Group Level Control Apparatus for Audio Mixer Channel Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixer systems make it difficult for users to visually grasp the levels of individual channels within a group and the changes caused by controlling the group level controller, as the displayed state of the group level controller does not clearly represent the levels of each channel.
Innovation Solution
A level control apparatus that includes a channel level controller for each channel to display its output level, a group level controller to display the group level, and a calculator to determine the difference among channel levels, allowing the group level controller to select the highest output level as the group level and maintain level differences when adjusting channel levels collectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a group level controller is provided to collectively control multiple channels, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to visually grasp individual channel levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple visual regions: a group level indicator showing the overall group level, and individual channel level indicators showing each channel's level within the group. This segmentation allows users to see both the collective group level and individual channel levels simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between ease of group control and visibility of individual channel information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the display by showing channel levels as vertical positions relative to the group level indicator. Individual channel levels are displayed at different heights or positions that correspond to their relative levels within the group, creating a multi-dimensional visual representation that conveys both group and individual level information in a single view.
2Device complexity
If the group level controller displays only the group level, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of individual channel levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the group level display and individual channel level displays into a single integrated visual interface. The group level indicator and channel level indicators are combined in one display region, allowing the system to maintain simple device architecture while providing precise visual information about both group and individual channel levels simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
In a group level control section, a largest output level among those in channels belonging to a relevant group is selected automatically as a group level. By operating a control part of a channel level control section displayed on a basic screen, an output level of an input channel corresponding to the operated channel level control section can be controlled. Further, by operating a control part of a group level control section, output levels of the input channels belonging to the group can be collectively controlled with difference in levels among the input channels being maintained.