Digital device for controlling parameters

Abstract

The invention relates to a digital device (1) for controlling parameters, wherein the device comprises a housing (10) having an upper face (20) in which a screen (50) is positioned, and wherein the device further comprises at least one physical means (60) for modifying parameter values, and wherein the at least one physical means (60) for modifying parameter values is capable of being actuated in order to modify at least one parameter controlled by the device (1) for controlling parameters. According to the invention, the device comprises an arrangement of the at least one physical means (60) for modifying parameter values, wherein the arrangement is located above the screen (50).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Digital parameter control device.

[0003] Domain

[0004] 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

[0005] 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, which includes 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 parameterization devices, which have specific functions. Previously, these devices were essentially analog and included potentiometers, various variators, and analog displays, generally located above the variators and potentiometers, which allowed the user to know the value they had assigned to the parameter in question.These control devices have evolved, become digitalized 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).

[0006] 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 generally has 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 allows the values ​​of sound parameters to be modified. 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 allow the values ​​of the sound parameters to be modified.The side buttons, positioned on either side of the rotary knobs, allow you to navigate within the interface displayed on the screen, and therefore to modify the information displayed there.

[0007] 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 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.

[0008] For example, as a purely illustrative example, during a user 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.

[0009] In the context of a parameter control panel 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 that 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.Thus, as with the MIDI controller, there is a risk that the user may modify the wrong parameter, particularly when a button is assigned to modify several different parameters during the configuration session of the machine or device, which can lead to very harmful consequences. To limit the risks, still in the audio field, there are controllers that 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 indication of the parameter in question. The disadvantages are notably that these screens are small, with a limited amount of displayable information and that the possibilities for interaction are also limited.

[0010] The invention aims to improve the situation.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] To do this, the invention relates to a digital device for controlling and / or assigning parameters.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Thus, this configuration allows direct and intuitive interaction with the parameters displayed on the screen, while providing clear and unobstructed visibility of the displayed information. The transparency of the printed circuit board ensures that the screen remains visible and readable, even with the physical modification means positioned on it. In addition, this configuration facilitates maintenance and replacement of the physical modification means, as they are easily accessible and can be replaced individually without affecting the integrity of the screen or the housing.

[0015] 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.

[0016] This configuration allows the user to receive immediate and localized visual feedback when changing a parameter. By displaying the relevant information directly near the physical means of modification, the user can easily and quickly identify and adjust parameters without having to search on the screen, which improves efficiency and reduces the risk of operating errors. This arrangement makes the user interface more intuitive and ergonomic, particularly useful in environments where rapid and precise adjustments are required.

[0017] 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.

[0018] This configuration allows dynamic and contextual customization of the display based on the user's interaction with the device. By adapting the display in real time based on the position and use of the physical modification means, the device offers a more responsive user interface adapted to the user's specific needs. This improves the accuracy and speed of parameter adjustments, while minimizing the risk of handling errors, which is particularly beneficial in environments requiring frequent and precise parameter modifications.

[0019] 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.

[0020] This configuration allows the physical modification means to be held in place stably and securely, while ensuring clear visibility of the screen thanks to the transparency of the plate. This arrangement also facilitates precise alignment of the physical modification means in relation to the screen, which is essential for intuitive and efficient interaction. In addition, the transparent material plate provides additional protection to the screen against physical damage, while allowing easy access for maintenance or replacement of the physical modification means.

[0021] 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.

[0022] According to a particular characteristic, the arrangement of said at least one physical means for modifying the parameter values ​​above the screen comprises at least one transparent printed circuit board on which said at least one physical means for modifying the 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] According to a particular characteristic, said at least one physical means of modifying the parameter values ​​is in the form of a rotary encoder.

[0025] According to a particular feature, the device includes 32 rotary encoders.

[0026] According to a particular characteristic, the device further comprises, on the periphery of the screen, at least one physical button for interaction with the human-machine interface displayed on said screen.

[0027] Description of the drawings

[0028] 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:

[0029] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a control device according to the invention;

[0030] [Fig. 2] illustrates a first example of arrangement of the control device according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig. 3] illustrates a second example of arrangement of the control device according to the invention.

