Information output device, instruction output device, and controlled object device

Abstract

To provide an information output device for facilitating matching of operation characteristics of multiple instruction output devices.SOLUTION: An information output device acquires information on output characteristics of an instruction signal relative to an operational position in a first instruction output device 1 for outputting the instruction signal according to the operational position from a non-operational position of first operation means 11, and outputs the information on the output characteristics in order to set output characteristics in a second instruction output device for outputting an instruction signal according to an operational position from a non-operational position of second operation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information output device that outputs information for controlling a controlled device. [Background technology]

[0002] In optical devices used for broadcasting and the like, the driving of lenses and the like in the optical device is controlled in response to a command signal input from a demand as a command output device connected to the optical device. One such demand is a zoom demand as disclosed in Patent Document 1. The zoom demand is provided with a thumb ring as an operating member operated by a user, and a signal conversion unit that detects the amount of operation of the thumb ring and converts the amount of operation into a speed command signal. When not operated, the thumb ring is held at a reference position by a spring force, and outputs a speed signal in response to the amount and direction of operation from the reference position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-013433 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the factors that determine the operation characteristics (operational feel) of the thumb ring is the position of the thumb ring at which the zoom demand starts to output a speed command signal in response to the operation of the thumb ring (hereinafter referred to as the start position). The zoom drive characteristics change according to this start position, and so does the operation feel.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the magnitude of the speed command signal is set for each thumb ring operation position, and in sections where the speed command signal is not set, a zoom curve is set by generating the speed command signal by interpolation. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose how to set the thumb ring movement start position. Also, if the movement start position differs for each thumb ring due to individual differences among multiple thumb rings, the operation feel will change every time the thumb ring used is changed, causing a sense of discomfort to the user.

[0006] The present invention provides an information output device that can easily match the operational characteristics of a plurality of command output devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information output device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by having an acquisition means for acquiring information on output characteristics of a command signal for an operation position in a first command output device that outputs a command signal according to an operation position from a non-operation position of a first operation means, and an output means for outputting information on the output characteristics for setting output characteristics in a second command output device that outputs a command signal according to an operation position from a non-operation position of a second operation means. Note that the first command output device, the second command output device, and a controlled device each having the above information output device also constitute another aspect of the present invention.

[0008] A characteristic setting device as another aspect of the present invention is characterized by having an input means for acquiring information regarding output characteristics of a command signal for an operation position in a first command output device that outputs a command signal according to an operation position from a non-operation position of a first operation means, and a setting means for setting output characteristics in a second command output device that outputs a command signal according to an operation position from a non-operation position of a second operation means, using the information regarding the output characteristics. Note that a second command output device having the above characteristic setting device also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

[0009] Furthermore, an information output method as another aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of: acquiring information regarding output characteristics of a command signal for an operating position in a first command output device that outputs a command signal in accordance with an operating position from a non-operated position of a first operating means; and outputting the information regarding the output characteristics for setting output characteristics in a second command output device that outputs a command signal in accordance with an operating position from a non-operated position of a second operating means.

[0010] A characteristic setting method as another aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of acquiring information on output characteristics of a command signal for an operation position in a first command output device that outputs a command signal corresponding to an operation position from a non-operation position of a first operation means, and setting output characteristics in a second command output device that outputs a command signal corresponding to an operation position from a non-operation position of a second operation means, using the information on the output characteristics. Note that a program for causing a computer to execute processing according to at least one of the above-mentioned information output method and characteristic setting method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the operation characteristics of a plurality of command output devices can be easily matched. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a zoom demand according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation characteristics of a zoom demand in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart showing adjustment processing of a movement start position in a zoom demand according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining adjustment of a movement start position in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a zoom demand and a lens apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing a first estimation method in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation position according to a first estimation method in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a movement start position and a reference position in the first estimation method in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a zoom demand and a lens apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a second estimation method in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between an operation position and a speed command signal in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0014] 1 shows the configuration of a zoom demand 1 as a first command output device in Example 1 of the present invention. The zoom demand 1 has an operation unit 11 as a first operation means, an operation amount detection unit 12, a signal conversion unit 13 as a generation means, a setting unit 14 as an information output device including an acquisition means and an output means, and a communication unit 15.

