Patent ID: 6992602
Filing Date: 2006-01-31
Classification: G05G

Abstract:
1. A joystick controller comprising: a body; an operating shaft having a longitudinal axis; means for mounting the operating shaft for universal pivotal movement relative to the body about a pivot centre; a first member mounted for movement by the operating shaft relative to the body about a first axis; a second member mounted for movement by the operating shaft relative to the body about a second axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis; a third member mounted for movement relative to the body about a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes upon rotation of the operating shaft about its longitudinal axis; first detecting means for producing an output signal indicative of the position of the first member about the first axis; second detecting means for producing an output signal indicative of the position of the second member about the second axis; and third detecting means for producing an output signal indicative of the position of the third member about the said third axis; wherein at least one of the first, second and third detecting means is a non-contact detecting means fixed relative to the body.