Device for changing the processing of a signal during the processing of the signal, method for processing a signal and material storage medium

Abstract

Device for changing the processing of a signal during the processing of the signal, the device comprising the following: • a display unit for graphically displaying at least one interval of the signal to be processed next; • an input unit (30) for receiving at least one of: a selection input for selecting a duration of a period within the interval and a command input for commanding the modification of the processing based on the period; and • a processing unit, (40) which is configured to process the signal and to modify the processing in response to the command input, wherein • the input unit (30) is touch-sensitive and the processing unit (40) is configured to control the display unit to graphically display the period at least as long as the input unit (30) is touched, characterized in that • the input unit (30) is a touch-sensitive rotary control, wherein the duration of the period can be selected by turning the rotary control.

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The device for changing the processing of a signal during signal processing can be used in various applications. For example, the device can be a DJ controller, the signal can be an audio signal, the processing can be playing the audio signal, and the changing can be repeating a series of pulses or bars of the audio signal. With such a device, a DJ can change tracks directly during playback by selecting a certain number of bars to be repeated and commanding a temporal start and / or end point for the repetition.

[0002] To allow a user, such as a DJ, to change the signal processing during processing, an input unit and a display unit can be used. The input unit allows a selection input to select the duration of the period to be used to change the processing, and a command input to command the change of processing using the period. The display unit allows a graphical display of the interval of the signal to be processed next. After receiving the command input, the display unit can be used to graphically display the period.

[0003] For example, when looping through a continuous series of bars of an audio signal, a transparent fade indicates the series being looped within the displayed interval.

[0004] A device according to the preamble of the invention is known from US 2011 / 0011245 A1. Brief description of the invention

[0005] Certain aspects of the invention relate to embodiments of an apparatus for changing the processing of a signal during processing of the signal. The apparatus comprises a display unit for graphically displaying at least one interval of the signal to be processed next; an input unit for receiving at least one of: a selection input for selecting a duration of a time period within the interval and a command input for commanding changing the processing using the time period; and a processing unit configured to process the signal and change the processing in response to the command input. The input unit is touch-sensitive, and the processing unit is configured to control the display unit to graphically display the time period, at least as long as the input unit is touched.

[0006] Further aspects of the invention relate to embodiments of a method for processing a signal using a device comprising a touch-sensitive input unit and a display unit, the method comprising, during processing of the signal, graphically displaying at least one interval of the signal to be processed next; using the input unit to receive at least one of a duration of a period to be used to change the processing and a command input to command changing the processing of the selected number of cycles; and changing the processing in response to the command input. The input unit is touch-sensitive, and the method comprises graphically displaying the period at least as long as the input unit is touched. Still further embodiments relate to a tangible storage medium. The tangible storage medium stores software.When the software is executed by a processing unit of a device, the method for processing a signal is carried out if the device further comprises a touch-sensitive input unit and a display unit that can be controlled by the processing unit.

[0007] There are embodiments in which, after the command input is received, the period is displayed even if the input unit is not touched.

[0008] Before the selection input is received, a preselected period of time can be displayed as long as the input unit is touched.

[0009] The input unit can be a touch-sensitive rotary control, whereby the duration can be selected by turning the rotary control.

[0010] The rotary control may include a push button, wherein the input command is received when the button is pressed.

[0011] The signal may be an audio signal, the processing may be playing the audio signal, the duration may be selected in units of numbers of bars, and the processing may be changed by repeating the selected number of bars at least once.

[0012] The time period can be displayed using a crossfade that is superimposed on the displayed interval. In response to the command input, a visual characteristic of the crossfade can be changed, indicating the change in processing. The visual characteristic can be a transparency of the crossfade.

[0013] The time period may start at a start time, and the input unit may be further configured to receive a change input that changes the start time between the current point and a later point synchronously with a start time of one of the clocks of the signal.

[0014] The graphical display of the time period when touching the input unit provides the user with visual feedback on the effect of the command or processing change, thereby improving usability. Short description of the drawings

[0015] They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a graphic display of an interval of an audio signal to be played next after a current time and of another interval, which has just been played, of an audio signal before the current time; Fig. 3 a graphic display of the interval and the further interval with a transparent fade indicating a period of time to be used to change the processing of the signal; Fig. 4 a graphic display of the interval and the further interval and another transparent fade with a different transparency indicating a period of time used to change the processing of the signal; and Fig. 5 a state diagram of the device. Detailed description of the invention

[0016] The aspects, features, and advantages of the present systems and methods will be understood when viewed with reference to the following description and the accompanying figures. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Furthermore, the following description does not limit the invention; instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents.

