U.S. patent application number 17/066668 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-28 for system and method for providing security to a game controller device for electronic trading.
The applicant listed for this patent is BGC PARTNERS, INC.. Invention is credited to James LONGMAN, Joseph C. NOVIELLO.
Application Number | 20210027375 17/066668 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005137401 |
Filed Date | 2021-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210027375 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LONGMAN; James ; et
al. |
January 28, 2021 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SECURITY TO A GAME CONTROLLER
DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC TRADING
Abstract
A system for managing electronic trading, compnses an interface
application including a mapping module that defines a plurality of
controller signal relationships. Each controller signal
relationship associates one or more of a plurality of game
controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system
commands associated with the electronic trading of financial
instruments. The interface application receives a plurality of game
controller signals generated by a game controller, and determines,
based on the controller signal relationships, that one or more of
the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous.
The interface application causes the communication of a command to
lock the game controller based on the determination of the one or
more erroneous game controller signals.
Inventors: |
LONGMAN; James; (London,
GB) ; NOVIELLO; Joseph C.; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BGC PARTNERS, INC. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005137401 |
Appl. No.: |
17/066668 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13898657 |
May 21, 2013 |
10810667 |
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17066668 |
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13460049 |
Apr 30, 2012 |
8452695 |
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13898657 |
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11172018 |
Jun 29, 2005 |
8170945 |
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13460049 |
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10759693 |
Jan 15, 2004 |
7207885 |
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11172018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0219 20130101;
A63F 2300/201 20130101; A63F 2300/1018 20130101; A63F 2300/10
20130101; G06F 3/038 20130101; A63F 2300/401 20130101; G06F 3/0338
20130101; G06F 3/0238 20130101; A63F 2300/532 20130101; G06Q 40/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/04 20060101
G06Q040/04; G06F 3/02 20060101 G06F003/02; G06F 3/023 20060101
G06F003/023; G06F 3/038 20060101 G06F003/038; G06F 3/0338 20060101
G06F003/0338 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method comprising: controlling, by at least one processor,
storing a plurality of controller signal relationships comprising a
plurality of first controller signal relationships, each controller
signal relationship associating one or more game controller signals
with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with
electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform;
receiving a plurality of first game controller signals generated
via a first game controller; determining, based on the first
controller signal relationships and the plurality of first game
controller signals, whether one or more of the plurality of first
game controller signals is erroneous; and when one or more of the
plurality of first game controller signals is determined to be
erroneous, locking the first game controller.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the locking including
communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein determining whether one or more
of the plurality of first game controller signals is erroneous
comprises determining, based on the first controller signal
relationships, whether one or more of the plurality of first game
controller signals does not correspond with any of the plurality of
trading system commands.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein determining whether one or more
of the plurality of first game controller signals is erroneous
comprises: determining first trading system commands associated
with one or more of the plurality of first game controller signals
based on the plurality of controller signal relationships; and
determining whether one or more of the first trading system
commands is an invalid command in a state of trading activity in
which the one or more of the plurality of first game controller
signals is received.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein communicating an instruction to
lock the first game controller comprises: determining whether a
number of erroneous first game controller signals meets or exceeds
a predetermined threshold; when the number of erroneous first game
controller signals is determined to meet or exceed a predetermined
threshold, preventing execution of any trading system command
originating from the first game controller.
7. The method of claim 3, wherein communicating an instruction to
lock the first game controller comprises: determining whether a
number of consecutively-received erroneous first game controller
signals meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; and when the
number of consecutively-received erroneous first game controller
signals is determined to meet or exceed a predetermined threshold,
preventing execution of any trading system command originating from
the first game controller.
8. The method of claim 3, wherein communicating an instruction to
lock the first game controller comprises: determining whether a
number of erroneous first game controller signals received within a
predetermined time period meets or exceeds a predetermined
threshold; when the number of erroneous first game controller
signals received within a predetermined time period is determined
to meet or exceed a predetermined threshold, preventing execution
of any trading system command originating from the first game
controller.
9. The method of claim 2, further comprising: controlling, by the
at least one processor: receiving second game controller signals
generated by a second game controller; determining trading system
commands associated with the second game controller signals; and
communicating the trading system commands toward a trading platform
such that the trading system commands may be executed by the
trading platform to perform electronic trading of financial
instruments via a trading platform.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: controlling, by the
at least one processor: receiving one or more third game controller
signals generated by the second game controller; determining
whether the one or more third game controller signals match a
stored security code; and when the one or more third game
controller signals is determined to match the stored security code,
locking the second game controller.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: controlling, by the
at least one processor: receiving one or more security game
controller signals generated by the second game controller, the one
or more security game controller signals comprising second game
controller signals associated with a configurable security code for
locking the second game controller; determining a configurable
security code based on the one or more security game controller
signals; and storing the configurable security code.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: controlling, by the
at least one processor: receiving baseline fingerprint data
associated with a user of the second game controller; receiving
from the second game controller user fingerprint data associated
with the user; and determining whether to provide the user access
to the trading platform based at least on the received user
fingerprint data, wherein determining whether to provide the user
access to the trading platform based at least on the received user
fingerprint data comprises comparing the user fingerprint data with
the baseline fingerprint data.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving second game controller
signals generated by the second game controller comprises:
receiving game controller signals associated with a buy command
generated by depressing a first button located on a first front
region of the second game controller; and receiving game controller
signals associated with a sell command generated by depressing a
second button located on a second front region of the second game
controller.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first front region and
second front region of the second game controller are located on a
front surface of the second game controller.
15. The method of claim 7, in which the plurality of game
controller signals are game controller signals of a game controller
comprising a first joystick, a second joystick, and a d-pad.
16. The method of claim 15, in which: the plurality of first game
controller signals comprises a plurality of directional inputs of
the first joystick, each of the plurality of directional inputs
being generated by causing a stick portion of the first joystick to
move from a central position radially outward from the central
position in one of a plurality of directions spanning 360 degrees
around the central position, the one or more erroneous game
controller signals comprise at least one of the plurality of
directional inputs, and the plurality of controller signal
relationships comprises a plurality of first controller signal
relationships associating (1) controller signals comprising at
least one directional signal from the first joystick with one of
the plurality of trading system commands and (2) controller signals
comprising at least one directional signal from the second joystick
with another one of the plurality of trading system commands.
17. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor configured to
control: storing a plurality of controller signal relationships
comprising a plurality of first controller signal relationships,
each controller signal relationship associating one or more game
controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system
commands associated with electronic trading of financial
instruments via a trading platform; receiving a plurality of first
game controller signals generated by a first game controller;
determining based on the first controller signal relationships and
the plurality of first game controller signals, whether one or more
of the plurality of first game controller signals is erroneous; and
when one or more of the plurality of game controller signals is
determined to be erroneous, locking the first game controller.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the locking including
communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, in which: the one or more of a
plurality of game controller signals are game controller signals of
a game controller comprising a first joystick, a second joystick,
and a d-pad; each joystick is configured for movement away from a
center position in a plurality of directions spanning 360 degrees,
the plurality of first game controller signals comprises a
plurality of directional inputs of the first joystick, the one or
more erroneous game controller signals comprise at least one of the
plurality of directional inputs, and the plurality of controller
signal relationships comprises a plurality of first controller
signal relationships associating (1) controller signals comprising
at least one directional signal from the first joystick with one of
the plurality of trading system commands and (2) controller signals
comprising at least one directional signal from the second joystick
with another one of the plurality of trading system commands.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one processor
is configured to control: storing: a first set of controller signal
relationships, the first set associated with a first user and with
a first type of game controller; a second set of controller signal
relationships, the second set associated with the first user and
with a second type of game controller; and a third set of
controller signal relationships, the third set associated with a
second user and with the first type of game controller; in which at
least one controller signal relationship associates one of a
plurality of game controller signals with one of a plurality of
trading system commands associated with the electronic trading of
financial instruments; wherein the at least one processor is
configured to control: identifying a specific user associated with
a specific game controller; identifying a specific controller type
associated with the specific game controller; determining at least
one of the sets of controller signal relationships based at least
in part on the specific user and the specific controller type;
receiving a specific game controller signal from the specific game
controller; determining the trading system command associated with
the specific game controller signal based at least in part on the
at least one of the sets of controller signal relationships; and
communicating the determined trading system command such that the
trading system command is executed.
21. A non-transitory machine-readable medium configured to store
instructions which, when executed by at least one processor,
control: storing a plurality of controller signal relationships
comprising a plurality of first controller signal relationships,
each controller signal relationship associating one or more game
controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system
commands associated with electronic trading of financial
instruments via a trading platform; receiving a plurality of first
game controller signals generated by a first game controller;
determining based on the first controller signal relationships and
the plurality of first game controller signals, whether one or more
of the plurality of first game controller signals is erroneous; and
when one or more of the plurality of game controller signals is
determined to be erroneous, locking the first game controller.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/898,657 filed May 21, 2013 which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/460,049 filed Apr. 30,
2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,452,695 issued on May 28, 2013), which is
a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/172,018 filed
Jun. 29, 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,170,945 issued on May 1, 2012),
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/759,693 filed Jan. 15, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,885 issued
on Apr. 24, 2007), which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to electronic trading and,
more particularly, to a system and method for providing security to
a game controller device for electronic trading.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In recent years, electronic trading systems have gained a
widespread acceptance for trading items. For example, electronic
trading systems have been created which facilitate the trading of
financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, currency, futures, or
other suitable financial instruments. Such electronic trading
systems often have a number of clients or terminals connected to a
trading platform by a communications network, such as the Internet
or a virtual private network, for example. Each client or terminal
of such a trading system may include various input devices, such as
keyboards or mouses. In some instances, users may use keyboards
that are specifically designed or configured for use in an
electronic trading system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with the present invention, systems and
methods for using an interface device for electronic trading are
provided.
[0005] According to one embodiment, a system for electronic trading
is provided. The system includes an interface application having an
associated mapping module that defines a plurality of controller
signal relationships. Each controller signal relationship
associates a game controller signal with a trading system command
associated with the electronic trading of financial instruments.
The interface application is operable to receive a particular game
controller signal, to determine the trading system command
associated with the particular game controller signal using the
mapping module, and to communicate the determined trading system
command such that the trading system command is executed.
[0006] According to another embodiment, a method of electronic
trading is provided. A plurality of controller signal relationships
are managed. Each controller signal relationship associates a game
controller signal with a trading system command associated with the
electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform.
A particular game controller signal generated by a game controller
is received. The trading system command associated with the
particular game controller signal is determined based on the
controller signal relationships. The determined trading system
command is communicated toward the trading platform such that the
trading system command may be executed by the trading platform.
[0007] According to yet another embodiment, a method of managing
electronic trading is provided. A plurality of controller signal
relationships are stored, each controller signal relationship
associating one or more of a plurality of game controller signals
with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with
the electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading
platform. One or more game controller signals generated by a game
controller are received, and at least one of the plurality of
controller signal relationships is modified based at least on the
received game controller signals. For example, at least one
controller signal relationship may be modified if it is determined
that the received game controller signals are erroneous signals. In
some embodiments, a message indicating a proposed modification of a
particular controller signal relationship may be communicated to a
user of the game controller. The proposed modification of the
particular controller signal relationship may be implemented if a
response is received from the user indicating an acceptance of the
proposed modification.
[0008] According to still another embodiment, a method of managing
a game controller used for electronic trading is provided. A
plurality of controller signal relationships are stored, each
controller signal relationship associating one or more of a
plurality of game controller signals with one of a plurality of
trading system commands associated with the electronic trading of
financial instruments via a trading platform. A plurality of game
controller signals generated by a game controller are received, one
or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are
determined erroneous based on the controller signal relationships,
and a command to lock the game controller is communicated based on
the determination of the one or more erroneous game controller
signals.
[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention may benefit
from numerous advantages. It should be noted that one or more
embodiments may benefit from some, none, or all of the advantages
discussed below.
[0010] One advantage of the invention is that a game controller,
such as a gamepad or joystick, may be used to trade electronically
tradable instruments or other items via a trading system. This may
allow users to perform various trading functions with greater speed
and accuracy than with other input devices, such as keyboards or
mouses. In addition, some users may be more familiar with using a
game controller than using a keyboard or mouse.
