Fade device

Abstract

To output a modified composite signal by mixing signals by a fade device.SOLUTION: In a fade device 100C, a processor or microprocessor block B is interposed between a crossfader block C and an audio signal processing block A. The crossfader 110 includes an actuator such as a slider 113. The crossfader is connected to a microprocessor 120 via a crossfader output 111, and the microprocessor is connected to a mixer 104 via a microprocessor output 121, and applies acceleration or latency to the audio signals passing through the mixer 104 by using the crossfader output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 140,102, filed on January 4, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 957,188, with the invention name of "FADE DEVICE".

[0002] U.S. Patent Nos. 8,473,084, 7,684,573, and 6,889,193 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

[0003] The present invention relates to a manufactured article for modifying electrical signals and / or audio signals. In particular, the signals are mixed by a fade device to provide a modified composite signal.

Background Art

[0004] Some fade devices used for processing music signals are known. For example, these include fade-in and fade-out devices used to introduce or attenuate signals. The fade device may also process two signals simultaneously. For example, the first signal may be attenuated while the second signal is introduced. These devices are typically known as "crossfaders".

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In the present invention, the fade device is coupled to a mixer via a processor such as a digital processor. In an exemplary embodiment, the crossfader is coupled to the mixer via a microprocessor. And in some embodiments, the output of the microprocessor may modify the mixing of at least two signals and modify the operation of an effect processor through which a signal derived from the mixed signals passes.

[0006] In one embodiment, the motion-controlled fader comprises an audio block having at least two audio signal inputs and audio signal outputs; a mixer within the audio block that is voltage-controlled for processing signals derived from the two audio signal inputs; a crossfader having slider control and slider action for controlling the crossfader; the mixer and crossfader connected together via a processor; a processor input including one or more inputs from corresponding 360-degree rotating potentiometers; potentiometer rotation in a first direction for selecting audio signal processing with latency and potentiometer rotation in a second direction for selecting audio signal processing with acceleration; a processor for receiving crossfader signals indicating multiple slider positions; a processor for constructing a first signal attenuation curve and a second signal introduction curve; information derived from curves used to control the mixer; and audio signal outputs derived from the mixer output.

[0007] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, and are used together with the specification to illustrate the present invention and to further illustrate its principles so that those skilled in the art can manufacture and use the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows the mixer in the audio block. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows the crossfader connected to the mixer in the audio block. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C shows the fade device of the present invention, which includes a processor interposed between the crossfader and the audio block. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D shows the input and output of the fade device's processor. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows the latency and accelerator functions of the fade device. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows the latency and accelerator functions of the fade device. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C shows the latency and accelerator functions of the fade device. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D shows the latency and accelerator functions of the fade device. [Figure 2E] Figure 2E shows the latency and accelerator functions of the fade device. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows the operation of the fade device when acceleration is selected. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows the operation of the fade device when acceleration is selected. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows the operation of the fade device when latency operation is selected. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows the operation of the fade device when latency operation is selected. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows embodiments of buffers, controls, and functions related to a fade device. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows embodiments of buffers, controls, and functions related to a fade device. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C shows embodiments of buffers, controls, and functions related to a fade device. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D shows embodiments of buffers, controls, and functions related to a fade device. [Figure 5E] Figure 5E shows embodiments of buffers, controls, and functions related to a fade device. [Figure 5F] Figure 5F shows embodiments of buffers, controls, and functions related to a fade device. [Figure 5G] Figure 5G shows embodiments of buffers, controls, and functions related to a fade device. [Figure 5H] Figure 5H shows embodiments of buffers, controls, and functions related to a fade device. [Figure 5I]FIG. 5I shows an embodiment of a buffer, control, and function related to a fade device. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of the configuration of a fade device in the form of a block diagram 600A. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of primary user control. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows an embodiment of fourth-order user control. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of secondary user control. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows an embodiment of the position setting of an acceleration / latency knob. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C shows an embodiment of the setting of motion easing. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of third-order user control. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A shows an embodiment of a processor or microcontroller included. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B shows an embodiment for recording cross-fader position data. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C shows an embodiment for applying latency or acceleration depending on the presence or absence of quantization. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D shows exemplary master setting parameters. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E shows an example of setting the master tempo. [Figure 9F] [[ID=三十FIG. 9F shows an example of motion capture and firing operation of a cross-fader. [Figure 9G] FIG. 9G shows an example of audio sample capture and firing operation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary MIDI output. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a voltage-controlled mixer. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows exemplary audio effect processor control.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] The disclosures provided on the following pages illustrate examples of several embodiments of the present invention. The designs, drawings, and descriptions are non-limiting examples of the embodiments they disclose. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and / or method may or may not include the features described herein. Furthermore, the disclosed advantages and benefits may apply only to specific embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit the disclosed invention.

