US008821287B2
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,821,287 B2 Okada et al. (45) Date of Patent: Sep. 2, 2014
(54) VIDEO GAME DISPLAY SYSTEM (58) Field of Classification Search USPC ...... 463/42 (75) Inventors: Satoru Okada, Kyoto (JP); Kazuo See application file for complete search history. Yoneyama, Kyoto (JP); Masahiko Ota, Kyoto (JP); Ryuji Umezu, Kyoto (JP) (56) References Cited (73) Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Kyoto (JP) U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 3.818,483 A 6/1974 Yamauchi et al. patent is extended or adjusted under 35 4,119,955. A 10/1978 Nichols, III U.S.C. 154(b) by 1596 days. (Continued) (21) Appl. No.: 12/230,253 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS (22) Filed: Aug. 26, 2008 EP O96O 637 12/1999 JP 63-242293 9, 1988 (65) Prior Publication Data (Continued) US 2009/OO69083 A1 Mar. 12, 2009 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Related U.S. Application Data Computer Closet Collection, NEC Turbo Express, printed from Wysiwyg://22/http://www.geocities.com/~compcloset? (60) Division of application No. 09/722,410, filed on Nov. NECTurboExpress.htm on Sep. 28, 2000 (2 pages), copyright 1997 28, 2000, now Pat. No. 7,455,551, which is a continuation-in-part of application No. 09/627.440, 1999, last modified Jun. 24, 1999. filed on Jul. 28, 2000, now abandoned. (Continued) (30) Foreign Application Priority Data Primary Examiner — Omkar Deodhar May 24, 2000 (JP) ...... 200os370 Assistant Examiner Reginald Renwick May 24, 2000 (JP) ...... 2000,153707 (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Nixon & Vanderhye, P.C. May 24, 2000 (JP) ...... 2OOOf 153708 (57) ABSTRACT (51) Int. Cl. A hand-held display system for playing video games includes A63F 9/24 (2006.01) a housing grippable by a user's hands, a liquid crystal display A63F 3/00 (2014.01) viewable by the user gripping the housing, input devices G06F I7/00 (2006.01) operable by the user when the user grips the housing and a G06F 9/00 (2011.01) connector for, in use, operatively connecting to portable stor A63F 3/10 (2006.01) age media storing video game programs for the video games. A63F 3/08 (2006.01) First processing circuitry processes video game programs (52) U.S. Cl. having a first program specification and second processing CPC ...... A63F 13/08 (2013.01); A63F2300/206 circuitry processes video game programs having a second (2013.01); A63F 13/10 (2013.01); A63F program specification. 2300/204 (2013.01) USPC ...... 463/42 27 Claims, 144 Drawing Sheets
COLOR ;:2 CNPATI3LE CARRDs
MAX.58 COLORSCM ONESCREEN
i 18
COLORISAY GAME MACHINE US 8,821,287 B2 Page 2
(56) References Cited 5,770.533 A 6/1998 Franchi 5,784,047 A 7/1998 Cahill, III et al. U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,785,598 A 7, 1998 HSu 5,790,096 A 8/1998 Hill, Jr. 4,162,792 A 7/1979 Chang et al. 5,793,351 A 8/1998 Leach 4,204,728 A 5, 1980 Goshima et al. 5,808,591 A 9, 1998 Mantani 4,249,735 A 2/1981 Bromley 5,838,296 A 11/1998 Butler et al. 4,255,786 A 3/1981 Holtey et al. 5,844,532 A 12/1998 Silverbrook et al. 4,324.401 A 4, 1982 Stubben et al. 5,854,620 A 12/1998 Mills et al. 4,324.402 A 4, 1982 Klose 5,892,939 A 4/1999 Call et al. 4,327,915 A 5/1982 Bromley 5,896,140 A 4, 1999 O’Sullivan 4,344,622 A 8, 1982 Nissim 5,903,270 A 5/1999 Gentry et al. 4,359,222. A 1 1/1982 Smith, III et al. 5.937,199 A 8/1999 Temple 4,395,760 A 7, 1983 Soski et al. 5,940,068 A 8/1999 Hasegawa et al. 4,398,086 A 8/1983 Smith, III 5,954,808 A 9, 1999 Paul 4,438,926 A 3, 1984 Yokoi et al. 5,959,596 A 9, 1999 McCarten et al. 4,481,529 A 1 1/1984 Kerling 5.969,707. A 10/1999 Hsu 4,516,777 A 5, 1985 Nikora 6,010,405 A 1/2000 Morawiec 4,542,903. A 9, 1985 Yokoi et al. 6,020,751 A 2/2000 Rampone et al. 4,628,304. A 12/1986 Bottiau 6,042,478 A * 3/2000 Ng ...... 463/44 4,639,225 A 1, 1987 Washizuka 6,047,373 A 4, 2000 Hallet al. 4,683,466 A 7/1987 Holley et al. 6,052,794. A 4, 2000 Polzin et al. 4,703,318 A 10/1987 Haggerty 6,115,054 A 9, 2000 Giles
