Digital parameter control device.

Abstract

The invention relates to a digital parameter control device (1) comprising a housing (10) having an upper face (20) in which a screen (50) is positioned, the device further comprising at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60), said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60) being actuable 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 means for modifying parameter values ​​(60) above the screen (50). Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Digital parameter control device.

[0001] Domain

[0002] 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 that include a display screen for parameter values ​​and at least one physical device for assigning or modifying these parameter values. Previous art

[0003] The general digitization of activities has necessitated 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 include, for example, control devices or parameter setting devices, possessing specific functions. Previously, these devices were essentially analog and included potentiometers, various and sundry dimmers, and analog displays, generally located above the dimmers and potentiometers, which allowed the user to know the value they had assigned to the parameter in question.These control devices have evolved, become digitized and now feature LCD or OLED displays, touch-sensitive or not, and configurable dimmers or potentiometers (i.e., a single potentiometer can be used to vary several distinct parameters).

[0004] For example, a digital control and / or parameter assignment device may take the form of a MIDI controller, which can be used, via the MIDI communication protocol, to control a musical device (such as a keyboard). An example of a configurable MIDI controller is the "Electra 1"™ device. Such a device is generally rectangular in shape, comprising a top face, also called the front panel, of a predetermined width and length. The front panel includes a screen, in its upper part, which may be touch-sensitive and on which commands are displayed. This screen also allows for the modification of sound parameter values. The front panel includes, in its lower part, 12 rotary knobs, which are also assigned to the commands displayed on the screen and also allow for the modification of sound parameter values.The side buttons, positioned on either side of the rotary buttons, allow navigation. within the interface displayed on the screen, and therefore to modify the information displayed there.

[0005] Although these devices combining both tactile 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 case of the MIDI controller presented above, each rotary knob is assigned to a sound parameter displayed on the screen. This means that, in use, the user, for example a musician, must constantly remember which knob is assigned to the screen parameter in order to modify that parameter using the corresponding physical knob. However, by design, this type of device is dynamically configurable, which means that during a session of use, the controls displayed on the screen, and therefore assigned to one of the physical knobs, are modified.

[0006] For example, by way of pure illustration, during a usage session, the first physical button may be assigned to a volume control, and then, in the same session, this same button may be assigned to a bass control. The musician must then remember that the control assigned to this physical button has changed, otherwise they risk making a handling error.

[0007] In the context of a control panel for parameters related to a production site, for example, a control panel for configuring a machine in a factory, the problem is the same. With the digitization of production sites and factories, more and more machines can be controlled or configured from digital control panels, which, like the MIDI controller described earlier, incorporate a screen and buttons that allow parameter values ​​to be varied, such as temperature values, rotational speed values, sensor sensitivity values, etc. The number of configurable parameters often exceeds the number of potentiometers or dimmers available on the panel, which again implies a dynamic assignment of these parameters to the various potentiometers, dimmers, or other physical control means.Thus, as with the MIDI controller, there is a risk that the user may change the wrong parameter, particularly when a button is assigned to modify several different parameters during the machine or device configuration session, which can lead to very damaging consequences.

[0008] To limit risks, still in the field of audio, there are controllers that incorporate 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 before their eyes immediately, the name or indication of the parameter in question. The disadvantages include the small size of these screens, a limited amount of information that can be displayed, and limited interaction possibilities.

[0009] The invention aims to improve the situation. Summary of the invention

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a digital device for controlling and / or assigning parameters.

[0011] 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 able to be actuated 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 parameter values ​​over the display surface of the screen.

[0012] According to a particular feature, characterized in that it includes 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 perform the modification of said parameter.

[0013] According to a particular feature, the means for modifying the display relating to a parameter include a computer program configured to: identify said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​used to perform 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.

[0014] According to a particular feature, the arrangement of said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​above the screen comprises a plate of transparent material, of a predetermined thickness, in which orifices are provided, each orifice accommodating one of the at least one physical means for modifying parameter values.

[0015] According to a particular feature, the device includes a printed circuit board, arranged under the screen, said printed circuit board supporting, for each of at least one physical means of modifying parameter values, a Hall effect sensor and a magnet intended to retain the corresponding physical means of modifying parameter values.

[0016] According to a particular feature, the arrangement of said at least one 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.

[0017] According to a particular feature, the device is presented in the form of a MIDI controller, comprising at least one MIDI connector, for example a USB type MIDI connector.

[0018] According to a particular feature, said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​is in the form of a rotary encoder.

[0019] According to a particular feature, the device comprises 32 rotary encoders.

[0020] According to a particular feature, the device further comprises, around the perimeter of the screen at least one physical button for interaction with the human-machine interface displayed on said screen. Description of the drawings

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0022] - [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a control device according to the invention;

[0023] - [Fig.2] illustrates a first example of the arrangement of the control device according to the invention;

[0024] - [Fig.3] illustrates a second example of the arrangement of the control device according to the invention.

