Portable Color Correction Control Surface with Concentric Trackballs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color correction systems lack a portable and ergonomic control surface that efficiently integrates with display devices for intuitive and precise control, particularly in portable setups like tablets and smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A control surface with a compact design featuring symmetrical trackballs and knobs, a display stand for upright support, and wireless communication, allowing for intuitive control of color correction applications on devices like tablets and smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control surface is designed for portable devices, then portability and ergonomics are improved, but control precision and stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: trackballs for precise 2D positioning, knobs for parameter adjustment, and buttons for command input. This segmentation allows each control element to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall portability.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical control surfaces are replaced with a hybrid system combining physical controls (trackballs, knobs) with electronic sensing (encoders, capacitive sensors). This substitution maintains tactile feedback and precision while reducing overall device size and weight for portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls are integrated into a compact surface, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface implements universal controls that can perform multiple functions: trackballs serve both as positioning devices and as triggers for context-sensitive actions, knobs function as both selectors and adjusters, and buttons provide both selection and confirmation capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of controls needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surface incorporates feedback mechanisms including tactile feedback from physical controls, visual feedback from LED indicators, and haptic feedback from vibration motors. This feedback system allows complex operations to be performed through simple, intuitive control actions, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented, then portability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system operates using periodic action: the control surface maintains Bluetooth Low Energy connections in low-power states and only activates full communication when controls are actively being used. The system periodically checks for active controls and transitions to sleep mode when idle, significantly reducing average power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Wired power and data connections are replaced with wireless Bluetooth Low Energy communication. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connectors and cables, improving portability while BLE technology ensures power consumption remains manageable through its low-energy protocol design.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes a control surface for a color correction system. The control surface includes a housing with an upwardly facing control panel. The control panel has a proximal edge which is nearest a user and a distal edge that is furthest from a user in normal use. The control panel includes a plurality of controls. The plurality of controls includes: a plurality of trackballs, wherein each trackball comprises a ball and a control ring, said ball cooperating with at least one encoder to generate a multi-dimensional control signal based on motion of the ball, and said control ring cooperating with at least one encoder to generate a one dimensional control signal based on the rotational motion of the ring, wherein the ball of said trackball is mounted concentrically with said control ring; a plurality of control buttons; and a plurality of knobs coupled to respective rotary encoders.