4,754,270 A * 6/1988 Murauchi ...... 345,668 6,132,315 A 10/2000 Miyamoto et al. 4,835,681 A 5/1989 Culley ... 703/23 6,146,277 A 1 1/2000 Ikeda 4,865,321 A 9/1989 Nakagawa et al. 6,153,843 A * 1 1/2000 Date et al...... 200/339 4,890,222 A 12, 1989 Kirk 6,200,216 B1 3, 2001 Peppel 4,907,225 A 3, 1990 Gulicket al. 6,209,043 B1 3/2001 Sanemitsu 4,922,420 A 5/1990 Nakagawa et al. 6,295,646 B1 9, 2001 Goldschmidt Iki et al. 4,924.413 A 5, 1990 Suwannukul 6,311,246 B1 10/2001 Wegner et al. 4,931,860 A 6/1990 Narumiya 6,315,669 B1 * 1 1/2001 Okada et al...... 463/44 4,979,738 A 12/1990 Frederiksen 6,322,447 B1 1 1/2001 Okada et al. 4,981,296 A 1/1991 Shiraishi et al. 6,334.815 B2 1/2002 Miyamoto et al. 4,984, 193 A 1/1991 Nakagawa 6,480,929 B1 11/2002 Gauthier et al. 5,023,603 A 6, 1991 Wakimoto et al. 6,508,712 B1* 1/2003 Miyagawa ...... 463/43 5,026,058 A 6/1991 Bromley 7,445,551 B1 1 1/2008 Okada et al. D318,884 S 8/1991 Kojo 2001/0047452 A1 11/2001 Okada et al. 5,095,798 A 3, 1992 Okada et al. 5,109,504 A 4, 1992 Littleton FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,125,671 A 6, 1992 Ueda et al. 5,134,391 A 7, 1992 Okada JP 4-49.989 2, 1992 5,155,380 A 10/1992 Hwang et al. JP 4-140791 5, 1992 5,161,803 A 1 1/1992 Ohara ...... 463/44 JP 4-140792 5, 1992 5,184,830 A 2f1993 Okada et al. JP 5-204.820 8, 1993 5,207,426 A 5, 1993 Inoue et al. JP 6-42263 6, 1994 5,238,250 A 8/1993 Leung et al. JP 7-204349 8, 1995 5,245,327 A 9, 1993 Pleva et al. JP 8-18O149 T 1996 5,265,888 A 11/1993 Yamamoto et al. JP 10-137.447 5, 1998 5,291, 189 A 3, 1994 Otake et al. JP 10-222621 8, 1998 5,300,944 A 4/1994 Shapiro et al. JP 10-3284.08 12/1998 5,308,086 A 5, 1994 Ueda et al. JP 11-207034 8, 1999 5,327,158 A 7, 1994 Takahashi et al...... 463,33 JP 11-333.144 12/1999 5,337,069 A 8, 1994 Otake et al. WO WO 89,10171 11, 1989 5,371,512 A 12/1994 Otake et al. 5,395, 112 A 3/1995 Darling OTHER PUBLICATIONS 5,400,052 A 3, 1995 Otake et al. 5,400,053 A 3/1995 Johary et al. NEC Turbo Express, printed from http://www.edu.uni-klu.ac.at/~ : A SE Synski et al. kSeiner/express.html on Sep. 28, 2000 (2 pages), document date 5.453,763. A 9/1995 Nakagawa et al. unknown. 5.483.257 A 1/1996 Otake et al. Turbo Express FAQ, printed from http://www.gameconsoles.com/ 5,495,266 A 2f1996 Otake et al. turboexp facq.htm on Sep. 28, 2000 (18 pages), last revision of 5,509,663 A 4, 1996 Otake et al. document: May 25, 1995. 5,543.925 A 8, 1996 Timmermans Computer Closet Collection, Sega Game Gear, printed from 5,552,799 A 9/1996 Hashiguchi ...... 345/32 Wysiwyg://28/http://www.geocities.com/~compcloset? 5,556,108 A 9/1996 Nagano et al. SegaGameGear.htm on Sep. 28, 2000 (2 pages), copyright 1997 5,559,954. A 9, 1996 Sakoda et al. 1999, last modified Jun. 22, 1999. 5,560,614 A 10, 1996 Ueda et al. The Real Game Gear FAQ, Version GG.04, Dec. 1999, printed from 5,592,6515,587,723. A 12/19961/1997 OtakeRackman et al. http://www.classicgaming.com/museum?gaming.com/museum realggraq.LXIrealggfaq.txt on 9/28/00 5,603,064 A 2, 1997 Bennett (32 pages). 5,608424 A 3, 1997 Takahashi et al. Computer Closet Collection, Atari Lynx, printed fromwysiwyg://12/ 5617546 A 4, 1997 Shih et al. http://www.geocities.com/~compcloset AtariLynx.htm on Sep. 28, RE35,520 E 5/1997 Darling et al. 2000 (2 pages), copyright 1997-1999, last modified Jun. 22, 1999. 5,659,673 A 8, 1997 Nonoshita FAQ Atari Lynx Frequently-Asked Questions, printed from http:// 5,703,616 A 12/1997 Kawasugi www.landfield.com/facqs' games/video-games?atarilynx on Sep. 28, 5,708.457 A 1/1998 Otake et al. 2000 (16 pages), last revision of document: May 1, 2000. 5,759,104 A 6, 1998 Shirae et al. Computer Closet Collection, Nintendo Game Boy/Game Boy Light, 5,768,608 A 6, 1998 Nakamura printed from Wysiwyg://40/http://www.geocities.com/~compcloset? US 8,821,287 B2 Page 3
