Audio Mixing Console Illuminated Control Dividing Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio mixing consoles and other control modules with multiple control elements often present a complex and confusing interface due to the need to operate different functions in various modes, making it difficult for users to identify group boundaries and navigate the controls effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an illumination system that uses control-dividing surfaces to visually separate groups of control elements based on the operating mode, with illuminated surfaces indicating group and subgroup boundaries, allowing users to clearly distinguish between different functional groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control elements are mounted on the console to control different functions, then the functionality and versatility of the audio mixing console is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of identifying control groups increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using illuminated control-dividing surfaces that emit light to visually separate control elements into different groups. The illumination system activates specific surfaces to indicate which control elements belong together in different operating modes, making it easy for users to identify functional groups without physical separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control elements are grouped into different groups for different operating modes, then the adaptability of the control module is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user difficulty in identifying group boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminated control-dividing surfaces use light emission to create visual boundaries between control groups. When a specific operating mode is selected, the illumination system activates corresponding surfaces to highlight which control elements are grouped together, making it intuitive for users to understand the current functional groupings without confusion.
3Device complexity
If the same control element is used to control different functions in different operating modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation worsens due to user confusion about which function is active
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system provides visual feedback by lighting up specific control-dividing surfaces that correspond to the currently active operating mode. This allows users to immediately see which function group is active when using a multi-functional control element, eliminating confusion about which function is currently being controlled.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the user experience by providing a clear visual representation of control element groupings that adapt to the operating mode, reducing complexity and improving usability by making it easier for operators to understand which control elements belong to which functional groups.
Implementation Method 1
An illumination system provides illuminated control-dividing surfaces that visually separate one group of control elements from another group of control elements
Data Source
AI summary
A control module having a plurality of control elements configured to control a first function of the control module in a first operating mode and another function of the control module in another operating mode of the control module. The control elements are grouped into different groups of control elements. Each group of control elements corresponds to a predetermined group of functions of the control module. The grouping is dependant on the operating mode of the control module. An illumination system provides illuminated control-dividing surfaces that visually separate one group of control elements from another group of control elements. The illumination system illuminates the control-dividing surfaces according to the grouping of the control elements and according to the operating mode.