Hinged Input Controller Velocity Detection via Pressure Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional digital keyboards face limitations in expressive control due to complex mechanisms and reliance on multiple switches for velocity calculation, leading to inaccuracies and reduced versatility, with aftertouch functionality often being restrictive and requiring additional controls.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a hinged input mechanism and a single pressure sensor that determines velocity characteristics based on the rate of change of pressure, allowing for polyphonic aftertouch functionality and simplified design with intuitive tactile feedback phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple switches are used for velocity calculation, then velocity characteristics can be determined, but the complexity of the mechanism increases and reliability decreases due to more components that can wear or fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the velocity calculation function from the traditional multi-switch mechanism and implements it using a single pressure sensor that directly measures pressure changes. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical switch arrangements while maintaining velocity determination capability through electronic pressure sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based velocity detection system with an electronic pressure sensor system. Instead of using mechanical contacts and switches to detect key depression velocity, the system uses a pressure sensor to directly measure pressure changes over time, substituting mechanical components with electronic sensing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple switches are used for velocity calculation, then velocity characteristics can be determined, but the likelihood of inaccuracy or malfunction increases due to numerous elements that can become worn or fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable mechanical switch components from the velocity detection system and replaces them with a single pressure sensor. This extraction of the mechanical switching function eliminates multiple failure points while maintaining the essential velocity measurement capability through direct pressure sensing.
3Measurement precision
If complex mechanisms are provided to enable the key to interface correctly with multiple pressure sensors, then velocity calculation is enabled, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interface mechanisms with a simple pressure sensor interface. Instead of requiring精密 mechanical linkages to translate key motion into switch actuation, the system uses a pressure sensor that directly responds to key depression force, greatly simplifying the mechanical design and manufacturing process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional peripheral control features are added to extend real-time control, then control versatility is improved, but the input device is complicated and music performance workflow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the keyboard keys themselves multi-functional by enabling them to provide both note triggering and aftertouch control capabilities through a single pressure sensor. This eliminates the need for separate peripheral control features while maintaining control versatility, as the same keys can now control multiple parameters including velocity and aftertouch effects.
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
The solution provides enhanced expressive control capabilities with reduced complexity and error, enabling precise aftertouch effects and maintaining a familiar interface while minimizing manufacturing costs and component wear.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor and a hinged input mechanism configured to receive input forces and direct said input forces towards the pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A controller, method, system, and computer-readable medium, for producing control signals. The controller comprises a pressure sensor, a hinged input mechanism configured to receive input forces and direct them towards the sensor, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a signal from the pressure sensor indicating that the hinged input mechanism is being depressed or released and, based on the received signal, to determine, during a time interval, a rate of change of pressure detected at the sensor. The processor also generates a control signal associated with the hinged input mechanism, wherein the control signal comprises a velocity characteristic representing a speed at which the hinged input mechanism is depressed or released, and the velocity characteristic is based at least partly on the determined rate of change of pressure. In one example embodiment, the control signal is an audio control.