[0010] To the extent that the components, elements, and functions of the described invention exchange power or signals, the relevant interconnections and couplings may be direct or indirect unless expressly stated that they are limited to one or the other. In particular, the components being connected or coupled may be indirectly connected and may have intervening devices, including devices known to those skilled in the art.

[0011] In this application, the signal level can be varied by, for example, a potentiometer, an optical device, an encoder, or a touch device, such as a touch-sensitive device using capacitance or inductance. These devices are appropriately provided by rotational motion, linear motion, curvilinear motion, or touch. Any of these devices can be used as appropriate when varying the signal level. For example, where this specification refers to a specific device that varies the signal level or indicates position, such as a potentiometer, other embodiments include any of the above (e.g., an encoder).

[0012] Figure 1A shows one embodiment of the present invention 100A, where input signals such as a first input 102 and a second input 103 pass through a mixer 104 to generate outputs 107 and 108. In various embodiments, a selector 105 provides the signal derived from the mixer to an effects processor 106 at output 107, or provides signal 108 as an output. Here, the mixer is a voltage-controlled mixer. In other embodiments, voltage-controlled, frequency-controlled, level-controlled, phase-controlled, or other similar mixers may be used as appropriate.

[0013] Figure 1B shows one embodiment of the present invention 100B. Here, the crossfader device 110 of the crossfader block C provides an output to a mixer 104, such as a voltage-controlled mixer, in the audio signal processing block A, and the audio signal processing block includes input signals such as a first input 102 and a second input 103, which pass through the mixer 104 to produce outputs 107 and 108. In various embodiments, the selector 105 provides the signal derived from the mixer to the effects processor 106 with output 107, or provides signal 108 as an output. In various embodiments, the crossfader incorporates a position or linear position sensor, such as a slide fader control.

[0014] The crossfader device may be any known crossfader that provides an output capable of selecting the levels of two or more signals. For example, the crossfader may utilize a selector or sequential selector whose position determines a first signal level from a first curve relating position and level, and a second signal level from a second curve relating position and level. The crossfader can be actuated by a physical slider or rotary device. The crossfader can be actuated by a touch-sensitive device that mimics a physical device such as a slider or rotary device. In some embodiments, the crossfader output determines a first signal level and a second signal level based on the actuator and / or touch position. In some embodiments, the actuator and / or touch position of the crossfader is the crossfader output.

[0015] Figure 1C shows another embodiment 100C of the present invention. Here, a processor or microprocessor μP (hereinafter referred to as processor) block B is interposed between the crossfader block A and the audio signal processing block C, and the crossfader 110 has an actuator such as a slider 113. The crossfader is connected to the microprocessor 120 via the crossfader output 111, and the microprocessor is connected to the mixer 104 via the microprocessor output 121. Note that the microprocessor can create a set of PWM modulated digital signals that are “analogized” using an RC filter (see reference (https: / / www.allaboutcircuits.com / technical-articles / low-pass-filter-a-pwm-signal-into-an-analog-voltage / )). These analog voltage signals then control a voltage-controlled amplifier 139 in the mixer 104 that creates a mix between the stereo audio inputs.

[0016] Other processor inputs 124 may include inputs for user-selectable settings and / or other settings 124. Other processor outputs 125 may include outputs for indicating status and data. In some embodiments, the processor may include an output 122 to an effects processor 106.

[0017] The audio signal processing block includes input signals such as a first input 102 and a second input 103, which pass through the mixer 104 to generate outputs 107 and 108. In various embodiments, the selector 105 provides the signal derived from the mixer to the effects processor 106 as output 107, or provides signal 108 as an output.

