Redundant indicator for detecting neutral position of joystick member
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic controller having a joystick member, the controller utilizing one or more electrical output circuits characterized by parameters which vary in accordance with the displacement of the joystick member from a "neutral" position in X-axis and Y-axis directions, to control positions on opposite sides of the "neutral" position. The joystick member has a light-reflecting area which traverses a predetermined field of travel as the member is moved between its various positions. A light emitter-sensor circuit including a light source and a light sensor is disposed in the field of travel of the light-reflecting-area of the joystick member. The emitter-sensor circuit generates an electrical signal from a reflected beam of light which is emitted from the light source and is reflected from the reflecting area of the joystick member and onto the light sensor, only when the joystick member is at, or very close to its "neutral" position. An especially accurate, back-up or redundant-type indication or confirmation of the "neutral" positioning of the joystick member can thereby be achieved at minimal cost, for safety and/or reliability of operation.
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