{
  "patent_number": "US 10543427",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Game Controllers Change Button Functions Using Plug-in Accessories",
  "original_title": "Game controller function remapping via external accessory",
  "summary": "A system for game controllers that automatically changes what a button does when you physically attach a hardware accessory to the controller.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes a game controller that detects when an external piece of hardware is plugged into it. When the accessory is attached, the controller's internal software, called a control mapping machine, automatically changes the function of existing buttons. For example, a standard 'A' button might perform a jump action normally, but when a specific accessory is attached, that same 'A' button could trigger a different action, like reloading a weapon or opening a menu. The system relies on the controller recognizing the accessory and sending updated signals to the connected console or PC.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover software-based button remapping that occurs purely through console settings menus.",
    "Does not cover wireless accessory connections that do not involve a physical interface on the controller.",
    "Does not cover mapping changes that occur without the presence of an additional hardware control on the accessory."
  ],
  "filed": "2016-01-25",
  "granted": "2020-01-28",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/microsoft-technology-licensing-llc",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Joshua O. Miller",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/joshua-o-miller"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 2,
  "tags": [
    "consumer_electronics",
    "gaming",
    "mechanical"
  ],
  "abstract": "A game controller includes a plurality of controls, an accessory interface configured to removably affix an external accessory to the game controller, and a control mapping machine. The control mapping machine is configured to map a control of the plurality of controls to a first function while the external accessory is not affixed to the game controller, and map the control to a second function different than the first function while the external accessory is removably affixed to the game controller.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10543427/joy-con-motion-controls",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10543427/joy-con-motion-controls/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US10543427",
  "relatedPatents": []
}