Device for controlling audiovisual effects

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for controlling audiovisual effects, with a set of controls operated by switches, such that the switches are a set of knobs (2) supported by a transparent support (3), which is arranged at an angle to the horizontal, the knobs having respective wireless emitters (22) and the position thereof being detected by one or more sensors (6) and a control unit (8) for managing the controls.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Audiovisual effects control device

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this specification states, is a device for controlling sound and other audiovisual effects, such as a mixing console, for live music performed by a DJ, which allows for a greater spectacle and greater audience involvement.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Within the realm of electronic music, a question often arises among audiences: What is the DJ or electronic musician actually doing during their performance? For those not familiar with the subject, the only thing they can see is a person moving their hands or, if they have a good angle, turning tiny knobs. However, they are unlikely to understand which parameters vary with each of them.

[0007] This creates distance and disconnection between these spectators and the artist, leading to doubt as to whether the music is pre-recorded and the DJ is merely pretending to perform.

[0008] In the vast majority of cases, the artist's equipment is arranged on a table, which the audience cannot clearly see, nor does it allow the artist to maintain eye contact with the audience while controlling the system or instruments.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional systems tend to cause neck and back pain. If performed standing up, as is often the case during a performance, they force the artist to position themselves with a cervical curvature of up to 60 degrees.

[0010] Currently, there is no known solution to this problem that has structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal to or similar to those described in this specification.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The object of the present invention is the creation of an audiovisual effects control device that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0013] It's a technological advancement that enhances the visibility of the artist's actions, allowing the audience to recognize which actions produce which effects, thereby achieving a greater connection.

[0014] It is based on wireless control of the table's controls and their use on a transparent surface visible to the public.

[0015] In this way, the viewer can more clearly see the function of each of the controls, and the performer can control each parameter without having to look down. Furthermore, in more advanced versions, the artist can control several controls in parallel, making the performance simpler and more versatile. This opens up hundreds of new combinations for parameter control.

[0016] Finally, the vertical arrangement of the controls radically improves the performer's body posture. They can keep their body and head upright, thus avoiding straining their back and neck.

[0017] The invention thus creates a window of communication with the audience, allowing one to see how the sound is modulated and filtered, as well as the movements and dances of the performer and the audience. All this happens without having to look down to control the music; the audience can see their expressions more clearly, and the performer can control the music without taking their eyes off the audience.

[0018] Specifically, the audiovisual effects control device can be connected (wired or wirelessly) to a mixing console or other audiovisual effects control equipment. These devices have a set of controls controlled by knobs, which in the invention are a set of knobs held by a transparent support, arranged at an angle to the horizontal (generally between 60 and 90°). Each knob has its own wireless transmitter that communicates its identity and, where appropriate, its position. This position is detected by one or more internal or external sensors, so that a control unit managing the controls translates the position into commands to the controls.

[0019] Preferably, the sensors are accelerometers built into each knob. In one embodiment, the support has protruding shafts for securing the knobs, which are actuated by turning.

[0020] In another embodiment, the support has a ferromagnetic mesh, and each knob has a magnet at its base to attach it to the mesh. In this case, the knob can also be actuated by sliding it along the mesh.

[0021] To control multiple knobs in parallel, resting them against each other, each knob can have a magnet at its base and a second magnet of opposite polarity at the other end. This magnet may or may not be the one from the previous embodiment, with the ferromagnetic network.

[0022] These magnets will be annular if they are intended to be placed on the support axes, and their inner hole will have a larger section than those support axes.

[0023] To identify the position of each knob, they can have a light in addition to a printed orientation indicator. The light will also allow the orientation to be detected by its shape or position.

[0024] Other ways of carrying out the invention are shown below.

[0025] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] To complete the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, a section of drawings is presented where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following have been represented.

[0027] Figure 1 corresponds to a front view of an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a partially exploded perspective view of an example of a knob.

[0029] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0030] The embodiment shown in Figure 1 is an audiovisual effects control device that can be connected, for example, to a mixing console that has one or more turntables or music sources (analog or digital) and a complete set of equipment for modifying the music output, modifying the amplification of different parts of the spectrum, mixing the turntable outputs, inserting rhythms, etc., without the accessories present in the mixing console being relevant to the invention. For example, a traditional mixing console has volume controls, equalizers (bass, midrange, and treble frequencies), and also low-pass and high-pass filters. The device can also be used to control lighting effects, artificial fog, actions on a screen, etc.

[0031] Each of these accessories has a control that in the art is integrated into the surface of the table or, sometimes, as a pedal on the floor. However, in the invention each control is formed by a knob (2) coupled to a transparent support (3), for example made of methacrylate, which is arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal, for example between 60-90°. This angle can be adjustable according to the position of the artist in the disco or party room. The support (3) thus defines a surface on which the artist works, different from the table and fully visible to the public. The knobs (2) can be movable on the surface of the support (3) or rotate on axes (1) or nails in that surface.

