Operator interface with tactile feedback

A machine, comprising:

• an implement,
• an implement actuation system configured to begin actuation of the implement as a function of an implement control signal,
• an operator interface assembly, including;
• a base,
• an operator input device operable to move in a first direction in relation to the base to a second position and a third position and in a second direction in relation to the base to a fourth position,
• a first biasing member including a first spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the first spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction from the first position to the second position,
• a second biasing member including a second spring end operatively associated with the base and wherein the second spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at the second position, the second position different than the first position, and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction,
• wherein the second biasing member is operable to resist movement of the operator input device in the second direction from the first position to the fourth position, and the first biasing member is not operable to resist movement of the operator input device in the second direction from the first position to the fourth position, and
• an electronic position sensor operable to generate an electronic position signal indicative of the operator input device position, and
• a controller configured to generate a machine command signal as a function of the electronic position signal.

An operator interface assembly, comprising:

• a base including a first spring rest, a second spring rest, a first spring support, and a second spring support,
• a joystick pivotally connected to the base, the joystick operable to pivot in a first direction from a first position to a second position and a third position in relation to the base, the joystick including a first tab having a first tab contact surface, and a second tab having a second tab contact surface,
• a first spring coiled around the first spring support and including a first spring end and a third spring end, wherein the first spring end contacts the first spring rest and the first tab contact surface when the joystick is in the first position, and the third spring end contacts the first spring rest when the joystick is in the first position,
• a second spring coiled around the second spring support and including a second spring end and a fourth spring end, wherein;
• the second spring end contacts the second spring rest and is a first offset distance from the second tab contact surface when the joystick is in the first position, and
• the second spring end contacts the second tab contact surface when the joystick is in the second position, and
• the fourth spring end contacts the second spring rest when the joystick is in the first position, and
• an electronic position sensor operable to generate an electronic position signal indicative of the joystick position for generating a machine command signal when the joystick is in the third position.

A method for calibrating tactile feedback for an operator input device, comprising:

• moving the operator input device in a first direction in relation to a base from a first position to a second position against a resistive force from a first biasing member,
• contacting a second biasing member with the operator input device at the second position, the second biasing member resisting the movement of the operator input device in the first direction in the second position,
• moving the operator input device in a second direction in relation to the base from the first position to a fourth position against a resistive force from the second biasing member, wherein the first biasing member does not resist movement of the operator input device in the second direction from the first position to the fourth position,
• generating a calibration signal when the operator input device is in the second position, and
• generating a periodic position signal indicative of the position of the operator input device.