JPH08243256A - Operating method of game machine and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To eliminate a disorder such as an interruption of the game resulting from a difficulty of an adequate data reading from a memory medium, when a desired game machine is operated by making a memory medium such as a CD-ROM as the feeding medium of a soft game. CONSTITUTION: A memory medium 9 to store a data for game execution is installed to a game machine, the data for game execution read from the memory medium 9 by a data reading means 2 is stored in memories 4A and 4B for game memory, and by driving a data processing means 1 depending on the stored data, the game is advanced. When the data for game execution is read from the memory medium 9 before the game is started, the whole amount of the data necessary for advancing the game is read, and it is stored to the memories 4A and 4B for game memory, and thereafter, when the game is advanced by driving the data processing means 1, a necessary data is read from the memories 4A and 4B for game memory in order.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention allows a desired character displayed on a display such as a CRT to be successively changed in accordance with a predetermined software program or a switch operation of a player (player) to compete for points. The present invention relates to an operating method of a game machine of a type having a function of executing data processing according to a predetermined software program, and a game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of a home game machine,
Some have a CD drive device so that a CD-ROM can be used as a supply medium for game software. In such a game machine, the access speed to the CD-ROM is several tens of times slower than the access speed of the CPU to the semiconductor memory.
-It is difficult to progress the game in real time by receiving the necessary data from the ROM. In order to solve this, the game execution data composed of the game progress program stored in the CD-ROM and the accompanying image data and sound data is transferred in advance to the internal memory connected to the CPU by the bus. However, it is necessary to remember it.

Therefore, conventionally, in order to operate the game machine, first, a part of the game execution data is read from the CD-ROM, and then the RA is connected to the CPU by the bus.
A game is started by storing it in a game memory configured by M (Random Access Memory) and driving the CPU according to the data stored in the game memory. Then, thereafter, in parallel with the progress process of the game, the CPU drives the CD drive device to prefetch the next necessary data from the CD-ROM and sequentially store the data in the game memory. According to such a method, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity of the game storage memory provided in the game machine.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional means, since the CPU needs to read ahead the next necessary data from the CD-ROM while the game is being executed by the CPU, the game contents If it is complicated, it may be difficult for the CPU to properly prefetch the next necessary data. Further, in the past, the CPU is C
While the CPU is accessing the D-ROM, this CPU cannot access the other circuit devices in the game machine, which shortens the processing time required for the progress of the game. There was also a risk that the game progress processing would be delayed. Therefore, in the past, when a game having complicated contents was executed, the game might be interrupted midway. As a result, although conventionally suitable for playing games with relatively simple contents,
It became unsuitable for games with complicated contents, and there was a problem that the range of game types was narrow and limited.

Further, conventionally, it is necessary to frequently drive the CD drive device while the game is in progress. Therefore,
Since the operating period of the CD drive device is extended that much,
Each part such as a pickup is easily damaged, and its service life is shortened.

In addition, in this type of game machine, a player who is enthusiastic about the game often hits or shakes the game machine while the game is in progress, and dust such as cigarette smoke and dust is generated. There is a case where the game machine enters the housing of the game machine. Especially, such a situation is remarkable in the case of an arcade-type game machine which is often installed on the street. Therefore, in the conventional means for advancing the game while driving the CD drive device, it is necessary to provide the CD drive device with earthquake resistance and dust resistance in order to cope with the shaking of the game machine during the game. The cost was high. Moreover, the maintenance was also troublesome.

In addition, conventionally, the memory capacity of the game memory may be small, and the parts cost thereof can be reduced, but the control program for prefetching the necessary data from the CD-ROM while the game is in progress is extremely small. Becomes complicated. Therefore, there is also a drawback that the cost of creating a program for controlling the CPU becomes high.

The present invention has been devised under such circumstances, and when a game machine is operated by using a storage medium such as a CD-ROM as a supply medium for game software, the storage medium is removed from the storage medium. Eliminate the problem that the game is interrupted due to the difficulty of proper data reading, and make sure that the game console is not adversely affected as much as possible even in an environment with a lot of vibration and dust. The problem is to make it difficult for failures to occur.