[0011] Another advantage of the invention is a user terminal may
store game controller configurations for various types and/or
models of game controllers such that different types and/or models
of game controllers may be used interchangeably with a particular
user terminal. In addition, a game controller may be configurable
such that a user may configure the game controller as he or she
desires. Thus, the game controller may be personalized for the
user, which may further increase the speed and accuracy with which
the user can perform trading functions, such as buying or selling
financial instruments, for example.
[0012] Another advantage is that in some embodiments, the system
may identify erroneous game controller signals received from a game
controller based on a set of stored relationships between game
controller signals and trading system commands. Such erroneous
signals may include signals generated by manipulations of the game
controller (such as pressing one or more buttons and/or moving one
or more joysticks or directional pads in particular directions)
that do not correspond with any trading system command, or that
correspond with a trading system command that is invalid in a
particular trading situation. Once the erroneous game controller
signals are identified, the system may modify one or more of the
stored relationships between game controller signals and trading
system commands, thus effectively recalibrating particular aspects
of the game controller. In some embodiments, when erroneous game
controller signals are identified, the system may query the user
whether the user intended to select a particular trading system
command. The query may also include a proposed modification of one
or more stored relationships between game controller signals and
trading system commands. Based on the user's response to the query,
the system may implement the proposed modification of one or more
stored relationships between game controller signals and trading
system commands. Thus, the system may monitor a user's behavior,
detect erroneous inputs from the user, and propose and implement
recalibrations of the game controller.
[0013] Other advantages will be readily apparent to one having
ordinary skill in the art from the following figures, descriptions,
and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and for further features and advantages, reference is now made to
the following description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an example trading system in which a user
may engage in trading activity using a game controller device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an example game controller device for use
in the trading system shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a table that specifies example default
controller signal relationships for the game controller device
shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method of a user engaging in
electronic trading via a trading platform using the game controller
device shown in FIG. 2 and configured according to FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates an example method of configuring and
reconfiguring the controller signal relationships associated with a
game controller device according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an example method of detecting erroneous
game controller signals and reconfiguring controller signal
relationships associated with a game controller device according to
one embodiment of the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of determining the
number or frequency of particular received game controller signals
and reconfiguring controller signal relationships associated with a
game controller device according to one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Example embodiments of the present invention and their
advantages are best understood. by referring now to FIGS. 1 through
5 of the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts.
[0023] In general, a game controller device, such as a gamepad or
joystick, is used to interface with an electronic trading system,
such as to place orders to buy or sell financial instruments, for
example. Configurations for various types and/or models of game
controllers may be stored and managed such that different types
and/or models of game controllers may be used interchangeably at a
user terminal. In addition, a game controller may be configurable
such that a user may configure the game controller as he or she
desires.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an example trading system 10 in which a
user may engage in trading activity using a game controller device
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown,
trading system 10 includes a number of user terminals 12 coupled to
a trading platform 14 by a communications network 16. User
terminals 12 provide users 22 access to engage in trading activity
via trading platform 14. A user 22 is any entity, such as an
individual, group of individuals or firm, that engages in trading
activity via trading system 10.
[0025] Trading platform 14 is a trading architecture that
facilitates the electronic trading of financial instruments, such
as stocks or other equity securities, bonds, mutual funds, options,
futures, derivatives, and currencies, for example, or any other
suitable instruments, goods or services between users 22. Trading
platform 14 may be a computer, a server, a management center, a
single workstation, or a headquartering office for any person,
business, or entity that seeks to manage trading between users 22
of trading system 10. Accordingly, trading platform 14 may include
any suitable hardware, software, personnel, devices, components,
elements, or objects that may be utilized or implemented to achieve
the operations and functions of an administrative body or a
supervising entity that manages or administers a trading
environment.
[0026] Trading platform 14 may be operable to receive trading
orders from users 22 and to manage or process those trading orders
such that financial transactions between users 22 may be performed.
Trading platform 14 may have a link or a connection to a market
trading floor, or some other suitable coupling to any suitable
element that allows for such transactions to be executed.
[0027] Communications network 16 is a communicative platform
operable to exchange data or information between trading platform
14 and user terminals 30. Communications network 16 represents an
Internet architecture in a particular embodiment of the present
invention, which provides users 22 with the ability to
electronically execute trades or initiate transactions to be
delivered to an authorized exchange trading floor. In other
embodiments, communications system 14 could be any packet data
network (PDN) offering a communications interface or exchange
between trading platform 14 and user terminals 30. Communications
network 16 may alternatively be any local area network (LAN),
metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless
local area network (WLAN), virtual private network (VPN), intranet,
or any other appropriate architecture or system that facilitates
communications in a network environment.
[0028] A user terminal 12 may include a computer system and
appropriate software to allow user 22 to engage in trading activity
via trading platform 14. As used in this document, the term
"computer" refers to any suitable device operable to accept input,
process the input according to predefined rules, and produce
output, for example, a personal computer, workstation, network
computer, wireless data port, wireless telephone, personal digital
assistant, one or more processors within these or other devices, or
any other suitable processing device.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, a user terminal 12 may include a
terminal body 30, a display device 32, and a game controller input
device 34. User terminal 12 may also include one or more additional
input devices 36, such as a keyboard 38 and a mouse 40. Display
device 32 may be any suitable device for displaying information to
a user 22, such as an internal notebook display, a CRT monitor, or
a television, for example.
[0030] Terminal body 30 includes a processing unit 46 and a memory
unit 48 that stores an interface application 50, which is discussed
below. Processing unit 46 may process data associated with trading
system 10, which may include executing coded instructions
associated with interface application 50. Memory unit 48 may be
coupled to data processing unit 46 and may include one or more
databases and other suitable memory devices, such as one or more
random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), dynamic
random access memories (DRAMs), fast cycle RAMs (FCRAMs), static
RAM (SRAMs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), erasable
programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), microcontrollers, or
microprocessors.
[0031] Terminal body 30 also includes one or more input ports 54,
each of which provides an interface for coupling game controller
input device 34, one or more additional input devices 36 and/or
other peripheral devices to interface application 50. Input ports
54 may include various types of interfaces, such as USB type ports
(such as USB type I or type II ports, for example), keyboard ports,
mouse ports, serial ports, parallel ports, or Bluetooth.TM. or
FireWire.TM. ports, for example. In the example embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, terminal body 30 includes a mouse port 56 for mouse 40, a
keyboard port 58 for keyboard 38, a serial port 60, and a USB type
port 62. In this embodiment, game controller device 34 may be
coupled to either serial port 60 or USB type port 62, depending on
the type of cable and/or plug provided by the game controller
device 34.
