Apparatus and method for retrieving data from a joystick

An apparatus for retrieving data from at least one joystick connected to a video game machine, comprising:

• a timing generator comprising a data locking signal generator for generating a data locking signal to lock multiple bits of data in said at least one joystick and a data retrieving signal generator for generating a data retrieving signal including a plurality of pulses to consecutively retrieve said multiple bits of data from said at least one joystick in response to a data read signal supplied by said video game machine, said data locking signal generator comprising a counter, a data multiplying parameter register and a comparator;
• and
• a data register for consecutively receiving and storing said multiple bits of data, and outputting said multiple bits of data in parallel according to said data read signal.

An apparatus for retrieving data from two joysticks connected to a video game machine, comprising:

• a timing generator for generating, in response to one data read signal supplied by said video game machine, a data locking signal to lock multiple bits of data in said two joysticks and a data retrieving signal including a plurality of pulses to consecutively retrieve said multiple bits of data from said two joysticks, and for supplying to said video game machine, in response to said one data read signal, said data corresponding to one of said two joysticks, and for supplying to said video game machine, in response to a second data read signal supplied by said video game machine, said data corresponding to the other of said two joysticks;
• and
• a data register for consecutively receiving and storing said multiple bits of data, and outputting said multiple bits of data in parallel according to said data read signal.