Knob and method for modifying a music signal

Abstract

This document describes systems and methods for modifying music signals. An exemplary system for modifying music signals has at least one contactless switch. The contactless switch includes an actuator that translates and rotates, respectively, when a user pushes and turns the actuator. A sensor (e.g., a magnetic field sensor, an optical sensor, an AC inductive sensor, or other contactless sensing device) senses the position of the actuator, which may include a translational position and a rotational position. Modification of the music signal can be based on the position of the actuator. During operation of the contactless switch, no physical contact is required between the actuator and the sensor. Therefore, the force generated during pushing and turning the contactless switch is applied to the contactless switch, while the sensor and other components within the effects unit are unaffected by the force.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 521,485, filed November 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates generally to music devices, and more specifically to effects units for modifying music signals. Background Technology

[0003] Musical effects pedals, also known as pedalboards, multi-effects pedals, multi-effects processors, and footswitches, are external devices used to modify the sound of musical instruments such as electric guitars. Musicians typically use them to alter the sound produced by the instrument in real time, including but not limited to changing pitch and / or amplitude, and / or adding distortion and / or reverb. Various musical genres utilize effects pedals to achieve unique musical characteristics.

[0004] Traditional effects pedals include mechanical switches with knobs for adjusting the pedal settings and / or modifying the sound received from the instrument. These mechanical switches are typically housed in a pedal-shaped housing. Settings can be adjusted by pressing and / or turning the mechanical switch. For example, during a performance, when a musician's hands are busy playing the instrument, the mechanical switch can be pressed with the foot (e.g., a foot pedal switch). However, applying excessive force to the mechanical switch (e.g., when a musician slams their foot on the switch) can damage the delicate electronic circuitry housed inside the effects pedal. Furthermore, pressing and turning the mechanical switch can cause internal components to come into contact with each other, leading to wear and eventual failure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to various embodiments, a device for modifying a music signal has at least one contactless switch. The contactless switch includes an actuator that translates and rotates when pushed and turned by a user, respectively. A sensor (e.g., a magnetic field sensor, an optical sensor, an AC inductive sensor, or other contactless sensing device) senses the position of the actuator, which may include a translational position (also referred to herein as a “linear position”) and a rotational position (also referred to herein as an “angular position”). Modification of the music signal can be based on the position of the actuator. During operation of the contactless switch, no physical contact is required between the actuator and the sensor. Therefore, the force generated during pushing and turning the contactless switch is applied to the contactless switch, while the sensor and other components within the effects unit are unaffected by this force. Therefore, such a device can provide a more reliable and slower-wearing switch design than conventional mechanical switch designs, and thus, the device can have a longer lifespan than conventional effects units.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a device for modifying at least one music signal includes: a housing; at least one input unit for receiving at least one music signal, at least partially generated by at least one musical instrument; at least one processor for modifying the at least one music signal; and at least one contactless switch mounted to the housing, allowing a user to interact with the at least one contactless switch to adjust the modification of the at least one music signal. The at least one contactless switch includes: an actuator configured to rotate about an axis and translate along the axis; and a sensor configured to generate at least one measurement corresponding to the position of the actuator, wherein the at least one processor is configured to modify the at least one music signal based on the measurement corresponding to the position of the actuator.

[0007] In any of these embodiments, the sensor may include a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or an AC inductive sensor. For example, the sensor may include a magnetic field sensor, and the actuator may include a magnet. The magnet may be radially magnetized such that rotation of the actuator about an axis can change the direction of the magnetic field associated with the magnet. Translation of the actuator along the axis can change the distance between the actuator and the sensor.

[0008] In any of these embodiments, the position of the actuator may include one or both of a translational position and an angular position. In various embodiments, at least one measurement may include a measurement of the translational position and a measurement of the angular position.

[0009] In any of these embodiments, at least one contactless switch may include multiple contactless switches. Each contactless switch may include a switch body mounted to a housing of the device and a sensor mounted to a PCB mounted below the switch body, such that multiple sensors are mounted on the same PCB. The multiple contactless switches may be configured to modify multiple properties of at least one music signal.

[0010] In any of these embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to modify at least one music signal based on at least one of the following: the translational position of the actuator along the axis relative to at least one translation threshold, the translational speed of the actuator along the axis, the linear acceleration of the actuator along the axis, the angular position of the actuator about the axis relative to at least one angular threshold, the angular change of the actuator about the axis, the rotational rate of the actuator about the axis, and the angular acceleration of the actuator about the axis.

[0011] In any of these embodiments, at least one contactless switch may further include a light guide surrounding at least a portion of the actuator. At least one contactless switch may also include at least one positioning mechanism configured to provide tactile feedback to a user during one or both of rotation of the actuator about an axis and translation of the actuator along the axis. At least one contactless switch may also include at least one limiter configured to constrain rotation of the actuator within a predetermined angular range.

[0012] In any of these embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to change the operating mode of the device. For example, in a first mode, at least one processor may be configured to set at least one parameter based on at least one measurement value, and in a second mode, at least one processor may be configured to modify at least one music signal based on the at least one parameter.

[0013] According to various embodiments, a method for modifying at least one music signal includes: receiving at least one music signal at a device, at least partially generated by at least one musical instrument; receiving user input at a contactless switch of the device, the user input including at least one of translation of an actuator of the contactless switch along an axis and rotation of the actuator about an axis, such that the actuator of the contactless switch can move relative to a sensor of the contactless switch; generating at least one measurement value corresponding to the position of the actuator by the sensor; and modifying at least one music signal by at least one processor of the device based on the at least one measurement value corresponding to the position of the actuator.

