Will Sony apply for a patent that allows PS2 software to run in PS3 even in Japan, finally achieving compatibility

Sony Computer Entertainment in America at GIGAZINE on June 30 PS3Cell processorUsing the CPU of PS2 "Emotion EngineBy acquiring a patent for technology to reproduce the operation of "Advance to realize compatibility between PS 3 and PS 2 which is a desireAlthough I told you that in Japan, Sony received a patent application from a reader from the reader.

Not only "Emotion Engine" but also PS2 graphics processor necessary to operate PS2 software with PS3 of the current 80GB model and 40GB model "Graphics SynthesizerIt is mentioned how to reproduce the behavior of PS3. Also, since it is not necessary to change on special hardware, there is a good possibility that it will be available for updating firmware even with the current model PS3.

Details are as below.
Independent administrative corporation "Industrial Property Information Training Hall" openedPatent / utility model public relations databaseso"Document type: A, reference number: 2009-527836"According to the search, on Saturday 30th Sony posted a patent application for PS2 software running on PS3 is published.

The applicant is Sony Computer Entertainment, inventor Hughes Colin Jonathan of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited and Mr. Sergeison Stuart of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.,

This is the system configuration diagram of PS2


"Emotion Engine" which is the CPU of PS2


Overview of PS2's graphics processor "Graphics Synthesizer"


And the system configuration diagram of PS3


Outline of "Cell processor" which is CPU of PS3. We are processing using one general-purpose processor core "PowerPC Processor Element (PPE)" and eight "Synergistic Processor Elements (SPE)", but one SPE is allocated for OS and six SPE It is actually processing. By the way it is said that the remaining one is used as a reserve for the time of failure.


This is a graphics unit "RSX"


And this is a diagram schematically showing the logical interaction within the processor that emulates PS 2 (in this case, the Cell processor of PS 3). That is, it seems that it is a mechanism to emulate the operation of PS2 "Emotion Engine" and "Graphics Synthesizer" on Cell, and then transfer the image data to the PS3 graphics unit "RSX".


By the way, since this patent itself was filed on February 19, 2007, I do not know when the function to actually run PS2 software will be implemented on PS3, but in future What kind of expansion do you show? It is realization of long-expected compatibility, but it is also a nice thing for the user if it is realized.