Abstract: A computer game controller system and method has a pulse position modulated (PPM) input device for encoding status information in a pulse position control signal and a bimodal interface having a first and second interface circuits, each for coupling an input device to a computer game program. The first interface circuit is a pulse position signal decoder for decoding a pulse position control signal. The second interface circuit is a capacitor charge decoding circuit for decoding a variable resistance input compatible with the IBM game port standard. When the bimodal interface is coupled to a PPM input device, the received pulse position control signal is decoded with improved accuracy and speed using the first interface (the PPM decoder). However, when the bimodal interface is coupled to a conventional input device which generates a variable resistance input conforming to the IBM game port standard, the second interface (the capacitor charging network) is used to decode the control signal.

Abstract: An x- and y-axis translating apparatus independently translates the motion of a primary shaft in the x- and y-axis directions simultaneously to transducers which generate electrical signals representative of the motion of the primary shaft in the x- and y-axis directions. The apparatus may include button-activated switches for convenient activation with the thumb or forefinger, or other fingers.