 23. The separator 24 is part of the front housing 2.

Furthermore, a right-side cutout (21 and 22) is formed in the right end (end in the x-axis direction) of the front housing 2, extending from the rightmost end of the housing in the negative x-axis direction. The right-side cutout has an upper portion 21 and a lower portion 22. Hereinafter, the upper portion 21 of the right-side cutout may be referred to as the "right-side cutout 21," and the lower portion 22 of the right-side cutout may be referred to as the "right-side cutout 22." The right-side cutouts 21 and 22 are recessed in the negative x-axis direction from the right side surface of the cartridge 1 and recessed in the z-axis direction from the front of the cartridge 1. Specifically, as shown in (d) and (e) of Figure 1, the right-side cutouts 21 and 22 are formed by cutting out the corners that are the ends of the front housing 2 in the x-axis direction and the negative z-axis direction, and have an approximately L-shaped shape when viewed from the bottom or top. The right-side cutout 21 is formed to extend in the negative y-axis direction from near the top end of the cartridge 1 (the top end of the cartridge in FIG. 1( a)). The right-side cutout 21 may be formed from the top end of the cartridge 1, or may be formed from a position below the top end of the cartridge 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The length of the right-side cutout 21 in the y-axis direction is longer than the length of the right-side cutout 22 in the y-axis direction. The right-side cutout 21 functions as a rail for sliding the cartridge 1 when it is inserted into a slot of a new game device 50 or an old game device 70 (described below). The right-side cutouts 21 and 22 do not have to be formed strictly parallel to the negative y-axis direction (the direction of insertion into the slot). For example, they may be formed to extend in a diagonal direction that includes a negative y-axis component (for example, in the negative y-axis and z-axis directions, or the negative y-axis and negative x-axis directions).

The right-side notch 22 extends from the bottom end of the cartridge 1 and is formed to connect with the right-side notch 21. The right-side notch 22 may not necessarily be formed from the bottom end of the cartridge 1, but may be formed from a position above the bottom end of the cartridge 1 (for example, a position between the bottom end of the cartridge 1 and the first position P_Y1 in Figure 2).

Figure 2 is a front view of cartridge 1, showing an example of the size of cartridge 1. Figure 3 is a bottom view of cartridge 1, showing an example of the size of cartridge 1.

As shown in Figure 2, the width (length in the x-axis direction) of cartridge 1 is X0, which is set to, for example, approximately 20 mm to 22 mm. The length (length in the y-axis direction) of cartridge 1 is Y0, which is set to, for example, approximately 30 mm to 32 mm.

As shown in Figure 2, multiple terminals T are exposed from each of the five openings 23 provided on the front surface of the cartridge 1. The multiple terminals T include multiple short terminals arranged in the upper region, multiple short terminals arranged in the lower region, and multiple long terminals spanning the upper and lower regions. The multiple short terminals arranged in the upper region have the same upper end position in the Y-axis direction as the long terminals. The multiple short terminals arranged in the lower region have different lower end positions in the Y-axis direction as the long terminals. Details of each terminal will be provided later.

As shown in Figure 2, the right-side cutout 21 has a constant width X1 (length X1 in the x-axis direction). The width of the right-side cutout 21 is the length X1 from the rightmost end of the housing in the negative x-axis direction. For example, the width X1 of the right-side cutout 21 may be 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. The four corners of the cartridge 1 are rounded, and the width of the right-side cutout 21 is not constant at the upper end, becoming narrower closer to the upper end.

The right-side cutout 22 is also formed in an R-shape from the bottom end of the cartridge to a first position P_Y1 in the y-axis direction (position Y1 from the bottom end), and the width (length in the x-axis direction) of the right-side cutout 22 in that portion narrows the closer to the bottom end. The width of the right-side cutout 22 is a constant maximum width X2 from the first position P_Y1 in the y-axis direction to a second position P_Y2 (position Y2 from the bottom end). The maximum width of the right-side cutout 22 is from the rightmost end of the housing to length X2 in the negative x-axis direction. The right-side cutout 22 tapers from the second position P_Y2 to a third position P_Y3 (position Y3 from the bottom end), and the third position P_Y3 is the upper end of the right-side cutout 22. The maximum width X2 of the right-side cutout 22 is wider than the width X1 of the right-side cutout 21. For example, the maximum width X2 of the right cutout 22 may be 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm. The length of the tapered portion in the Y-axis direction (Y3-Y2) may be, for example, 0.8 to 1 mm. The left end of the right cutout 22 extends linearly from the bottom end of the right cutout 22 to a second position P_Y2 in the y-axis direction. The length from the bottom end to the second position P_Y2 may be, for example, 3 mm to 4 mm. Furthermore, the left end of the right cutout 22 is formed so as to have an angle θ with respect to the y-axis from the second position P_Y2 to a third position P_Y3 in the y-axis direction. For example, θ may be 135 degrees.

In this way, the right-side cutout 22 has a tapered portion where the width narrows (the portion from the second position P_Y2 to the third position P_Y3) and a portion where the width is constant (the portion from the first position P_Y1 to the second position P_Y2). This makes it possible to ensure the strength of the housing of the cartridge 1 while providing a right-side cutout 22 with a wider width. Furthermore, by shortening the length of the wider right-side cutout 22 in the y-axis direction, the strength of the housing can be ensured.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the upper end of each terminal T is located above the upper end of the right-side cutout 22. This ensures the strength of the housing that protects each terminal T. Furthermore, the lower end of the right-side cutout 22 is located below the lower end of each terminal T. Furthermore, the upper end of the right-side cutout 21 is located above the upper end of each terminal T. Furthermore, the lower end of the right-side cutout 21 extends to near the lower ends of the short terminals and long terminals arranged in the lower region. Specifically, the right-side cutout 21 extends below the center in the y-axis direction of the short terminals arranged in the lower region. This allows the right-side cutout 21 to function as a rail, allowing the cartridge 1 to be inserted straight into the slot of the game device. This makes it less likely that misalignment will occur in the connection between the cartridge terminals and the slot terminals. Additionally, a right-side notch 22 is provided at the bottom end of the cartridge 1, making it easy to insert the cartridge 1 into the slot, and a right-side notch 21 is provided contiguous with the right-side notch 22, allowing the cartridge 1 to be smoothly guided in the insertion direction.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the thickness Z0 (length in the z-axis direction) of the cartridge 1 may be, for example, approximately 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm. Furthermore, the depth Z1 (length in the z-axis direction) of the right-side cutouts 21 and 22 may be, for example, approximately 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm. The depth Z1 of the right-side cutouts 21 and 22 is less than half the thickness Z0 of the cartridge 1. Furthermore, the depth Z1 of the right-side cutouts 21 and 22 is less than half the thickness Z2 of the front housing 2. Therefore, even with the right-side cutouts 21 and 22, the strength of the housing can be sufficiently maintained.

2, the width of the housing of the cartridge 1 (referred to as housing 27 in the figure) located between the rightmost terminal of the multiple terminals T and the right-side notch 22 is wider than the width X4 of the housing (separator 24) located between the multiple terminals. Specifically, the width X3 of the housing 27 corresponding to the portion of the right-side notch 22 from the bottom end to the second position P_Y2 is wider than the width X4. Furthermore, the width of the housing 27 corresponding to the portion of the right-side notch 22 from the second position P_Y2 to the third position P_Y3 is wider than the widths X3 and X4. Therefore, when the right-side notch 22 is located at the bottom end of the front housing 2 and the end in the x-axis direction, setting the width of the housing 27 corresponding to the right-side notch 22 to be equal to or greater than the width X4 can maintain the strength of the housing and prevent damage to the housing, for example, when dropped. For example, the width X3 may be approximately 0.9 mm, and the width X4 may be approximately 0.85 mm. Note that width X3 and width X4 may be the same. Also, width X3 may be narrower than width X4.

Furthermore, the bottom end of the rightmost terminal of the multiple terminals T (the terminal closest to the right-hand notch 22) is located higher than the bottom ends of the adjacent terminals. Terminals closer to the notch are more susceptible to impact when the cartridge 1 is dropped, but by positioning the bottom end of the terminal closest to the notch higher than the bottom ends of the adjacent terminals, it is possible to reduce the impact on the rightmost terminal when the cartridge 1 is dropped.

1, the cartridge 1 has left-side cutouts 25 and 26. The left-side cutouts 25 and 26 are formed at the left end (the end in the negative x-axis direction) and the end in the negative z-axis direction of the front housing 2. The left-side cutout 25 is formed further in the y-axis direction than the left-side cutout 26. The lower end of the left-side cutout 25 is located higher than the upper end of the right-side cutout 22. The left-side cutout 26 is also formed in the y-axis direction from the lower end of the cartridge 1. The upper end of the left-side cutout 26 is located lower than the upper end of the right-side cutout 22. The left-side cutouts 25 and 26 are used to fix the cartridge 1 at a predetermined position deep inside the slot of the game device. Specifically, when the cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot of the game device, a locking portion 511 (see Figure 27) provided on the left side surface inside the slot engages with the left-side cutout 25. A member 510 that interlocks with a locking portion 511 is provided at the back of the slot, and when the cartridge 1 is pushed further back, the left-side notch 26 acts on the member 510, moving the member 510 and the locking portion 511 further back. The member 510 and the locking portion 511 are biased in the y-axis direction by a biasing member (not shown), and are locked when moved to a predetermined position in the depth direction. This secures the cartridge 1 in a predetermined position at the back of the slot of the game device. When the cartridge 1 is pushed further back while fixed in the predetermined position, the lock between the member 510 and the locking portion 511 is released, and the cartridge 1 is pushed out in the y-axis direction (removal direction).

Next, the front housing 2 and rear housing 3 will be described. Figure 4 is a six-view diagram showing the appearance of the front housing 2. Figure 4(a) is a front view of the front housing 2, Figure 4(b) is a left side view of the front housing 2, Figure 4(c) is a right side view of the front housing 2, Figure 4(d) is a top view of the front housing 2, Figure 4(e) is a bottom view of the front housing 2, and Figure 4(f) is a rear view of the front housing 2. The xyz coordinate system in Figure 4 coincides with the xyz coordinate system in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a six-view diagram showing the appearance of the rear housing 3. (a) of Figure 5 is a front view of the rear housing 3. The xyz coordinate system in Figure 5 coincides with the xyz coordinate system in Figure 1. (a) of Figure 5 is a diagram of the cartridge 1 as seen from the rear. (b) of Figure 5 is a left side view of the rear housing 3, and a diagram of the cartridge 1 as seen from the right side. (c) of Figure 5 is a right side view of the rear housing 3, (d) of Figure 5 is a top view of the rear housing 3, and (e) of Figure 5 is a bottom view of the rear housing 3. (f) of Figure 5 is a rear view of the rear housing 3.

Furthermore, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 1.

The front housing 2 and rear housing 3 are each molded using, for example, a mold. As shown in Figure 5, a rib 31 is provided on the rear surface of the rear housing 3, following the outer edge of the rear housing 3. The rib 31 is a welding margin. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a circuit board 40 is housed between the rear housing 3 and the front housing 2, and the rear housing 3 and front housing 2 are combined so that they overlap, and the rib 31 of the rear housing 3 is welded to the front housing 2.

Ribs 31 are provided on the four sides of the rear surface of the rear housing 3, but not on the rounded corners. Ribs 31 may also be provided on the rounded corners of the rear surface of the rear housing 3, and the front housing 2 and rear housing 3 may be welded together at the rounded corners as well.

As shown in FIG. 7, the center of the rib 31 is positioned so as to approximately coincide with the end of the right cutout 21 in the negative x-axis direction (the end toward the center of the cartridge 1). Furthermore, when the right cutout 22 is viewed in a plan view perpendicular to the xz plane, the center of the rib 31 is located further in the x-axis direction than the end of the right cutout 22 in the negative x-axis direction. Furthermore, the width of the rib 31 (length in the x-axis direction) may be shorter than the width of the right cutout 22 (length in the x-axis direction). Furthermore, the width of the rib 31 may be shorter than the width of the right cutout 21 (length in the x-axis direction). For example, the width of the rib 31 may be 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm.

When the front housing 2 and the rear housing 3 are welded by the rib 31, the x-axis range of the welded portion includes the end of the right-side cutout 21 in the negative x-axis direction. In other words, when the welded portion and the right-side cutout 21 are viewed in a plan view perpendicular to the xy plane, at least a portion of the welded portion and at least a portion of the right-side cutout 21 overlap. This allows the front housing 2 and the rear housing 3 to be firmly connected, even if the right-side cutout 21 is provided in the front housing 2.

(Connection between cartridge 1 and game device)
Next, a description will be given of the connection between the cartridge 1 and the game device. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the cartridge 1 and the new game device or the old game device.

As shown in FIG. 8, cartridge 1 can be inserted into a first slot of the new game device 50 and can be electrically connected to a terminal provided in the first slot. The new game device 50 is the successor (next-generation model) to the old game device 70 and will be released after the old game device 70. The new game device 50 is a game device with higher performance than the old game device 70. As an example, the new game device 50 has a CPU with higher processing power than the old game device 70. As an example, the new game device 50 has a GPU with higher image processing power than the old game device 70. As an example, the new game device 50 can read and generate images with higher resolution than the old game device 70 and display those images on the display. Cartridge 1 is detachably connected to the new game device 50. The new game device 50 reads the game program, image data, etc. stored in cartridge 1 and executes game processing.

Cartridge 1 can also be inserted into the second slot of the old game device 70, and can be electrically connected to a terminal provided in the second slot. The old game device 70 can, for example, read the game program stored in cartridge 1 and execute game processing.

Furthermore, a cartridge 7 manufactured for the old game device 70 can be inserted into the second slot of the old game device 70. The cartridge 7 has a right-side notch 21 like cartridge 1, but does not have a right-side notch 22. The old game device 70 can read game programs and the like from the cartridge 7 connected to the second slot and execute game processing.

In addition, a cartridge 7 can also be inserted into the first slot of the new game device 50. The new game device 50 can read game programs and the like from the cartridge 7 and execute game processing.

Note that here, the cartridge 1 having the right-side notch 22 will be referred to as the "new cartridge 1." Furthermore, the cartridge 7 without the right-side notch 22 will be referred to as the "old cartridge 7." Furthermore, when there is no particular distinction between the new cartridge 1 and the old cartridge 7, they will be referred to as "cartridges." Furthermore, when there is no particular distinction between the new game device 50 and the old game device 70, they will be referred to as "game devices," and when there is no particular distinction between the first slot and the second slot, they will be referred to as "slots."

