Digital parameter control device.

Abstract

The invention relates to a digital parameter control device (1) comprising a housing (10) having an upper face (20), within which a screen (50) is positioned, the device further comprising at least one physical parameter value modification means (60), said at least one physical parameter value modification means (60) being operable to modify at least one parameter controlled by the parameter control device. According to the invention, the device comprises an arrangement of said at least one physical parameter value modification means (60) above the screen (50). Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Digital parameter control device. Domain

[0001] The invention relates to digital devices for controlling and / or assigning parameters. More particularly, the invention relates to devices for controlling and / or assigning parameters which comprise a screen for displaying parameter values ​​and at least one physical device for assigning or modifying these parameter values. Prior art

[0002] The general digitalization of activities has required the creation of new devices for interacting with machines. One of the best known of these is obviously the computer comprising a screen, a keyboard and a pointing device. But there is also a group of more specialized devices. These are, for example, control devices or parameterization devices, with specific functions. Previously, these devices were essentially analog and included potentiometers, various variators as well as analog displays, generally located above the variators and potentiometers and which allowed the user to know the value he had assigned to the parameter in question.These control devices have evolved, become digital and now have LCD or OLED displays, touch-sensitive or not, and configurable variators or potentiometers (i.e. a single potentiometer can be used to vary several separate parameters).

[0003] For example, a digital device for controlling and / or assigning parameters may be in the form of a MIDI controller, usable, using the MIDI communication protocol, to control a musical device (such as a keyboard for example). An example of a configurable MIDI controller is for example the “Electra 1”™ device. Such a device is generally in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, comprising an upper face, also called a front panel, of a predetermined width and length. The front panel comprises a screen, in the upper part of the front panel, which may be touch-sensitive and on which controls are displayed. This screen also makes it possible to modify sound parameter values. The front panel comprises, in the lower part, rotary knobs, 12 in number, which are also assigned to the controls displayed on the screen and also make it possible to modify the values ​​of the sound parameters.The side buttons, positioned on either side of the rotary knobs, allow you to navigate within the displayed interface. on the screen, and therefore to modify the information displayed there.

[0004] Although these devices combining both touch input and display means and physical input means (in the form of rotary knobs or side buttons) are interesting, in principle, they suffer from usability problems. Indeed, for example in the context of the MIDI controller presented above, each of the rotary knobs is assigned to a sound parameter displayed on the screen. This means that under usage conditions, the user, for example a musician, must constantly remember the button that is assigned to the screen parameter, so that he can modify this parameter using the physical button assigned to it. However, by construction, this type of device is dynamically configurable, which means that during a session of use of the device, the controls displayed on the screen and therefore assigned to one of the physical buttons, are modified.

[0005] For example, as a purely illustrative example, during a usage session, the first of the physical buttons may be assigned to a volume control and then this first button may subsequently, in the same session, be assigned to a bass control. The musician must then remember that the control assigned to this physical button has changed, otherwise he or she may make a handling error.

[0006] In the context of a control panel for parameters linked to a production site, for example a control panel for configuring a machine in a factory, the problem is the same. With the digitalization of production sites and factories, more and more machines can be controlled or configured from digital control panels, which integrate, as for the MIDI controller, presented previously, a screen and buttons which allow parameter values ​​to be varied, such as temperature values, rotation speed values, sensor sensitivity values, etc. The multiplicity of configurable parameters is often greater than the number of potentiometers or variators available on the panel, which implies, again, a dynamic assignment of these parameters to the different potentiometers, variators or other physical control means.So, as with the MIDI controller, there is a risk that the user will change the wrong parameter, especially when a button is assigned to change several different parameters during the machine or device configuration session, which can lead to very damaging consequences.

[0007] To limit the risks, still in the audio field, there are controllers which include a parameter display screen for each push button. Each push button thus has its own configurable screen. The consequence is that the user manipulating the control means has immediately before his eyes the name or the indication of the parameter considered. The disadvantages are in particular that these screens are small, with a limited amount of displayable information and that the possibilities for interaction are also limited.

