Optical Control Device for Audiovisual Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless control devices for musical instruments lack the ability to provide nuanced control over audiovisual effects, as they often require user contact or pre-recorded sequences, limiting user interaction and creativity.
Innovation Solution
A device that generates multiple optical paths using non-parallel light beams, measures object speed and position, and detects direction changes to control audiovisual effects, allowing for real-time manipulation of sound and visual parameters through user movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-recorded sound sequences are used, then the device can produce sounds, but the user cannot control the sound parameters in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact controls (potentiometers, buttons) with optical sensing technology. The optical sensor detects the position and movement of an object (e.g., finger) in the air to control sound parameters, eliminating the need for physical contact and pre-recorded sequences while enabling real-time parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the user and the control system. The optical sensor uses light to detect object position and movement, translating these optical measurements into control signals for sound parameters, thereby enabling intuitive real-time control without direct mechanical interaction.
2Measurement precision
If contactless control is implemented using simple light interruption, then the device can operate without contact, but the control precision and range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical control space into multiple independent optical paths, each detected by separate optical sensors. This segmentation allows the system to measure different parameters (position, speed, acceleration) along different spatial dimensions, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular sensor configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends control from one-dimensional light interruption to multi-dimensional spatial detection by configuring optical paths in different directions and planes. This dimensional expansion enables precise tracking of object position, speed, and acceleration in three-dimensional space, greatly enhancing control precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical paths are generated to improve control precision, then position measurement accuracy increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs optical paths and sensors that serve multiple functions simultaneously. Each optical path can be used for position detection, speed measurement, and acceleration calculation, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision with a relatively small number of components by maximizing the utility of each optical element.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to create complex melodies and control various devices by estimating longitudinal position and speed, offering greater precision and versatility in controlling audiovisual effects, enhancing user interaction and creativity.
Implementation Method 1
a signal emerging from at least one optical sensor representing the absence of light successively on the optical paths due to the interruption of each optical path by the object
Data Source
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AI summary
The control device (10) of a configurable audiovisual effect comprises: - means for generating at least two optical paths traversed by non-parallel light beams (110a and 110b), comprising at least one optical sensor (115) and at least one emitter (105a or 105b) of at least one light beam, - means for measurement (145) of the speed (150) of an object crossing at least two light beams, as a function of a signal (120) from at least one optical sensor representing the cutting of the optical paths by the object, - means for estimation (125) of the longitudinal position (130) of the trajectory of the object as a function of a signal from at least one optical sensor, representing the cutting of the optical paths of at least two non-parallel light beams by the object and - control means (135) referred to as "positional control means" of a parameter value (140) of an audiovisual effect as a function of the estimated longitudinal position.