Audio Video Processing Device With Capacitive Physical Operator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional audio and video processing devices, such as digital mixers, require multiple physical operators for various functions, leading to increased size and cost due to the need for multiple types of operators.

Innovation Solution

An audio and video processing device that incorporates a touch panel with a display surface showing icons corresponding to processing parameters, along with physical operators that change electrostatic capacitance detected by the touch panel, allowing for multiple functions to be integrated into a single operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple physical operators are provided for different functions, then usability is ensured, but the number of physical operators increases, leading to increased size and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveusabilityVSAvoidnumber of physical operators

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling physical operators to perform multiple functions through software control. A single physical operator can be assigned different functions based on selection criteria such as touch position, touch duration, or operation sequence. This allows the system to provide diverse processing parameters (volume, pan, equalizer, effects) without requiring separate physical operators for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the function of physical operators changeable and adaptable. The control unit dynamically assigns functions to physical operators based on various conditions including touch position on the display, duration of touch, and sequence of operations. This dynamic reassignment allows the same physical operator to serve different purposes in different contexts, reducing the total number of physical operators needed while ensuring comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical operators are provided for different functions, then various processing parameters can be controlled, but the size and cost of the processing device increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing parameter controlVSAvoidsize and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the display surface as a virtual copy of additional physical operators. When fewer physical operators are provided than display regions, the display surface acts as a virtual operator that can be touched to select different functions. This virtual copying allows the system to provide comprehensive processing parameter control without proportionally increasing the number of physical components, thus reducing size and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 reduces the number of physical operators needed, resulting in a smaller and more cost-effective device while maintaining usability through intuitive operation.

Implementation Method 1

a touch panel that has a display surface that displays an icon corresponding to the channel and related to the processing parameter, and that detects a change in electrostatic capacitance accompanying a user operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a physical operator that is arranged on the display surface, and that changes the electrostatic capacitance detected by the touch panel in response to being operated by a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance change: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250123737A1Audio and Video Processing Device and Processing Device

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A processing device includes: a touch panel that has a display surface that displays an icon related to a processing parameter, and that detects a change in electrostatic capacitance; a physical operator that is arranged on the display surface, and that changes the electrostatic capacitance detected by the touch panel in response to being operated by a user; a processor that changes the processing parameter in response to a change in the electrostatic capacitance based on the operation of the physical operator, and, in response to an input to the touch panel accompanying a change in the electrostatic capacitance via an operation of the physical operator, select a type of processing parameter and an icon corresponding to the processing parameter. The physical operator receives a user operation corresponding to the processing parameter selected by the processor.