[0014] In any of these embodiments, modifying at least one music signal may include setting at least one parameter based on at least one measurement and / or modifying at least one music signal based on at least one parameter. At least one parameter may be set in a first mode, and at least one music signal may be modified in a second mode. In various embodiments, during the second mode, a first user input to the contactless switch does not change at least one parameter of the device. The first user input to the contactless switch may be rotation of the actuator. In various embodiments, during the second mode, a second user input to the contactless switch may change at least one parameter of the device. The second user input to the contactless switch may be translation of the actuator.

[0015] In any of these embodiments, modifying at least one music signal may involve producing one or more special effects, including one or more of the following: overdrive, blur, wah, delay, buffer, chorus, flanger, phase shift, vibrato, looper, compressor, octave, equalizer, noise gate, acoustic, tuner, enhancement, pitch change, amplitude change, distortion, modulation, reverb, delay, and repeat. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary device for modifying a music signal according to an example of the present invention is shown.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary non-contact switch for modifying a music signal, according to an example of the present invention, is shown. Figure 2A An exemplary non-contact switch in its default translation position is shown. Figure 2B The diagram shows the state of an exemplary non-contact switch after it has been linearly translated relative to its default translation position.

[0018] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A top view of an exemplary processor board of a device for modifying music signals according to an example of the present invention is shown. Figure 3A Exemplary multiple contactless switches in the first corner position are shown. Figure 3B The diagram shows the state of an exemplary contactless switch among a plurality of contactless switches after it has been rotated relative to a first angular position.

[0019] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary non-contact switch for modifying a music signal according to an example of the present invention is shown. The exemplary non-contact switch has a positioning mechanism.

[0020] Figure 4B A top view of an exemplary non-contact switch for modifying a music signal according to an example of the present invention is shown. The exemplary non-contact switch has a rotation limiting mechanism.

[0021] Figure 5 A block diagram of an exemplary device for modifying a music signal according to an example of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for modifying a music signal according to an example of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This document describes examples of devices, according to various embodiments, for modifying a musical signal based on the position of an actuator relative to a sensor. The device may be, for example, a music effects unit, effects board, integrated effects pedal, integrated effects processor, and / or a foot switch. A musician may use the device to alter the sound of one or more instruments while playing them. For example, a user may connect a guitar to the device, which may apply effects (e.g., reverb) to the musical signal produced by the guitar. To determine how the sound of the musical signal should be altered, the device may rely on user input via one or more non-contact switches. The user may push and / or turn the switches. In some embodiments, pushing the switch may change the mode of the device. For example, when the user pushes the switch, the switch may change from an "on" mode to an "off" mode, and the musical signal will no longer be modified. In some embodiments, turning the switch may be used to set the type and characteristics of the effect to be applied to the musical signal. For example, when the user turns the switch, the type of effect may change from "reverb" to "distortion." In some embodiments, turning the switch may be used to change parameter values ​​of the musical signal. For example, when the user turns the switch, the "delay time" may be increased or decreased. This can be done before playing the instrument, thereby presetting the desired effect characteristics.

[0024] In some embodiments, the switch includes at least one contactless switch. The contactless switch may include a movable actuator and a fixed sensor, or vice versa. When a user pushes the switch, the actuator can move relative to the sensor. The sensor may be configured to measure the position of the actuator. At least one processor of the device may modify the music signal based on the translational and / or rotational position of the actuator. During operation of the switch, the actuator and the sensor do not make physical contact with each other. This provides a more reliable switch design that does not experience the wear and tear experienced by conventional mechanical switches, and therefore, the device can have a longer lifespan than conventional effects pedals.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the device may include multiple contactless switches, each switch comprising a switch body mounted to a housing of the device. An actuator for each switch may be supported by the switch body such that it can move and rotate within the switch body in a desired alignment without altering its axis of rotation or translation. Below the switch body, a printed circuit board (PCB) may be mounted to the housing. The PCB may be electrically connected to various components of the device, such as sensors, which may be located below the switch body and mounted on the PCB. When the actuator of each switch moves relative to its corresponding sensor, measurements from the sensor can be received by the PCB. Multiple switches can be used to modify multiple properties of a music signal received by the device.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator of the contactless switch may include a magnet, and the sensor may include a magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor may be configured to determine the position of the actuator based on the magnetic field characteristics of the magnet. When the switch is actuated, the magnet may move toward the magnetic field sensor, thereby increasing the magnetic field strength measured by the sensor. According to various embodiments, the magnet may be radially magnetized, such that rotation of the switch may alter the magnetic field associated with the magnet. For example, when the switch is turned, the magnetic poles of the magnet may rotate, thereby changing the direction of the magnetic field measured by the sensor. Based on the position of the actuator (determined by the magnetic field characteristics detected by the magnetic field sensor), the device may modify the music signal.

[0027] In the following description of the invention and its embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific embodiments that may be practiced are shown by way of example. It should be understood that other embodiments and examples may be practiced, and changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used in the following description are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. It should also be understood that when the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” are used herein, they mean the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, operation, element, component, and / or unit, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, units, and / or combinations thereof.

[0029] Figure 1A perspective view of an exemplary device 100 for modifying a music signal is shown. Device 100 may be a music effects unit, effects board, integrated effects pedal, integrated effects processor, and / or foot switch. Device 100 can be used to modify a music signal at least partially generated by a musical instrument (e.g., an electric guitar). For this purpose, device 100 may receive a music signal, modify the music signal based on at least one input from a user, and output the modified music signal to a speaker or other output device. In some embodiments, device 100 may include at least one non-contact switch 150, which includes an actuator. As discussed further below, when a user operates (e.g., rotates or pushes) switch 150, the actuator may move relative to a sensor of switch 150, which is configured to determine the position (translational and / or rotational) of the actuator. Device 100 modifies the music signal based on the position of the actuator. During operation of switch 150, the actuator and sensor do not make physical contact with each other. Therefore, device 100 can provide a more reliable switch design that wears out more slowly than traditional mechanical switch designs, and thus, device 100 can have a longer lifespan than traditional effects pedals.