[0008] The invention aims to improve the situation. Summary of the invention

[0009] To do this, the invention relates to a digital device for controlling and / or assigning parameters.

[0010] More particularly, the invention relates to a digital parameter control device comprising a housing having an upper face, within which a screen is positioned, the device further comprising at least one physical means for modifying parameter values, said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​being operable to modify at least one parameter controlled by the parameter control device, said device being characterized in that it comprises an arrangement of said at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​above the display surface of the screen.

[0011] According to a particular characteristic, characterized in that it comprises means for modifying the display relating to a parameter, on the portion of the screen located near said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​used to carry out the modification of said parameter.

[0012] According to a particular characteristic, the means for modifying the display relating to a parameter comprise a computer program configured to: identify said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​used to carry out the modification of said parameter; determine the position of said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​relative to the screen; modify the associated display of said parameter on the portion of the screen located near the position of said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values.

[0013] According to a particular characteristic, the arrangement of said at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​above the screen comprises a plate of transparent material, of a predetermined thickness, within which orifices are arranged, each orifice receiving one of the at least one physical means for modifying parameter values.

[0014] According to a particular characteristic, the device comprises a printed circuit board, arranged under the screen, said printed circuit board supporting, for each of the at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values, a Hall effect sensor and a magnet intended to hold the corresponding physical means for modifying the parameter values.

[0015] According to a particular characteristic, the arrangement of said at least one means physical means for modifying parameter values ​​above the screen comprises at least one transparent printed circuit board on which said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​is soldered, said at least one transparent printed circuit board comprising, at one of its ends, at least one portion connected to an FFC / FPC connector of a motherboard of said digital parameter control device.

[0016] According to a particular characteristic, the device is in the form of a MIDI controller, comprising at least one MIDI connector, for example a USB type MIDI connector.

[0017] According to a particular characteristic, said at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​is in the form of a rotary encoder.

[0018] According to a particular characteristic, the device comprises 32 rotary encoders.

[0019] According to a particular characteristic, the device further comprises, on the periphery from the screen at least one physical button for interaction with the human-machine interface displayed on said screen. Description of the drawings

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a particular embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a control device according to the invention;

[0021] [Fig.2] illustrates a first example of arrangement of the control device according to the invention; - [Fig.3] illustrates a second example of arrangement of the control device according to the invention. Description of an embodiment

[0022] As previously stated, to overcome the problems of the prior art, in particular those relating to the ease of modifying the parameters, and to the readability of the information and to the configuration of the digital devices for controlling and / or assigning parameters, a digital device for controlling and / or assigning parameters is disclosed, which comprises a front panel comprising a screen, which may be touch-sensitive and on which control parameters and / or values ​​of these parameters are displayed. Such a device also comprises one or more physical means for modifying parameter values, this or these means being dynamically configurable using software for configuring the digital device.According to the invention, this digital device is such that the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​are arranged on the display screen, i.e. above the visible surface of the display screen, at lo. predetermined settings. In other words, according to the invention, the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​mask the screen at the location where they are located, which makes it possible to vary the display of the screen around these means, which offers advantages, in particular in terms of visualization of the parameters and the values ​​assigned to these parameters. It is recalled that a screen, in the context of this disclosure, is in the form of a panel comprising an upper face, called the display face, on which graphic data is displayed, and a lower face, comprising display components, in particular electronic components. The screen is connected to the motherboard via a display bus, allowing the motherboard to transmit the data to be displayed on the screen. In the context of the disclosure, the physical means(s) for modifying parameter values ​​are arranged above the display face.Several examples of embodiments of the invention are possible, as explained below.

