Patent ID: 6940544
Filing Date: 2005-09-06
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A camera operating apparatus for operating at least one camera unit at first and second operation speeds and at an operation direction which are to be changed by an operator, comprising: a retainer having an operation surface; a joystick mounted on said retainer and having a center axis and a center point located on said center axis, said joystick being pivotable around said center point of said joystick at a variable inclination angle between said center axis of said joystick and said operation surface of said retainer to input a first speed signal indicative of said inclination angle varied in response to said first operation speed to said camera unit; a plurality of keys each operatively arranged on said retainer to perform a key-pushed action and a key-released action, each of said keys being operative to input a key signal indicative of said key-pushed action, said keys including one specified key selected for said second operation speed to said camera unit desired by said operator; and output signal generating means for generating a second speed signal indicative of said second operation speed to said camera unit based on said first speed signal from said joystick and said key signal from said specified key, said output signal generating means being operative to output said second speed signal to said camera unit to ensure said second operation speed to said camera unit desired by said operator.