Multi-Touch Pickup Control for Expanded Timbre Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pickups on musical instruments are limited in functionality due to the need for multiple knobs for control and display, which complicates operation and restricts the addition of new features, particularly in timbre adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A pickup system with a multi-touch screen and dual processors (CPLD/FPGA or ARM/DSP) that allows for interactive control of sound adjustments such as timbre, tone, and equalizer through a single interface, enabling enhanced functionality without the need for additional physical knobs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple knobs are added to the pickup to expand control functions, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity and user interface complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionVSAvoidknob quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical knobs with a capacitive touch screen interface. The touch screen detects finger touches at different positions to control various parameters (volume, tone, equalizer) without requiring physical rotational knobs. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic touch control resolves the contradiction by providing expanded functionality without adding physical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch screen serves multiple functions: displaying visual feedback, receiving control inputs, and providing tactile feedback through vibration. A single touch interface replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized knobs, achieving multi-functionality without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple knobs are added to the pickup to expand control functions, then the functionality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic visual feedback on the touch screen that updates in real-time based on control adjustments. The display automatically shows which parameter is being adjusted and its current state, eliminating the need for users to remember which knob controls what function. This self-updating interface improves ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If LED digital tube display is used to show tuning and volume, then the display function is achieved, but the adaptability for additional functions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay informationVSAvoidfunction expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the LED digital tube display with a capacitive touch screen. The touch screen can display various types of information including tuning status, volume levels, equalizer settings, and visual feedback for touch interactions. This replacement provides significantly greater adaptability for displaying different types of information and supporting additional functions compared to the fixed LED display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch screen serves multiple functions: displaying visual feedback, receiving control inputs, and providing tactile feedback through vibration. The same display component adapts to show different information types (tuning, volume, equalizer) without requiring separate display devices, achieving versatility while maintaining effective information display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3982356B1Sound pickup, string instrument and sound pickup control method

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 GUANGZHOU LAVA MUSIC INFO TECH LTD

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AI summary

A pickup, a stringed instrument, and a pickup control method are disclosed. The pickup comprises: pickup components(110), multi-touch screens(130) and processing components(140). The multi-touch screens(130) and the processing components(140) are connected. The pickup components(110) and the processing components(140) are connected. The pickup components(140) is configured to pick up sound information emitted by a musical instrument. The multi-touch screen(130) is configured to display function application information that is selected from a group consisting of timbre adjustment function application information, tone adjustment function application information, and equalizer adjustment function application information. The multi-touch screen is configured to receive a function triggering instruction. The multi-touch screen displays information as to functional applications available through the pickup capabilities. The processing components(140) is configured to generate function control information triggered by the function triggering instruction, and adjust the sound information. Control functions available to a user are expanded beyond control by a single knob as in the prior art, the playing experience of a user on the instrument is enhanced.