Abstract: A video game system for playing a game while controlling a movable game object. A player operates first and second steering units 12, 14 with his or her right and left hands to input first and second propulsion vectors for first and second propulsion units in the movable game object. A steering information computing unit 30 is responsive to the first and second propulsion vectors to compute direction and rotation information indicating in how direction and manner the movable game object having the first and second propulsion units moves. These direction and rotation information are output as a steering signal. A game computing means 40 is responsive to the steering signal for computing the game so that the movable game object moves within a game space. This is indicated on a display 44.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus retrieves data from at least one joystick connected to a video game machine by generating a data locking signal to lock multiple bits of data in at least one joystick in response to a data read signal supplied by the video game machine; generating a data retrieving signal including a plurality of consecutive pulses to retrieve multiple bits of data in the joystick in response to the data read signal; transferring consecutively the multiple bits of data from the joystick to a data register in response to the data retrieving signal wherein the plurality of consecutive pulses is employed to retrieve the multiple bits of data; and reading the multiple bits of data directly from the data register in response to the data read signal by the video game machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing safe and low-cost force feedback peripherals for consumer applications. A device microprocessor local to an interface device is coupled to the host by a first interface bus. The microprocessor receives host commands from the host computer on the first interface bus, such as an RS-232 interface, and commands an actuator to apply a force to a user object, such as a joystick, in response to host commands. A sensor detects positions of the user object and outputs signals to the host on a second interface bus, such as a PC game port bus, separate from the first bus. In a "recoil" embodiment, a user initiates force feedback by pressing a button on the joystick, which sends an activation signal to the actuator. In other recoil embodiments, the host computer can transmit one or more enable signals and/or activation signals to the actuator to enable or command forces.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a pulsed triggering signal for use with a computer game system including a joystick. The apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting a coordinate signal between a joystick output port and a game input port of a computer, and a pulse generation unit for generating a pulsed triggering signal responsive to the detected coordinate signal.

Abstract: An input device for an interactive computer simulation or game is disclosed which includes a structure having at least two degrees-of-freedom which is moveable by a digit of a user to transmit input signal to a computer. At least one actuator connected to the moveable structure receives inputs from a computer and applies forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the digit of the user. The actuator may include an electric motor and any of a variety of force transmission schemes including direct, cable, gear or belt drives. The applied forces are typically based on internal programming within the computer, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: An optical analog rocker in which mechanical movements of a manipulated control rod of the rocker are converted into electronic signals by means of an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver. The infrared receiver shifts relative to the infrared emitter when the control rod is swayed in different directions and thereby, changes the distance between it and the infrared emitter. The changing distance causes the infrared receiver to generate light-sensitive signals of different high or low linear voltage and current. The signals are received by a game interface card and are correctly sent to a computer. With these arrangements, the disadvantages associated with a worn variable resistance contact included in a rocker, such as poor contact condition and unstable signal output can be avoided.

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: A hand controller for playing video games comprises a base suitable for resting on a level surface, a shaft mounted for universal pivoting movement in the base, and a handle mounted at the upper end of the shaft, the handle having a main hand grip portion with an upper surface in the form of a convex ridge having front and rear surfaces sloping forwardly and rearwardly from a crest, and with the top of the crest sloping downwards from an upper end of the handle at an angle of between 10.degree. and 50.degree. to the level surface. The handle also has a wrist supporting plate which projects from its rear surface, the supporting plate being positioned for supporting the wrist of a right hand when the palm and fingers of the hand are grasping the main body portion with the thumb near to its upper end. The slope of the handle is adjustable. The controller also has a rotary member positioned at the front of the hand grip portion for rotation by the thumb of a right hand.

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 joystick includes a base and handle, the handle having one or more function buttons which operate switches in response to manipulation of the buttons. The handle is detachably mounted on a pipe extending from the base. Electrical connections for the switches are joined to a socket connector in the handle which receives a printed circuit board or other connector mounted on the top of the pipe, so that electrical connection to the switches is made as the handle is mounted in position.

Abstract: The throttle controller according to the invention includes a rectangular base having a shaft pivotally mounted thereon with a potentiometer having a stem connected to the shaft for sensing the position of the shaft. A cable is connected to the potentiometer for transmitting the sensed position to the video game. A handle is disposed along one side of the base and connected to a first end of the shaft for pivotally moving the shaft responsive to angular movement of the handle. The handle is comprised of two parts. A vertical handle member connected to the shaft and perpendicular thereto and a handle portion connected to the vertical handle member, which extends over the base and adapted to receive a user's hand. The shaft is mounted on the base by means of circular bearings that are received in a bearing mounts on the base. A braking mechanism is frictionally engaged with the shaft for adjusting the resistance of the handle to pivotal movement.

Abstract: A joystick including two light gratings respectively and fixedly mounted on an X-axle and a Y-axle, which are arranged at right angles to each other are movable by an operating stick. Each light grating has a series of apertures equally spaced along the periphery thereof. A light emitter and receiver assembly is disposed about said apertures in each said light grating to detect movement of the light grating, and a control circuit receiving signals from the light emitter and receiver assemblies provides a variable delay output signal corresponding to the movement of the operating stick.