Removable Storage Swapping During Game Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems for games require players to reset and reload different versions of a game to access audio/video files from other versions, which is time-consuming and detracts from the gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus that allows removable storage media to be swapped during program execution, enabling the continuation of gameplay using data from a different storage medium, thereby allowing access to audio/video files from other versions without rebooting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different versions of a game are released with different audio/video files, then the variety of content available to players is improved, but the time required to access content from different versions increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The game system is segmented into two functional parts: the game program (which remains loaded in memory) and the audio/video data (which can be swapped from different storage media). This allows the game to continue running while accessing content from different sources without full reloading.
Solution Approach 2:
A file mapping mechanism acts as an intermediary between the loaded game program and the storage media. The program contains references to audio/video files, and the system can remap these references to point to files on different storage media without modifying the program itself, enabling seamless content switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a player wants to access audio/video files from another game version, then the available content selection is improved, but the operation complexity increases due to requiring system reset and game reload
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting the presence of different storage media and allowing players to switch content sources through simple media insertion/removal actions. The complex file mapping and version compatibility checks are handled automatically by the system without requiring player intervention or knowledge of system operations.
3Reliability
If the game program is completely reloaded to access content from another version, then the data integrity is improved, but the productivity of the system decreases due to repeated loading
Solution Approach 1:
The game program is loaded into memory in advance and kept running continuously. The system prepares for content switching by maintaining the program in a ready state and using file mapping to redirect data access, eliminating the need for repeated program loading while ensuring data integrity through controlled access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The game program executes continuously without interruption or reload. The useful action of game execution is maintained while the underlying data sources are swapped through storage medium changes and file remapping, ensuring both continuity of operation and access to different content versions.
Data Source
AI summary
Data processing apparatus in which removable storage media store a respective program and associated data, the apparatus comprising: a removable storage medium reader; and means for executing the program from a first removable storage medium which is currently readable by the reader, using data stored on that first removable storage medium, the executing means and/or the program being arranged so that at least a predetermined point within execution of the program, the first removable storage medium may be removed from the reader and a second, different, removable storage medium associated with the reader, so that execution of the program can continue using data read from the second removable storage medium.