[0032] In addition, keyboard 38 may include one or more input ports
64 that allow other input devices to be plugged into keyboard 38.
Signals generated by an input device connected to an input port 64
provided by keyboard 38 are routed through keyboard 38 and keyboard
port 58 to which keyboard 38 is coupled. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, keyboard 38 is a customized keyboard 38 designed for
electronic trading applications, and includes a serial port 68 and
a USB type port 70. In some embodiments, a particular game
controller device 34 may be able to be coupled directly to an input
port 54 of terminal body 30, or to an input port 66 of keyboard 38,
which is in turn connected to keyboard port 58 of terminal body 30.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, game controller device 34
includes a USB cable 72 which may be plugged into USB type port 70
of keyboard 38 or directly into USB type port 62 of terminal body
30 (as shown by dotted line 74). Alternatively, game controller
device 34 may communicate with interface application 50 at least in
part via wireless communications. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
game controller device 34 may include a wireless transceiver 76
that may communicate wirelessly with a wireless transceiver 78
associated with terminal body 30. Such wireless communications may
utilize any suitable wireless communications protocol 30 or
protocols. In particular embodiments, communications between
wireless transceiver 76 and wireless transceiver 78 are
communicated according to one or more secure wireless communication
protocols or WLAN protocols, such as portions or all of the Wired
Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protocol, the Robust Security Network
(RSN) associated with the IEEE 802.11i protocol, the Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES), the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
(TKIP), Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPoL)
algorithms or protocols (such as EAP-TTLS, PEAP, or CISCO's LEAP or
EAP-FAST protocols, for example), WiFi Protected Access (WPA)
protocol, or WiFi Protected Access Version 2 (WPA2) protocol, for
example.
[0033] Game controller input device 34 may be any of a variety of
input devices used in connection with video or computer gaming,
such as a handheld video game controller, a joystick or a gamepad,
for example. Some game controller devices 34 include a number of
buttons as well as one or more joysticks or directional pads
(D-pads). The depression or manipulation of such buttons, joysticks
and/or D-pads by a user 22 generates game controller signals which
may be received and interpreted by interface application 50 in
order to generate commands related to the functions of trading
system 10, as discussed below. Similarly, keyboard 38 and mouse 40
may generate keyboard signals and mouse signals, respectively,
which may be received and interpreted by interface application 50
in order to generate commands related to the functions of trading
system 10.
[0034] Interface application 50 includes one or more applications
and modules that provide interfaces that allow user 22 to
communicate with trading platform 14 using various input devices 34
and display device 32. For example, such applications and modules
may include graphical user interface (GUI) applications that
generate displays of information on display device 32, receive and
interpret commands from input devices 34 in order to cause changes
to the active display on display device 32 and to generate and send
messages to trading platform 14, and receive and interpret messages
from trading platform 14 in order to cause changes to the active
display on display device 32 and/or to generate and send messages
to input devices 34. Interface application 50 may include any
suitable software or coded instructions for providing at least the
various functionality discussed herein with reference to interface
application 50.
[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, interface application 50
includes a mapping module 80 and a configuration module 81. Mapping
module 80 defines various relationships for mapping signals
received from various input devices 34 with various commands
regarding trading system 10. Mapping module 80 includes controller
signal relationships 82, keyboard signal relationships 84, and
mouse signal relationships 86. Each controller signal relationship
82 associates a game controller signal generated by a game
controller device 34 with a trading system command associated with
trading system 10. Each trading system command may be a control
instruction to alter or manipulate the current display shown on
display device 32 (such as an instruction to move a cursor across
the display 32, for example) and/or a trading instruction that may
be communicated to or from trading platform 14 (such as an
instruction to buy, sell, or increase a price, for example).
[0036] Mapping module 80 may include sets of such controller signal
relationships 82 for various types or models of game controller
devices 34, as well as for various users 22. Thus, if more than one
type or model of game controller device 34 is used with a
particular user terminal 30, controller signal relationships 82
specific to each type or model of game controller device 34 may be
stored in and retrieved from mapping module 80. In addition, if
more than one user 22 uses a particular user terminal 30,
controller signal relationships 82 specific to each such user may
be stored in and retrieved from mapping module 80. The controller
signal relationships 82 for each type or model of game controller
device 34 and/or for each user 22 may be configurable or
reconfigurable such that each user 22 may create his or her own
desired configuration. In addition, each type or model of game
controller device 34 may have a default configuration of controller
signal relationships 82 maintained by mapping module 80. In an
example embodiment, game controller signals may be communicated
according to a MICROSOFT DirectX.TM. protocol. In such an
embodiment, mapping module 80 may include algorithms or other
software functionality for mapping the received DirectX.TM. game
controller signals to trading system commands that may be
communicated to and understood by trading platform 14.
[0037] Similar to controller signal relationships 82, each keyboard
signal relationship 84 associates a keyboard signal generated by a
keyboard 38 with a trading system command associated with trading
system 10. Similarly, each mouse signal relationship 86 associates
a mouse signal generated by a mouse 40 with a trading system
command associated with trading system 10.
[0038] Mapping module 80 may also include one or more sets of
feedback signal relationships 88, each associating a signal
generated by trading platform 14 with a controller feedback
command. Controller feedback commands are commands that may be used
by game controller device 34 to provide feedback to a user 22 of
game controller device 34. For example, controller feedback
commands may include commands which cause game controller device 34
to rumble (i.e., vibrate) or light up. In one embodiment, feedback
signal relationships 88 for a particular game controller device 34
include a relationship between an "executed trade" signal generated
by trading platform 14 and a "rumble" command for game controller
device 34. Thus, when trading platform 14 executes a trade
involving a user 22, trading platform 14 generates and communicates
an "executed trade" signal to interface application 50, which
translates the signal into a "rumble" command and communicates the
"rumble" command to game controller device 34, thus causing the
game controller device 34 to vibrate.
