System and method for the software emulation of a computer joystick
US5793356A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05G9/047
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A digital joystick operates in a digital mode or an analog emulation mode. In the digital mode, the joystick generates digital data indicating the position of a control stick and the status of buttons and transmits the digital data to the computer. The joystick may be coupled to the computer through a game port or a conventional interface port. Computer software operating within the computer can receive digital data directly from the joystick if it is operating in the digital mode. When in the analog emulation modes the joystick emulates resistances related to the position of the control stick. The emulated resistance data emulates the value of corresponding resistances in a conventional joystick. The resistance values may be derived from a programmable resistor, a programmable impedance, or a programmable current source. Multiplexers may also be used to couple the appropriate resistance value to the conventional game port input.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.