Abstract: A system and method for delaying indirect register offset resolution including a processor having a plurality of registers, a memory storing program instructions, and a compiler for translating the program instructions into executable object code for execution by the processor. In addition, the invention includes a set of offset register lists for storing offset values generated by the compiler.

Abstract: A method is provided for displaying a video game character traversing a video game playfield, for use with a system which includes a video screen display, a user-controlled graphics controller and digital memory; wherein the video game character follows a path within the playfield, the method comprising the steps of: storing multiple collision blocks that define respective path segments; dividing the playfield into multiple path blocks that comprise the path; storing character collision-type information; storing references from individual path blocks to individual collision blocks; displaying character movement through the playfield from path block to path block along the path in response to user input to the graphics controller; controlling the display of character movement by causing the character image to follow a path defined by the path segments of individual collision blocks; and changing the stored character collision-type information when the character path passes a prescribed location on the playfiel

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a data processing system which can realize a variety of process. A secondary memory cassette 31 includes a connector 32 which can be connected to both a primary memory cassette 21 or a processing device body, and address transfer circuit 39 which judges whether the connector has been connected to the primary memory cassette 21 based upon the connection state of the connector and outputs an address transfer signal, and a memory 38 which outputs data corresponding to the address transfer signal and the address signal supplied from connector 32. The primary memory cassette 21 includes a mask ROM 28, a connector 22 for connection with the processing device body, and a connector 24 which can be connected with the secondary memory cassette 31. A predetermined pin of connector 24 is connected to a ground.

Abstract: Videogame systems and methods are provided to enhance the capability of the videogame system controller and data storage to provide graphic character element storage and processing. A display list technology utilizes an intentionally generated, location-specific vertical interrupt to implement a routine to modify or to alter existing graphical character elements. A second technique involves the definition of a small portion of the graphics map which is displayed differently than the balance of the graphics map because the stored priority bit is expressed in the defined area, but suppressed and replaced in all other areas. The third technique employs a virtual character element library to map the character elements appearing on the display, and recognizes available space within the video random access memory character element storage to provide a dynamic memory space.

Abstract: A convertible peripheral input device comprises a control pad and a multiaxis input device selectably mounted on the edges of the control pad so that the multiaxis input device can be positioned for right-handed use or left-handed use according to the user's preference. The multiaxis input device can be rotated from one position to another by the use of a hinge mechanism with two points of rotation: one for rotation of the multiaxis input device 180 degrees relative to the hinge mechanism and the second point of rotation allowing the hinge mechanism to be rotated 180 degrees relative to the control pad bottom surface. The rotatable hinge mechanism may be used with videogame control pads and joysticks as well as keyboards with mouse controllers.

Abstract: A stereoscopic video display device includes a left and a right video display for viewing by respectively the left and right eye of a viewer, a video driver circuit which alternates between driving the left video display and driving the right video display, and a view control circuit for providing a left-right signal which indicates which video display is currently displaying the video signal. A video signal source, such as a computer or a video game console, receives the left-right signal and provides a standard video signal. The stereoscopic display is usable with a source that provides a video signal that represents a left or right view according to the left-right signal, or with a source that ignores the left-right signal and provides a monoscopic video signal. The stereoscopic display is operable in both a stereo and a mono mode so that a user can select either monoscopic or stereoscopic video when the source is capable of providing stereoscopic views.

Abstract: A method is provided for displaying a video game character traversing a video game playfield, for use with a system which includes a video screen display, a user-controlled graphics controller and digital memory; wherein the video game character follows a path within the playfield, the method comprising the steps of: storing multiple collision blocks that define respective path segments; dividing the playfield into multiple path blocks that comprise the path; storing character collision-type information; storing references from individual path blocks to individual collision blocks; displaying character movement through the playfield from path block to path block along the path in response to user input to the graphics controller; controlling the display of character movement by causing the character image to follow a path defined by the path segments of individual collision blocks; and changing the stored character collision-type information when the character path passes a prescribed location on the playfiel

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the display of game character movement in a video game for using a video game system, a method comprising the steps of: displaying a first playfield screen in an upper portion of a video display screen using an interlace video screen rendering technique; displaying a second playfield screen in a lower portion of the display screen using an interlace video screen rendering technique; controlling the movement of a first game character within the first playfield screen by providing inputs to a first user input device; and controlling movement of a second game character within the second playfield screen by providing inputs to a second user input device.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a multiplayer competition video game for use with the system which includes a video display screen, a graphics controller, digital memory and user input devices, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first region of the video display screen in which a scrollable playfield can be displayed; providing a second region of the video display screen in which the scrollable playfield can be displayed; displaying a first character in the first region; displaying a second character in the second region; scrolling the playfield in the first region to show progress of the first character in traversing the playfield; scrolling the playfield in the second region to show progress of the second character in traversing the playfield; displaying an exchange object in a portion of the scrollable playfield displayed in at least one of the first and second regions; activating the exchange object; interchanging respective playfield displays in the first display screen and the second d

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the appearance of a video game game character, as the character traverses a path displayed on a display screen; wherein the method is used in a video game system which includes a graphics controller, digital memory and a display screen, the method comprises the steps of: displaying a banked path segment in which the game character is displayed upright at at least one location on the banked path and is displayed upside down at at least one other location on this banked path; storing multiple sprite patterns representative of the appearance of the character at different locations on the banked path as the character traverses the banked path; tracking the character location on the banked path as the character traverses the banked path; retrieving the stored sprite patterns that portray the character at different locations on the banked path; and displaying a character using the retrieved patterns such that the character has different appearances at different locations on the

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the motion of two game characters in a video game for use in a system which includes a video display screen, a user-controlled graphics controller, digital memory, a first user input device and a second user input device; wherein movement of the first game character is responsive to the first user input device and movement of the second game character is responsive to the second user input device; wherein the video game involves the game characters traversing a playfield which is displayed as a series of video screen images, the method comprising the steps of: providing a succession of game character movement commands to the first user input device in order to control the movement of the first game character through the playfield; displaying a succession of movements of the first character within the playfield in response to the succession of commands provided to the first user input device; storing the succession of commands provided to the first user input device in the