(56) References Cited Playthings, American Toy Fair Special Highlights Edition, “Tomy augments toys with none additions for kids aged three and up.” (3 OTHER PUBLICATIONS pages), no date. Playthings, Directory Issue, Market Reference Information for Buy NintendoGameEoy.htm on Sep. 28, 2000 (5 pages), copyright 1997 ers & Manufacturers of Toys, Hobbies & Crafts (2 pages), May 31, 1999, last modified Jun. 22, 1999. 1980. 83 New Brandai Fair, "Animest” (2 pages). Computer Closet Collection, Milton-Bradley Microvision, printed Playthings, 1983 American Toy Fair Special Highlights Edition, from Wysiwyg://52/http://www.geocities.com/~compcloset? “Thumb Power puts imprint on its new handheld games.” (3 pages), Milton Bradley-Microvision.htm on Sep. 28, 2000 (2 pages), copy Feb. 1983. right 1997-1999, last modified Jun. 22, 1999. Playthings, Unveiling the 1983 Toy Lines Electronic Circuit: Microvision FAQ Version 0.08, copyright 1994, 1995, printed from Expanded Section, “Nintendo Goes Beyond Hand-Held Electronic http://www.gameconsoles.com/microvision facq.htm on Sep. 28, Games.” (3 pages), no date. 2000 (13 pages). Playthings, Special Highlights Edition, Extra: Licensing Scope; Visi Computer Closet Collection, Sega Nomad, printed from wysiwyg:// tor's Guide to New York, vol. 82, No. 2, Feb. 1984 (4 pages). 34/http://www.geocities.com/~compcloset/SegaNomad.htm on Sep. TH&C (Toys Hobbies & Crafts), Special Toy Fair Issue, “Electronic Toys in 79: Buyers Brace for More Shortages.” (3 pages), no date. 28, 2000 (2 pages), copyright 1997-1999, last modified Jun. 22, 1999. Microvision—encyclopedia article about Microvision printed from Sega Nomad Press Announcement of Aug. 22, 1995, printed from http://encyclopedia, thefreeddictionary.com/Microvision, May 31, http://gameZero.com/team-0/whats new?past/nomad.html on Sep. 2004. 28, 2000 (2 pages). Computer Closet Collection, Milton Bradley Microsivion, printed Computer Closet Collection, Tiger Game.com, printed from from http://www.computercloset.org/Milton Bradley Microvision. Wysiwyg://46/http://www.geocities.com/~compcloset? htm, (2 pages), May 31, 2004. TigerGameCom.htm on Sep. 28, 2000 (1 page), copyright 1997 Digital Equipment Corporation printed from http://db. gamefacs. 1999, last modified Jun. 22, 1999. com/portable/microvision/file/microvision.txt (11 pages), May 31, Tiger Game.Com, “Low Cost, Big Games', printed from http:// 2004. gamecenter.com/Consoles/Features/Pocket'ss02.html on Sep. 28. Milton Bradley Microvision (U.S.) (1979, LCD, 9 Volt (1 or 2), 2000 (2 pages), document date unknown. Modelii 4952) printed from http://users2.ev1.net/rikl 138/MB/ “CardBus The 32-bit PC Card Option”: The Worldwide Organiza uVUS.htm. tion for Modular Peripherals; pp. 1-3: PCMCIA 1995. Nintendo of America, Inc. Gameboy Programming Manual Version U.S. Appl. No. 09/627.440. 1.0, 1999 (300+ pages). British Toys & Hobbies, "Milton Bradley—a very individual range.” vol. 29, No. 1, Jan. 1980, (3 pages). * cited by examiner U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 1 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
COLOR 112 COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE
MAX. 56 COLORS ON ONE SCREEN CGB
116
COLOR DISPLAY GAME MACHINE Fig. 1A U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 2 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 3 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 4 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Fig.2 (Prior Art)
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 5 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
122 COLOR CD DRIVER CD 16
CD 124 60 DRIVER 125 156 128 54 COLOR DISPLAY (O) PROCESSING CIRCUIT DSPLAY 150 136 BASIC (C RAM OSCLATOR
158 FREOUENCY 152
{X ESORKING RAM
G 150 148-1 3G143d CONNECTOR 40 . 48e ? -7- 112 48b. CARTRIDGE 42
Fig. 3 46 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 6 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 7 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 8 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
was am was
\SNIIRT17-1e -1 37
: U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 9 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
DC-DC Converter & Regulator
Periferas (SOUND/DMA/ TMER/O etc) CO
200 32-bit 8-bit 23A Circuit Circuit 23C Part Part
23Oa A0 Buffer Control er
Sour O Amp. AO Cartridge Shape Detection
Switch /RDAWR/CS/CS2 240 AD bus/8-bit bus Power Supply re U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 10 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Fig. 5B ...Alt...... LCD Module. 27a
