Patent ID: 6071194
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
A reconfigurable video game controller comprising:a) a plurality of game input switches;b) a keyboard interface for connecting to a computer keyboard device and for receiving keycodes from said keyboard device when activated by a user;c) processing means for controlling the operation of said video game controller;d) memory means for storing a keycode assignment associated with each of said input switches, said memory means controlled by said processing means:(i) to output, during a functional mode, the keycode assignment associated with an input switch when said input switch is activated by the user, and(ii) to store, during a reconfiguration mode, the keycode assignment associated with an input switch when said input switch is activated by the user and the keycode is received directly from said keyboard device via said keyboard interface;e) means for the user to select between said functional mode and said reconfiguration mode;f) a keycode upload interface for connecting to a keyboard input port of a computer, said keycode upload interface controlled by said processing means:(i) to output, during a functional mode, at least a portion of said keycode assignment output from said memory means such that a video game program running on said computer may utilize said portion of said keycode assignment in accordance therewith; and(ii) to output, during a reconfiguration mode, said keycode assignment being written to said memory means such that said keycode assignment may be displayed to a user via said computer.