In this way, the new cartridge 1 can be connected to both the new game device 50 and the old game device 70. Both the new game device 50 and the old game device 70 can read data stored in the new cartridge 1 and write data to the new cartridge 1. Furthermore, the old cartridge 7 can be connected to both the new game device 50 and the old game device 70. Both the new game device 50 and the old game device 70 can read data stored in the old cartridge 7 and write data to the old cartridge 7. As will be explained in more detail below, the new game device 50 has an identification terminal that distinguishes between the new cartridge 1 and the old cartridge 7, while the old game device 70 does not have such an identification terminal.

(Configuration of the new game device and new cartridge)
Next, the configuration of the new game device 50 and the new cartridge 1 will be described.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the new game device 50. As shown in Figure 9, the new game device 50 has a first slot 51. The new cartridge 1 or old cartridge 7 can be inserted into or removed from the first slot 51. A connector having multiple terminals P (P0 to P17) is provided inside the first slot 51. The multiple terminals P provided inside the first slot 51 are connected to the multiple terminals T provided on the new cartridge 1. Details of the multiple terminals P0 to P17 on the new game device 50 will be provided later.

New game device 50 includes switching unit 52, switching unit 53, and conversion unit 54. New game device 50 also includes SoC (System On a Chip) 55. SoC 55 includes one or more processors and memory. For example, SoC 55 includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). For example, the CPU of SoC 55 has higher processing power than the CPU of SoC 73 included in old game device 70 (described below), and can execute instructions that the CPU of SoC 73 cannot execute. The CPU of SoC 55 executes application programs such as game applications. SoC 55 also includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that performs image processing. The GPU of SoC 55 has higher processing power than the GPU of SoC 73 included in old game device 70. Note that the CPU and GPU may be provided separately in new game device 50.

The switching unit 52 is electrically connected to multiple terminals P in the first slot 51. The switching unit 52 functions as a branching unit that branches signals from the multiple terminals P to a first path or a bypass path. The bypass path branching from the switching unit 52 is connected to the switching unit 53. The first path branching from the switching unit 52 is connected to the conversion unit 54, and the conversion unit 54 is further connected to the switching unit 53 via a second path. The bypass path branching from the switching unit 52 and the second path connected to the conversion unit 54 merge at the switching unit 53. The switching unit 53 is connected to the SoC 55. The switching units 52 and 53 switch between the first path and the bypass path based on a switching signal from the SoC 55. The switching unit 52, the switching unit 53, the conversion unit 54, the bypass path, the first path, and the second path may be configured using one or more integrated circuits.

Signals conforming to a first standard are transmitted and received on the bypass path between switching unit 52 and switching unit 53. The first standard may be, for example, eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card). The first standard may be any other standard or a proprietary standard. Furthermore, signals conforming to a second standard are transmitted and received on the first path between switching unit 52 and conversion unit 54. The second standard may be, for example, a proprietary standard. The second standard may be any other standard.

The first standard and the second standard have different performance. For example, the first standard may have a faster data transmission speed than the second standard. The first standard may also consume less power than the second standard.

Communication between the switching unit 53 and the conversion unit 54 is based on the first standard. Specifically, when data communication is performed using the first path, the conversion unit 54 converts a signal conforming to the second standard from the switching unit 52 into a signal conforming to the first standard and sends it to the switching unit 53. The conversion unit 54 also converts a signal conforming to the first standard from the switching unit 53 into a signal conforming to the second standard and sends it to the switching unit 52. Communication between the SoC 55 and the switching unit 53 is based on the first standard. The conversion unit 54 also encrypts and decrypts communication between the SoC 55 and the old cartridge 7. Specifically, the conversion unit 54 receives data from the SoC 55 via the switching unit 53 and encrypts the data. The encrypted data is sent to the old cartridge 7 via the switching unit 52. The conversion unit 54 also receives data from the old cartridge 7 and decrypts it. The decrypted data is sent to the SoC 55 via the switching unit 53.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the new cartridge 1. As shown in Figure 10, the new cartridge 1 has multiple terminals T (T1 to T16). Details will be described later, but when the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the multiple terminals T are connected to the multiple terminals P provided in the first slot 51. Furthermore, when the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the second slot 71 of the old game device 70, the multiple terminals T are connected to the multiple terminals P provided in the second slot 71.

The new cartridge 1 also includes a storage medium 11 and a control unit 12. The storage medium 11 is provided with a first storage area and a second storage area. Data stored in the first storage area is encrypted in a first format, and data stored in the second storage area is encrypted in a second format different from the first format. The new game device 50 is capable of decrypting data encrypted in the first format and data encrypted in the second format, and is capable of reading both data stored in the first storage area and data stored in the second storage area. On the other hand, the old game device 70 is capable of decrypting data encrypted in the second format and is capable of reading data stored in the second storage area. The storage medium 11 stores application programs (e.g., game programs), image data (e.g., texture data), etc. The storage medium 11 also stores metadata indicating the game title and ID, etc. The data stored in the storage medium 11 will be described later.

The multiple terminals T and the control unit 12 are electrically connected. Specifically, the multiple terminals T and the control unit 12 are connected by a single path (signal line; bus). In addition, the control unit 12 and the storage medium 11 are connected by a single path (signal line; bus).

The control unit 12 and the storage medium 11 may be connected via two paths. Specifically, the control unit 12 and the storage medium 11 may be connected via a first path for transmitting signals based on the first standard and a second path for transmitting signals based on the second standard. The multiple terminals T and the control unit 12 may also be connected via two paths. Specifically, the multiple terminals T and the control unit 12 may be connected via a third path for transmitting signals based on the first standard and a fourth path for transmitting signals based on the second standard.

The control unit 12 controls communication between the new cartridge 1 and the game device, and performs processing in response to read and write commands from the game device. The control unit 12 has the function of switching between the first and second standards. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, the control unit 12 controls signals conforming to the first standard, and when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70, the control unit 12 controls signals conforming to the second standard. The control unit 12 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 11.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 12 of the new cartridge 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 12 has a CPU 120, a first standard circuit 121, a second standard circuit 122, a storage medium control unit 123, and a memory 124. Note that each of the units 121 to 124 shown in FIG. 11 may be configured on a single chip, or on multiple chips. For example, they may be configured as an SoC including the CPU 120, the first standard circuit 121, the second standard circuit 122, and the memory 124.

The CPU 120 controls the first standard circuit 121, the second standard circuit 122, and the storage medium control unit 123.

Memory 124 is a non-volatile memory and may be, for example, a read-only memory or a read/write memory. Normal firmware and compatible firmware are stored in memory 124. Alternatively, memory 124 may not be provided, and each firmware may be stored in storage medium 11.

The firmware manages the storage area of the storage medium 11 (reading, writing, security processing, etc.), manages communications with game devices, and manages security. Normal firmware is firmware that allows the new cartridge 1 to operate in normal mode. Compatible firmware is firmware that allows the new cartridge 1 to operate in compatibility mode. In normal mode, communication based on the first standard takes place between the new cartridge 1 and the new game device 59. In compatibility mode, communication based on the second standard takes place between the new cartridge 1 and the old game device 70.

Specifically, when new cartridge 1 operates in normal mode, CPU 120 issues instructions to first standard circuit 121 to process signals conforming to the first standard, and first standard circuit 121 processes the signals conforming to the first standard. For example, when information is written to storage medium 11, first standard circuit 121 processes signals conforming to the first standard received via terminal T and sends information corresponding to the processing results to storage medium control unit 123. CPU 120 issues a write instruction to storage medium control unit 123, and storage medium control unit 123 writes information to storage medium 11 in accordance with the instruction. Furthermore, when information is read from storage medium 11, CPU 120 issues a read instruction to storage medium control unit 123, and storage medium control unit 123 reads information from storage medium 11 in accordance with the instruction. The read information is sent to the first standard circuit 121, which then sends a signal conforming to the first standard based on that information to terminal T.

Furthermore, when the new cartridge 1 operates in compatibility mode, the CPU 120 issues instructions to the second standard circuit 122 to process signals that comply with the second standard, and the second standard circuit 122 processes the signals that comply with the second standard. When communication based on the second standard is carried out between the new cartridge 1 and the game device, processing is carried out in a similar manner to that described above.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first standard circuit 121 and storage medium control unit 123 are connected by a common signal line (common bus), and the second standard circuit 122 and storage medium control unit 123 are connected by this common bus. Also in FIG. 11, the first standard circuit 121 is connected to the connection point with terminal T by a second common signal line (second common bus), and the second standard circuit 122 is connected to the connection point with terminal T by this second common bus.

Therefore, when new cartridge 1 communicates with the game device based on the first standard, the signal conforming to the first standard received at terminal T is input to the first standard circuit 121 via the second common bus, and information corresponding to the results of processing by the first standard circuit 121 is sent to the storage medium control unit 123 via the first common bus. This causes the information to be written to the storage medium 11. When reading information from the storage medium 11, the process is reversed. On the other hand, when new cartridge 1 communicates with the game device based on the second standard, the signal conforming to the second standard received at terminal T is input to the second standard circuit 122 via the second common bus, and information corresponding to the results of processing by the second standard circuit 121 is sent to the storage medium control unit 123 via the first common bus.

In other embodiments, the first standard circuit 121 and the storage medium control unit 123 may be connected by a first bus, and the second standard circuit 122 and the storage medium control unit 123 may be connected by a separate second bus. Furthermore, the first standard circuit 121 may be connected to the connection point with terminal T by a third bus, and the second standard circuit 122 may be connected to the connection point with terminal T by a separate fourth bus.

(Connection between new cartridge 1 and game device)
Next, we will explain the operation of the new cartridge 1 and the new game device 50 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50. Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the new game device 50 and the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50.

As shown in Figure 12, when new cartridge 1 is connected to the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the new game device 50 operates in normal mode. In normal mode, the bypass path is enabled, and communication between the new game device 50 and new cartridge 1 is carried out based on the first standard via the bypass path.

Specifically, when new cartridge 1 is connected to first slot 51, SoC 55 detects that new cartridge 1 has been connected based on the state of the terminals within first slot 51. By default, the bypass path is enabled, and switching units 52 and 53 switch from the bypass path to the first path based on a switching signal from SoC 55. When SoC 55 detects new cartridge 1, it does not send a switching signal to switching units 52 and 53. Note that when SoC 55 detects that new cartridge 1 has been connected, it may send a switching signal to switching units 52 and 53 to switch to the bypass path. Based on this switching signal, switching units 52 and 53 may switch to the bypass path. As a result, communication between the new game device 50 and new cartridge 1 will be performed based on the first standard.

On the other hand, when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, it detects that it has been connected to the new game device 50 based on the state of terminal T. When the control unit 12 detects that it has been connected to the new game device 50, it causes the new cartridge 1 to operate in normal mode. This allows communication between the new cartridge 1 and the new game device 50 to be carried out based on the first standard.

When new cartridge 1 is connected to new game console 50, SoC 55 of new game console 70 can read data stored in the first memory area of storage medium 11 and write data to the first memory area. SoC 55 of new game console 70 can also read data stored in the second memory area and write data to the second memory area.

Next, we will explain the operation of the new cartridge 1 when it is connected to the old game device 70. Figure 13 is a diagram explaining the operation of the new cartridge 1 when it is connected to the old game device 70.

As shown in FIG. 13, the old game device 70 has a second slot 71. The second slot 71 has the same shape and size as the first slot 51. A connector having multiple terminals P (P0 to P16) is provided inside the second slot 71. The multiple terminals P0 to P16 provided inside the second slot 71 have the same functions as the multiple terminals P0 to P16 provided inside the first slot 51 of the new game device 50. Furthermore, the positions of the terminals P0 to P16 of the second slot 71 within the second slot 71 are the same as the positions of the terminals P0 to P16 of the first slot 51 within the first slot 51.

The old game device 70 also includes a conversion unit 72 and a SoC 73. The SoC 73 includes a CPU and a GPU. The conversion unit 72 is electrically connected to multiple terminals P of the second slot 71 via a first path. Communication between the conversion unit 72 and the multiple terminals P is based on the second standard. The conversion unit 72 is also electrically connected to the SoC 73 via a second path. Communication between the conversion unit 72 and the SoC 73 is based on the first standard. Specifically, the conversion unit 72 converts signals conforming to the second standard from the multiple terminals P into signals conforming to the first standard and transmits them to the SoC 73. The conversion unit 72 also converts signals conforming to the first standard from the SoC 73 into signals conforming to the second standard and transmits them to the multiple terminals P. The conversion unit 72 also performs encryption/decryption processing, similar to the conversion unit 54 described above. The old game device 70 does not have the bypass path that the new game device 50 has. The conversion unit 72, the first path, and the second path may be configured using one or more integrated circuits.

When new cartridge 1 is connected to second slot 71, SoC 73 detects that a cartridge has been connected based on the state of the terminals inside second slot 71. Old game device 70 is designed with the assumption that old cartridge 7 will be inserted. SoC 73 does not distinguish whether the connected cartridge is new cartridge 1 or old cartridge 7, but only detects that a cartridge has been connected.

On the other hand, when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the second slot 71 of the old game device 70, it detects that it has been connected to the old game device 70 based on the state of terminal T. When the control unit 12 detects that it has been connected to the old game device 70, it causes the new cartridge 1 to operate in compatibility mode. This allows communication between the new cartridge 1 and the old game device 70 to be carried out based on the second standard.

When new cartridge 1 is connected to old game device 70, SoC 73 of old game device 70 can read data stored in the second memory area of storage medium 11 and write data to the second memory area. However, SoC 73 of old game device 70 cannot read data stored in the first memory area or write data to the first memory area.

Next, we will explain the operation of the new game device 50 when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50. Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the new game device 50 when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50.

As shown in Figure 14, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the new game device 50 operates in compatibility mode. In compatibility mode, the first path is enabled (the bypass path is disabled), and communication between the new game device 50 and the old cartridge 7 is carried out via the first path based on the second standard.

Specifically, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to the first slot 51, the SoC 55 detects that the old cartridge 7 has been connected based on the state of the terminals inside the first slot 51. When the SoC 55 detects that an old cartridge 7 has been connected, it sends a switching signal to the switching units 52 and 53 to switch to the first path. Based on this switching signal, the switching units 52 and 53 switch to the first path. As a result, communication between the new game device 50 and the old cartridge 7 is carried out based on the second standard.