Regulator IC 240 x 60 x RGBDot 27b. 32,768 Colors Displayable 280 284 CPU External WRAM SEIt BUS 2wait TVRAM." ExternalUnit 43s6PEXP6eneral, 832biso 66tés.Skee, AS3BCP Coe infrared --- Communi-SIO Purposei. Port CPUWRAN its.ARM7TDMI 3.3V15W Ommun;cation: L. CaliOlt MASIOUS 132BBus32KByte 230"CGS3E 6 - D.Voltacle 250 Adopt OYAGESROME, NE 2821 : 35 40 23:16KByte 32bit Bus ÉE. 23. Controller : ()?enseOUT OU SQUNPBMAMERIS),sounSIStoes.Prefetch Buffer etc.). A g® : 230a SELECT STAR 37 4,194MHz SWitch Between 33WAGB) 5V(DMGICGB) System 1678MHz) ADBus Headphone Speaker or. Game Cartridge Shape 42 BuS Detection S. pe 30 tGameCartridge Power Game Cartridge 3.3V(AGB) 15V(DMG/CGB) General Purpose Bus MemorySpace 100A 64KByte Max 100C ADBys Memory General Purpose Bus Space Memory Space 32MByte Max 32 KBWte Max J
POWer 3.3W AGB Game Cartridge (AGBOnly) Power 5W DMG/CGBGame Cartridge U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 11 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
GameCartridget/F
(Prefetch Buffer)
ControlINT (32) R:8116/32 W:8/16/32" asso,16KBROM -32)i. 6/32 WRAM (32KByte) so R:8/16/32 OBJProcessing Circuit w w w w w w w w w w or -ar war wr urs mr se Ye W:8/16/32 EXT. WRAM A (32) OAM (256KByte)256K Wi32R: 16/32 (64bits x 128) w w w w w w we wers we are r s - r s a 8/16/3 MAC D(4ch) (32)11613 38.3% (32) Priority Evaluation Circuit W: 16/32 W:8/16/32 Bitmap SIO Palette& RAM Mode
SOUND(CGB- yi.e.: W: 16/32 g Compatible + PWM (32) Special Color Processing Circuit KEY R:8/16/32
LCD Unit U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 12 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
OOA 100C
3.3V interface Memory 5V interface Memory (Multiplex/8-Bit Bus) (8-Bit Bus)
240
DC-DC Converter
Cartridge Connector
8-Bit Multiplex/ 50 Bus Controller 8-Bit Bus Regi Ster Controller Switichirg Reset
1, 23C 2 Circuit 23A2 Circuit
CGBPU AGB CPU Core (8-Bit) (32-Bit)
23C 1 23A1
AGB Boot ROM (32. Bit)
Fig. 6 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 13 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 14 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
ss
N U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 15 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 16 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 18 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
/ OOC
CGB ROM (General Purpose Memory) 8-Bit Bus Memory Space
8-Bit Bus (5V interface) RD WR CS Fig. 12A
AGB RAM (General Purpose Memory) 8-Bit Bus Memory Space
AGB ROM (Multiplex Bus Memory) Multiplex Bus Memory Space
Switch Multiplex/8-Bit Bus (3.3W intrffara) Fig. 12B U.S. Patent US 8,821,287 B2
ºuOO.Îndo890
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 20 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Fig. 14
WDD(5V) WDD(3.3V) 2 PHI PH | PHI 3/WR /WR/WR 4 /RD/RD 7RD 5 /CS /CS /CS Select ROM Chip 6 A0 AO/DO AO | Address/Data Shared Terminal
8 A2 A2/D2 A2 Same. As Above 9 A3 A3/D3 A3 Same. As Above
22 D0 A16 D0 23 D1 A17 D1 24 D2 A18 D2 25 D3 A19 D3
26 D4 T A20 D4 27 D5 A21 D5 28 D6 A22 D6 29 D7 A23 D7 Action Each Different ARES /CS2 /CS2 in AGB and CGB Modes St Adwic REO/ REO/ 3 VSU DREO DREC In CGB Mode, ignore V N input 32 GND GND GND
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 22 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Fig. 16A Fig. 16C
OEOOFFFFh FFFFh AGB RAM 11B OEOOOOOOh
CGB ROM 11C AGB ROM 1 1A
08OOOOOOh BOOOh
internal ROM internal ROM internal RAM Internal RAM I/O 1O Register, and the like Register, and the like
OOOOOOOOh 0000h U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 23 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Fig. 16B OFFFFFFFh NY NVNV NYN OE0OFFFFh Game PakRAM OEOOOOOOh (0.512Kbits) ------Images ODFFFFFFh Gas E.F." Fla 1 MSE Ory 0C000000h ('MBat State ...... // (255Mbits)Mask ROM // OBFFFFFFh Game PaK ROM lar Bry Walt State (32MB) Z //E/F
09FFFFFFh GamePakROM FM,in Roy Wait State O Game Pak Memory 08000000h (32MB) //E/// AGBMemory internal ...RNNNNNNNNN 07000000 (1 Kbyte)
05000000h Pig1 Kbyte By NYNNNNNNN 04.000000h NYNNNNNNN 03007FFFh CPU Internal(32Kbytes) Working RAM
CPU External Working RAM (256 Kbytes)
