Game controller that converts between wireless operation and wired operation
First Claim
1. A video game controller comprising:
- a processor;
a memory coupled to the processor;
a first module to support communication over a cable for wired operation;
a second module to support communication over a wireless link for wireless operation;
a battery to supply power to the processor, the memory, and the second module when the video game controller is in wireless operation; and
a power management module to maintain battery life data to be communicated to a host game system, the battery life data including;
a total life expectancy of the battery;
power used during wireless operation; and
an amount of time left before battery supply is depleted;
wherein the memory stores an identity of the video game controller; and
when transitioning between the first and second modules in order to support communication, the video game controller passes the identity to the host game system for use in maintaining an association between the video game controller and game data of a video game currently being played to facilitate continued play of the video game, wherein the video game controller and the game data are associated with one another both before and after the transition.
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Accused Products
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. During a transition from one mode to another, a host gaming system detects when the controller is physically disconnected (for wired mode to wireless mode) or connected (for wireless mode to wired mode). Upon detection, the host gaming system stores the game data and user information and the game controller stores an identifier in its nonvolatile memory. The host gaming system and game controller then establish a new communication link. The game controller retrieves the identifier and submits it to the host gaming system, which uses the identifier to reassociate the game data and user information with the game controller as it begins operating in the new mode. This allows the player to continue game play without interruption.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A video game controller comprising:
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a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; a first module to support communication over a cable for wired operation; a second module to support communication over a wireless link for wireless operation; a battery to supply power to the processor, the memory, and the second module when the video game controller is in wireless operation; and a power management module to maintain battery life data to be communicated to a host game system, the battery life data including; a total life expectancy of the battery; power used during wireless operation; and an amount of time left before battery supply is depleted; wherein the memory stores an identity of the video game controller; and when transitioning between the first and second modules in order to support communication, the video game controller passes the identity to the host game system for use in maintaining an association between the video game controller and game data of a video game currently being played to facilitate continued play of the video game, wherein the video game controller and the game data are associated with one another both before and after the transition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method implemented by a host game system comprising:
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during play of a video game, receiving an identifier associated with a video game controller; associating the identifier with game data of the video game, wherein the game data of the video game is specific to the video game controller; detecting when conditions of the video name controller suggest switching from a wireless mode of operation to a wired mode of operation based on monitoring maintenance of battery life data, the battery life data including; a total life expectancy of a battery; power used during the wireless mode of operation; and an amount of time left before battery supply is depleted; conveving a low power indication based on the suggestion; switching the video game controller from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation; and continuing to facilitate uninterrupted play of the video game by communicating with the video game controller via the wired mode of operation, such that the identifier, which is associated with the video game controller and which is also associated with the game data of the video game that is specific to the video game controller, is used to maintain the association between the game data and the video game controller while the video game controller transitions from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation.
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7. For use with a video game system, a storage medium having instructions that, when executed on the video game system, performs acts comprising:
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receiving instructions for controlling a video game from one of a plurality of video game controllers, the instructions being transmitted over a cable in a wired mode of operation and the instructions being transmitted over a wireless link in a wireless mode of operation; storing game data for the video game in association with an identity of each of the plurality of video game controllers, the game data being associated with a particular one of the plurality of video game controllers representing a particular game entity controlled by the particular one of the plurality of video game controllers; detecting when conditions of the particular one of the plurality of video game controllers suggest switching from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation based on monitoring maintenance of battery life data, the battery life data including; a total life expectancy of a battery; power used during the wireless mode of operation; and an amount of time left before battery supply is depleted; conveying a low power indication; facilitating transition from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation; and using the identity of the particular one of the plurality of video game controllers to switch from the wireless mode of operation the wired mode of operation to reassociate the game data, enabling ongoing play of the video game. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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Specification