[0009]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a storage medium for storing game execution data of a desired game is loaded in the game machine and read from the storage medium by the data reading means provided in the game machine. Store the issued game execution data in the game memory of the game machine,
A method of operating a game machine for advancing a game by driving the information processing means according to the data stored in the game storage memory, wherein when the game execution data is read from the storage medium before the game starts, When all the data necessary for the progress of the game is read and all the data is stored in the memory for storing the game, and then the information processing means is driven to advance the game, it is necessary to store the data in the memory for storing the game. The feature is that the data is sequentially read.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the game execution data stored in the storage medium is temporarily stored in the game storage memory of the game machine, the storage medium is stored before the game starts. It is characterized in that the game progresses in accordance with the data already stored in the game storage memory without executing the reading of the game execution data from.

A CD-ROM is applicable as the storage medium, and the data reading means is
A CD drive device can be applied. Further, a FEEPROM can be advantageously applied as the game memory of the game machine. Here, FEEPROM is Fl
ash Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM, which is an abbreviation for ash Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM, simply refers to a non-volatile semiconductor memory also called a flash memory, and has a characteristic of being electrically erasable / writable. Since it is cheaper and has a larger capacity than a general EEPROM, it is particularly suitable for collectively reading all the amount of data necessary for a game from a storage medium storing a large amount of game contents in accordance with the object of the present invention. Is suitable. In the present specification, hereinafter, simply referred to as "FEEP.
ROM "is abbreviated. The information processing means corresponds to creation of image data to be displayed on a display integrated with or separate from the game machine according to the game execution data stored in the game storage memory, and corresponding to this image data. It can be configured to control sound data.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a predetermined storage medium for storing game execution data can be detachably loaded, and data reading means for reading the stored data from the loaded storage medium. And a game storage memory capable of reading and writing data for storing the game execution data read from the data reading means, and a game progression process according to the game execution data stored in the game storage memory A game machine provided with an information processing means, wherein the game storage memory has a storage capacity capable of storing at least the entire amount of data necessary for the progress of the game among the data stored in the storage medium. Before the game is started by the above-mentioned information processing means, the total amount of data necessary for the game progress is configured. The total amount of the data after reading from the serial memory medium is characterized by data control means for storing in the memory for the game memory is provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a CD drive device in which a CD-ROM for storing game execution data can be detachably loaded, and a game read from the CD-ROM by the CD drive device. A game machine provided with a data-rewritable memory for storing data for storing execution data, and a CPU for performing a game progression process according to the game execution data stored in the game storage memory, The game storage memory is a FEEPROM having a storage capacity capable of storing at least the entire amount of data necessary for the progress of the game among the data stored in the CD-ROM, and the C memory.
The PU is configured to read the entire amount of data necessary for the game progress from the CD-ROM by the CD drive device before the game starts, and to store the read data in the FEEPROM. It is characterized by being.

In the present invention, the CD is set before the game starts.
-In order to read the total amount of data necessary for the game progress from a predetermined storage medium such as a ROM and store the read data in the game storage memory of the game machine, the game storage memory after the game is started. The game can be advanced to the end according to the data stored in. That is, in the present invention,
There is no need to access a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and prefetch the next necessary data from this storage medium during the progress of the game after the start of the game.

As a result, according to the present invention, even if the content of the game is complicated, the game can be smoothly progressed according to the data stored in the game memory of the game machine. It is possible to appropriately solve the difficulty that the game is interrupted on the way. Therefore, according to the present invention, not only simple games but also complicated games can be appropriately dealt with, and a special effect that the range of kinds of games can be widened is obtained.

Further, in the present invention, as described above, since it is not necessary to access a storage medium such as a CD-ROM while the game is in progress, the number of accesses to the storage medium is reduced and data such as data from a CD drive device is reduced. The number of times to drive the reading unit and the time can be reduced. Therefore, the service life of the data reading means such as the CD drive device can be extended accordingly.