[0023] Generally speaking, however, the principle of the invention consists in affixing, on the screen of the digital control device, a predetermined number of physical means for modifying parameter values. These physical means for modifying parameter values ​​may be in the form of push buttons, potentiometers, rotary encoders, etc. According to the invention, the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​may be dynamically associated with a parameter to be modified, this assignment being carried out by the management software of the digital control device and / or for assigning parameters.This software can be controlled either from a computer, or from the screen of the digital control device (for example on a dedicated portion of the screen of the digital control device) or any other device (another midi controller for example) and / or from physical buttons positioned for example on the edge of the digital control device, outside the display screen.

[0024] For simplicity in the drawings, when a numerical reference designates several elements, only one of these elements is designated by an arrow. In addition, the numerical references relating to common characteristics are retained in the figures.

[0025] [Fig.l] describes a digital device 1 for controlling and / or assigning parameters with an LCD or OLED screen according to the invention, which allows simplified manipulation of signals (for example audio signals in the case of a MIDI controller, control signals for machines). It is in the form of a housing 10 of generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, which houses all the components of the digital control device, offering physical protection to the internal components, such a housing 10 comprising an upper face 20, also called a front face, and input / output ports 30 for the connections (USB, jack, audio, network, etc.), which are located on one of the side faces 40 of the digital control device or on the rear face (lower face) depending on the configuration thereof. In certain embodiments, the screen 50 is a touch screen and allows the manipulation of certain parameters directly on the screen.

[0026] On the screen 50, physical means for modifying parameter values ​​60 (for example, rotary encoders) are positioned, providing precise control of the signal levels. Additional selection buttons 70 facilitate navigation. These elements make it possible to provide a smooth and responsive user experience.

[0027] Optionally, some embodiments of the digital parameter control and / or assignment device may include wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, to facilitate wireless data transmission, thereby expanding the usability of the digital mixing desk.

[0028] The interaction between the control software, the screen and one of the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​creates a fluid interface for adjusting the parameters. For example, when the user rotates a rotary encoder, the control software detects these movements and adjusts the values ​​of the corresponding parameters in real time. These changes are simultaneously reflected on the screen, providing immediate visual feedback, at the level of the rotary encoder itself. Thus, the rotation or adjustment of the physical means for modifying the parameter value becomes a precise tactile action that allows the user to intuitively manipulate the parameters while observing the changes live on the portion of the screen associated with this parameter, a portion which is located just above or around the physical means of modification.This sequence of steps provides a consistent and responsive user experience, ideal for applications such as controlling manufacturing equipment, machinery, or music production, where direct control of parameters is essential.

[0029] The screen 50 of the digital control device covers a major part of the surface of the front face. The physical means for modifying parameter values ​​60 are grouped together in the form of a control panel 60-1 which occupies all or part of the upper surface of the screen 50. The control panel 60-1 (or the control panels depending on the embodiments) is therefore positioned over the screen 50. The control panel 60-1 is therefore transparent. The screen as well as the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(grouped together in the form of a control panel) are connected to a motherboard (not shown) which comprises, in at least one embodiment, a processor (which manages the digital processing of the signal in particular) as well as, depending on the embodiments of the Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) / Digital-to-Analog Converters (Convert analog audio signals into digital data and vice versa), RAM (stores settings, configurations and possibly records) and mass memory (e.g. flash memory), a power supply provides the energy necessary for the operation of the digital control device.

[0030] In a first exemplary embodiment, illustrated by [Fig.2], the control panel comprises two parts: a first part is placed above the screen 50 while a second part is positioned below the screen 50.