[0018] Figure 1D shows one embodiment of the processor and its connection section 100D. The main processor connection may include an input from the crossfader 111 and an output 134 to the mixer. Some embodiments may include PWM-to-constant voltage converters 132-134 between the processor and the mixer. Some embodiments may include an output 136 to the effects processor 106.

[0019] Pots 1-3 may be endless potentiometers, each of which can also function as a button when the knob is pressed down. Alternatively, some embodiments may include input and output volume knobs in addition to a set of four potentiometers or button potentiometers, such as rotatable potentiometers with stops or multiple stops between 0 and 100%.

[0020] Other processor inputs, such as settings, may include a mode input or setting configurator (i.e., setting configuration) 142, one or more potentiometers (three are shown) 144, and various buttons 150. The buttons may include multiple potentiometer buttons (three are shown), a mode input or mode encoder button, and edit buttons, shift buttons, expansion buttons, capture buttons, fire buttons, hold buttons, reset buttons, and star buttons.

[0021] One or more of the potentiometers 144 may be any known potentiometers that provide or indicate level control. For example, the potentiometer may utilize a selector, such as a 360-degree potentiometer, whose position determines the signal level from a curve relating the position to the level. The potentiometer can be actuated by the physical movement of the device. The potentiometer can be actuated by a touch sensor device that emulates a physical device, such as a rotary device.

[0022] Other processor outputs, such as status and data outputs, may include outputs for the NeoPixel Ring (three shown) 180, OLED screen 182, CV (control voltage) 184, first MIDI output 186, and second MIDI output 188. Note that CV output 184 may be replaced by the first CV output and the second CV output.

[0023] The signal passed from the crossfader 111 through the processor 120 to the mixer 104 is modified by the processor.

[0024] The fader device architecture disclosed in the above drawings enables the manipulation of audio input signals 102, 103 in response to various inputs, including the input to the processor 130 ("processor input") as shown in Figure 1D. For example, these manipulations may involve the application of one or more of latency, acceleration, and quantization of the input signals. For example, latency and acceleration may be applied to control the gain of the audio input signals. The following figures, including Figures 2A-E, 3A-B, and 4A-B, illustrate the acceleration and latency features of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2A provides an overview of one embodiment of the latency and acceleration features 200. The latency response is shown as a variable to the left of the variable acceleration, with a null point in between. The latency response can be understood as delayed regeneration, or a mimicry of the motion implied on the delayed crossfader actuator. Alternatively, the acceleration response can be understood as a prediction of future regeneration, or a mimicry of future motion implied on the crossfader actuator.

[0026] For example, turning the potentiometer or selector 144 to the left or counterclockwise may indicate or provide a setting that indicates latency playback. After the potentiometer or selector is set for latency, the crossfader 110 will interpret the movement of its actuator or slider as a delay. These movements will mimic the delay of the movement actually applied to the crossfader actuator 113.

[0027] Turning the potentiometer or selector 144 to the right or clockwise may indicate or provide a setting that indicates "accelerated" playback. After the potentiometer or selector is set to accelerate playback, the fade device can mimic the prediction of future (unknown) motion as if the motion of this crossfader actuator 113 had actually occurred.

[0028] In some embodiments, the previous operation of the crossfader slider 113 may be used to predict or indicate the future operation of the crossfader slider. For example, this future movement may be based on the second derivative of the slider position with respect to time (acceleration). For example, this future movement may be based on the third derivative of the slider position with respect to time (jerk). This future movement may be controlled by a level or rotary device such as a rotary encoder or potentiometer 144.

[0029] In this embodiment, the latency algorithm provides a delayed representation of the crossfader slider's operation relative to the actual movement of the crossfader slider. The amount of latency can be adjusted using the fader potentiometer 144.

[0030] Figure 2B shows an example of latency and acceleration applied to the crossfader slider control 200B or the signals derived therefrom. As described above, latency and acceleration may be applied to the slider operation, for example, by rotating a potentiometer connected to a microprocessor to the left of zero for latency and to the right of zero for acceleration.

[0031] In particular, the three curves describe the indicated slider position as a function of time when a) latency or acceleration is not applied, b) latency is applied, and c) acceleration is applied. It should be noted that the indicated slider position is not the actual slider position when latency or acceleration is applied. However, the microprocessor sends the indicated slider position or the signal derived therefrom to the mixer 104.

