Abstract: A multi-axis controller for use as free hand-held joystick is described. The controller includes a handle having an inner surface. Disposed within the handle is a dual shaft having a first arm rotatable about a first axis and a second arm rotatable out a second axis. First and second transducers detect rotation of the first and second arms about the first and second axes, respectively. The first transducer and the first end of the first arm are fixedly attached to the inner surface of the handle. A frame is fixedly attached to the second transducer. When a weight is attached to the frame, it causes the first and second arms to center in the absence of user input.

Abstract: An operating device is, while in use, connected to an image processor which generates image data of an image to be displayed on a monitor on the basis of a program. The operating device is provided with an analog joystick in addition to a plurality of switches, and outputs operation signals by which the image data can be modified according to an operation by an operator. The analog joystick includes a lever having a tip end which is protruded from a housing and inclined in an arbitrary direction including North, South, East and West. There is provided with a guide ring which includes a guide wall having an octagonal outer edge around the lever, and the guide wall guides the lever to eight corners, that is, upper, lower, left, right, rightupper, right-lower, left-upper and left-lower corners.

Abstract: A control lever device suited for use as a hand brake or the like in a driving game machine and capable of achieving a realistic game machine. In the control lever device, a lever is mounted at one end of a shaft so that it turns together with the shaft, and a gear support plate is mounted at the center of the shaft. The gear support plate is provided with a transmitting gear which meshes with a transmitted gear mounted on a rotary shaft of a variable resistor. The turning motion of the lever is transmitted to the rotary shaft of the variable resistor, and the resistance of the variable resistor is changed in accordance with the amount of turn of the lever. Mounted at the other end of the shaft is an urging force applying member having an urging force generating characteristic wherein the generation rate of the urging force relative to the amount of turn of the lever increases with increase in amount of turn of the lever.

Abstract: The virtual image generation apparatus (1000) is a virtual image generation apparatus for a game unit or the like, and comprises a plurality of (for example, two) input means (11: control levers, joysticks, or the like) for generating codes associated with operating direction, decoding means (101: a CPU, controller, or the like) for inputting codes generated through operation of the plurality of input means and assigning a control profile for a movable object associated with a combination of a plurality of input codes, and image generation means (101, 108-117: a CPU, geometalyzer, graphic controller, or the like) for generating virtual images whereby the movable object control profiles assigned by the decoding means are reflected in relative motion of the movable objects within virtual space.

Abstract: A vertically oriented payment-receiving enclosure and player's console for an arcade game has two juxtaposed check acceptors hinged to it. This allows one of the acceptors to be swung out of the way while the other remains in its normal operating position during servicing and inspection. The arrangement also allows improved maintenance access to an enclosed portion of a player's control mounted in a top portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: An operational input device is operated by an operator to control an image displayed on a projector screen. A grip bar is arranged such that it extends laterally of the operator sitting on a seat. The grip bar is rotatable around each of a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, so that it can freely move about the respective vertical and horizontal axes within a three dimensional space. Therefore, the operator can operate the grip bar as if it is a paddle of a canoe. Since the grip bar extends laterally of the operator, a plurality of operators can grasp the grip bar simultaneously.

Abstract: A manipulating foot pedal device is used for a video game machine or the like which is operable to provide a three-dimensional operation. The device includes a base member movable in a forward/backward direction relative; a rotatable member mounted on a top of the base member and rotatable about a first axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the forward/backward direction; a pivotal member mounted on a top of the rotatable member and pivotable about a second axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. The device further includes first, second, and third detectors operable to detect a moved amount of the base member, a rotated amount of the rotatable member, and a pivoted amount of the pivotal member.

Abstract: Control apparatus is illustrated in the form of a joystick type device that can be manipulated or operated by a human hand in a plurality of directional modes with respect to a support base which support base may include a handgrip for the operators other hand to provide additional support when the joystick is being vigorously manipulated. The apparatus can provide signals responsive to horizontal, vertical, rotational and tilt movement with respect to the support base in addition to signals generated by the actuation of contacts on the joystick by individual digits of the hand moving the joystick. A further handgrip on the support base may include contiguous additional signal generators actuateable by digits of the hand contacting the further handgrip.

