Patent ID: 7050093
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A video camera pivoting apparatus comprising: pivoting means for pivoting a video camera at a pivoting speed, said video camera including a zoom mechanism and zoom amount signal generation means for generating a zoom amount signal; pivoting speed command signal generating means responsive to an operation for generating a pivoting speed command signal; and speed controlling means for controlling said pivoting speed in accordance with said zoom amount signal and said pivoting speed command signal; said pivoting speed command signal generating means having a joystick mechanism to generate said pivoting speed command signal such that a value of said pivoting speed command signal increases at a first rate with respect to an operation angle of said joystick mechanism when said operation angle is not greater than a reference operation angle, at a second rate with respect to said operation angle of said joystick mechanism when said operation angle is greater than said reference operation angle, said second rate being greater than said first rate, said value of said pivoting speed command signal assumes a maximum value when said operation angle of said joystick mechanism is greater than another reference operation angle which is greater than said first-mentioned mentioned reference operation angle.