[0032] The central curve corresponds to a signal that is neither delayed (latent) nor accelerating. Here, the actual slider position matches the indicated slider position.

[0033] The curve above corresponds to the same signal after acceleration is applied. In this way, the indicated slider position reaches 100% before the actual slider position reaches 100%.

[0034] The lower curve corresponds to the same signal after latency has been applied. Therefore, when the actual slider position is 100%, the indicated slider position will be less than 100%.

[0035] The table below the figure shows the movement applied to the slider under three conditions: a) no delay or acceleration, b) with delay, and c) with acceleration. For example, a slider movement that takes 30ms to move 19% indicates that there is no delay or acceleration and the slider moves 19%. For example, a 30ms slider movement indicates that the slider moves 9% with the selected delay. For example, a 30ms slider movement indicates that the slider moves 30% with the selected acceleration.

[0036] Figure 2C shows another example of latency and acceleration applied to a signal from or derived from the crossfader slider control 200C. Here, it is shown that the indicated slider movement changes by musical time, such as 1 / 8 and 1 / 4 tones, which are referred to here as quantized versions. As before, in the middle curve without latency or acceleration, the indicated slider position coincides with the actual slider position. As before, the indicated slider position reaches 100% before the actual slider position reaches 100%. As before, once the actual slider position reaches 100%, the indicated slider position becomes less than 100%.

[0037] The table below the figure shows how, in this quantized version, the motion assigned to the slider is represented as a) no delay or acceleration, b) delayed motion, and c) accelerated motion. For example, the movement of a slider that moves 19% in 1 / 8 tone indicates that it moves 19% without delay or acceleration. For example, the movement of a slider in 1 / 8 tone indicates that it moves 7% with a selected delay. For example, the movement of a slider in 1 / 8 tone indicates that it moves 34% with a selected acceleration.

[0038] Figures 2D-E show sequential mixing of processed audio signals that emulate a transition from one audio source to another, such as when a disc jockey moves from one turntable audio source to another (e.g., a turntablist practicing turntablism) 200D-E.

[0039] In Figure 2D, a crossfader 110 with a crossfader slider control 113 sends a slider signal 240 to a microprocessor 120. A master buffer 250 within the microprocessor may hold actual slider operation versus time information. The microprocessor's outputs include an output 241 to a modulator 258 and outputs 242a, 242b to voltage-controlled amplifiers 281 (gain 1) 281, 282 (gain 2) associated with a first voltage-controlled mixer 104a. In various embodiments, a mixture of signals obtained from gain-adjusted inputs provides a mixed signal. This mixed signal or a copy thereof may appear at mixed 1 output 224.

[0040] Microprocessor output 241 may be a signal 240 to which latency or acceleration is applied. Microprocessor outputs 242a and 242b may be the same or different signals 240 to which latency or acceleration is applied.

[0041] The signal sources for the microprocessor output signals 241, 242a, and b can pass through any of several buffers, for example, three buffers 251, 252, and 253. Any of these buffers may contain a) a latent version of the actual slider motion-versus-time information, b) an accelerated version of the actual slider motion-versus-time information, or c) the actual slider motion-versus-time information. These buffers may be located on the microprocessor as shown in the diagram. Note that the latent signal buffer contains position-versus-time information, the delay of which may be achieved by delayed recording. Note that the accelerated signal buffer contains position-versus-time information, the acceleration of which may be achieved by a simulated version of the recorded future motion.

[0042] As shown in the figure, the first mixer 104a receives audio inputs 243 and 245 from the respective audio sources 102 and 103. This mixer outputs the audio signal 244 to the second mixer or voltage-controlled mixer 104b. Mixer 104b may be controlled by a microprocessor signal 242c. The microprocessor signal 242c may originate from either a microprocessor input parameter or the position(s) of the crossfader slider 113.

[0043] Cue audio from audio source 1, audio source 2, or mixer 1 is received by cue audio block 256 via one of the associated signals 246, 247, and 248, respectively. Modulator 258 receives one of the microprocessor outputs 241 and cue audio block output 257.