Abstract: An operating device is, while in use, connected to an image processor which generates image data of an image to be displayed on a monitor on the basis of a program. The operating device is provided with an analog joystick in addition to a plurality of switches, and outputs operation signals by which the image data can be modified according to an operation by an operator. The analog joystick includes a lever having a tip end which is protruded from a housing and inclined in an arbitrary direction including North, South, East and West. There is provided with a guide ring which includes a guide wall having an octagonal outer edge around the lever, and the guide wall guides the lever to eight corners, that is, upper, lower, left, right, right-upper, right-lower, left-upper and left-lower corners.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a tactile virtual reality to a user is present. The position and orientation of the user is utilized to generate a virtual reality force field. Forces are in turn generated on the user as a function of this force field. A six-axis manipulator is presented for providing a user interface to such a system. This manipulator provides a unique kinematic structure with two constant force springs which provide gravity compensation so that the manipulator effectively floats.

Abstract: A manual control device with a control stick (joystick) whose output signal is proportional to the angular deflection of the control stick has transducers that step the output signal in such a way that the manual control device imitates or simulates the switching behavior of a N-stage manual control device. For that purpose, analog or digital electronic means associate with the output signal of the manual control device, depending on its value, one among N different voltage values, whose number and potential difference may be predetermined. The advantages of an analog manual control device (few mechanical components, cheap production) are thus combined with the advantages of a N-stage manual control device (adjustment information for the user, wider field of application in industrial control processes).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for converting game port input signals from a game controller into universal serial bus (USB) port signals. The apparatus includes an input unit adapted to be connected to the game controller so as to receive the game port input signals therefrom, an analog-to-digital converter for receiving analog axis signals of the game port input signals from the input unit and for converting the analog axis signals into digital axis signals in a USB interface standard-compliant format, a key signal converter for receiving key switch signals of the game port input signals from the input unit and for converting the key switch signals into digital key switch signals in the USB interface standard-compliant format, a USB driver for receiving the digital axis signals and the digital key switch signals and for generating the USB port signals, and an output unit connected to the USB driver and adapted to provide the USB signals to a USB port.

Abstract: To enable an easy grasp of a positional relationship of the respective characters within a fighting field.A specified fighting field and two character images are displayed on a monitor 7 by a control of a controller 8 based on an image data stored on a storage 6, and the motions of the respective character images are operated by operation keys of first and second operation units 1, 2. Further, a window display unit 11 reads the image data of the image being displayed from the controller 8, forms a window screen smaller in size than the screen of the monitor 7 in a position within the monitor 7 where the window screen does not hinder the motions of the two character images, and gives a display command to the controller 8 so as to display the fighting field centering around the two characters, and symbols P1, P2 representing the two characters.

Abstract: A curved disc joystick or pad with improved performance, reliability and durability can be used as a cursor pointing device for computers, remote controls, video games, consumer electronics, industrial controllers, automotive and other applications. A conductive spring or sheath connects to a conductive curved rubber transducer which can be deflected to make contact with conductors on a printed circuit board, providing electrical outputs to a microprocessor or other device. A ribbed locking extension may be added to automate the assembly process. In addition, a collar may be provided to produce a controllable product, both in terms of manufacturing and performance.

Abstract: An analog joystick interface system for overcoming the deficiencies of the conventional analog joystick interface by supporting positional tracking in both a legacy and an enhanced mode. In the legacy mode, the host calculates the relative physical orientation of a positional grip of an analog joystick by relying upon continuous polling techniques. In the enhanced mode, a watch dog timer relieves the host of the need to continuously poll by directly providing the host with positional data concerning the relative physical orientation of the positional grip. The ability of the joystick interface to provide both the legacy and enhanced modes ensures that compability issues concerning the legacy DOS-based software applications and CPU allocation problems associated with continuous polling are resolved without considerably increasing cost or complexity of the joystick interface.

Abstract: The invention is embodied by game adapter card for interfacing between a host bus of a host central processing unit (CPU) and a game joystick including a variable resistor having a bias voltage input and a wiper output, the game adapter card including: a programmable resistor connected in series between the wiper output of the joystick and a voltage return terminal, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having a digital output and an analog input coupled to a connection point between the wiper output and the programmable resistor, apparatus for providing asynchronous data transfer from the digital output to the host bus and for rapidly programming said resistor with an optimal divider resistor value corresponding to a current joystick wiper output. The game adapter card can be backward compatible with existing game software by providing a default analog channel.

