JPH0441389Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a data input device, and particularly to a data input device that is provided in connection with, for example, a computer device and for inputting predetermined data into the computer device.

[Summary of the invention] This invention is a data input device for inputting predetermined data into an information processing device. A first identification symbol portion is provided, and when the first identification symbol portion and a second identification symbol portion formed in a convex shape in relation to the receiving means are in a predetermined fitted state, the disk-shaped storage medium is It makes it possible to read stored data and transfer the data to an information processing device.

[Prior Art] Various information processing devices have been developed and implemented in the past. For example, the applicant of this application can enjoy various games on the screen of a television receiver by connecting it to the television receiver.
We are also developing and commercializing information processing devices that can be used for other purposes. (Product name: Family Computer). In general, conventional information processing devices have a configuration that allows the user to use various software by purchasing the desired one from among several types of commercially available software and installing it on the main device. It is becoming.

[Problems that the invention aims to solve] By the way, until now, there has been no effective means of making the above-mentioned software sold only to certain designated parties, and the sale of software by others has been left completely unchecked. It was hot. As a result, even if you develop an excellent computer device, the software ends up being sold at random by someone else.
It was becoming a problem. Additionally, large quantities of low-quality software are sold by others, resulting in
Another problem was that the product image of the computer device itself deteriorated. This, on the other hand, results in the provision of low-quality software to consumers, which is also undesirable from a social standpoint.

This idea was made to solve the problems mentioned above, and by activating data reading from the disk-shaped storage medium only when the proper holder is attached, the operation of the information processing device can be improved. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a data input device that makes it possible.

[Means for solving the problem] This invention includes a disk-shaped storage medium, a holding body, an identification mark forming area, a first identification mark part, a receiving means,
It includes a second identification symbol section, reading means, and data transfer means. Predetermined data is written in advance on the disk-shaped storage medium. The holder rotatably holds the disk-shaped storage medium. The identification symbol forming area is formed on the main surface of the holder in an elongated portion of the area where the disk-shaped storage medium does not exist. The first identification symbol portion is provided in the identification symbol forming area and is formed in a concave shape. The receiving means is configured to receive the holder and enable data transmission between the disk-shaped storage medium and the information processing device. The second identification symbol portion is formed in a convex shape in relation to the receiving means in order to identify the first identification symbol portion when the holder is mounted on the receiving means. The reading means reads the data stored in the disk-shaped storage medium when the first identification symbol part and the second identification symbol part are in a predetermined fitted state.
The data transfer means transfers the stored information read by the reading means to the information processing device.

[Operation] In this device, the first identification symbol portion formed in a concave shape in the identification symbol forming area of the holder and the second identification symbol portion formed on the receiving means are in a predetermined fitted state. Reads data stored in a disk-shaped storage medium, transfers the data to an information processing device,
Enables information processing.

[Example] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a video game device to which this invention is applied. In the figure, a microcomputer and the like are provided inside a main body 1. A controller 2 as a game operating means is connected to the main body 1. This controller 2 is operated by a person and generates various commands for executing the game and provides them to the main body 1. Further, a display device 3 such as a television receiver is connected to the main body 1. This display device 3 displays game information and the like. The user can enjoy the game by viewing the game information displayed on the display device 3 and sequentially operating the controller 2. Further, a connection adapter 4 is detachably provided on the main body 1.
A data input device 5, which is a feature of this invention, is connected via this connection adapter 4. This data input device 5 is configured to be able to read data from both a floppy disk 6 and an IC card (not shown), and has an insertion slot into which the floppy disk 6 or IC card is inserted. 54 is formed. Various game program data are stored in the floppy disk 6 and the IC card. Therefore, the user must use the floppy disk 6 or IC that is attached to the data input device 5.
By replacing cards, you can enjoy various games. Note that the television game device shown in FIG. 1 can of course be used for purposes other than games by using program data stored in the floppy disk 6 or IC card.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the electric circuit portion of the television game device shown in FIG. 1. In the figure, the data input device 5 includes a reading mechanism 51, an internal board 52, and a continuity detection circuit 53. The reading mechanism 51 is for reading data stored on a floppy disk or an IC card. The internal board 52 is for performing predetermined electrical processing on the data read by the reading mechanism 51, and its output is given to the main body 1 via the connection adapter 4. The continuity detection circuit 53 is for detecting whether or not a through hole of a predetermined shape is formed in the floppy disk or IC card attached to the reading mechanism 51, and its output is sent to the connection adapter. 4 to the main body 1.