[0032] Description of an embodiment

[0033] As previously explained, 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 predetermined locations. 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 displaying 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 display 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 for modifying parameter values ​​are arranged over the display face. Several exemplary embodiments of the invention are conceivable, as explained below.

[0034] Generally speaking, however, the principle of the invention consists of 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 parameter assignment.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.

[0035] For simplicity in drawings, when a reference numeral designates several elements, only one of these elements is designated by an arrow. In addition, reference numerals relating to common characteristics are retained in the figures.

[0036] Figure 1 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, providing 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 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.

[0037] 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 provide a smooth and responsive user experience.

[0038] 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 possibilities of using the digital mixing desk.

[0039] The interaction between the control software, the display, and one of the physical means of modifying parameter values ​​creates a fluid interface for adjusting 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 display, providing immediate visual feedback, at the level of the rotary encoder itself. Thus, rotating or adjusting the physical means of modifying a 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 display associated with this parameter, a portion 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.

[0040] The screen 50 of the digital control device covers a major portion of the surface of the front face. 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 the control panels depending on the embodiments) is therefore positioned above the screen 50. The control panel 60-1 is therefore 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 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 (ADC) / Digital-to-Analog (DAC) Converters (Convert analog audio signals into digital data and vice versa), RAM (stores parameters, configurations and possibly recordings) and mass memory (for example flash memory), a power supply provides the energy necessary for the operation of the digital control device.

[0041] In a first exemplary embodiment, illustrated by figure 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.

[0042] 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 of modifying parameter values. To simplify the explanations, it is considered that all the physical means of 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 implementation, 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.

[0043] 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 1 10 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 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.

[0044] In this first example, 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 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 in 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.

[0045] The control device management software 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 at the same time 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 an encoder failing, it is sufficient to exert sufficient force to detach it from its housing and replace it with a functional encoder).

[0046] 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 on 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 (such as a transparent thermoplastic material, 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 wedge the control panel over the screen (not shown). In addition, in this second embodiment, it is not necessary to carry out any calibration. Thus, the transparent printed circuit is particularly advantageous in the context of a mixing desk (possible use of this device of the invention) for several reasons. The transparency of the printed circuit makes it possible to maintain clear and unobstructed visibility of the screen located below, to monitor and adjust the displayed parameters, this transparency ensures that the information displayed on the screen remains legible, even with the physical modification means positioned on it.By allowing information to be seen directly beneath the physical editing means, the transparent PCB facilitates interaction and the user can easily associate physical controls with the displayed parameters, which improves efficiency and reduces the risk of operating errors. The configuration with a transparent PCB allows easy access to the physical editing means. In the event of failure of one of these means, it is possible to replace it individually without affecting the integrity of the screen or the housing.

[0047] 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 Figure 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 at the center of each needle 150 of the corresponding display portion 160. In the simplified example that is illustrated, a series of needles is shown. Those skilled in the art, however, will understand that the display relating to each encoder can be modified, dynamically, as a function of the parameter to which, at the given instant, the encoder relates.

[0048] 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 feature, these encoders also include a push button function allowing values ​​to be validated if necessary. 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 for clear viewing and modification of the parameters and facilitates navigation through the different control pages. The user interface of the MIDI controller is designed to be user-friendly, providing a direct control experience.The buttons 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 configuration, 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 modification. A particularly interesting aspect of the controller is its ability to manage a wide variety of MIDI parameters for several devices simultaneously, while occupying a small volume.This ability to manage numerous MIDI parameters is provided in particular by its 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 peripherals, as well as audio ports for inputs / outputs. The internal processor manages digital signal processing (DSP), providing advanced features such as equalization and reverb.

[0049] Analog-to-Digital (ADC) / Digital-to-Analog (DAC) converters are integrated to convert audio signals between the analog and digital domains. The motherboard coordinates operations between all components, while memory stores settings, configurations, and possibly audio recordings. A built-in power supply ensures the system operates properly.

[0050] 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) which comprises at least one transparent printed circuit board onto which said at least one physical parameter value modification means (60) is soldered or glued, 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)., 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 the parameter values (60).

5. Digital parameter control device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises a printed circuit board, 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 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 the parameter values (60) is in the form of a rotary encoder.

8. Digital parameter control device (1) according to claim 8, 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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