Joystick

Overview | Use, features & variations | As output device | Interaction
b_book1.gif (162 bytes)Input Hardware

Overview

[ ] Input Hardware
  • Hand held device, resembling a handgrip on a base, primarily used to control objects in game software.

[cartoon]

Use, features & variations

[joystick]

[MS Sidewinder 3D Pro]

Use

  • Control device for games software.

Features

  • A movable hand grip, which when pushed forward/backward/left/right will move an object up/down/left/right
  • One or more buttons used to cause additional actions, such as "fire" rockets.

Variations

  • Joysticks may be either analog or digital, with digital generally giving better control.

As an output device!

[Force feedback joystick]

Use

  • Providing "force feedback" for games software.

Features

  • Actuators on each of the joystick's axes enable the computer to command a force to the X or Y axis.
  • Essentially a robot with microprocessors that will sit on your desktop.
  • Able to model the dynamics of what it "feels" like to drive a car into a wall, or pull a loop in an airplane. Simulation of real physical dynamics; a spring, gravity, an elastic band, drag in liquids.

(West, N. 1996, Aug)

Interaction

[Joystick interaction]

[Rev: 23/12/97] © 1997 V/2-Com (Verhaart), P O Box 8415, Havelock North, New Zealand.