U.S. Pat. No. 9,205,323

While certain embodiments are depicted in the drawings, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments depicted are illustrative and that variations of those shown, as well as other embodiments described herein, may be envisioned and practiced within the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments are now described. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for a more effective presentation. Conversely, some embodiments may be practiced without all of the details that are disclosed.

FIG. 1is a block view of a portable storage device in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 2is a block view of a game console in accordance with the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with the present invention, a portable storage device1, such as MMC card, SD card, MINI card, MD card, FLASH memory, hard disk or any type of portable storage device for storing game files includes a targeted word unit11, i.e. target, informationally connected with a small database12, i.e. header, having a correspondence code. The small database12is informationally connected with a setup-file unit13including cover information131or setup-file information132. A logical configuration unit14containing at least a game image file141can be read by the small database12. The game image file141has a correspondence code corresponding to the correspondence code in the header and thus can be precisely read by the small database12, wherein the game image file141includes a game corresponding code, game name, game program and game video file.

A game console2, such as computer, XBOX, XBOX 360, PS 2, PS3, WII, N64 or any type of game console connectable to a television, includes an interface21, such as USB port, RS-454 port, IEEE1394 port, SATA port, for informationally connecting with the portable storage device1. Information can be downloaded or downloaded to overwrite an original file via the interface21informationally connected with a storage unit22. The storage unit22has an application program that can be run to read the corresponding code, having correspondence to the game image file141, in the small database12, i.e. header, to perform a display function. When a user uses a controller23to click on a game to be performed, by the processing of a central processing unit24(CPU), the game image file141is loaded in a free space in a main memory25and the game is performed. The interface21can be informationally connected with at least a preset server3and the application program can be run to verify if game information in the small database12is normal in comparison with that in a game database in the server3. Next, information can be optionally downloaded or downloaded to overwrite an original file.

The game console2may further comprise an optical-disk storage medium4readable by an optical-disk apparatus, wherein in the optical-disk storage medium4is at least a game file. The optical-disk apparatus can read the optical-disk storage medium4to write the game file into the logical configuration unit14. When the user clicks to install or perform a game via related functions of an application-program menu, the optical-disk storage medium4is read by the optical-disk apparatus and has the game file therein to be written into the logical configuration unit14such that a cover picture or game setup file is transmitted to a cover folder or setup-file folder in the setup-file unit and game information can be set up in the small database12for being promptly performed.

FIG. 1is a block view of a portable storage device in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 2is a block view of a game console in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 3is a flow chart of a method for the game console reading information of the portable storage device in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 3Ais a schematic view in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3Bis a schematic view of an application-program menu in accordance with the present invention. Referring toFIG. 1throughFIG. 3B, the game console uses the following steps to read information in the portable storage device:(a) starting the application program set in the storage unit in the game console via the application-program menu;(b) running the application program to determine if the portable storage device is found or connected via the interface, wherein step (c) continues in the case of YES, and otherwise step (g) continues in the case of NO;(c) searching for the targeted word unit, i.e. target, in the portable storage device, wherein step (c1) continues if no targeted word unit is searched for, and otherwise step (d) continues if the targeted word unit is searched for;(c1) performing a formatting step, wherein step (c2) continues after performing the formatting step, and otherwise step (g) continues if no formatting step is performed;(c2) setting up a targeted word unit, i.e. target, a small database, i.e. header, a cover folder, a setup-file folder and a logical configuration unit, after which step (g) continues;(d) searching for game information in the small database, i.e. header, wherein step (e) continues if the game information is searched for, and otherwise step (g) continues if no game information is searched for;(e) checking if any cover information or setup-file information has correspondence to the correspondence code in the small database, i.e. header, wherein step (f) continues in the case of YES, and otherwise a preset value is employed and step (g) continues in the case of NO;(f) reading the setup-file unit, corresponding to the correspondence code in the header, including cover information or setup-file information, after which step (g) continues;(g) returning to the application-program menu and displaying on a screen.

The above steps are described for more elaboration, as below:(a) a user connecting the portable storage device with the game console, and then starting the application program in the game console via the application-program menu, as shown inFIG. 3B, on the screen;(b) running the application program to determine if the portable storage device is found or connected via the interface, wherein step (c) continues if the portable storage device is determined to be found, and otherwise step (g) continues if the portable storage device is determined not to be found;(c) searching for the targeted word unit, i.e. target, in the portable storage device when the portable storage device is determined to be found, wherein step (c1) continues if no targeted word unit is searched for, and otherwise step (d) continues if the targeted word unit is searched for;(c1) performing a formatting step if no targeted word unit is searched for, wherein step (c2) continues after performing the formatting step, and otherwise step (g) continues if no formatting step is performed;(c2) setting up a targeted word unit, i.e. target, a small database, i.e. header, a cover folder, a setup-file folder and a logical configuration unit in the portable storage device, after which step (g) continues, followed by steps (c)-(d) continuing;(d) searching for the game information in the small database, i.e. header, wherein step (e) continues if the game information is searched for, and otherwise step (g) continues if no game information is searched for;(e) checking if any cover information or setup-file information has correspondence to the correspondence code in the small database, i.e. header, wherein step (f) continues in the case of YES, and otherwise a preset value is employed and step (g) continues in the case of NO; for example, in the case that game information corresponding to the correspondence code 01 in the small database, i.e. header, is to be obtained, the small database, i.e. header, can verify by comparison the cover information or setup-file information having correspondence to the correspondence code 01 in the header to be read;(f) reading the setup-file unit, corresponding to the correspondence code in the header, including cover information or setup-file information, after which step (g) continues;(g) returning to the application-program menu and displaying on the screen.