[0015] The operation unit 11 is configured as a thumb ring as shown in Fig. 2, and can be rotated in both left and right directions from a reference position (non-operated position) where it remains in a non-operated state. When the operation to the left or right is released, the operation unit 11 is returned to the reference position by an elastic force (biasing force) generated by a spring (not shown). The operation amount detection unit 12 detects the operation amount (operated position), which is the amount of displacement of the operation unit 11 to the left or right from the reference position, and is configured by, for example, an encoder.

[0016] The signal conversion unit 13 converts the amount of operation detected by the operation amount detection unit 12 into a speed command signal (generates a speed command signal), which is an output signal of the zoom demand 1. The speed command signal is input to an optical device, which is a controlled device (not shown), and is a signal for controlling the drive speed of a variable magnification (zoom) lens, which is a controlled means in an optical system provided in the optical device.

[0017] The setting unit 14 holds a zoom curve indicating the conversion characteristic from the operation amount to a speed command signal in the signal conversion unit 13 and a movement start position (command start position) in the zoom curve. The movement start position is a position (operation position) of the operation unit 11 at which the speed command signal starts to be output from the signal conversion unit 13 when the operation unit 11 is operated from a reference position, and is set for each of operation of the operation unit 11 to the right and operation to the left.

[0018] The setting unit 14 accepts input from the user via, for example, a display and a cross key, and enables adjustment (setting) of the movement start position. The signal conversion unit 13 and the setting unit 14 are configured as a computer such as a CPU, and perform processing according to a program.

[0019] The flowchart in FIG. 3 shows the process of adjusting the movement start position executed by the setting unit 14.

[0020] In S301, the setting unit 14 receives an input from the user and determines which of two movement start positions for operation of the operation unit 11 to the right and left is to be adjusted.

[0021] In S302, the setting unit 14 adjusts the start position determined in S301. In this adjustment, the setting value can be increased or decreased within the range from the maximum value to the minimum value with respect to the current setting value of the start position.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a zoom curve held by the signal conversion unit 13, and adjustment of the movement start position will be explained using this figure. The horizontal axis of Fig. 4 shows the operation position of the operation unit 11 relative to the reference position, and the vertical axis shows the speed command signal output from the signal conversion unit 13. The zoom curve shows the characteristics of the speed command signal relative to the operation position.

[0023] For example, a user inputs a setting value of a desired start position for rightward operation of operation unit 11 to setting unit 14. In response to this, setting unit 14 changes the start position for rightward operation of operation unit 11 from current position 4a to user desired position 4b. Accordingly, setting unit 14 shifts a portion of the zoom curve that corresponds to rightward operation of operation unit 11 (shown by a thick solid line in the figure) by the change amount d4 of the start position. In other words, the zoom curve is automatically recreated in conjunction with the adjustment of the start position.

[0024] The setting value of the movement start position that can be input by the user may be any value in the range between the minimum and maximum values, or may be any of a plurality of setting values ​​that change stepwise within the range. Also, Fig. 4 shows a case where the speed command signal becomes the upper limit value when the operation unit 11 is operated to a predetermined operation position and does not increase any more. In such a case, the maximum setting value of the movement start position may be a value at which the upper limit exists in the zoom curve after shifting.

[0025] In S303 of FIG. 3, the setting unit 14 determines whether or not to end the adjustment of the movement start position based on an input from the user, and if it is to be continued, the process returns to S301, and if it is to be ended, the process ends.

[0026] With the above configuration, the user can arbitrarily adjust the start position of the zoom curve, and the zoom curve is automatically recreated in accordance with the adjustment of the start position. This eliminates the need for the user to create a zoom curve when adjusting the operation characteristics of the zoom demand 1 (the output characteristics of the speed command signal relative to the operation position of the operation unit 11).

[0027] The setting unit 14 can transmit information on the start position thus adjusted (user set) from the zoom demand 1 to the outside via the communication unit 15 as information on the operation characteristics (output characteristics) of the zoom demand 1 in response to an instruction from the user. The information on the start position may be information indicating the start position itself, or may be information that can be converted into the start position. The information on the start position may also include information indicating a zoom curve from the start position.

