System for and method of processing data, and apparatus and method of sending and receiving data

ES 2 154 232 B1

DESCRIPTION

The present invention application consists, as indicated by its statement, in a "System and method for processing data and apparatus and method for sending and receiving data".

The present invention refers to a system and a method for processing data, for sending data and for receiving data from an external device, an apparatus and a method for sending and receiving data, more particularly to a system and a method for processing data and an apparatus and a method to send and receive data, which are preferably applicable to systems that use a video game machine and a portable information communication terminal.

Conventional video game machines such as video game apparatus for home use are operated by an application program in a video game machine unit based on game data recorded on a recording medium or memory. auxiliary to play a video game such as a competition game, for example, according to instructions entered by the player via a manual controller. Such video game machines find wide use in homes.

Many video game machines generally have excellent data processing capabilities to process image and sound data, so that the player or user can experience realistic and complex images and sounds. Specifically, the data processing capabilities of conventional video game machines make it possible to display complex game characters, produce realistic sounds for the video game, and can provide images and sounds more sophisticated than those produced by existing computers.

Although conventional video game machines have excellent data processing capabilities, they still remain a device for executing an application program for playing a video game.

Systems of master and slave units for sending and receiving data between the two have hitherto been proposed. The data sent and received between the master and slave units is merely ordinary picture and sound data. No attempt has been made to provide an application program to be executed by the slave unit from a recording medium belonging to the master unit. Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for processing data, an apparatus and a method for sending and receiving data, which is capable of sending and receiving data between a master unit and an external device via one unit. slave.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description that follows when taken in conjunction with the accompanying designs in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of illustrative example.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a data processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a device with a radio function.

Figure n^° 2 is a block diagram of a hardware layer and a software layer of the data processing system and the device with the radio function.

Figure n^° 3 is a block diagram of a video game machine of the data processing system.

Figure n^° 4 is a block diagram of a portable computer of the data processing system.

Figure n^° 5 is a flow chart of a video game machine processing sequence in a process for supplying a communication application and a radio communication conductor from the video game machine to the portable computer.

Figure n^° 6 is a flow chart of a laptop processing sequence in the process of supplying a communication application and a radio communication driver from the video game machine to the laptop.

Figure n^° 7 is a flow chart of a laptop processing sequence in the process of sending data from the device with the radio function to the video game machine via the laptop.

Figure n^° 8 is a flow chart of a video game machine processing sequence in the process of sending data from the device with the radio function to the video game machine via the portable computer.

Figure n^° 9 is a flow chart of a video game machine processing sequence in the process of sending data from the video game machine to the handheld computer's voice radio-enabled device.

Figure n^° 10 is a flow chart of a portable computer processing sequence in the process of sending data from the video game machine to the device with the portable computer's voice radio function.

Figure n^° 11 is a flow chart of a processing sequence of the portable computer in the process of sending data from the device with the radio function to the video game machine and processing the data with the video game machine.

Figure n^° 12 is a flow chart of a portable computer processing sequence in the process of sending the processed data from the video game machine back to the device with the radio function.

Figure n^° 13 is a flow chart of a processing sequence of the processing machine.

ES 2 154 232 B1 video games in the process of sending data from the radio function device to the video game machine and processing the data with the video game machine.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart of a video game machine processing sequence in the process of sending the processed data from the video game machine back to the radio-enabled device.

Figure n^° 15 is a block diagram of a data processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention and devices with a radio function.

Figure n^° 16 is a block diagram of a data processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention and devices with a radio function.

Figure n^° 17 is a block diagram of a data processing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and devices with a radio function.

Figure n^° 18 is a block diagram of a data processing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention and devices with a radio function.

Figure n^° 19 is a plan view of a video entertainment system as a specific example of a data processing system comprising a video game machine and a laptop computer.

Figure n^° 20 is a perspective view of the video entertainment system shown in Figure n^° 19.

Figure n^° 21 is a plan view of a portable electronic device as a specific example of the portable computer.

Figure n^° 22 is a front elevation view of the portable electronic device shown in Figure n^° 21.

Figure n^° 23 is a bottom view of the portable electronic device shown in Figure n^° 21.

Figure n^° 24 is a block diagram of a video game apparatus as a specific example of the video game machine.

Figure n^° 25 is a block diagram of the portable electroanic device shown in Figures n^° 21 to 23.

Figure n^° 26 is a diagram showing control elements controlled by a control means in the portable electroanic device.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures of n^° 1 to 12. According to the first incorporation, the principles of the present invention apply to a data processing system (1) capable of sending data to, and receiving data from, an external device (4) with a function radio.

They are still shown in figure n^° 1, the data processing system (1) comprises a video game machine (2) that serves as a master unit for processing data, that is, a data processing unit, and a laptop (3) that serves as slave unit. This portable computer (3) is removably inserted in the video game machine (2). The video game machine (2) is constructed as a video entertainment system that executes program data recorded on a recording medium (not shown) to play a video game or the like. The laptop (3) is constructed as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant = personal digital assistant) that has a radio communication function.

The data processing system (1) is arranged as shown in figure n^° 2y communicates with the device (4) with the radio function. In the data processing system (1), the video game machine (2) comprises a video game machine hardware layer (10) and a software layer for controlling the machine hardware layer (10). of video games and making communications with the portable computer (3), the software layer comprising a communication application (20) and a serial communication driver (30) included in the communication application (20).

The portable computer (3) comprises a PDA hardware layer (40) and a software layer to carry out a communication process in the PDA hardware layer (40), the software layer comprising a communication application (50) and a serial communication driver (60).

The device (4) with the radio function, which sends data to, and receives data from, the data processing system (1) via radio communications, comprises a hardware layer (80) and a software layer to carry out a communication process in the hardware layer (80) of the device, the software layer comprising a communication application (90) and a radio communication driver (100) included in the communication application (90).

In the present invention, the word radio communication (s) is defined to mean wireless communication (s) in the frequency field of about 20 Hrz to 800 Thz (terahertz), that is, the frequency field at the frequency visible light, including radio frequency and infrared frequency.

They are still shown in figure n^° 3, the hardware layer (10) of the video game machine comprises a CPU (11) that functions as a data supply means for acquiring and supplying data, an input block (12), a recording media block (13), a main memory (14), a graphics processor (15), a functional block (16) and a serial communication block (17). These components of the hardware layer (10) of the video game machine are connected to a bus (18).

They are still shown in figure n^° 4, the PDA hardware layer (40) comprises a radio communication block (41) as a communication means to send data to, and receive data from, the device (4) with the radio function,

ES 2 154 232 B1 a non-volatile memory (42) and a work memory (43) both as memory means to store the input data, a serial communication block (44), a CPU (45), an input block ( 46), a display block (47) and a functional block (48). These components of the PDA hardware layer (40) are connected to a bus (49).

The input block (12) of the hardware layer (10) of the video game machine is arranged to function as a manual input controller. Therefore, the input block (12) allows the user to input various items of information into the video game machine (2). The input block (12) also allows data to be processed in the video game machine (2) according to an input control action entered by the user.

The recording medium block (13) serves as a block for reading various data recorded on a recording medium or the like (not shown). For example the recording medium comprises a CD-ROM or the like. The recording media block (13) is controlled by the CPU (11) to read data from the recording medium that stores communication media control programs, including communication applications and drivers that allow the laptop (3) and the device (4) with the radio function communicate with each other via a radio link. Specifically, the recording medium block (13) reads data from the recording medium that stores the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) shown in Figure 2.

