Game Controller That Converts Between Wireless Operation And Wired Operation

• US 20100178984A1
• Filed: 03/26/2010
• Published: 07/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Guo, Wei, Lum, Richard S.
• Granted Patent: US 8,727,882 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/39
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/20 Input arrangements for video game devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/49 Saving the game status; Pausing or ending the game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/493 Resuming a game, e.g. after pausing, malfunction or power failure
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/71 using secure communication between game devices and game servers, e.g. by encrypting game data or authenticating players
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/73 Authorising game programs or game devices, e.g. checking authenticity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1025 details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/201 Playing authorisation given at platform level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/401 Secure communication, e.g. using encryption or authentication
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/532 using secure communication, e.g. by encryption, authentication
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/636 involving process of starting or resuming a game
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/19 Connection re-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/22 with access to wired networks

Abstract

A game controller operates in both a wired mode and a wireless mode, and is able to switch between these two modes without permanent disruption to an ongoing game. The game controller is configured to detect a condition that suggests switching from the wireless mode of operation to a wired mode of operation, convey the indication to a host game system, and transition from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation.

Claims

1. A method implemented by a host game system comprising:

operating a game controller in a wireless mode of operation;

receiving, from the game controller, an indication to switch between the wireless mode of operation and a wired mode of operation; and

transitioning from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the indication is based on detecting a low power condition.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the indication is based on detecting a loss of data packets transmitted during the wireless mode of operation.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the indication is based on detecting that data packets transmitted during the wireless mode of operation contain incorrect data.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the indication is based on monitoring power supply data associated with a game controller power supply.

6. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein the power supply data includes an amount of time left before the game controller power supply is depleted.

7. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein the power supply data includes a total life expectancy of the power supply and an amount of power used by the game controller during the wireless mode of operation.

8. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising conveying a low power indication to a player using the game controller.

9. A method implemented by a game controller comprising:

communicating with a host gaming system in a wireless mode of operation;

detecting a condition that suggests switching from the wireless mode of operation to a wired mode of operation;

conveying an indication to switch to the wired mode of operation; and

transitioning from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein detecting the condition includes determining that a power supply is low.

11. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein detecting the condition includes determining a loss of packets transmitted during the wireless mode of operation.

12. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein detecting the condition includes determining that packets transmitted during the wireless mode of operation contain incorrect data.

13. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising monitoring power supply data associated with a game controller power supply to detect the condition.

14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the power supply data includes a total life expectancy of the game controller power supply.

15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the power supply data includes an amount of power used by the game controller during the wireless mode of operation and an amount of time left before the game controller power supply is depleted.

16. A video game controller comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor;

a first module configured to support communication during a wired mode of operation;

a second module configured to support communication during a wireless mode of operation;

a battery configured to supply power to the processor, the memory, and the second module when the video game controller is operating in the wireless mode of operation;

a battery power controller configured to monitor the battery and detect conditions that suggest switching from the wireless mode of operation to a wired mode of operation; and

one or more modules configured to transition operation of the video game controller between the wireless mode of operation and the wired mode of operation.

17. The video game controller as recited in claim 16, the battery power controller being further configured to send battery life data to a host gaming system.

18. The video game controller as recited in claim 17, wherein the battery life data includes an amount of power used by the video game controller during the wireless mode of operation.

19. The video game controller as recited in claim 17, wherein the battery life data includes a total life expectancy of the battery and an amount of time left before the battery is depleted.

20. The video game controller as recited in claim 16, wherein the transition includes passing an identity to a host game system for use in locating game data associated with the video game controller.