Momentary Footswitch Sequencer Advancement via State Change Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual Sequencers using electromechanical momentary switches require excessive motion and are not intuitive for musicians to adjust to dynamic tempos, as they typically need to press and release the switch to advance each Step, limiting flexibility and speed.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded momentary footswitch connected to a processor that advances the Sequencer upon each state change of the switch, eliminating the need for pressing and releasing, allowing for efficient, intuitive, and rhythmic advancement with 50% less motion and twice the speed, using a filtering circuit to manage switch bounce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a momentary switch is used for manual Sequencer advancement, then the device structure is simple, but the motion required is excessive and the advancement speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switch operation into two distinct triggering events: the transition from released to pressed state, and the transition from pressed to released state. Each state change independently triggers a Sequencer step advancement, allowing a single physical motion to produce multiple sequential outputs without requiring complex multi-position switches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic response by detecting and reacting to transient state changes rather than static positions. The system monitors the dynamic transition of the switch between pressed and released states, enabling bidirectional triggering that adapts to the user's natural pressing and releasing motions, thereby doubling the advancement speed without increasing physical motion
2Productivity
If a momentary switch is pressed and released to advance each Step, then the triggering mechanism is simple, but the advancement speed is halved and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic state changes of the momentary switch as the basis for sequential advancement. By detecting each periodic transition (pressed-to-released and released-to-pressed) as a discrete triggering event, the system converts a single continuous physical action into multiple discrete advancement commands, effectively doubling the productivity while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by continuously monitoring the switch state and detecting transitions. The processor reads the switch state, determines whether a state change has occurred, and accordingly triggers the appropriate Sequencer advancement, creating a closed-loop control system that responds dynamically to user input with immediate feedback
3Adaptability or versatility
If automatic timing control is used, then the Sequencer loops continuously at a fixed rate, but the musician cannot adjust to variable tempos
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the Sequencer from static automatic timing to dynamic manual control. By implementing a momentary switch that responds to user pressing and releasing actions, the system enables real-time tempo adjustments that adapt to the musician's performance needs, allowing flexible synchronization with variable human accompaniment while maintaining a level of automation through electronic state detection and processing
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method of manually advancing through Steps in a Sequence using an electromechanical momentary switch, an electronic device capable of detecting changes in the state of said electromechanical momentary switch, and a Sequencer, whereby said electronic device will, upon detecting each change of state in said electromechanical momentary switch, trigger said Sequencer to advance to a next Step in a Sequence and recall a Data Set associated with said Step.