The old cartridge 7 recognizes that it has been connected to either the new game device 50 or the old game device 70, but does not recognize which game device it has been connected to. The old cartridge 7 has multiple terminals T, just like the new cartridge 1. The old cartridge 7 also has a control unit 7a and a storage medium 7b. The control unit 7a does not have the function of switching between the first and second standards, as the control unit 12 does. When the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 or the old game device 70, the control unit 7a controls signals conforming to the second standard.

As shown in Figures 9 to 14, both the SoC 55 of the new game console 50 and the SoC 73 of the old game console 70 process signals conforming to the first standard. Because the old cartridge 7 can only send and receive signals conforming to the second standard with the old game console 70, a converter 72 that converts signals conforming to the second standard into signals conforming to the first standard is provided in the old game console 70 between the SoC 73 of the old game console 70 and the old cartridge 7. On the other hand, because the new cartridge 1 can send and receive signals conforming to the first standard with the new game console 50, there is no need to provide a converter on the new game console 50 side that converts to signals conforming to the first standard. However, in order to enable the old cartridge 7 to be connected to the new game console 50, it is necessary to enable signals conforming to the second standard to be sent and received from the slot of the new game console 50. For this reason, the new game device 50 is equipped with a conversion unit 54 that converts signals conforming to the second standard into signals conforming to the first standard, and with switching units 52 and 53 that switch between the first path that passes through the conversion unit 54 and a bypass path. The new cartridge 1 is also configured to be able to send and receive signals conforming to the second standard so that it can be connected to the old game device 70. When connected to the new game device 50, the new cartridge 1 sends and receives signals conforming to the first standard, and when connected to the old game device 70, it sends and receives signals conforming to the second standard.

In FIG. 10, the control unit 12 and storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1 may be connected using a storage medium interface standard (third standard). When data in the new cartridge 1 is read from the game device, the data from the storage medium 11 may be sent to the control unit 12 as a signal conforming to the third standard, and the control unit 12 may convert this signal into a signal conforming to the first or second standard. Alternatively, a converter may be provided between the control unit 12 and the storage medium 11, separate from the control unit 12, and this converter may convert between the third standard and the first or second standard. Similarly, in FIG. 14, the control unit 7a and storage medium 7b of the old cartridge 7 may be connected using the third standard. When data in the old cartridge 7 is read from the game device, the data from the storage medium 7b may be sent to the control unit 7a as a signal conforming to the third standard, and the control unit 7a may convert this signal into a signal conforming to the second standard.

Next, we will explain the data stored on the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1. The new cartridge 1 of this embodiment may be configured as a universal cartridge or as a dedicated cartridge.

Here, the universal cartridge and the dedicated cartridge are new cartridges 1 that have the above-described external appearance and internal structure, and, as described above, operate in a mode appropriate for the game device to which they are connected. The universal cartridge is a cartridge that can be essentially used on both the new game device 50 and the old game device 70, and contains a program that achieves substantially the same functions when connected to the new game device 50 and the old game device 70. For example, the universal cartridge stores a game program that can run a specified game when connected to both the new game device 50 and the old game device 70. On the other hand, the dedicated cartridge is a cartridge that can be used on the new game device 50 but is essentially unusable on the old game device 70, and contains a program that achieves a specified function when connected to the new game device 50. When the dedicated cartridge is connected to the old game device 70, the old game device 70 does not achieve the specified function. For example, the dedicated cartridge stores a game program that can run a specified game only when connected to the new game device 50, and when the dedicated cartridge is connected to the old game device 70, the old game device 70 is unable to run the specified game.

FIG. 15 shows an example of data stored in the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is configured as a shared cartridge. The storage medium 11 has a first storage area and a second storage area. Note that the first storage area and the second storage area may be provided on physically separate storage media. In other words, the storage medium 11 may be composed of a first storage medium having a first storage area and a second storage medium having a second storage area. The first storage area and the second storage area may also be provided on a single storage medium.

As shown in FIG. 15, a first application program is stored in the first storage area. The first application program may include instructions that are executable by the SoC 55 of the new game device 50 but not by the SoC 73 of the old game device 70. For example, a first game program is stored as an example of a first application program. The first storage area also stores first image data and first metadata. The first game program is, for example, a game program that causes the new game device 50 to perform game processing for a predetermined game (e.g., a racing game, a role-playing game, a shooting game, a fighting game, etc.). The first image data is image data used in the predetermined game, such as character texture data and texture data representing the terrain of the virtual space. The first metadata is data indicating information about the predetermined game, and includes, for example, data indicating the title of the predetermined game, an image representing the title, the game ID, the production date, the size of the storage area, etc.

The second storage area also stores a second application program. The second application program includes instructions executable by the SoC 73 of the old game device 70. For example, a second game program is stored as an example of a second application program. The second storage area also stores second image data and second metadata. The second game program is a game program that causes the old game device 70 to perform game processing for the above-mentioned predetermined game. The second image data is image data used in the predetermined game, such as character texture data and texture data representing the terrain of the virtual space. The second metadata is data that indicates information about the second game program, and includes, for example, data indicating the title of the predetermined game, an image representing the title, the game ID, the production date, the size of the storage area, etc.

For example, when new cartridge 1 is connected to new game device 50, new game device 50 reads the first metadata stored in the first storage area and displays information related to the first application program. When the user instructs execution of the first application program, new game device 50 reads the first application program from the first storage area based on the first standard and executes the read first application program. Additionally, while the first application program is running, new game device 50 reads first image data from the first storage area based on the first standard and displays an image corresponding to the read first image data.

On the other hand, when new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70, the old game device 70 reads the second metadata stored in the second storage area and displays information related to the second application program. When the user instructs the execution of the second application program, the old game device 70 reads the second application program from the second storage area based on the second standard and executes the read second application program. Additionally, while the second application program is running, the old game device 70 reads second image data from the second storage area based on the second standard and displays an image corresponding to the read second image data.

The first application program may be a program that can provide the same functions as the second application program. Furthermore, the first application program may include all functions and content that can be executed by the second application program, and may also include other functions and content that are not included in the second application program. For example, the first application program and the second application program may both be game programs for playing a racing game, and the first application program may be a racing game program that includes all courses that can be executed by the second application program and courses that cannot be executed by the second application program.

Furthermore, for example, the first application program may be capable of running a game with more players than the second application program, may have a greater variety of items than the second application program, may allow a greater number and variety of items to be held by player characters than the second application program, or may have a greater number and variety of characters than the second application program.

Furthermore, the first image data may be image data similar to the second image data, with the first image data having a higher resolution than the second image data. For example, the first image data may include a texture image of a predetermined character having a first resolution, and the second image data may include a texture image of the predetermined character having a second resolution lower than the first resolution. Furthermore, the first image data may include image data that is completely different from the second image data.

Figure 16 shows another example of data stored in the storage medium 11 of new cartridge 1 when new cartridge 1 is configured as a shared cartridge.

As shown in FIG. 16, the first storage area stores a dedicated program, dedicated image data, and dedicated metadata. The dedicated program is a program that can be executed by the new game device 50, but cannot be executed by the old game device 70. The dedicated program may be, for example, an extension program for executing an extended scene or extended function that can only be executed by the new game device 50 in a specific game. Furthermore, the dedicated image data is image data that can be displayed (processed) by the new game device 50, but cannot be displayed (processed) by the old game device 70. Furthermore, the dedicated metadata is data that can be read by the new game device 50. The dedicated metadata is, for example, metadata related to the dedicated program (for example, data indicating the name and information of the extended function).

Furthermore, the second storage area stores a common program, common image data, and common metadata. The common program is a program that can be executed by the new game device 50 and the old game device 70. The common program may be a game program for playing a predetermined game. Furthermore, the common image data is image data that can be displayed (processed) by the new game device 50 and the old game device 70. The common image data may be image data with a lower resolution than the dedicated image data. Furthermore, the common metadata is data that can be read by the new game device 50 and the old game device 70. The common metadata includes, for example, data indicating the game title and ID.

When a new cartridge 1 storing the data shown in FIG. 16 is connected to a new game device 50, the new game device 50 performs game processing for a specified game using a common program and common image data. For example, if a transition to an extended scene executable on the new game device 50 occurs during execution of that game processing, the new game device 50 performs game processing for the extended scene based on the dedicated program and dedicated image data stored in the first memory area. On the other hand, when a new cartridge 1 storing the data shown in FIG. 16 is connected to an old game device 70, the old game device 70 performs game processing for a specified game using a common program and common image data. Because the old game device 70 cannot execute the dedicated program stored in the first memory area, it does not transition to the extended scene.

In this way, data exclusive to the new game device 50 is stored in the first storage area, and data shared by the new game device 50 and the old game device 70 is stored in the second storage area. The new game device 50 can switch the data it reads depending on the conditions, thereby reducing the capacity of the storage medium 11.

Figure 17 shows an example of data stored on the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is configured as a dedicated cartridge.

17, the first storage area of the storage medium 11 stores a first application program, first image data, and first metadata. The first application program is a game program for executing game processing for a predetermined game. The first image data is image data used during execution of the game processing and may be, for example, character texture data. The first metadata is data representing the title of the predetermined game, etc. Meanwhile, the second storage area stores a display program, second image data, and second metadata. The display program is a program different from the first application program and does not execute the predetermined game. For example, the display program is a program for causing the old game device 70 to display a message indicating that the old game device 70 cannot execute the predetermined game (a game that is indicated by the second metadata and can be executed by the new game device 50). The second image data is image data used to execute the display program. The second metadata is, for example, data representing the title of the predetermined game, etc.

Next, we will explain the game image displayed when new cartridge 1 is connected to a game device. Figure 18 shows an example of a game image when a universal cartridge is connected to a new game device 50 and a game program is running. Figure 19 shows an example of a game image when a universal cartridge is connected to an old game device 70 and a game program is running.

Here, the new cartridge 1 is configured as the shared cartridge shown in Figure 15 or Figure 16. The shared cartridge stores, for example, a game program for playing a predetermined racing game. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, the predetermined racing game is played on the new game device 50. Also, when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70, the same predetermined racing game is played on the old game device 70. Note that when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, it may be possible to play racing game courses on the new game device 50 that are not played on the old game device 70.

Figure 20 shows an example of an image that is displayed when new cartridge 1 is connected to old game device 70 when new cartridge 1 is configured as a dedicated cartridge.

Here, the first memory area of the new cartridge 1 stores a game program capable of executing a predetermined racing game as a first application program, and the second memory area stores a display program. When such a new cartridge 1 is connected to an old game device 70, the old game device 70 executes the display program stored in the new cartridge 1. As shown in FIG. 20, when the old game device 70 executes the display program, a display (warning display or error display) is displayed indicating that the predetermined game cannot be executed on the old game device 70. This display may include, for example, the title of the predetermined game or an image related to the predetermined game. On the other hand, when this new cartridge 1 is connected to a new game device 50, the new game device 50 executes the game program, and a game image such as that shown in FIG. 18 is displayed, for example.

In this way, the new cartridge 1 can be connected to both the new game device 50 and the old game device 70, and stores programs compatible with each game device. For example, when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, the new game device 50 can execute a first application program, and when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70, the old game device 70 can execute a second application program. This ensures compatibility with the new cartridge 1 while allowing programs to be executed that are compatible with each game device, and programs can be executed in accordance with the performance of each game device.

Furthermore, if the above-mentioned display program is stored in the new cartridge 1, it is possible to inform the user that the game program cannot be executed on the old game device 70. For example, if an unexpected cartridge is inserted into a game device, the game device's OS (operating system) may display a predetermined warning. However, in this case, it may be difficult for the user to determine the cause, whether it is a compatibility issue or a hardware or software malfunction. In this embodiment, a display program is stored in the new cartridge 1, and the old game device 70 can be made to execute that display program. This makes it possible to display a message that is easy for the user to understand.

(Description of terminal T of new cartridge 1)
Next, we will explain each terminal T of the new cartridge 1. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the details of the terminals T1 to T16 provided on the front surface of the new cartridge 1. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the function of each terminal T of the new cartridge 1.

The new cartridge 1 is inserted bottom-first into the insertion opening of the first slot 51 of the new game device 50 or the second slot 71 of the old game device 70. Here, the insertion/removal direction of the new cartridge 1 (the up-down direction in Figure 21; the positive/negative y-axis direction) is referred to as the "first direction," and the direction perpendicular to the first direction (the left-right direction in Figure 21; the positive/negative x-axis direction) is referred to as the second direction.

As shown in FIG. 21, a terminal arrangement area is provided on the surface of the substrate 40, and terminals T1 to T16 are arranged in this terminal arrangement area. The terminal arrangement area is divided into an upper area and a lower area. Terminals T1, T4, T7, T10, T15, and T16 are long terminals that extend in a first direction and straddle the upper and lower areas of the terminal arrangement area. Terminals T2, T5, T8, T11, and T13 are short terminals that extend in the first direction and are arranged in the upper area of the terminal arrangement area. Terminals T3, T6, T9, T12, and T14 are short terminals that extend in the first direction and are arranged in the lower area of the terminal arrangement area.

The positions in the y-axis direction of the upper ends of the long terminals T1, T4, T7, T10, T15, and T16 and the short terminals T2, T5, T8, T11, and T13 arranged in the upper region are the same. The positions in the y-axis direction of the lower ends of the short terminals T2, T5, T8, T11, and T13 arranged in the upper region are the same. The positions in the y-axis direction of the upper ends of the short terminals T3, T6, T9, T12, and T14 arranged in the lower region are the same. The positions in the y-axis direction of the lower ends of the short terminals T3, T6, T9, T12, and T14 arranged in the lower region are the same. The positions in the x-axis direction of terminals T2 and T3 are the same, the positions in the x-axis direction of terminals T5 and T6 are the same, the positions in the x-axis direction of terminals T8 and T9 are the same, the positions in the x-axis direction of terminals T11 and T12 are the same, and the positions in the x-axis direction of terminals T13 and T14 are the same.

The positions in the y-axis direction of the lower ends of the long terminals T1, T4, T7, T10, T15, and T16 are all different. Specifically, terminal T15 is the longest, and its lower end is closest to the lower end of new cartridge 1. Furthermore, the positions in the y-axis direction of the lower ends of terminals T7 and T10 are the same. The lower ends of terminals T7 and T10 are higher than the lower end of terminal T15 and lower than the lower end of terminal T3. Furthermore, the position in the y-axis direction of the lower end of terminal T16 is the same as the position in the y-axis direction of the lower end of terminal T3. Furthermore, the position in the y-axis direction of the lower end of terminal T1 is higher than the lower end of terminal T3, making it the uppermost position.