FIG. 4is a block flow chart of performing a game program in accordance with the present invention. Referring toFIG. 2, after the game console reads the cover information and setup-file information of the portable storage device, a user can select a game to be performed via a screen, mentioned as the following steps:(10) running the application file to read the game information to be displayed on a menu list;(11) electing to perform the game, wherein step (12) continues if the game is elected to be performed, and otherwise step (10) continues if the game is not elected to be performed;(12) reading the game file in the portable storage device;(13) performing the game file.

FIG. 5is a flow chart of steps of a computer acting as the game console to transmit game files in accordance with the present invention. Referring toFIG. 5, the steps include:(a) starting the application program and determining if the portable storage device is found or connected via the interface;(b) searching for the targeted word unit, i.e. target, in the portable storage device, wherein step (c) continues if the targeted word unit is searched for, and otherwise step (c1) continues if no targeted word unit is searched for;(c1) determining if a formatting step is to be performed, wherein step (c2) continues if the formatting step is performed, and otherwise step (b) continues if no formatting step is performed;(c2) setting up a targeted word unit, i.e. target, a small database, i.e. header, a cover folder, a setup-file folder and a logical configuration unit, after which step (e) continues;(c) searching for game information in the small database, i.e. header, wherein step (d) continues if the game information is searched for, and otherwise step (e) continues if no game information is searched for;(d) checking if any game image file in the logical configuration unit has a correspondence code corresponding to a correspondence code in the small database, i.e. header;(e) returning to the application program and displaying on a screen;(f) selecting a game image file in the computer;(g) verifying by comparison if a game correspondence code in the game image file in the computer is identical to that in the small database, i.e. header, wherein step (f) continues in the case of YES, and otherwise step (h) continues in the case of NO;(h) transmitting a game program to the logical configuration unit and setting up a correspondence code in the small database, i.e. header.

The above steps are described for more elaboration, as below:(a) connecting the portable storage device with the computer, i.e. game console, starting the application program in the computer and determining if the portable storage device is found or connected via the interface;(b) searching for the targeted word unit, i.e. target, in the portable storage device when the portable storage device is determined to be found by the computer, wherein step (c) continues if the targeted word unit is searched for, and otherwise step (c1) continues if no targeted word unit is searched for;(c1) the computer asking the user if a formatting step is to be performed to the portable storage device, wherein step (c2) continues if the formatting step is performed, and otherwise step (b) continues if no formatting step is performed;(c2) setting up a targeted word unit, i.e. target, a small database, i.e. header, a cover folder, a setup-file folder and a logical configuration unit in the portable storage device, after which step (e) continues;(c) searching for game information in the small database, i.e. header, wherein step (d) continues if the game information is searched for, and otherwise step (e) continues if no game information is searched for;(d) checking if any game image file in the logical configuration unit in the portable storage device has a correspondence code, i.e. game ID, corresponding to a correspondence code in the small database, i.e. header; for example, when the game image file has a correspondence code, i.e. game ID, of 02 and the small database has a correspondence code of 02, a game of the code 02 is checked to be contained;(e) returning to the application-program menu and displaying on a screen;(f) selecting a game image file in the computer;(g) verifying by comparison if a game correspondence code, i.e. GAME ID, in the game image file in the computer is identical to that in the small database, i.e. header, wherein step (f) continues in the case of YES, and otherwise step (h) continues in the case of NO;(h) transmitting the game program to the logical configuration unit, transmitting a cover picture or a setup file to the cover folder or setup-file folder in the setup-file unit and setting up a correspondence code in the small database, i.e. header.

FIG. 6is a flow chart of a downloading step performed by the game console connecting with the portable storage device and a server in accordance with the present invention. Referring toFIG. 6, after the portable storage device is mounted on the game console and the game console finishes reading via the application-file menu, the game console can perform the following steps to connect with a server:(a) having read the game information via the application-file menu;(b) connecting the game console and the server, wherein step (c) continues if the game console is connected to a server, and otherwise step (h) continues if the game console is not connected to the server;(c) verifying by comparison if the game information in the portable storage device is identical to that in a game database in the server, wherein step (d) continues in the case of NO, and otherwise step (f) continues in the case of YES;(d) selecting to download a corresponding game program;(e) downloading corresponding files to the logical configuration unit and the cover folder or setup-file folder in the setup-file unit in the portable storage device and setting up game information in the small database, i.e. header, after which step (h) continues;(f) checking if a corresponding game is updated, wherein step (g) continues in the case of YES, and otherwise step (h) continues in the case of NO;(g) writing a corresponding game file into the logical configuration unit or transmitting a corresponding cover picture or setup file to the cover folder or setup-file folder in the setup-file unit;(h) returning to the application-file menu.

