A joystick can include a shaft having an axis, a manipulating portion, and a sensing end with a magnet mounted thereto. The joystick can further include a movement mechanism configured to allow the manipulating portion of the shaft to be moved in three dimensions with respect to the axis of the shaft. The movement of the manipulating portion results in corresponding movement of the magnet that can be sensed in a non-contacting manner by a magnetic sensor positioned relative to the magnet.

A mechanical controller provides four-axis control of a vehicle's position and movement. For example, the controller provides control of a vehicle's operations through a lateral axis, longitudinal axis, directional axis, and a grip axis (e.g., operating a thumbwheel of the mechanical controller that provides additional control inputs to the vehicle). The mechanical controller can provide independent force feel mechanisms in each of the lateral, longitudinal, and directional axes of movement. Additionally, the mechanical controller may provide a redundant force feel mechanism (e.g., for increased safety). For example, redundant springs and dampers may be incorporated in each axis's force feel mechanism. The mechanical controller may include a plunger and spring assembly to provide a force feel mechanism in the lateral and longitudinal axes. In addition to this spring force, surfaces of a contact region between the plunger and a plunger actuating plate may be shaped to produce force feel characteristics.

A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The tiltable post is operable to output a control signal based on a position of the tiltable post relative to a default position. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. An engagement body is located within the cavity and contacts an engagement surface of the adjustable tensioning mechanism. The engagement body includes a cam surface disposed around an axis of the tiltable post. An adjustment body within the cavity of the stem comprises a follower that contacts the cam surface. The follower is configured to traverse the cam surface when the cap is rotated to thereby translate the engagement body along the axis of the tiltable post and adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.

A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a first cavity. Abase is moveable with the tiltable post and comprises a cylindrical portion extending into the first cavity. The cylindrical portion defines a second cavity and comprises a protuberance projecting into the second cavity. An adjustment body within the second cavity comprises a recessed slot and a contacting surface at a distal end. The slot is configured to engage the protuberance to adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.

A pointing device includes: a substrate; an operation member that is provided tiltably with respect to the substrate, and includes a protrusion protruded from one of an inner wall and an outer wall; and a rotation member that is provided rotatably on the substrate, and includes a hole which the protrusion enters when the rotation member overlaps the operation member; wherein the rotation member rotates in conjunction with the operation member when the protrusion contacts an edge of the hole according to rotation of the operation member, wherein the hole is formed in a range in which the protrusion is movable by tilt of the operation member.

A manipulation input device has a first detector and a second detector, disposed at different positions on a manipulative member, that detect the displacement of the manipulative member, the displacement being caused when the manipulative member receives a manipulation force, and also has a processor that performs processing to identify a position at which the manipulative member has received the manipulation force according to detection results obtained from the first detector and second detector and to the positions of the first detector and second detector on the manipulative member.

A controller having a joystick which can be moved in three dimensions is disclosed. The joystick is connected by a Y (yaw) link which is, in turn, connected to a P (pitch) link, which is, in turn connected to an R (roll) link. The R link is rotatable about a fixed-position mounting base. In this manner, one can rotate a joystick around any of three axes. When used to control a vehicle, rotation around the yaw and roll axes can steer (with yaw being more fine-tuned steering), and rotation around the pitch axis can control acceleration and deceleration. A starting or center position for each link can be defined, and the further a link is rotated and/or force increases on tires being steered from this central position, the more resistance is applied, in embodiments of the disclosed technology.

A control device intended for a user to choose and select functions in a vehicle includes a knob that can be manipulated in rotation about a main axis with respect to a fixed support. The knob comprises a neutral position in which the main axis coincides with a neutral axis that is fixed with respect to the support. The control device also comprises a printed circuit board on which the knob and at least one direction sensor are fixed. The printed circuit board is mounted with the ability to pivot with respect to the support about an axis transverse overall to the neutral axis so as to come to occupy at least a first activated position in which the main axis is inclined with respect to the neutral axis when the knob is moved in a direction orthogonal to the neutral axis. The direction sensor is intended to detect the activated position.

A control stick may include a magnet and a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensor. The 3D magnetic sensor may determine a twist angle of a handle of the control stick based on a strength of a magnetic field at the 3D magnetic sensor. A twisting of the handle may modify an air gap between the 3D magnetic sensor and the magnet. The strength of the magnetic field may be based on strengths of first, second, and third magnetic field components. The 3D magnetic sensor may determine a tilt angle of the handle based on a ratio of the strength of the first magnetic field component to the strength of the third magnetic field component. A tilting of the handle in a direction corresponding to the first magnetic field component may modify the ratio of the strength of the first magnetic field component to the strength of the third magnetic field component.

A control device for an implement system of a machine is provided. The control device is mounted on a support. The control device includes a first gimbal rotatably coupled to the support. The control device also includes a second gimbal rotatably coupled to the first gimbal. The control device further includes a linear actuator having a first end and a second end. The linear actuator is fixed to the second gimbal from the first end. The control device further includes a handle attached to the linear actuator at the second end. The handle is configured to move in conjunction with rotational movements of the first gimbal and the second gimbal, and a linear movement of the linear actuator to control a movement of the implement system.