[0025] Description of an embodiment

[0026] As previously stated, to overcome the problems of the prior art, particularly those relating to the ease of modifying parameters, the readability of information, and the configuration of digital control and / or parameter assignment devices, a digital control and / or parameter assignment device is disclosed. This device comprises a front panel including a screen, which may be touch-sensitive and on which control parameters and / or their values ​​are displayed. Such a device also includes one or more physical means for modifying parameter values, these means being dynamically configurable using digital device configuration software. According to the invention, this digital device is such that the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​are arranged on the screen of Visualization, that is, above the visible surface of the display screen, at predetermined locations. In other words, according to the invention, the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​obscure the screen at their location, allowing the display to be varied around these means, which offers advantages, particularly in terms of visualizing the parameters and the values ​​assigned to those parameters. It should be noted that a screen, in the context of this disclosure, is in the form of a panel comprising an upper surface, called the display surface, on which graphic data is displayed, and a lower surface, comprising display components, including 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.As part of the disclosure, the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​are arranged over the display face. Several embodiments of the invention are conceivable, as explained below.

[0027] Generally speaking, however, the principle of the invention consists of placing a predetermined number of physical means for modifying parameter values ​​on the screen of the digital control device. These physical means for modifying parameter values ​​can take the form of push buttons, potentiometers, rotary encoders, etc. According to the invention, the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​can be dynamically associated with a parameter to be modified, this assignment being carried out by the software managing the digital control device and / or 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 periphery of the digital control device, outside the display screen.

[0028] For simplicity in the drawings, when a numerical reference designates several elements, only one of these elements is indicated by an arrow. Furthermore, numerical references relating to common features are retained in the figures.

[0029] Figure 1 describes a digital control and / or parameter assignment device 1 with an LCD or OLED screen according to the invention, which allows for 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 generally rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing 10, which contains all the components of the digital control device, providing physical protection to the internal components. Such a housing 10 comprises an upper face 20, also called the front panel, and input / output ports 30 for connections (USB, jack, audio, network, etc.), which are located on one of the side panels 40 of the digital control device or on the rear panel (bottom panel) depending on its configuration. In some embodiments, the screen 50 is a touchscreen and allows manipulation of certain parameters directly on the screen.

[0030] On the screen 50, physical means for modifying parameter values ​​60 (e.g., rotary encoders) are positioned, providing precise control of signal levels. Additional selection buttons 70 facilitate navigation. These elements contribute to a smooth and responsive user experience.

[0031] Optionally, some embodiments of the digital control and / or parameter assignment device may include wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, to facilitate wireless data transmission, thereby expanding the possibilities of use of the digital mixer.

[0032] 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 corresponding parameter values ​​in real time. These changes are simultaneously reflected on the screen, providing immediate visual feedback at the level of the rotary encoder itself. Thus, rotating or adjusting the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​becomes a precise tactile action that allows the user to intuitively manipulate the parameters while observing the live changes on the portion of the screen associated with that parameter, a portion located just above or around the physical means of modification.This sequence of steps offers a consistent and responsive user experience, ideal for applications such as controlling manufacturing equipment, machines, or music production, where direct control of parameters is essential.

[0033] The screen 50 of the digital control device covers a major part of the front surface. The physical means for modifying parameter values ​​60 are grouped 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 control panels, depending on the embodiment) is therefore positioned over the screen 50. The control panel 60-1 is thus transparent. The screen and the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(grouped in the form of a control panel) are connected to a motherboard (not shown) which includes, in at least one embodiment, a processor (which manages the digital signal processing, in particular) and, depending on the embodiment 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 recordings) and mass storage (e.g. flash memory), a power supply provides the energy needed for the operation of the digital control device.

[0034] In a first 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.

[0035] The first part comprises a transparent material plate 80 (such as a transparent thermoplastic material or a glass plate) of a predetermined thickness, for example, between 1 and 5 mm. This control panel has a set of openings 90 on its surface, each opening being designed to accommodate a physical means for modifying parameter values. For the sake of simplicity, all the physical means for modifying parameter values ​​are considered identical and to be in the form of rotary encoders with an overall cylindrical volume and a circular base of a predetermined diameter, between 1 and 1.5 cm. The openings 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 the same as that of the base of the rotary encoder.This magnet is glued to the base of the rotary encoder, and the encoder and magnet assembly is inserted into the corresponding hole. Depending on the specific design, the magnet associated with the rotary encoder may not be necessary, for example, when the rotary encoder includes a magnetic element (such as a metal plate). For instance, when only rotary encoders are used, they can be evenly distributed across the surface of the transparent material plate.

[0036] The second part of the control panel is located below the screen. This second part includes, for example, a printed circuit board 100, on which magnets 110 are positioned, facing 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 that uses the Hall effect to detect magnetic fields. Consisting of a semiconductor wafer through which an electric current flows, the sensor reacts when subjected to an external magnetic field. The Hall effect causes a voltage to appear perpendicular to the current and the magnetic field, called the Hall voltage. The magnitude of this voltage is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. The polarity of the Hall voltage indicates the direction of the field.