[0044] With respect to modulation, in various embodiments, a latency- or acceleration-applied crossfader slider 113 motion signal may be used to generate a microprocessor signal 241 that modulates cue audio 246, 247, and 248 in order to produce a modulated cue audio output 259.

[0045] The second mixer 104b mixes the audio output 244 of the first mixer 104a with the audio output 259 of the modulator 258 to generate a sequential mixer output 260. Signal 248 is the output of the first mixer and may be a copy of signal 244.

[0046] The sequential mixer in Figure 2D can be operated to generate a rhythmic cut between audio sources 102 and 103 at output 260 of the second mixer 104b. For example, applying acceleration or latency to audio signals 243 and 245 of the first mixer 104a can generate a rhythmic cut at output 244 of the first mixer 104a. Then, cue audio sources 246, 247, and 248 can generate a scratch sound (modulation of cue audio) at output 259 of the modulator 258. The second mixer 104b combines outputs 244 and 259 to generate a rhythmic cut combined with a scratch sound introducing the transitioned audio sources.

[0047] Figure 2E shows an example of modulation 200E. The signal is traced for a) position versus time 270, b) position interpreted as playhead position versus time 272, c) audio signal 274 to be modulated, and d) the modulated audio signal 276.

[0048] The position-time trace 270 associates the position and time of the crossfader slider 113 or buffer, with or without latency or acceleration applied. In some embodiments, the position-time relationship is derived from or from one of the buffers 250, 251, 253, and 254 described above.

[0049] The time-versus-position trace, interpreted as playhead position 272, is derived from or from the position-versus-time trace 270.

[0050] The modulated audio trace 274 is an audio signal, such as the output 257 of the cue audio signal block 256. In some embodiments, this signal is amplitude (vertical axis) versus time (horizontal axis).

[0051] The trace of the modulated audio 276 shows the audio signal 274 after it has been modulated by time versus buffer position, which is interpreted as the playhead position signal 272. In some embodiments, this signal is amplitude (vertical axis) versus time (horizontal axis).

[0052] The modulated audio signal 276 generated from the playhead movement 272 may be described as follows:

[0053] The playhead moves from B to E. As you can see, the playhead position signal 272 guides the playhead from B to E to play the audio signal 274 from B to E, as shown in the modulated audio signal 276.

[0054] The playhead is delayed at E. As you can see, the playhead position signal 272 is a vertical trace for time t1, resulting in a period where there is no modulated audio 276 from E to E.

[0055] The playhead moves from E to C. As you can see, the playhead position signal 272 guides the playhead from E to C, which plays the audio signal 274 from E to C, as shown in the modulated audio signal 276.

[0056] The playhead moves from C to D. As you can see, the playhead position signal 272 guides the playhead from C to D to play the audio signal 274 from C to D, as shown in the modulated audio signal 276.

[0057] The playhead moves from D to A. As you can see, the playhead position signal 272 guides the playhead from D to A to play the audio signal 274 from D to A, as shown in the modulated audio signal 276.

[0058] The playhead is delayed at A. As you can see, the playhead position signal 272 is a vertical trace during time t2, resulting in a period during which there is no modulated audio 276 from A to A.

[0059] The playhead moves from A to E. As you can see, the playhead position signal 272 guides the playhead from A to E to play the audio signal 274 from A to E, as shown in the modulated audio signal 276.

[0060] The playhead is delayed at E. As you can see, the playhead position signal 272 is a vertical trace for time t3, resulting in a period without modulated audio 276 from E to E.

[0061] Figures 3A and 3B are flowcharts showing one or more steps to implement an example of acceleration from 300A to B.

[0062] In Figure 3A, a fade device similar to the one in Figure 1C is prepared for operation. In this example, the potentiometer 144 operates before the crossfader actuator 113 operates 310.

[0063] The selected potentiometer 144 is rotated clockwise to indicate acceleration 312, providing acceleration setting 314. At this point, the signal may be quantized 316.

[0064] When the potentiometer 144 is set, the crossfader actuator may be moved 318. Instructions for the movement and / or position of the crossfader slider are provided to the processor 320. From the position instructions, the processor may determine a first signal attenuation curve value and a second signal introduction curve 320, 322.