[0028] Another zoom demand having a similar configuration to the zoom demand 1 as a second command output device having a second operation means acquires information on the operation characteristics from the zoom demand 1, and sets the operation characteristics (movement start position) of the other zoom demand using the information on the operation characteristics. That is, the other zoom demand may have a characteristic setting device including an input means and a setting means. This makes it possible to copy the operation characteristics of the zoom demand 1 to the other zoom demand.

[0029] The area between the two movement start positions is a dead zone where a speed command signal is not output even if the operation unit 11 is operated, and instead of adjusting the movement start position, the midpoint, which is the center position of the dead zone, may be adjustable. By shifting the midpoint, the two movement start positions are shifted by the same amount in the same direction. In this case, the setting unit 14 transmits information about the operation characteristics including information about the movement start position indicating the adjusted midpoint of the dead zone to other zoom demands via the communication unit 15.

[0030] The setting unit 14 may set the movement start position in response to the user operating a predetermined switch provided on the zoom demand 1 in a state where the user operates the operation unit 11 to an operation position that the user wishes to set as the movement start position.

[0031] Furthermore, although FIG. 4 shows a process of shifting the zoom curve in association with a change in the movement start position, a process of enlarging or reducing the zoom curve may be performed, or a shift of the zoom curve may be performed in combination with enlarging or reducing the zoom curve. EXAMPLES

[0032] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 shows the configuration of a zoom demand 2 as a first command output device, a lens device (optical device) 3 as a controlled device, and a zoom demand 4 as a second command output device in the second embodiment. The zoom demand 2 is a zoom demand having ideal position-speed command conversion characteristics as reference operation characteristics, and has an operation unit 11, an operation detection unit 12, and a signal conversion unit 13 as with the zoom demand 1 in the first embodiment, and also has a communication unit 25A. However, it does not have a setting unit 14. The zoom demand 4 has an operation unit (second operation means) 11, an operation amount detection unit 12, and a signal conversion unit 13 as with the zoom demand 2 in the first embodiment, although not shown, and also has a setting unit 14 and a communication unit 25B as shown in the figure.

[0033] Each of the communication units 25A and 25B communicates with a lens communication unit 32 provided in the lens device 3 to exchange various information (data).

[0034] The lens device 3 has an optical system (not shown), a lens calculation unit 31 as an acquisition means and output means, a lens communication unit 32, a lens storage unit 33, and a lens setting unit 34. The lens calculation unit 31 is configured as a computer such as a CPU, and performs a process of estimating a movement start position and controls the lens device 3. The lens communication unit 32 communicates with the zoom demands 2, 4 (communication units 25A, 25B). The lens storage unit 33 stores parameters used for the operation of the lens device 3. The lens setting unit 34 accepts a user input and outputs information corresponding to the input to the lens calculation unit 31.

[0035] The flowchart in FIG. 6 shows the process of estimating the movement start position that the lens calculation unit 31 executes according to a program.

[0036] In S601, the lens calculation unit 31 receives information on the type of the zoom demand 2 input by the user through the lens setting unit 34 from the lens setting unit 34. As a result, the lens calculation unit 31 obtains ideal (reference) position-speed command conversion characteristics. The position-speed command conversion characteristics indicate the value of the speed command signal output from the signal conversion unit 13 for each operation position of the operation unit 11. The ideal position-speed command conversion characteristics are stored in the lens storage unit 33 as conversion table data, and are used in subsequent processing.

[0037] In S602, the lens calculation unit 31 waits until the user operates the operation unit 11 to an operation end. The operation end is an operation position where the operation of the operation unit 11 can be detected by the operation amount detection unit 12, and is a so-called electrical end. An operation end is provided for each of the operation on the right side and the operation on the left side of the operation unit 11.

[0038] In S603, the lens calculation unit 31 receives from the lens setting unit 34 a first data acquisition start command input by the user via the lens setting unit 34, and starts acquiring the first data from the zoom demand 2 via the lens communication unit 32. The first data is a speed command signal and data on the time when the speed command signal was detected, and is transmitted from the signal conversion unit 13 of the zoom demand 2 to the lens calculation unit 31 via the communication unit 25A and the lens communication unit 32.

