Laptop Chassis Integrated MIDI Controller Design

Solution Overview

Problem

Current music production systems require multiple components and significant space, lacking a portable and space-efficient solution that integrates laptop computers with MIDI controllers and DAW functionality.

Innovation Solution

A laptop computer chassis with an integrated MIDI controller, featuring a hollow structure with data storage and processing components, a computer keyboard, programmable MIDI functions, a 25-key piano keyboard, drum pads, and various connectivity options, all connected through input/output registers for seamless data processing and display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components (laptop, MIDI controller, DAW) are used for music production, then functionality and performance are achieved, but portability and space requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemusic production functionalityVSAvoiddesk space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a laptop computer, MIDI controller, and DAW software into a single integrated device. The MIDI controller features are built directly into the laptop chassis, including a piano keyboard, drum pads, and control knobs that are physically integrated with the computer housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate MIDI controller equipment and reduces the number of components users must manage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it operates as a standard laptop for general computing tasks, functions as a DAW for audio production and recording, and acts as a MIDI controller for musical input. The device consolidates what previously required three separate tools into one universal platform that can perform all music production tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components (laptop, MIDI controller, DAW) are used for music production, then functionality and performance are achieved, but portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemusic production functionalityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a laptop computer, MIDI controller, and DAW software into a single integrated device. The MIDI controller features are built directly into the laptop chassis, including a piano keyboard, drum pads, and control knobs that are physically integrated with the computer housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate MIDI controller equipment and reduces the number of components users must manage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional separate equipment is used, then comprehensive music production capability is achieved, but device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemusic production capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a laptop computer, MIDI controller, and DAW software into a single integrated device. The MIDI controller features are built directly into the laptop chassis, including a piano keyboard, drum pads, and control knobs that are physically integrated with the computer housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate MIDI controller equipment and reduces the number of components users must manage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11676564B2Integrated melodic instrument digital interface (MIDI) controller within a laptop chassis

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 SIMON JARED SIDNEY

AI summary

A system and method for a laptop computer chassis that integrates a MIDI controller. The laptop is specifically designed for music producers, and it combines a standard laptop computer with producer hardware into one design. The laptop computer features a standard keyboard and buttons, but replaces the lower portion with a MIDI controller. The system functions together through the use of a DAW, but will also be compatible with other 3rd party products.