AR Audio Mixing Interface for 3D Parameter Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio mixing consoles with limited space and cost constraints face challenges in providing full-functionality and ease-of-use, as they often lack 3D displays and extensive visual interfaces, requiring engineers to frequently switch focus between screens and consoles, increasing time and effort in adjusting audio parameters.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of augmented reality interfaces using smart glasses that display graphical representations of audio parameter values in a 3D space, allowing operators to adjust parameters intuitively through physical controls, gestures, and spatial interactions, while maintaining focus on the video screen, leveraging data communication with an audio mixing console and augmented reality software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mixing consoles with limited displays are used, then cost and footprint are reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent focus switching between screens and console
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects audio parameter visualizations from the 2D console display into 3D spatial space around the operator. This allows parameters to be viewed and manipulated in three dimensions, eliminating the need to switch focus between the console and video screen while maintaining a compact physical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial audio visualization intermediary that bridges the gap between the compact console interface and the video screen. This intermediary projects parameter data into 3D space, allowing the operator to monitor audio parameters spatially without needing to look at either the console display or video screen directly.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mixing consoles with limited displays are used, then cost and footprint are reduced, but information availability deteriorates due to lack of comprehensive visual interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes 3D spatial space as an additional dimension for displaying audio parameter information. By projecting parameter visualizations into space around the operator, the system provides comprehensive information availability without requiring a large physical display surface on the console itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments audio parameter information and distributes it spatially around the operator rather than presenting it all on a single console display. Different parameters can be positioned at different spatial locations, allowing comprehensive information display while keeping the physical console compact.
3Ease of operation
If more physical controls are added to provide full functionality, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves parameter visualization and control from the 2D plane of the console surface into 3D space. This allows full audio mixing functionality to be accessed through spatial interactions rather than requiring numerous physical controls on the console surface, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical controls with spatially-projected interface elements that can be manipulated through gestures or other non-contact methods. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity of the console while maintaining or improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Augmented reality enables an operator to visualize values of parameters of audio channels during audio mixing. A heads-up display worn by the operator, such as smart glasses, displays virtual graphical objects representing the parameters so that they appear within a three-dimensional space surrounding the operator and an audio mixing console. Parameter values are represented by the location, size, and other attributes of the virtual graphical objects. The operator adjusts the parameter values using physical and touch controls on the console and by manipulating the virtual objects with a body part such as a finger. Sensors mounted on the heads-up display and on other body parts capture position and movement of the operator in real time and send the captured data to a system running augmented reality control software. Graphical user interfaces of a media processing application controlled by the console and of plug-in modules may also be displayed on the heads-up display.