Abstract: A hand manipulated dual controller assembly for use with action video games. It has a base with a trackball type controller mounted in one recess in the top surface of the base and a joystick type controller mounted in another recess in the top surface of the base. By using the joystick controller, the player can separately move the action video game character in any desired direction and by using the trackball controller allow the character to look with his eyes in any desired direction. The top surface of the base surrounding the trackball type controller is convex and it allows a player's cupped hand to rest on the top of the base while that hand is actuating the trackball controller and the surrounding buttons. That hand also stabilizes the position of the base and prevents the base from being pushed around when the player uses the joystick controller with his other hand.

Abstract: Improvements in accurately sensing a user manipulandum of a force feedback device. A force feedback device, coupled to a host computer, includes an actuator for outputting forces on a manipulandum and a sensor for detecting a position of the manipulandum. In one feature, a raw sensor value representing manipulandum position is adjusted based on compliance between sensor and manipulandum, where the adjustment can be based on a compliance constant and an output force. In another feature, a range of motion of the manipulandum is dynamically calibrated from startup. One boundary value of an assigned initial range is set equal to a received sensor value if the sensor value is outside the initial range, and the other boundary value is adjusted to maintain the size of the initial range unless the other boundary value has already been sensed outside the initial range.

Abstract: When an operational unit is inclined in an X- or Y-direction, an universal support mechanism and a rotation angle detection mechanism are used to detect the inclined direction and angle. The detection results are supplied to a computer system (not shown). When the operational unit is pushed down at the neutral position, a push detection switch detects it. The detection result is also supplied to the computer system. In addition, a rotation angle detection switch 10 detects rotation of the operational unit about a Z-axis. The detection result is supplied to the computer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing low-cost, realistic force feedback including an improved actuator. Force sensations are provided to a user and an interface device coupled to a host computer allows a user to interact with a host application program. A user object, such as a joystick, is moveable by a user in at least one rotary degree of freedom. A sensor reports a locative signal to the host computer to indicate a position of the user object. An actuator outputs forces on the user object in response to signals from the host computer and program. The actuator includes a housing, a set of grounded magnets provided on opposing surfaces of the housing and creating a magnetic field, and a rotor coupled to the user object positioned between the magnets. The rotor rotates about an axis of rotation and includes a shaft and teeth spaced around the shaft. An electric current flows through one or more coils on the teeth to cause the rotor to rotate.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by means of actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: A control pad with two input ports for establishing a connection with two three-axis input devices permits six-axis game play. The control pad contains a microprocessor which determines whether one or two three-axis input devices are connected thereto and generates an address signal for communication with a game console to inform a microprocessor of the game console on power up of an exact nature of peripheral input devices which are attached. A thumb-operated rotor assembly is fitted to a top of a joystick for z-axis control and thus allows single-handed three-axis control of computer games through the joystick.

Abstract: A manual control device for use as a joystick with a amusement machine has a control lever tiltably mounted on a support plate by a bearing and a detecting mechanism for detecting a tilting displacement of the control lever to control a displayed character or object in a video game played on the amusement machine. A stimulus imparting mechanism is actuatable depending on how a video game played by the amusement machine develops and moves the control lever to impart a stimulus through the control lever to a game player of the video game. A resistance imparting mechanism is actuatable depending on how the video game played by the amusement machine develops and imparts resistive forces to the control lever against forces applied by the game player to move the control lever.

Abstract: A high-fidelity mechanical transmission system for transmitting forces which can be used in a human-computer force feedback interface device connected to a host computer. The transmission system includes multiple stages, including an actuator stage coupled to an actuator and one or more additional stages. The actuator stage includes a rotatable capstan pulley coupled to the actuator, a cylindrical capstan drum, and a flexible member, such as a cable, coupling the capstan pulley and drum. The cable is coupled to the capstan drum at both ends, and causes the capstan drum to rotate for multiple revolutions. The output stage is coupled to the driven object to rotate the driven object. The output stage can include a capstan pulley, capstan drum, and cable. An interface device can include the transmission system for inputting motion signals to a connected host computer and for providing force feedback to the user.