The above steps are described for more elaboration, as below:(a) having read the game information via the application-file menu;(b) informationally connecting the game console and the preset server via a network interface, wherein step (c) continues if the game console is connected to the server, and otherwise step (h) continues if the game console is not connected to the server;(c) verifying by comparison if the game infoi nation in the small database in the portable storage device is identical to that in a game database in the preset server, wherein step (d) continues in the case of NO, and otherwise step (f) continues in the case of YES;(d) selecting to download a corresponding game program;(e) downloading a corresponding game file to the logical configuration unit in the portable storage device, transmitting a corresponding cover picture or setup file to the cover folder or setup-file folder in the setup-file unit and setting up game information including a game correspondence code in the small database, i.e. header, after which step (h) continues;(f) checking if a corresponding game file in the server is replaced when the game information is verified to be identical, wherein step (g) continues in the case of YES, and otherwise step (h) continues in the case of NO;(g) writing a correspondence game file into the logical configuration unit or transmitting a corresponding cover picture or setup file to the cover folder or setup-file folder in the setup-file unit;(h) returning to the application-file menu.

In short, a user can use the application program to verify by comparison if the game information in the small database is identical to that in a game database in the server and then optionally to download updated information or to overwrite an original file.

FIG. 7is a flow chart of an information updating step to verify if current files can be normally operated or displayed, performed by the game console connecting with the portable storage device and at least a server in accordance with the present invention. Referring toFIG. 7, after the portable storage device is mounted on the game console and the game console finishes reading via the application-file menu, the game console can perform the following steps:(a) having run the application program to read the game information and display a menu list;(b) clicking on an item of checking or updating files in the menu list;(c) connecting the game console and the server, wherein step (d) continues if the game console is connected to the server, and otherwise step (g) continues if the game console is not connected to the server;(d) verifying by comparison if the game information in the small database in the portable storage device is identical to that in a game database in the server, wherein “not identical” means files would be inexistent or lost, wherein step (f) continues if files are existent or broken, and otherwise step (e) continues if files are inexistent or lost;(e) downloading files, after which step (g) continues;(f) downloading files or forcing to download files, after which step (f1) continues;(f1) overwriting files;(g) ending and returning to the menu list.

FIG. 8is a layout of application programs in a memory in accordance with the present invention. The memory runs in ways described as below. Referring toFIG. 8, the application program in the memory includes game-related information121having the game correspondence code1211(GAME ID), a game title1212, an image-file start sector1213and a game cover picture1214; when a user select a game via the application-program menu, the game image file141, having the correspondence code (GAME ID) identical to the correspondence code (GAME ID) of the game-related information121, in the logical configuration unit can be read. The game image file141including a game correspondence code, game title, game (main) program and game video file (game sound file and game graphics file) can be loaded in the free space of the memory to provide a user to play a game. Unselected game related information121has program not to be processed. Thereby, the advantages of nonsynchronous localization can be achieved.

FIG. 9is a first schematic structural view of expanding the game file in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 10is a second schematic structural view of expanding the game file in accordance with the present invention. Referring toFIG. 9, in a view from a storage medium, a plurality of the game image file141is in the logical configuration unit141. Each of the game image files141is a package that can be released into a game block or folder. When the game image files141are clicked to be released, each of the game blocks or folders includes a game correspondence code (GAME ID), game title, game (main) program, game sound data or file and game graphics data or file. Referring toFIG. 10, in a view from a game console, multiple game folders or blocks seem to be seen. In the game folders or blocks are game correspondence codes, game titles, game (main) programs, game sound data or files and game graphics data or files.

Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention, a localization technology of mounting a game, in a portable storage device, on a game console can improve traditional technologies, mentioned as below:

A game can be promptly mounted using the nonsynchronous localization technology to simulate the portable storage device as an internal hard disk in the game console. Thereby, effectiveness can be enhanced. The game console has a reduced volume and can have a game promptly mounted thereon without any hard disk. In the other words, the portable storage device can be preset as a hard disk in the game console so as to perform the nonsynchronous localization technology.

Besides, the indefinite number of the portable storage devices can be promptly mounted.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. Furthermore, unless stated otherwise, the numerical ranges provided are intended to be inclusive of the stated lower and upper values. Moreover, unless stated otherwise, all material selections and numerical values are representative of preferred embodiments and other ranges and/or materials may be used.

The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims, and such scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows, and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents thereof.