image Area U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 24 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Fig. 17
initial Address Register 15 14 3 2 110 09080706050403.02 0100 Attributes Value 204h WSCNT INTI, III, || RJW OOOOh
Wait COntrol Watt State C Watt Control Wat State Wait Control Watt State Wait Control PHTerminal Output Control 00: No OutDUt 01:419 MHz clock 108.38 MHz clock 11:16.76 MHZ clock Prefetch Buffer Flag 0: Disabled 1: Enabled Game PakType Flaq U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 25 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
AGB ROM11A Read Access
Randorf Access Sequential Access Randon Access
AD(0.15) -(Adress)--Gate).--Sat)-4-(GateXAdroix--(Gate)t ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; CSB t f RDB : At 16:23) -COAddress CX Address X t t0 t t2 to ta. 5 ts t( t8 tS t10 t t 2 ts Fig. 18A
AGB RAM11B Write Access AGB RAM1B Read Access
AO:15 : AO:15) CS2 CS2B L: s RDB ! --- D(0:7) : ---gate)--- t
A(0:15 i : CSB : RDB : DO:7) U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 26 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Fig. 18B Sequential Access System Clock 16.78 MHz Wait Cycles (a) (a) ADBUS ...T.
(31st wait Access cycles (2nd wait ACCess cycle) (13rd wait ACCess cycle
Fig. 18C Random Access System Clock 16.78 MHz Wait Cycles
ADBUS
(GERS1st (GRS)1st U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 27 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
a w w w w w as w as as 8 & A is a s 1 & r > Y as r as a Y s 8 v - A - U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 28 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
S2
S4 Yes No
S5 Turn On AGB Body
S6 Supply 3.3V Voltage Supply 5V Voltage
S8 Output High Level (1) Output Low Level (O) to Register to Register S14 Reset CPU Reset
S6 AGB CPU Core Activates, and Carries Out Process Described in AGB Boot ROM
S18 Register Value s? Yes No
S2O & X S26 Continuue Process Described Activate Switching Circuit in AGB Boot ROM S28 Stop AGB CPU Core, and Activate CGB CPU Core S22 Access Memory in Cartridge S30 CGB CPU Core Activates and thourgh Carries Out Process Multiplex Bus Interface Described in CBG Boot ROM S32 Access Memory in Cartridge through General-Purpose S24 Bus interface Start AGB Game S34 Stard CGB Game Fig. 20 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 29 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
A
Upper Address (A16 ro A23) Address Lower Address/Data Multiplex (AO-A15/DOro D15) Bus General Converter Purpose Memory Part
Control Signal
Fig. 21A
1. A
MBC' M Upper Address (A16-A23)
Address
Lower Address/Data Multiplex (AD-WA15/DO-D15) Bus General
Converter Purpose Memory
Control Signal
Fig. 21B U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 30 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
1 OOAr OOC
3. 3W Interface ( Memory / 5V interface Memory Multiplex 8-Bit Bu 8-Bit Bus),---- ( s)
DC - C Converter
Cartridge Connector
24 6 O 25c 25
I/O Buffer Controller 230a
8-Bit Bus Multiplex/8-Bit
Controller Bus Controller Reset Switching Circuit Circuit
CGB CPU 1 23A2 Core AGB CPU Core (8-Bit) (32-Bit)
- 23A1 CGB Boot AGB Boot ROM ROM (32. Bit) (8-Bit)
Fig. 22 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 31 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
S 2
S5 Turn On AGB Body S 6 Supply 3.3V Voltage S 16 AGB CPU Core Activates, and Read lodentification Code According to AGB Boot ROM
AGB Dedicated S8 Cartiridge 1 OOAr p No Yes S2O S120 Continue Process Described in Select 5V Voltage AGB Boot ROM S26 S22 Activate Switching Circuit Access Memory in Cartridge though Multiplex Bus Interface S28 Stop AGB CPU Core, and S24 Activate CGB CPU core Start AGB Game S30 CGB CPU core activates and Carries Out Process Described in CG B Boot ROM S32 \ccess Memory in Cartridge through General Purpose Bus Interface S34 Start CGB Game Fig. 23 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 32 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
OOArr 1 OOC
3.3V Interface Memory 5V interface Memory (Multiplex/8-Bit Bus) (8-Bit Bus)
At it hit a 4 x . . At 9 to we as w w w w w w w w w w was 240
Cartridge Connector
60 25cc 25b.
