Abstract: A control input device can include a housing defining an inner volume with a floor, and a shaft having an axis, a manipulating portion, and a sensing end. The control input device can further include a magnet mounted on the sensing end of the shaft such that the magnet is within the inner volume of the housing, and a movement mechanism configured to allow the manipulating portion of the shaft to be moved with respect to the housing such that the movement of the manipulating portion results in corresponding movement of the magnet. The control input device can further include a magnetic sensor at least partially embedded in the floor of the housing and configured to sense the movement of the magnet.

Abstract: A joystick can include a shaft having an axis, a manipulating portion, and a sensing end with a magnet mounted thereto. The joystick can further include a movement mechanism configured to allow the manipulating portion of the shaft to be moved in three dimensions with respect to the axis of the shaft. The movement of the manipulating portion results in corresponding movement of the magnet that can be sensed in a non-contacting manner by a magnetic sensor positioned relative to the magnet.

Abstract: A multi-turn sensor can include first and second shafts having respective rotational axes that are approximately perpendicular to each other, a first magnet provided at an end of the first shaft, and a second magnet provided at an end of the second shaft. The multi-turn sensor can further include a first magnetic sensor provided adjacent the first magnet to allow non-contacting sensing of angular position of the first shaft as the first shaft rotates, and a second magnetic sensor provided adjacent the second magnet to allow non-contacting sensing of angular position of the second shaft as the second shaft rotates. The multi-turn sensor can further include a gear mechanism configured to couple the first shaft and the second shaft, such that the rotation of the first shaft results in the rotation of the second shaft.

Abstract: A joystick can include a shaft having an axis, a manipulating portion, and a sensing end with a magnet mounted thereto. The joystick can further include a movement mechanism configured to allow the manipulating portion of the shaft to be moved in three dimensions with respect to the axis of the shaft. The movement of the manipulating portion results in corresponding movement of the magnet that can be sensed in a non-contacting manner by a magnetic sensor positioned relative to the magnet.