Synthesized Percussion Pedal with Mobile MIDI Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current foot-operated pedals for music production lack the ability to seamlessly integrate with mobile devices for real-time control of midi-sequences and do not provide flexible triggering of midi-sequences in arbitrary orders, limiting the complexity and creativity of musical performances.

Innovation Solution

A foot-operated signal processing apparatus that includes a midi-sequence module, a foot-operated switch, and a docking station or wireless transmitter to connect with mobile devices, allowing users to control midi-sequence generation and trigger sequences in arbitrary orders through customizable foot switches, enabling the integration of midi-sequences, WAV, and MP3 files.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If foot-operated pedals are used for music production, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the ability to control midi-sequences in arbitrary orders and integrate with mobile devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidcontrol flexibility of midi-sequences
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pedal device is divided into multiple independent foot-operated switches (first foot switch, second foot switch, third foot switch) that can be independently activated. Each switch can trigger different midi-sequences or functions, allowing musicians to control multiple musical parameters hands-free while maintaining the ability to play primary instruments. This segmentation enables arbitrary ordering of midi-sequence triggering without requiring complex hand operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional foot pedals are used, then simple effects control is available, but integration with mobile devices for real-time midi-sequence control is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capability with mobile devicesVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foot-operated pedal device is designed with universal communication capabilities that enable it to function both as a traditional effects controller and as a real-time midi-sequence controller for mobile devices. The device can trigger midi-sequences, control playback, and integrate with various mobile platforms, making it a multi-functional tool that bridges traditional guitar effects pedals with modern mobile music production capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple foot switches are added for triggering different midi-sequences, then control flexibility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetriggering flexibility of midi-sequencesVSAvoidnumber of foot switches
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pedal device incorporates dynamic switching capabilities where foot switches can be configured to trigger different midi-sequences based on activation patterns (single press, double press, hold duration). This dynamic behavior allows a limited number of physical switches to control a large number of midi-sequences in arbitrary orders, providing high triggering flexibility without requiring a proportional increase in the number of physical switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9892720B2Synthesized percussion pedal and docking station
Publication Date: 2018.02.13 INTELLITERRAN
  • US9892720B2 patent drawing
  • US9892720B2 patent drawing
  • US9892720B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for facilitating control of midi-sequence generation is disclosed. The apparatus may include a midi-sequence module configured for generating midi-sequences. Further, the apparatus may also include a foot-operated switch configured to operate the midi-sequence module. Additionally, the apparatus may include a docking station configured to connect the apparatus to a mobile device. Accordingly, the midi-sequence module may be controlled through the mobile device. Further, in some embodiments the midi-sequence module may be included in the mobile device instead of the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus may include a switch port configured to electrically couple the foot-operated switch with the mobile device in order to control the midi-sequence module included in the mobile device.