Technology

None of the idiots in these comments or even reporting on this understand how patents work. They didn't patent anything--they filed an application that has years ahead of it before they argue with the USPTO about what it actually covers, if they ever even achieve a granted application. Their starting point, first claim posted below, is already somewhat broad and easily designed around so I suspect if they get anything at all it'll be nothing more than an unenforceable line item asset they can use as security for financing purposes.

1. A method for operating a video game controller, the method comprising: detecting that an electronic device is within a predetermined distance from the video game controller, wherein the video game controller is wirelessly coupled to a video game console; in response to detecting that the electronic device is within the predetermined distance from the video game controller, emitting a signal from the video game controller; receiving a notification from the electronic device, the notification indicating that the signal was received by the electronic device; in response to receiving the notification from the electronic device, receiving a first message from the electronic device, the first message comprising payment method information for a video game player associated with the video game controller; and transmitting a second message from the video game controller to the video game console, wherein the second message comprises the payment method information, and wherein transmitting the second message serves as a response to an event that has occurred at the video game console.