Abstract: A technique for emulating a computer game port uses a memory manager software program to detect output instructions from a computer software program to the game port. In response to the detected output instruction, the memory manager diverts program operation to an interrupt routine wherein position data is read from a data frame and one or more game port delay times are calculated to correspond with the position of the selected positional control device. The delay times correspond with the delay times of a conventional analog joystick coupled to a conventional game port. The memory manager also detects input instructions from computer software program to the game port and diverts the computer software program to an interrupt servicing routine in which the emulated delay times are used to load a data register that is read by the computer software program.

Abstract: A digital joystick coupled to a conventional computer game port tests for the presence of electrical circuitry to support two joysticks and dynamically configures the digital data for transmission to button inputs for either one or two joysticks in the game port. The digital joystick configures the data for transmission to three or more button input lines on the game ports if it detects the second joystick circuitry, and configures the data for transmission to only two button inputs corresponding to the first joystick if it does not detect the second joystick circuitry. The digital joystick generates a clock which is coupled to one button input in the game port. The remaining button inputs are used to transfer data. Within the computer, the system determines the presence of electrical circuitry for the second joystick and is configured to accept data from both joystick inputs that are active. The computer is configured to accept data from only the first joystick if the second joystick input is not active.

Abstract: A game port interface is disclosed which permits bidirectional communication between a game port and a peripheral device. In one embodiment, the peripheral device is a digital joystick and the game port sends commands to the digital joystick. The game port interface includes one or more timers whose inputs are coupled to resistances within the joystick. Also coupled to the timer inputs are capacitors such that the resistors in the joystick form a charging network with the capacitors in the game port interface. When an output instruction to the game port is executed, the capacitors coupled to the timer inputs are charged to a predetermined voltage. The timer input is also coupled to an inverter within the joystick. The output of the inverter switches to a low logic level when the timer input is charged above a logic threshold. The output of the inverter is coupled to an interrupt input on a microprocessor within the joystick.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing clicks in the operation of a graphical user interface such as the WINDOWS operating environment is disclosed. The invention emulates a double click (referred to as the "ClickSaver" feature) which virtually eliminates the need to double click thereby making Windows easier for both the novice and experienced Windows user. A ClickSaver process determines the type of window on which a single click has occurred and, if ClickSaver is enabled and the window has been deemed eligible for a double click such as an icon or control menu, the ClickSaver process sends a double click signal in order to activate the application.

Abstract: A routine allows a user to move a cursor in only mutually perpendicular, horizontal or vertical directions on a computer screen, despite erratic or wavy movement of a pointing device. The routine, once enabled, receives mouse movement signals produced when the user moves the pointing device, the mouse movement signals having x and y position components. The routine uses the greater of the change in the x and y components to initially move the cursor in either horizontal or vertical directions, respectively. The routine continues to move the cursor along the initially established direction, even if the change in mouse movement signals in the other perpendicular direction become greater during continued mouse movement. Only when the change in mouse movement signals in the perpendicular direction become much greater (e.g., ten times greater) will the routine switch to moving the cursor along the perpendicular direction.

Abstract: A method and computer system detects when a user of a computer depresses and releases a modifier key, for example, the CTRL key. The computer is programmed under a routine to locate the position of an active point of a cursor that is displayed on a computer screen. The computer thereafter generates and sequentially displays on the computer screen, concentric rings of decreasing size that radiate inward, centered on the active point, to thus help a user visually locate the cursor on the computer screen.