[0032] In one embodiment, the support (3) has a network (4) of ferromagnetic elements that is sufficiently thin and open so as not to affect visibility through the support (3) too much. The knobs (2) will in turn comprise magnets (5) at their base to be fixed to the network (4).

[0033] A control unit (8) of the table translates the different positions of the knobs (2) into actions on the controls. The sensors (6) of the preferred embodiment have a HUB receiver through which the Bluetooth signals are received without latency, this is connected to the control unit (8) with a MIDI connection.

[0034] The knobs (2) in the example in Figure 2 are formed by a base (21) where the magnets (5) are, which are annular to allow the passage of a rotation axis. A transmitter (22), for example Bluetooth, allows the sensors (6) to know their position. A battery (23) powers this transmitter (22) and one or more lights (24), usually LEDs, which emit lights to make the artist's work easier when there is little light. The lights can be, for example, unique combinations so that the artist or spectators can visually recognize the knob (2) in the dark. All the electronic elements form a capsule that can be quickly changed to continue using it while it is being repaired.

[0035] The support (3) itself may have lights on its edge, facing the transparent support (3), to create lighting effects. The knobs (2) may also have second magnets (5') of opposite polarity on the opposite side of the base to couple one knob (2) to another. This allows two or more knobs (2) to be joined together, so that the user can join several knobs.

[0036] (2) and move them at the same time, acting on several controls in parallel.

[0037] The position of the knobs (2) can be detected by triangulation using internal sensors (6) or on the perimeter of the support (3). In this second case, the knobs (2) must emit an identification code. If the knobs (2) can rotate, it is preferable to measure their orientation by internal accelerometers. These accelerometers can also serve for all the functions of the knobs (2), so that it is not necessary for the sensors (6) to be external. In this case, the knobs (2) can also be activated outside the support (3), increasing versatility for the artist.

[0038] When there are several knobs (2) joined together, the system may have to detect that the knobs (2) are joined together, either by the relative position detected by the sensors (6) or by direct communication between the knobs (2) and transmitted to the control unit (8) of the table. In general, the sensors (6) can know the position of all the knobs (2) being irrelevant if they are joined or not.

[0039] In one embodiment, the knobs (2) have an ergonomic activation button so that the user can press it effortlessly. The activation button is a “dead man” system, such that releasing it deactivates the knob (2). In this way, the user's movement to leave a knob (2) on the surface of the table or support

[0040] (3) does not translate into action on the controls if he does not want it. For example, if he wants to change the position of the knobs (2) at some point in the show or change some sound effects for others. He may also not want the position of the controls to be modified while he is in the process of joining several knobs (2) together. In one embodiment, the activation button interrupts the operation of the knob (2), when it is considered that the accessory movements, unrelated to the controls, are going to be few.

[0041] In another embodiment, the activation button is a switch at the base (21) of the knob (2) that is activated by placing it on the support (3) or on the shaft (1). In this way, when the knob (2) is separated from the support (3) or from the knob (2) on which it rests, it stops sending signals to the controls.

[0042] If there are several knobs (2) connected, a single activation button controls all of them. The idea is that with this translucent or transparent support, the audience can see what the DJ is doing and moving and how he works.

Claims

CLAIMS 1- Audiovisual effects control device, with a series of controls commanded by controls, characterized by the fact that the controls are a series of knobs (2) supported by a transparent support (3), arranged at an angle to the horizontal, with two wireless transmitters (22), and whose position is detected by one or more sensors (6) and a control unit (8) for managing the controls. 2- Audiovisual effects control device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensors (6) are accelerometers internal to each knob (2). 3- Audiovisual effects control device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (3) has protruding axes for fixing the knobs (2). 4- Audiovisual effects control device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (3) has a ferromagnetic network (4) and each knob (2) has a magnet (5) at its base. 5- Audiovisual effects control device, according to claim 1, characterized in that each knob (2) has a magnet (5) at its base and a second magnet (5') of opposite polarity at the other end of the knob (2). 6- Audiovisual effects control device, according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that the magnets (5) of the bases are annular and have an inner hole with a larger section than the axes of the support (3). 7- Audiovisual effects control device, according to claim 1, characterized in that each knob (2) has a light (24). 8- Audiovisual effects control device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (3) has lights on its edge, oriented towards the support. (3). 9- Audiovisual effects control device, according to claim 1, characterized in that each knob (2) has an activation button. 10- Audiovisual effects control device, according to claim 9, characterized in that the activation button is a switch at the base (21) of the knob (2).

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