[0039] In S604, the lens calculation unit 31 acquires first data from when the user releases the operation of the operation end of the operation unit 11 until the operation unit 11 returns (converges) from the operation end to the reference position due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown).

[0040] In S605, the lens calculation unit 31 confirms that there is no change in the speed command signal in the first data for a predetermined time or longer (the operation unit 11 has returned to the reference position), and then stops obtaining the first data.

[0041] In S606, the lens calculation unit 31 causes the lens storage unit 33 to store the first data obtained in S604.

[0042] In S607, the lens calculation unit 31 judges whether or not the first data from both operation ends of the operation unit 11 to the reference position has been acquired. If only the first data from one operation end to the reference position has been acquired, the process returns to S602 and acquires the first data from the other operation end to the reference position. If the first data from both operation ends to the reference position has been acquired, the process proceeds to S608.

[0043] In S608, the lens calculation unit 31 converts the speed command signal into position data corresponding to the operating position of the operation unit 11, using the conversion table indicating the ideal position-speed command conversion characteristics obtained in S601 and the first data stored in S606.

[0044] In S609, the lens calculation unit 31 interpolates the position data within the dead zone that exists in the position data obtained in S608.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows the interpolation of position data within the dead zone. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis shows time, and the vertical axis shows the operation position of the operation unit 11. At the end of S608, 7A shown by a thin solid line as the position data from one operation end to the reference position and 7B shown by a thick solid line as the position data from the other operation end to the reference position are obtained. In the interpolation, first, the time change of the positions before and after the dead zone existing in 7A and 7B is calculated, and the positions within the dead zone are estimated from each of 7A and 7B. Then, the position data above or below the time axis of 7A and 7B is shifted upward or downward so that the positions within the dead zone estimated for each of 7A and 7B overlap most closely. This makes it possible to interpolate the position data of the operation unit 11 within the dead zone. The position data interpolated from 7A is 7C shown by a thin dotted line, and the position data interpolated from 7B is 7D shown by a thick dotted line. 7E and 7F are attenuation waveforms created by a known method based on 7C and 7D, respectively.

[0046] In S610 of FIG. 6, the lens calculation unit 31 estimates the movement start position from the position data obtained by interpolating the dead zone obtained in S609, and stores the estimated movement start position in the lens storage unit 33.

[0047] FIG. 8 shows the estimation of the movement start position. 8a is the shift amount of the position data in S609, and is an estimated value over the entire range of the dead zone. 8b is the convergence position of the position data interpolated within the dead zone obtained in S609, and is an estimated position of the reference position of the operation unit 11. This position 8b can be obtained by converging 7E and 7F shown in FIG. 7. 8c and 8d, which are both ends of the dead zone, become the movement start position. To obtain a position based on 8b, the following equations (2-1) and (2-2) are calculated.

[0048] 8c=-8b (2-1) 8d=8a-8b (2-2) This calculation gives the start position relative to the reference position.

[0049] 6, the lens calculation unit 31 transmits information about the start position estimated in S610 as information about the operation characteristic of the zoom demand 2 to the setting unit 14 of the zoom demand 4 via the lens communication unit 32 and the communication unit 25B. As described in the first embodiment, the information about the start position may be information indicating the start position itself, or may be information that can be converted into the start position. Also, it may be information indicating a zoom curve including the start position.

[0050] In the zoom demand 4, a setting unit 14 serving as a characteristic setting device having an input means and a setting means sets the operational characteristics of the zoom demand 4 using information on the operational characteristics of the zoom demand 2. This makes it possible to copy the operational characteristics of the zoom demand 2 to the zoom demand 4.

[0051] Note that instead of estimating the start position, the midpoint of the dead zone may be estimated, and information indicating the midpoint may be transmitted to the zoom demand 4 as information on the operation characteristics. When estimating the midpoint, the midpoint can be calculated by averaging the start positions obtained in S610. Also, if the start position is known, it is not necessary to estimate it. By transmitting information on the start position, which is the midpoint of the dead zone or information on the known start position, to the zoom demand 4 as information on the operation characteristics, it becomes possible to copy the operation characteristics of the zoom demand 2 to the zoom demand 4.