Abstract: A video processing system is described including a video processing device which generates a sequence of video display frames on a display unit under the control of a stored program, and a unique operation controlling device which is connected to the video processing device and which supplies signals in response to an operator's manipulation, to change the video data generated by the video processing device. The video processing device includes a replaceable program memory, first data receiving circuitry, a central processing unit, first data sending circuitry and a video signal generation circuitry. The operation controlling device may include various operation controlling buttons, switches, an operation member, rotor bodies, rotation detection mechanisms, counting circuitry, reset signal generation circuitry, second receiving circuitry, transfer circuitry and second sending circuitry.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by means of actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: A processor in a haptic joystick renders force effects that are applied to control handle gripped by a user. A plurality of force effects specified by a host computer to the processor are stored in a random access memory (RAM) that is coupled to the processor. Further, a plurality of force effects are stored in a read only memory (ROM) that is coupled to the processor. The processor employs a scheduler to render the force effects in a specified order, for specified time intervals. The scheduler controls how the force effects are rendered, i.e., sequentially, concatenated, and/or superimposed. A play list employed by the scheduler indicates for each increment of a servo clock when each force effect should be rendered by the processor. The scheduler has a round robin queue that can implement at least five types of effects, including: behavioral, synthesized, wave table, variable parameter, and process list.

Abstract: A video processing system is described including a video processing device which generates a sequence of video display frames on a display unit under the control of a stored program, and a unique operation controlling device which is connected to the video processing device and which supplies signals in response to an operator's manipulation, to change the video data generated by the video processing device. The video processing device includes a replaceable program memory, first data receiving circuitry, a central processing unit, first data sending circuitry and a video signal generation circuitry. The operation controlling device may include various operation controlling buttons, switches, an operation member, rotor bodies, rotation detection mechanisms, counting circuitry, reset signal generation circuitry, second receiving circuitry, transfer circuitry and second sending circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a computer joystick having a removable joystick handle so that users can select a favorite joystick handle when using the computer joystick. The computer joystick comprises a chassis, a joystick mechanism having two shafts and a control handle rotatably installed in the opening of the chassis for interacting with the two shafts, two sensors installed in the chassis for detecting rotations of the two shafts separately and generating corresponding rotation signals, a joystick handle having a locking means installed on its bottom end for removably mounting the joystick handle to the top end of the control handle, and a control circuit wired to the two sensors for receiving rotation signals generated by the two sensors. The joystick handle further comprises at least one control button and an electrical wire having a first end connected to the button and a second end connected with an electric plug.

Abstract: An operating device is, while in use, connected to an image processor which generates image data of an image to be displayed on a monitor on the basis of a program. The operating device is provided with an analog joystick in addition to a plurality of switches, and outputs operation signals by which the image data can be modified according to an operation by an operator. The analog joystick includes a lever having a tip end which is protruded from a housing and inclined in an arbitrary direction including North, South, East and West. There is provided with a guide ring which includes a guide wall having an octagonal outer edge around the lever, and the guide wall guides the lever to eight corners, that is, upper, lower, left, right, right-upper, right-lower, left-upper and left-lower corners.

Abstract: An electronic game having a display screen for viewing of images generated by the internal circuitry of the game is provided. The game includes player controls for interactively playing the game with one of the controls being a multi-directional control key which can be used to control movements of an image on the screen for playing the game. The game has a joystick adapter which allows a joystick to be used in lieu of the control key for controlling image movement. Preferably, the joystick adapter includes a releasable snap-fit attachment between the joystick and control key to allow the joystick to be readily snapped into an operative position on the key for pivoting the key with the joystick. The game can also include mounting clips for receiving the joystick when it is not being used in a stored position attached to the game housing. The joystick can be configured in the form of an action figure to enhance its appeal to youngsters.

Abstract: A three-dimension image processing apparatus includes a CPU. When the CPU detects by collision determination that another object, e.g., a wall, is existent between an operable object and a camera, it calculates such a moving angle of the camera that an eye of the camera to the operable object is not obstructed by the other object. The camera is moved in accordance with the moving angle to a position where the operable object and the other object existing in a photographed three-dimensional space are displayed on a display.