The main memory (14) is a memory for storing various data. For example, the main memory (14) stores the communication application (20) as the software layer of the video game machine (2). The main memory (14) also stores data sent from the portable computer (3) via the serial communication block (17).

The graphics processor (15) serves as a processor to effect image processing on the input data. Specifically, the graphics processor (15) performs graphics processing on images to be displayed in a display unit (not shown). More specifically, the graphics processor (15) performs a graphic polygon processing process.

The functional block (16) is arranged to perform other functions than those of the previous blocks, and may comprise, for example, a power supply block (not shown), a connection block for connections, and a card system. non-volatile memory as a recording medium.

The serial communication block (17) has a function to carry out serial communications with an external device. The serial communication block (17) has terminals (not shown) electrically connectable with the serial communication block (44) of the laptop (3), for example. The video game machine (2) can thus send data to, and receive data from, the laptop computer (3). The serial communication block (17) sends and receives data according to the serial communication driver (30) shown in figure n^° 2.

The CPU (11) has a function to control the above blocks of the hardware layer (10) of the video game machine. For example, the CPU (11) keeps the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) registered in the recording medium in the main memory (14) of the video game machine (2). , controls the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) when they are supplied to the portable computer (3), and controls the data entered into and output from, the portable computer (3). The CPU (11) also has a function to process and edit data. Furthermore, the CPU (11) controls the blocks according to programs of the software layer.

The video game machine (2) constructed in this way is capable of playing a video game based on a program recorded on the recording medium such as a CD-ROM or the like. The video game machine (2) allows the non-volatile memory card system to be connected to it in a removable way.

The radio communication block (41) of the PDA hardware layer (40) shown in figure n^° 4 receives data sent from the device (4) with infrared ray radio function according to IrDA or microwave standards. The radio communication block (41) also sends data input from the video game machine (2) to the device (4) with the radio function. At this time, the radio communication block (41) sends and receives data according to the radio communication driver (70) shown in figure n^°

two. Specifically, when the laptop (3) sends data to, and receives data from, the device (4) with the radio function, the radio communication block (41) is controlled by the radio communication driver (70). , and a radio communication block (not shown) in the device (4) with the radio function is controlled by the radio communication driver (100).

The non-volatile memory (42) is a memory for storing various data. The non-volatile memory (42) stores a communication driver device supplied from the video game machine (2) to communicate with the device (4) with the radio function. Specifically, the non-volatile memory (42) stores the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) shown in figure n^° 2. The non-volatile memory (42) also stores data received from the device (4) with the radio function and data entered from the video game machine (2) through the serial communication block (44).

The work memory (43) is a memory for use as a storage work area for storing various data. As with the non-volatile memory (42), the working memory (43) stores the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70), and also stores data received from the device (4) with the function of radio and data input from video game machine (2) via block

ES 2 154 232 B1 of serial communication (44).

The serial communication block (44) has a function to carry out serial communications with an external device. For example, the serial communication block (44) is electrically connectable with the serial communication block (17) of the video game machine (2) to perform data communications with the video game machine (2). The serial communication block (44) sends and receives data according to the serial communication driver (60) shown in figure 2. The laptop (3) is supplied, via the serial communication block (44), with a communication driver device and a communication application for use with the device (4) with the radio function, which are registered in a recording medium (not shown) loaded in the video game machine (2), that is, the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70).

The input block 46 is arranged to function as a manual input control unit (manual input control means). For example, input block (46) allows the user to enter various items of information. When the portable computer (3) is not connected to the video game machine (2), the device (4) with the radio function can be operated according to an input control action via input from the input block. (46).

The display block (47) was arranged to function as a display unit to display various items of information. The display block (47) shows various characters of information and image information on a liquid crystal panel (not shown), for example.

The functional block (48) was arranged to perform functions other than those of the previous blocks, and may comprise, for example, a power supply block (not shown).

The CPU (45) has a function to control the previous blocks. For example, the CPU (45) controls the blocks according to various programs of the previous software layer.

The portable computer (3) receives data sent from the device (4) with the radio function. The portable computer (3) may be removably connected to the video game machine (2) to send data to and receive data from the video game machine (2). Furthermore, the portable computer (3) is compatible with the non-volatile memory card system (not shown) that can also be connected in a removable way with the video game machine (2).

In the data processing system (1), the video game machine (2) supplies the portable computer (3) with a program such as the communication program (50) that allows the portable computer (3) to carry out communications radio with the device (4) with the radio function according to the processing sequences shown in figures n^° 5y6.

It is shown in figure n^° 5, the CPU (11) of the video game machine (2) reads the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) for use with the laptop (3) (PDA) that are stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or the like, for example, from the recording media block (13) in step S1.

Then, the CPU (11) stores the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) thus read into the main memory (14) in step S2.

The CPU (11) begins to communicate with the serial communication block (44) of the portable computer (3) via the serial communication block (17) to establish a communication link with it in step S3. Next, the CPU (11) sends the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) stored in the main memory (14) to the laptop (3) via the established communication link.

To confirm the end of the transmission of the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70), the CPU (11) decides whether the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) stored in the main memory (14) have been fully sent or not in step S5. If the CPU (11) confirms that the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) stored in the main memory (14) have been fully dispatched, then the video game machine (2) completes the process of sending the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70). If the CPU (11) confirms that the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) stored in the main memory (14) have not been fully sent, then the video game machine (2) executes processing step S4 again.

Concurrent with the previous process that carries out the video game machine (2), the portable computer (3) decides whether there is a demand for serial communication connection from the video game machine (2) or not in step S11 shown in figure n^° 6.

If the laptop (3) confirms that there is a demand for a serial communication connection from the video game machine (2) in step S11, then the CPU (45) of the laptop (3) begins to communicate with the block. of serial communication (17) of the video game machine (2) through the serial communication block (44) to establish a communication link between both in step S12.

Then, the CPU (45) stores the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) that have been received from the video game machine (2) through the communication link established within memory. working memory (43) or non-volatile memory (42) in step S13.

The processing steps S12, S13 performed by the portable computer (3) correspond to the processing in steps S3, S4 performed by the video game machine (2).

To confirm the end of the transmission of the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70), the CPU (45) decides whether the communication application (50) and the radio driver

ES 2 154 232 B1 radio communication (70) have been fully received or not from the video game machine (2) in step S14. If the CPU (45) confirms that the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) have been entirely received from the video game machine (2), then the portable computer (3) terminates the process. to receive the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70). If the CPU (45) confirms that the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) have not been entirely received from the video game machine (2), then the portable computer (3) terminates the process of receiving the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70), then the portable computer (3) executes the processing from step S13 again.

In the data processing system (1), the previous processing sequences of the video game machine (2) and the portable computer (3) allow the video game machine (2) to supply the portable computer (3 ) with the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) for use with the portable computer (3) to thereby enable the portable computer (3) to carry out radio communications with the device (4) with the radio function.

A process of sending data from the device (4) with the radio function to the video game machine (2) was described below, with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

The portable computer (3) operates the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) supplied from the video game machine (2) to be able to carry out radio communications with the external device (4 ) with the radio function. In step S21 shown in Fig. N^° 7, the laptop (3) decides whether there is a request for data reception from the external device (4) with the radio function or not.