[0017] According to aspects of the invention Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0018] The exemplary embodiment is a DJ controller 10. The DJ controller 10 includes a display 20 that allows for the graphical display of an interval of a predetermined number of bars after the current time and another interval of a predetermined number of bars before the current time. The bars represent an audio signal during playback. The displayed bars are those that have just been played and those that are to be played next after the current time.

[0019] The audio signal may include digital audio samples.

[0020] The DJ controller 10 further includes a touch-sensitive input unit 30. At least one of a selection input and a command input from the DJ (user) can be received via the input unit 30. For example, a touch-sensitive and pressable rotary encoder causes a graphical display of a time period within the interval, at least as long as it is touched. Before the selection input is received, the time period has a preselected duration. Before the command input is received, the time period is a future time period that lasts from a start time to an end time after the start time.

[0021] Beat quantization can be enabled, allowing only time periods that are in phase with the beat. Therefore, if beat quantization is enabled, the starting point varies with a current time by synchronizing with one of the beats of the audio signal. If beat quantization is not enabled, the starting point is the current time. The rotary control allows you to select the duration in a number of beats to repeat (number of beats to cycle through) by turning the rotary control, and to command the cycle through the selected number of beats by pressing the rotary control.

[0022] Since simply touching the input unit produces a graphical display of the time period, the DJ can visualize the time period they will use to change the processing when providing the command input, for example, by pressing the rotary encoder. This simplifies operation. The DJ can easily select a contiguous series of bars for filtering, reversing, sweeping, echo, reverb, or the like.

[0023] The DJ controller 10 or other embodiments of the device may further comprise input units, not shown, without departing from the invention. Other examples of further input units include an input unit configured to receive a change input that changes the start point so that it is synchronized with the clock pulses of the signal. That is, the DJ controller 10 may comprise a toggle switch to switch between continuous looping, in which the start time always coincides with the current time, and looping with clock quantization, in which the start time is synchronized with a start point of one of the clock pulses of the signal. The start point then lasts less than one clock length after the current time, depending on a clock phase of the signal at the current time.

[0024] The input unit 30 may also include a touch panel.

[0025] The DJ controller 10 further includes a processing unit 40 configured to process the signal. Since it is contained within the DJ controller 10, the processing device 40 is depicted in dashed lines. The processing unit is further configured to change the processing, for example, by repeating a portion of the audio signal, so-called looping, in response to the command input. The processing unit is further configured to control the display unit to graphically display the time period, at least as long as the input unit 30 is touched.

[0026] In particular, the processing unit is configured to receive a "preview" of the time period to be used in response to the input unit receiving a touch input. That is, in the described embodiment, the preview is displayed before the command input is received. Additionally or alternatively, before the selection input is received, the duration of the time period corresponds to a preselected number of clock cycles. The preselect may be the duration of a previous time period used for modified processing or may be a default duration.

[0027] The configuration of the processing unit may be achieved by software stored on a tangible storage medium, such as a ROM, a CD, a DVD, a flash memory device, or the like.

[0028] While the audio signal is playing, the example DJ controller from Fig. 1 graphically displays an interval of bars to be played next after the current time and another interval of bars already played up to the current time. For example, a waveform of the audio signal, as in Fig. 2 shown as an example, graphically displayed. As soon as the rotary control is touched, a transparent overlay is superimposed on the displayed interval, e.g. a transparent window or a transparent bar, which represents a period of time to be used to change the processing, as exemplified in Fig. 3. Additionally or alternatively, graphic elements that identify the start point and the end point can be used to represent the time period. If the processing is altered by looping, the DJ controller can enable switching between continuous looping, i.e. when no beat quantization is switched on, where the crossfade extends from the current time to an end time, and discontinuous looping, i.e. when beat quantization is switched on, where the crossfade starts at a later time. The later point is later in time than the current point and is synchronized to one of the beats of the audio signal. I.e. the later point is no earlier in time than the current point and less than one beat later in time than the current time. The end time is determined by the duration, which is determined by how far the rotary control is turned.If the dial is not turned, the duration can be the duration of a period previously used to change the processing, or a default duration. The width of the fade thus corresponds to the duration of the period to be used to change the processing.

[0029] Before the command input is received, the transparent overlay, which is graphically displayed as long as the input unit is touched, represents the period of time to be used to change the processing. After the command input is received, the graphically displayed transparent overlay represents the period of time to be used to change the processing. After the command input is received, the overlay can be displayed even if the input unit is not touched, and / or the transparency of the overlay can be changed, as exemplified in Fig. 4 shown.