[0052] Also, the estimation of the movement start position may be performed by the zoom demand 2. In this case, a setting unit, a calculation unit, and a storage unit may be added to the zoom demand 2, and the function of the lens setting unit 34 may be performed by the setting unit, the function of the lens calculation unit 31 by the calculation unit, and the function of the lens storage unit 33 by the storage unit. The calculation unit is configured with a CPU or the like, and performs calculations related to the zoom demand such as a speed command signal. The storage unit stores information related to the setting of the zoom demand, the zoom curve, and the movement start position. By providing a similar configuration to the zoom demand 4, the movement start position may be estimated by the zoom demand 4. EXAMPLES

[0053] Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 shows the configuration of a zoom demand 5 as a first command output device, a lens device 6 as a controlled device, and a zoom demand 7 as a second command output device in the third embodiment. The zoom demand 5 is a zoom demand having a reference operation characteristic, and is obtained by adding a communication unit 25C, a calculation unit 26, and a storage unit 27 to the zoom demand 1 in the first embodiment. The calculation unit 26 functions as an acquisition unit and an output unit in place of the setting unit 14 in the first embodiment. The lens device 6 is obtained by eliminating the lens calculation unit 31, the lens storage unit 33, and the lens setting unit 34 from the lens device 3 in the second embodiment. The zoom demand 7 has the same configuration as the zoom demand 4 in the second embodiment.

[0054] The flowchart in FIG. 10 shows the process of estimating the movement start position, which is executed by the calculation unit 26 configured as a computer such as a CPU according to a program.

[0055] In S1001, the calculation unit 26 receives a completion command to hold the operation unit 11 at a predetermined operation position, which the user inputs through the setting unit 14. For example, when obtaining speed command signal data (hereinafter referred to as speed command data) at a plurality of predetermined operation positions of ±5 degrees in 1 degree increments to the left and right of a reference position, the setting unit 14 first instructs the user to hold the operation unit 11 at the 1 degree operation position. Upon receiving this instruction, the user inputs this through the setting unit 14 when holding the operation unit 11 at the 1 degree operation position using a jig or the like. As a result, the calculation unit 26 accepts this as a completion command to hold the operation unit 11 at the predetermined operation position.

[0056] In S1002, the calculation unit 26 causes the storage unit 27 to store the speed command signal (speed command data) obtained from the signal conversion unit 13.

[0057] In S1003, the calculation unit 26 receives information on the current operation position of the operation unit 11 input by the user through the setting unit 14, and stores this in the storage unit 27 in association with the speed command signal obtained in S1002.

[0058] In S1004, the calculation unit 26 judges whether or not the acquisition of speed command data for each operation position in the current operation direction of the operation unit 11 is completed. For example, when speed command data is to be obtained at a predetermined operation position of ±5 degrees in increments of 1 degree to the left and right of the reference position, if only speed command data from 1 to 4 degrees has been acquired, the process returns to S1001. If speed command data from 1 to 5 degrees has been acquired, the process proceeds to S1005. Also in S1004, the calculation unit 26 judges whether or not the acquisition of data on both the left and right sides of the reference position of the operation unit 11 is completed. For example, when speed command data is to be obtained at a predetermined operation position of ±5 degrees in increments of 1 degree to the left and right of the reference position, if only speed command data from +1 to +5 degrees has been acquired, the process returns to S1001. If the acquisition of speed command data from ±1 to ±5 degrees has been completed, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0059] In S1005, the calculation unit 26 estimates a movement start position where the speed command signal changes from a state in which it is not output to a state in which it is output, from the data of the speed command signal associated with the operation position obtained in S1003.

[0060] 11 shows the estimation of the movement start position performed by the calculation unit 26 in S1005. The horizontal axis shows the operation position of the operation unit 11, and the vertical axis shows the value of the speed command signal. The calculation unit 26 estimates the movement start positions 11A and 11B at which the speed command signal starts to be output by acquiring the value of the speed command signal within a range of appropriate operation positions near the reference position.

