USER INPUT FOR VEHICLE CONTROL
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:
a user input 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; and
a balance-maintaining controller for maintaining balance of the vehicle on the basis of a servo loop governing the motorized drive in accordance with user commands of a specified velocity.
2 . The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the distinct sensitivity of each zone is capable of customized specification by the user.
3 . The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the distinct sensitivity of each zone is capable of customized specification for a specified user.
4 . The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the distinct sensitivity characterizing each zone is acceleration.