If the laptop (3) confirms that there is a request to receive data from the external device (4) with the radio function in step S21, then the CPU (45) of the laptop (3) starts communicating with the radio-communication block (not shown) of the device (4) with the radio-by-way function of the radio communication block (41) to establish a communication link therewith in step S22.

Then, the CPU (45) begins to communicate with the serial communication block (17) of the video game machine (2) through the serial communication block (44) to establish a communication link with it in the step S23.

The CPU (45) stores the data that has been received from the device (4) with the radio function via the communication link established with it in the working memory (43) or the non-volatile memory (42) in the step S24.

The CPU (45) then sends the data stored in the work memory (43) or in the non-volatile memory (42) to the video game machine (2) through the communication link established with the game machine. video (2).

To confirm the end of the reception of the data from the device (4) with the radio function, the CPU (45) decides whether or not the data has been entirely received from the device (4) with the radio function in the step S26. If the CPU (45) confirms that the data has been received entirely from the device (4) with the radio function, then the laptop (3) finishes the process of receiving the data. If the CPU (45) confirms that the data has not been entirely received from the device (4) with the radio function, then the portable computer (3) executes the processing again from step S24.

Concurrent with the above process carried out by the portable computer (3), the video game machine (2) decides whether there is a demand for data reception from the portable computer (3) or not in step S31 shown in the figure n^° 8.

If the video game machine (2) confirms that there is a request to receive data from the portable computer (3) in step S31, then the CPU (11) of the video game machine (2) begins to communicate with the serial communication block (44) of the laptop (3) via the serial communication block (17) to establish a communication link with it in step S32.

Then, the CPU (11) stores the data that has been received from the laptop (3) via the communication link established with it in the main memory (14) in step

S33.

The processing in steps S32, S33 performed by the video game machine (2) corresponds to the processing in steps S23, S24 performed by the laptop computer (3).

To confirm the end of reception of the data from the laptop (3), the CPU (11) decides whether the data from the laptop (3) has been entirely received or not in step S34. If the CPU (11) confirms that the data from the laptop (3) has been fully received, then the video game machine (2) ends the process of receiving the data. If the CPU (11) confirms that the data from the portable computer (3) has not been entirely received, then the video game machine (2) executes the processing from step S33 again.

The above processing sequences allow the data processing system (1) to send the data from the device (4) with the radio function to the video game machine (2) through the portable computer (3).

It will be described below, with reference to the figures n^° 9 and 10, a process of sending data from the video game machine (2) to the device (4) with the radio function, which is inverse of the previous process of sending data from the device (4) with the function from radio to video game machine (2).

The CPU (11) of the video game machine (2) begins communicating with the serial communication block (44) of the laptop (3) through the serial communication block (17) to establish a communication link with the same in step S41 shown in figure n^° 9.

So the video game machine (2)

ES 2 154 232 B1 decides whether there is a demand for data transmission from the laptop (3) or not in step

S42.

The CPU (11) sends the data that has been stored in the main memory (14) to the laptop (3) via the communication link established therewith in step S43.

To confirm the end of the data transmission to the laptop (3), the CPU (11) decides whether the data has been fully sent or not in step S44. If the CPU (11) confirms that the data has been fully sent, then the video game machine (2) ends the process of sending the data. If the CPU (11) confirms that the data has not been fully sent, then the video game machine (2) executes the processing from step S43 again. Concurrent with the above process carried out by the video game machine (2), the portable computer (3) decides whether there is a request for data reception from the video game machine (2) or not in step S51. shown in figure n ° 10.

If there is a request to receive data from the video game machine (2) in step S51, then the CPU (45) of the portable computer (3) begins to communicate with the serial communication block (17) of the machine. of video games (2) via the serial communication block (44) to establish a communication link with it in step S52.

The CPU (45) also begins to communicate with the radio communication block (not shown) of the device (4) with the radio via radio function of the radio communication block (41) to establish a communication link with it. in step S53.

In step S54, the CPU (45) sends a data transmission request to the video game machine (2).

The CPU (45) stores data that has been received from the video game machine (2) via the communication link established with it within the working memory (43) or the non-volatile memory (42) in step S55.

The CPU (45) sends the data stored in the working memory (43) or the non-volatile memory (42) to the device (4) with the radio function of the communication link established in step S56.

The processing in steps S52, S55 performed by the laptop (3) corresponds to the processing in steps S41, S43 performed by the video game machine (2).

To confirm the end of the reception of the data from the video game machine (2), the CPU (45) decides whether the data from the video game machine (2) has been entirely received or not in step S47. . If the CPU (45) confirms that the data from the video game machine (2) has been fully received, then the portable computer (3) ends the process of receiving the data. If the CPU confirms that the data from the video game machine (2) has not been entirely received, then the portable computer (3) executes the processing from step S55 again.

The above processing sequences allow the data processing system (1) to send the data from the video game machine (2) to the device (4) with the radio function of the portable computer (3).

In the data processing system (1), consequently, data can be transferred between the video game machine (2) and the device (4) with the voice radio function of the laptop (3).

In the data processing system (1), the video game machine (2) can process data that has been sent from the device (4) with the voice radio function of the portable computer (3) to the game machine. video games (2). A process for processing the data thus sent will be described below with reference to the figures of n^° 11 to n^° 14.

In step S61 shown in Fig. N^° 11, the laptop (3) decides whether there is a request for data reception from the device (4) with the radio function or not.

If the portable computer (3) confirms that there is a request to receive data from the device (4) with the radio function in step

561, then the CPU (45) of the portable computer (3) begins to communicate with the radio communication block (not shown) of the device (4) with the radio-to-voice function of the radio communication block (41) to establish a communication link with it in step

562.

Then, the CPU (45) initiates communication with the serial communication block (17) of the video game machine (2) through the serial communication block (44) to establish a communication link with it in the step S63.

The CPU (45) stores data that has been received from the device (4) with the radio function via the communication link established with it in the working memory (43) or the non-volatile memory (42) in the step S64.

The CPU (45) then sends the data stored in the work memory (43) or in the non-volatile memory (42) to the video game machine (2) via the communication link established with the video game machine. video (2) in step S65.

To confirm the end of the reception of the data from the device (4) with the radio function, the CPU (45) decides whether the data from the device (4) with the radio function has been entirely received or not in the step S66. If the CPU (45) confirms that the data from the device (4) with the radio function has been entirely received, then the control goes to step S67 shown in the figure.^° 12. If the CPU (45) confirms that the data from the device (4) with the radio function has not been entirely received, then the portable computer (3) executes the processing from step S64 again.

Concurrent with the above processing carried out by the portable computer (3), the video game machine (2) decides whether there is a request for data reception from the portable computer (3) or not in step S81 shown in the figure n^°

13.

If the video game machine (2) confirms that there is a demand for data reception from

ES 2 154 232 B1 the laptop (3) in step S81, then the CPU (11) of the video game machine (2) begins to communicate with the serial communication block (44) of the laptop (3) via the serial communication block (17) to establish a communication link with it in step S82.

Then, the CPU (11) stores the data that has been received from the laptop (3) via the communication link established therewith in the main memory (14) in step S83.