[0065] In step 326, a signal providing mixer control 121 is derived based on information that includes one or more processor inputs in Figure 1D and may include values ​​or functions of curves 322, 234. In step 326, a signal providing special effects control 122 may be derived based on the crossfader slider position or information that may include the above.

[0066] The mixer 104 and optionally the effects processor 106 respond to signals 121 and 122 from the processors. Then, as shown in step 328, the audio signal processing block C outputs the modified audio signals 107 and 108.

[0067] Figure 3B shows additional processor 120 responses that may occur in the operation of the crossfader actuator 113 when the potentiometer 144 is set to acceleration, for example, the acceleration in Figure 3A.

[0068] In step 352, the crossfader actuator 113 moves or is moved, and in step 354, the processor receives an instruction to move the crossfader. For example, the crossfader can move through positions p1, p2, p3, p4... In various embodiments, the processor associates timing and / or time differences with these positions, e.g., t1, t2, t3, t4...

[0069] The position and time of the crossfader actuator 113 are used to estimate changes with respect to time. For example, to estimate the time derivatives of position such as velocity, acceleration, and jerk (first, second, and third time derivatives), a difference table and similar calculations, or calculations having similar results, may be used.

[0070] In step 358, after the jerk is calculated, it is adjusted according to the setting of the potentiometer 144. Following this, a mixer control output 121 is provided to the mixer 104, which is a function of at least the adjusted jerk value.

[0071] Optionally, the effect processor 106 receives a control signal from the processor 120. This effect processor control signal 122 may be a function of the crossfader actuator position.

[0072] The MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) outputs 186 and 188 may be functions of the effect processor input 122, or signals similar to the effect processor input. The CV (control voltage) 184 may also be a function of the mixer input 121, or a signal similar to the mixer input signal.

[0073] Figures 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating exemplary implementations with latency 400A and 4B.

[0074] In Figure 4A, a fade device similar to the one in Figure 1C is prepared for operation. In this example, the potentiometer 144 is operated before the crossfader actuator 113 is operated 410.

[0075] The selected potentiometer 144 is rotated counterclockwise to indicate latency 412, providing latency setting 414. At this point, the signal may be quantized 416.

[0076] When the potentiometer 144 is set, the crossfader actuator 418 may be moved. Instructions for the operation and / or position of the crossfader slider are provided to the processor 420. From the position instructions, the processor may determine the values ​​of a first signal attenuation curve and a second signal introduction curve 422, 424.

[0077] In step 426, a signal providing mixer control 121 is derived based on information including one or more processor inputs in Figure 1D, which may include values ​​or functions of curves 422, 424. In step 426, a signal providing special effects control 122 is derived based on the crossfader slider position or information which may include the above.

[0078] The mixer 104 and optionally the effects processor 106 respond to signals 121 and 122 from the processors. Then, as shown in step 428, the audio signal processing block C outputs the modified audio signals 107 and 108.

[0079] Figure 4B shows the possible responses of the additional processor 120 when the crossfader actuator 113 moves while the potentiometer 144 is set to latency.

[0080] In step 452, the crossfader actuator 113 moves or is moved, and in step 454, the processor receives an instruction to move the crossfader. For example, the crossfader may move through positions p1, p2, p3, p4... In various embodiments, the processor associates timings and / or time differences with these positions, for example, t1, t2, t3, t4...

[0081] In step 456, the microprocessor 120 calculates the time difference related to the position of the crossfader actuator 113. The delay is a function of this time difference. It should be noted that the time difference of the crossfader actuator is, for example, (t n+1 -t n This can be the difference between any two time points corresponding to a position known to the processor, such as ).

[0082] In step 458, the magnitude of the delay is adjusted. This adjustment is a function of the setting of potentiometer 144 and may be a function of the processor input in Figure 1D.

[0083] In step 460, the processor mixer control output 121 is sent to the mixer 104. This output is derived from the adjusted delay. Optionally, in step 462, the effect processor control output of the processor 122 is derived from the crossfader actuator position 113 and sent to the effect processor 106.

[0084] The MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) outputs 186 and 188 may be functions of the effect processor input 122, or signals similar to the effect processor input. Furthermore, the output of the CV (control voltage) 184 may be a function of the mixer input 121, or signals similar to the mixer input.