The width (length in the x-axis direction) of each terminal T1 to T16 is the same. The width of each terminal T1 to T16 may be, for example, approximately 1 mm. The lengths in the y-axis direction of the short terminals T2, T5, T8, T11, and T13 arranged in the upper region and the short terminals T3, T6, T9, T12, and T14 arranged in the lower region are all the same, and may be, for example, approximately 4.5 mm. The length in the y-axis direction of terminal T15 may be approximately 11.3 mm. The lengths in the y-axis direction of terminals T7 and T10 may be approximately 10.9 mm. The length in the y-axis direction of terminal T1 may be, for example, approximately 10.1 mm.

Furthermore, the distance in the x direction between multiple terminals exposed from the same opening 23 may be, for example, approximately 0.2 mm. Specifically, the distance between terminals T1 and T2, the distance between terminals T4 and T5, the distance between terminals T7 and T8, the distance between terminals T10 and T11, the distance between terminals T13 and T15, and the distance between terminals T15 and T16 may all be equal and approximately 0.2 mm. Furthermore, the distance in the x direction between two terminals separated by separator 24 may be, for example, approximately 1.0 mm. Specifically, the distance between terminals T2 and T4, the distance between terminals T5 and T7, the distance between terminals T8 and T10, the distance between terminals T11 and T13, and the distance between terminals T12 and T14 may all be equal and approximately 1.0 mm.

As shown in Figure 22, terminal T1 is a ground terminal. Terminal T1 is grounded by connecting to ground terminal P0 of the new game device 50 or old game device 70. Terminal T1 also functions as a detection terminal that allows the new game device 50 or old game device 70 to detect the new cartridge 1. In the following figures, the ground terminal will be referred to as "GND" and the detection terminal will be referred to as "DET1". Terminal T1 functions as a ground terminal and a detection terminal whether the new cartridge 1 is operating in normal mode or in compatibility mode.

In addition, terminal T2 is a strobe terminal for outputting a strobe signal to the new game device 50 or old game device 70. In subsequent figures, terminal T2 may be referred to as "DQS." Terminal T2 functions as a strobe terminal whether the new cartridge 1 is operating in normal mode or in compatibility mode. As will be explained in more detail later, terminal T2 is used as a mode determination terminal for determining whether the new cartridge 1 should be started in normal mode or compatibility mode when inserted into the new game device 50 or old game device 70.

Terminal T3 is a clock terminal for inputting a clock signal from the game device. In the following diagrams, terminal T3 may be referred to as "CLK." Terminal T3 functions as a clock terminal whether new cartridge 1 is operating in normal mode or compatibility mode.

When new cartridge 1 is connected to new game device 50 or old game device 70, a clock signal from the new game device 50 or old game device 70 is input to terminal T3. Furthermore, when new cartridge 1 is connected to new game device 50 or old game device 70, a strobe signal from new cartridge 1 is output from terminal T2 to the new game device 50 or old game device 70.

The clock signal is a signal used when the game device sends data to new cartridge 1 via the data input/output terminal. The clock signal is a high-frequency signal that periodically changes between high and low voltage states. The voltage state of the data input/output terminal at the timing of this clock signal switch (in other words, the timing of the switch between low and high voltage) determines what data ("0" or "1") is flowing through the data input/output terminal. In other words, clock terminal T3 is a terminal through which a high-frequency signal flows, and where the voltage changes frequently.

The strobe signal is a signal output from new cartridge 1 and is used when the game device reads data from new cartridge 1 via the data input/output terminal. Like clock terminal T3, strobe terminal T2 is a terminal through which a high-frequency signal flows, and is a terminal where the voltage changes frequently.

Responses from the new cartridge 1 to the new game console 50 are replies to these commands. For example, when the new game console 50 reads data from the new cartridge 1, the new cartridge 1 receives a command to read the data via terminal T4. When the new cartridge 1 is operating in normal mode, terminal T4 functions as a terminal that inputs commands from the new game console 50 and outputs responses to the new game console 50. In the diagram, terminal T4, which inputs commands from the new game console 50 and outputs responses to the new game console 50, is sometimes referred to as "CMD." Commands from the new game console 50 to the new cartridge 1 include, for example, commands for reading data, commands for writing data, and commands for inquiring about the status of the new cartridge 1. Responses from the new cartridge 1 to the new game console 50 are replies to these commands. For example, when the new game console 50 reads data stored in the new cartridge 1, the new cartridge 1 receives a command to read the data via terminal T4. When this read command is being sent, terminal T4 changes between a high-voltage and a low-voltage state, but its frequency is lower than that of the clock terminals mentioned above. After the command is sent, when data is being read using the data input/output terminal, terminal T4 is maintained in a low-voltage or high-voltage state, with a substantially constant voltage. The same applies when the new game device 50 writes data to the new cartridge 1. In other words, after the new game device 50 sends a command to write data to the new cartridge 1, the voltage at terminal T4 remains approximately constant while the data is being read using the data input/output terminal.

Furthermore, when the new cartridge 1 is operating in compatibility mode, terminal T4 functions as a terminal for inputting a chip enable signal from the old game device 70. The chip enable terminal T4 is used when data communication (for example, reading and writing image data, program data, etc., and inputting and outputting commands) takes place between the new cartridge 1 and the old game device 70. For example, while no data communication is taking place between the new cartridge 1 and the old game device 70, the chip enable terminal T4 is maintained in a high voltage state. On the other hand, while data communication is taking place between the new cartridge 1 and the old game device 70, the chip enable terminal T4 is maintained in a low voltage state.

Also, as shown in FIG. 22, terminals T5, T6, T8, T9, T11, T12, T13, and T14 are data input/output terminals for inputting and outputting data between the new cartridge 1 and the game device. Data input/output terminals T5, T6, T8, T9, T11, T12, T13, and T14 may be referred to as IO0, IO1, IO2, IO3, IO4, IO5, IO6, and IO7, respectively. When the new cartridge 1 is operating in normal mode, terminals T5, T6, T8, T9, T11, T12, T13, and T14 function as data input/output terminals that send and receive signals conforming to the first standard. When the new cartridge 1 is operating in compatibility mode, terminals T5, T6, T8, T9, T11, T12, T13, and T14 function as data input/output terminals that send and receive signals conforming to the second standard.

Data communication via data input/output terminals is carried out at relatively high speeds, and high-frequency signals flow through the data input/output terminals when data is input or output. In other words, data input/output terminals are terminals where voltage changes frequently.

Terminal T7 is a power supply terminal for supplying power to the control unit 12. Terminal T7 is sometimes referred to as "Vcc." When the new cartridge 1 is electrically connected to the new game device 50, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the new game device 50 to terminal T7, and the control unit 12 of the new cartridge 1 operates using this power supply voltage. When the new cartridge 1 is electrically connected to the old game device 70, the same voltage is supplied from the old game device 70 to terminal T7, and the control unit 12 of the new cartridge 1 operates using this power supply voltage. The power supply voltage supplied to terminal T7 from the new game device 50 or old game device 70 is, for example, approximately 3.1V. The power supply voltage supplied to terminal T7 is approximately constant. In other words, the power supply terminal T7 is not a terminal through which high-frequency signals flow, like a clock terminal, strobe terminal, or data input/output terminal, but rather a terminal where voltage changes infrequently.

Terminal T10 is a power supply terminal for data input/output. Terminal T10 may be referred to as "Vccio." When new cartridge 1 is electrically connected to new game device 50, a specified power supply voltage for data input/output is supplied from new game device 50 to terminal T10. When new cartridge 1 is electrically connected to old game device 70, the same power supply voltage for data input/output is supplied from old game device 70 to terminal T10. Power is supplied to the data input/output terminal from this data input/output power supply, and data communication is carried out between new game device 50 or old game device 70 and new cartridge 1 via this data input/output terminal. The power supply voltage supplied to terminal T10 from new game device 50 or old game device 70 is, for example, approximately 1.8V. This power supply voltage supplied to terminal T10 is approximately constant. In other words, power supply terminal T10 is not a terminal through which high-frequency signals flow like a clock terminal, strobe terminal, or data input/output terminal, and can be said to be a terminal where voltage changes occur less frequently.

Also, as shown in Figure 22, terminal T15 is a ground terminal. Terminal T15 may be written as "GND." When terminal T15 is connected to the ground terminal of the new game device 50 or old game device 70, the new cartridge 1 is grounded. Because terminal T15 is a ground terminal, the voltage is approximately constant. In other words, terminal T15 is not a terminal through which high-frequency signals flow, such as a clock terminal, strobe terminal, or data input/output terminal, and can be said to be a terminal where voltage changes occur less frequently.

Terminal T16 is a reset terminal for inputting a reset release signal from the new game device 50 or old game device 70. Terminal T16 is sometimes written as "RES." When a reset release signal is input to the new cartridge 1, the new cartridge 1 starts up its firmware and begins operation in normal mode or compatibility mode, and also performs initialization. After the new cartridge 1 and the new game device 50 or old game device 70 are electrically connected, terminal T16 is maintained in a high voltage state (reset release state). For this reason, the reset terminal T16 is not a terminal through which high-frequency signals flow like a clock terminal, strobe terminal, or data input/output terminal, and can be said to be a terminal where voltage changes occur less frequently.

In the new cartridge 1, of the multiple terminals exposed from the same opening 23, the terminal with the most frequent voltage changes and the terminal with the least frequent voltage changes are arranged adjacent to each other. This reduces the impact of noise on adjacent terminals. For example, terminals T12 and T14 are separated by a separator 24 and are relatively far apart, so terminals T12 and T14 are less susceptible to the impact of noise on each other.

For example, when new cartridge 1 is connected to new game device 50, terminal T4 functions as a command input/response output terminal, and when new cartridge 1 is connected to old game device 70, terminal T4 functions as a chip enable input terminal. Terminal T4 is also adjacent to data input/output terminals T5 and T6. Whether new cartridge 1 is connected to new game device 50 or old game device 70, terminal T4 has a substantially constant voltage when data input/output is being performed using data input/output terminals T5 and T6. Furthermore, when new cartridge 1 is connected to new game device 50, even when commands are being sent or received from terminal T4, the frequency of voltage changes is relatively low. For this reason, data input/output terminals T5 and T6 are less susceptible to noise from adjacent terminal T4. Terminal T4 is also located next to strobe terminal T2 and clock terminal T3. Whether the new cartridge 1 is connected to a new game device 50 or an old game device 70, the frequency of changes in the voltage at terminal T4 is low, and there is a relatively large distance between terminal T4 and the strobe terminal T2 and clock terminal T3. As a result, strobe terminal T2 and clock terminal T3 are less susceptible to noise from terminal T4.

Now, we will explain the old cartridge 7. Figure 23 is a front view of the old cartridge 7. Figure 24 is a diagram showing the functions of each terminal T on the old cartridge 7.

The shape and size of the old cartridge 7 are almost the same as those of the new cartridge 1, except for the shape of the cutout. Like the new cartridge 1, the old cartridge 7 is inserted into the slot of the new game device 50 or old game device 70 from its bottom end.

As shown in Figure 23, the old cartridge 7 has a housing 60. A notch 61 extending in the insertion/removal direction (first direction) of the old cartridge 7 is provided at the right end of the housing 60. This notch 61 on the old cartridge 7, like the right-side notch 21 on the new cartridge 1, functions as a rail when the old cartridge 7 is inserted into the slot of the new game device 50 or old game device 70.

The old cartridge 7 does not have a notch similar to the right-side notch 22 provided at the right end and bottom end of the new cartridge 1.

Furthermore, notches 62 and 63 are provided on the left end of the housing 60. Notch 62 of the old cartridge 7 has the same shape as left-side notch 25 of the new cartridge 1 and is located in the same position. Furthermore, notch 63 of the old cartridge 7 has the same shape as left-side notch 26 of the new cartridge 1 and is located in the same position.

A circuit board is housed inside the housing 60. Terminals T1 to T16 are provided on the surface of the circuit board.

Specifically, terminals T1 to T16 of the old cartridge 7 have the same shape and size as terminals T1 to T16 of the new cartridge 1. Furthermore, terminals T1 to T16 of the old cartridge 7 are positioned in the same positions as terminals T1 to T16 of the new cartridge 1.

As shown in Figure 24, terminal T1 of the old cartridge 7 has the same function as terminal T1 of the new cartridge 1. Furthermore, terminals T2 and T3 of the old cartridge 7 have the same function as terminals T2 and T3 of the new cartridge 1.

Furthermore, terminal T4 of the old cartridge 7 has the same function as terminal T4 when the new cartridge 1 operates in compatibility mode. In other words, terminal T4 of the old cartridge 7 is a chip enable terminal for inputting a chip enable signal.

Furthermore, terminals T5 and T6 of old cartridge 7 are data input/output terminals that send and receive signals conforming to the second standard, and have the same functions as terminals T5 and T6 when new cartridge 1 operates in compatibility mode. Similarly, terminals T8, T9, T11, T12, T13, and T14 of old cartridge 7 are data input/output terminals that send and receive signals conforming to the second standard, just as when new cartridge 1 operates in compatibility mode.

Furthermore, terminal T7 of old cartridge 7 is a power terminal, has the same function as terminal T7 of new cartridge 1, and is supplied with the same power supply voltage from the game device. Similarly, terminal T10 of old cartridge 7 is a power terminal, has the same function as terminal T10 of new cartridge 1, and is supplied with the same power supply voltage from the game device.

Furthermore, terminal T15 of old cartridge 7 is a ground terminal and has the same function as terminal T15 of new cartridge 1. Similarly, terminal T16 of old cartridge 7 is a reset terminal and has the same function as terminal T16 of new cartridge 1.

(Explanation of the first slot 51 of the new game device 50)
Next, the first slot 51 of the new game device 50 will be described. Figure 25 is a front view of the cartridge insertion opening of the first slot 51. Figure 26 is a partial enlarged view of the cartridge insertion opening seen from an angle. The direction into the paper of Figure 25 is the cartridge insertion direction (negative y-axis direction). Note that Figures 25 and 26 only show the shape of the cartridge insertion opening of the slot 51, and omit terminals and the like inside the slot.