Further, if the data reading means such as a CD drive device is not driven during the game progress, it is necessary to provide the data reading means with earthquake resistance for coping with shaking of the game machine during the game. Disappear. Further, it is possible to reduce the chance that the data reading means during driving is adversely affected by dusts such as cigarette smoke and dust, and it is not necessary to provide dustproofness. Therefore, it is not necessary to give special specifications to the data reading means such as the CD drive device, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Moreover, maintenance becomes easy.

Further, in the present invention, unlike the conventional case,
Since a control program for pre-reading some data from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM during the game is unnecessary, the content of the control program for operating the entire game machine is simplified, and the program for the game machine is simplified. Can be manufactured at low cost.

As a more important effect, in the present invention,
The above-mentioned game execution data is stored in the game storage memory of this game machine in order to store the entire amount of game execution data necessary for the game progression in the game storage memory of the game machine before proceeding with the game. As long as the same game execution data is stored, there is no need to repeat the same game execution data and store it again in the game memory. That is, two games
Even when the game is repeated once, three times, and many times, it is not necessary to download the game software from the storage medium such as the CD-ROM to the game storage memory of the game machine each time the game is started. . Therefore,
Not only can the time for operating the data reading means such as the CD drive device be further shortened to prolong the service life thereof, but also at the start of the game, the game is transferred from the storage medium such as the CD-ROM to the game storage memory of the game machine. There is also an advantage that the game can be started quickly by eliminating the waiting time required for downloading the software.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification code of the game execution data stored in this storage medium is read from the storage medium loaded in the game machine before the game is started, and the identification code is matched with this identification code. When the game execution data with the identification code is already stored in the game storage memory of the game machine, the game execution data is stored in the game storage memory without reading the game execution data from the storage medium. While the game progresses according to the stored data, when the game execution data having the identification code that matches the game execution data stored in the storage medium is not stored in the game storage memory, the storage is performed. Read the game execution data stored in the medium and store it in the game storage memory. It is possible to advance the Luo game.

With such a method of operating the game machine,
When the game execution data is not yet stored in the game storage memory, or when the game execution data stored in the game storage memory is lost,
The game execution data stored in the storage medium such as a CD-ROM can be appropriately stored in the game storage memory to start the game, as well as the game execution stored in the game storage memory. Even if the content of the game data does not match the content of the game execution data stored in the storage medium such as a CD-ROM loaded in the game machine, the data in the game storage memory is rewritten. At the start of the game, the data content stored in the game memory is always the same as the game software stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM loaded in the game machine. Whether or not the game execution data is correctly read from the storage medium to the game storage memory of the game machine can be confirmed by a simple method called a checksum. This method is a method of comparing the total value of the contents (0 or 1) of the game storage memory with that of the original storage medium. The checksum can be performed not only at the time of the first reading, but also as needed, such as by confirming before the replay of the same game that was previously read. Therefore, it is possible to change the content of the game executed on the game machine simply by replacing the storage medium such as a CD-ROM loaded in the game machine with a storage medium having another program content. The effect that it can be performed easily is obtained.

Further, the ID code is referred to in determining whether or not the same game execution data as the game execution data stored in the storage medium such as a CD-ROM is previously stored in the game storage memory. There is also an advantage that the determination can be performed quickly and accurately by performing a simple procedure.

Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the game memory of the game machine is composed of FEEPROM. In such a configuration, this FEEP
Since the ROM is a non-volatile semiconductor memory, desired game execution data can be stored in the game storage memory regardless of whether the game machine is powered on or off, and without requiring a backup power supply. CD-
An advantage that the number of times of reading data from a storage medium such as a ROM can be further reduced is obtained.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
A specific description will be given with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a game machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the CPU in the game machine.