[0030] In some embodiments, switch 150 may include a switch body 151 for mounting switch 150 to housing 102. Switch body 151 may be configured to mount switch 150 such that it extends outward from the upper surface 102a of housing 102. Switch 150 may be positioned such that a user can easily access switch 150. For example, switch 150 may be configured such that a user can approach the switch with their foot while playing a musical instrument. Switch body 151 may hold switch 150 in place such that an actuator can move linearly along and rotatably about an axis 103 extending perpendicular to the upper surface 102a of housing 102. Switch 150 may be operated by a user to control various functions of device 100. Switch 150 may be oriented such that axis 103 is the centerline of switch 150. In some embodiments, a user may push (also referred to herein as “press”) switch 150 such that the actuator translates linearly along axis 103. In some embodiments, a user can rotate (also referred to herein as “turn”) switch 150, causing the actuator to rotate about the same axis 103. Switch 150 can be both pushed and turned simultaneously. In some embodiments, switch 150 is configured to be operable by a user’s hand and / or foot. In some embodiments, switch 150 can be used to adjust modifications to a music signal (e.g., pushing switch 150 can turn the modification on / off).

[0031] In some embodiments, device 100 may include housing 102. Housing 102 may be a shell that houses and / or supports components of device 100. Housing 102 may include an outward-facing surface 102a, on which one or more displays 104a and 104b, a switch 150, and a switch body 151 may be positioned.

[0032] In some embodiments, device 100 may include one or more displays, including a main display 104a and a switch display 104b. Each display may be a screen or panel for displaying icons, images, text, and / or other visual cues related to device 100. The main display 104a may display information related to device 100 as a whole, including information from all switches, while the switch display 104b may display information specifically related to its corresponding switch (e.g., switch 150). Displays 104a and 104b may be electrically connected to one or more of the input unit 105a, output unit 105b, switch 150, and any other electronic components of device 100 (e.g., processor and lamps).

[0033] In some embodiments, the main display 104a may provide information about the settings of the device 100, the mode of the device 100 (e.g., whether the device 100 is in an "edit" mode where its settings can be changed), which switches are active, and / or what modifications are being made to the music signal. In some embodiments, the main display 104a may display a visual representation of the music signal (e.g., a waveform). The main display 104a may be larger than the switch display 104b.

[0034] In some embodiments, the switch display 104b can provide information about the settings of the switch 150 and / or whether the switch 150 is activated or deactivated. In some embodiments, the switch display 104b can display one or more values ​​associated with modifications to the music signal. In some embodiments, the switch display 104b can display one or more values ​​associated with the settings of the switch 150. The switch display 104b can be positioned close to its corresponding switch 150.

[0035] In some embodiments, device 100 may include at least one input section 105a, which may include at least one input jack or other type of connector for receiving music signals. The music signal may be a digital signal or an analog signal. Different input sections 105a may receive different types of signals. For example, one type of input section may be configured to receive analog signals, and a second type of input section may be configured to receive digital signals. Device 100 may also include at least one output section 105b, which may include at least one output jack or other type of connector for connecting an output device. For example, output section 105b may be configured to output a modified music signal to a speaker. Input sections 105a and output sections 105b may be positioned in any suitable location, including on one side of housing 102 (as shown) and / or on the rear panel of housing (not shown). Input sections 105a and output sections 105b may have any standard jack configuration.

[0036] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A device for modifying music signals is shown (e.g., Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary switch 250 of a device 100. The switch 250 can be used for... Figure 1 Any switch 150. In some embodiments, the function of switch 250 may be determined by its translational position and / or its rotational position.

[0037] Figure 2A This shows that switch 250 is in the first position, and Figure 2B The diagram illustrates a switch 250 entering a second position after its actuator 252 has been linearly translated relative to a first position. The switch 250 may be oriented such that an axis 203 extending along the centerline of the switch 250 is orthogonal to a surface 202a of the housing 202. In some embodiments, the switch 250 may include a switch body 251 configured to attach to the housing 202. The actuator 252 may be at least partially disposed within the switch body 251. The switch body 251 may be an annular member attached to the housing 202 and configured to support the actuator 252 along its circumference. The actuator 252 may be a rod-shaped member configured to move linearly through the switch body 251 (i.e., along axis 203) and rotate within the switch body 251 (i.e., about axis 203). The switch 250 may have… Figure 1 The switch 150 may have any of the features of the switch, and the switch body 251 may have Figure 1 Any feature of the switch body 151.

[0038] In some embodiments, actuator 252 may include cap 254. Cap 254 may be a dial or knob mounted on a first end of actuator 252. Cap 254 may provide an accessible, appropriately sized contact surface for a human user. A user may touch cap 254 to move actuator 252. For example, a user may press and / or push cap 254 to move actuator 252 linearly, and may rotate and / or turn cap 254 to move actuator 252 rotatably. Cap 254 may be removably attached to actuator 252. In some embodiments, actuator 252 may be moved directly by a user without cap 254.

[0039] In some embodiments, actuator 252 may include a second end 256. The second end 256 is opposite to the first end (i.e., located on the other side of actuator 252 opposite to cap 254). Sensor 258 may measure the position of actuator 252 based on the position of the second end 256 without contacting actuator 252.

