When using this document, keep the following in mind:ntialGeneral Notice

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SEGA immediately and return this document to SEGA.

de2. This document may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new versions of the
document. SEGA may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the
program(s) described in this document at any time.

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3. No one is permitted to reproduce or duplicate, in any form, the whole or part of this document
without SEGA’S written permission. Request for copies of this document and for technicalinformation about SEGA products must be made to your authorized SEGA Technical Services
representative.
4. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patents, copyrights, trademarks, orother intellectual property rights of SEGA Enterprises, Ltd., SEGA of America, Inc., or any third
party.

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5. Software, circuitry, and other examples described herein are meant merely to indicate the characteristics and performance of SEGA’s products. SEGA assumes no responsibility for any intellectual
property claims or other problems that may result from applications based on the examples
describe herein.

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6. It is possible that this document may contain reference to, or information about, SEGA products(development hardware/software) or services that are not provided in countries other than Japan.
Such references/information must not be construed to mean that SEGA intends to provide such
SEGA products or services in countries other than Japan. Any reference of a SEGA licensed product/program in this document is not intended to state or simply that you can use only SEGA’slicensed products/programs. Any functionally equivalent hardware/software can be used instead.
7. SEGA will not be held responsible for any damage to the user that may result from accidents or any
other reasons during operation of the user’s equipment, or programs according to this document.

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NOTE: A reader's comment/correction form is provided with thisdocument. Please address comments to :SEGA of America, Inc., Developer Technical Support (att. Evelyn Merritt)
150 Shoreline Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065

SEGA may use or distribute whatever information you supply in any way
it believes appropriate without incurring any obligation to you.

(11/2/94- 002)

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Backup System
Production Standard
Doc. # ST-203-100494© 1994 SEGA. All Rights Reserved.

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READER CORRECTION/COMMENT SHEETKeep us updated!
If you should come across any incorrect or outdated information while reading through the attacheddocument, or come up with any questions or comments, please let us know so that we can make therequired changes in subsequent revisions. Simply fill out all information below and return this form to
the Developer Technical Support Manager at the address below. Please make more copies of this form if
more space is needed. Thank you.
General Information:

Phone

Document number
Document nameDate

ST-203-100494
Backup System Production Standard

Corrections:
Correction

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pg. #

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Chpt.

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Your NameSE

Questions/comments:

Fax:

Where to send your corrections:(415) 802-3963
Attn: Manager,
Developer Technical Support

Mail:

SEGA OF AMERICA
Attn: Manager,
Developer Technical Support
275 Shoreline Dr. Ste 500
Redwood City, CA 94065

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Attachment 2: Backup System Creation Standard(Saturn Version)
This document standardizes the basic functions and terminology related to backup
and, in doing so, establishes a creation standard for realizing a user-friendly environment applicable to all software.

1.0

Terminology Standardization

Standard Terms for Saturn Backupde

The notations that appear in game screens and instruction manuals are standardized
to the standard terms listed below. Prohibited terms must not be used because theytend to confuse the user.

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For terms related to backup in the Saturn, as a rule, use the terms listed below inscreen displays and in instruction manuals of applicable software. The underlined
terms listed after Previously) are not appropriate for use in games. Use of the doubleunderlined terms is strictly prohibited.
Hardware Names

Co1) Backup RAM
Previously) Backup/RAM/RAM cartridge(General name referring to both base RAM and cartridge RAM)2) Base RAM
Previously) Internal backup RAM/internal RAM
3) Cartridge RAM
Previously) Cartridge/backup RAM cartridge/RAM cartridge
Hardware Function NamesSEGA1) Multiplayer screen
Previously) Control screen/control panel (in boot ROM)
2) Save Data Control screen
Previously) Backup RAM tool (backup tool in boot ROM)
3) Record/dataPreviously) Data/save data/file4) (Record) name/data name
Previously) Data name/filename5) Capacity
Previously) Capacity/area/block6) Used space, empty space/available spacePreviously) Number of used blocks, number of empty blocks/free area

Backup System Production Standard11) Erase all/erase all records/erase (initialize) all records
Previously) Initialization/format/intialize
Note:

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Function Names

Do not use “initialization” except when the media is in its actual unformatted state.
Even in this case, use “Erase (initialize) all records.”

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2) Load/readPreviously) Load/read3) Save
Previously) Save/write/new write4) Copy
Previously) Copy
5) Erase
Previously) Erase/delete
7) Erase the record and copy/update the record
Previously) Overwrite8) Update record name
Previously) Rename
9) Backup switching
Previously) Switching/RAM switching/RAM change
Warning Messages

Co1) was ... correctly
Previously) was ... correctly/was ... normally2) could not be ... (correctly)
Previously) could not be ... (correctly)/failed/...error3) cannot be used
Previously) cannot be used/is abnormal/is destroyed/was destroyed
New Terms

SEGA

1) Comment
Detailed information (represented with up to 10 half-size alphanumeric and/or kana characters) that adds record content information to the record name.
2) Time information
Record time information indicated by a time stamp.