The processing in steps S82, S83 carried out by the video game machine (2) corresponds to the processing in steps S63, S64 carried out by the portable computer (3).

To confirm the end of reception of the data from the portable computer (3), the CPU (11) decides whether the data from the portable computer (3) has been fully received or not in step S84. If the CPU (11) confirms that the data from the portable computer (3) has been fully received, then the video game machine (2) processes the data in step S85. If the CPU (11) confirms that the data from the portable computer (3) has not been entirely received, then the video game machine (2) executes the processing from step S83 again.

After having fully received the data from the portable computer (3), the video game machine (2) reads the data stored in the main memory (14). If the received data is image data, for example, the video game machine (2) processes the data to, for example, change the colors.

The video game machine (2), which also functions as a processing medium, can process the data according to a programmed sequence. Alternatively, the video game machine (2) can process the data according to instructions entered by the user via the input block (12), which also functions as a processing means. Specifically, when the user presses a button on a controller (not shown) associated with the input block (12), the video game machine (2) can increase or decrease the brightness of the image data, for example, in depending on the period of time the button is continuously depressed.

Therefore, the data sent from the device (4) with the radio function via the laptop (3) to the video game machine (2) is processed by the video game machine (2). The processed data is then stored in the main memory (14) of the video game machine (2).

The processed data can then be sent from the video game machine (2) via the laptop (3) to the device (4) with the radio function.

Specifically, the CPU (11) initiates communication with the serial communication block (44) of the laptop (3) through the serial communication block (17) to establish a communication link with it in step S86 shown in figure n ° 14.

The video game machine (2) decides whether there is a demand for data transmission from the laptop (3) or not in step S87.

If the video game machine (2) confirms that there is a request for data reception from the laptop (3) in step S87, then the CPU (11) sends the processed data stored in the main memory (14) to the portable computer (3) via the communication link therewith in step S88.

To confirm the end of the data transmission to the laptop (3), the CPU (11) decides whether or not data has been fully sent in step S89. If the CPU (11) confirms that the data has been fully sent, then the video game machine (2) ends the process of sending the data. If the CPU (11) confirms that the data has not been fully sent, the video game machine (2) then executes the processing from step S88 again.

Concurrent with the above processing carried out by the video game machine (2), the portable computer (3) decides whether there is a request for data reception from the video game machine (2) or not in step S67. shown in figure n^° 12.

If there is a request to receive data from the video game machine (2) in step S67, then the CPU (45) of the portable computer (3) initiates communication with the serial communication block (17) of the machine. of video games (2) via the serial communication block (44) to establish a communication link therewith in step S68.

The CPU (45) also initiates communication with the radio communication block (not shown) of the device (4) with the radio function via the radio communication block (41) to establish a communication link with it. in step S69.

In step S70, the CPU (45) sends a data transmission request to the video game machine (2).

The CPU (45) stores the processed data that has been received from the video game machine (2) through the communication link established with it within the working memory (43) or the non-volatile memory (42) in step S71.

The processing in steps S68, S71 carried out by the portable computer (3) corresponds to the processing in steps S86, S88 carried out by the video game machine (2).

The CPU (45) sends the data stored in the working memory (43) or in the non-volatile memory (42) to the device (4) with the radio function via the communication link established between the two in step S72.

To confirm the end of the data transmission from the video game machine (2), the CPU (45) decides whether the data has been fully received or not in step S73. If the CPU (45) confirms that the data from the video game machine (2) has been fully received, then the portable computer (3) ends the process of receiving the data. If the CPU (45) confirms that the data from the video game machine (2) has not been fully received, the computer

ES 2 portable (3) then executes the processing from step S71 again.

The above processing sequences enable the data processing system (1) to send the data from the external device (4) with the radio function to the video game machine (2) via the laptop (3). After the data has been processed by the video game machine (2), the processed data is sent via the portable computer (3) to the device (4) with the radio function.

In the data processing system (1), as described above, the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) for the portable computer (3) that are compatible with the device (4) With the radio function they are supplied from the video game machine (2) to the portable computer (3) when required, and then processed by the portable computer (3). Therefore, it is not necessary that the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) be resident in the portable computer (3), and thus the computing capabilities of the portable computer (3) can be used. effectively.

Since the portable computer (3) is easily removably connectable to the video game machine (2), the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) for the portable computer (3) which are compatible with the device (4) with the radio function can be maintained by the laptop (3), and the laptop (3) can be reset every time the device (4) with the radio function is changed . Consequently, a variety of devices (4) of different types can be connected to the video game machine (2).

Even if the memory, such as the non-volatile memory (42) of the laptop (3), is of small storage capacity and fails to store all of the data sent from and received by the laptop (3), the The laptop computer (3) can send and receive a large amount of data by successively sending data to the video game machine (2) or successively receiving data from the video game machine (2).

In the data processing system (1), the portable computer (3) need not be connected to the video game machine (2) in use. Once the portable computer (3) has been supplied with the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) from the video game machine (2), since the portable computer (3) can do the communication application (50), etc., through the input block (46), the portable computer (3) by itself can operate the device (4) with the radio function. Therefore, the data from the device (4) with the radio function can be maintained by the portable computer (3) depending on an input control action, input by voice of the portable computer (3), and the portable computer. (3) can then be connected to the video game machine (2) for data processing. In this way, a highly efficient system with good portability can be built.

232 B1 16

In the video game machine (2), the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) to be supplied to the portable computer (3) do not need to be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD. -ROM or similar, but can be acquired via communications with an external source.

A data processing system (101) according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to figures^° 15. The data processing system (101) has a basic arrangement similar to the data processing system (1) according to a first incorporation of the invention, except that there are two portable computers (3a, 3b) connected to the machine. video games (2). Those parts of the data processing system (101) that are identical to those of the data processing system (1) are denoted with identical reference characters, and will not be described in detail below.

It is shown in figure n^° 15, the data processing system (101) comprises a video game machine (2) serving as a master unit for processing data and two portable computers (3a, 3b) each serving as a slave unit. The video game machine (2) has two terminals (not shown) on the serial communication block (17) and the portable computers (3a, 3b) are removably connectable with the video game machine (2) to through these terminals, as in the first incorporation. The portable computers (3a, 3b) have been supplied in advance with their respective communication applications (50) and radio communication drivers (70) that are compatible with the respective devices (4a, 4b) with a radio function.

Each of the portable computers (3a, 3b) is structurally identical to the portable computer (3) according to the first incorporation.

In the data processing system (101), the data can be input from the device (4a) with the radio function via the handheld computer (3a) to the video game machine (2), and the data can be broadcast from the video game machine (2) via the other portable computer (3b) to the other device (4b) with the radio function.

Specifically, the video game machine (2) and the laptop computer (3a) can perform the processing sequences shown in figures n^° 7 and 8 to input data from the device (4a) with the via radio function of the laptop (3a) to the video game machine (2), and the video game machine (2) and the laptop (3b) can perform the processing sequences shown in figures n^° 9 and 10 to input data from the video game machine (2) via the portable computer (3b) to the device (4b) with the radio function.

Therefore, with two handheld computers (3a, 3b) connected to the video game machine (2), the handheld computer (3a) can transmit input data to the video game machine (2) and the other computer Portable (3b) can transmit output data from the

ES 2 154 232 B1 video games (2), independently of each other.