[0040] The second end 256 may include any means or material enabling the sensor 258 to detect the position of the second end 256 non-contactly and thus the position of the actuator 252. In some embodiments, the sensor 258 is a magnetic field sensor, and the second end 256 includes a magnet. The magnetic field sensor 258 can detect the magnetic field characteristics of the magnet to determine the position of the second end 256. The magnet may be made of a ferromagnetic material, such as one or more of iron, cobalt, nickel, neodymium, and their alloys. The magnet may be radially magnetized such that rotation of the actuator 252 about axis 203 may rotate the magnetic field associated with the magnet. In some embodiments, the magnet may be an electromagnet. In some embodiments, the magnet may be cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, the sensor 258 is an optical sensor that emits light toward the second end 256 and receives reflected light from the second end 256 to determine the position of the second end 256. In some embodiments, the sensor 258 is an AC sensing sensor, and the second end 256 may include an electromagnetic coil. The AC sensing sensor 258 can detect the characteristics of the field of the electromagnetic coil to determine the position of the second end 256.

[0041] In some embodiments, sensor 258 may be mounted on processor board 260 located below second end 256, enabling sensor 258 to measure the position of second end 256. Sensor 258 can sense and measure the position of second end 256 non-contactly. In some embodiments, sensor 258 can detect (e.g., based on magnetic field direction) a relative change in the angular position of second end 256 relative to a previous angular position. In some embodiments, sensor 258 can detect an absolute change in the angular position of second end 256 relative to a preset angular position. In some embodiments, sensor 258 may be programmable (e.g., via processor board 260). In some embodiments, sensor is configured to output an angular position reading corresponding to the angular position of actuator 252 to processor board 260.

[0042] In some embodiments, translation of the actuator 252 along axis 203 can increase or decrease the distance 257 between the second end 256 and the sensor 258. For example, in Figure 2A In the middle, switch 250 is not pressed (i.e., switch 250 is in the first translational position). Figure 2B In the middle, switch 250 is in the pressed state (i.e., switch 250 is in the second translational position), wherein the distance 257 between the second end 256 and sensor 258 is relative to Figure 2A The distance in the middle 257 is reduced (e.g., from 3mm to 1mm).

[0043] In some embodiments, the “state” of switch 250 can be determined by combining a predetermined threshold and a distance 257. In some embodiments, any distance 257 greater than the predetermined threshold can be defined as “state 1”. In some embodiments, any distance 257 less than the predetermined threshold (e.g., 2 mm) can be defined as “state 2”. In some embodiments, processor board 260 can be configured to determine a threshold above which switch 250 is in a first state and below which switch 250 is in a second state. When switch 250 changes between an “up” and a “down” position, movement of the second end 256 between “state 1” and “state 2” can be sensed by sensor 258 when the predetermined threshold is exceeded in either direction. The user can repeat this operation an unlimited number of times. In the above embodiments, two switch states are used as an example. More refined state divisions are also possible, such as creating two thresholds for three different states, etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second end 256 does not make physical contact with the sensor 258. For example... Figure 2B As shown, the cap 254 contacts the surface 202a of the housing 202, which prevents the switch 250 from being pressed further. Therefore, Figure 2BThe position of actuator 252 depicted may be the lowest translational position at which actuator 252 can be pushed. In some embodiments, the device may modify the music signal based on the distance 257 between the second end 256 and the sensor 258, the distance 257 being calculated by the processor board 260 based on the position measurement of the sensor 258.

[0045] In some embodiments, spring 270 may be positioned between cap 254 and housing 202 such that when cap 254 is pressed (which simultaneously translates actuator 252 and its second end 256), spring 270 is compressed. Due to the rebound force, spring 270 can return the switch to the "up" position after being pressed. For example, in some embodiments, spring 270 is compressed when the user presses switch 250 to the second position. When the user releases switch 250, switch 250 can return to the first position at least partially due to the force provided by the release of compression of spring 270. During the pressing operation, the distance 257 between the second end 256 and sensor 258 decreases, while during the spring rebound operation, the distance 257 between the second end 256 and sensor 258 increases.

[0046] Re-reference Figure 2A In some embodiments, the processor board 260 may be a PCB including at least one processor. The processor board 260 may be configured to modify the music signal based on the translation position of the actuator 252 along axis 203 relative to a threshold translation position (e.g., when the distance 257 between the second end 256 and the sensor 258 is greater than or less than a threshold, such as 2 mm). For example, when the switch 250 is in a first position (i.e., the distance 257 is greater than a threshold distance value, and / or the magnetic field strength is less than a threshold strength value), the processor board 260 may switch the switch to an "on" mode, thereby enabling all normal functions of the switch 250 (i.e., activating the switch 250). If the switch 250 is configured to increase the reverberation of the music signal, the effect can be applied to the music signal as long as the switch 250 remains "on". However, when switch 250 is in the second position (i.e., the distance 257 is less than a threshold distance value, and / or the magnetic field strength is greater than a threshold strength value), processor board 260 can switch switch 250 to "off" mode, thereby disabling at least one of the normal functions of switch 250 (i.e., deactivating switch 250). Reverb effects are not applied to the music signal until switch 250 is "on" again.

[0047] In some embodiments, the processor board 260 may be configured to adjust the degree of modification of the music signal such that a larger certain value (e.g., a larger field strength reading from sensor 258, which indicates that the second end 256 is pressed closer to sensor 258) corresponds to a larger degree of modification (e.g., increasing the amplitude of the music signal by a larger amount).

[0048] In some embodiments, the light guide 262 may be a translucent component configured to generate and scatter visible light. In some embodiments, the light guide 262 may include one or more red-green-blue LEDs whose brightness, color, and / or flicker can be adjusted. The light guide 262 may be positioned at least partially around the actuator 252 (e.g., near the switch body 251). In some embodiments, the light guide 262 may generate a continuous halo of light.