The cartridge insertion opening of the first slot 51 has approximately the same shape as the top surface of the new cartridge 1 and is slightly larger than the new cartridge 1. As shown in FIG. 25, the cartridge insertion opening of the first slot 51 is approximately rectangular. As shown in FIG. 26, a wall portion 515 is provided on the inner wall of the first slot 51. The wall portion 515 is provided at a position slightly toward the negative y-axis direction from the right end (end in the x-axis direction) and upper end (end in the y-axis direction) of the first slot 51. The wall portion 515 is an example of a guide portion for correctly inserting the cartridge into the first slot 51. As shown in FIG. 26, the wall portion 515 is provided near the insertion opening and not toward the back of the first slot 51. The wall portion 515 may be formed to extend from the cartridge insertion opening to the interior of the first slot 51 in the cartridge insertion direction.

The wall portion 515 is formed in the negative x-axis direction from the x-axis end of the first slot 51 and in the z-axis direction from the negative z-axis end of the first slot 51. The right-side notch 22 and the wall portion 515 function as guides for inserting the cartridge into the first slot 51 in the correct orientation. In addition, the right-side notch 21 and the wall portion 515 come into contact during cartridge insertion. The right-side notch 21 functions as a rail when sliding the cartridge in the insertion direction. The right-side notch 22 may also function as a rail by coming into contact with the wall portion 515 when inserted into the slot, or may be formed so that it does not come into contact with the wall portion 515 when inserted into the slot (does not function as a rail). The user can insert the new cartridge 1 in the insertion direction by inserting the new cartridge 1 into the cartridge insertion port so that the wall portion 515 in the first slot 51 and the right-side notch 22 are aligned, and then pushing the new cartridge 1 in. The right-side notches 22 and 21 on one end of the new cartridge 1 and the wall 515 located at a corresponding position within the first slot 51 allow the user to insert the new cartridge 1 in the correct orientation into the cartridge insertion opening and easily insert the new cartridge 1 all the way into the first slot 51.

Figure 27 is a diagram showing the arrangement of multiple terminals P provided inside the first slot 51. Figure 28 is a diagram showing the function of each terminal P provided inside the first slot 51. Figure 27 shows the first slot 51 as viewed from the front when a new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51. In Figure 27, the new cartridge 1 is shown with dashed lines, and the components that make up the first slot 51 are shown with solid lines.

When the new cartridge 1 is inserted all the way into the first slot 51, the locking mechanism secures the new cartridge 1 in a predetermined position toward the back of the first slot 51.

As shown in FIG. 27, multiple terminals P0 to P16 are provided inside the first slot 51. The multiple terminals P are connected to electronic circuits provided inside the new game device 50. Terminals P0, P2, P4, P5, P7, P8, P10, P11, P13, P15, and P16 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction). Terminals P1, P3, P6, P9, P12, and P14 are also arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction). Terminals P1, P3, P6, P9, P12, and P14 are arranged further back in the first slot 51 than terminals P0, P2, P4, P5, P7, P8, P10, P11, P13, P15, and P16.

When the new cartridge 1 is fixed in the first slot 51, terminals P0 and P1 of the first slot 51 are electrically connected to terminal T1 of the new cartridge 1. Also, when the new cartridge 1 is fixed in the first slot 51, terminals P2 to P16 of the first slot 51 are electrically connected to terminals T2 to T16 of the new cartridge 1, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 28, terminal P0 of the first slot 51 functions as a ground terminal and is connected to the ground of the electronic circuit provided within the new game device 50. Terminal P1 of the first slot 51 also functions as a detection terminal for detecting a cartridge. Detection terminal P1 is connected to a predetermined terminal of the same electronic circuit or a different electronic circuit provided within the new game device 50. When no cartridge is connected, detection terminal P1 is maintained at a predetermined voltage, and when a cartridge is connected, it is connected to terminal T1 of the cartridge and is electrically connected to ground terminal P0. When terminal P1 of the first slot 51 is connected to terminal T1 of new cartridge 1 or old cartridge 7, the new game device 50 detects that new cartridge 1 or old cartridge 7 has been connected because detection terminal P1 reaches ground potential.

Furthermore, terminals P2 to P16 of the first slot 51 have the same functions as terminals T2 to T16 of the new cartridge 1 shown in Figure 22. Specifically, terminal P2 functions as a strobe terminal that inputs a strobe signal. Terminal P3 functions as a clock terminal that outputs a clock signal. Terminal P4 functions as a terminal that outputs commands to the new cartridge 1 and inputs responses from the new cartridge 1 when the new game device 50 is operating in normal mode. Furthermore, terminal P4 functions as a terminal for outputting a chip enable signal when the new game device 50 is operating in compatibility mode. Furthermore, terminals P5, P6, P8, P9, P11 to P14 function as data input/output terminals that send and receive signals conforming to the first standard when the new game device 50 is operating in normal mode, and as data input/output terminals that send and receive signals conforming to the second standard when the new game device 50 is operating in compatibility mode. Terminals P7 and P10 function as power terminals that supply power to the cartridge. Terminal P15 functions as a ground terminal, and terminal P16 functions as a reset terminal that outputs a reset release signal to the cartridge.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 27, a terminal P17 is provided inside the first slot 51. Terminal P17 is an identification terminal that allows the new game device 50 to identify whether a new cartridge 1 or an old cartridge 7 has been connected.

Specifically, terminal P17 is provided at one left-right end (x-axis direction end) inside first slot 51. Terminal P17 has a portion P17a extending in the negative y-axis direction (cartridge insertion direction) and a portion P17b protruding from the negative y-axis end of portion P17a in the negative y-axis direction and the negative x-axis direction (towards the other end). Portions P17a and P17b form an obtuse angle α. Terminal P17 also has a portion P17c extending from the negative y-axis end of portion P17b in the negative y-axis direction and the x-axis direction (towards the one end). Portions P17b and P17c form an obtuse angle. Terminal 512 is provided at a position facing portions P17b and P17c of terminal P17 in the X-axis direction.

Terminal P17 is located in a position that does not contact the housing of the new cartridge 1 accommodated in the first slot 51, and comes into contact with part of the housing of the old cartridge 7 when the old cartridge 7 is accommodated. Note that part P17a of terminal P17 may come into contact with the housing of the new cartridge 1 or the housing of the old cartridge 7. Here, a cartridge being "accommodated" in a slot means a state in which the cartridge is inserted into the slot and fixed in a predetermined position. When a cartridge is accommodated in a slot, part of the cartridge may or may not be exposed from the slot. Specifically, when the new cartridge 1 is accommodated in the first slot 51, terminal P17 (specifically, P17b and P17c) is accommodated in the space formed by the right-side notch 22 of the new cartridge 1. When the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51, terminal P17 does not come into contact with terminal 512.

Terminal P17 is a switch that changes between an ON state and an OFF state. Terminal P17 normally does not come into contact with the opposing terminal 512 and is in the OFF state. When terminal P17 comes into contact with the opposing terminal 512 due to elastic deformation, it changes to the ON state. When new cartridge 1 is fixed in the first slot 51, terminal P17 remains in the OFF state. On the other hand, when old cartridge 7 is fixed in the first slot 51, terminal P17 changes to the ON state. A circuit (not shown) is provided inside the new game device 50 that determines whether terminal P17 is in the ON state or the OFF state.

Although not shown in the figures, the second slot 71 of the old game device 70 has the same shape and size as the first slot 51, and the shape of the cartridge insertion port is also the same. Furthermore, like the first slot 51, terminals P0 to P16 are provided inside the second slot 71. The positions of terminals P0 to P16 inside the second slot 71 are the same as the positions of terminals P0 to P16 inside the first slot 51. On the other hand, the identification terminal P17 is not provided inside the second slot 71.

(Changes in the state of each terminal when new cartridge 1 is inserted)
Next, the change in the state of each terminal when the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51 will be described.

Figures 29 to 34 are diagrams illustrating which terminals T and P come into contact as the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51.

As shown in Figure 29, when new cartridge 1 is inserted into first slot 51, first, ground terminal P15 of first slot 51 and ground terminal T15 of new cartridge 1 come into contact. When new cartridge 1 is further pushed deeper into first slot 51, power terminal P7 of first slot 51 and power terminal T7 of new cartridge 1 come into contact (Figure 30). Power terminal P10 of first slot 51 and power terminal T10 of new cartridge 1 also come into contact.

When the new cartridge 1 is further pushed deeper into the first slot 51, the reset terminal P16 of the first slot 51 comes into contact with the reset terminal T16 of the new cartridge 1 (Figure 31). Furthermore, terminals P2 and T3 come into contact, terminals P4 and T4 come into contact, terminals P5 and T6 come into contact, terminals P8 and T9 come into contact, terminals P11 and T12 come into contact, and terminals P13 and T14 come into contact (Figure 31). When the new cartridge 1 is further pushed in, the ground terminal P0 then comes into contact with the ground terminal T1 (Figure 32).

When new cartridge 1 is further pushed in, terminals P2, P3, P5, P6, P8, P9, P11, P12, P13, and P14 come into contact with terminals T2, T3, T5, T6, T8, T9, T11, T12, T13, and T14, respectively (Figure 33).

As the new cartridge 1 is pushed in further, the detection terminal P1 of the first slot 51 finally comes into contact with the detection terminal T1 of the new cartridge 1. This contact between the detection terminal P1 and the detection terminal T1 causes the new game device 50 to detect the connection of the new cartridge 1.

As such, terminal P17 is provided in the first slot 51, and is normally not connected to terminal 512 and is in an OFF state. When a new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51, terminal P17 does not come into contact with the new cartridge 1, so it is not connected to terminal 512 and remains in an OFF state.

(Changes in the state of each terminal when inserting the old cartridge 7)
Next, the change in the state of each terminal when the old cartridge 7 is inserted into the first slot 51 will be described.

Figure 35 is a diagram showing the state when terminal P17 of the first slot 51 changes from the OFF state to the ON state. Figure 36 is a diagram following Figure 35, showing the state when detection terminal T1 of the old cartridge 7 comes into contact with detection terminal P1 of the first slot 51. Figure 37 is a diagram following Figure 36, showing the state when the old cartridge 7 is fixed in the first slot 51.

The position, size, and shape of the terminals T1 to T16 of the old cartridge 7 are the same as the position, size, and shape of the terminals T1 to T16 of the new cartridge 1. Therefore, when the old cartridge 7 is inserted into the first slot 51, the terminals P other than the detection terminal P1 come into contact with the terminals T of the old cartridge 7 in the same order as described in Figures 29 to 33.

As shown in Figure 35, when the old cartridge 7 is inserted into the first slot 51, the housing of the old cartridge 7 comes into contact with terminal P17, causing terminal P17 to elastically deform and connect to terminal 512. This changes the identification terminal P17 to the ON state. At this point, the detection terminal P1 is not in contact with the detection terminal T1.

When the old cartridge 7 is pushed further in, detection terminal P1 comes into contact with detection terminal T1 (Figure 36). This contact between detection terminal P1 and detection terminal T1 causes the new game device 50 to detect the connection of the old cartridge 7. The old cartridge 7 is then fixed in the first slot 51 (Figure 37).

As explained with reference to Figures 29 to 34, when a new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51, terminal P17 does not come into contact with terminal 512, and detection terminal P1 comes into contact with detection terminal T1. On the other hand, as explained with reference to Figures 35 to 37, when an old cartridge 7 is inserted into the first slot 51, terminal P17 comes into contact with the housing of the old cartridge 7, connecting terminal P17 to terminal 512 and changing the state of terminal P17 to the ON state. After terminal P17 changes to the ON state, detection terminal P1 comes into contact with detection terminal T1.

When detection terminal P1 comes into contact with detection terminal T1, the new game device 50 determines whether a new cartridge 1 or an old cartridge 7 has been connected based on the state of terminal P17 at that time. Specifically, if terminal P17 is in the OFF state when detection terminal P1 comes into contact with detection terminal T1, the new game device 50 detects that a new cartridge 1 has been connected. On the other hand, if terminal P17 is in the ON state when detection terminal P1 comes into contact with detection terminal T1, the new game device 50 detects that an old cartridge 7 has been connected.

In this way, when an old cartridge 7 is inserted into the new game device 50, the identification terminal P17 comes into contact with the housing of the old cartridge 7, changing the identification terminal P17 to the ON state, and then the detection terminal T1 and the detection terminal P1 come into contact. Furthermore, when a new cartridge 1 is inserted into the new game device 50, the identification terminal P17 is maintained in the OFF state, and the detection terminal T1 and the detection terminal P1 come into contact. In other words, when the new game device 50 detects a cartridge, the identification terminal P17 is configured to be in either the ON state or the OFF state. If the state of the identification terminal P17 were configured to change after the new game device 50 detected a cartridge, the new game device 50 would not be able to determine what type of cartridge has been connected after detecting the connection of the cartridge until the state of the identification terminal P17 was determined. Furthermore, if cartridge identification is to be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cartridge was detected, it is difficult to appropriately set the predetermined time because the speed at which the user inserts the cartridge is unknown. The new game device 50 can identify whether the detected cartridge is a new cartridge 1 or an old cartridge 7 at the time the cartridge is detected (the time when detection terminal P1 comes into contact with detection terminal T1), and can perform processing according to the type of cartridge identified.

Furthermore, whether an old cartridge 7 or a new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the ground terminal T15 first comes into contact with the ground terminal P15 of the first slot 51. This ensures that the cartridge is electrically stable, allowing it to be safely connected to the new game device 50.

Note that it is not necessary for the ground terminal T15 and the ground terminal P15 to come into contact first. For example, the ground terminal T15 and the ground terminal P15 may come into contact after the state of the identification terminal P17 has been determined, and then the detection terminal T1 and the detection terminal P1 may come into contact. Also, for example, the ground terminal T15 and the ground terminal P15 may come into contact after the state of the identification terminal P17 has been determined, and then the detection terminal T1 and the detection terminal P1 may come into contact.

Furthermore, the identification terminal P17 has a portion P17a extending in the negative y-axis direction, a portion P17b extending from the lower end of portion P17a in the negative y-axis direction and the negative x-axis direction, and a portion P17c extending from the lower end of portion P17b in the negative y-axis direction and the x-axis direction. Portions P17a and P17b form an obtuse angle, and portions P17b and P17c form an obtuse angle. This prevents the tip of the identification terminal P17 (the tip of portion P17c) from coming into contact with the housing of the old cartridge 7 when the old cartridge 7 is inserted into or removed from the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, making it less likely to get caught on the housing. This prevents the identification terminal P17 from deforming more than expected and becoming plastically deformed during insertion or removal.

Note that the above-mentioned identification terminal P17 and terminal 512 are merely examples, and the structure of the identification terminal that identifies the type of connected cartridge is not limited to that described above.