[0039] Configuration module 81 cooperates with mapping module 80 to
allow users 22 to configure (or generate) and/or reconfigure
various controller signal relationships 82. In some embodiments,
configuration module 81 provides a controller configuration GUI on
display device 32 that allows a user 22 to configure, or generate,
a set of controller signal relationships 82 associated with an
unconfigured game controll'er device 34, as well as to reconfigure
the set of controller signal relationships 82 associated with a
previously configured game controller device 34. In a particular
embodiment, the controller signal relationships 82 associated with
a game controller device 34 may be reconfigured any number of
times.
[0040] Mapping module 80 and configuration module 81 may include
all or portions of the software or coded instructions associated
with interface application 50. Mapping module 80 and configuration
module 81 may also be partially or completely integrated. In
addition, multiple instances of mapping module 80 and/or
configuration module 81 may be provided by application 50.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates an example game controller device 34 for
use in trading system 10. Game controller device 34 is a gamepad
that includes a D-pad, a pair of joysticks (Joystick A and Joystick
B), and nine buttons (Button A through Button J). FIG. 3
illustrates a table 90 that specifies example default controller
signal relationships 82 for the game controller device 34 of FIG. 2
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in
FIG. 3, each controller signal relationship 82 is a relationship
between the signal(s) produced by the manipulation of one or more
gamepad controls and a trading system command. In this particular
embodiment, a pair of buttons--buttons "G" and "H"--located on a
front surface 92 of game controller device 34 correspond with the
commands "Buy" and "Sell," respectively. Thus, a user 22 may
quickly and easily enter "Buy" and "Sell" commands using his or her
index fingers.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method of a user 22 engaging
in electronic trading via trading platform 14 using the game
controller device 34 shown in FIG. 2 and configured as described
above according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the game controller device 34 is connected to a serial
port 68 provided by a keyboard 38 at a user terminal 12, which in
tum is connected to a keyboard port 58 of the terminal body 30 of
the user terminal 12. Thus, game controller signals generated by
game controller device 34 are routed to application 50 via keyboard
38.
[0043] At step 100, mapping module 80 of interface application 50
manages various sets of controller signal relationships 82,
keyboard relationships 84, and mouse relationships 86 which map
input signals with commands associated with trading activity within
trading system 10. The controller signal relationships 82 include
the set of relationships shown in FIG. 3, which are the specific to
the type and model of game controller device 34. At step 102, the
appropriate set of controller signal relationships 82 for game
controller device 34 are identified from mapping module 80. This
may involve any suitable steps or processes. For example, interface
application 50 may automatically identify the type and/or model of
game controller device 34 based on signals or messages received
from game controller device 34, such as a control message, for
example. As another example, the user 22 may identify the type
and/or model of game controller device 34 using a GUI displayed to
the user 22 by interface application 50, such as by selecting the
appropriate type and/or model from a list of different game
controller device types and/or models. In addition, if user 22 had
previously reconfigured the controller signal relationships 82 for
game controller device 34, interface application 50 may identify
the appropriate controller signal relationships 82 for user 22 and
game controller device 34. For example, interface application 50
may identify user 22 (such as from a user ID entered by user 22,
for example) and present to the user 22 a display listing one or
more sets of controller signal relationships 82 that have been
stored at mapping module 80 in association with user 22. User 22
may then select from the list the desired set of controller signal
relationships 82.
[0044] At step 104, user 22 initiates a game controller signal by
moving the D-pad or joysticks and/or depressing one or more buttons
of game controller device 34. At step 106, the game controller
signal is communicated from game controller device 34 to
application 50 via serial port 68, keyboard 38, and keyboard port
58. At step 108, interface application 50 determines the trading
system command associated with the received game controller signal
using the appropriate controller signal relationships 82 identified
at step 102, and acts accordingly. At step 110, interface
application 50 determines whether the determined trading system
command is a control instruction to alter or manipulate the current
display shown on display device 32 or a trading instruction to be
communicated to trading platform 14. If the trading system command
is a control instruction, interface application 50 generates the
control instruction at step 112, which results in the appropriate
change or manipulation to the current display. For example, if the
game controller signal was generated by user 22 moving Joystick A
(which is associated with a "move cursor" command, as shown in FIG.
3), interface application 50 will cause the cursor to be moved
around the screen.
[0045] Alternatively, if the trading system command is a trading
instruction, interface application 50 generates and communicates
the appropriate trading instruction to trading platform 14 at step
114. The appropriate action is taken by trading platform 14 in
response to the received trading instruction at step 116. For
example, if the game controller signal was generated by user 22
depressing both Button 7 and Button 6 (which is associated with a
"bid" command, as shown in FIG. 3), interface application 50 will
generate and communicate to trading platform 14 an instruction to
place a particular bid for user 22 at step 114, and trading
platform 14 will receive the instruction and place the bid on
trading platform 14 at step 116. Steps 104 through 116 are repeated
as user 22 continues to interact with interface application 50
using game controller device 34 in order to engage in trading
activity with trading platform 14.
[0046] At step 118, trading platform 14 executes a trade between a
buy order placed by user 22 and a sell order placed by another user
22 of trading system 10. At step 120, trading platform 14 generates
and communicates to interface application 50 a signal indicating
that the buy order was executed for user 22. At step 122, interface
application 50 determines, using appropriate feedback signal
relationships 88, that the received signal is associated with a
"rumble" controller feedback command. At step 124, interface
application 50 communicates the "rumble" command to game controller
device 34, which causes game controller device 34 to rumble, or
vibrate.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates an example method of configuring and
reconfiguring the controller signal relationships 82 associated
with a game controller device 34 according to one embodiment of the
invention. At step 150, interface application identifies that a
game controller device 34 connected to terminal body 30 is not
configured. At step 152, configuration module 81 provides a
controller configuration GUI on display device 32 that allows user
22 to configure, or generate, a set of controller signal
relationships 82 for the unconfigured game controller device 34. At
step 154, user 22 generates and communicates configuration
instructions to configuration module 81 via the controller
configuration GUI, such as by making selections using the game
controller device 34 or another input device 36, such as a keyboard
38 or mouse 40. At step 156, configuration module 81 generates
controller signal relationships 82, which are stored by mapping
module 80 in association with the game controller device 34 and/or
user 22. At step 158, user 22 engages in trading via trading
platform 14 using the configured game controller device 34.