[0037] In this first embodiment, the sensor measures this Hall voltage to determine the presence, intensity, and polarity of the magnetic field resulting from the rotation of the encoder (or other parameter modification method) located on the screen. Depending on the parameter modification method used, the output can be digital (binary) or analog. Multiplexers are used, and each sensor is addressed via 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 the wiring.

[0038] The control device management software obtains 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 simultaneously modifies the display of this parameter value on the screen, above, below, or around the position of the rotary encoder. The advantage provided by this first implementation example is, in particular, its flexibility in terms of maintenance (in the event of an encoder failure, it is sufficient to apply enough force to detach it from its housing and replace it with a functional encoder).

[0039] In a second embodiment, shown in relation to [Fig. 3], the control panel includes at least one flexible transparent PCB 130 placed directly on the screen 50 and onto which the encoders 60 are soldered or glued, according to a suitable method. In one particular embodiment, a transparent PCB can be selected for a limited number of parameter value changes (four in [Fig. 3]). In the example in [Fig. 3], the transparent PCBs are obviously offset for illustrative purposes. The advantage of using such a configuration is that the PCB(s) can be bent so that they can pass behind the screen (as shown schematically in [Fig. 3]) and connect to a connector (e.g., FFC / FPC) 140 on the motherboard. Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment, a multiplexer is not required.In this second embodiment, a plate of transparent material (such as transparent thermoplastic or a glass plate) of a predetermined thickness, for example between 1 and 5 mm, perforated as in the first embodiment, can be used to protect and secure the control panel over the screen (not shown). Furthermore, in this second embodiment, calibration is not required.

[0040] In these two embodiments, the addition of the transparent material plate and / or the flexible transparent PCB does not impede screen visibility, as can be seen in [Fig. 3]. Indeed, the brightness provided by the screen is sufficient for these additions to remain barely, if at all, perceptible. Under these conditions In operation, the encoders are positioned at the center of each needle 150 of the corresponding display portion 160. In the simplified example shown, a series of needles is represented. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the display for each encoder can be dynamically modified according to the parameter to which the encoder relates at any given moment.

[0041] According to the invention, in at least one embodiment, the digital control and / or parameter assignment device is in the form of a MIDI controller comprising 32 encoders positioned on the screen. According to one feature, these encoders also include a push-button function allowing values ​​to be validated if necessary. The MIDI controller according to the invention thus offers a versatile interface for manipulating MIDI parameters. The controller is equipped with a high-resolution screen that occupies a central position on its control panel. This screen allows for clear visualization and modification of parameters and facilitates navigation through the different control pages.

[0042] The MIDI controller's user interface is designed to be user-friendly, offering a direct control experience. Buttons around the screen allow navigation through menus and parameter selection. Physical encoders on the screen allow for precise adjustment of values, while also allowing the user to verify their actions. These physical controls add an extra dimension to the interaction, improving the overall usability of the controller and reducing handling errors thanks to the display above each encoder. Depending on the configuration, the display can extend around the entire perimeter of the encoder, ensuring a clear visualization of the parameter values ​​during modification.A particularly interesting aspect of the controller is its ability to manage a wide variety of MIDI parameters for multiple devices simultaneously, all while occupying a small footprint. This ability to manage numerous MIDI parameters is made possible in part by its software. Thanks to its comprehensive MIDI connectivity, it can be used to control synthesizers, drum machines, music production software, and other MIDI-compatible equipment. Connections include MIDI ports for communication with other MIDI-compatible devices, optionally USB ports for connectivity with computers and other peripherals, and audio ports for input / output. The internal processor handles digital signal processing (DSP), providing advanced features such as equalization and reverb.

[0043] Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) / Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC) Integrated components convert audio signals between analog and digital. The motherboard coordinates operations between all components, while memory stores settings, configurations, and potentially audio recordings. An integrated power supply ensures proper operation of the entire system.

[0044] The MIDI controller offers remarkable flexibility thanks to its ability to store and recall custom preset parameters. This feature allows users to configure the controller according to their specific needs and quickly switch between different configurations for different equipment or performance scenarios.

Claims

Demands

1. A digital parameter control device (1) comprising a housing (10) having an upper face (20) in which a screen (50) is positioned, the device further comprising at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60), said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60) being actuable 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 parameter values ​​(60) above the display surface of the screen (50) which comprises at least one transparent printed circuit board to which said at least one physical means for modifying parameter values ​​(60) is soldered or bonded, said at least one transparent printed circuit board comprising, at one of its ends,at least a portion connected to a connector of a motherboard of said digital parameter control device (1).

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 perform the modification of said parameter.

3. A 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 perform 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. A digital parameter control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the arrangement of said device includes at least one physical modification means parameter values ​​(60) above the screen (50) includes a plate of transparent material, of a predetermined thickness, in which orifices are provided, each orifice accommodating at least one physical means of modifying parameter values ​​(60).

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

6. 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.

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

8. Digital parameter control device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises 32 rotary encoders.

9. 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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