The present invention is relates to a user controller having a thumb sheath with an open side defined in the thumb sheath. Further embodiments relate to thumb presence sensors and sensory feedback components associated with the thumb sheath. Additional embodiments relate to an adjustable thumb sheath. Still other embodiments relate to systems comprising such user controllers.

In order to further improve a control device for controlling unmanned and/or manned and/or virtual airborne objects in such a way that the control is easier to use and can be learned intuitively and more quickly even by untrained individuals, the control device has a first control element for controlling a movement about a vertical axis, a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of the airborne object, a rotary movement and/or pivoting movement of the first control element about its vertical axis, its longitudinal axis and its transverse axis causing the airborne object to move about its vertical axis, longitudinal axis and transverse axis, and the control device also has a second control element for changing the flying altitude and/or a speed and/or a thrust of the airborne object.

Mowing systems include a mower and a remote control unit such as a handheld unit, between which is provided 1- or 2-way communications. Components and features are included in the mower, the remote control unit, or both to enhance the safety, functionality, or user experience of the system's user/operator. One aspect relates to an enable switch on the remote control unit that requires activation within a specified time before activating a drive system or PTO unit. Another aspect relates to sharing diagnostic information between the mower and remote control unit and emitting user-detectable warnings in response to the shared information. Another aspect relates to reducing a danger level of the system, e.g. disabling the PTO unit or slowing a drive speed transform function, when a proximity between the mower and the remote control unit is too small. Another aspect relates to controlling operation of the mower based on tilt angles of both the mower and the remote control unit.

A controller is capable of controlling an asset or target in physical and/or virtual three-dimensional space using a single hand by generating control inputs in four or more degrees of freedom while also limiting cross-coupling (unintended motions). The controller includes a first control member is configured to be gripped in a user's single, second control member is disposed on or near a top end of the first member movable with at least one degree of freedom independently of the movement of the first control member, and a third control member positioned on the first member for displacement by one or more digits of the user's single hand and coupled with the second member to move in opposition to movement of the second control member.

Provided are embodiments of control devices capable of simultaneously measuring six degrees of freedom and electronic systems comprising the control devices. In some embodiments, the control devices are useful for controlling and/or directing movement of vehicles and virtual entities through operation of the control device with a computer processor, computer interface and, optionally a display.

A 3D input device, in particular a mobile 3D input device, has a housing and an input element arranged within the housing. The input element has at least a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The 3D input device has a sensor device. The input element is movable relative to the housing in six components. The sensor device detects the movements and/or the positions of the input element relative to the housing. The first side of the input element or the second side of the input element or the first side and the second side of the input element are together configured in such a way that a user can complete a movement of the input element along the six components via an action on the input element. A mobile device and a 3D remote-control each have at least one such 3D input device.

An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.

A controller is capable of controlling an asset or target in physical and/or virtual three-dimensional space using a single hand by generating control inputs in four or more degrees of freedom while also limiting cross-coupling (unintended motions). The controller includes a first control member is configured to be gripped in a user's single, second control member is disposed on or near a top end of the first member movable with at least one degree of freedom independently of the movement of the first control member, and a third control member positioned on the first member for displacement by one or more digits of the user's single hand and coupled with the second member to move in opposition to movement of the second control member.

Mowing systems include a mower and a remote control unit such as a handheld unit, between which is provided 1- or 2-way communications. Components and features are included in the mower, the remote control unit, or both to enhance the safety, functionality, or user experience of the system's user/operator. One aspect relates to an enable switch on the remote control unit that requires activation within a specified time before activating a drive system or PTO unit. Another aspect relates to sharing diagnostic information between the mower and remote control unit and emitting user-detectable warnings in response to the shared information. Another aspect relates to reducing a danger level of the system, e.g. disabling the PTO unit or slowing a drive speed transform function, when a proximity between the mower and the remote control unit is too small. Another aspect relates to controlling operation of the mower based on tilt angles of both the mower and the remote control unit.

A controller is capable of controlling an asset or target in physical and/or virtual three-dimensional space using a single hand by generating control inputs in four or more degrees of freedom while also limiting cross-coupling (unintended motions). The controller includes a first control member is configured to be gripped in a user's single, second control member is disposed on or near a top end of the first member movable with at least one degree of freedom independently of the movement of the first control member, and a third control member positioned on the first member for displacement by one or more digits of the user's single hand and coupled with the second member to move in opposition to movement of the second control member.