(Processing sequence when a new cartridge is connected to a new game device)
Next, a description will be given of the processing in the new game device 50 and the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50. Figure 38 is an example of a sequence diagram of the new game device 50 and the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50.

Figure 38 shows the change in voltage level of each terminal P of the new game device 50 over time, and the processing in the new game device 50 and new cartridge 1. As shown in Figure 38, when no cartridge is connected to the new game device 50, the voltage level of the detection terminal P1 (DET1) of the new game device 50 is maintained at "high" (denoted as "H" in the figure). Furthermore, when the identification terminal P17 is not in contact with terminal 512, the voltage level of the identification terminal P17 (DET2) is maintained at "high." When the detection terminal P1 of the new game device 50 is connected to the detection terminal T1 of the new cartridge 1, the voltage level of the detection terminal P1 changes from "high" to "low" (denoted as "L" in the figure). The new game device 50 (its SoC 55) detects this change in the voltage level of the detection terminal P1. The new game device 50 checks the voltage level of the identification terminal P17 at this time and determines whether the new cartridge 1 or the old cartridge 7 has been connected. In Figure 38, the voltage level of identification terminal P17 is "high," so identification terminal P17 is not in contact with terminal 512, and the new game device 50 determines that the connected cartridge is new cartridge 1.

When the new game device 50 detects that a cartridge has been connected, it performs a switching process. In this switching process, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50, a switching signal is sent from the SoC 55 to the switching units 52 and 53. When this switching signal is received, the switching units 52 and 53 switch from the bypass path to the first path. On the other hand, when the new game device 50 detects that a new cartridge 1 has been connected, it terminates the switching process without sending the switching signal. As a result, when a new cartridge 1 is connected, the new game device 50 enters normal mode and communicates with the new cartridge 1 via the bypass path (based on the first standard). Note that by default, the first path is enabled, and when an old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50, the path is not switched. However, when a new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, the path may be switched from the first path to the bypass path. In addition, after the new game device 50 detects a cartridge, a dead period may be set to prevent chattering before the switching process is performed.

Next, the new game device 50 supplies power to the new cartridge 1. Specifically, the new game device 50 changes the voltage level of the power supply terminal P7 from "low" to "high." This supplies power to the control unit 12 of the new cartridge 1, causing the new cartridge 1 to begin operation. The new game device 50 then changes the voltage level of the power supply terminal P10 from "low" to "high." The new game device 50 also changes the voltage level of the terminal P4 (CMD) from "low" to "high." Furthermore, when the new cartridge 1 is connected, the new game device 50 maintains the voltage level of the terminal P2 (DQS) at "low."

Next, the new game device 50 sends a reset release signal to the new cartridge 1. Specifically, the new game device 50 changes the voltage level of the reset terminal P16 from "low" to "high."

Meanwhile, after being inserted into the first slot 51 of the new game console 50, the new cartridge 1 maintains a reset release wait state until it receives a reset release signal from the new game console 50. The new cartridge 1 (CPU 120) receives the reset release signal from the new game console 50 by detecting that the voltage level at terminal T16 has changed from "low" to "high." When the new cartridge 1 receives the reset release signal from the new game console 50, it checks the voltage level at terminal T2 (DQS). If the voltage level at terminal T2 is "low," the new cartridge 1 determines that the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game console 50 and starts up the new cartridge 1 in normal mode. Specifically, the CPU 120 of the new cartridge 1 starts up the normal firmware. The new cartridge 1 then performs initialization to make it usable by the new game console 50. The new game console 50 waits until the initialization of the new cartridge 1 is complete. Once the initialization of the new cartridge 1 is complete, the new cartridge 1 will be able to communicate data with the new game console 50. When the new cartridge 1 and new game device 50 are operating in normal mode, data communication between the new cartridge 1 and new game device 50 is performed based on the first standard.

(Processing sequence when connecting a new cartridge to an old game device)
Next, a description will be given of the processing in the old game device 70 and the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70. Figure 39 is an example of a sequence diagram of the old game device 70 and the new cartridge 1 when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70.

The second slot 71 of the old game device 70 does not have the identification terminal P17 that is provided on the first slot 51 of the new game device 50. As shown in FIG. 39, the old game device 70 detects that a cartridge has been connected, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, changes the voltage level of the power supply terminal P7 from "low" to "high" at the same timing as the new game device 50. The old game device 70 then changes the voltage level of the power supply terminal P10 from "low" to "high". The old game device 70 also changes the voltage level of the terminal P2 (DQS) from "low" to "high". The old game device 70 also changes the voltage level of the terminal P4 (CEB) from "low" to "high". Next, the old game device 70 sends a reset release signal to the new cartridge 1 by changing the voltage level of the reset terminal P16 from "low" to "high". Note that the old game device 70 performs the same process when an old cartridge 7 is connected.

When the new cartridge 1 receives the reset release signal, it checks the voltage level of terminal T2 (DQS), and if the voltage level of terminal T2 is "high," it determines that the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70 and starts up the new cartridge 1 in compatibility mode. Specifically, the CPU 120 of the new cartridge 1 starts up the compatible firmware. The new cartridge 1 then performs initialization. The old game device 70 waits until the initialization of the new cartridge 1 is complete. Once the initialization of the new cartridge 1 is complete, the new cartridge 1 will be able to communicate data with the old game device 70. When the new cartridge 1 is operating in compatibility mode, data communication between the new cartridge 1 and the old game device 70 is carried out based on the second standard.

Note that the new cartridge 1 may determine whether it is connected to the new game device 50 or the old game device 70 using a method other than the voltage level of terminal T2. For example, when the new game device 50 detects that the new cartridge 1 has been connected, it may send a signal indicating that it is a new game device 50 to the new cartridge 1 via a terminal other than terminal T2. If the new cartridge 1 receives this signal, it may determine that it is connected to the new game device 50 and start up in normal mode, and if it does not receive this signal, it may determine that it is connected to the old game device 70 and start up in compatibility mode.

(New cartridge processing flow)
40 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing that is carried out when the new cartridge 1 receives a reset release signal from the game device. The processing shown in FIG. 40 is carried out by the control unit 12 (e.g., CPU 120) of the new cartridge 1 executing a boot program that has been stored in advance in the new cartridge 1.

As shown in Figure 40, when the new cartridge 1 (CPU 120) receives a reset release signal, it determines whether the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70 (step S101). This determination determines whether the new cartridge 1 should be started in normal mode or compatibility mode, and whether communication between the new cartridge 1 and the game device should be based on the first standard or the second standard. Specifically, the new cartridge 1 checks the voltage level of terminal T2, and if the voltage level of terminal T2 is "high," it determines that it is connected to the old game device 70.

If step S101 returns NO, i.e., if new cartridge 1 is connected to new game device 50, new cartridge 1 starts up the normal firmware (step S102). After starting up the normal firmware, new cartridge 1 performs initialization (step S103). Once initialization is complete, new cartridge 1 begins operating in normal mode (step S104). Thereafter, various hardware components of new cartridge 1, including the first standard circuit 121 and storage medium control unit 123, are controlled based on the normal firmware until power supply from the game device is stopped.

In normal mode, the new cartridge 1 and the new game console 50 communicate based on the first standard. For example, when the new game console 50 reads data from (the storage medium 11 of) the new cartridge 1, the new game console 50 sends a read command to read the data from terminal P4. The new cartridge 1 outputs a response to the command from terminal T4. Next, the new cartridge 1 reads data from the storage medium 11 in response to the read command from the new game console 50, and sends the read data from at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals T (T5, T6, T8, T9, T11, T12, T13, T14). Specifically, in response to the read command from the new game console 50, the CPU 120 of the new cartridge 1 sends an instruction to the storage medium control unit 123 to read data from the storage medium 11. The storage medium control unit 123 reads the data from the storage medium 11. The CPU 120 also sends an instruction to the first standard circuit 121 to send the data read from the storage medium 11. This causes the first standard circuit 121 to send a signal conforming to the first standard, corresponding to the data read from the storage medium 11, from at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals T. In this way, the new game device 50 reads the desired data from the new cartridge 1.

Furthermore, when the new game device 50 writes data to the new cartridge 1, the new game device 50 sends a write command to write the data from terminal P4. The new cartridge 1 outputs a response corresponding to the command from terminal T4. Next, the new game device 50 sends data corresponding to the write command from at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals P (P5, P6, P8, P9, P11, P12, P13, P14). In response to the write command from the new game device 50, the CPU 120 of the new cartridge 1 sends an instruction to the first standard circuit 121 to receive data. The first standard circuit 121 processes a signal conforming to the first standard received via at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals T, and sends data corresponding to the processing results to the storage medium control unit 123. The CPU 120 sends an instruction to the storage medium control unit 123 to write the data to the storage medium 11. In this way, data from the new game device 50 is written to the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1.

The new game device 50 may also send a command from terminal P4 to obtain the status of the new cartridge 1. Upon receiving this command, the new cartridge 1 sends a response from terminal T4 according to the status of the new cartridge 1.

Note that the new cartridge 1 enters a power-saving state while no data is being sent or received between it and the new game device 50. Even when the new cartridge 1 is in a power-saving state, it can receive commands from the new game device 50 via terminal T4. If the new cartridge 1 receives a command from the new game device 50 via terminal T4 while in a power-saving state, it will return a response according to the command and return to normal mode from the power-saving state.

On the other hand, if step S101 returns YES, the new cartridge 1 starts the compatible firmware (step S105). After starting the compatible firmware, the new cartridge 1 performs initialization (step S106). Once initialization is complete, the new cartridge 1 operates in compatible mode (step S107). From then on, the various hardware components of the new cartridge 1, including the second standard circuit 122 and storage medium control unit 123, are controlled based on the compatible firmware until the power supply from the game device is stopped.

In compatibility mode, the new cartridge 1 and the old game device 70 communicate based on the second standard. For example, when the old game device 70 reads data from the new cartridge 1 (its storage medium 11), the old game device 70 sends a chip enable signal by changing the voltage level of terminal P4 from "high" to "low" in order to read the data from the new cartridge 1. The old game device 70 then sends a read command to read the data from at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals P. The new cartridge 1 returns from the power-saving state to the normal state in response to the input of the chip enable signal (in response to a change in the voltage level of terminal T4). In other words, the new cartridge 1 returns from the power-saving state to the normal state based on the activated compatibility firmware. This enables the new cartridge 1 to receive commands from the old game device 70 via the data input/output terminal T. The new cartridge 1 receives a read command via at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals T, reads data from the storage medium 11 in response to the read command, and transmits the read data from at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals T. Specifically, the CPU 120 of the new cartridge 1 transmits an instruction to the storage medium control unit 123 to read data from the storage medium 11 in response to the read command from the old game device 70. The storage medium control unit 123 reads the data from the storage medium 11. The CPU 120 also transmits an instruction to the second-standard circuit 122 to transmit the data read from the storage medium 11. In response to this, the second-standard circuit 122 transmits a signal conforming to the second standard, corresponding to the data read from the storage medium 11, from at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals T. In this way, the old game device 70 reads the desired data from the new cartridge 1.

The old game device 70 is prohibited from writing data to the new cartridge 1. For example, even if the new cartridge 1 receives a write command from the old game device 70, it does not write to the storage medium 11, but instead sends a message to the old game device 70 that writing is prohibited. This improves security. However, writing of data from the old game device 70 to the new cartridge 1 may be permitted. When writing data from the old game device 70 to the new cartridge 1 is permitted and the old game device 70 writes data to the new cartridge 1, the old game device 70 writes the data as follows: First, the old game device 70 sends a chip enable signal by changing the voltage level of terminal P4 from "high" to "low". Then, the old game device 70 sends a write command to write data from at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals P. The new cartridge 1 receives the write command via at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals T and writes the data to the storage medium 11. Specifically, in response to a write command from the new game device 50, the CPU 120 of the new cartridge 1 sends an instruction to the second-standard circuit 122 to receive data. The second-standard circuit 122 processes signals conforming to the second standard from at least one of the multiple data input/output terminals T, and sends data according to the processing results to the storage medium control unit 123. The CPU 120 sends an instruction to the storage medium control unit 123 to write the data to the storage medium 11. In this way, the data from the old game device 70 is written to the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1.

As described above, the new cartridge 1 has normal firmware for operating the new cartridge 1 in normal mode and compatible firmware for operating the new cartridge 1 in compatible mode. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, the normal firmware is activated, and communication between the new cartridge 1 and the new game device 50 is based on the first standard. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70, the compatible firmware is activated, and communication between the new cartridge 1 and the old game device 70 is based on the second standard. Different firmware is activated depending on whether the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50 or the old game device 70, allowing communication to be performed using the standard appropriate for the connected game device. Furthermore, because the firmware is separated into normal and compatible, for example, even if a malfunction occurs in one firmware, it is possible to prevent the other firmware from being affected. For example, even if a malfunction occurs in the compatible firmware, the normal firmware can be operated normally, and the new cartridge 1 can be connected to the new game device 50 and the game program stored in the new cartridge 1 can be executed.

(Processing sequence when connecting an old cartridge to a new game device)
Next, a description will be given of the processing in the new game device 50 and the old cartridge 7 when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50. Figure 41 shows an example of a sequence diagram of the new game device 50 and the old cartridge 7 when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50.

As shown in Figure 41, when the new game device 50 detects that an old cartridge 7 has been connected, it performs a switching process. In this switching process, a switching signal is sent from SoC 55 to switching units 52 and 53, and switching units 52 and 53 switch from the bypass path to the first path. As a result, the new game device 50 operates in compatibility mode and communicates with the old cartridge 7 using the first path based on the second standard.

After the switching process, as in Figure 38, the new game device 50 supplies power and changes the voltage level of terminal P4 from "low" to "high." Furthermore, if an old cartridge 7 is connected, the new game device 50 changes the voltage level of terminal P2 from "low" to "high." The new game device 50 then sends a reset release signal to the old cartridge 7. Note that the timing for changing the voltage level of terminal P2 from "low" to "high" may be any timing between the time the new game device 50 detects the connection of the old cartridge 7 and the time it sends the reset release signal to the old cartridge 7.

When the old cartridge 7 receives a reset release signal from the new game device 50, it starts up the firmware and performs initialization. Once the initialization of the old cartridge 7 is complete, the old cartridge 7 becomes able to communicate data with the new game device 50. Data communication between the old cartridge 7 and the new game device 50 is performed based on the second standard.