[0061] In S1006, the calculation unit 26 transmits information about the start position estimated in S1005 to the setting unit 14 of the zoom demand 7 as information about the operation characteristic of the zoom demand 5 through the communication unit 25C, the lens communication unit 32, and the communication unit 25B. As described in the first embodiment, the information about the start position may be information indicating the start position itself, or may be information that can be converted into the start position. Also, it may be information indicating a zoom curve including the start position.

[0062] In the zoom demand 7, a setting unit 14 serving as a characteristic setting device having an input means and a setting means sets the operation characteristics of the zoom demand 7 using information on the operation characteristics of the zoom demand 5. This makes it possible to copy the operation characteristics of the zoom demand 5 to the zoom demand 7. In addition, in this embodiment, since the movement start position is stored in association with the operation position of the operation unit 11, it also becomes possible to estimate the zoom curve near the movement start position.

[0063] In this embodiment, instead of estimating the movement start position, the midpoint of the dead zone may be estimated. When estimating the midpoint, the midpoint can be calculated by finding the average value of two positions where the speed command signal changes from a state where it is not output to a state where it is output in S1005. By transmitting information on the movement start position, which is information on the midpoint of the dead zone, to the zoom demand 4 as information on the operation characteristics, it becomes possible to copy the operation characteristics of the zoom demand 2 to the zoom demand 4.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case has been described where the zoom demand 5 estimates the movement start position (that is, acquires information on the operation characteristics), but the lens device 6 may also perform the estimation.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, speed command signals for ±5 degrees are acquired as the operation position of the operation unit 11 relative to the reference position, but ±5 degrees is merely an example and other operation positions may be used.

[0066] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, a speed command signal corresponding to the operating position of the operating unit is output from the zoom demand. However, other command signals, such as a position command signal for controlling the position of the zoom lens, may be output corresponding to the operating position.

[0067] The above embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0068] (Configuration 1) an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding an output characteristic of a command signal with respect to an operation position of a first operation means in a first command output device that outputs a command signal according to the operation position from a non-operation position of the first operation means; and an output means for outputting information regarding the output characteristics for setting the output characteristics in a second command output device that outputs a command signal according to an operation position from a non-operation position of a second operating means. (Configuration 2) 2. The information output device according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding the output characteristics includes information regarding a command start position as the operating position of the first operating means at which the command signal starts to be output. (Configuration 3) In the first command output device, the first operation means is operable in both directions from the non-operation position, The information output device described in configuration 2, characterized in that the information regarding the command start position is information regarding the midpoint of a dead zone where the command signal is not output even if the first operating means is operated in both directions from the non-operation position. (Configuration 4) In the first command output device, the command start position can be set by a user; 4. The information output device according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the information regarding the output characteristics includes information regarding the command start position set by a user. (Configuration 5) The information output device described in configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information regarding the command start position using the command signal that is output after the first operating means is operated to its operating end and before it returns to the non-operated position, information about the time when the command signal was output, and data for converting the operating position into the command signal. (Configuration 6) The information output device according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information regarding the command start position using the command signal output at each of a plurality of predetermined operation positions of the first operation means. (Configuration 7) The first operating means; a generating means for generating the command signal in accordance with the operation position of the first operating means; 7. A first command output device comprising: an information output device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 8) The second operating means; a generating means for generating the command signal in accordance with the operation position of the second operating means; A second command output device comprising the information output device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 9) A control means for performing control based on the command signal; 7. A controlled device comprising the information output device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 10) an input means for acquiring information regarding an output characteristic of a command signal with respect to an operation position of a first operation means in a first command output device that outputs a command signal according to the operation position from a non-operation position of the first operation means; and a setting means for setting the output characteristics of a second command output device that outputs a command signal according to an operation position from a non-operation position of a second operating means, using information regarding the output characteristics. (Configuration 11) 11. The characteristic setting device according to claim 10, wherein the information regarding the output characteristic includes information regarding a command start position as the operating position of the first operating means at which the command signal begins to be output. (Configuration 12) In the first command output device, the first operation means is operable in both directions from the non-operation position, The characteristic setting device described in configuration 11, characterized in that the information regarding the command start position is information regarding the midpoint of a dead zone in which the command signal is not output even if the first operating means is operated in both directions from the non-operated position. (Configuration 13) In the first command output device, the command start position can be set by a user; 13. The characteristic setting device according to claim 11, wherein the information about the output characteristic includes information about the command start position set by a user. (Configuration 14) The second operating means; a generating means for generating the command signal in accordance with the operation position of the second operating means; A second command output device comprising the characteristic setting device according to any one of configurations 10 to 13. (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and alterations are possible for each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1,2,4,5,7 Zoom Demand 11 Control section 13 Signal conversion section 14 Setting section