[0031] The first part comprises a plate of transparent material 80 (of the transparent thermoplastic material type, or a glass plate) of a predetermined thickness, for example between 1 and 5 mm. This control panel comprises, on its surface, a set of orifices 90, each orifice being intended to accommodate a physical means for modifying parameter values. To simplify the explanations, it is considered that all the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​are identical, and that they are in the form of rotary encoders, of generally cylindrical volume with a circular base of a predetermined diameter, between 1 and 1.5 cm. The orifices are used to hold the rotary encoders in place in the transverse directions. Each rotary encoder, for example, is associated with a magnet (not visible), the diameter of which is substantially identical to that of the base of the rotary encoder.This magnet is glued to the base of the rotary encoder and the assembly formed by the encoder and the magnet is inserted into the corresponding hole. Depending on the specifics of the realization, the presence of the magnet associated with the rotary encoder is not necessary, for example when the rotary encoder includes a magnetic element (a metal plate for example). For example, when only rotary encoders are used, they can be distributed equidistantly on the surface of the plate of transparent material.

[0032] The second part of the control panel, for its part, takes place under the screen. This second part comprises, for example, a printed circuit board 100, on which magnets 110 are positioned, opposite the rotary encoders (or other means) of the first part of the control panel. In addition, a Hall effect sensor 120 is assigned to each encoder. A Hall effect sensor is an electronic device exploiting the Hall effect to detect magnetic fields. Consisting of a semiconductor wafer traversed by an electric current, the sensor reacts when subjected to an external magnetic field. The Hall effect causes the appearance of a voltage perpendicular to the current and to the magnetic field, called the Hall voltage. The magnitude of this voltage is proportional to the intensity of the magnetic field. The polarity of the Hall voltage provides information on the direction of the field.

[0033] In the context of this first exemplary embodiment, the sensor measures this Hall voltage to determine the presence, intensity and polarity of the magnetic field resulting of the rotation of the encoder (or other parameter modification means) located on the screen. Depending on the parameter modification means used, the output can be digital (binary) or analog. Multiplexers are used and each sensor is addressed using I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), a bidirectional serial communication protocol used to connect Hall effect sensors on the same bus line on the motherboard. This serial method simplifies wiring.

[0034] The management software of the control device obtains the information from the Hall effect sensor, converts this information into a signal that can be used to modify the value of the parameter assigned to this sensor and jointly modify the display of the value of this parameter on the screen, above, below or around the position of the rotary encoder. The advantage provided by this first example of implementation is in particular flexibility, in terms of maintenance (in the event of failure of an encoder, it is sufficient to exert sufficient force to detach it from its housing and replace it with a functional encoder).

[0035] In a second exemplary embodiment, presented in relation to [Fig. 3], the control panel comprises at least one flexible transparent PCB 130 directly placed on the screen 50 and on which the encoders 60 are soldered or glued, according to a suitable method. In a particular exemplary embodiment, it is possible for example to select a transparent PCB for a limited number of means of modifying parameter values ​​(four in [Fig. 3]). In the example of [Fig. 3], the transparent PCBs are obviously offset, for the purposes of the presentation. The advantage of using such a configuration is to be able to bend the PCB(s) so that they can pass behind the screen (as shown schematically in [Fig. 3]) and connect to a connector (for example FFC / FPC) 140 of the motherboard. Furthermore, it is not necessary to have a multiplexer, unlike in the first exemplary embodiment.In this second embodiment, a plate of transparent material (of the transparent thermoplastic material type, or even a glass plate) of a predetermined thickness, for example between 1 and 5 mm, pierced, as in the first embodiment, can be used to protect and wedge the control panel over the screen (not shown). In addition, in this second embodiment, it is not necessary to carry out any calibration.

[0036] In these two embodiments, the addition of the transparent material plate and / or the flexible transparent PCB does not hinder the visibility of the screen, as can be seen in [Fig. 3]. Indeed, the brightness provided by it is sufficient for these additions to remain barely perceptible, if at all. In use conditions, the encoders are positioned in the center of each needle 150 of the corresponding display portion 160. In the simplified example which is illustrated, a needle series is shown. Those skilled in the art, however, will understand that the display relating to each encoder can be modified, dynamically, depending on the parameter to which, at the given instant, the encoder relates.