In FIG. 1, this game machine is provided with a CPU 1 (central processing unit) for executing arithmetic processing such as game progress processing, image data creation processing, and audio processing. The CPU 1 includes a CD drive device 2 for reading game execution data from a CD-ROM 9, a system memory 3, first and second game storage memories 4A and 4B, and a video RAM created by the CPU 1.
A display control unit 6 for performing display control when displaying and outputting the image data stored in the display 5 on a display 5 composed of a CRT or a liquid crystal display, and a sound control unit 7 for controlling sound output from the speaker SP. , And a switch operation unit 8 including operation switches such as so-called joysticks and push button switches are connected to the bus. However, when the game machine is configured as a home-use game machine, the display 5 and the speaker SP are used.
Will use the one installed in the home television receiver.

The game execution data referred to in the present invention is not limited to the data of the program for game progress, and various image data such as characters and backgrounds displayed on the display 5 as well as generated from the speaker SP. This is a concept that also includes sound (voice) data for creating a sound effect that is generated.

The system memory 3 is for causing the CPU 1 to execute a basic control operation as a game machine, a ROM 3a functioning as a boot ROM for starting the game machine, and a work RAM for various arithmetic processing.
It is configured by including a RAM 3b that functions as.

Each of the first and second game storage memories 4A and 4B is composed of a FEEPROM. The total memory capacity of both memories 4A and 4B is set to be larger than the maximum data amount of the game execution data of the general game stored in the CD-ROM 9. There is. That is, for example, a general CD-ROM 9 has 500 to 6
Although it has a maximum memory capacity of about 00 Mbytes, the maximum data amount of a normal home-use game stored in this CD-ROM 9 is about several Mbytes, and it is slightly higher than that for an arcade game machine. Generally, it is the amount of data. Moreover, the maximum data amount of such a game can be predicted in advance by a game machine maker or a game software production company, at least for a game produced in-house, and is appropriately and appropriately selected within the capacity range of the CD-ROM. sell. Therefore, the total memory capacity of the memories 4A and 4B can be set to a capacity with a sufficient margin.

The memory 4 for storing the above two games
One of the A and 4B first game memory 4A
Is mainly for storing a game progressing program. Also, the other second game memory 4B
Is for storing data other than the game progress program, such as various image data and sound data for creating images of characters and backgrounds that appear in the game. However, in the present invention, these two memories 4A and 4B do not necessarily have to be provided, and they may be integrated as one memory.

When the game machine is turned on, the CPU 1 controls the startup of the game machine in a desired procedure according to the control program stored in the ROM 3 and the operation of the switch operating section 8. Therefore, it is configured to execute a desired game by executing operation control and arithmetic processing of each part in a fixed procedure as described later.

Next, an example of the operating method of the game machine will be described with reference to FIG.
Will be described with reference to.

First, a CD-ROM 9 in which game execution data of a desired game is stored is loaded in advance in the CD drive device 2 of the game machine. This CD-RO
As an example of the game stored in M9, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, one or two players (players) of the two main characters A and B can switch the switch operation unit 8 to one of the main characters A and B. It applies to those who operate on the screen of the display 5 by a switch operation to fight and knock out or damage the opponent's main character by hitting the other main character with a punch, kick, or the like, or competing for the score. To be done.

Next, after the CD-ROM 9 is loaded, when the game operation is started by the switch operating portion 8 in the state where the game machine is started up (Yes in step S001 in FIG. 2), the CPU 1 Drives the CD drive device 2 to read the data of the identification code (ID code) of the game execution data stored in the CD-ROM 9 (S002). This identification code is attached in advance by a game software production company or the like to identify the game content.

When the CPU 1 finishes reading the identification code from the CD-ROM 9, it then accesses the first and second memory 4A, 4B for game storage,
The game identification code is read from these memories 4A and 4B (S003). When the game machine is started up for the first time, the game identification data cannot be read because no game execution data is stored in the memories 4A and 4B. If the game execution data is already stored in these memories 4A and 4B, the identification code can be read, but if the game content is different from the content of the CD-ROM 9,
An identification code different from the identification code previously read from the CD-ROM 9 will be read. CPU1
Compares the identification codes read in this way, and determines whether game execution data having the same identification code as the identification code read from the CD-ROM 9 is already stored in the memories 4A and 4B. It is determined (S004).