In the data processing system (101), accordingly, the video game machine (2) and the two portable computers (3a, 3b) can be connected to each other to send and receive data.

In the data processing system (101), furthermore, the data from the device (4a) with the radio function can be processed by the video game machine (2). For such data processing, the data entered from the device (4a) with the radio function by way of the portable computer (3a) to the video game machine (2) in steps from S61 to S66 shown in figure n^° 11 and steps from S81 to S84 shown in figure n^° 13 are processed by the video game machine (2) in step S35 shown in figure n^° 13, and the processed data is transmitted to the other portable computer (3b) and transmitted to the other device (4b) with the radio function in steps from S67 to S73 shown in figure n^° 12 and steps from S86 to S89 shown in figure n^° 14. At this time, the data can be processed by the video game machine (2) according to an input control action, input by the user via the input block (12).

In the data processing system (101), the data sent successively from the device (4a) with the radio function via the portable computer (3a) to the video game machine (2) can be processed by the machine. of video games (2), and the processed data can be sent via the portable computer (3b) to the other device (4b) with the radio function and used by the device (4b) with the radio function.

In the data processing system (101), furthermore, if the device (4a) with the radio function can communicate with the portable computers (3a, 3b) via radio links, then the data sent successively from the device (4a) ) with the voice radio function from the portable computer (3a) to the video game machine (2) can be processed by the video game machine (2), and the processed data can be sent via the laptop (3b) back to the device (4a) with the radio function.

A data processing system (151) according to a third embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG.^° 16.

The data processing system (151) has a basic arrangement similar to the data processing system (101) according to the second incorporation, except that three or more portable computers are connected to the video game machine (2). Those parts of the data processing system (151) that are identical to those of the data processing system (101) are denoted with identical reference characters, and will not be described in detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, three portable computers (3a, 3b, 3c) are connected to the video game machine (2).

It is shown in figure n^° 16, the data processing system (151) comprises a video game machine (2) that serves as a master unit to process data with each of the three portable computers (3a, 3b, 3c) serving as a slave unit, and a connection core (5) through which the three portable computers (3a, 3b, 3c) are connected to the video game machine (2). The connection core (5) is used to provide a sufficient number of terminals if the terminals (not shown) of the serial communication block (17) of the video game machine (2) are less than the number of portable computers a connect. The connection core (5) was connected to a terminal of the video game machine (2), and a plurality of portable computers are removably connected to the connection core (5). The terminals of the connecting core (5) and the terminals of the video game machine (2) have electrically and physically identical specifications.

In the data processing system (151), the three portable computers (3a, 3b, 3c) are electrically connected to the video game machine (2) through the connection core (5). The three portable computers (3a, 3b, 3c) have been provided in advance with the respective communication applications (50) and the respective radio communication drivers (70) that are compatible with the respective devices (4a, 4b, 4c) with a radio show.

Each of the three portable computers (3a, 3b, 3c) is structurally identical to the portable computer (3) according to the first incorporation.

In the data processing system (151), as in the data processing system (101) according to the second incorporation, a portable computer for supplying data to the video game machine (2) and a portable computer for being supplied with data from the video game machine (2) may be different from each other.

Specifically, in the data processing system (151), the video game machine (2) and the portable computers (3a, 3b) can carry out the operating sequences shown in figures n^° 7 and 8 to input data from the devices (4a, 4b) with the wireless radio function of the notebook computers (3a, 3b) to the video game machine (2), and the video game machine (2 ) and the laptop (3c) can perform the processing sequences shown in figures n^° 9 and 10 to input data from the video game machine (2) via the laptop computer (3c) to the device (4c) with the radio function.

For such a mode of operation, the user operates the input block (12) to set the portable computers (3a, 3b) as portable computers to input data to the video game machine (2), and set the portable computer (3c) as a laptop to extract data from the video game machine (2). Furthermore, provisions are made in the communication application (50) supplied from the video game machine (2) or another application that operates the video game machine (2) to distinguish portable computers (3a, 3b) for enter data to the maóqui10

ES 2 154 232 B1 video game machine (2) from the portable computer (3c) to extract data from the video game machine (2).

Even with several portable computers connected to the video game machine (2) via the connection core (5), they can be divided among those to input data from external devices with a radio function to the video game machine (2 ) and those for inputting data from the video game machine (2) to external devices with a radio function, and different groups of notebook computers can input data independently of each other.

In the data processing system (151), consequently, the video game machine (2) and the three or more portable computers can be connected to each other to send and receive data.

In the data processing system (151), furthermore, as in the data processing system (101) according to the second incorporation, the data entered from the devices (4a, 4b) with the radio function by way of the portable computers (3a, 3b) to the video game machine (2) in the steps from S61 to S66 shown in figure n^° 11 and steps S81 through S84 shown in Figure n^° 13 are processed by the video game machine (2) in step S85 shown in figure n^° 13, and the processed data is sent to the other portable computer (3c) and transmitted to the other device (4c) with the radio function in steps from S67 to S73 shown in figure n^° 12 and steps from S86 to S89 shown in figure n^° 14. Accordingly, the data input from the devices (4a, 4b) with the voice radio function of the portable computers (3a, 3b) to the video game machine (2) can be processed by the machine. of video games (2), and the processed data can be sent via the laptop (3c) to the device (4c) with the radio function.

In the data processing system (151), the portable computers connected to the video game machine (2) are not limited to three portable computers, but can be as many portable computers as possible.

A data processing system (201) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.^° 17. The data processing system (201) has a basic arrangement similar to the data processing system (1) according to the first incorporation, except that two devices with a radio function are connected to the laptop (3). Those parts of the data processing system (201) that are identical to those of the data processing system (1) are denoted with identical reference characters, and will not be described in detail below.

It is shown in figure n^° 17, the data processing system (201) comprises a video game machine (2) that serves as a master unit for processing the data and a portable computer (3) that serves as a slave unit. The laptop (3) is removably connected to the video game machine (2). The laptop (3) is connected to two devices (4a, 4b) with a radio function for radio communication in a time-division or bandwidth division mode. The laptop (3) has been supplied in advance with the communication applications (50) and the radio communication driver (70) which are compatible with the respective devices (4a, 4b) with the radio function.

In the data processing system (201), the portable computer (3) receives data from the device (4a) with a radio function, and sends data from the video game machine (2) to the other device (4b) with the radio function.

In the data processing system (201), specifically, the communication links established between the portable computer (3) and the devices with the radio function are changed so that the data from the device (4a) with the radio function radio are received by the portable computer (3) in steps from S61 to S66 shown in figure n^° 11 and the data sent from the video game machine (2) is sent to the other device (4b) with the radio function by the laptop (3) in the steps from S67 to S73 shown in figure n^° 12.

In the data processing system (201), accordingly, the laptop (3) and the two devices (4a, 4b) with a radio function can be connected to each other to send and receive data.

In the data processing system (201), the data sent successively from the device (4a) with the radio function via the portable computer (3) to the video game machine (2) can be processed by the machine. of video games (2), and the processed data can be sent via the portable computer (3) to the other device (4b) with the radio function. At this time, the data can be processed by the video game machine (2) according to an input control action, entered by the user through the input block (12).