As described above, the new cartridge 1 of this embodiment can be connected to both the new game device 50 and the old game device 70. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, the new cartridge 1 is started in normal mode (normal firmware is started), and communication between the new cartridge 1 and the new game device 50 is based on the first standard. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70, the new cartridge 1 is started in compatibility mode (compatible firmware is started), and communication between the new cartridge 1 and the old game device 70 is based on the second standard.

This makes it possible to provide a new cartridge 1 that is compatible with both the new game device 50 and the old game device 70. When connected to the new game device 50, the new cartridge 1 communicates with the new game device 50 based on the first standard, and when connected to the old game device 70, the new cartridge 1 can communicate with the old game device 70 based on the second standard, allowing communication to be tailored to the capabilities of each game device.

The new cartridge 1 can also be configured as a shared cartridge. Specifically, a first storage area of the storage medium 11 stores a first application program, first image data, and first metadata as data for the new game device 50 (see FIG. 15). A second storage area of the storage medium 11 stores a second application program, second image data, and second metadata as data for the old game device 70. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, the first application program is read by the new game device 50. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70, the second application program is read by the old game device 70. This makes it possible to run application programs that take advantage of the capabilities of each game device.

In another aspect, when new cartridge 1 is configured as a shared cartridge, the first storage area stores a dedicated program, dedicated image data, and dedicated metadata, and the second storage area stores a common program, common image data, and common metadata (see FIG. 16). When new cartridge 1 is connected to new game device 50, the common program is read and game processing for a predetermined game, for example, is performed. Similarly, when new cartridge 1 is connected to old game device 70, the common program is read and similar game processing is performed. When new cartridge 1 is connected to new game device 50 and a predetermined condition is met (for example, when a transition is made to a specific scene), the new game device 50 reads the dedicated program from new cartridge 1 and executes that dedicated program. This makes it possible to execute a dedicated program that takes advantage of the performance of the new game device 50 while reducing the amount of data stored in storage medium 11 of new cartridge 1.

In another embodiment, the new cartridge 1 is configured as a dedicated cartridge (see Figure 17). In this case, a first application program, first image data, and first metadata are stored in the first storage area of the storage medium 11 as data for the new game device 50. Furthermore, a display program, second image data, and second metadata are stored in the second storage area of the storage medium 11 as data for the old game device 70. The first application program is a game program that allows a predetermined game to be played on the new game device 50. Furthermore, the display program is a program for displaying to the old game device 70 that the game cannot be run on the old game device 70. As a result, when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, the predetermined game can be run, and when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70, a message can be displayed indicating that the game cannot be run.

Furthermore, the new cartridge 1 in the above embodiment has right-side notches 21 and 22 at one end in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, which is the insertion and removal direction of the slot in the game device. The old cartridge 7 has substantially the same shape and size as the new cartridge 1, and has right-side notch 21 but not right-side notch 22 at one end in the second direction. Furthermore, an identification terminal P17 is provided inside the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, and is housed in the space formed by the right-side notch 22 when the new cartridge 1 is inserted. When the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the first slot 51, the identification terminal P17 does not contact terminal 512; however, when the old cartridge 7 is inserted into the first slot 51, part of the housing of the old cartridge 7 contacts the identification terminal P17, and the identification terminal P17 contacts terminal 512. This allows the new game device 50 to distinguish whether a new cartridge 1 or an old cartridge 7 has been connected.

Furthermore, the right-side cutout 22 is formed in a generally L-shape when viewed from the bottom of the new cartridge 1. This ensures the strength of the housing of the new cartridge 1 even when the right-side cutout 22 is provided, and also makes it easier to manufacture the housing of the new cartridge 1. For example, compared to when the right-side cutout 22 is formed in an inverted C-shape when viewed from the bottom rather than a corner of the housing (compared to when the right-side cutout 22 is formed in a concave shape in the negative x-axis direction from the center on the right side of the housing, rather than from the end in the z-axis direction), a generally L-shaped right-side cutout 22 makes it easier to insert the cartridge. In other words, when the right-side cutout 22 is formed in a generally L-shape with an open front side, as shown in Figure 1(e), the L-shape is easily aligned with the wall 515 of the slot, making it easier to insert the cartridge into the slot. Furthermore, when the right-side cutout 22 is formed in a generally L-shape, it is easier to remove the cartridge from the mold during manufacturing.

Furthermore, the width X2 of the right cutout 22 is configured to be wider than the width X1 of the right cutout 21. Furthermore, the right cutout 21 is formed to extend to near the lower ends of the multiple terminals T in the insertion direction (negative y-axis direction), and the right cutout 22 is formed to extend from the lower end of the right cutout 21 in the insertion direction of the new cartridge 1. This ensures the strength of the housing and makes it possible to provide a right cutout 22 that allows the new game device 50 to identify the type of cartridge, compared to when, for example, the entire right cutouts 21 and 22 have width X2.

Furthermore, the identification terminal P17 is formed to protrude from the side surface of the first slot 51 in the left-right direction (x-axis direction) of the first slot 51, and the right-side cutout 22 has a width sufficient to accommodate the identification terminal P17. This allows the depth (length in the z-axis direction) of the right-side cutout 22 to be reduced, ensuring the strength of the housing of the new cartridge 1. For example, if the identification terminal P17 is formed to extend in the thickness direction (z-axis direction) from the front or back surface of the first slot 51, the right-side cutout 22 to accommodate the identification terminal P17 would need to be deep enough. In this case, the strength of the housing in the area where the right-side cutout 22 is provided would be reduced. However, in this embodiment, the identification terminal P17 protrudes in the left-right direction of the new cartridge 1, so the depth of the right-side cutout 22 can be reduced, ensuring the strength of the housing.

Furthermore, when an old cartridge 7 is inserted into the first slot 51, the identification terminal P17 comes into contact with terminal 512, and then the detection terminal P1 on the game device comes into contact with the detection terminal T1 on the cartridge. This allows the new game device 50 to immediately perform processing according to the type of cartridge connected after detecting the connection, and to quickly perform processing such as reading data after connection.

(Modification)
The configuration, shape, etc. of the new cartridge 1 are not limited to those described above, and the following modifications may be made.

For example, in the above embodiment, new cartridge 1 had normal firmware and compatible firmware, but in other embodiments, as shown in Figure 42, new cartridge 1 may have one common firmware.

Figure 42 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 12 in a new cartridge 1 according to the first modified example. The common firmware may be stored in the storage medium 11. In this modified example, the common firmware is activated whether the cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50 or the old game device 70. When the cartridge 1 is connected to the new game device 50, signals conforming to the first standard are processed using the first standard circuit 121, and communication between the cartridge 1 and the new game device 50 is based on the first standard. When the cartridge 1 is connected to the old game device 70, signals conforming to the second standard are processed using the second standard circuit 122, and communication between the cartridge 1 and the old game device 70 is based on the second standard. Whether signals conforming to the first standard are processed using the first standard circuit 121 or signals conforming to the second standard are processed using the second standard circuit 122 may be determined when the new cartridge 1 is connected to the game device. For example, whether to use the first standard circuit 121 or the second standard circuit 122 may be determined based on the voltage value at terminal P2 when new cartridge 1 is connected to the game device.

Furthermore, the shape of the housing of the new cartridge 1 is not limited to the above. Figure 43 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a second modified example. Figure 44 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a third modified example. Figure 45 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a fourth modified example. Figure 46 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a fifth modified example. Figure 47 is a diagram showing a new cartridge 1 according to a sixth modified example.

For example, in the above embodiment, the right-side notch 21, which functions as a rail when inserting the new cartridge 1 into the slot, was formed to extend to the top end of the new cartridge 1. However, as shown in FIG. 43, the right-side notch 21 may be formed from the third position P_Y3, which is the upper end of the right-side notch 22, to a fourth position P_Y4 below the top end of the new cartridge 1. In the range from the fourth position P_Y4 to the top end in the y-axis direction, and in the range from the right end to a distance X1 to the left in the x-axis direction, the entire front housing 2 and rear housing 3 may be cut out, and no housing may be formed. In other words, the rail does not necessarily have to be provided from the top end to the bottom end in the y-axis direction, but may be provided from the fourth position P_Y4 below the top end in the y-axis direction.

Furthermore, the right-side cutout 21 is not limited to the shape and length shown in the figure, and may be any shape or length, as long as it functions as a rail when inserting the new cartridge 1 into the slot of the new game device 50 or the old game device 70.

Furthermore, the shape of the right-side cutout 22 is not limited to that described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 44, the left end of the right-side cutout 22 may be formed in a straight line. That is, the right-side cutout 22 may have a constant width X2 from the first position P_Y1 to the third position P_Y3 in the y-axis direction, and may be formed in an R-shape from the first position P_Y1 to its bottom end. Furthermore, the four corners of the new cartridge 1 may not be formed in an R-shape, and the right-side cutout 22 may have a constant width X2 from its top end to its bottom end.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 45, the right-side cutout 22 does not have to be shaped like a partial cutout of the front housing 2, but may be shaped like a cutout of the entire front housing 2 and rear housing 3. In other words, in the range below the third position P_Y3 (the bottom end of the right-side cutout 21) in the y-axis direction and in the range from the right end in the x-axis direction to a distance X2 to the left, the entire front housing 2 and rear housing 3 may be cut out, and no housing may be formed. Even if the right-side cutout 22 is shaped as shown in Figure 45, when the cartridge is inserted into the slot of the new game device 50, terminal P17 will not come into contact with the cartridge housing, and terminal P17 will not come into contact with terminal 512.

46, the right-side cutout 22 may be formed to extend from the top to the bottom of the new cartridge 1. In this case, like the right-side cutout 21, the right-side cutout 22 also functions as a guide when inserting the new cartridge 1 into the slot of the new game device 50 or old game device 70. The right-side cutout 22 may function as a rail by coming into contact with a wall 515 provided within the slot when the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot of the new game device 50 or old game device 70, or it may be formed so that it does not come into contact with the wall 515 when inserted into the slot (does not function as a rail). The right-side cutout 22 has a width X2 and, similar to FIG. 27, forms a space to accommodate the terminal P17 of the new game device 50. Therefore, when a new cartridge 1 having the shape shown in FIG. 46 is inserted into the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the terminal P17 does not come into contact with the terminal 512, and the new game device 50 detects the connection of the new cartridge 1.

Also, as shown in FIG. 47, the right-side cutout 22 may not have a portion with a constant width, and may be formed obliquely with respect to the y-axis from its bottom end to the third position P_Y3. In other words, the right-side cutout 22 may be formed in a tapered shape from the first position P_Y1 to the third position P_Y3, and may be formed in an R-shape from the first position P_Y1 to its bottom end.

Furthermore, the shape of the housing of the new cartridge 1 may be any combination of the shapes shown in Figures 43 to 47. For example, as shown in Figure 43, the right-side cutout 21, which functions as a rail when inserting the new cartridge 1 into the slot, may be provided down to a fourth position P_Y4 below the top end of the new cartridge 1, and the shape of the right-side cutout 22 may be as shown in Figure 44. Furthermore, the left end of the right-side cutout 22 may be formed in a straight line as shown in Figure 44, and the front housing 2 and rear housing 3 may be cut out entirely as shown in Figure 45.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the new game device 50 distinguishes whether the old cartridge 7 or the new cartridge 1 has been connected by the terminal P17 provided inside the first slot 51 coming into contact with the housing of the old cartridge 7. The method of distinguishing whether the old cartridge 7 or the new cartridge 1 has been connected is not limited to this, and other methods may also be used. Below, other methods of distinguishing whether the old cartridge 7 or the new cartridge 1 has been connected will be described with reference to Figures 48 to 59.

Figure 48 shows another identification method, when a new cartridge 1 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the seventh modified example. Figure 49 shows another identification method, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the seventh modified example.

As shown in Figure 48, in the new cartridge 1 relating to the seventh modified example, the long terminal T15 (ground terminal) arranged across the upper and lower regions of the terminal arrangement area is replaced with a short terminal T15' (ground terminal) arranged in the upper region. In addition, an identification terminal T18 is provided in the lower region below the short terminal T15'. The lower end of the identification terminal T18 is arranged lower than the lower end of the detection terminal T1. In addition, an identification terminal P18 is provided inside the first slot 51 of the new game device 50 relating to the seventh modified example at a position overlapping with the identification terminal T18. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the ground terminal P15 comes into contact with the ground terminal T15', and the identification terminal T18 comes into contact with the identification terminal P18. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 49 , when an old cartridge 7 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the seventh modification, the ground terminal P15 comes into contact with the ground terminal T15, and the identification terminal P18 comes into contact with the ground terminal T15. The new game device 50 according to the seventh modification can determine whether a new cartridge 1 or an old cartridge 7 has been connected based on the state of the identification terminal P18. Note that the positions of the ground terminal P15 and the identification terminal P18 may be reversed in the y-axis direction, and the positions of the ground terminal T15' and the identification terminal T18 may also be reversed in the y-axis direction. That is, the identification terminal P18 and the identification terminal T18 may be located in the upper region, and the ground terminal P15 and the ground terminal T15' may be located in the lower region.

Figure 50 shows another identification method, when a new cartridge 1 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the eighth modified example. Figure 51 shows another identification method, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the eighth modified example.

As shown in Figure 50, in the new cartridge 1 relating to the eighth modified example, the long terminal T7 (power terminal) arranged across the upper and lower regions of the terminal arrangement area is replaced with a short terminal T7' (power terminal) arranged in the upper region. In addition, an identification terminal T18 is provided in the lower region below the short terminal T7'. The lower end of the identification terminal T18 is arranged lower than the lower end of the detection terminal T1. In addition, an identification terminal P18 is provided inside the first slot 51 of the new game device 50 relating to the eighth modified example at a position overlapping with the identification terminal T18. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the power terminal P7 comes into contact with the power terminal T7', and the identification terminal P18 comes into contact with the identification terminal T18. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 51, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the eighth modified example, power terminal P7 comes into contact with power terminal T7, and identification terminal P18 comes into contact with power terminal T7. The new game device 50 according to the eighth modified example can determine whether a new cartridge 1 or an old cartridge 7 has been connected based on the state of identification terminal P18. Note that the positions of power terminal P7 and identification terminal P18 may be reversed in the y-axis direction, and power terminal T7' and identification terminal T18 may also be reversed in the y-axis direction. That is, identification terminal P18 and identification terminal T18 may be located in the upper region, and power terminal P7 and power terminal T7' may be located in the lower region.