Abstract: A joystick having an electromagnetic element coupled to a movable stick, with at least a pair of orthogonal coils on an underlying substrate. Alternately, the coils and electromagnetic elements can be reversed. The movement of the stick is detected by the amount of overlap of the electromagnetic element and the coils in each direction. The quality factor of the coil changes as more or less of the coil is overlapped, which can be measured by an electric circuit to determine the direction of movement and the amount of movement of the joystick. The electromagnetic element could be, for instance, a conductive steel plate, or a piece of another metal or of another conductive material, or ferrite particles. The coil could be wound (preferably on air only or, if needed to reach a higher value of inductance, on a magnetic core, provided this is small enough to not hide the effect of the mobile electromagnetic element).

Abstract: A force feedback interface device including a safety feature. The interface device includes a sensor that senses the position of a user object along a degree of freedom and provides a sensor signal indicating the position of the user object to a host computer. An actuator of the device applies a force to the user object in the degree of freedom. A safety switch connected to the user object disables the actuator when the user is not using the interface device and enables the actuator when more than a predetermined amount of weight is placed on the user object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing low-cost, realistic force feedback including an improved actuator. Force sensations are provided to a user and an interface device coupled to a host computer allows a user to interact with a host application program. A user object, such as a joystick, is moveable by a user in at least one rotary degree of freedom. A sensor reports a locative signal to the host computer to indicate a position of the user object. An actuator outputs forces on the user object in response to signals from the host computer and program. The actuator includes a housing, a set of grounded magnets provided on opposing surfaces of the housing and creating a magnetic field, and a rotor coupled to the user object positioned between the magnets. The rotor rotates about an axis of rotation and includes a shaft and teeth spaced around the shaft. An electric current flows through one or more coils on the teeth to cause the rotor to rotate.

Abstract: An operating device is connected to an image processing apparatus that generates image data to be displayed on a display according to a program. The operating device supplies a signal for varying the image data to be generated by the image processing apparatus. A joystick includes a lever and a disc interlocked therewith, and the rotation of the disc is detected by a photo-interrupter. Pulses from the photo-interrupter are counted by a resettable counter. A reset signal is supplied to the counter when three buttons are simultaneously depressed, when a power supply is turned on, or otherwise when a signal is received from a CPU of the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A data entry system (100, 100') has an ergonomic base (102, 102') including upper surface controls (104, 104') which generate a first set of electrical signals, and side surface controls (106, 106') which generate a second set of electrical signals when operated independently. A third set of electrical signals are generated when the side surface controls (106, 106') are operated in combination with the upper surface controls (104, 104'). Data entry system (100, 100') further includes mode selection controls (108) for establishing the first, second and third sets of electrical signals as device control signals responsive to a first mode being selected and respective sets of alphanumeric and keyboard control signals responsive to a second mode being selected.

Abstract: A multidirectional switch is provided with a lever, a lever support assembly for supporting the lever in such a way that it can be slanted in directions of first and second axes intersecting each other, an automatic lever reset mechanism for causing the lever to automatically return from its slant position to neutral position, a retainer for retaining the lever in a position slanted in the second axis direction against restoration force exerted by the automatic lever reset mechanism, and a sensor of which sensing elements are arranged at positions corresponding to individual slant positions of the lever. The multidirectional switch provides different types of information depending on directions in which the lever is slanted.

Abstract: A digital joystick interface circuit includes a trigger detecting circuit, a flip-flop circuit and a value comparator. The trigger detecting circuit is provided for processing the changes of the voltage or electric currents of a game interface so as to reset the trigger signal of the interface. The flip-flop circuit controls the charge cycle of the game port and causes a counter to start counting during the time delay of the charge cycle. The value obtained by the counter after reading the joystick's coordinate signal or switch signal is compared with that of the comparator. When the two values are equivalent, the flip-flop circuit will reset, achieving coordinate addressing.

Abstract: Described and shown is a joystick for measuring movement of, or force and torque against, a manually operated handle in six degrees of freedom. The degrees of freedom include translational motion or force along each of three orthogonal axes and rotational motion or torque about each of the axes. Also described and shown is a circuit for interfacing the joystick to a standard computer port.