Main unit 1 has an interface 11 and a CPU 1.
2, RAM 13, and video controller 14
and RAM15. interface 11
provides data or signals given from the data input device 5 to the CPU 12 via the connection adapter 4, and also sends commands from the controller 2 to the CPU 12.
Give to 12. A RAM 13 and a video controller 14 are connected to the CPU 12 . RAM1
3 is for storing the basic operating program of the CPU 12. Video controller 14
is for controlling the display operation of the display device 3 based on commands from the CPU 12, and the RAM 1
5 is connected. The RAM 15 is for storing various screen data necessary for display control.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the floppy disk used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. In the figure, this floppy disk 6 has a case 61 as a holder, and a disc-shaped magnetic sheet 62 as a storage means is rotatably housed inside the case 61, and the case 61 has a notch 63 for continuous data. It is formed. The configuration up to this point is exactly the same as that of a conventionally known floppy disk. Furthermore, in case 6, there is an identification area 64 which is a feature of this embodiment.
is provided. A conductive film 65 is formed on the surface of this identification area 64 by metal vapor deposition or the like. A through hole 66 having a unique shape that can be identified is formed at a predetermined position in the identification area 64. This third
In the illustrated embodiment, "NINTEN" is used as the through hole 66.
The letters are punched out.

Note that program data is recorded on both sides of the disc-shaped magnetic sheet 62, and the user inserts the floppy disk 6 into the data input device 5 with the side on which the desired program data is recorded facing upward.
It is configured to be installed on. Therefore, through hole 6
There are two sets of floppy discs 6, one set of through holes is used as an identification mark when the floppy disc 6 is mounted with one side facing upward, and the other set of through holes are used as an identification mark when the floppy disk 6 is mounted with one side facing upward. It is used as an identification mark when the disk 6 is mounted with the other side facing upward.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the IC card used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. In the figure, this IC card 7 has an integrated circuit 71 and electrodes 72 formed on a resin card as a holder. The integrated circuit 71 includes at least a semiconductor memory as a storage means, and predetermined program data is stored in the semiconductor memory. The electrode 72 is for electrically connecting the integrated circuit 71 to an external device. The configuration up to this point has been well known
It is similar to an IC card. Furthermore, an identification area 73 is provided in a predetermined area of the IC card 7. The surface of this identification area 73 is covered with a conductive film 74 by metal vapor deposition or the like. Furthermore, a through hole 75 having the same shape as the through hole 66 shown in FIG. 3 is formed at a predetermined position in the identification area 73. In addition, IC
Since the card 7 is inserted into the data input device 5 with the side shown in FIG. 4 facing upward, only one set of through holes 75 is provided.

By the way, a loading mechanism is provided inside the data input device 5 for loading the floppy disk 6 or IC card 7 inserted through the insertion slot 54 and setting the position in a state where data can be read. figure). In connection with this loading mechanism, identification means is provided, which is a feature of this embodiment. This identification means is for identifying whether or not the floppy disk 6 or the IC card 7 has a through hole of a predetermined shape. The configuration and operation of this identification means will be explained below.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a characteristic part of the identification means. In the figure, a mounting table 55 is used to place the floppy disk 6 or IC card 7 loaded by the loading mechanism. This mounting table 55 has a protrusion 56
is formed. This protrusion 56 is a through hole 66 formed in the floppy disk 6 or an IC card 7.
The shape is selected to match the through hole 75 formed in the. That is, the protrusion 56 is formed in the shape of "NT". Further, a plurality of electrodes 57 are provided at appropriate positions around the protrusion 56 . These electrodes 57 are connected to the continuity detection circuit 53.
This continuity detection circuit 53 detects whether or not each electrode 57 is short-circuited.

Here, for example, when the floppy disk 6 is inserted into the insertion slot 54 of the data input device 5, the floppy disk 6 is loaded by the loading mechanism.
is loaded inside and placed on the mounting table 55. At this time, if a through hole 66 of a predetermined shape is formed in the floppy disk 6,
The through hole 66 and the protrusion 56 are engaged, and the floppy disk 6 is properly positioned. Therefore, data can be read by a magnetic head (not shown). Further, when the floppy disk 6 is properly positioned, each electrode 57 is formed on the surface of the floppy disk 6 and comes into contact with the conductive film 65. Therefore, each electrode 57 is short-circuited via the conductive film 65. The continuity detection circuit 53 detects that each electrode 57 is short-circuited and outputs a detection output. On the other hand, when the IC card 7 is inserted, the same operation as described above is performed. In this case, when the IC card 7 is properly positioned, the electrodes 72 formed on the IC card 7 and the internal board 52 of the data input device 5 are connected, thereby making it possible to read data. .

As mentioned above, floppy disc 6 or
If the IC card 7 has a through hole of a predetermined shape, data can be read and a detection output can be obtained from the continuity detection circuit 53.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the through hole 66' formed in the floppy disk 6 has a shape different from the predetermined shape, the through hole 66' does not engage. Therefore,
The floppy disk 6 is not properly positioned and data cannot be read. Furthermore, since the electrode 57 does not contact the conductive film 65, no detection output is obtained from the continuity detection circuit 53.

