Audio Signal Output Using Physical Effector Cards for Easier Sound Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal processing devices face challenges in operability due to complex parameter settings, especially on mobile devices with small touch panels, leading to poor usability.

Innovation Solution

A signal output apparatus that uses physical effector cards to facilitate signal processing, allowing users to adjust sound effects by moving and interacting with these cards, which are recognized through an imager and processed by a controller to apply corresponding sound effects to an audio signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software-based effectors with multiple parameters are used, then diverse sound effects can be supported, but the complexity of parameter settings increases and usability deteriorates on mobile devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediverse sound effectsVSAvoidparameter setting operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses physical effector cards as tangible copies or representations of sound effect parameters. Instead of requiring users to navigate complex software interfaces with multiple digital parameters, the system creates physical card objects that embody sound effect settings, making them accessible through simple physical manipulation rather than complex digital interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/digital system of touch panel operations with a physical card-based system. Users interact with sound effects through physical effector cards that can be moved, stacked, or manipulated in space, substituting the need for complex touch interface operations with intuitive physical gestures that are easier to perform on mobile devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If a small touch panel is used in mobile devices, then device portability is maintained, but the operational range and usability for parameter settings are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidparameter setting operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the parameter setting interface from the two-dimensional touch panel into the third spatial dimension by introducing physical effector cards. These cards can be manipulated in space—moved closer or farther, stacked, or positioned at different angles—providing additional degrees of freedom for control that are not constrained by the limited screen real estate of mobile devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The physical effector cards serve as intermediary objects between the user and the digital sound processing system. Rather than directly manipulating software parameters through the small touch panel, users interact with the tangible cards that mediate the control, translating physical gestures into digital parameter adjustments without requiring direct interaction with the limited interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260073890A1Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Storage Medium and Signal Output Apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A signal output apparatus includes an information obtainer, a signal processor, and a signal outputter. The information obtainer obtains identification information regarding sound processing from a medium. The signal processor subjects a sound signal to the signal processing based on the identification information. The signal outputter outputs the sound signal subjected to the signal processing.