Movable Touch Display for Mixing Console Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mixing consoles face space constraints due to the need for multiple displays and control elements, which limits operator visibility and prevents the use of touchscreen displays due to distance issues, degrading stereo acoustics and field of vision.
Innovation Solution
A mixing console with a touch-sensitive display that is removably connected to the surface via support elements and connecting rails, allowing it to cover part of the surface area, enabling closer proximity to the operator and maintaining visibility while providing control over audio signal channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple displays and control elements are placed on the mixing console surface, then the functionality and control capabilities are improved, but the available surface area for operator visibility and touchscreen interaction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable display unit that can be repositioned along the mixing console surface via connecting rails, allowing the display to dynamically adjust its position based on operational needs. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling the display to occupy different surface areas at different times, providing both extensive control capability when positioned centrally and adequate visibility area when positioned peripherally
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit is designed to move along the surface plane rather than being fixed in a single location, utilizing the two-dimensional surface area of the mixing console. This approach transforms the problem from a zero-degree-of-freedom fixed position to a one-degree-of-freedom movable position, effectively increasing the usable surface area for both control and visibility functions
2Illumination intensity
If the display is placed on top of the mixing console or on one side, then the field of vision is improved, but the distance between operator and display becomes too long for effective touchscreen interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The movable display unit can be dynamically positioned at optimal distances from the operator based on the specific operational context. When visibility is the priority, the display can be positioned further away; when touchscreen interaction is needed, it can be moved closer. This dynamic adjustment resolves the fixed-distance contradiction inherent in static display placements
3Illumination intensity
If the display is placed further away to improve field of vision, then visibility is improved, but touchscreen interaction becomes ineffective due to excessive distance
Solution Approach 1:
The display's position along the mixing console surface can be dynamically adjusted to optimize for either visibility or touchscreen interaction depending on the operational phase. During monitoring phases, the display can be positioned for optimal visibility; during control phases, it can be moved closer for effective touchscreen interaction, thus resolving the contradiction between these two requirements
4Loss of information
If the available space around operating elements is fully utilized by channel screens and level meter screens, then the information display capability is improved, but no free space remains for the central display
Solution Approach 1:
The central display is implemented as a movable unit that can reposition itself along the mixing console surface, allowing it to utilize otherwise occupied or limited spaces. This dynamic positioning enables the central display to share the surface area with channel screens and level meters without permanent conflict, as it can move to different positions based on operational priorities
Solution Approach 2:
The movable display unit serves multiple functions: it can display central mixing console functions, channel-related information, and level meter data depending on its position. This multi-functionality allows a single display unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed displays, thereby freeing up surface area while maintaining comprehensive information display capability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mixing console which comprises an input unit configured to receive at least one audio signal channel; a first display configured to display audio signal channel related information; a plurality of control elements configured to control at least one signal characteristic of the at least one audio signal channel, wherein the first display and the plurality of control elements are located on a first surface area of the mixing console. The mixing console furthermore comprises at least one connecting element provided on the first surface area; a touch-sensitive display comprising at least one support element which interacts with the at least one connecting element to removably connect the touch-sensitive display to the first surface area, wherein the at least one connecting element is located on the first surface area in such a way that the touch-sensitive display covers a part of the first surface area when it is connected to the first surface area.