By the way, when the floppy disk 6 on which the large-shaped through hole 66'' is formed so as to surround the ``NT'' of the through hole 66 is inserted into the data input device 5, the through hole 66'' is formed as shown in FIG. Since the projection 56 engages with the floppy disk 6, the positioning of the floppy disk 6 may be performed normally. however,
In this case, some of the electrodes 57 have through holes 6
6'', all of the electrodes 57 are not short-circuited, and no detection output is obtained from the continuity detection circuit 53.
Even if an unrelated line is added to a part of "NT" in 6 to form a through hole that does not allow it to be recognized as a character, no detection output will be obtained from the continuity detection circuit 53 as in the case of FIG.

In the above configuration, when a floppy disk 6 or an IC card 7 having a through hole having a predetermined shape is inserted into the data input device 5, data can be read out and , a detection output is obtained from the continuity detection circuit 53. This detection output is given to the CPU 12 via the connection adapter 4 and the interface 11. In response, the CPU 12 determines that the floppy disk 6 or IC card 7 attached to the data input device 5 is legitimate, and starts operating. That is, program data read out from the floppy disk 6 or IC card 7 by the reading mechanism 51 is input, and a predetermined operation is performed according to the program data.

On the other hand, if the floppy disk 6 or IC card 7 inserted into the data input device 5 has a through hole formed in a shape different from the predetermined shape, or if no through hole is formed at all. Since the reading mechanism 51 cannot read program data, the CPU 12 does not operate. In addition,
Although program data may be read as shown in FIG. 7, in this case no detection output is obtained from the continuity detection circuit 53. Therefore,
CPU12 is an invalid floppy disk 6 or
It is determined that the IC card 7 has been inserted, and no operation is performed even if program data can be input.

As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the floppy disk 6 or
It is possible to identify whether the IC card 7 is genuine or not, and to control the video game device to operate only when the IC card 7 is genuine. Therefore, unauthorized floppy disks or ICs manufactured and sold without permission by others
The use of the card can be prohibited.

In the above embodiment, the data input device 5 is provided separately from the main body 1, but it is also possible to provide the data input device inside the main body 1 and directly attach the floppy disk 6 or IC card 7 to the main body 1. It may also be configured to allow

Further, in the above embodiment, the floppy disk 6 and the IC card 7 are used as an example of a data storage package, that is, a storage means and its holder, but other forms of storage means and holders may be used. Of course, it may be used. For example, a so-called program cassette, in which a semiconductor storage memory is housed inside a cassette case, may be used, or a so-called optical disk, on which data is recorded in an optically readable manner, may be used.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the letters "NINTEN" are formed as an example of the through hole formed in the holding body, but the shape of the through hole is not limited to this, and any shape that can be identified is used. It can be anything.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the case where this invention is applied to a video game device has been explained;
This invention can be widely applied not only to video game devices but also to computer devices used for other purposes.

[Effects of the invention] As described above, according to this invention, it is possible to identify whether the holding body and the disk-shaped storage medium attached to the receiving means are genuine ones, and whether or not they are genuine ones. It is possible to control the information processing device so that the operation is performed only when the information processing device is in use. Therefore, it is possible to prohibit the use of unauthorized disk-shaped storage media and their holders sold without permission by others.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment in which this invention is applied to a video game device. Second
1 is a schematic block diagram showing an electric circuit portion of the television game device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a floppy disk that may be used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a plan view of an IC card that can be used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a characteristic part of the identification means provided inside the data input device 5. As shown in FIG. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the operation of the identification means when an unauthorized floppy disk 6 is inserted into the data input device 5. In the figure, 1 is the main body, 4 is the connection adapter, and 5 is the main body.
is a data input device, 6 is a floppy disk, 7 is a data input device.
is an IC card, 12 is a CPU, 51 is a reading mechanism, 5
3 is a continuity detection circuit, 55 is a mounting table, 56 is a protrusion,
57 is an electrode, 61 is a case, 62 is a disc-shaped magnetic sheet, 64 and 73 are identification areas, 65 and 74 are conductive films, 66 and 75 are through holes, and 71 is an integrated circuit.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claim for Utility Model Registration] A data input device provided in connection with an information processing device for inputting predetermined data to be processed by the information processing device, wherein the predetermined data is written in advance. disk-shaped storage medium. rotatably holding the disk-shaped storage medium;
a holding body having a flat shape; an identification symbol forming area formed on a main surface of the holding body in an elongated portion of an area where the disc-shaped storage medium does not exist; a concave shape provided in the identification mark forming area; a first identification symbol portion formed on the holder; receiving means for receiving the holder and enabling data transmission between the disk-shaped storage medium and the information processing device; the holder being attached to the receiving means; When
a second identification symbol portion formed in a convex shape in relation to the receiving means to identify the first identification symbol portion; the first identification symbol portion and the second identification symbol portion are arranged in a predetermined manner; a data input device comprising: reading means for reading data stored in the disk-shaped storage medium; and data transfer means for transferring the data read by the reading means to the information processing device when .