[0085] Figures 5A to 512 include block diagrams and flowcharts illustrating various configurations, controls, operations, and functions of various embodiments of the fade devices 500A to 1200. Each figure is intended to be obvious, and as can be seen, each figure may refer to other figures of the present application.

[0086] Figures 5A–F illustrate embodiments of buffers, controls, and functions related to fade devices 500A–H. These figures are for reference only, as they will be referenced by various figures that follow.

[0087] Figures 5G-5H illustrate the scratching method. For example, while a turntablist moves the record platter or CDJ (Compact Disc Jockey) controller platter with one hand and operates the crossfader with the other, this fade device makes it possible to achieve this with just one hand. This is called "one-hand scratching."

[0088] The procedure for creating a one-hand scratch with a fade device can be expressed as follows: Step 1: Start playback option 2 of the scratch buffer. Step 2: (To create a scratch sound, select one of the following) Move the fader slowly to create a slow scratching sound. To synchronize the timing of the scratch sound, create a slow scratch sound and slowly move the fader to apply latency to the selected, affected motion buffer. To create a fast scratching sound, move the fader slowly and apply acceleration. To create a fast scratching sound, move the fader quickly. To synchronize the timing of the scratch sound, create a fast scratch sound, and move the fader quickly to apply latency to the selected, affected motion buffer. Step 3: (To create a rhythmic cut, choose one from the following) To create a matching, rhythmic cut, acceleration is applied to the affected motion buffer A (the buffer assigned to the crossfader). To create a matching, rhythmic cut, latency is applied to the affected motion buffer A (the buffer assigned to the crossfader).

[0089] If one of the options in Step 2 is selected, and the corresponding option is selected from Step 3, then by executing Step 1 and sliding the crossfader, one-hand scratching can be performed.

[0090] The fade device can be used either by matching the "scratch" to the "cut" or by matching the "cut" to the "scratch".

[0091] Figure 5I shows an embodiment of a fade device as a linear position controller for MIDI and effect parameters, subdivided from the full range of the linear position controller into smaller segments 500I. This is a MIDI / effect expander.

[0092] Figure 6A shows one embodiment of the fade device configuration in block diagram form 600A.

[0093] Figure 6B shows one embodiment of primary user control of the fade device 600B.

[0094] Figure 6C, in particular, shows an embodiment of fourth-order user control for selecting the microprocessor parameter setting 600C.

[0095] Figure 7A shows an embodiment of secondary user control, for example, via a fade device knob that affects acceleration, latency, and the master volume level 700A.

[0096] Figure 7B shows an embodiment of the acceleration / latency knob position setting that affects acceleration, latency, and easing 700B.

[0097] Figure 7C shows an embodiment of the motion easing setting, including easing for velocity and easing for acceleration 700C.

[0098] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of third-level user control, for example, via buttons for setting / interpreting various inputs 800.

[0099] Figure 9A shows one embodiment of a fade device microcontroller for interpreting the mix position and input and routing signal 900A.

[0100] Figure 9B shows an embodiment for recording crossfader position data, including a main motion buffer for recording the position or position-to-time of the crossfader control or slider position 900B.

[0101] Figure 9C shows an embodiment for loading a motion buffer that applies latency or acceleration with or without quantization and is affected by this information 900C.

[0102] Figure 9D shows exemplary master setting parameters and how these settings can be configured.

[0103] Figure 9E shows an example of how the master tempo setting 900E is performed.

[0104] Figure 9F shows the crossfader motion capture and fire operation 900F.

[0105] Figure 9G shows an example of audio sample capture and fire operation 900G.

[0106] Figure 10 shows an example of MIDI output with and without the extended function active, where the MIDI output is part of the master setting parameter 1000.

[0107] Figure 11 shows one embodiment of a voltage-controlled mixer in which audio inputs are processed to produce a master stereo audio output and a cue / headset stereo audio output, as well as two channels of control voltage outputs 1100.

[0108] Figure 12 shows an example of the audio effects processor controls with and without the extended functionality, where the effects processor controls are part of the master setting parameter 1200.