Woltage Detection C
Multiplex/8- 5O Bit Bus
Controller Switching Reset
CGB CPU Circuit 23A2 Circuit
Core AGB CPU Core (8-Bit) (32-Bit)
- 23A1 CGB Boot AGB Boot ROM ROM (8-Bit) (32- Bit)
Fig. 24 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 33 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Start S2
S5 Turn ON AGB Body SO4 se
S6 Supply 3.3 V Voltage Supply 5V Voltage
S8 Output High Level (1) to Output Low Level (O) to Register Register
S6 AGB CPU Core Activates, and Carries Out Process Described in AGB Boot ROM S 18 Yes Register Value = 1 ? No
S26 S20 Continue Process Described Activate Switching Circuit in AGBJ-ROM S28 stop AGEcPU core Activate CGB CPU Core S22 Access Memory in Cartridge S3O CGB CPU Core Activates, through Multiplex Bus and Carries Out Process Interface Described in CBG Boot ROM S32 Access Memory in Cartridge through G.P. Bus interface S24 S34 Start AGB Garne Start CGB Garne Fig. 25 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 34 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
i?0000
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 35 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 39 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
voooowae||||||0||0||||||||||||N||||[-][…]
U.S. Patent US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 41 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
888 00S
?OS LOS$00S
00S
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 44 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
:)(TTTTTTTTTTTTTTT,„
[50] [6][52] [68]
KejdslOjeuuJON
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 45 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
BG Character Data BG Screen Data Base Block Base Block
OBU OBJ Character Data Character Data
32. Kbytes 32 Kbytes
1OOOOh Base Block 31 Base Block 30 Base Block 29 Base Block 28 Base Block 3 Base Block 27
Base Block 25 Base Block 24 Base BOCK 23 Basee Block 22 Base Block 21 Base Block 20
Base Block 2 Base Block 19 Base Block 18 Base Block 17 Base Bock 16 Base Block 15 Base Block 14 Base Block 13 Base Block 12 Base Block 1 Base Block 11 Base Block 1 O Base Block O9 Base Block 08 Base Block O7 Base Block O6 Base Block O5 Base Block O Base Block O4 Base Block O3 Base Block O2 Base Block O1 Base Block OO U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 46 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
16 Colors x 16 Palettes 4 bits of data (Spiriesper dot of 15-2 d37 d77 d87 d7/ d8 / d7 / d3 / d7 colors) Z d6 7 d27 d67 d2 7 d6 / d2 / d6 || Z d5 7 d 1 /
8 bits of data per dot - (Specifies 1 of 256 colors)
)
(n+21)
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 47 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Text BG screen data format
15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 O7 O6 O5 04 O3 O2 O1 OO
Color Palette With 16 colors x 16 palettes: 0-15 With 256 colors x 1 palette: disabled Fig. 39A
Rotation/scaling BG screen data format O7 O6 O5 O4. O3 O2 O1 OO
Character Nam U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 48 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
256 dots {- (32 blocks) 240 dots € (30 blocks)
2.35%5cces
a 3.
31|a
%55%5Fenre 256 dots
(32 blocks)
LCD Display Area Fig. 40A
512 dots 6.----(64 blocks) (3:3)256 dot
Bob 9:25,4556.520507C07Eh osoboshg,852OEASOBCh DBEh
256 dots 22 (32 blocks) sch454C5 C524FAAFCh 4FEh EEEEEE 772. Fehresh is ech BihleE 7C0h7C2hich Chicah ZFCh 7FEh FCh FFEh U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 49 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
k -
3.5%5Socioe 256 dots % (32 blocks) 54.5%5Fenre | | | | | || s: chich ich iEchth 83Eh
LCD Display Area Fig. 40C U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 50 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
512 dots 256 dots (64 blocks) 256 dots (32 bl " . (32256 blocks)dots 23 Ž , 2 it SS5%5 4FCh4FEh | | | | | | | | iconicanch I FChish-cob FE (64 blocks) h his
256 dots (32 blocks) U.S. Patent
Fig. 41A
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 52 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
256 dots (32 blocks) 240 dots (30 blocks)
325e.35th 160 dots (20 blocks) 325e. % 256 dots 280h 28th 28228324h 29D9E29Fh
(32 blocks)
LCD Display Area Fig. 41B U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 53 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
l S3 t
10 0 } 9 H g
|
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 54 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
1024 dots 240 dots (128 blocks) (30 blocks) - 95%5DE oth oth 555%:. off so SSSSS5%3E 7EF (b) 555,552359E FEhliffh % $5.5355S$295-99Eh 9FEh9FF 1024 dots Aochkoihaozhaohaoh AIDhAEh AEATF, (128 blocks)
Foothoharonso FDh3FE 37th F7Fh I Fon BFBhrah Fahras FDhaFEh 3FFEh3FFFh LCD Display Area Fig. 41D U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 55 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
X-axis COOrdinate before rotation BG display screen s (x,y) Horizontal line before Coordinate after ...(x2y2)rotation
Rotation Center Coordinate
dx (distance moved in directionX, same line) = (110) COS6 dy (distance moved in direction y, same line) = -(1/B) sing dmx (distance moved in directionX, next line) = (1/c.)sing dmy (distance moved in directiony, next line) = (1/B)COS6 o; Magnification along X-axi F.ig 4.2A 3. Magnification along y-axi
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 56 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
