This week, a new Microsoft patent application was published in Europe that relates to Xbox, and more specifically, to a new status indicator bar for its game controller that dynamically indicates the selected endpoint connection of the communication device, where the selected endpoint connection is selected from a plurality of endpoint connections including at least a local electronic device and an access point configured to communicate with a cloud service.

Microsoft’s patent application relates generally to allowing a user to change an endpoint connection with a host device via an accessory device, like an Xbox Controller. More particularly, the present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for allowing a user to intuitively and clearly select and change an endpoint connection between a plurality of host devices via an accessory device.

In some embodiments, an accessory device includes a status indicator that clearly and intuitively indicates a currently selected and/or connected endpoint connection with a host device. In some embodiments, the accessory device includes a status bar with a plurality of icons located on the status bar that correspond to a plurality of communication protocols. For example, a status bar may include a first icon associated with a game console communication protocol (e.g., 802.1 In or 802.1 lax communication), a second icon associated with a different RF communication protocol to a different host device (e.g., BLUETOOTH communication protocols), and a third icon associated with a Cloud-Direct communication protocol with a network access point. In some embodiments, the accessory device is configured to communicate via a data channel at least with a local electronic device (e.g., a BLUETOOTH device, a game console) and an access point configured to communicate with a cloud service.

In some embodiments, the status bar includes further indicators that communicate different endpoint connections of a communication protocol. For example, a status bar may include device indicators that indicate to a user a selected endpoint connection or selected host device within a selected communication protocol. In at least one example, the status bar indicates to a user a Cloud-Direct communication protocol with a Cloud-Direct icon, while further indicators indicate a selected stored credential or a selected cloud service with which the accessory device is in communication. In at least another example, the status bar indicates to a user a Cloud-Direct communication protocol with a Cloud-Direct icon, while further indicators indicate a selected stored credential or a selected cloud service with which the accessory device is in communication. In some embodiments, the status indicator includes an audio indicator for endpoint connection. For example, the status indicator outputs an audio signal to an audio output device. The audio output device may then play an audible sound to the user to indicate that an endpoint connection has been selected, an endpoint connection has been established, an error has occurred in endpoint connection, or other status of the endpoint connection.

In some embodiments, the status indicator includes a haptic indicator for endpoint connection. For example, the status indicator includes a haptic indicator that uses a linear haptic device (such as a voice coil actuator (VCA)), an eccentric rotating mass (ERM), other haptic device, or combinations thereof. The status indicator outputs a haptic signal to the haptic device(s), which, in turn, produce a haptic output through the accessory device to the user to indicate that an endpoint connection has been selected, an endpoint connection has been established, an error has occurred in endpoint connection, or other status of the endpoint connection.

In some embodiments, an accessory device includes an input mechanism on the accessory device to select and/or change an endpoint connection with a host device. In some embodiments, the input mechanism is a dedicated button, such as a personality button, that increments through or selects from a plurality of data channel personalities, where each data channel personality is associated with a different endpoint connection. In some embodiments, the input mechanism is secondary function of another input device on the accessory, such as face buttons or menu buttons of a game controller pressed in combination, as will be described in more detail herein.

In some embodiments, the input mechanism is selectively active for selecting or changing endpoint connections, such as when the accessory is oriented or moved in a particular manner or only during certain time periods after or during usage. For example, a selectively active input mechanism may receive endpoint connection change requests only when the accessory device is held upside-down from a conventional usage orientation or during a 5-second time period after turning the device on to limit and/or prevent unintentionally changing endpoint connections during use. In other examples, the accessory device receives a signal from a host device that instructs the accessory device to enable or disable (activate or deactivate) the input mechanism while the accessory device is in use with the host device. In at least one example, a game console host device transmits instructions to a game controller accessory device to disable the input mechanism while a game application is active, and the accessory device is being used to play the game application to limit and/or prevent unintentionally changing endpoint connections during gameplay.

In some embodiments, the accessory device includes a motion sensor that measures or determines an orientation or movement of the accessory device and selectively enables or disables the input mechanism in response to the orientation or movement of the accessory device. For example, the input mechanism (e.g., personality button) and/or status indicator (e.g., status bar) may be positioned on a top edge or back surface of the accessory device when held in a conventional orientation during use. When the accessory device is rotated toward the user to orient the top edge or back surface upward and/or toward the user, the accessory device activates the personality button.

Microsoft’s patent FIG. 14-1 and 14-2 illustrate an accessory device with a selectively enabled status bar based on motion information; FIG. 11-1 through FIG. 11-3 illustrate a status bar while an accessory device is changing endpoint connection; and FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of indicating a data channel personality status on an accessory device.

Microsoft’s patent application was filed in Europe on February 15, 2024 and made public this week. One of the inventors listed is Ryan J. Phillips, Senior Product Designer at Microsoft – Xbox.