AR Control Surface Overlay for Dynamic Audio Control Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control surfaces, particularly in professional audio production, face challenges in dynamically identifying and highlighting relevant controls due to the need for multiple functions and the difficulty in locating indicators amidst a sea of controls.
Innovation Solution
Augmented reality (AR) overlays on AR glasses are used to provide dynamic identification of control surface elements by registering with a 3D model of the surface, incorporating occlusions, and updating in real-time based on the operator's position and gestures, thus enhancing control surface interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If dynamic identification displays and LEDs are used to assist operators in locating controls, then control identification is improved, but the displays and LEDs become hard to locate and focus on within a sea of controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D planar displays/LEDs on the control surface to 3D spatial projection using AR glasses. The AR overlay projects identification information in three-dimensional space above or around the control surface, allowing operators to view controls from multiple angles and distances, thereby solving the difficulty of locating and focusing on small displays within a sea of controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces AR glasses as an intermediary device between the control surface and the operator. The AR glasses display overlaid information in the operator's field of view, mediating the interaction by providing enhanced identification without requiring the operator to directly locate and focus on small physical displays on the control surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are assigned to controls with dynamic identification, then control versatility is improved, but the complexity of identifying the correct control function increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic AR overlays that automatically update and change based on the current editing context, phase of audio mixing workflow, or other operational parameters. The identification information is not static but dynamically adapts to show the currently relevant function of each control, reducing the cognitive load on operators who need to understand multiple possible functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The AR system provides continuous feedback to the operator about which control corresponds to which function in the current context. The overlay information updates in real-time based on system state, creating a feedback loop that helps operators quickly identify the correct control function without having to mentally track multiple possible assignments.
3Ease of operation
If permanently marked indicators are used on control surfaces, then control location is simplified, but the ability to identify controls with multiple functions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static permanent markings with dynamic AR overlays that change based on the current editing context or workflow phase. This allows the same physical control to display different functions at different times, maintaining ease of location through spatial projection while enabling comprehensive multi-function identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of identification from fixed permanent markings to variable context-dependent overlays. The AR display parameters (content, position, visibility) change based on operational context, allowing a single control to represent multiple functions depending on the current state of the audio mixing workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality overlay of a physical control surface is displayed on augmented reality glasses worn by an operator of the control surface. The overlay appears to be part of the control surface by simulating a virtual silk-screen or floats over the surface. The overlay serves a variety of functions that assist the operator to mix multiple channels of audio or other aspects of a media project. The overlay may label controls of the control surface, display text or graphics to direct the operator to specific controls and may be dynamically updated based on the current editing context, either in response to an operator prompt or automatically. A 3D model of the control surface is used by the augmented reality system to register the overlay with respect to the control surface and to simulate occlusion of portions of the overlay by components of the control surface and the operator's hands.