US6646653B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Programmable graphics processor for use in a video game system or the like
Assignee: Nintendo Co Ltd
•
Filing: 2000-11-30
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Granted: 2003-11-11
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Expires: 2020-11-30
Abstract
Abstract A fully programmable, graphics microprocessor is disclosed which is designed to be embodied in a removable external memory unit for connection with a host information processing system. In an exemplary embodiment, a video game system is described including a host video game system and a pluggable video game cartridge housing the graphics microprocessor. The game cartridge also includes a read-only program memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The graphics coprocessor operates in conjunction with a three bus architecture embodied on the game cartridge. The graphics processor using this bus architecture may execute programs from either the program ROM, external RAM or its own internal cache RAM. The fully user programmable graphics coprocessor has an instruction set which is designed to efficiently implement arithmetic operations associated with 3-D graphics and, for example, includes special instructions executed by dedicated hardware for plotting individual pixels in the host video game system's character mapped display which, from the programmer's point of view, creates a “virtual” bit map by permitting the addressing of individual pixels—even though the host system is character based. The graphics coprocessor interacts with the host coprocessor such that the graphics coprocessor's 16 general registers are accessible to the host processor at all times.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeremy E. San
- 👤 Ben Cheese
- 👤 Carl N. Graham
- 👤 Peter R. Warnes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:04
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T1/00; G06T17/00; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/30; G06F9/38; G06F9/3802; G06F9/3814; G06F9/3877; G06F9/3879; G06T1/20; A; A63; A63F; A63F2300/00; A63F2300/20; A63F2300/203
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
An information processing system including a display and a first processing unit for executing at least a first portion of a videographics program, said videographics program being received from an external source, and including a second portion having instructions relating to 3-D graphics operations, and a programmable graphics processor separate from said first processing unit comprising: means for receiving instructions from said second portion of said videographics program; and means for executing said instructions from said second portion of said videographics program, whereby said graphics processor coacts with said first processing unit to control 3-D display of an object.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
An information processing system including a display and a first processing unit for executing at least a first portion of a videographics program, said videographics program being received from an external source, and including a second portion having instructions relating to 3-D graphics operations, and a programmable graphics processor separate from said first processing unit comprising: means for receiving instructions from said second portion of said videographics program; and means for executing said instructions from said second portion of said videographics program, whereby said graphics processor coacts with said first processing unit to control 3-D display of an object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
An information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein said means for executing includes circuitry for converting pixel-based format data into character-based format data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein said 3-D graphics operations comprise instructions relating to rotation of an object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein said external source comprises an external memory.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
101 words
An information processing system including a display and a first processing unit for executing at least a first portion of a videographics program, said videographics program being received from an external source, and including a second portion having instructions relating to 3-D graphics operations, and a programmable graphics processor separate from said first processing unit comprising: a connection for receiving instructions from said second portion of said videographics program; and a processor for executing said instructions from said second portion of said videographics program, whereby said graphics processor coacts with said first processing unit to control 3-D display of an object.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
101 words
An information processing system including a display and a first processing unit for executing at least a first portion of a videographics program, said videographics program being received from an external source, and including a second portion having instructions relating to 3-D graphics operations, and a programmable graphics processor separate from said first processing unit comprising: a connection for receiving instructions from said second portion of said videographics program; and a processor for executing said instructions from said second portion of said videographics program, whereby said graphics processor coacts with said first processing unit to control 3-D display of an object.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
An information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein said 3-D graphics operations comprise instructions relating to rotation of an object.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An information processing system according to claim 6 , wherein said processor includes circuitry for converting pixel-based format data into character-based format data.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
An information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein said external source comprises an external memory.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for operating an information processing system including a display and a first processing unit for executing at least a first portion of a videographics program, said videographics program being received from an external source, and including a second portion having instructions relating to 3-D graphics operations, and a programmable graphics processor separate from said first processing unit, the method comprising: receiving instructions from said second portion of said videographics program; and executing said instructions from said second portion of said videographics program, whereby said graphics processor coacts with said first processing unit to control 3-D display of an object.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for operating an information processing system including a display and a first processing unit for executing at least a first portion of a videographics program, said videographics program being received from an external source, and including a second portion having instructions relating to 3-D graphics operations, and a programmable graphics processor separate from said first processing unit, the method comprising: receiving instructions from said second portion of said videographics program; and executing said instructions from said second portion of said videographics program, whereby said graphics processor coacts with said first processing unit to control 3-D display of an object.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 9 , said 3-D graphics operations comprise instructions relating to rotation of an object.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 8 , further comprising converting pixel-based format data into character-based format data.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-11-10 | 2007-05-12 | 2007-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-11-10 | 2011-05-12 | 2011-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-11-10 | 2015-05-12 | 2015-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |