Patent Publication Number: US-2012040762-A1

Title: Compatibility adapter and compatibility processing method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a compatibility adapter device, connected to a new-generation entertainment device, and a compatibility processing method that provide for downward compatibility. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     High-quality graphics find increasingly widespread use. For example, personal computer or dedicated game devices run applications like games or simulation that uses high-quality three-dimensional graphics or play back video content in which live action and computer graphics are blended. 
     Improvement in the technology of graphical presentation in personal computers and game devices is largely due to improvement in computing power and image processing capability achieved by the development of CPUs and GPUs (Graphics Processing Unit). In order to improve graphic performance, chip vendors and hardware manufacturers are exercising efforts to develop graphic chips specifically designed for rendering functions. As a result, graphic chips that incorporate advanced rendering functions are developed one after another, promising future advances and expandability of graphic system. Further, software technology as well as hardware technology is blended in order to achieve even higher graphics. For improvement of rendering quality, it is important to efficiently utilize high-performance rendering functions of graphic chips by taking full advantage of software technology. 
     Meanwhile, in addition to ensuring advancement in graphic systems, flexibility of providing for compatibility with old-generation programming languages and supporting various video output formats or protocols is called for in the development of graphic chips. 
     Patent document No. 1 discloses an entertainment device capable of running software for an old type. 
     [patent document No. 1] JP 2001-314644 
     [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] 
     Many of the users of game devices available on the market with a new-generation graphic processor or multiprocessor expect downward compatibility capable of running game titles for an old model as well as game titles for a new model. New models may be provided with downward compatibility by having at least part of the old-generation processor system installed. This will, however, cause a disadvantage of increasing the product cost. Users who do not use game titles for an old model do not need downward compatibility functions and do not want to be forced to buy expensive products. At least part of the processing capability of the old-generation processor system may be emulated by the processor of a new model on a software basis. A problem is that the processor performance may often be insufficient to emulate the graphic operation. 
     In this background, a purpose of the present invention is to provide a compatibility adapter device capable of providing an entertainment device with downward compatibility by being connected to the entertainment device. 
     [Means to Solve the Problem] 
     In order to resolve the above problems, a compatibility adapter device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an external connection interface configured to be connected to an external connection terminal of a new-generation entertainment device; a compatibility processor unit configured to be compatible with the processing function of an old-generation entertainment device; and a control unit configured to receive data, which has been input to the new-generation entertainment device, from the new-generation entertainment device via the external connection interface, when it is determined that the type of a recording medium storing application software is for the old-generation entertainment device, to supply the data to the compatibility processor unit, and to transmit the data processed by the compatibility processor unit to the new-generation entertainment device via the external connection interface. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a compatibility processing method. The compatibility processing method is adapted for a compatibility adapter device connected to an external connection terminal of a new-generation entertainment device in order to provide the new-generation entertainment device with downward compatibility with an old-generation entertainment device, and comprises: receiving data, which has been input to the new-generation entertainment device, from the new-generation entertainment device via an external connection interface, when it is determined that the type of a recording medium storing application software is for the old-generation entertainment device; supplying the input data as received to a compatibility processor unit compatible with the processing function of the old-generation entertainment device, and transmitting the data processed by the compatibility processor unit to the new-generation entertainment device via the external connection interface. 
     Optional combinations of the aforementioned constituting elements, and implementations of the invention in the form of methods, processors, apparatuses, systems, computer programs, and data structure may also be practiced as additional modes of the present invention. 
     ADVANTAGE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     According to the embodiment, an entertainment device can be provided with downward compatibility function easily by connecting the device to a compatibility adapter device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows the configuration of an old-generation game device; 
         FIG. 2  shows a new-generation game device according to the first embodiment and a compatibility adapter connected to the game device; 
         FIG. 3  shows the configuration of the compatibility adapter of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing the compatibility processing method according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing how the compatibility process by the compatibility adapter proceeds in detail; 
         FIG. 6  shows the configuration of the compatibility adapter according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing the compatibility processing method according to the second embodiment; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing how the compatibility process by the compatibility adapter proceeds in detail. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  shows the configuration of an old-generation game device  100 . The old-generation game device  100  includes a DVD decoder  110 , a sound processor  120 , an I/O processor  130 , a main processor  140 , and a graphics processor  150 . 
     The DVD decoder  110  and the sound processor  120  are connected to the I/O processor  130  via an internal bus  160 . 
     The I/O processor  130  and the main processor  140  are connected to each other, and the main processor  140  and the graphics processor  150  are also connected to each other. 
     The DVD decoder  110  demodulates a reproduced signal read from a disk  102  such as a CD and a DVD, and supplies the demodulated data to the I/O processor  130 . The sound processor  120  decodes and reproduces audio data and outputs the data to a speaker. 
     The I/O processor  130  delivers various data supplied from the DVD decoder  110  to the main processor  140 . The I/O processor  130  is connected to I/O devices such as a game device controller  106  and a memory card  104  via a serial interface  170 . 
     The I/O processor  130  supplies the input data from the game device controller  106  controlled by the user to the main processor  140 , and supplies the vibration data etc. that the main processor  140  generates to the game device controller  106 . The I/O processor  130  also controls the operation of reading and writing data in the memory card  104  performed by the main processor  140 . 
     The I/O processor  130  has an interface of Ethernet (registered trademark) or USB (Universal Serial Bus), and supplies an IP packet and a USB signal to the main processor  140 , respectively. 
     The main processor  140  runs software stored in the disk  102 , and performs predetermined arithmetic processing. The graphics processor  150  has a three-dimensional rendering function, performs a rendering process according to a direction from the main processor  140 , generates frame data, and outputs a video signal to the display. 
       FIG. 2  shows a new-generation game device  300  and a compatibility adapter  200  connected to the game device. The new-generation game device  300  is a game device with the latest processor system built in. A game device controller  306  and a memory card  304  are connected to the new-generation game device  300 . The disk drive of the new-generation game device  300  reads software such as a game, from a disk  302  such as a DVD. 
     The new-generation game device  300  is not compatible with the old-generation game device  100  of  FIG. 1  and cannot run a game title for an old model. Therefore, in order to give downward compatibility to the new-generation game device  300 , the compatibility adapter  200  is connected via a network connection cable  202 . The compatibility adapter  200  is a compatibility processing unit with at least a part of function of the old-generation game device  100  of  FIG. 1 . The compatibility adapter receives data from the new-generation game device  300  via the network connection cable  202 , performs a compatibility process, and returns a processing result to the new-generation game device  300 . 
     The new-generation game device  300  can authenticate the disk inserted in the disk drive, and can identify whether the disk is for a new model or for an old model based on the disk type. If the disk  302  is for an old model, the new-generation game device  300  reads a game program for an old type from the disk  302 . The game device controller  306  and the memory card  304  of the new-generation game device  300  are used for input and output. As regards arithmetic processing, downward compatibility is achieved by using the compatibility function of the compatibility adapter  200 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the configuration of the compatibility adapter  200 . The compatibility adapter  200  has a power supply adapter  206  and two network connection terminals  208  and  209 . The first network connection terminal  208  is connected to the network connection terminal of the new-generation game device  300  using the network connection cable  202 . The second network connection terminal  209  is connected to a router using a network connection cable  203 . 
     The compatibility adapter  200  includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)  210 , an old-generation processor unit  230 , a graphics processor  238 , a memory  240 , and a flash memory  242 . 
     The old-generation processor unit  230  includes a main processor  232 , an I/O processor  234 , and a sound processor  236 . These components are equivalent to the main processor  140 , the I/O processor  130 , and the sound processor  120  of the old-generation game device  100  of  FIG. 1 , respectively, and provide the arithmetic processing function of the old-generation game device  100 . 
     The graphics processor  238  is equivalent to the graphics processor  150  of the old-generation game device  100  of  FIG. 1  and provides the rendering function of the old-generation game device  100 . 
     The ASIC  210  is an application-specific integrated circuit provided for global control of the compatibility adapter  200  and includes a hub  212 , an encryption section  214 , a CPU/DMA/MAC  216 , a system controller  218 , and a boot ROM  220 . 
     The system controller  218  performs systems control such as fan control, voltage control, and temperature monitoring. A boot code for starting the compatibility adapter  200  is stored in the boot ROM  220 , and the compatibility adapter  200  reads the boot code from the boot ROM  220  at power-on and is started accordingly. 
     The hub  212  has two ports, which are connected to the first and second network connection terminals  208  and  209 . The data transmitted from the old-generation game device  300  is input to the first port of the hub  212  via the network connection cable  202  connected to the first terminal  208 , decrypted by the encryption unit  214 , processed by the CPU/DMA/MAC  216 , and supplied to the I/O processor  234  of the old-generation processor unit  230 . 
     The data generated by the old-generation processor unit  230  or the graphics processor  238  is turned into packets by the CPU/DMA/MAC  216 , decrypted by the encryption unit  214 , output from the first port of the hub  212 , and transmitted to the new-generation game device  300  via the cable  202  connected to the first terminal  208 . 
     The data transmitted by the new-generation game device  300  to an external network is input to the first port of the hub  212  via the cable  202  connected to the first terminal  208 , output from the second port via the hub  212 , and transmitted to the router via the network connection cable  203  connected to the second terminal  209 . The data received by the new-generation game device  300  from an external network is input to the second port via the cable  203  connected to the second terminal  209 , output from the first port via the hub  212 , and transmitted to the new-generation game device  300  via the cable  202  connected to the first terminal  208 . 
     Thus, data communication between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200  and data communication between the new-generation game device  300  and an external network can be independent of each other. Therefore, the new-generation game device  300  can exchange data with the compatibility adapter  200  to perform a compatibility process, even while the new-generation game device  300  is exchanging data with an external network, thereby preventing a delay in the compatibility process from occurring due to network communication. 
     Another example of network connection will be described. When a game title supporting a network and adapted for an old model is run, arithmetic processing is performed by using the compatibility function of the compatibility adapter  200 , and the data is input and output between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter via the first port of the hub  212 . On the other hand, when data communication with an external network is required in the game title concerned, the data is exchanged via the second port of the hub  212 . 
     Still another example of network connection will be described. While running a game title for an old model using the compatibility function of the compatibility adapter  200 , the new-generation game device  300  may download a content, etc. in the background. In this case, the content data downloaded from an external server is input o the second port of the hub  212 , output from the first port via the hub  212 , and received by the new-generation game device  300 . 
     The hub  212  may have a priority control function that assigns a band so that priority may be given to the data communication between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200  over the data communication between the new-generation game device  300  and an external network. The priority band assignment control may be exercised according to the game title. Basically, a band is assigned to the communication of game data between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200  in preference to the data communication between the new-generation game device  300  and an external network. The order of priority in band assignment may be changed for a specific game title. Alternatively, band assignment may be dynamically changed using the privilege of the system software of the new-generation game device  300 . 
     The encryption unit  214  performs an encryption process for maintaining the privacy of the communication between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200 , and also performs a process of decoding the encrypted communication. 
     For compatibility with the old model, the signal read from a disk in the new-generation game device  300  and the data input via the input device are taken out from the new-generation game device  300  and input to the compatibility adapter  200  via the network connection cable  202 . The data processed by the old-generation processor unit  230  and the graphics processor  238  of the compatibility adapter  200  is again taken out from the compatibility adapter  200  and input to the new-generation game device  300  via the network connection cable  202 . Thus, since the data that should otherwise be exchanged via the internal bus of a game device is transmitted and received via a network between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200 , encryption for maintaining the privacy of data is needed from the viewpoint of preventing hacking. 
     The encryption unit  214  decodes the encrypted data transmitted from the new-generation game device  300  and encrypts the data processed by the old-generation processor unit  230  and the graphics processor  238  in order to transmit the data to the new-generation game device  300 . 
     The CPU/DMA/MAC 216  is a control unit having the function of a CPU, a DMA (Direct Memory Access), and MAC (Media Access Control). The memory access function is implemented by the memory controller  222 , which controls access to the memory  240 , and the flash memory controller  224 , which controls access to the flash memory  242 . MAC provides functions such as packetization and error detection for transmission and reception of data over a network. Also built in is a DVD decoder emulator  226 , which emulates the DVD decoder  110  of the old-generation game device  100  of  FIG. 1  by software. 
     The DVD decoder emulator  226  demodulates the reproduced signal that the new-generation game device  300  reads from the disk  302 . If the DVD decoder of the new-generation game device  300  demodulates the reproduced signal, the data produced by the demodulation will be of a large volume so that it could take time to transmit the data to the compatibility adapter  200  via a network and increase latency to return the data subjected to compatibility processing to the new-generation game device  300 . 
     For example, the signal speed will be about 44 Mbps when the DVD signal is not demodulated but will be increased to 1168 Mbps when the DVD signal is demodulated. 
     Therefore, it is realistic to acquire the reproduced signal that the DVD decoder of the new-generation game device  300  reads from the disk  302  before demodulating the signal and to transmit it to the compatibility adapter  200  via a network. The DVD decoder emulator  226  is built in the compatibility adapter  200  so that the compatibility adapter  200  is configured to demodulate the reproduced signal transmitted from the new-generation game device  300 . 
     The graphics processor  238  is connected to the main processor  232 , runs a rendering process directed by the main processor  232 , and gives video data to the CPU/DMA/MAC  216 . 
     A serial interface  252 , a USB interface  254 , an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface  256 , and an internal bus  250  are provided between the CPU/DMA/MAC  216  and the I/O processor  234  so as to carry input and output data of the game controller or the memory card, USB data, network data, and internal bus data, respectively. These interfaces are required in order to provide the compatibility adapter  200  with the function of the I/O processor  130  of the old-generation game device  100 . 
     The sound processor  236  supplies reproduced audio data to the CPU/DMA/MAC  216 . 
     The compatibility process by the compatibility adapter  200  will be described by referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing how the compatibility process proceeds in the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200 . 
     The new-generation game device  300  authenticates the disk  302  inserted in the disk drive and determines whether the disk  302  is for a new model or for an old model (S 10 ). If the disk  302  is for a new model (N in S 10 ), the new-generation game device  300  operates in the normal mode and reads a game program from the disk  302  and runs the game (S 38 ). 
     If the disk  302  is for an old model (Y in S 10 ), the disk drive of the new-generation game device  300  reads the disk  302  and acquire a reproduced signal (S 11 ). A reproduced signal is supplied to the internal bus in the new-generation game device  300 . The new-generation game device  300  acquires the internal bus signal (S 12 ). 
     The new-generation game device  300  acquires the controller signal input from the game device controller  306  (S 14 ) and acquires the data input and output in the memory card  304  (S 16 ). Subsequently, the new-generation game device  300  superimposes the internal bus signal, various data including controller data and memory card data (S 18 ) onto each other, and encrypts the superimposed signal and data (S 20 ). Subsequently, the signal encrypted for transmission over a network is turned into IP packets and transmitted to the compatibility adapter  200  via the network connection cable  202  (S 22 ). 
     The compatibility adapter  200  receives the IP packet from the new-generation game device  300  and runs a compatibility process (S 40 ). The compatibility process by the compatibility adapter  200  will be described in detail in  FIG. 5 . 
     The new-generation game device  300  receives the data subjected to the compatibility process in the form of an IP packet from the compatibility adapter  200  via the network (S 24 ). 
     The new-generation game device  300  decodes the encrypted IP packet thus received (S 26 ). The new-generation game device  300  retrieves various signals isolated from each other by carrying out packet processing on the decoded signal, and places the signals on the bus (S 28 ). Thereby, the controller signal, the data to be output to the memory card, the audio signal, the video signal, etc. are retrieved. The new-generation game device  300  outputs sound and video (S 30 ). 
     The new-generation game device  300  vibrates the game device controller  306  in accordance with the controller signal (S 32 ). The new-generation game device  300  also writes the data to be output to the memory card into the memory card  304  (S 34 ). 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing how the compatibility process by the compatibility adapter  200  proceeds in detail. 
     The hub  212  of the compatibility adapter  200  receives the IP packet from the new-generation game device  300  (S 42 ), and the encryption unit  214  decodes the encrypted packet (S 44 ). Subsequently, the CPU/DMA/MAC  216  subjects the decoded packet to packet processing. The CPU/DMA/MAC 216  isolates the decoded signals and feeds the signals to respective buses (S 46 ). Thereby, the controller signal, the data to be output to the memory card, the audio signal, the video signal, etc. are retrieved. 
     The DVD decoder emulator  226  of the new-generation game device  300  receives the reproduced signal read from the disk  302  and demodulates the signal (S 48 ). 
     The I/O processor  234  receives the signals from the CPU/DMA/MAC  216  and delivers the signals to the main processor  232  (S 50 ). 
     The main processor  232  performs computation based on the received data and outputs the result to the graphics processor  238  and the sound processor  236  (S 52 ). 
     The graphics processor  238  delivers video data to the CPU/DMA/MAC  216 , the sound processor  236  delivers sound data to the CPU/DMA/MAC  216 , and the CPU/DMA/MAC  216  compresses the video output of the graphics processor  238  (S 54 ). 
     The CPU/DMA/MAC  216  superimposes the various data onto each other and encrypts the blended data (S 60 ). Subsequently, the CPU/DMA/MAC  216  turns the encrypted data into IP packets and transmits the packetized data to the new-generation game device  300  via the hub  212  (S 62 ). The transmitted data includes controller data for vibrating the game device controller  306  and memory card data to be written in the memory card  304 . 
     In the compatibility process by the compatibility adapter  200 , the difference in clock frequency between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200  may pose a problem. If the clock frequency of the compatibility adapter  200  is smaller than the clock frequency of the new-generation game device  300 , displacement occurs between the cycle of frames rendered by the graphics processor  238  of the compatibility adapter  200  and the cycle of frames that the new-generation game device  300  displays on the display. When this gap is accumulated exceeding predetermined permitted time, the gap may be canceled by skipping frames rendered by the graphics processor  238  of the compatibility adapter  200  so as to drop frames. The CPU/DMA/MAC  216  of the compatibility adapter  200  or the processor of the new-generation game device  300  may determine the rate at which to skip frames based on the difference in the clock frequency, and may run the process of skipping frames accordingly. 
     A surplus computing power is created in the new-generation game device  300  by leaving the compatibility process to the compatibility adapter  200 . The normal upconverting process is performed using the surplus computing power. However, in order to reduce the delay due to the compatibility process as small as possible, the new-generation game device  300  may output the non-upconverted data for rendered frames, omitting the upconverting process usually performed. An upconverting process is a process whereby the quality of the output image data is improved, the frame rate and/or the spatial resolution is increased in order to adapt to the resolution of the display. An upconverting process increases the time before the image is output. When it takes time for the new-generation game device  300  to process the data received from the compatibility adapter  200 , it will become difficult for the new-generation game device  300  to receive the result of arithmetic processing from the compatibility adapter  200  within one frame and to output to the display. By omitting an upconverting process, the arithmetic processing result can be received within one frame and output to the display. 
     As described above, the embodiment is configured such that the compatibility adapter  200  is externally connected to the new-generation game device  300  to provide the new-generation game device  300  with downward compatibility. To run software for an old model, input and output through the game device controller or the memory card are implemented by using the input and output device as connected to the new-generation game device  300 , and arithmetic processing can be executed by the compatibility adapter  200 . In this way, the new-generation game device  300  can run a game application for an old model by using the same game machine controller  306  or the same memory card  304  as used in an application for a new model. 
     Where the processing capability of the processor of the new-generation game device  300  is not sufficient to emulate the arithmetic function of the old-generation game device on a software basis, the inventive feature is particularly advantageous in that the arithmetic processing function of the hardware of the compatibility adapter  200  is exploited to achieve the compatibility function without reducing the processing speed. Graphics processing requires particularly heavy processing power so that it is difficult to achieve compatibility only by software-based emulation. Thus, the compatibility function embodied on hardware such as the compatibility adapter  200  should be made available. 
     According to the embodiment, users will enjoy the benefit of cost efficiency because only those users wishing to use a game title for an old model need purchase the compatibility adapter  200  and connect to the new-generation game device  300  via the network. 
     So long as the signal transfer speed between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200  is sufficiently high and the processing delay is sufficiently small, substantial flexibility can be exercised in assigning the task of arithmetic processing to the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200 . For example, only video processing may be assigned to the compatibility adapter  200 , or the data produced by demodulating a disk signal in the disk drive of the new-generation game device  300  may be supplied to the compatibility adapter  200 . 
     Communication between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200  may not necessarily be achieved by using a network like an Ethernet (registered trademark) so long as the signal transmission speed is sufficiently high and the latency is sufficiently small. For example, a bus interface, such as USB, for connecting a peripheral device may be used. In the second embodiment, a description will be given of using USB for communication between the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200 . 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 6  shows the configuration of the compatibility adapter  200  according to the second embodiment. The difference from the compatibility adapter  200  of the first embodiment is that the new-generation game device  300  and the compatibility adapter  200  are connected by a USB connection cable  201 , and a USB unit  211  is provided instead of the hub  212 . 
     The data transmitted from the new-generation game device  300  is input to the USB connection terminal  207  via the USB connection cable  201 , processed in the USB unit  211 , and delivered to the encryption unit  214 . The USB unit  211  outputs the data that should be transmitted to the new-generation game device  300  from the USB connection terminal  207 . 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing the compatibility processing method according to the second embodiment. 
     The new-generation game device  300  authenticates the disk  302  inserted in the disk drive and determines whether the disk  302  is for a new model or for an old model (S 110 ). If the disk  302  is for a new model (N in S 110 ), the new-generation game device  300  is operated in the normal mode and reads a game program from the disk  302  and runs the game program accordingly (S 138 ). 
     If the disk  302  is for an old model (Y in S 110 ), the disk drive of the new-generation game device  300  reads the disk  302  (S 111 ) and acquires the reproduced signal supplied to the internal bus (S 112 ). 
     The new-generation game device  300  acquires the controller signal input from the game device controller  306  (S 114 ) and acquires the data input and output in the memory card  304  (S 116 ). Subsequently, the new-generation game device  300  superimposes the internal bus signal, various data including controller data and memory card data onto each other (S 118 ). The data for transmission thus superimposed is encrypted (S 120 ), converted into a USB signal, and transmitted to the compatibility adapter  200  via the USB connection cable  201  (S 122 ). 
     The compatibility adapter  200  receives the USB signal from the new-generation game device  300  and runs a compatibility process (S 140 ). The compatibility process by the compatibility adapter  200  will be described in detail in  FIG. 8 . 
     The new-generation game device  300  receives the data subjected to the compatibility process in the form of a USB signal from the compatibility adapter  200  (S 124 ). 
     The new-generation game device  300  decodes the encrypted USB signal thus received (S 126 ), isolates and retrieves the respective signals, and places the signals on the bus (S 128 ). Thereby, the controller signal, the data to be output to the memory card, the audio signal, the video signal, etc. are retrieved. 
     The new-generation game device  300  outputs sound and video (S 130 ). The new-generation game device  300  vibrates the game device controller  306  in accordance with the controller signal (S 132 ). The new-generation game device  300  also writes the data to be output to the memory card into the memory card  304  (S 134 ). 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing how the compatibility process in S 140  by the compatibility adapter  200  proceeds in detail. 
     The USB unit  211  of the compatibility adapter  200  receives the USB signal from the new-generation game device  300  (S 142 ), and the encryption unit  214  decodes the encrypted USB signal (S 144 ). The CPU/DMA/MAC  216  isolates the decoded signals and feeds the signals to respective buses (S 146 ). Thereby, the controller signal, the data to be output to the memory card, the audio signal, the video signal, etc. are retrieved. 
     The DVD decoder emulator  226  of the new-generation game device  300  receives the reproduced signal read from the disk  302  and demodulates the signal (S 148 ). 
     The I/O processor  234  receives the signals from the CPU/DMA/MAC  216  and delivers the signals to the main processor  232  (S 150 ). 
     The main processor  232  performs computation based on the received data and outputs the result to the graphics processor  238  and the sound processor  236  (S 152 ). 
     The graphics processor  238  delivers video data to the CPU/DMA/MAC  216 , the sound processor  236  delivers sound data to the CPU/DMA/MAC  216 , and the CPU/DMA/MAC  216  superimposes the video signal and the audio signal onto each other (S 154 ). 
     The encryption unit  214  encrypts the superimposed data for transmission and delivers the encrypted data to the USB unit  211  (S 156 ). The USB unit  211  transmits the USB signal to the new-generation game device  300  (S 158 ). The transmitted data includes controller data for vibrating the game device controller  306  and memory card data to be written in the memory card  304 . 
     Described above is an explanation based on an exemplary embodiment. The embodiment is intended to be illustrative only and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications to constituting elements and processes could be developed and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       100  old-generation game device,  102  disk,  104  memory card,  106  game device controller,  110  DVD decoder,  120  sound processor,  130  I/O processor,  140  main processor,  150  graphics processor,  200  compatibility adapter,  201  USB connection cable,  202  network connection cable,  206  power supply adapter,  210  ASIC,  211  USB unit,  212  hub,  214  encryption unit,  216  CPU/DMA/MAC,  226  DVD decoder emulator,  230  old-generation processor unit,  232  main processor,  234  I/O processor,  236  sound processor,  238  graphics processor,  240  memory,  242  flash memory,  300  new-generation game device,  302  disk,  304  memory card,  306  game device controller 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
     The present invention can be used as a compatibility adapter device externally connected to an entertainment device.