A lighting control console for controlling a lighting system includes at least one digital processor, at least one digital memory, and at least one display device configured to graphically depict graphic elements for users. At least one dual encoder is provided in the control panel, which allows users to enter input values. The dual encoder presents a first shaft rotatably mounted in a housing with a first rotation signal generator and a second shaft mounted in the housing so as to be coaxially rotatable at the dual encoder. Both shafts include actuating elements transmitting adjusting movements onto the shafts. The actuating elements are embodied in a rotary disk and/or of a rotary swivel disposed in the control panel of the lighting control console and configured to be coaxially turned in opposite directions.

A lighting control console for controlling a lighting system includes at least one digital processor, at least one digital memory, and at least one display device configured to graphically depict graphic elements for users. At least one dual encoder is provided in the control panel, which allows users to enter input values. The dual encoder presents a first shaft rotatably mounted in a housing with a first rotation signal generator and a second shaft mounted in the housing so as to be coaxially rotatable at the dual encoder. Both shafts include actuating elements transmitting adjusting movements onto the shafts. The actuating elements are embodied in a rotary disk and/or of a rotary swivel disposed in the control panel of the lighting control console and configured to be coaxially turned in opposite directions.

An electronic dial apparatus includes a rotating operation member, a conductive member rotating with the rotating operation member, a conductive pattern having a plurality of conductive areas electrically insulated from one another, the conductive member being configured to slidably contact the conductive pattern as the rotating operation member rotates, and a mode setter that sets a plurality of modes in accordance with a set position of the rotating operation member. The mode setter sets one of the plurality of modes based on a combination of a plurality of signal levels that depend on a contact position between the conductive member and the conductive pattern. The mode setter sets at least one of the plurality of modes for two combinations of the plurality of signal levels different from all combinations of the plurality of signal levels corresponding to each set position of the rotating operation member.

A control knob for an appliance includes an outer control ring, a stationary hub, a rotation modulating mechanism coupled to the outer control ring and engaged with an outer surface of the stationary hub, wherein the outer control ring is rotationally operable about the stationary hub at a first rate, an indicial ring positioned around the stationary hub, wherein the indicial ring engages a portion of the rotation modulating mechanism, wherein rotation of the outer control ring at the first rate causes the rotation modulating mechanism to rotate the indicial ring about the stationary hub at a second rate, the second rate being different than the first rate and an encoder shaft positioned within the stationary hub, wherein an inner gearing mechanism extends between an exterior surface of the encoder shaft and one of the outer control ring and the indicial ring.

A control knob for an appliance includes an outer control ring, a stationary hub, a rotation modulating mechanism coupled to the outer control ring and engaged with an outer surface of the stationary hub, wherein the outer control ring is rotationally operable about the stationary hub at a first rate, an indicial ring positioned around the stationary hub, wherein the indicial ring engages a portion of the rotation modulating mechanism, wherein rotation of the outer control ring at the first rate causes the rotation modulating mechanism to rotate the indicial ring about the stationary hub at a second rate, the second rate being different than the first rate and an encoder shaft positioned within the stationary hub, wherein an inner gearing mechanism extends between an exterior surface of the encoder shaft and one of the outer control ring and the indicial ring.

The present disclosure provides an input device that puts signals into equipment in response to turning action and that can come down in thickness along an axis of a rotary shaft. The input device includes a knob configured to be turned, a rotary shaft configured to turn together with the knob, and a flange disposed around an outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft. The flange is designed to regulate turning of the rotary shaft. The input device further includes an elastic component that is disposed around the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft and is fastened to the flange, a rotation controller that permits or inhibits turning of the elastic component, and a detector that detects a rotational state of the rotary shaft.

A knob assembly includes a repositionable knob having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an interior, light-transmissive indicia provided on the knob and viewable from the outer surface, at least one light source located relative to the repositionable knob and emitting light into the interior of the knob to backlight the light-transmissive indicia, a position sensor providing a position output indicative of the position of the repositionable knob, and a controller configured to receive the position output and control the at least one light source to maintain a predetermined backlighting of the indicia.

A lighting control console for controlling a lighting system, wherein digital adjusting commands are generated in the lighting control console that can be transmitted to the lighting system via data links. At least one dual encoder is provided in the control panel of the lighting control console which allows users to enter input values. The dual encoder includes a first shaft and a second shaft rotatably mounted in a housing, first and second locking mechanisms for locking different rotational positions of the first and second shafts, and at least one first and at least one second rotation signal generator for generating a data signal showing a switchover between two locking positions. Both shafts include actuating elements at which adjusting movements can be transmitted onto the shafts by hand.

An operation device includes an operation plate, an electrode, a determination portion, an output portion, a dial, a dummy electrode, a for-dummy determination portion, and a disablement portion. The operation plate includes an operation surface that is contact-operated by an operator's fingertip. The determination portion determines whether the contact-operation is performed based on an amount of capacitance change between the fingertip and the electrode. The output portion outputs a predetermined command signal on the condition that the contact-operation is determined to be performed. When it is determined by the dummy electrode and the for-dummy determination portion that an operator's hand is placed at a position where a dial is operable, the disablement portion prohibits an output of the command signal or disables the outputted command signal.

An electronic dial apparatus includes a rotating operation member, a conductive member rotating with the rotating operation member, a conductive pattern having a plurality of conductive areas electrically insulated from one another, the conductive member being configured to slidably contact the conductive pattern as the rotating operation member rotates, and a mode setter that sets a plurality of modes in accordance with a set position of the rotating operation member. The mode setter sets one of the plurality of modes based on a combination of a plurality of signal levels that depend on a contact position between the conductive member and the conductive pattern. The mode setter sets at least one of the plurality of modes for two combinations of the plurality of signal levels different from all combinations of the plurality of signal levels corresponding to each set position of the rotating operation member.