[0048] At some subsequent time, user 22 wishes to reconfigure one
or more of the controller signal relationships 82 for the game
controller device 34. At step 160, user 22 submits a request to
reconfigure controller signal relationships 82 for game controller
device 34. At step 162, configuration module 81 provides a
controller reconfiguration GUI on display device 32 that allows
user 22 to reconfigure the existing set of controller signal
relationships 82 for the game controller device 34. The controller
reconfiguration GUI may be similar or identical to the controller
configuration GUI discussed above with reference to step 152. At
step 164, user 22 generates and communicates reconfiguration
instructions to configuration module 81 via the controller
reconfiguration GUI, such as by making selections using the game
controller device 34 or another input device 36, such as a keyboard
38 or mouse 40. At step 166, configuration module 81 reconfigures,
or changes, one or more controller signal relationships 82, which
changes are then stored by mapping module 80. At step 168, user 22
engages in trading via trading platform 14 using the reconfigured
game controller device 34.
[0049] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the
method without departing from the scope of the invention.
Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order without
departing from the scope of the invention.
Detecting Erroneous Game Controller Inputs
[0050] In some embodiments, interface application 50 is capable of
identifying and/or managing erroneous game controller signals
received from a game controller device 34. In general, interface
application 50 may identify erroneous received game controller
signals based on a set of stored controller signal relationships 82
between game controller signals generated by a game controller
device 34 and trading system commands associated with trading
system 10. As discussed above, game controller signals may be
generated by manipulations of a game controller device 34, such as
pressing one or more buttons and/or moving one or more joysticks or
D-pads in particular directions, for example. Erroneous signals
that may be identified by interface application 50 may include, for
example, (1) game controller signals that do not correspond with
any trading system command stored in the set of controller signal
relationships 82; (2) game controller signals that correspond
(based on controller signal relationships 82) with a trading system
command that is invalid in a particular trading situation; and (3)
game controller signals that are followed by one or more subsequent
game controller signals received from the game controller in order
to cancel or undo the original game controller signals (or the
trading system command associated with the original game controller
signals). For example, suppose interface application 50 receives
from a game control er device 34 game controller signals generated
by a user simultaneously depressing button "B" and moving joystick
"A" to an upper-left position. Interface application 50 may
determine that this combination of game controller signals does not
correspond with any trading system command stored in a set of
controller signal relationships 82 maintained by mapping module,
and that the received game controller signals are thus erroneous.
As another example, interface application 50 may determine that,
based on a particular controller signal relationship 82, this
combination of game controller signals corresponds with a trading
system command that is invalid in the particular current trading
situation, and that the received game controller signals are thus
invalid. For instance, the received game controller signals may
correspond with a "Buy" command, which command may be invalid or
improper in the current state of the user's trading activity. As
yet another example, interface application 50 may receive from the
game controller device 34 one or more subsequent game controller
signals that correspond, based on one or more controller signal
relationships 82, with a command to undo or cancel the original
game controller signals. Thus, interface application 50 may
determine that the original game controller signals were
erroneous.
[0051] After one or more erroneous game controller signals are
identified, configuration module 81 may modify one or more of the
stored game controller relationships 82, thus effectively
recalibrating particular aspects of the game controller. In some
embodiments, if one or more erroneous game controller signals are
identified, configuration module 81 may generate and/or communicate
a message to the user 22 of the game controller device 34 (such as
via a display device 32, for example). Such message may (1)
indicate that erroneous signals were received, (2) query the user
22 regarding the user's intent with respect to the erroneous
signals, and/or (3) propose a modification of one or more game
controller relationships 82.
[0052] In certain embodiments, interface application 50 may
determine, based on the received erroneous game controller signals
and the set of game controller relationships 82, one or more
particular trading system commands that the user 22 may have
intended to select. For example, again supposing game controller
signals generated by depressing button "B" and moving joystick "A"
to an upper-left position are received and determined erroneous,
interface application 50 may determine that the user 22 may have
intended to select (a) an "increase order by 5 units" trading
system command corresponding with depressing button "B" and moving
joystick "A" to an upper position, or (b) a "decrease bid price by
1 tick" trading system command corresponding with depressing button
"B" and moving joystick "A" to a leftward position. Interface
application 50 may utilize any suitable algorithms or methodology
to determine such potentially-intended trading system commands. For
example, application 50 may process prior trading history
associated with the particular user to make the determination. In
addition, interface application 50 may use other parameters
associated with the current trade to make this determination.
[0053] Such identified potentially-intended trading system commands
may be listed in the message communicated to user 22. For example,
the message may list the identified potentially-intended trading
system commands and ask the user 22 whether the user 22 intended to
select one of such commands. In addition, for each identified
trading system command, the message may propose a modification of
the corresponding game controller relationship 82 that would map
that identified trading system command to the game controller
signals received from the user 22. Thus, continuing the example
discussed above, the message communicated to the user 22 may
include the following proposed modifications to game controller
relationships 82:
[0054] (a) mapping the signals generated by depressing button "B"
and moving joystick "A" to an upper-left position with the
"increase order by 5 units" trading system command (currently
mapped to depressing button "B" and moving joystick "A" to an upper
position, as discussed above); and
[0055] (b) mapping the signals generated by depressing button "B"
and moving joystick "A" to an upper-left position with the
"decrease bid price by 1 tick" trading system command (currently
mapped to depressing button "B" and moving joystick "A" to a
leftward position, as discussed above).
[0056] If the user 22 responds to the message (such as via the game
controller device 34) by selecting one of the proposed mapping
modifications, configuration module 81 may implement the proposed
modification to the relevant game controller relationship 82. In
this manner, interface application 50 may monitor a user's
behavior, detect erroneous inputs from the user, and propose and
implement recalibrations of the user's game controller device
34.