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2.0

System Specifications

Initialization
processingNGde1) Initialization checknti
alFigure 2-1 shows the flow of the basic backup system. The processes, functions, andmessages shown in the flow must be incorporated into the backup system.

OK2) Existingdata check

NG

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OK
2) Capacity
check2) Capacity
check

NG

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8) Warning message
processingNG8) Warning message
processing

OK3) LoadSave disabled
processing

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Start gameSE

During game4) Save5) Comment support
6) Time stamp support
7) Base RAM/cartridge
RAM selection

Note: Flow may differ depending on the application.
Figure 2-1

Backup System Production Standard

Flow of basic backup system31) Initialization checkntial• Check initialization of base RAM and cartridge RAM.
• Prevent startup if either RAM is not initialized.

deThe application must always check initialization of the base RAM and the cartridge RAM before starting the main game. If either RAM is not initialized, theapplication reports the condition to the user and either initializes the RAM directly or instructs the user to initialize the RAM from the Save Data Control
screen in the Saturn unit boot ROM. The application must not start the game ifeither RAM is not initialized. When accessing the backup RAM, always use the
BACKUPRAM BIOS. When formatting the base RAM, cartridge RAM, or extended memory, always use the SEGASATURN_BACKUP_FORMAT method.
2) Existing data/capacity check• Check for application data.
• Check empty space.

3) Load• Check for data corruption/load errors.

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Before starting the main game, the application checks for data that it can use andchecks the available space for each backup. If the check indicates no data for theapplication or insufficient space available, the application displays a warning
message according to the status (see item 8) Warning message.

4) Save••••

Check for save errors.
Check available space
Define record name.
Define record size.

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When loading data, the application must always check for data corruption. If thedata cannot be used, the application must report the condition to the user andsomehow differentiate the data to show that it cannot be used.

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When saving data, the application checks the available space. If the capacity is
insufficient, the application reports the condition to the player. The application
checks whether the data was written normally. The record names used in saveprocessing are controlled by Sega. (This is to avoid using the same record names
in a different game.)
Example) Fantasy Star X requires save at three locations:SE

Location 1: PS_SCENE_00
Location 2: PS_SCENE_01
Location 3: PS_SCENE_02

Only last 3 characters are variable.
First 8 characters are common.

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Do not use a general name like GM_DATA_000. The characters that can be usedin record names are limited to numbers, uppercase alphabetic letters, and underscore. The first character must not be a number. File names must be 11 characters in length. If a file name is less than 11 characters, pad the name with underscore (_) characters. Do not use spaces. When executing several saves in a game,fix the first 8 characters of the filename, and use underscore and numbers in thelast three variable characters.

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The size of one record must not exceed 256 kilobytes. Records over 256 kilobytes
cannot be copied because the copy function of the Save Data Control screen in
the boot ROM does not support sizes over 256 kilobytes. If the record size exceeds 256 kilobytes, the application itself must be able to copy the records.

Backup System Production Standard55) Comment supportnti
al• Define comment.
• Enter game name in katakana as the default.
Note: The user may be allowed to change the default.

The comment is up to 10 half-size alphanumeric or kana characters. Although
there are no rules on the comment contents, the game name must be entered in
katakana as the default.
6) Time stamp supportde• Define time stamp.
• Set file display sequence.
• Always write time stamp.

The time stamp cannot be deleted or changed by the user. The files are displayedin reverse chronological order based on the time stamp (file with the latest savedate is displayed first).

• Always support both RAMs.

nfi7) Selection of base RAM/cartridge RAM

Note: The position of the selection within the processing sequence is not defined.

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The application must be able to read backup data directly for both the base RAM
and the cartridge RAM. The creation standard does not specify where this process should take place in the processing sequence.
8) Warning messages
The following warnings must be incorporated into the application to support the
specifications described in items 1) to 5).

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Initialization check warning (during startup).
New save disabled warning after game is started (during startup).
Save disabled warning (during startup).
New save disabled warning during game (during save/copy execution).
Load/save/copy/erase/initialization failure warnings (after execution of each process).
File corruption warning (during load execution).
Display of backup space used by application (When new save is disabled after a game isstarted or during a game).
• Warning instructing the user not to turn off the power during save execution.

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•
•
•
•
•
•
•

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3.0

Sequence and Warning Message Examples

ntialThis section gives sequence and warning message examples for each process. Referto these examples and, if possible, implement them to create a user-friendly system.
1) Initialization check and existing data/capacity check
Initialization check

Initialization
processing

Display warning
message (1)

No

Yes

Initialization
processing?

deIs backup
initialized?