A data processing system 251 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.^° 18. The data processing system (251) has a basic arrangement similar to the data processing system (201) according to the fourth incorporation, except that three or more devices with a radio function are connected to the laptop (3 ). Those parts of the data processing system (251) which are identical to those of the data processing system (1) are denoted with idiosyncratic reference characters, and will not be described in detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, three devices (4a, 4b, 4c) with a radio function are connected to the laptop (3).

It is shown in figure n^° 18, the data processing system (251) comprises a video game machine (2) that serves as a master unit for processing data and a portable computer (3) that serves as a slave unit. The laptop (3) is removably connected to the video game machine (2). The video game machine (2) was connected

ES 2 154 232 B1 to three devices (4a, 4b, 4c) with a radio function for radio communication with each other in a time-division or bandwidth division mode. The portable computer (3) has been supplied in advance with the communication applications (50) and the radio communication driver (70) that are compatible with the respective devices (4a, 4b, 4c) with the radio function.

In the data processing system (251), the laptop (3) can receive data from the devices (4a, 4b) with the radio function, and extract data from the video game machine (2) to the device. (4c) with the radio function.

In the data processing system (251), specifically, the communication links established between the portable computer (3) and the devices with the radio function are changed so that the data from the devices (4a, 4b) with the Radio functions are received by the portable computer (3) in steps from S61 to S66 shown in figure n^° 11 and the data sent from the video game machine (2) is sent to the device (4c) with the radio function by the laptop (3) in steps from S67 to S73 shown in figure n^° 12.

For such a mode of operation, the user operates the input block (12) to set the devices (4a, 4b) with the radio function as devices to input data to the portable computer (3), and sets the device (4c ) with the radio function as a device to be supplied with data from the laptop (3) in the data processing system (251). In addition, provisions are made in the communication application (50) supplied from the video game machine (2) or another application that operates the video game machine (2) to distinguish the devices (4a, 4b) with the radio function to input data to the laptop (3), of the device (4c) with the radio function to be supplied with data from the laptop (3) from one to the other in the data processing system (251).

Consequently, in the data processing system (251), the laptop (3) and three or more devices with the radio function can be connected to each other to send and receive data.

In the data processing system (251), such as in the data processing system (201) according to the fourth incorporation, the data sent successively from the devices (4a, 4b) with the radio function via the laptop computer (3) to video game machine (2) can be processed by video game machine (2), and the processed data can be sent via the laptop (3) to the device (4c) with the radio function and used by such device (4c) with the radio function.

A video entertainment system will be described below as a specific example of data processing systems in accordance with the above embodiments, with reference to the figures from n^° 19 to 26. In the figures from n^° 19 to 26, the data processing system that includes the video game machine (2) and the laptop (3) [the portable computers (3a, 3b, 3c) in the second and third additions], is arranged as a video entertainment system comprising a video game apparatus (301) and a portable electronic device (400).

The video game machine (2) corresponds to the video game apparatus (301), and the portable computer (3) corresponds to the portable electronic device (400). Specifically, the CPU (11) and the main memory (14) of the video game machine (2) correspond respectively to a CPU (351) and a main memory (353) of the video game apparatus (301) shown in figure n^° 22, and the radio communication block (41), the non-volatile memory (42) and the CPU (45) of the portable computer (3) correspond respectively to a wireless communication medium (448), a non-volatile memory (446 ) and a control means (441) shown in figure n^° 25.

They are still shown in figures n^° 19 and 20, the video game apparatus (301) reads an application program from a recording medium, and executes the application program in accordance with the instructions of the user, that is, the player. For example, the video game apparatus 301 executes a game program primarily to proceed with the game, display game images, and emit sounds.

The video game apparatus (301) has a rectangular housing (302) which houses a disk loading unit (303) substantially central therein for loading an o-optical disk such as a CD-ROM or the like as a recording medium. to supply an application program such as a game program or the like. The housing (302) supports a reset switch (304) to reset a video game, a power supply switch (305), a disc control switch (306) to control the loading of the ooptic disc, and two slots ( 307A, 307B).

The video game apparatus 301 may be supplied with an application program via a communication link, rather than being supplied from the recording medium.

The portable electroanic device (400) and a hand controller (320) can be connected to the slots (307A, 307B).

A memory card system, not shown, can also be connected to the slots. The video game apparatus 301 may be supplied with an application program via a communication link, rather than being supplied from the recording medium.

The portable electroanic device (400) and a hand controller (320) can be connected to the slots (307A, 307B). A memory card system, not shown, can also be connected to the slots (307A, 307B).

The manual controller (320) has a first and second control boards (321, 322), a left button (323L), a right button (323R), a start button (324), a selector button (325), plates (331, 332), a mode selector switch (333) to select control modes for the analog control boards (331, 332), and an indicator (324) for in12

ES 2 154 232 B1 indicate a selected control mode. The hand controller 320 also has a vibration imparting mechanism (not shown) arranged therein to impart vibrations to the hand controller 320 depending on how the video game proceeds. The manual controller (320) is electrically connected to the slot (307B) in the housing (302) via a connector (326).

If two manual controllers (320) are connected to the slots (307A, 307B), respectively, two players or users can share the video entertainment system to play a competitive game, for example. The video game apparatus (301) may have more or less than two slots (307A, 307B).

They are still shown in the figures of the n^° 21 to n^° 23, the portable electroanic device (400) has a housing (401) that supports a manual control board (420) for inputting various items of information, a display unit (430) such as a liquid crystal display unit (LCD ) or similar, and a window (440) for wireless communication, such as infrared communication with a wireless communication command unit (not shown).

The housing (401) comprises an upper case (401a) and a lower case (401b), and houses a board supporting memory devices, etc., therein. Housing (401) is shaped to be insertable in any of the slots (307A, 307B) in housing (302).

The window (440) is mounted on a substantially semicircular end of the housing (401). The display unit (430) occupies substantially one half of the area of ​​the upper housing (401a) of the housing (401), and is positioned near the window (440).

The manual control board (420) has a plurality of control buttons (421, 422) for entering events and making various selections. The manual control plate (420) occupies substantially the other half of the upper housing area (401a), and is positioned remotely from the window (440). The manual control plate (420) is disposed on a cover (410) which is angularly movably supported on the housing (401). The control buttons (421, 422) extend through the cover (410) from its upper surface to its lower surface. Control buttons (421, 422) are supported on cap (410) for movement in and out of the upper surface of cap (410).

The portable electronic device (400) has a board arranged in the housing (401) and facing the cover (410) they are still closed on the housing (401). The board supports a plurality of push switches held in alignment with respective control buttons (421, 422) when cover (410) is closed on housing (401). When one of the buttons (421, 422) is depressed by the user, they actuate the corresponding push switch to depress the corresponding push switch, such as a diaphragm switch.

Follow us in figure n^° 20, the portable electronic device (400) with the cover (410) being open, is inserted into the slot (307A) in the housing (302) of the video game apparatus (301).

The video game apparatus (301) and the portable electroanic device (400) have respective appearances and structures as described above.

Figures n^° 22 and 23 show the circuitry arrangements of the video game apparatus (301) and the portable electroanic device (400).