Although not shown, power terminal T10 may be replaced with short terminal T10' instead of power terminal T7. In this case, an identification terminal T18 is provided in the lower area below short terminal T10'. When a new cartridge 1 is connected to the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, power terminal P10 and power terminal T10' come into contact, and identification terminal P18 and identification terminal T18 come into contact. On the other hand, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50, power terminal P10 and power terminal T10 come into contact, and identification terminal P18 and power terminal T10 come into contact. In this case, as above, power terminal P10 and identification terminal P18 may be reversed in the y-axis direction, and power terminal T10' and identification terminal T18 may also be reversed in the y-axis direction.

Figure 52 shows another identification method, when a new cartridge 1 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the ninth modified example. Figure 53 shows another identification method, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the ninth modified example.

As shown in Figure 52, in the new cartridge 1 of the ninth modification, the long terminal T1 (ground/detection terminal) arranged across the upper and lower regions is divided into a short terminal T1' arranged in the upper region and a short terminal T0 arranged in the lower region. Terminal T1' and terminal T15 are also electrically connected. Short terminal T0 functions as a ground terminal. The position of the lower end of short terminal T0 in the y-axis direction is the same as the lower end of terminal T15, or extends below the lower end of terminal T15. The new game device 50 of the ninth modification detects that the new cartridge 1 has been connected by detecting a short between terminal P0 and terminal P15. As shown in Figure 53, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50, a short between terminal P0 and terminal P15 is not detected, and so the new game device 50 detects that the old cartridge 7 has been connected.

Figure 54 shows another identification method, when a new cartridge 1 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the tenth modified example. Figure 55 shows another identification method, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the tenth modified example.

As shown in Figure 54, in the new cartridge 1 relating to the tenth variant, the long terminal T15 (ground terminal) arranged across the upper and lower regions of the terminal arrangement area is replaced with a short terminal T15' (ground terminal) arranged in the upper region. Furthermore, an identification terminal P18 is provided inside the first slot 51 of the new game device 50 relating to the tenth variant, in a position overlapping with the lower region below the short terminal T15'. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the ground terminal P15 and the ground terminal T15' come into contact, but the identification terminal T18 and the short terminal T15' do not come into contact. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 55, when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 relating to the tenth variant, the ground terminal P15 and the ground terminal T15 come into contact, and the identification terminal P18 and the ground terminal T15 also come into contact. The new game device 50 according to the tenth modification can determine whether a new cartridge 1 or an old cartridge 7 has been connected based on the state of the identification terminal P18. The positions of the ground terminal P15 and the identification terminal P18 in the y-axis direction may be reversed, and the ground terminal T15' may be provided in the lower region. In other words, the identification terminal P18 may be located in the upper region, and the ground terminals P15 and T15' may be located in the lower region.

Figure 56 shows another identification method, when a new cartridge 1 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the 11th modified example. Figure 57 shows another identification method, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the 11th modified example.

As shown in Figure 56, in the new cartridge 1 relating to the 11th variant, the long terminal T7 (power terminal) arranged across the upper and lower regions of the terminal arrangement area is replaced with a short terminal T7' (power terminal) arranged in the upper region. Furthermore, an identification terminal P18 is provided inside the first slot 51 of the new game device 50 relating to the 11th variant, in a position overlapping with the lower region below the short terminal T7'. When the new cartridge 1 is connected to the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the power terminal P7 and the power terminal T7' come into contact, but the identification terminal T18 and the short terminal T7' do not come into contact. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 57, when the old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 relating to the 11th variant, the power terminal P7 and the power terminal T7 come into contact, and the identification terminal P18 and the power terminal T7 come into contact. The new game device 50 according to the eleventh modification can determine whether a new cartridge 1 or an old cartridge 7 has been connected based on the state of the identification terminal P18. The positions of the power supply terminal P7 and the identification terminal P18 in the y-axis direction may be reversed, and the power supply terminal T7' may be provided in the lower region. In other words, the identification terminal P18 may be located in the upper region, and the power supply terminals P7 and T7' may be located in the lower region.

Figure 58 shows another identification method, when a new cartridge 1 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the twelfth modified example. Figure 59 shows another identification method, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to a new game device 50 according to the twelfth modified example.

As shown in FIG. 58, in the 12th modified example, the power terminal T10 may be replaced with a short terminal T10' instead of the power terminal T7. An identification terminal P18 is provided inside the first slot 51 at a position overlapping the lower region below the short terminal T10'. When a new cartridge 1 is connected to the first slot 51 of the new game device 50, the power terminal P10 and the power terminal T10' come into contact, but the identification terminal T18 and the short terminal T10' do not come into contact. On the other hand, when an old cartridge 7 is connected to the new game device 50 relating to the 12th modified example, the power terminal P10 and the power terminal T10 come into contact, and the identification terminal P18 and the power terminal T10 come into contact. Note that the positions of the power terminal P10 and the identification terminal P18 in the y-axis direction may be reversed. That is, the identification terminal P18 may be located in the upper region, and the power terminal P10 and the power terminal T10' may be located in the lower region.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the new cartridge 1 is supplied with power from the new game device 50 or the old game device 70, but the new cartridge 1 may have a built-in power supply, or may be supplied with power from another device. In this case, the new cartridge 1 does not need to have the power terminals T7 and T10 that supply power from the new game device 50 or the old game device 70.

In the above embodiment, the new cartridge 1 is provided with a right-side notch 22, and the first slot 51 of the new game device 50 is provided with a switch (terminal P17) that changes its on/off state when a part of the housing of the old cartridge 7 comes into contact with the switch when the old cartridge 7 is inserted. The switch (terminal P17) is configured so that its state does not change when the new cartridge 1 is inserted. In other words, the information processing device (new game device) according to the above embodiment is provided with a first slot into which a first cartridge and a second cartridge that is insertable into and removable from a second slot of a second information processing device can be inserted. The information processing device also includes a switch that is provided in the first slot and changes its on/off state when a part of the housing of the second cartridge comes into contact with the switch when the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, and that does not change its state when the first cartridge is inserted; a circuit that determines the on/off state of the switch; and a detection terminal that is provided in the first slot and detects that the first cartridge or the second cartridge is connected. The information processing device is configured so that when the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the state of the switch changes and then the detection terminal comes into contact with the detection terminal of the second cartridge, and when the first cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the state of the switch does not change and the detection terminal comes into contact with the detection terminal of the first cartridge.

In another embodiment of the information processing device, the switch may be configured to contact the housing of the new cartridge 1 but not the housing of the old cartridge 7. That is, the information processing device according to another embodiment may include: a first slot into which the first cartridge and the second cartridge can be inserted and removed; a switch provided in the first slot, which changes its on/off state when a part of the housing of the first cartridge comes into contact with the first slot when the first cartridge is housed in the first slot, and which does not change its state when the second cartridge is housed; a circuit that determines the on/off state of the switch; and a detection terminal provided in the first slot that detects connection of the first cartridge or the second cartridge; and may be configured such that when the first cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the detection terminal contacts the detection terminal of the first cartridge after the state of the switch changes; and when the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the detection terminal contacts the detection terminal of the second cartridge without changing the state of the switch.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1 is fixed to the new cartridge 1, but in other embodiments, the storage medium 11 of the new cartridge 1 may be detachably connected to the new cartridge 1. For example, the storage medium 11 detachable from the new cartridge 1 may be a storage medium based on a third standard different from the above-mentioned first and second standards. For example, the storage medium 11 detachable from the new cartridge 1 may be a storage medium conforming to the SD standard. Figure 60 is a diagram showing an example of a modified new cartridge 1, a cartridge equipped with a detachable storage medium 11. As shown in Figure 60, the new cartridge 1 has multiple terminals that connect to multiple terminals of the detachable storage medium 11, and a conversion unit 13 that converts signals conforming to the third standard into signals conforming to the first or second standard. The control unit 12 of the new cartridge 1 controls the conversion unit 13 depending on the game device to which it is connected. Specifically, when new cartridge 1 is connected to new game console 50, communication between new cartridge 1 and new game console 50 is based on the first standard, and converter 13 converts signals conforming to the first standard to the third standard for communication with removable storage medium 11. When new cartridge 1 is connected to old game console 70, communication between new cartridge 1 and old game console 70 is based on the second standard, and converter 13 converts signals conforming to the second standard to the third standard for communication with removable storage medium 11. The converter may be included in the control unit. That is, an integrated circuit constituting the control unit may have the function of converting between the first standard and the second standard. The removable storage medium 11 may be a storage medium conforming to either the first standard or the second standard. In this case, new cartridge 1 may not have converter 13, and control unit 12 may process signals according to the connected game console.

In another embodiment, the application program (e.g., a game program) is loaded into the new game device 50 and executed only when the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the new game device 50; when the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the old game device 70, the application program is not executed, and the warning or error message based on the program (e.g., a display program) stored in the new cartridge 1 is not displayed. Specifically, the control unit 12 of the new cartridge 1 may be configured to have a circuit for the first standard as shown in FIG. 11, but not have a circuit for the second standard 122. In this case, the storage medium 11 may be configured to store programs and data for the new game device 50, but not programs and data for the old game device. In this case, communication between the control unit 12 and the storage medium 11 may be based on the first standard, and not on the second standard. Alternatively, the control unit 12 of the new cartridge 1 may be provided with the first standard circuit 121 and the second standard circuit 122 shown in FIG. 11, while the storage medium 11 may store programs and data for the new game device 50, but not for the old game device 70.

60, the application program (e.g., a game program) is loaded into the new game device 50 and executed only when the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the new game device 50. When the new cartridge 1 is inserted into the old game device 70, the application program is not executed, and the warning or error message based on the program (e.g., a display program) stored in the new cartridge 1 may not be displayed. Specifically, the control unit 12 may be provided with a circuit 121 for the first standard, but not with a circuit 122 for the second standard. Furthermore, the storage medium 11 may be configured to store programs and data for the new game device 50, but not for the old game device 70. In this case, communication between the control unit 12 and the conversion unit 13 is based on the first standard. The conversion unit 13 may be capable of bidirectional or unidirectional conversion between signals conforming to the first standard and signals conforming to the third standard, but may not be capable of conversion between signals conforming to the second standard and signals conforming to the third standard. Furthermore, the control unit 12 may be provided with a first standard circuit 121 and a second standard circuit 122, while the storage medium 11 may store programs and data for the new game device 50, but not for the old game device 70. Note that the new cartridge according to this modified example may be configured so that it can only be physically inserted into the new game device 50, and cannot be inserted into the old game device 70.

The new cartridge may also be connectable to multiple storage media. The new cartridge may also be switchable between any of the multiple storage media, and may be able to write and read data to any of the multiple storage media.

Furthermore, the configurations of the above-described embodiments and their variations can be combined in any way as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. Furthermore, the above is merely an example of the present invention, and various other improvements and modifications may be made.

1 New cartridge 7 Old cartridge 11 Storage medium 12 Control unit 120 CPU
121 Circuit for first standard 122 Circuit for second standard 123 Storage medium control unit 50 New game device 51 First slot 52, 53 Switching unit 54 Conversion unit 55 SoC
70 Old game device 71 Second slot

Claims (11)

a first slot into which a first cartridge and a second cartridge insertable into and removable from a second slot of a second information processing device can be inserted;
a switch that is provided in the first slot, the switch changing its on or off state when a part of a housing of the second cartridge comes into contact with the first slot when the second cartridge is housed in the first slot, and the switch does not change its state when the first cartridge is housed in the first slot;
a circuit for determining whether the switch is on or off;
a detection terminal provided in the first slot for detecting whether the first cartridge or the second cartridge is connected;
An information processing device configured such that when the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the detection terminal comes into contact with the detection terminal of the second cartridge after the state of the switch changes, and when the first cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the detection terminal comes into contact with the detection terminal of the first cartridge without the state of the switch changing. The housing of the first cartridge has a shape in which a notch is provided relative to the housing of the second cartridge,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the switch is provided at the position of the notch when the first cartridge is housed in the first slot. a ground terminal connected to a ground of an electronic circuit provided in the information processing device is provided in the first slot;
When the first cartridge is housed in the first slot, a detection terminal of the first cartridge is connected to the ground terminal,
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the second cartridge is housed in the first slot, a detection terminal of the second cartridge is connected to the ground terminal. Within the first slot:
When the first cartridge is housed in the first slot, the first ground terminal is connected to a first ground terminal in the first cartridge,
a ground terminal that is connected to a second ground terminal in the second cartridge when the second cartridge is housed in the first slot;
When the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the ground terminal and the second ground terminal come into contact with each other, and then the state of the switch changes, and the detection terminal then comes into contact with the detection terminal of the second cartridge;
3 . The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein when the first cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the ground terminal and the first ground terminal come into contact with each other, and then the detection terminal comes into contact with the detection terminal of the first cartridge. a signal terminal connected to a first signal terminal of the first cartridge and a second signal terminal of the second cartridge is provided in the first slot;
When the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the ground terminal and the second ground terminal come into contact with each other, and then the signal terminal and the second signal terminal come into contact with each other, and then the state of the switch changes, and then the detection terminal comes into contact with the detection terminal of the second cartridge,
5. The information processing device of claim 4, wherein when the first cartridge is inserted into the first slot, the ground terminal and the first ground terminal come into contact, then the signal terminal and the first signal terminal come into contact, and then the detection terminal comes into contact with the detection terminal of the first cartridge. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a first terminal is provided in the first slot, the first terminal having a first function when the first cartridge is connected, and a second function when the second cartridge is connected. The information processing device of claim 6, wherein the first function is a command output or response input function, and the second function is a chip enable output function. The information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information processing device is a next-generation device of the second information processing device. a power supply terminal is provided in the first slot for supplying a predetermined power supply voltage to a first power supply terminal of the first cartridge when the first cartridge is housed therein;
9. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply terminal supplies the predetermined power supply voltage to a second power supply terminal of the second cartridge when the second cartridge is housed in the first slot. a data input/output terminal is provided within the first slot, which is connected to a first data input/output terminal of the first cartridge when the first cartridge is connected, and which transmits and receives signals conforming to a first standard to and from the first data input/output terminal;
An information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the second cartridge is accommodated in the first slot, the data input/output terminal is connected to a second data input/output terminal of the second cartridge, and transmits and receives signals conforming to a second standard between the second data input/output terminal and the second data input/output terminal. a first slot into which a first cartridge and a second cartridge insertable into and removable from a second slot of a second information processing device can be inserted;
a switch for identifying whether the first cartridge or the second cartridge is inserted into the first slot;
a circuit for determining whether the switch is on or off;
an information processing device comprising: a detection terminal that detects that the first cartridge or the second cartridge has been connected after identifying the first cartridge or the second cartridge based on the on or off state of the switch.