[0109] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that these are presented only as examples and are not limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the form and content without departing from the spirit and aspects of the present invention. Thus, the boundaries and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the examples described above, but should be defined only by the following claims and their equivalents. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0110] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 8,473,084 Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent No. 7,684,573 Patent Document 3: U.S. Patent No. 6,889,193

Claims

1. A mixer and crossfader interconnected via a processor, A crossfader slider control configured to generate a slider signal indicating the actual slider position, A rotary control connected to the aforementioned processor, A first direction of rotary control movement configured to create a delayed slider position signal, A second direction of rotary control movement configured to create a future slider position signal corresponding to future time, A first analog audio input, a second analog audio input, and a mixer configured to receive either a) the delayed slider position signal or b) the predicted future slider position signal, A mixer output configured to combine the audio signal derived from the first analog audio input and the audio signal derived from the second analog audio input, Equipped with, A fade device characterized in that at least one gain of the derived signal is controlled by the direction of the rotary control movement.

2. Processor main motion buffer, The main motion buffer content shows the actual slider positions and the time sequence between them, The third derivative of the position with respect to time used in the prediction of the future slider position and The fade device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. Delayed slider position buffer, The delayed slider position buffer includes position-versus-time information based on a delayed recording of the actual slider position in relation to time, The fade device according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. It also features a large set of MIDI output parameters, The fade device according to claim 3, characterized in that the aforementioned set of multiples is controlled by the delayed slider buffer.

5. The fade device according to claim 4, wherein the control includes a) selecting a subset of parameters from a portion of the maximum range of motion of a linear position controller, and b) controlling the subset by the maximum range of the linear position controller.

6. Furthermore, it includes a large set of parameters for the digital audio processor, The fade device according to claim 3, characterized in that a number of the aforementioned parameters are controlled by the delayed slider position buffer.

7. The fade device according to claim 6, wherein the control includes a) selecting a subset of parameters from a portion of the maximum range of motion of a linear position controller, and b) controlling the subset by the maximum range of the linear position controller.

8. Processor main motion buffer, The main motion buffer content shows the actual slider positions and the sequence of time between them, The third derivative of the position with respect to time used in the prediction of the future slider position, Future slider position buffer, Equipped with, The fade device according to claim 1, wherein the future slider position buffer includes position-versus-time information based on a predicted version of a recorded future movement.

9. It also features a large set of MIDI output parameters, The fade device according to claim 8, wherein the parameter is controlled by the future slider position buffer.

10. The fade device according to claim 9, wherein the control includes a) selecting a subset of parameters from a portion of the maximum range of motion of a linear position controller, and b) controlling the subset by the maximum range of motion of the linear position controller.

11. It also features a large set of MIDI output parameters, The fade device according to claim 8, characterized in that the parameter is controlled by the future slider position buffer.

12. The fade device according to claim 11, wherein the control includes a) selecting a subset of parameters from the maximum range of motion of a linear position controller, and b) controlling the subset by the maximum range of motion of the linear position controller.

13. A fade device for transitioning from a first analog audio source to a second analog audio source, A digital processor interconnecting the crossfader and the first mixer, A first analog audio source output and a second analog audio source output are processed within a first voltage-controlled amplifier and a second voltage-controlled amplifier, and at least one amplifier is controlled by a signal based on a prediction of the future position of a crossfader slider control, A cue audio from one of the first analog audio source, the second analog audio source, or the output of the first mixer, A cue audio source modulated via a predicted version of the position of the crossfader slider control, A fade device output from a second mixer combines the modulated cue audio and the first mixer output of the combined signal derived from the outputs of the first voltage-controlled amplifier and the second voltage-controlled amplifier. A fade device equipped with a fader.

14. The modulator modulates the cue audio source, A modulation source that provides indication of time versus playhead position, The time versus playhead position indicates which portion of the cue audio is included in the modulated cue audio, The order in which the included parts are arranged, and the time versus playhead position The fade device according to claim 13, further comprising:

15. A modulator, and the cue audio source modulated by the modulator, A modulation source that provides a sequence of indicated audio playhead positions, A sequence of audio playhead positions that independently indicates where in the cue audio modulated cue audio playback begins, The start of the sequence that first silences the cue audio, Secondly, the end of the sequence, which starts audio playback at the newly indicated start position, and The fade device according to claim 13, further comprising:

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