Generating a passcode for resetting a game console

• US 6,996,744 B2
• Filed: 04/04/2002
• Issued: 02/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Whitten, Jon Marcus Randall, Pirich, Christopher M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Beausoliel, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): Chu, Gabriel L.
• Application Number:
  US10/116,900
• Publication Number:
  US 20030191979A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,405 Days
• Field of Search: 714/5, 714/15, 714/19, 711/164
• US Class Current: 714/15
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0607 by facilitating the process of upgrading existing storage systems, e.g. for improving compatibility between host and storage device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0614 Improving the reliability of storage systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0634 by changing the state or mode of one or more devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0644 Management of space entities, e.g. partitions, extents, pools
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0676 Magnetic disk device

Abstract

A device includes a processor and a hard disk drive coupled to the processor. The hard disk drive stores various data associated with the device and includes a first partition and a second partition. Data stored in the first partition is cleared during a system reset operation. Data stored in the second partition is not cleared during the system reset operation. The first partition stores saved application data, device configuration information, and the like. The second partition stores a console application that implements a user interface to the device. The second partition also stores a reset application that implements a system reset operation.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

assigning a serial number to a game console;

storing a hidden code in a storage device contained in the game console;

storing the serial number and the associated hidden code in a database for later reference, wherein the database is maintained by a manufacturer of the game console; and

generating a passcode by applying a passcode algorithm to the hidden code, wherein the passcode identifies a series of control inputs required to reset the game console.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising storing the passcode in the database with the associated serial number.

3. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the series of control inputs are applied to the game console using a controller coupled to the game console.

4. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the same passcode is generated by the game console by applying the same passcode algorithm to the hidden code stored in the game console.

5. One or more computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed, perform the method as recited in claim 1.