User input for vehicle control
View Patent ↗A user input for controlling acceleration of a vehicle. The user input has a movable member capable of deflection by a user such that a degree of deflection corresponds to a specified velocity commanded by the user. The correspondence between the degree of deflection and the specified velocity may include a plurality of zones, each zone characterized by a distinct sensitivity that may be capable of customization for a specific user. The user input may also include a neutral position of the movable member, wherein a substantially sudden motion of the movable member to the neutral position causes a slewed slowing of the vehicle.
1. A vehicle propelled by a motorized drive for transporting the vehicle across a surface, the vehicle comprising:
an input device for controlling movement of the vehicle including a movable member capable of deflection by a user such that a degree of deflection corresponds to a specified velocity commanded by the user, the correspondence between the degree of deflection and the specified velocity having a plurality of zones, each zone characterized by a distinct sensitivity of commanded velocity as a function of displacement; and
a control system in communication with the input device and the motorized drive, the control system receiving specified velocity commands from the input device and controlling the motorized drive to maintain balance of the vehicle on the basis of a control loop governing the motorized drive in accordance with the user commands of specified velocity commanded by the user.
2. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the input device allows for customizing the distinct sensitivity of each zone.
3. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the input device allows for customizing the distinct sensitivity of each zone for a specified user.
4. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein each zone includes a distinct acceleration.