[0049] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A device for modifying a music signal based on the rotation of multiple switches 350 is shown (e.g., Figure 1 This is a top view of an exemplary processor board 360 of the device 100. Specifically, the processor board 360 can be configured to modify an audio signal based on the angular position of one or more of a plurality of switches 350. Each switch 350 may include a plurality of actuators 352 having a second end 356 and a plurality of sensors 358 configured to detect changes in the position of the second end 356. Based on the detected changes, an angular change 310 of each actuator can be determined by the processor board 360. The angular change 310 may represent the relative difference in angle between a first angular position 306 and a second angular position 308. The processor board 360 can apply different modifications and / or different degrees of modification to the audio signal based on the angular change 310.

[0050] Figure 3A Multiple switches 350 are shown in the first corner position 306, while Figure 3B The diagram shows the state of switch 350b, one of multiple switches 350, after it has been rotated relative to the first angular position 306. (Example) Figure 3A As shown, the plurality of switches 350 may include a plurality of actuators 352 (with a second end 356) positioned above the processor board 360. Each of the plurality of switches 350 may include a switch body (e.g., Figure 1 The system comprises a switch body 151 and a sensor mounted on a processor board 360 and positioned below the switch body. For example, multiple sensors 358 may be mounted on the same processor board 360. The multiple sensors 358 may be positioned such that they are aligned below multiple second ends 356. The sensors 358 may be configured to detect the second ends 356 non-contactly and generate measurements corresponding to the linear and / or angular positions of the second ends 356. For example, if the second ends 356 include a magnet, the sensors 358 may be configured to detect changes in the magnetic field direction of the magnet. Based on the detected changes in magnetic field direction, the angular position of each of the multiple switches 350 may be determined by one or both of the sensors 358 and the processor board 360.

[0051] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of switches 350 (e.g., switch 350b) may include an actuator 352. When the actuator 352 rotates, the second end 356 may rotate with it. Figure 3A For illustrative purposes, an arbitrary reference angle position is shown, namely, the first angle position 306. Figure 3B In this configuration, actuator 352 has been rotated such that second end 356 is now aligned with second angular position 308. Angle change 310 is the difference between first angular position 306 and second angular position 308. Switch 350 can be rotated such that angle change 310 can be at any position between 0 degrees and 360 degrees. In some embodiments, switch 350 can rotate more than 360 degrees, for example, it can rotate infinitely in any direction.

[0052] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary switch 450 is shown. The exemplary switch 450 has a positioning mechanism 478 configured to provide tactile and / or auditory feedback to a user when the switch 450 has been pressed to its second position. The feedback provided by the positioning mechanism 478 allows a user to detect when the switch 450 has been pressed without visually monitoring it. For example, during a live performance, a user could operate the switch 450 with their foot without having to look down to check the switch and interrupt the performance.

[0053] In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism 478 may include a ball 472, a ball spring 474, a protrusion 475, and a tension screw 476. The ball stop 475 may be an annular ring with a triangular ramp profile, positioned around and / or protruding from the actuator 452. When the user (e.g., relative to...) Figure 4A When the actuator 452 is pressed (as shown in the view perpendicularly), the ball stop 475 can contact the ball 472 (e.g., relative to the view perpendicularly). Figure 4A(The view shown is horizontal) pushes the protrusion 475 away from the actuator 452 and against the ball spring 474, which can be compressed and exert a return force on the ball 472. As the user continues to press the actuator 452, the protrusion 475 continues to move downward, eventually passing over the ball 472. Under the action of the ball spring 474, the ball 472 will return and strike the actuator 452. The impact of the ball 472 on the actuator 452 can produce a "click" sound and / or provide tactile feedback to the user. The tension screw 476 can be used to adjust the spring force of the ball spring 474 by adjusting its compression, thereby increasing or decreasing the volume of the sound and / or the intensity of the tactile feedback. In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism 478 can be implemented using a leaf spring (e.g., as the ball spring 474) or other forms of spring. In some embodiments, each switch 450 may have more than one positioning mechanism 478. In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism 478 may be positioned within and / or supported by the housing 402.

[0054] In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism 478 may be configured to provide tactile and / or auditory feedback when a user rotates and / or turns the switch 450, causing the actuator 452 to rotate. The actuator 452 may have one or more vertical grooves extending at least partially along the circumference of the actuator 452. As the actuator 452 rotates, the ball 472 may switch between contacting the peaks and valleys of the one or more vertical grooves. The impact of the ball 472 on the rotating part of the actuator 452 may produce sound and / or provide tactile feedback to the user.

[0055] Figure 4B A top view of an exemplary switch 450 with a rotation limiter mechanism 480 is shown. For example, as Figure 4B As shown, the rotation limiter mechanism 480 is configured to constrain the rotational movement of the actuator 452 within a limited angular range when the user rotates and / or turns the switch 450. Physically limiting the rotational movement of the actuator 452 in this way allows the actuator 452 to rotate between its furthest positions in two directions without exceeding the desired range of motion (e.g., a rotation of 270 to 300 degrees).

[0056] In some embodiments, the rotation limiter mechanism 480 may include a pin 402c protruding from the housing 402 (or any component attached to the housing 402) toward a groove 452a recessed into the actuator 452 (or any component attached to the actuator 452), the groove 452a being configured to receive the pin 402c. In some embodiments, the pin 402c may instead protrude from the actuator 452 (or any component attached to the actuator 452), and the groove 452a may instead be recessed into the housing 402 (or any component attached to the housing 402). The actuator 452 may rotate until the pin 402c contacts one or more sides of the groove 452a, thereby preventing further rotation of the actuator 452 in that direction. In some embodiments, each switch 450 may have more than one rotation limiter mechanism 480.

