US 8,816,962 B2 · Multi-axis input apparatus

Abstract

The inventive technology, in its various embodiments, relates to improved multi-axis input devices such as joysticks, and associated multi-axis optical displacement measurement means. Certain embodiments of the input devices may comprise elements movable with respect to each other in at least, e.g., three degrees of freedom and comprise ionically conductive elements that are utilized to generate a position signal in, e.g., at least three, or at least six degrees of freedom. Various ergonomic configurations of six axis joystick embodiments which may be facilitated by the compact design of the transducer means are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the input device technology may provide feedback (e.g., relative to force applied to an item whose position is controlled by an operator) to the operator. Means for dynamically adjusting coordinate transformations for construction machinery control are also disclosed.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A multi-axis input apparatus that provides feedback to an operator thereof and that is usable to control position of an item, said apparatus comprising:

a multi-axis transducer in a hexapod configuration, said transducer operable to generate operator originated signals that change said position of said item in accordance with input provided by said operator;
and
a feedback provision system that provides sensible feedback to said operator during operation of said multi-axis transducer,
wherein said feedback relates to at least one parameter associated with said item, said parameter selected from the group consisting of:
force applied to said item, position of said item, and velocity of said item.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-axis input apparatus

Life of this patent

Multi-axis input apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31