Abstract: Methods of operating a control device for controlling at least two different functions of an instrument in communication with the control device are provided, comprising for example the following steps: calibrating the control device in a calibration mode by assigning the at least two different functions to at least two different ways of actuating an actuation element; and controlling the instrument in communication with the control device in an actuation mode to perform at least one of the at least two different functions defined in the calibration mode by an actuation of the actuation element. Corresponding devices are also provided.

Abstract: A control device (10) is provided by the present invention. The control device comprises a base element (12) and an actuation element (14) that is supported by the base element (12). The actuation element (14) can be moved relative to the base element (12) for actuating different functions provided by the control device (10). The control device (10) is configured to be operated in two modes, namely a calibration mode and a control mode. In the calibration mode the control device (10) is configured to define different functions of the control device (10). In the control mode the control device (10) is configured to perform the functions defined in the calibration mode by an actuation of the actuation element (14).