Emulator Mode Switching for Game Content Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional information processing apparatuses that utilize emulator programs for game processing are limited to playing games and do not effectively utilize game contents, such as player characters, for additional applications, leading to reduced data efficiency and increased development costs.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a processor that executes game processing using ROM data and an emulator program, allowing for the execution of additional applications by modifying the data processed by the emulator program, including utilizing game images and characters in new contexts, such as a clock application, while maintaining reproducibility and reducing data storage needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an emulator program is used to execute game processing based on ROM data, then game playback functionality is achieved, but the system cannot execute additional applications utilizing game contents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication execution capabilityVSAvoidgame playback reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between first mode (game playback) and second mode (application execution utilizing game contents). The emulator program is configured to operate in different modes depending on the execution context, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes while maintaining game authenticity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can execute traditional game playback mode and simultaneously execute additional applications that utilize game contents (such as character models, backgrounds, or game data) in a second mode, making the system versatile without compromising its primary function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If additional applications are executed using game contents, then data efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage requirementsVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the game execution functionality with additional application execution capability within the same emulator framework. By combining these functions into a unified system that can operate in different modes, the patent reduces data storage requirements while avoiding the need for completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The emulator program acts as an intermediary layer that enables both traditional game playback and new applications utilizing game contents. This intermediary software layer allows the system to access and utilize game data for multiple purposes without requiring direct hardware modifications or complex architectural changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11331573B2System and method for an emulator executing a secondary application using ROM game images

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 NINTENDO CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a storage medium storing at least ROM data for a game and an emulator program for executing the game based on the ROM data; and a processor. In a first mode, the processor executes game processing by an emulator, and in a second mode, the processor, while executing game processing based on the emulator, executes an application which is different from the game processing and in which at least some of game images included in the ROM data are displayed, by making a change on data to be processed by the emulator being executed.