[0037] According to the invention, in at least one embodiment, the digital device for controlling and / or assigning parameters is in the form of a MIDI controller comprising 32 encoders, positioned on the screen. According to one characteristic, these encoders also include a push button function allowing, if necessary, to validate values. The MIDI controller according to the invention therefore offers a versatile interface for manipulating MIDI parameters. The controller is equipped with a high-resolution screen which occupies a central place on its control panel. This screen allows clear viewing and modification of the parameters and facilitates navigation through the different control pages.

[0038] The user interface of the MIDI controller is designed to be user-friendly, providing a direct control experience. The buttons located around the screen allow you to navigate through menus and select parameters. The physical encoders located on the screen allow you to adjust values ​​precisely, while allowing the user to check what they are doing. These physical controls add an extra dimension to the interaction, improving the overall usability of the controller and limiting handling errors thanks to the display that is made above each encoder. Depending on the configurations, the display can be made around the entire perimeter of the encoder, ensuring a clear visualization of the values ​​associated with the parameters during their modifications.A particularly interesting aspect of the controller is its ability to manage a wide variety of MIDI parameters for multiple devices simultaneously, while occupying a small volume. This ability to manage numerous MIDI parameters is provided in particular by the controller's management software. Thanks to its complete MIDI connectivity, it can be used to control synthesizers, drum machines, music production software and other MIDI-compatible equipment. Indeed, the connections include MIDI ports for communication with other MIDI-compatible equipment, optionally USB ports for connectivity with computers and other devices, as well as audio ports for inputs / outputs. The internal processor manages digital signal processing (DSP), providing advanced features such as equalization and reverb.

[0039] Analog-to-Digital (ADC) / Digital-to-Analog (DAC) converters are integrated to convert audio signals between the analog and digital domain. The motherboard coordinates operations between all components, while that the memory stores settings, configurations and possibly audio recordings. An integrated power supply ensures the proper functioning of the whole thing.

[0040] The MIDI controller offers remarkable flexibility thanks to its ability to store and recall custom pre-recorded settings. This feature allows users to configure the controller to their specific needs and quickly switch between different configurations for different equipment or performance scenarios.

Claims

Claims

1. A digital parameter control device (1) comprising a housing (10) having an upper face (20), within which a screen (50) is positioned, the device further comprising at least one physical parameter value modification means (60), said at least one physical parameter value modification means (60) being operable to modify at least one parameter controlled by the parameter control device, said device being characterized in that it comprises an arrangement of said at least one physical parameter value modification means (60) over the display surface of the screen (50).

2. Digital parameter control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for modifying the display relating to a parameter, on the portion of the screen (50) located near said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60) used to carry out the modification of said parameter.

3. Digital parameter control device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for modifying the display relating to a parameter comprise a computer program configured to: identify said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60) used to carry out the modification of said parameter; determine the position of said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60) relative to the screen (50); modify the associated display of said parameter on the portion of the screen located near the position of said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60).

4. Digital parameter control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the arrangement of said at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​(60) above the screen (50) comprises a plate of transparent material, of a predetermined thickness, within which orifices are arranged, each orifice receiving one of the at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60).

5. Digital parameter control device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a circuit board printed, arranged under the screen (50), said printed circuit board supporting, for each of the at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​(60), a Hall effect sensor and a magnet intended to hold the corresponding physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​(60).

6. Digital parameter control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the arrangement of said at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​(60) above the screen (50) comprises at least one transparent printed circuit board on which said at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​(60) is soldered, said at least one transparent printed circuit board comprising, at one of its ends, at least one portion connected to a connector of a motherboard of said digital parameter control device (1).

7. Digital parameter control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is in the form of a MIDI controller, comprising at least one MIDI connector.

8. Digital parameter control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​(60) is in the form of a rotary encoder.

9. Digital parameter control device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises 32 rotary encoders.

10. Digital parameter control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises, on the periphery of the screen (50) at least one physical button for interaction with the human-machine interface displayed on said screen.

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