They are still shown in figure n^° 24, the video game apparatus (301) comprises a control system (350) that includes a central processing unit (CPU) (352) and its peripheral devices, a graphics system (360) that includes a graphics ((GPU) (362) to plot image data in a spare rack (363), a sound system (370) including a sound processing unit (SPU) (371) to generate musical sounds and sound effects , an optical disk controller (380) to control an optical disk in which application programs are registered, a communication controller (390) to control signals from the manual controller (320) that input user instructions, and data supplied to and from the memory card (500) that stores game parameters and the portable electronic device (400), a bus (395) to which the control system (350), the graphic system (360) are connected, the sound system (370), the optical disk controller (380) and the communication controller (390), a parallel I / O interface (PIO) (396) and a serial I / O interface (SIO) (397) that serve as interfaces for other devices.

The control system (350) comprises a CPU (351), a peripheral device controller (352) for controlling data transfer direct memory access (DMA), a main memory (353) comprising a random access memory (RAM) and a single memory to read (ROM) (354) that stores a program such as an operating system or similar to manage the main memory (353), the graphics system (360), and the sound system (370) .

The CPU (351) controls the video game apparatus (301) in its entirety by executing the operating system stored in ROM (354).

When the video game apparatus (301) starts up, the CPU (351) executes the operating system stored in the ROM (354) to start controlling the graphics system (360), the sound system (370), etc. For example, when the operating system is running, the CPU (351) initializes the video game apparatus (301) in its entirety to confirm its operation, and then controls the optical disk controller (380) to run an application program. stored in the optical disk. As the application program executes, the CPU (351) controls the graphics system (360), the sound system (370), etc., depending on instructions input by the user to thereby control the display of images and the generation of musical sounds and sound effects.

The CPU (351) corresponds to the CPU (11) of the video game machine (2), and recovers the

ES 2 154 232 B1 data received by the portable electronic device (400) and sent to it.

The graphics system (360) functions as the graphics processor (15) of the video game machine (2). The graphics system (360) comprises a geometry transfer engine (GTE) (361) to perform coordinate transformations and other processing, a GPU (362) to plot image data according to instructions from the CPU (351), a spare rack (363) for storing image data plotted by the GPU (362), and an image decoder (364) for decoding compressed and encoded image data by an orthogonal transform such as a discrete cosine transform.

The GTE (361) has a parallel arithmetic mechanism to perform a plurality of arithmetic operations parallel to each other, and can perform coordinate transformations, light source calculations, matrices or vectors at high speed in response to a demand from the CPU (351). Specifically, the GTE (361) can calculate the coordinates of a maximum of 1.5 million polygons per second for a flat shading process to draw a triangular polygon with one color, for example. With the GTE (361), the video game apparatus (301) is able to reduce the load on the CPU (351) and perform high speed coordinate calculations.

In accordance with an imaging instruction from the CPU (351), the GPU (352) draws a polygon or the like on the standby rack (363). The GPU (362) is capable of plotting a maximum of 360,000 polygons per second.

The spare frame (363) comprises a dual port RAM, and is capable of simultaneously storing image data drawn by the GPU (362) or image data transferred from main memory (353), and reading image data for display. The spare frame 363 has a storage capacity of 1Mbytes, for example, and is handled as a 16-bit matrix made with a horizontal row of 1024 pixels and a vertical column of 512 pixels.

The standby frame 363 has a display area for storing image data to be broadcast as broadcast video data, a CLUT (color view table) area for storing a color view table to refer to. GPU (362) when drawing a polygon or the like, and a texture area for storing texture data to undergo coordinate transformations when a polygon is drawn and placed on a polygon drawn by the GPU (362). The CLUT area and the texture area are dynamically varied as the viewing area varies.

Image decoder (364) is controlled by CPU (351) to decode image data from a still or moving image stored in main memory (353), and store the decoded image within main memory (353). The image data reproduced by the image decoder (364) is transferred to the spare frame (363) by the GPU (362), and can be used as a background for an image drawn by the GPU (362).

The sound system (370) comprises an SPU (371) for generating musical sounds, sound effects, etc., based on instructions from the CPU (351), a sound buffer (372) for storing waveform data from the SPU (371), and a speaker (373) for emitting musical sounds, sound effects, etc., generated by the SPU (371).

The SPU (371) has an ADPCM (Differential Adapter PCM) function to reproduce 16-bit sound data that has been encoded as differential 4-bit data by the ADPCM, a playback function to reproduce the waveform data. stored in the sound buffer (372) to generate sound effects, etc., and a modulation function to modulate and reproduce the waveform data stored in the sound buffer (372).

The sound system (370) can be used as a sound sampling source that generates musical sounds, sound effects, etc., based on the waveform data stored in the sound buffer (372) in accordance with CPU instructions (351).

The optical disc controller (380) comprises an optical disc controller (381) for reproducing application programs and data recorded on an optical disc such as a CD-ROM or the like, a decoder (382) for decoding programs and data that are registered with an error correction code (ECC) appended to it, and a reserve store (383) for temporarily storing data read from the optical disk drive (381) so as to allow data from the optical disk to be read at a high speed. An auxiliary CPU (384) is connected to the decoder (382).

The sound data recorded on the ooptic disk that is read by the optic disk drive 381 includes PCM data converted from analog sound signals, in addition to the ADPCM data. The ADPCM data, which will be recorded as differential 4-bit data or 16-bit digital data, is decoded by the decoder (382), supplied to the SPU (371), thereby converted into analog data, and applied to send to the speaker (373). The PCM data, which is recorded as 16-bit digital data, is decoded by the decoder (382) and then applied to send to the speaker (373).

The communication controller (390) comprises a communication control mechanism (391) to control communication with the CPU (351) via the bus (395), a controller connector (309) to which the manual controller is connected ( 320) to enter user instructions, a pair of memory card insertion units (308A, 308B) (see also figure n^°20) to receive the memory card (300) as an auxiliary memory device for storing game parameters, etc., and the portable electronic device (400), the memory card insertion units (30SA, 308B) being controlled through the communication control mechanism (391).

The video game apparatus (301) of the cons14

ES 2 154 232 B1 above can have the same functions as the video game machine (2).

Specifically, the video game apparatus (301) sends to the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) for the portable electronic device (400), which are registered in the recording medium or similar, to the Portable electronic device (400) by way of the communication control mechanism (391). Video game apparatus (301) stores received data transmitted from portable electronic device (400) via communication control mechanism (391) within main memory (353). The video game apparatus (301) processes the received data and sends the processed data to the portable electronic device (400).

Seguón is seen in figure n^° 25, the portable electronic device (400) comprises a control means (441), an apparatus connection connector (442), an input means (443), a display means (444), a clock function unit (445), a non-volatile memory (446), a loudspeaker (447), a wireless communication medium (448) and a radio reception medium (449) as a data transmission-reception medium, a battery (450 ), and a power supply terminal (451) and a diode (452) as a power supply means.

The control means (441) comprises a microcomputer, for example. The control means (441) functions like the CPU (45) of the portable computer (3), for example. The control means (441) has a program memory (441a) arranged in oel as a program storage means.

The apparatus connection connector (442) serves as a connection means for connecting to a slot of another information handling apparatus or the like.

The input means (443) serves as the input block (46) of the laptop computer (3). The input means (443) comprises control buttons for controlling a program stored in the program memory (441a).

The display means (444) serves as the display block (47) of the portable computer (3). The display means (444) comprises a liquid crystal display unit or the like for displaying various items of information.

The clock function (445) is arranged to display the time on the display means (444), for example.

