The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 11, 1998
Filed:
Jul. 31, 1995
Mark K Svancarek, Redmond, WA (US);
Manolito E Adan, Woodinville, WA (US);
Michael W Van Flandern, Redmond, WA (US);
John G Pierce, Vashon, WA (US);
Hajime Suzuki, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Richard B Kash, Los Altos Hills, CA (US);
Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA (US);
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.