[0057] Figure 5 A block diagram of an exemplary device 500 for modifying a music signal is shown. The device 500 can be configured to receive a music signal from an input 520, receive user input from a switch 530 based on measurements from a sensor 540, modify the music signal using a processor 510 based on the user input, and output the modified signal to a speaker using an output 570.

[0058] In some embodiments, switch 530 can be pressed and rotated simultaneously to modify the music signal. For example, switch 530 can be pressed to adjust a first property of the music signal (e.g., amplitude) and rotated to adjust a second property of the music signal (e.g., pitch). In some embodiments, switch 530 can be pressed to switch between operating modes of the device (e.g., play mode and edit mode) and can be rotated simultaneously to adjust properties of the music signal (e.g., reverb), and vice versa. In some embodiments, the combination of pressing and rotating switch 530 can produce a modification to the music signal different from the modification produced by pressing and rotating switch 530 alone. In some embodiments, the combination of pressing and rotating can enable the user to access additional functions, such as a “deep edit mode” for editing settings associated with the device. Switch 530 may have Figure 1 Switch 150 Figure 2A and Figure 2B Switch 250, Figure 3A Multiple switches 350, Figure 3B Switch 350b and / or Figure 4A and Figure 4B Any feature of the 450 switch.

[0059] In some embodiments, the exemplary device 500 may include one or more processors 510 configured to receive data from and / or transmit instructions to all components connected to it. The processor 510 may be configured to perform any calculations required to convert measurements from the sensor 540 into translational and / or angular position data associated with the switch 530. The processor 510 may then modify the music signal based on the position data. For example, in some embodiments, the processor 510 may modify the music signal based on at least one of the following: the angular position of the actuator and / or magnet of the switch 530 relative to an angular threshold position, the angular change between any two angular positions, the rotational rate of the actuator and / or magnet of the switch 530, and the angular acceleration of the actuator and / or magnet of the switch 530. In some embodiments, the sensor 540 may be configured to convert magnetic field measurements into position data, and the processor 510 may be configured to directly receive the position data.

[0060] In some embodiments, the processor 510 may be configured to convert the magnetic field measurement value of the sensor 540 into a value that corresponds to the value of the switch 530 along the axis of motion (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The processor 510 can calculate the translational position data related to the position of the axis 103. For example, based on the magnitude of the magnetic field measurement, the processor 510 can calculate the absolute translational position of the switch 530, the distance change between two translational positions, the translational velocity along the axis, and / or the linear acceleration along the axis.

[0061] In some embodiments, the processor 510 may be configured to convert the magnetic field measurements of the sensor 540 into values ​​related to the switch 530 about a motion axis (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 510 can calculate the angular position data related to the rotation of the axis 103. For example, based on the direction of the magnetic field measurement, the processor 510 can calculate the absolute and / or relative angular position, angular velocity, and / or angular acceleration of the switch 530 about the axis. In some embodiments, the processor 510 can be configured to recognize the resolution of the rotation. The processor 510 can change the resolution of the rotation from a higher resolution to a lower resolution, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the resolution of the rotation angle can be changed based on the calculated angular velocity and / or angular acceleration of the switch 530. For example, a user can quickly rotate the switch 530 to scroll through multiple resolutions at high speed, and then slow down or stop the rotation to fine-tune the scrolling.

[0062] In some embodiments, processor 510 may be configured to define one or more thresholds for each of the switches 530. For example, processor 510 may be used to set translation thresholds and / or rotation thresholds, and then may be used to detect when the position or rotation of switch 530 exceeds the threshold. In some embodiments, processor 510 may define the operating mode of device 500 based on one or more thresholds of switch 530. For example, when switch 530 is not pressed (e.g., above the translation threshold), device 500 may be in "play mode". Once switch 530 is pressed (e.g., below the translation threshold), device 500 may enter "edit mode".

[0063] In some embodiments, the processor 510 may be configured to define, receive, calculate, and / or modify the following variables from the connected light guide 560: LED color, LED brightness, and / or LED flicker rate. In some embodiments, the light guide may have a single color. In some embodiments, the light guide may have various colors and / or have varying colors in different regions of the light guide. The LEDs of the light guide may be electronically controlled by the processor 510.

[0064] In some embodiments, device 500 may include housing 599. Components of device 500 may be at least partially housed within housing 599. Components of device 500 may have… Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B and / or Figure 4A and Figure 4B Any feature of the corresponding component in the document.

[0065] In some embodiments, the processor 510 may not be physically connected to the device 500. Instead, the device 500 may be a means for wirelessly transmitting information (functionally similar to a remote control) that instructs an external device to perform one or more functions. The content of the wireless transmission may be determined based on measurements from the sensor 540. For example, pressing a switch 530 may alter the linear position measurement generated by the sensor 540. This may instruct an external device (e.g., a speaker or amplifier) ​​to activate or deactivate sound modulation effects. In this embodiment, the device 500 may not directly receive music signals and therefore may not include input and / or output jacks. Instead, an external device may receive music signals and modify them based on the wireless transmission from the device 500.

[0066] Figure 6 A flowchart of an exemplary method 600 for modifying a music signal is shown. Method 600 can be performed using a device for modifying a music signal (e.g., exemplary device 100).

[0067] At step 602, the device receives at least one musical signal, at least partially generated by at least one musical instrument. The device may include... Figure 1 Equipment 100 and / or Figure 5 Any feature of the device 500.

