Fade Device Using Processor-Controlled Latency and Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fade devices lack advanced control mechanisms for processing audio signals, particularly in creating smooth transitions and effects, as they rely on basic slider controls and do not effectively utilize latency and acceleration to enhance signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A motion-controlled fade device coupled with a microprocessor that uses 360-degree rotary potentiometers to control signal processing, allowing for the construction of decay and introduction curves, and applying latency and acceleration to the crossfader signals, thereby modifying the mixing of audio signals and controlling a voltage-controlled mixer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If basic slider controls are used in fade devices, then the device structure is simple, but the signal processing capability and transition smoothness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces basic mechanical slider controls with a microprocessor-based digital control system that receives input from rotary potentiometers. The microprocessor calculates complex decay and introduction curves based on acceleration and latency parameters, substituting simple mechanical mixing with intelligent digital signal processing to achieve sophisticated transitions while maintaining a relatively compact physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces variable parameters including acceleration, latency, and multiple decay curves that can be dynamically adjusted. The system allows users to modify these parameters to create different transition characteristics, enabling versatile signal processing capabilities by changing mathematical parameters rather than requiring complex hardware for each effect.
2Measurement precision
If latency and acceleration control are added to the fade device, then signal processing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements precise latency and acceleration control through digital signal processing in the microprocessor rather than complex mechanical systems. The microprocessor calculates time-based decay curves and acceleration factors algorithmically, achieving high precision signal processing control through software mathematics rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor acts as an intermediary between the simple rotary potentiometer inputs and the complex signal processing requirements. It receives basic control signals from the potentiometers, processes them through mathematical calculations involving acceleration and latency parameters, and outputs precise control signals to the mixer, thereby achieving high precision without direct complex mechanical linkages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control parameters (acceleration, latency, decay curves) are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface where a single rotary potentiometer can control multiple parameters (acceleration, latency, decay curves) through software configuration. The microprocessor interprets the potentiometer position and applies different mathematical transformations based on selected modes, allowing one physical control to achieve multiple signal processing effects, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic control where parameters such as acceleration and latency can be adjusted in real-time during operation. The microprocessor continuously calculates decay curves based on current parameter settings, allowing the device to adapt to different performance requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration or complex switching mechanisms, thus maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fade device includes a processor that couples a crossfader to a mixer, the processor using crossfader input to apply an acceleration or a latency to an audio signal passing through a mixer.