Technical information

Sega Saturn Software Development Standards, SOA version 2.0 19
Glossary of Terms
Term Explanation
Compatible
Peripheral
An input peripheral that can be used for a given application.
Incompatible
Peripheral
An input peripheral that cannot be used for (is not compatible with)
a given application.
Active Peripheral A compatible peripheral that is used in an actual play (connected
to an active port).
Control Port The two input ports that are equipped on the Sega Saturn. These
input ports are referred to as “Control Port 1” and “Control Port 2”
Port(s) When multiple ports are used with the 6 Player, each port is
assigned a port number. The port is referred to as “Port (n)”
(where “n” is a number).
Valid Port A port to which a compatible peripheral is connected.
Invalid Port A port with no compatible peripheral connected, or a port to which
an incompatible peripheral is connected.
Active Port A port that is used during actual game play. Active ports are
determined from among the valid ports for each game play session.
Inactive Port A port not used during play.
Player Number A number assigned to a player (1P, 2P, etc.). Player numbers
and active ports have a one-to-one correspondence.
System Pause This is a pause caused by the system (application), and typically
accompanied by a warning display.
User Pause This is a pause initiated by the player (by pressing the START
button).
Unused Active Port An active port whose compatible peripheral has been disconnected.
Port [1] = Player Number 1P
Port [2] = Player Number 2P
Port [3] = Player Number 3P
.
.
.
Port [MAX] = Player Number [MAX]P
Valid Port
A compatible peripheral
is connected to this port.
Invalid Port
A port with no compatible
peripheral connected, or
a port to which an in-
compatible peripheral is
connected.
Active Port
A port that is
used during play.
Inactive Port
A port not used
during play.
There is a one-to-one relationship between port and player numbers.
A given port is either a valid port or an invalid port, depending on
whether or not a compatible peripheral is connected it. A valid port
is either an active port or an inactive port, depending on whether or
not that port is being used during game play. See Figure 2.1
Changes in the Control Port State for more information.