(19)

(11)

EP 1 046 209 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 25.10.2000 Bulletin 2000/43 (21) Application number: 99944841.8 (22) Date of filing: 27.09.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H02J 7/00 (86) International application number: PCT/JP9905/254 (87) International publication number: WO 0019/577 (06.04.2000 Gazette 2000/14)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT (30) Priority: 28.09.1998 JP 27360798 (71) Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Tokyo 107-0052 (JP)	(72) Inventors: KAWAI, EijiSony Computer Entertainment Inc. Tokyo 107-0052 (JP) FURUHASHI, MakotoSony Computer Entertainment Inc. Tokyo 107-0052 (JP) (74) Representative: Hedley, Nicholas James Matthew  Stephenson HarwoodOne, St. Paul's Churchyard London EC4M 8SH London EC4M 8SH (GB)