Electronic Instrument Controller Touch Panel Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable information terminals lack the ability to seamlessly switch between selecting targets on the terminal and the actual electronic instrument for parameter adjustments, particularly in controlling keyboard instruments, requiring separate button operations for screen switching.

Innovation Solution

An electronic instrument controller with a touch panel display screen that allows users to select operators on a mockup image, authenticate the instrument, establish a connection, and switch between selection modes via input operations, enabling parameter adjustments directly on the instrument.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the terminal automatically switches screens based on touch input mode, then screen switching is automated, but the terminal cannot switch between selection modes for terminal display vs. actual instrument operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen switching automationVSAvoidselection mode switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between two selection modes: a first selection mode where operators are selected from the terminal display, and a second selection mode where operators are selected from the actual electronic instrument. The switching means allows users to transition between these modes based on their needs, making the system adaptable rather than fixed in one automation approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal is designed to perform multiple selection functions: it can both automatically switch screens based on touch input mode (inheriting from conventional terminals) and switch between terminal-based and instrument-based operator selection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining automation with versatile selection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If operator selection is performed only on the terminal display, then selection precision is limited to display resolution, but the instrument's physical operators cannot be directly selected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator selection precisionVSAvoiddirect instrument operator selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the selection function into two independent pathways: one for selecting operators from the terminal display (first selection mode) and another for selecting operators directly from the electronic instrument (second selection mode). This segmentation allows each pathway to optimize for its specific use case, with the instrument-based selection providing direct physical interaction for precision tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching means acts as an intermediary that enables transition between terminal-based selection and instrument-based selection. When in the second selection mode, the terminal receives selection signals from the instrument's operators, effectively using the instrument as the selection interface rather than the terminal display, thereby improving selection precision for physical operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If separate button operations are required for screen switching, then operation complexity increases, but selection flexibility between terminal and instrument is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidselection mode flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the screen switching function with the selection mode switching function. The switching means combines both functionalities into a single mechanism, allowing users to switch between terminal display and instrument operator selection without requiring separate button operations for screen switching. This integration maintains operational simplicity while achieving selection flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10642409B2Electronic instrument controller

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

An electronic instrument controller is provided. The device includes: a display screen having a touch panel type of input device; a means configured to establish a connection with an electronic instrument; a means configured to, according to an input operation performed on the display screen, select an operator from an operator group image that is displayed on the display screen as a mockup of an operator group of the electronic instrument; a means configured to, according to an input operation performed on the display screen, switch a selection reception unit from the operator group image to an operator of the electronic instrument; a means configured to receive an operation signal from the electronic instrument; and a means configured to, upon reception of the operation signal, display an indication that an operator from the operator group image corresponding to an operated operator of the electronic instrument is selected.