Abstract: A device for connecting fitness equipment such as an exercise bicycle to a computer equipped with a game control device including a continuously variable resistance (e.g. industry standard architecture computers such as IBM PC/AT and compatibles equipped with a joystick adapter). The two states of the exercise bicycle (pedaling or not pedaling) are converted to the three states required by racing simulations (braking, coasting, accelerating) by means of a non-linear element in such a way that pedaling at speeds lower than a certain cross-over value is converted to various degrees of braking while pedaling at speeds higher than this value is converted to various degrees of acceleration. The cross-over pedaling speed which is converted to a resistance equal to that of a joystick in its middle position is lower than half the maximum speed. Within the range of possible pedaling speeds of the exercise bicycle, a smaller portion is used for braking and a greater portion is used for accelerating.

Abstract: A joystick direction control means mainly including a variable resistance, a mounting seat assembled onto a resistance adjusting rod of the variable resistance and being fixed thereto by lugs projecting from the variable resistance and engaging with four comers of the mounting seat, and a mounting board assembled to the mounting seat by extending a central shaft of the mounting seat and two retaining wings at two sides of the central shaft through a receiving hole on the mounting board and turning the mounting board about the central shaft by 90 degrees, so that the whole joystick direction control means can be quickly assembled with the mounting board properly tightened to the mounting seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing progressively increasing resistance to, and automatic self centering with respect to, an operator motion input to the apparatus. The apparatus has a crossbar with a longitudinal axis and is connected to a beam with a coupling. The beam has a longitudinal axis and is cantilever mounted on a base, with the crossbar mounted in a bearing for rotation about the crossbar's longitudinal axis. The respective longitudinal axes of the crossbar and the beam are parallel to each other. The bearing is rotatably mounted in another bearing, and the first and second bearings have axes of rotation mutually perpendicular to each other. The second bearing is mounted on the base, so that the crossbar is movable about the axis of rotation of the second bearing in response to input transverse forces acting on the crossbar, and the transverse input forces thereby produce a bending moment in the first beam through the coupling.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operation apparatus for a game machine called controller or the like, and more particularly to a novel operation apparatus for a game machine which is improved in operability and operation feeling. A housing includes a pair of leftwardly and rightwardly separate portions of a left casing and a right casing. A cross-shaped key top and a left side manually operable key are disposed on a face of the left casing while a key switch or switches and a right side manually operable key are disposed on a face of the right casing. The right casing is fitted for rotation in a relay ring secured to the left casing, and a connection ring is fixed in the inside of the right casing and is held in meshing engagement with a rotary shaft of a rotary volume. The rotary volume is operated when the left casing and the right casing are manually rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A digital positioning system for a joystick. The system uses a potentiometer having one input coupled to a constant supply voltage and a second input coupled to a joystick game port for generating a variable resistance representative of a current position of the joystick. A constant current source is coupled to the joystick game port for generating a current for converting the variable resistance representative of the current position of the joystick to a voltage level representative of the current position of the joystick. An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuit is coupled to the joystick game port and is used to convert the voltage level representative of the current position of the joystick to a digital representation of the current position of the joystick.

Abstract: A control pad with two input ports for establishing a connection with two three-axis input devices permits six-axis game play. The control pad contains a microprocessor which determines whether one or two three-axis input devices are connected and generates an address signal for communication with the game console to inform the console microprocessor on power up the exact nature of the peripheral input devices which are attached. The present invention also includes a thumb-operable rotor assembly which allows single-handed three axis control of computer games.

Abstract: A game machine controller with keys controls the movement of an image subject displayed on a monitor screen in an X- and a Y-axis direction. A first and a second controller section are coupled to each other by a coupling member. Relative displacement information of the first and second controller sections with respect to the coupling member is detected. The movement of the image subject in a Z-axis direction is controlled based on the detected displacement information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and providing force feedback using an interface device manipulated by a user. A microprocessor is provided local to the interface device and reads sensor data from sensors that describes the position and/or other information about a user object moved by the user, such as a joystick. The microprocessor controls actuators to provide forces on the user object and provides the sensor data to a host computer that is coupled to the interface device. The host computer sends high level host commands to the local microprocessor, and the microprocessor independently implements a local reflex process based on the high level command to provide force values to the actuators using sensor data and other parameters. A provided host command protocol includes a variety of different types of host commands and associated command parameters.

Abstract: A universal computer control device for controlling an image on an image display device has a group of basic control signal input means for manipulating a displayed image and for relating the displayed image to the control device and optional control signals for controlling microhandlers and for simulating operation of various different devices such as aircraft, cars, bikes and sport equipment.