[0030] In the state diagram shown in Fig. As shown by way of example in Figure 5, the device is in one of four display states. Transitions between the display states occur in response to five types of user input via the input unit. In a first display state 100, only the interval and the further interval are displayed, as shown by way of example in Figure 5. Fig. 2. A first input I_1, touching the input unit, causes a change from the first display state 100 to the second display state 200. In the second display state 200, a transparent fade corresponding to a period of time is shown as an example in Fig.3, in addition to the interval, wherein the period has a preselected or predetermined duration. A second input I_2, e.g., rotating the input unit, causes a transition from the second display state 200 to a third display state 300. In the third display state 300, the width of the transparent overlay is changed according to a change in duration, as indicated by the rotation. A third input I_3, e.g., pressing the input unit, causes a transition to a fourth display state 400 of each of the second display state 200 and the third display state 300. A fourth input I_4, ceasing touching of the input unit, causes a transition to the first display state 100 of each of the second display state 200 and the third display state 300. In the fourth display state 400, a different overlay with a different transparency is displayed. A fifth input I_5, e.g.,a further pressing of the input unit causes a transition from the fourth display state 400 to the second display state 200 and the termination of the cycle.

[0031] Although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the invention. It is thus understood that numerous changes may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although certain processes are shown in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, these processes are not limited to any particular order unless such an order is expressly set forth herein.

Claims

[1] An apparatus for changing the processing of a signal during processing of the signal, the apparatus comprising: • a display unit for graphically displaying at least one interval of the signal to be processed next; • an input unit (30) for receiving at least one of: a selection input for selecting a duration of a period within the interval and a command input for commanding the changing of the processing based on the period; and • a processing unit (40) configured to process the signal and to change the processing in response to the command input, wherein • the input unit (30) is touch-sensitive and the processing unit (40) is configured to control the display unit to graphically display the period of time, at least as long as the input unit (30) is touched, characterized by , that • the input unit (30) is a touch-sensitive rotary control, wherein the duration of the period can be selected by turning the rotary control. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that after the command input is received, the period is displayed even if the input unit (30) is not touched. [3] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that before the selection input is received, a preselected period of time is displayed as long as the input unit (30) is touched. [4] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the rotary control comprises a push button, wherein the input command for changing the processing is received when the button is pressed. [5] Device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the signal is an audio signal, the processing is a playback of the audio signal, the duration is selectable in units of numbers of bars and the processing is changed by repeating the selected number of bars at least once. [6] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the time period is displayed using a fade that is superimposed on the displayed interval. [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by that in response to the command input, a visual characteristic of the transition is changed, thereby indicating the change in processing. [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized by that the visual feature is transparency. [9] Device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the time period begins at a start time, and wherein the input unit (30) is further configured to receive a change input that changes the time start point between the current point and a later point that is synchronous with a start time of one of the clocks of the signal. [10] A method for processing a signal using a device comprising a touch-sensitive input unit (30) and a display unit, the method comprising the following steps during the processing of the signal: • graphically displaying at least one interval of the signal to be processed next; • Using an input unit (30) for receiving at least one of a selection input for selecting a duration of a period within the interval and a command input for commanding the changing of the processing using the period; and • Changing the processing in response to the command input, where • the input unit (30) is touch-sensitive and the method comprises graphically displaying the period of time, at least as long as the input unit (30) is touched, characterized by , that • the input unit (30) is a touch-sensitive rotary control, wherein the duration is selected by turning the rotary control. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that the method further comprises displaying, as soon as the command input is received, the time period even if the input unit (30) is not touched. [12] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that, before the selection input is received, a preselected period of time is displayed as long as the input unit (30) is touched. [13] Method according to claim 10, characterized bythat the rotary control includes a push button, the input command being received by pressing the button. [14] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that the signal is an audio signal, the processing is playing the audio signal, and the processing is changed by repeating the selected number of bars at least once. [15] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that the period is displayed using a crossfade superimposed on the displayed predetermined number of bars. [16] Method according to claim 15, characterized by that in response to the command input, a visual characteristic of the transition is changed to indicate the change in processing. [17] Method according to claim 16, characterized by that the visual feature is a transparency of the overlay. [18] Method according to claim 10, characterized bythat the period begins at a start time, the method further comprising receiving a change input that changes the start point between a current time and a later time synchronous to one of the clocks of the signal. [19] A material storage medium that stores software, wherein upon execution of the software by a processing unit (40) of a device that further comprises a touch-sensitive input unit (30) and a display unit that are controllable by the processing unit (40), the method according to claim 10 is carried out.

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