Systems and methods for quickly selecting video games

• US 20060246969A1
• Filed: 04/20/2006
• Published: 11/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Lawrence, William, Irving, Richard H., Trim, James Damon, McLoone, Hugh E. Jr., Penello, Albert J. Jr., Giaimo, Edward C. III, Lauby, William J., Bronstein, Manuel U., Reents, Jeffery M.
• Granted Patent: US 8,177,641 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/1
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 17/056 with sliding loading means
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/025 Portable cases
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/027 Covers G11B33/022 takes precedence; with means for guiding the record carrier G11B17/34

Abstract

A video game controller is equipped with an electronic input that can read a game identification code from an electronic key. When the user presents the key to the game controller, it relays the game ID to the game console. This electronic key may be read via RFID from a detachable faceplate for the controller. The game console utilizes the game ID to quickly find and launch the game from game storage. The game console itself may also be equipped with such an electronic input. The game storage can be built into the console, or on a server accessed through a home network or through the internet. Such use of an electronic key and detachable faceplate is extended to rapid and easy personalization, customization, and function enhancement of entertainment and other consumer electronics devices as well.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a software application to launch comprising:

detecting when a device associated with particular software application is attached onto a system for running the software, wherein the software application is not stored on the device;

detecting from the device attached, which software application to launch on the system;

finding the software application detected from the device; and

launching the found software application.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the software application comprises a video game.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the device is that which attaches to a video game controller.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the detecting which video game to launch comprises:

reading, via the video game controller, identification data from the device that attaches to the video game controller; and

communicating the identification data from the controller to a video game console for determining which game to launch.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the reading is accomplished using radio frequency identification (RFID) communication between the controller and the device.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein the device is a faceplate for a video game console and the detecting which video game to launch comprises:

reading, via the video game console, identification data from the faceplate; and

determining which game to launch based on the identification data read.

12. A computer readable medium having instructions thereon for performing the steps of claim 6.

7. An adapter device for a controller comprising:

electronic circuitry to read data from a device that attaches to the controller; and

an interface operable for communication with the controller through an auxiliary port on the controller.

8. The adapter of claim 7 wherein the electronic circuitry to read data from the device that attaches to the controller comprises an RFID reader to read an RFID tag of the device that attaches to the controller.

9. The adapter of claim 8 wherein the data read from the device that attaches to the controller is that which enables detection of which software application is associated with the device that attaches to the controller.

10. The adapter of claim 9 wherein the device that attaches to the controller is an electronic faceplate.

11. The adapter of claim 7 wherein the electronic circuitry to read data from a device that attaches to the controller comprises contact switches through which data is read from the device that attaches to the controller.

13. A system for selecting a software application to launch comprising:

means for detecting when a device associated with particular software application is attached onto a system for running the software, wherein the software application is not stored on the device;

means for detecting from the device attached, which software application to launch on the system;

means for finding the software application detected from the device; and

means for launching the found software application.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the software application comprises a video game.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the device is that which attaches to a video game controller.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the means for detecting which video game to launch comprises:

means for reading , via the video game controller, identification data from the device that attaches to the video game controller; and

means for communicating the identification data from the controller to a video game console for determining which game to launch.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the means for reading comprises means for radio frequency identification RFID communication between the controller and the device.

18. The system of claim 14 wherein the device is a faceplate for a video game console and the means for detecting which video game to launch comprises:

means for reading, via the video game console, identification data from the faceplate; and

means for determining which game to launch based on the identification data read.

19. A video game controller system comprising:

a video game controller having a housing;

a detachable device having identification data stored thereon and not permanently fastened to the housing;

an interface enabling electronic communication between the attachable device and the controller; and

means for communication from the controller to a video game console the identification data stored on the detachable device.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the detachable device is a faceplate for the video game controller and the communication between the faceplate and the video game controller is via RFID.