[0057] Interface application 50 may store game controller signals
received from one or more game controller devices 34 in one or more
signal logs 180. In some embodiments, interface application 50
identifies erroneous game controller signals received from a game
controller device 34 based on game controller signals stored in an
associated signal log 180. In addition, configuration module 81 may
modify one or more controller signal relationships 82, or propose
modifications of one or more controller signal relationships 82,
based on an analysis of one or more signal logs 180. For example,
configuration module 81 may modify or propose a modification of a
particular controller signal relationship 82 if a particular number
or frequency of erroneous signals are identified in a signal log
180. In some embodiments, if interface application 50 determines
based on signal log 180 that a particular erroneous signal has been
received from a game controller device 34 a number of times or with
a frequency that equals or exceeds a predetermined numerical
threshold, configuration module 81 of interface application 50 may
communicate to the user 22 of the game controller device 34 a
message indicating a proposed modification of one or more
particular controller signal relationships 82.
[0058] For example, if game controller signals stored in a signal
log 180 indicate that a user has erroneously moved a joystick to
the down-right position rather than the straight-down position when
attempting to implement a particular trading command more than a
threshold number of times (say, for example, 10 times) or more than
a threshold frequency (say, for example, twice per hour),
configuration module 81 may communicate to the user 22 of the game
controller device 34 a message indicating a proposed modification
of a particular controller signal relationship 82 in order to
correspond the particular trading command with the down-right
position (rather than the straight-down position) of the joystick.
Such message may be communicated to the user 22 via a display
device 32, for example. If the user 22 communicates a response to
the message that indicates an acceptance of the proposed
modification of the particular controller signal relationship 82,
configuration module 81 may implement the modification of the
particular controller signal relationship 82.
[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates an example method of detecting erroneous
game controller signals and reconfiguring controller signal
relationships 82 associated with a game controller device 34
according to one embodiment of the invention. At step 200,
interface application 50 receives one or more game controller
signals generated by a game controller device 34 being manipulated
by a user 22, such as by pressing one or more buttons and/or moving
one or more joysticks or D-pads in particular directions, for
example. At step 202, interface application 50 may store received
game controller signals in a signal log 180 associated with the
game controller device 34. At step 204, interface application 50
determines whether the one or more game controller signals received
at step 200 are erroneous based on a set of stored controller
signal relationships 82 between game controller signals generated
by a game controller device 34 and trading system commands
associated with trading system 10. As discussed above, such
erroneous signals may include, for example, (1) game controller
signals that do not correspond with any trading system command
stored in the set of controller signal relationships 82; (2) game
controller signals that correspond (based on controller signal
relationships 82) with a trading system command that is invalid in
a particular trading situation; or (3) game controller signals
followed by subsequent game controller signals to cancel or undo
the original game controller signals (or the trading system command
associated with the original game controller signals).
[0060] If the received game controller signal(s) are determined not
to be erroneous at step 204, the trading system command(s)
associated with such received game controller signals may be
determined by interface application 50 and communicated to trading
platform 14 at step 206. The method may return to step 200 to
receive additional game controller signals from the game controller
device 34. Alternatively, if the received game controller signal(s)
are determined to be erroneous, the method proceeds to step 208
where interface application 50 may further determine, based on
signal log 180, whether the particular erroneous game controller
signal(s) has been received form the game controller device 34 a
predetermined threshold number of times or with a predetermined
threshold frequency, as discussed above. If the particular
erroneous game controller signal(s) has not been received the
predetermined threshold number of times or with the predetermined
threshold frequency, the method may return to step 200 to receive
additional game controller signals from the game controller device
34. However, if the particular erroneous game controller signal(s)
has been received the predetermined threshold number of times or
with the predetermined threshold frequency, at step 210
configuration module 81 may communicate to the user 22 of the game
controller device 34 (via a display device 32, for example) a
message indicating a proposed modification of one or more
particular controller signal relationships 82.
[0061] At step 212, interface application 50 receives a response to
the message from the user 22 of the game controller device 34. If
the response indicates an acceptance of the proposed modification
of the particular controller signal relationship(s) 82,
configuration module 81 may implement the modification of the
particular controller signal relationship(s) 82 at step 214. The
method may return to step 200 to receive additional game controller
signals from the game controller device 34. If the response
indicates a denial of the proposed modification of the particular
controller signal relationship(s) 82, configuration module 81 may
not implement the modification, as indicated at step 216, and the
method may return to step 200 to receive additional game controller
signals from the game controller device 34.
Managing Default Settings
[0062] In some embodiments, interface application 50 is capable of
managing default settings for the configuration of a game
controller device 34, which may include managing default settings
for game controller relationships 82. Using any suitable
statistical modeling or analysis, interface application 50 may
determine the number and/or frequency of instances of one or more
particular received game controller signals stored in one or more
signal logs 180. Based on such determined number and/or frequency
of instances of one or more particular received game controller
signals, configuration module 81 may modify or propose a
modification of one or more particular controller signal
relationships 82, such as to tailor the configuration of the game
controller device 34 to the trading activity of the user 22. In
particular embodiments, configuration module 81 may communicate a
message to the user 22 proposing a modification of one or more
particular controller signal relationships 82 if the number and/or
frequency of instances of one or more particular received game
controller signals exceeds a predetermined threshold.
[0063] For example, suppose each depression of button A increases
the bid size for a bid order by one unit (e.g. one share). Thus, a
particular controller signal relationship 82 corresponds the game
controller signal generated by pressing button A with the trading
command of increasing the bid size for a bid order by one unit.
Further suppose that a particular user 22 often submits bid orders
in sizes of multiples of five units (e.g., 5 shares, 10 shares, 15
shares, etc.) by pressing button A in multiples of five
repetitions. Based on the number and/or frequency of instances of
receiving game controller signals for submitting bid orders in
sizes of multiples of five units, configuration module 81 may
communicate a message to user 22 proposing to modify the particular
controller signal relationship 82 such that each depression of
button A increases the bid size for a bid order by five units. If
the user 22 accepts the proposed modification of the particular
controller signal relationship 82, configuration module 81 may
implement the modification. It should be understood that this is
merely an example, and that configuration module 81 may modify or
propose a modification of any one or more controller signal
relationships 82 based on the determined number and/or frequency of
instances of one or more particular received game controller
signals.
