Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a wireless device to a host. The wireless device is associated to the host via a binding and discovery process. The binding process establishes the association. A unique identifier and other binding information is provided to the wireless device, which is stored in the wireless device to establish the link to the console. The binding information is retained in the wireless device. The discovery process enables the wireless device to join a session at hosted by the host. The host sends broadcast packets that are compared to the stored information in the wireless device. The broadcast packets are validated and authenticated to complete the discovery process. A visual indicator on the host and/or controller may indicate the success or failure of either the binding or discovery process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a wireless device to a host. The wireless device is associated to the host via a binding and discovery process. The binding process establishes the association. A unique identifier and other binding information is provided to the wireless device, which is stored in the wireless device to establish the link to the console. The binding information is retained in the wireless device. The discovery process enables the wireless device to join a session at hosted by the host. The host sends broadcast packets that are compared to the stored information in the wireless device. The broadcast packets are validated and authenticated to complete the discovery process. A visual indicator on the host and/or controller may indicate the success or failure of either the binding or discovery process.

Abstract: A method of associating a controller to a console comprises, at the controller, establishing a connection with the console such that the controller is assigned to one of a plurality of different ports of the console over which different controllers may separately communicate with the console. A visual indication is then provided on the controller to indicate to the user of the controller which one of the plurality of different ports of the console has been assigned to the controller and over which the controller communicates with the console.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a wireless device to a host. The wireless device is associated to the host via a binding and discovery process. The binding process establishes the association. A unique identifier and other binding information is provided to the wireless device, which is stored in the wireless device to establish the link to the console. The binding information is retained in the wireless device. The discovery process enables the wireless device to join a session at hosted by the host. The host sends broadcast packets that are compared to the stored information in the wireless device. The broadcast packets are validated and authenticated to complete the discovery process. A visual indicator on the host and/or controller may indicate the success or failure of either the binding or discovery process.

Abstract: A method of associating a controller to a console comprises, at the controller, establishing a connection with the console such that the controller is assigned to one of a plurality of different ports of the console over which different controllers may separately communicate with the console. A visual indication is then provided on the controller to indicate to the user of the controller which one of the plurality of different ports of the console has been assigned to the controller and over which the controller communicates with the console.

Abstract: A method of associating a controller to a console comprises, at the controller, establishing a connection with the console such that the controller is assigned to one of a plurality of different ports of the console over which different controllers may separately communicate with the console. A visual indication is then provided on the controller to indicate to the user of the controller which one of the plurality of different ports of the console has been assigned to the controller and over which the controller communicates with the console.

Abstract: A small-sized text input device is attachable to and removable from a game controller. The text input device can be sized and configured to fit between grip portions of the game controller, and can be attachable to the game controller with a separate attachment bracket. Different brackets can be used to attach the text input device to different types of game controllers. A game player holding the game controller can access the text keys of the text input device with his or her thumbs, and by making only minor (or no) adjustment to the position of his or her hands on the grip portions.

Abstract: Methods of wireless communication between a gaming console and a wireless accessory using a protocol. The protocol is used in a TDMA frequency hopping spread spectrum system to enable simultaneous communication of voice and data between a plurality of wireless accessories and the gaming console. The protocol provides specific time slots for upstream and downstream transmissions, as well as a retransmission time slots to enable a robust environment with minimal latency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing notifications to players of a gaming console of messages and system notifications. A controller and the gaming console include a four quadrant LED indicator. Each quadrant of the ring may be illuminated individually or together using an LED to indicate the messages and notifications. The quadrants may be illuminated in one of three colors and/or in patterns to indicate different types of notifications. Onscreen displays may be used to supplement the LED indicators to convey information to users. A method of binding and discovering a controller is also provided where the controller may be bound to a gaming console. After a controller is bound to a console, the controller may be discovered by the gaming console where it is assigned a virtual port and enabled for game play.

Abstract: An input device includes a plurality of character input keys and is operable in a single alphabetic character input mode and a multiple alphabetic character input mode. In the single alphabetic character input mode, an individual character input key is assigned a single alphabetic character, and activating the individual character input key inputs the alphabetic character. In the multiple alphabetic character input mode an individual character input key is assigned multiple alphabetic characters, and the specific character that is input as a result of activating the individual character input key depends upon the number of times the individual character input key is activated.

Abstract: Methods of wireless communication between a gaming console and a wireless accessory using a protocol. The protocol is used in a TDMA frequency hopping spread spectrum system to enable simultaneous communication of voice and data between a plurality of wireless accessories and the gaming console. The protocol provides specific time slots for upstream and downstream transmissions, as well as a retransmission time slots to enable a robust environment with minimal latency.

Abstract: A input device is disclosed that is configurable as a manufacturing step or by a user to input selected characters. The input device includes character input keys and an internal memory. The specific character that is input by activating one of the character input keys depends upon a configuration code that is stored within the internal memory. The configuration code is associated with a key mapping configuration of a host device, for example, and the configuration code may be associated with a plurality of character identifiers for the character input keys. When the input device is configured during manufacturing, the configuration code may be programmed into the internal memory and the character identifiers may be provided. When the input device is configured by the user, the configuration code and the character identifiers are replaced with an alternate configuration code character identifiers.

Abstract: Methods of wireless communication between a gaming console and a wireless accessory using a protocol. The protocol is used in a TDMA frequency hopping spread spectrum system to enable simultaneous communication of voice and data between a plurality of wireless accessories and the gaming console. The protocol provides specific time slots for upstream and downstream transmissions, as well as a retransmission time slots to enable a robust environment with minimal latency.

Abstract: A character input device is disclosed that includes a plurality of character input keys and one or more mode-altering keys. Each character input key is associated with multiple characters. By activating only the character input keys, primary characters may be input. By activating the character input keys in conjunction with the mode-altering keys, however, various secondary, tertiary, and quaternary characters may be input. The mode-altering keys may be utilized in a temporary mode, wherein only one secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input. Alternately, the mode-altering keys may be utilized in a base mode, wherein a series of secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input.

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.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the rise and fall times of USB signals for USB devices and peripherals are provided. The rise and fall times of USB peripherals can be controlled, or changed, in order to match the electrical characteristics of the USB peripheral to a USB host. By sweeping through a range of rise and fall times, and testing the reliability of USB output, optimal rise and fall times for the characteristics of a USB peripheral can quickly be determined. In one embodiment, the controllability of the rise and fall times is provided in firmware that changes at least one characteristic of the USB peripheral that affects the amount of current flowing during USB signaling.