Audio Mixer Encoder Reduces Depth via Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio processing apparatuses, such as audio mixers, require a reduction in the number of controls to minimize size while maintaining operability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The audio processing apparatus is designed with a unique operation panel configuration that integrates multiple controls in a compact form, utilizing a combination of angled surfaces and strategically placed display elements to reduce depth and size while enhancing user accessibility, and employs a single encoder for both screen and channel modes to minimize physical controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the number of controls is reduced to minimize size, then the overall size of the apparatus is reduced, but the operability and functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a screen encoder for navigating display options and as a channel strip encoder for adjusting audio parameters. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to maintain full operational capabilities while using fewer physical controls, directly resolving the contradiction between size reduction and operability maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder's function is made dynamic through switching between screen encoder mode and channel strip encoder mode. The control panel dynamically reconfigures the encoder's purpose based on operational context, allowing a single control element to adapt to different operational requirements without sacrificing functionality or increasing size
2Device complexity
If a single encoder is used for both screen and channel modes, then the number of physical controls is minimized, but the complexity of control assignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assignment of parameters to the encoder before operation. Parameters are pre-configured and assigned to specific encoder positions or modes, so that during actual use, the encoder can directly access these pre-arranged functions without requiring complex real-time configuration, thus maintaining simplicity while preserving adaptability
3Length of stationary object
If controls are integrated in a compact form, then the depth and size are reduced, but the accessibility and visibility of controls may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel utilizes angular surfaces and three-dimensional positioning to arrange controls. By transitioning from a flat two-dimensional layout to an angled three-dimensional configuration, the design achieves compact depth while maintaining accessible positioning and visibility of controls through strategic spatial arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
An audio processing apparatus (10) for a plurality of channels includes: a display device (51) for displaying parameters of audio processing; a plurality of operation controllers (413), each associated with one of the plurality of channels, disposed in channel strips; and a processor (106) configured to detect an operation amount of each of the plurality of operation controllers (413) for changing the parameter associated therewith, including: in a first mode, a first operation amount of a first parameter for a first operation controller, among the plurality of operation controllers, displayed on the display device (51); and in a second mode, a second operation amount of a second parameter for each of the plurality of operation controllers (413) for the plurality of channels.