[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of determining the
frequency of particular received game controller signals and
reconfiguring controller signal relationships associated with a
game controller device 34 according to one embodiment of the
invention. At step 250, interface application 50 receives one or
more game controller signals generated by a game controller device
34 being manipulated by a user 22, such as by pressing one or more
buttons and/or moving one or more joysticks or D-pads in particular
directions, for example. At step 252, interface application 50 may
store received game controller signals in a signal log 180
associated with the game controller device 34. At step 254,
interface application 50 determines whether the number and/or
frequency of instances of one or more particular received game
controller signals stored in signal log 180 meet or exceed a
predetermined threshold value. For example, interface application
50 may determine the frequency at which user 22 submits particular
trading system commands over time and/or in particular trading
situations, and determine whether such frequency exceeds a
predetermined threshold frequency. For instance, interface
application 50 may determine the frequency at which user 22 enters
signals for submitting trading orders in multiples of 10 shares, as
opposed to submitting trading orders of other sizes, and whether
the determined frequency exceeds a threshold frequency
predetermined for such signals.
[0065] If the determined number and/or frequency of instances of
one or more particular received game controller signals does not
meet or exceed the predetermined threshold value, the method may
return to step 250 to continue receiving game controller signals.
However, if the determined number and/or frequency of instances of
one or more particular received game controller signals meets or
exceeds the predetermined threshold value, configuration module 81
may communicate a message to the user 22 proposing a modification
of one or more particular controller signal relationships 82, as
indicated at step 256. At step 258, a response to the message is
received from the user 22 of the game controller device 34. If the
response indicates an acceptance of the proposed modification of
the particular controller signal relationship(s) 82, configuration
module 81 may implement the modification of the particular
controller signal relationship(s) 82 at step 260. The method may
return to step 250 to receive additional game controller signals
from the game controller device 34. If the response indicates a
denial of the proposed modification of the particular controller
signal relationship(s) 82, configuration module 81 may not
implement the modification, as indicated at step 262, and the
method may return to step 250 to receive additional game controller
signals from the game controller device 34.
Security Features
[0066] Trading system 10 may include one or more various security
features for managing access to game controller device 34 and/or
trading platform 14. For example, in particular embodiments, as
shown in FIG. 2, game controller device 34 includes a fingerprint
reading device 94 operable to obtain an image 95 of a user's
fingerprint or thumbprint such that game controller device 34 may
only be used by authorized users 22. A user 22 may place his finger
or thumb against fingerprint reading device 94, which may obtain
(e.g. scan) an image 95 of the fingerprint or thumbprint. The
fingerprint image 95 may be stored by game controller device 34
and/or interface application 50. In order to begin a trading
session using game controller device 34, a user 22 may be required
to scan his or her fingerprint using fingerprint reading device 94.
If the user 22's fingerprint image matches the stored fingerprint
image 95 of an authorized user 22, the user 22 may begin using game
controller device 34. For example, game controller device 34 may
remain locked when unused and may be unlocked when fingerprint
reading device 94 reads an authorized fingerprint. Alternatively,
if the user 22's fingerprint image does not match the stored
fingerprint image 95 of an authorized user 22, the user 22 may be
prevented from using game controller device 34, at least for
accessing trading platform 14. For example, game controller device
34 may remain locked upon fingerprint reading device 94 reading the
unauthorized fingerprint.
[0067] Fingerprint reading device 94 may include any suitable
device or devices operable to obtain an image (or other data) of a
finger or thumb print, such as optical scanning devices or
capacitance scanning devices, for example. Fingerprint images 95
may be stored in any suitable location, such as within game
controller device 34 or by memory 48. In addition, software for
analyzing fingerprint images 95, including comparing stored
fingerprint images 95 for authorized users 22 with newly received
fingerprint images (for determining whether a user 22 is
authorized, for example), may be associated with and/or stored
within game controller device 34 or by memory 48. For example, in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, such functionality is provided by
interface application 50.
[0068] In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, game
controller device 34 may include an access granted indicator 96 and
an access denied indicator 98. Access granted indicator 96 may
indicate when an authorized fingerprint image has been obtained by
fingerprint reading device 94 (thus allowing game controller device
34 to be used by the user 22, as discussed above) while access
denied indicator 98 may indicate when an unauthorized fingerprint
image has been obtained by fingerprint reading device 94 (thus
preventing game controller device 34 from being used by the user
22, as discussed above). Access granted indicator 96 and access
denied indicator 98 may comprise any suitable devices for
communicating data to a user 22, such as lights, bells or buzzers,
for example.
[0069] In some embodiments, trading system 10 utilizes configurable
security codes for regulating access to game controller device 34
and/or trading platform 14. For example, a user 22 may enter a
user-selected security code including a series of one or more game
controller signals generated by manipulating the various features
of the game controller device 34. The user-selected security code
may then be stored, such as by game controller device 34 or
interface application 50, for example. The user 22 may then be
required to enter the stored security code (using the game
controller device 34) to begin new trading sessions.
[0070] In some embodiments, the game controller device 34 may lock
automatically, such as at the end of a trading session, after some
predetermined period of non-use, or otherwise. In other
embodiments, the user 22 may select a first, locking security code
for locking the game controller device 34 and a second, unlocking
security code for unlocking the game controller device 34. The user
22 may then use the locking and unlocking security codes for
locking and unlocking the game controller device 34 as desired. The
user-selected locking and unlocking security codes may be the same
or different codes. For example, suppose a user 22 selects a
locking security code by submitting the following sequence of
actions: pressing button A, pressing button F, pressing button E,
and moving joystick A right. Further suppose the user 22 selects an
unlocking security code having the same or a different sequence of
actions. Thus, any suitable sequence of actions will serve to lock
and/or unlock the game controller device 34 for use.
[0071] Game controller device 34 may also include an auto-lock
feature that locks the game controller device 34 automatically in
response to receiving a particular number of erroneous inputs or a
particular number of simultaneous inputs. For example, game
controller device 34 may lock itself if a predetermined number (or
more) of erroneous inputs are received consecutively, such as if a
user 22 submits a particular number of consecutive improper
commands. As another example, game controller device 34 may lock
itself if a predetermined number (or more) of inputs are received
consecutively, such as if the game controller device 34 is dropped
or grabbed accidentally. Such features may reduce the number of
unintended or improper game controller signals being communicated
by a game controller device 34.
[0072] Although an embodiment of the invention and its advantages
are described in detail, a person skilled in the art could make
various alterations, additions, and omissions without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the appended claims.
* * * * *