[0068] At step 604, the device's contactless switch receives user input, which includes at least one of translation of the switch's actuator along an axis (e.g., the user pushes and / or presses the actuator) and rotation of the actuator about the axis (e.g., the user rotates and / or turns the actuator). The user input can cause the switch's actuator to move relative to the switch's sensor. The switch may include... Figure 1 Switch 150 Figure 2A and Figure 2B Switch 250, Figure 3A Multiple switches 350, Figure 3B 350b switch Figure 4A and Figure 4B Switch 450 and / or Figure 5 Any feature of the 530 switch.

[0069] At step 606, the sensor non-contactly generates at least one measurement corresponding to the position of the actuator. For example, if the actuator includes a magnet and the sensor includes a magnetic field sensor, the sensor can detect the magnetic field characteristics associated with the magnet to generate the position measurement of the actuator. The movement of the magnet described in step 604 can change the position of its magnetic field in a manner measurable by the sensor.

[0070] At step 608, at least one processor of the device modifies at least one music signal based on position measurements from step 606. In some embodiments, a change in the rotational position of the actuator may be associated with a change in the modification characteristics. In some embodiments, a change in the linear position of the actuator may be associated with activation / deactivation of the modification. In some embodiments, a closer actuator position may be associated with a modification of a first extreme value (e.g., higher pitch, louder volume, and / or greater distortion), while a farther actuator position may be associated with a modification of a second extreme value (e.g., lower pitch, quieter volume, and / or less distortion), and vice versa. At least one processor may include Figure 2A and Figure 2B Processor 260 and / or Figure 5 Any features of the processor 510.

[0071] In some embodiments, modifying at least one musical signal includes setting at least one parameter based on measurements corresponding to the position of the actuator, and then modifying at least one musical signal based on that parameter. For example, the at least one parameter may be a characteristic of the musical signal, such as pitch, amplitude, distortion, modulation, reverberation, delay, and / or repeat. In some embodiments, at least one parameter may be set in an editing mode (i.e., a first mode), and at least one musical signal may be modified in a performance mode (i.e., a second mode). During performance mode, a first type of user input (e.g., turning a switch to rotate the actuator) may not change the at least one parameter set in editing mode. However, a second type of user input (e.g., pressing a switch to translate the actuator) may change the at least one parameter. For example, before a concert, a musician may select "edit mode" and preset "reverberation" as a characteristic of the musical signal to be modified. During "edit mode," the musician may turn a switch to change the value of a parameter that can be modified during "performance mode." Multiple switches may be used to adjust multiple parameters. Once the concert begins, the musician may enter "performance mode" and begin playing the instrument. The musician may press a switch to activate or deactivate the "reverberation" effect. However, during "Play Mode," if the musician rotates the switch, the parameters will not change from "Reverb" because rotating the input does not affect the modification of the sound. This optional feature prevents accidental user input from unintentionally modifying the music signal. In some embodiments, modifying at least one music signal can include producing one or more special effects, such as overdrive, blur, wah, delay, buffer, chorus, flanger, phase shift, vibrato, looper, compressor, octave, equalizer, noise gate, acoustic, tuner, enhancement, pitch change, amplitude change, distortion, modulation, reverb, delay, and / or repeat.

[0072] In some embodiments, the device may include multiple switches, and each switch may be activated or deactivated to adjust the modification of a music signal. In some embodiments, one or more switches may be activated or deactivated based on parameters of the music signal to be modified (i.e., special effects). For example, the device may be configured to simulate an "Amp X" with a "reverb" effect and include four knobs for receiving user input. Thus, four switches of the device may be activated (e.g., switches modify the music signal based on user input), while other switches may be deactivated (e.g., switches have no effect on the music signal). A switch display corresponding to each switch may indicate whether the switch is activated or deactivated, and / or which effect each switch is associated with.

[0073] In some embodiments, the switch may be configured to perform functions other than modifying the signal of a musical instrument. For example, the switch may be configured to toggle a library up / down, activate a metronome function (e.g., play a rhythm / rhythm in audio form), or perform other musical or non-musical functions.

[0074] In some embodiments, instead of the digital systems described herein, the device can be used as an analog system. For example, the switch of such a device may include a non-contact proximity sensor that generates a continuous electrical signal when the switch is pressed. Based on the amplitude and / or frequency of the electrical signal, the device may modify music signals or perform other functions. In some embodiments, the analog system may not have a processor.

[0075] This application discloses numerous numerical ranges in the text and accompanying drawings. The disclosed numerical ranges inherently support any range or value within the disclosed numerical ranges, including endpoints, even if no precise range limitation is stated verbatim in the specification, because the invention can be practiced across the entire disclosed numerical range.

[0076] Due to the equipment (e.g., Figure 1 The device 100 may be operated by a human user's feet, therefore the housing may need to be able to withstand the forces generated by a human standing and / or stepping on it. For example, the housing may be constructed to withstand static loads ranging from, for example, 1 pound to 1000 pounds. The housing may withstand up to 100 pounds, 200 pounds, 300 pounds, 400 pounds, 500 pounds, 600 pounds, 700 pounds, 800 pounds, 900 pounds, and / or 1000 pounds. The housing may withstand at least or equal to 1 pound, 10 pounds, 50 pounds, 100 pounds, 200 pounds, 300 pounds, 400 pounds, 500 pounds, 600 pounds, 700 pounds, 800 pounds, 900 pounds, and / or 1000 pounds.

[0077] In some embodiments, the sensor (e.g., Figure 2A and Figure 2B The sensor 258 can be configured to operate under various conditions and receive power in various configurations. For example, the sensor can be configured to operate within a temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to 125 degrees Celsius (e.g., 25 degrees Celsius), a voltage range of 1V to 10V (e.g., 3.3V), and a current range of 1mA to 20mA (e.g., 12mA).

