MIDI Controller Tone Generator Screen Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional electronic musical systems, users must discontinue music production to make tone generator settings, as they need to interact with a personal computer using a mouse or keyboard, which disrupts their workflow and requires attention diversion.
Innovation Solution
An electronic musical system with a musical control apparatus that includes an operating element to instruct the display of a tone generator control screen and a transmission unit to send commands to the electronic musical apparatus, allowing users to manage tone generator settings without leaving their music production setup, using a MIDI keyboard and DAW software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manipulate the PC with a mouse or keyboard to make tone generator settings, then the settings can be made on the control screen, but the music production must be discontinued and user attention must be diverted from the physical controller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a musical control apparatus as an intermediary device between the user and the electronic musical apparatus. This control apparatus includes physical operating elements (buttons, knobs, switches) that allow users to make tone generator settings without directly manipulating the PC. The control apparatus transmits control signals to the electronic musical apparatus, enabling users to adjust settings while maintaining their position at the physical controller and continuing music production without interruption.
2Ease of operation
If the control screen is displayed on the PC monitor, then tone generator settings can be made, but the screen may be hidden by other windows requiring additional manipulation to access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a function where the electronic musical apparatus automatically displays the control screen for the designated track's tone generator in advance, before the user needs to make settings. When a track is designated through the musical control apparatus, the system proactively brings up the relevant control screen, ensuring it is visible and ready for immediate adjustment. This eliminates the need for users to search for hidden windows or perform additional manipulation to access the control screen.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between music production and tone generator settings, then both tasks can be completed, but the workflow is interrupted and concentration must be reset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the musical control apparatus a multi-functional device that serves both music production control and tone generator settings. The same physical controller used for performing music also contains operating elements for making tone generator settings. This integration allows users to perform both functions through a single interface, eliminating the need to switch between different devices or workflows, and maintaining continuous concentration on music production.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic musical system by which settings on tone generators can be carried out without discontinuing a user's music production. The electronic musical system is comprised of a musical control apparatus including control operating elements and an electronic musical apparatus including a sequencer having a plurality of tracks, and is configured that various functions of the electronic musical apparatus can be remotely controlled by a user by manipulating the control operating elements of the musical control apparatus. When a tone generator control screen display button which is one of the control operating elements is depressed by the user, a tone generator control screen window for a tone generator assigned to a currently designated track is made active.