Data processing device that enables mouse-operated application programs to be operated from an operation pad, and an operation pad for use with the same

Claim 1

A data processing device in a casing, for receiving an operation pad and running an application program designed for operation by operating data corresponding to mouse signals output from a mouse, said data processing device comprising: a memory for storing the application program; a pad connector, attached to the casing for receiving the operation pad and data signals output by the operation pad; an emulation processing section for processing the pad signals output from the operation pad connected to the pad connector and converting the data signals to the operating data to run the application program designed for operation by the operating data; a mouse connector, attached to the casing, for receiving the mouse; a mouse signal processing section for processing the mouse signals output from the mouse connected to the mouse connector and, in response, generating the operating data for use by the application program; a selecting section for selecting the operating data for use by the application program from the mouse signal processing section or the emulation processing section; an emulation activation judging section for determining connection states of the mouse and the operation pad when called by the application program and, in response, determining whether to activate or not activate the emulation processing section; and an emulation flag area in which a flag is set or cleared according to the determination of the emulation activation judging section, wherein the selecting section tests the flag in the emulation flag area and generates the operating data for use by the application program from the mouse signal processing section or the emulation processing section.