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding an output characteristic of a command signal with respect to an operation position of a first operation means in a first command output device that outputs a command signal according to the operation position from a non-operation position of the first operation means; and an output means for outputting information regarding the output characteristics for setting the output characteristics in a second command output device that outputs a command signal according to an operation position from a non-operation position of a second operating means.

2. 2. The information output device according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding the output characteristics includes information regarding a command start position as the operation position of the first operation means at which the output of the command signal starts.

3. In the first command output device, the first operation means is operable in both directions from the non-operation position, The information output device according to claim 2, characterized in that the information regarding the command start position is information regarding the midpoint of a dead zone in which the command signal is not output even if the first operating means is operated in both directions from the non-operation position.

4. In the first command output device, the command start position can be set by a user; 3. The information output device according to claim 2, wherein the information regarding the output characteristics includes information regarding the command start position set by a user.

5. The information output device according to claim 2, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information regarding the command start position using the command signal output after the first operating means is operated to its operating end and before it returns to the non-operated position, information about the time when the command signal was output, and data for converting the operating position into the command signal.

6. 3. The information output device according to claim 2, wherein the acquiring means acquires information about the command start position by using the command signal outputted at each of a plurality of predetermined operation positions of the first operating means.

7. The first operating means; a generating means for generating the command signal in accordance with the operation position of the first operating means; A first command output device comprising: an information output device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The second operating means; a generating means for generating the command signal in accordance with the operation position of the second operating means; A second command output device comprising: the information output device according to claim 1 .

9. A control means for performing control based on the command signal; A controlled device comprising the information output device according to claim 1 .

10. an input means for acquiring information regarding an output characteristic of a command signal with respect to an operation position of a first operation means in a first command output device that outputs a command signal according to the operation position from a non-operation position of the first operation means; and a setting means for setting the output characteristics of a second command output device that outputs a command signal according to an operation position of the second operating means from a non-operation position using information regarding the output characteristics.

11. 11. The characteristic setting device according to claim 10, wherein the information regarding the output characteristic includes information regarding a command start position as the operating position of the first operating means at which the output of the command signal begins.

12. In the first command output device, the first operation means is operable in both directions from the non-operation position, The characteristic setting device according to claim 11, characterized in that the information regarding the command start position is information regarding a midpoint of a dead zone in which the command signal is not output even if the first operating means is operated in both directions from the non-operation position.

13. In the first command output device, the command start position can be set by a user; 12. The characteristic setting device according to claim 11, wherein the information regarding the output characteristic includes information regarding the command start position set by a user.

14. The second operating means; a generating means for generating the command signal in accordance with the operation position of the second operating means; A second command output device comprising: the characteristic setting device according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. a step of acquiring information on an output characteristic of a command signal with respect to an operation position of a first operating means from a non-operation position in a first command output device that outputs a command signal according to the operation position; and outputting information relating to the output characteristics for setting the output characteristics in a second command output device that outputs a command signal according to an operation position from a non-operation position of a second operating means.

16. a step of acquiring information on an output characteristic of a command signal with respect to an operation position of a first operating means from a non-operation position in a first command output device that outputs a command signal according to the operation position; and using information regarding the output characteristics, setting the output characteristics in a second command output device that outputs a command signal in accordance with an operation position of a second operating means from a non-operation position.

17. 17. A program for causing a computer to execute processing according to at least one of the information output method according to claim 15 and the property setting method according to claim 16.

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