Manual input device enabling control of various electric apparatus with single knob

Abstract

A manual input device which comprises a mechanism, a major function select switch, a confirm switch, a display unit, and a controller. The mechanism is composed of: a laterally movable motor for applying an external force which is mounted on a frame; a knob fitted to a drive shaft of the motor; an encoder for detecting rotation of the knob; a stick controller for detecting lateral movement of the motor; a first guide plate and a second guide plate for limiting a range of movement of the knob; and a first solenoid and a second solenoid for driving the guide plates individually. The guide groove pattern is different between the first and second guide plates. The range in which the knob can be moved when the first guide plate only is engaged with the drive shaft of the motor is different from that when both the first and second guide plates are engaged with the drive shaft of the motor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.