Handlebar type input device

A method for translating user input into control signals, comprising:

• receiving an orientation sensor signal from an orientation sensor;
• receiving one or more deflection signals from one or more deflection sensors;
• determining a control signal based on one or more of the orientation sensor signal and the one or more deflection signals;
• and
• providing the control signal at a control signal output port, wherein the one or more deflection sensors are configured to identify deflection of one or more flexible paddles relative to an elongate central body.

A user input device comprising:

• a first sensor configured to identify an orientation of a human hand;
• a second sensor configured to receive a variable input from the human hand;
• a controller configured to determine the orientation of the human hand based on a first sensor signal from the first sensor, and determine a variable value based on a second input signal from the second sensor, and provide a control signal based on one or more of the orientation and the variable value;
• a housing comprising an elongate central body having a first axial end and a second axial end opposite the first axial end;
• a first hand grip extending substantially axially away from the elongate central body at the first axial end;
• and
• a second hand grip extending substantially axially away from the elongate central body at the second axial end,
• wherein the first hand grip or the second hand grip is configured to be removably affixed to the human hand.

A user input device comprising:

• an elongate central body having a first axial end and a second axial end opposite the first axial end;
• a first end body extending substantially axially away from the elongate central body at the first axial end;
• a first flexible body extending tangentially away from the first end body;
• a first deflection sensor configured to identify a first amount of deflection of the first flexible body;
• and
• circuitry arranged within the elongate central body and comprising:
• an orientation sensor configured to identify one or more of a pitch, a roll, and a yaw of the elongate central body;
• and
• a controller configured to receive an orientation sensor signal from the orientation sensor, receive a first deflection signal from the first deflection sensor, and provide a control signal based on one or more of the orientation sensor signal and the first deflection signal.

A drone controller comprising:

• a central portion comprising an internal measurement unit for outputting multi-axis data;
• sensors located at grip positions of the drone controller, for outputting sensor position data;
• a processor for generating instructions based on the multi-axis data and the sensor position data;
• and
• an interface for communicating the instructions to a drone, wherein one or more of the sensors are deflection sensors configured to identify deflection of one or more flexible paddles relative to the central portion.