No

Was game backup
data already saved?

Go to Save Data
Control screen

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No

Yes

Is there enough freespace to play game?

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Is there enough freespace to play game?

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Display warning
message (2)Continue selection
disabled processing

No
Display warning
message (3)Save disabled
processing?

No

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Yes
Save disabled
processing

Go to Save Data
Control screen

Start
game

Initialization processing sequenceSE

Figure 2.2<Warning message (1)>
If either the base RAM or the cartridge RAM is not initialized, the game cannot be
started. After displaying the warning, the application should initialize the target
ROM or instruct the user to switch to the Save Data Control screen in the Saturn unit
boot ROM and execute RAM initialization.

Backup System Production Standard

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“Base RAM (cartridge RAM) is not ready for backup (has not been initialized).”(*1)“All records in base RAM (cartridge RAM) will be erased (initializing). Yes/No?”(*1)“All records in base RAM (cartridge RAM) were erased (initialized).”(*1)“All records in base RAM (cartridge RAM) could not be erased (initialized).”(*1)“Erase (initialize) all records from Sega Saturn’s Save Data Control screen.”(*)“To switch to Sega Saturn’s Save Data Control screen, hold down the L or R button andpress Reset.”*1 Always place the word “initialize” in parentheses. Using the word by itself is prohibited.

<Warning message (2)>

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Space for saving the new data cannot be reserved. The user must be informed thatthe only way to save the new data is to sacrifice an existing record. (At the start of a
new game or the continuation of a game, the new record cannot be saved unless anearlier record is erased or updated.) Information on the capacity used by the gamemust be displayed at the same time.

Co“Not enough free space to store new record. If game is started, new record cannot
be saved unless previous record is erased.”“*** of empty space required to save new record.”“From Sega Saturn’s Save Data Control screen, erase other game records or copy
other records to cartridge RAM, then restart the game. To display Sega Saturn’s
Save Data Control screen, hold down the L or R button and press Power or Reset.”<Continue selection disabled processing>

The game cannot be continued because there are no game records (initial status
immediately after the software is purchased). Include processing that prevents theuser from selecting continue or skips the Game Data Selection screen (load screen).

GA<Warning message (3)>There is no game data and no empty space. In other words, the save function cannot
be used at all. Even in this condition, the user must be allowed the option of playing thegame (of course, the save function cannot be used). Information on the capacity used by
the game must be displayed at the same time.

SE“If the game is started in this condition, the record cannot be saved. Start the game?
Yes No”“*** of empty space required to save a game record.”“From Sega Saturn’s Save Data Control screen, erase other game records or copy
other records to cartridge RAM, then restart the game.”“To switch to Sega Saturn’s Save Data Control screen, hold down the L or R buttonand press Power or Reset.”

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2) Load, save

Data load

Data selection
by user

Display warning
message (4)nfi

Data loaddeBackup selection
by user

AbnormalIs data normal?
NormalCo

Start game

Load processing sequence

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Figure 2-3<Warning message (4)>An error has occurred during load processing. This type of warning message isissued if data becomes corrupt or if read fails (probability is very small). The warning message must inform the user that the data could not be loaded and the record
cannot be used.

SE“Record could not be read correctly.”“Load failed.”“Game cannot be started with this record.”“This record cannot be used.”
Note: Do not use the expression “is destroyed.”

Backup System Production Standard

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Data save

Backup selection
by user

Save location
selection by userNG

Display warning
message (6)Co

Data save

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OK

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Available
space check

Display warning
message (5)Was data
written normally?

No

Yes

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Continue orend gameSE

Figure 2-4

10Save processing sequence<Warning message (5)>ntialAn error has occurred during save processing. This type of warning message isissued if the capacity is full and data cannot be saved or if write fails (probability issmall). If the capacity is full, the warning message must display information on thecapacity used by the game.

<Warning message (6)>de“*** of empty space is necessary to save a record for this game.”“From Sega Saturn’s Save Data Control screen, erase other game records or copy
other records to cartridge RAM, and then restart the game.”“To switch to Sega Saturn’s Save Data Control screen, hold down the L or R buttonand press Power or Reset.”“The record could not be saved correctly. Re-execute the save.”nfiThis warning instructs the user not to turn off the main unit power during saveprocessing. This message should be displayed at an appropriate location in thegame sequence and clearly written in the instructions manual.

Co“Saving a game record. The record may not be saved correctly if the power is turned
off.”Translator’s Notes
1.

For some of the terms listed on page 2, two Japanese terms havethe same English translation. In such cases the English word waslisted only once.

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Example(Japanese)
3) Save/savePreviously) Save/save/write/new write

SE(Translation)3) Save
Previously) Save/write/new write

Backup System Production Standard

11