As a result of the comparison of the identification codes, the CPU 1 judges that the game execution data with the same identification code as the CD-ROM 9 is not stored in the game storage memories 4A and 4B. After that, the CD drive device 2 is driven to start reading the entire amount of data stored in the CD-ROM 9, and the entire amount is written in the game storage memories 4A and 4B (S006, S00).
7).

When writing data in the game storage memories 4A and 4B constituted by FEEPROM, different sequence control is required depending on the type of the FEEPROM. Therefore, at the stage before writing data in the game memory 4A, 4B, C
PU1 is from the memory 4A, 4B for game memory to FEEPR
The data of the manufacturer code and device code of the OM is read, and the data write sequence control is executed according to the data (S005). However, game memory 4
The types of FEEPROMs that compose A and 4B are unified,
If the type is determined in advance, the sequence control like this is not performed, and the FE of the unified type is not used.
It may be set from the beginning so that data writing corresponding to the EPROM can be performed.

As described above, when all the game execution data stored in the CD-ROM 9 is written and stored in the game storage memories 4A and 4B, the CP is then stored.
U1 reads the game execution data stored in the game storage memories 4A and 4B and executes drive control of the display control unit 6 and the sound control unit 7 in accordance with the game execution data to start the game. , Proceed (S008).

According to such a series of operation procedures of the CPU 1, the CPU 1 proceeds from the CD-ROM 9 after the game starts in order to progress the game in accordance with the game execution data stored in the game storage memories 4A and 4B. There is no need to read data. Therefore, C
The PU 1 does not need to execute the control for driving the CD drive device 2 during the progress of the game,
The desired data necessary for the game progress can be sequentially read out from A and 4B at a high speed to smoothly advance the game. For example, in a game in which the characters A and B are fighting as shown in FIG. 3, the procedure of the game may be quite complicated. However, even in the case of a game with such complicated contents, the game may be interrupted midway. There is no end. Further, the CD drive device 2 is not preferable because it cannot read data properly if it receives vibration or shock during its driving. However, in contrast to this, data reading from the game storage memories 4A and 4B configured by FEEPROM is not possible. There is no such defect. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an inconvenience in the progress of the game due to the influence of vibration or shock.

Further, the CPU 1 loads the contents of the game into the CD drive device 2 even when the game execution data is previously stored in the game storage memories 4A and 4B before the game starts. Is C
If the contents of the D-ROM 9 do not match (S00
4) The game execution data stored in the CD-ROM 9 is transferred to the game storage memories 4A and 4B, and a new game execution data writing process is executed in the game storage memories 4A and 4B. Therefore, the CD-ROM 9 loaded in the CD drive device 2 is replaced with another CD-RO.
Only by changing to M, it is possible to easily change the contents of the game that can be executed by the game machine. When changing the game contents, there is no need to replace the circuit board incorporated in the game machine or perform a special switch operation.

On the other hand, when the game identification code read from the game storage memories 4A and 4B at the stage before the game starts coincides with the game identification code read from the CD-ROM 9 (the CPU 1) ( S00
No. 4), the game execution data already stored in the game storage memories 4A and 4B without transferring the game execution data stored in the CD-ROM 9 to the game storage memories 4A and 4B. Follow the instructions to start the game. Therefore, when a game with the same content is played many times, a CD is played each time the game is started.
-Game software is never downloaded from the ROM 9 to the game storage memories 4A and 4B. As a result, the game can be started immediately after the start switch is operated, and an extra waiting time for the player can be eliminated.

In the above embodiment, the game storage memories 4A and 4B are FEEPROMs as nonvolatile memories.
Since it is configured by, it is possible to store and hold desired game execution data in the game storage memories 4A and 4B regardless of whether the power of the game machine is on or off.
The advantage that the number of times the game software is downloaded from the D-ROM 9 to the game storage memories 4A and 4B can be further reduced is obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and needless to say, other non-volatile semiconductor memory may be used, and volatile memory (for example, SRAM) may be used. In short, any memory that can electrically read and write data may be used. However, when a volatile memory such as SRAM is used, it is preferable to use a backup power supply.