[0078] In some embodiments, the switch (e.g., Figure 1The switch (150) is capable of withstanding, for example, at least 1 million presses during its service life. The switch can withstand at least 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, 60,000, 70,000, 80,000, 90,000, 100,000, 200,000, 300,000, 400,000, 500,000, 600,000, 700,000, 800,000, 900,000 and / or 1,000,000 presses during its service life. For each press, a force between 0.01 kgf and 100 kgf can be applied to the switch. Forces up to 0.1 kgf, 0.5 kgf, 1 kgf, 5 kgf, 10 kgf, 20 kgf, 30 kgf, 40 kgf, 50 kgf, 60 kgf, 70 kgf, 80 kgf, 90 kgf, and / or 100 kgf can be applied to the switch. Forces at least or equal to 0.01 kgf, 0.1 kgf, 0.5 kgf, 1 kgf, 5 kgf, 10 kgf, 20 kgf, 30 kgf, 40 kgf, 50 kgf, 60 kgf, 70 kgf, 80 kgf, 90 kgf, and / or 100 kgf can be applied to the switch. The switch is capable of withstanding, for example, at least 1 million rotations during its service life. The switch can withstand at least 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, 60,000, 70,000, 80,000, 90,000, 100,000, 200,000, 300,000, 400,000, 500,000, 600,000, 700,000, 800,000, 900,000 and / or 1,000,000 rotations during its service life.

[0079] In some embodiments, the distance between the first position and the second position of the switch (e.g.) Figure 2A and Figure 2B The length of the distance (257) can range from, for example, 0.1 mm to 10 mm. The value of the distance can be as high as 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm and / or 10 mm. The value of the distance can be at least or equal to 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm and / or 9 mm.

[0080] The foregoing description, with reference to specific embodiments, has been provided for illustrative purposes. However, the exemplary discussion above is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. These embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the technology and its practical application. This enables those skilled in the art to best utilize the technology and various embodiments, and to make various modifications according to the intended particular use.

[0081] Although the invention and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention and examples as defined by the claims. Finally, the entire disclosure of the patents and publications referenced in this application is hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A device for modifying at least one music signal, the device comprising: case; At least one input unit, said at least one input unit being used to receive at least one music signal generated at least partially by at least one musical instrument; At least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to modify the at least one music signal; as well as At least one contactless switch, said at least one contactless switch being mounted to the housing, enabling a user to interact with said at least one contactless switch to adjust said modification of said at least one music signal, said at least one contactless switch comprising: An actuator, configured to rotate about an axis and translate along the axis, and A sensor, configured to generate at least one measurement corresponding to the position of the actuator. The at least one processor is configured to modify the at least one music signal based on the measurement value corresponding to the position of the actuator.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensors include magnetic sensors, optical sensors, or AC induction sensors.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The sensor includes a magnetic field sensor, and the actuator includes a magnet.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The magnet is radially magnetized such that rotation of the actuator about the axis can change the direction of the magnetic field associated with the magnet.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The position includes one or both of translational and angular positions.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one measurement includes a measurement of the translational position and a measurement of the angular position.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one non-contact switch includes a plurality of non-contact switches, each non-contact switch including a switch body mounted to the housing of the device and a sensor mounted to a PCB, the PCB being mounted below the switch body such that the plurality of sensors are mounted on the same PCB.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one contactless switch includes a plurality of contactless switches, which are used to modify a plurality of properties of the at least one music signal.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to modify the at least one music signal based on at least one of the following: The actuator's translational position along the axis relative to at least one translation threshold The translational speed of the actuator along the axis, The actuator accelerates linearly along the axis. The actuator is positioned angularly around the axis relative to at least one angle threshold. The angle of the actuator around the axis changes. The rotational rate of the actuator about the axis, and The angular acceleration of the actuator about the axis.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The translation of the actuator along the axis changes the distance between the actuator and the sensor.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one contactless switch also includes a light guide tube surrounding at least a portion of the actuator.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one non-contact switch further includes at least one positioning mechanism configured to provide tactile feedback to the user during one or both of rotation of the actuator about the axis and translation of the actuator along the axis.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one non-contact switch further includes at least one limiter configured to constrain the rotation of the actuator within a predetermined angular range.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to change the operating mode of the device, wherein in a first mode, the at least one processor is configured to set at least one parameter based on the at least one measurement value, and in a second mode, the at least one processor is configured to modify the at least one music signal based on the at least one parameter.

15. A method for modifying at least one music signal, the method comprising: Receive at least one musical signal generated at least partially by at least one musical instrument at the device; The device receives user input at a contactless switch, the user input including at least one of translation of the actuator of the contactless switch along an axis and rotation of the actuator about the axis, such that the actuator of the contactless switch can move relative to the sensor of the contactless switch. The sensor generates at least one measurement value corresponding to the position of the actuator; as well as The at least one music signal is modified by at least one processor of the device based on at least one measurement value corresponding to the position of the actuator.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Modifying the at least one music signal includes setting at least one parameter based on the at least one measurement value, and modifying the at least one music signal based on the at least one parameter.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, In the first mode, at least one parameter is set, and in the second mode, at least one music signal is modified.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, During the second mode, the first user input to the contactless switch does not change the at least one parameter of the device.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The first user input to the non-contact switch is the rotation of the actuator.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein, During the second mode, a second user input changes at least one parameter of the device to the contactless switch.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The second user input to the non-contact switch is the translation of the actuator.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein, Modifying the at least one music signal includes producing one or more special effects, which include one or more of the following: overdrive, blur, wah, delay, buffer, chorus, flanger, phase shift, vibrato, looper, compressor, octave, equalizer, noise gate, acoustic, tuner, enhancement, pitch change, amplitude change, distortion, modulation, reverb, delay, and repeat.

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