Non-volatile memory (446) serves to store various data. For example, non-volatile memory (446) comprises a semiconductor memory such as flash memory that is capable of retaining stored data even when the portable electronic device (400) is turned off.

Since the portable electronic device (400) has the battery (450), the non-volatile memory (446) may comprise a staotic random access memory (SRAM) capable of storing and reading data at high speed.

The non-volatile memory (446) corresponds to the non-volatile memory (42) of the laptop (3). The non-volatile memory (446) stores the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70), supplied from the recording medium or the like in the video game apparatus (301), which are required for The portable electronic device (400) made radio communications with the external device (4) with the radio function, and also stores data received by the portable electronic device (400).

The portable electronic device (400) may have a memory (not shown) corresponding to the working memory (43) of the portable computer (3), to store the communication application (50), the radio communication driver (70) , and the data received.

The battery (450) also allows the portable electronic device (400) to function independently, even when the portable electronic device (400) is removed from the slots (307A, 307B) in the housing (302) of the gaming device. video (301).

The battery (450) comprises a rechargeable secondary battery. When the portable electronic device (400) is inserted into any of the slots (307A, 307B) in the housing (302) of the video game apparatus (301), the battery (450) is supplied with electrical power from the video game apparatus (301). video games (301). Specifically, the battery (450) has a terminal connected to the power supply terminal (450) via a reverse current prevention diode (451). When the portable electronic device (400) is connected to the housing (302), electrical power is supplied from the power supply terminal (450) via the reverse current prevention diode (451) to the battery (450).

The wireless communication means (448) have the radio communication block (41) of the portable computer (3), and it is arranged to carry out data communications with another memory card or the like through infrared radiation. red or similar. The wireless communication means (448) are also arranged to receive various data sent from another memory card or the like.

The radio reception means (449) are arranged to receive various data transmitted by a radio station.

The loudspeaker (447) was constructed as a means of generating sounds according to a program.

The above components or means of the portable electronic device (400) are connected to the control means (441) and are operated under the control of the control means. ^(441)._°

Figure n^° 26 shows control elements of the control means (441). Then it is shown in the figure^° 26, the control means (441) has an apparatus communication interface for connecting with an information handling apparatus, a memory interface for sending data to and inputting data from, a memory, a display interface, an interface input control, a sound interface, a wireless communication interface, a

ES 2 154 232 B1 clock management and a program loading interface.

The portable electronic device (400), having the input means (443) such as pushbutton switches to control a program to be executed and the display means (444) such as a liquid crystal display unit (LCD), in They added to the functions of the portable computer (3), it also serves as a portable game device when running a game application.

The portable electronic device (400) has a function to download an application program from the video game apparatus (301) and store the downloaded application program within the program memory (441a) in the micro-processor (441). . With such a function, it is possible to easily change application programs and various driver programs that work on the portable electronic device (400).

The portable electronic device (400) thus constructed can have the same functions as the portable computer (3).

Specifically, the portable electronic device (400) stores the communication application (50) and the radio communication driver (70) supplied from the video game apparatus (301) within the non-volatile memory (446) or a memory not illustrated, so that the portable electronic device (400) can carry out radio communications with the external device (4) with the radio function. Next, the portable electronic device (400) receives data sent from the external device (4) with the radio function via wireless communication media (448), and stores the received data in the non-volatile memory (446) or memory not illustrated. The stored data is sent via the apparatus connection connector (442) to the video game apparatus (301). The portable electronic device (400) also receives data from the video game apparatus (301), and stores the received data in non-volatile memory (446) or memory not illustrated. The stored data is sent via the wireless communication media (448) to the external device (4) with the radio function.

The above video entertainment system is a specific example of the video game machine (2) and the laptop computer (3).

Therefore, the data processing system (1) comprising the video game machine (2) and the laptop (3) is capable of sending data to, and receiving data from, the external device (4) with the radio functioned, and it also functions as the video entertainment system.

The external device (4) with the radio function can be any device as long as it has a radio communication function. For example, the external device (4) with the radio function can be a digital camera, a notebook of note book size, a desktop personal computer, a portable telephone kit, or the like. The data sent from the external device (4) with the radio function to the video game machine (2) can be image data, for example. Since the video game apparatus 301 has a very high capacity to process image data, the data processing system can edit images at high speed. Utilizing the real-time data processing capability of the video game apparatus 301, the data processing system is capable of processing data in response to input control action entered by the user.

As described above in detail, a system for processing data according to the present invention has a master unit for processing data and a slave unit removably connected to the master unit and having a communication means. A communication media control program is supplied from the master unit to the slave unit to enable radio communications between the slave unit and an external device having a radio function, and the slave unit stores the radio control program. media supplied within a memory medium.

When the media control program supplied by the master unit to the slave unit is operated by the slave unit, data can be sent and received between the master unit and the slave unit via radio communications. By replacing the slave unit with each different external device, the master unit can perform radio communications with a variety of external devices.

Accordingly, the data processing system allows data to be sent and received between the master unit and the external device via the slave unit.

In the data processing system, furthermore, since the media control program is supplied by the master unit to the slave unit, the media control program need not be resident in the slave unit, and therefore Therefore, the computing resources of the slave unit can be used effectively.

In the data processing system, the amo unit has a processing means for processing the input data. The data that the slave unit has received from the external device is supplied as input data to the master unit, and the input data is processed by the processing means to produce processed data. The processed data is then sent from the master unit to the external device in accordance with the slave unit's media control program.

Consequently, the data processing system according to the present invention can process data at a high speed in a real time mode based on the data processing capacity of the master unit.

For example, image data from a digital camera or a laptop that serves as the device (4) with the radio function, which is the external device, is sent via the laptop (3) to the gaming machine. video (2) as a master unit that has a very high data processing capacity of ima16

ES 2 154 232 B1 gen. The image data is processed by the video game machine (2). The processed image data is sent via the portable computer (3) back to the digital camera or personal computer as a device (4) with the radio function. Therefore, the images based on the processed image data can be displayed on the digital camera or personal computer.

In a method for processing data according to the present invention, a slave unit having a memory medium is intimately connected to a master unit for processing data, and a media control program that the master unit has acquired. To enable radio communication between the slave unit and an external device that has a radio communication function, it is supplied to, and stored in, the slave unit. Then, the slave unit and the external device send and receive data between them via a communication medium.

In the method for processing data, the media control program is supplied from the master unit to the slave unit, and operated by the slave unit to allow data to be sent and received between the master unit and the external device by vóa of the slave unit.

An apparatus for sending and receiving data according to the present invention has a communication means for sending data to, and receiving data from, an external device having a radio communication function, and a memory means for storing the input data. , and is supplied with a media control program for conducting radio communications with the external device from a data processing apparatus.

Since the apparatus for sending and receiving data is supplied with the communication media control program from the data processing apparatus, the apparatus for sending and receiving data can perform radio communications with the external device.

In a method of sending and receiving data in accordance with the present invention, communications with a device having a radio communication function are carried out in accordance with a media control program supplied from a data processing apparatus. data, the data received from the external device is transferred to the data processing apparatus, and the processed data input from the data processing apparatus is sent to the external device.

Since radio communications with the external device can be carried out in accordance with the media control program supplied from the data processing apparatus to allow communications with the data processing apparatus, the data can be sent and received between the data processing apparatus and the external device.

Although some preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. (307A, 307B).