In the above embodiment, the CD-ROM is used as a storage medium independent of the game machine.
Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a floppy disk or the like may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the process of reading the game execution data from the CD-ROM 9 and storing it in the game execution data before the game is started is performed by the CPU 1 for game progress. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the data control means provided separately from the CPU 1 may be used.

Further, in the present invention, it is not always necessary to transfer all the data stored in the CD-ROM 9 to the game storage memories 4A and 4B before the game starts. The point is that at least the entire amount of data necessary for the progress of the game may be transferred to the game storage memories 4A and 4B.

Other than that, the design of each part of the game machine according to the present invention can be changed in various ways. Further, the specific contents of each step in the method for operating a game machine according to the present invention can be changed in various ways. Of course, the type of game executed on the game console does not matter.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of a CPU of the game machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game executed on a game machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU (information processing means, data control means) 2 CD drive device 4A, 4B Game storage memory 5 Display 6 Display control section 7 Sound control section 8 Switch operating section 9 CD-ROM (storage medium)

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A game machine is loaded with a storage medium for storing game execution data of a desired game, and the game execution data read from the storage medium by the data reading means provided in the game machine is used as the game. A method for operating a game machine in which a game is progressed by causing the information processing means to be driven in accordance with the data stored in the game memory of the game machine. When the game execution data is read from the medium, all the data necessary for the game progress is read, all the data is stored in the game storage memory, and then the information processing means is driven to advance the game. Sometimes, the game is characterized in that necessary data is sequentially read from the game memory. The operating method. 2. After the game execution data stored in the storage medium is once stored in the game storage memory of the game machine, the game execution data is read from the storage medium before the game starts. The method for operating a game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game progresses according to the data already stored in the game memory without executing the game. 3. Before the game starts, the identification code of the game execution data stored in this storage medium is read from the storage medium loaded in the game machine, and an identification code matching this identification code is added. When the game execution data being stored is already stored in the game storage memory of the game machine, the data stored in the game storage memory is read without reading the game execution data from the storage medium. Therefore, while the game progresses, when game execution data having an identification code that matches the game execution data stored in the storage medium is not stored in the game storage memory, it is stored in the storage medium. Read the game execution data and store it in the game memory before proceeding with the game. The symptoms, method of operating a gaming machine according to claim 1. 4. The storage medium is a CD-ROM, and the data reading means is a CD drive device.
A method for operating a game machine according to claim 1. 5. The memory for game storage is FEEPRO.
The method for operating a game machine according to claim 1, wherein M is M. 6. The information processing means creates image data to be displayed on a display integrated with or separate from a game machine according to the game execution data stored in the game storage memory, and the image data. The method for operating a game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is configured to control sound data corresponding to the data. 7. A predetermined storage medium for storing game execution data is detachably mountable, and data reading means for reading the stored data from the loaded storage medium, and read from this data reading means. A game including a game storage memory capable of reading and writing data for storing game execution data, and information processing means for performing a game progress process in accordance with the game execution data stored in the game storage memory. The game storage memory is configured to have a storage capacity capable of storing at least the entire amount of data necessary for the game progress among the data stored in the storage medium,
Further, before the game is started by the information processing means, a data control means for reading the total amount of data necessary for the progress of the game from the storage medium and storing the total amount of the data in the game storage memory is provided. A game machine characterized by being. 8. A CD-R for storing game execution data
A CD drive device into which the OM can be detachably loaded, a data rewritable memory for storing game execution data read from the CD-ROM by the CD drive device, and a game storage device A game machine comprising a CPU for performing a game progress process in accordance with game execution data stored in a memory, wherein the game storage memory is used for at least a game progress among data stored in the CD-ROM. FEEPRO having a storage capacity capable of storing all necessary data
M, and the CPU causes the CD drive device to read all the amount of data necessary for the progress of the game from the CD-ROM before the game is started, and causes the FEEPROM to store all of the read data. A game machine characterized by being configured to be stored.