... 15 14 13 12 1110 09 08 07 06 06 04 03 0201 CO Attributes "si"...I.L.E.038h BG3XL (rotation scaling results) wW OOOOh Fig.43A 15 14 13 12 11 1009 08 07 06 050403 O2 01 00 Attributes initial AgesElse' X-coordinate of reference starting point Walue O3Ah E3 NNNN (rotationiscaling results) W OOOOh Fig.43B ... 15 14 13 12 1110 090807 06 050403 C2 01 00 Attributes a Address Register Y-coordinate of reference starting point Value 838. BS (rotation/scaling results) W OOOOh Fig.43C s 15 4 13 12 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 O3 O2 01 00 Attributes initial Age Eger Y-Coordinate of reference starting point Value O3Eh BG3YH NNNN (rotationiscaling results) W OOOOh Fig. 43D As Egers 15 4 13.12 1110 09 03.07 OS 95 04.03 O2 01 00"" Va.initial O3Oh BG3PA dx; distance of movement in X direction along same line W OOOh Fig. 44A Ages E" 15 14 13.12 1110 090807 06 050403 02 01 00." Valenitial O32h BG3PB dmx distance of movement in x direction along next line W OOOOh Fig. 44B Initial O34hEE" BG3PC is 1...P.E.E.E.dy: distance of movement in y direction along same line AttributesW OOOOh Fig. 44C Initial "ES"O36h E333 slidmy: distanceAli, of movementinyE.E.E.S.E.S.G.S. direction along next line AttributesW OOOhS. Fig. 44D U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 57 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Offset Settings Registers Address Register 15 14 13 12 1110 0908 O7 06 050403 02 01 00" Valveinitial
SS018h ESSESBG2HOFS NNNNNNN,TTTT W 0000h O1 Ch BG3HOFS H offset Fig.45A H offset
Address Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 0908 O7 06 050403 O2 01 00": ... ValeInitial E ENNNNNNNLIII " .
Display Screen
Screen
s Initial Address Register 15 4 13 12 11 10 090807 06 05 04 08 02 01 00 Attributes Value or "NNNNNNNNN, Iolo New or
PrioritySpecification 00:1st priority 0: DisableY. 01: 2nd priority 1: Enable 10:3rd prioriy 11: 4th priority Fig. 47
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 59 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
VRAM address (+0600000Oh) Fig. 50A
VRAM address (+06000000h) Fig. 50B
U.S. Patent US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 63 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
OAM TO70003FEh N Rotation/Scalingw Parameter PD-31 N Attribute 2
OBU127 Attribute 1
Attribute O
N Rotation/Scaling Parameter PB-0 Attribute 2
OBU Attribute 1
Attribute O N Rotation/Scaling Parameter PA-0 N N Attribute 2
OBUO Attribute 1
Attribute O O7OOOOOOh U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 64 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
0??SOWTOEGO
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 65 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
OBJ Attribute 1 15 14 13 12 11 10 O9 O8 O7 O6 O5 O4 O3 O2 O1 OO
Rotation/scaling parameter selection 0-31 Horizontal flip flag Vertical flip flag
OBJ Size Fig. 55B
OBJ Attribute 2 15 14 13 12 11 1 O O9 O8 O7 06 05 O4 O3 O2 O1 OO
Character name
Priority Specification Relative to BG 00: 1st priority 01: 2nd priority 10: 3rd priority 11: 4th priority
Color Palette No. 6 colors x 16 palettes: O-15 256 colors x 1 palette: disabled Fig. 55C U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 66 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
99614
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 68 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
OBJ Character Data
dx (distance moved in X direction, same line) = (1/o) cose dy (distance moved in y direction, same line) = - (1/8) sin 6 dmx (distance moved in X direction, next line) = ( 1 lo) sin 0 dmy (distance moved in y direction, next line) = ( 1 IB) cose o: Magnification along x-axis B: Magnification along y-axis Fig. 58A
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 69 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
15 14 13 12 11 10 O9 O8 O7 O6 O5 04. O3 O2 O1 OO PA dx: distance moved in x direction along same line Fig. 59A
15 14 13 12 11 10 O9 O8 O7 O6 O5 04. O3 O2 O1 OO PB dmx distance moved in X direction along next line Fig. 59B
15 14 13 12 11 10 O9 O8 O7 O6 O5 O4 O3 O2 O1 OO PC dy: distance moved in y direction along same line Fig. 59C
15 14 13 12 11 1 O O9 O8 O7 O6 O5 O4. O3 O2 O1 OO PD dmy, distance moved in y direction along next line Fig. 59D U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 70 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
x, : S.&
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 71 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Palette RAM
mm w w w w w m rw w wr
OB Palette RAM 512 bytes
BG Palette RAM 512 bytes
O5OOOOOOh U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 72 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 73 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Color Data Format
15 14 13 12 11 1 O O9 O8 O7 O6 O5 O4 O3 O2 O1 OO NB. B3 B2 B1 BO G4 G3 G2 G1 GO R4 R3 R2 R1 RO
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 74 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 75 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
||pueOSWOpu?AA}
k–????????????????????????????*—? U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 76 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
10000waebabaeo F6u?asspag?Je?03dSJOIOO,
Z9(61-)
?aecae(Ncondiauogo sse.Jppy
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 78 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
0Z(61-)
Hwa| DOELI?
