Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Kurt Torben Nielsen

Matthew D Morris

Gary L Gordon

Ming Hong Zhu

Harish Krishnamurthy

Chris A Murzanski

Edward Charles Giaimo, Iii

Thomas W Brooks

Wolfgang Adam Mack, Jr

Loren Douglas Reas

Matthew J Stipes

Vasco Rubio

Donald Charles Grome

Chris T Murzanski

Various embodiments are disclosed that relate to security of a computer accessory device. For example, one non-limiting embodiment provides a host computing device configured to conduct an initial portion of a mutual authentication session with an accessory device, and send information regarding the host computing device and the accessory device to a remote pairing service via a computer network. The host computing device is further configured to, in response, receive a pairing certificate from the remote pairing service, the pairing certificate being encrypted via a private key of the remote pairing service, and complete the mutual authentication with the accessory device using the pairing certificate from the remote pairing service.

Securing a computing device accessory

An input device, such as game peripheral, for a computing device, such as a game console, may have some components that may be powered by AC power only, and some components that may be powered by either AC power or battery power. The switch from AC power to battery power, or vice versa, can be made on-the-fly, in realtime, without disrupting the underlying software application that is being run on the computing device.

Automatic power switching in game peripheral

Haptic features are stored in a haptic device by preloading or otherwise downloading them, e.g., wirelessly, into the haptic device at the time of manufacture, immediately prior to game play, during game play, and/or at any other time. Haptic features may be activated, deactivated, modified or replaced at any time. All or a subset of the haptic features may be selected as an active play list, which may be modified as necessary. A host may manage some or all device memory and the haptic features stored therein. Haptic features stored in haptic devices and control information provided by the host are used by the haptic device to execute haptic effects. The haptic device may sustain haptic effects between control messages from the host. New communication messages may be added to an underlying communication protocol to support haptic effects. New messages may use header portions of communication packets as payload portions.

Enhanced protocol and architecture for low bandwidth force feedback game controller

A hand-held input device provides a directional force feedback that acts on a housing of the device. The input device includes a threaded shaft that is rotatably driven by an electric motor. The motor causes a mass to move in response to a control signal received from a host computing device, such as personal computer that is executing a game or simulation. When the mass is rapidly accelerated or abruptly stopped in response to the control signal, the change in momentum of the mass imparts a directional reactive force to the housing, and an operator holding the housing feels the haptic force.

Force feedback mechanism for gamepad device

The present invention provides a dual axis articulated computer input device. Position sensors are configured to provide position information indicative of a position of two handle members relative to one another.

Dual axis articulated computer input device and method of operation

A joystick produces a control input signal in response to a pivotal displacement of a control handle about any of a plurality of axes. Corrected signals for each of orthogonal &ldquo;X&rdquo; and &ldquo;Y&rdquo; axes are provided in response to a pivotal displacement of the control handle about a center point disposed within a housing. Rotation of the control handle about the center point is enabled through use of a pair of members having spherical exterior surfaces sharing a common center. The member includes a hemispherical-shaped shell coupled to the control handle shaft, and an end cap defining a spherical surface disposed at the end of the control handle shaft. The control handle shaft extends into the housing through an opening defined in an upper portion of the housing. The opening provides a bearing surface adapted to slidingly engage the spherical upper surface of the hemispherical-shaped shell. The housing further includes a lower portion with a receiver adapted to slidingly engage the end cap. A pair of nested gimbals disposed in the housing are respectively rotated about the X and Y axes through engagement with the control handle shaft. Preferably, the joystick further provides a third input axis (the &ldquo;Z&rdquo; axis), about which the control handle is rotated to produce a control input signal. Rotation of the control handle about each of the X, Y, and Z axes is monitored by a corresponding potentiometer that is coupled to the gimbals and the control handle shaft. Torsion springs oppose displacement of the control handle about each of the X, Y, and Z axes and return the control handle to a center position, for each axis.

Growing community of inventors

Snoqualmie, WA, United States of America

Kurt Torben Nielsen