Emulator Bundling for Cross-Platform Game Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-powered video game consoles require complex and varied player inputs, making them frustrating for some users, and new consoles often cannot execute game programs developed for other platforms, necessitating multiple consoles and frequent connections/disconnections.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for downloading video game programs over a wide area network, including an emulator that bundles with the game to ensure compatibility, allowing games from earlier generation consoles to be played on high-performance platforms like the Wii and DS, using a controller with advanced features like imaging information calculation for precise input detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high-powered video game consoles are used to provide realistic gaming experiences, then graphics and sound quality are improved, but player input complexity increases making the system harder to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegraphics qualityVSAvoidplayer input complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces motion sensing technology as an intermediary between the player and the game console. The motion sensor detects physical movements and automatically translates them into game inputs, eliminating the need for complex button presses and joystick manipulations. This mediator layer simplifies the interaction while maintaining the high graphical fidelity provided by the powerful console hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If new video game consoles are configured to execute only native game programs, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability to play games from other platforms decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidgame platform compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs emulation technology that creates virtual copies of other game console environments within the native console. The emulator software replicates the hardware and operating characteristics of foreign platforms, allowing native hardware to execute and run games from other systems. This copying approach maintains system stability while achieving broad platform compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple video game consoles are used to play games from different platforms, then game selection versatility is improved, but device complexity and connection requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame selection versatilityVSAvoidnumber of consoles required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple console functionalities into a single unified system. By integrating motion sensing capabilities, emulator software, and multiple game library support into one console, the system eliminates the need for players to maintain separate consoles for different game platforms. This consolidation reduces device complexity while preserving game selection versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9259654B2System and method for obtaining software programs
Publication Date: 2016.02.16 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • US9259654B2 patent drawing
  • US9259654B2 patent drawing
  • US9259654B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An example video game program download system and method apparatus for downloading a video game program to a target video game platform in which a processing system receives a download request from the target video game platform requesting downloading of a video game program that executes on a native video game platform different than the target video game platform. In response thereto, the requested video game program is sent along with a program for providing compatibility between the target and native video game platforms.