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 80 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
sda?SadoleauElgo‘ON 1-0
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 82 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2 U?0000Mae(
•['''''''''''''''''''''(T’I„… 001020€0y090806001||Z|CyG
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 83 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
GGZ-61-I
H0€SOS Ss9.Jppy LIZ/0 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 84 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Ja?s16ex;SS9.Jppy TOHMOS?060 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 85 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
en?eale?useinqu?w0010z020v090806001IZICIVIGL -'94(61-) H92(61-)
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 86 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
VZZ(61-)
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 87 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
|79S?O10 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 88 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 89 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Address Register 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10,09,080706,050403,0201, 00, Attributes initial Value O82h SGCNTO H ||||||INNNNTT, RW OOOOh
of Sounds 1-4 00:14 Output 01:1/2 Output 10: Full Range 11: Prohibited Code Output Ratio for Direct Sound A O; 1/2 Full Range 1: Full Range Output Ratio for Direct Sound B O: 1/2 Full Range 1: Full Range ROutput of Direct Sound A 0: No output to R 1: Output to R Output of DirectSound A 0: No output to L 1: Output to L. Tinner Selection for Direct Sound A 0:Timer 0 Timer 1 Direct Sound FFOA Clear and Sequencer Reset
ROutput of DirectSound B O: No output to R 1: Output to R L Output of Direct Sound B 0: No output to L 1: Output to L.
Timer Selection for Direct Sound B 0:Timer 0 1: Timer 1
Clear and Sequencer Reset Fig. 78B
U.S. Patent US 8,821,287 B2
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 94 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Address Register 15 14 13 12 1110 0908 O7 06 050403 02 01 00 Attributes initialValue OBAh DMOCNTH INTINNNNN RW OOOOh
OO: increment after Transfer O1. DeCrement after Transfer 10: Fixed 11: increment/Reload after Transfer Source Address Control Flac 00: increment after Transfer O1: DeCrement after Transfer 10: Fixed 11. Prohibited Code DMA Repeat O-OFF 1:ON DMA Transfer Twpe O: 16-bit Transfer 1: 32-bit Transfer
DMA Start Timing 00: Start immediately 01: Start in a W-blank interval 10: Start in an H-blank interval 11: Prohibited Code interrupt Reduest Enable Flag O: Disable 1: Enable DMA Enable Flag O: OFF 1: ON Fig. 85
U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 96 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Address Register 1514 13 12 1110 0908 O7 O605 04.03 O2 01 00. Attributes initial Value C
age:SELNNNNNNRWarear on Destination Address Control Flag OO: increment after Transfer O1. Decrement after Transfer 10: Fixed 11 : increment/Reload after Transfer Source Address Control Flag OO: increment after Transfer 01: Decrement after Transfer 10: Fixed 11: Prohibited Code DMA Repeat O: OFF 1: ON DMA Transfer Type O; 16-bit Transfer 1; 32-bit Transfer DMA Start Timing 00: Start immediately 01: Start in a V-blank interval 1 O. Start in an H-blank interval 11: Prohibited Code interrupt Request Enable Flag O: Disable 1: Enable DMA EnableFlag O: OFF 1: ON Fig. 89 U.S. Patent Sep. 2, 2014 Sheet 97 of 144 US 8,821,287 B2
Initial Address Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 O9 O8 O7 06 050403 02 000 Attributes Value Fig. 90A
Initial Address Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 0908 O7 06 05 04 03 02 01:00 Attributes Value OD6h DMSADH NNNN TW ooooh Fig. 90B
Address Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 O9 08 07 06 05 (4 O3 O2 01 CO Attributesw ValueInitial Fig. 91A
w Initial Address Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 090807 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 Attributes Value ODAh DM3DADH W OOOOh Fig. 91B
initial Address Register 15 4 13 12 10 O9 08 07 06 05 04 03 O2 01 00 Attributes Value Fig. 92