Programmable Audio Level Indicator with Configurable LED Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional audio signal level meters lack user customization and resolution, particularly for nominal signal levels, and can be confusing due to excessive color variance, failing to provide clear warnings for high signal levels.
Innovation Solution
A programmable audio level indicator using a configurable light source, such as RGB LEDs, that allows users to select color and intensity changes based on audio levels, with customizable settings for both the primary and secondary light sources, including the ability to set specific audio levels, color sequences, and intensity ranges, via a user input interface like a control panel or graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single LED is used to indicate audio signal levels, then space is saved and the design is more compact, but resolution is reduced and the display becomes confusing to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio level indication into multiple discrete LED elements arranged vertically. Each LED represents a specific audio level threshold, creating distinct segments that provide high resolution without requiring a continuous analog display. This segmentation allows precise level indication while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point indicator to a vertical array of multiple LED elements, adding spatial dimensionality to the display. This vertical arrangement provides resolution through position along one dimension while keeping the overall footprint compact, effectively trading two-dimensional space for enhanced information display.
2Device complexity
If traditional fixed-color meters are used, then the design is simple, but user customization and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability where users can programmatically set different colors, activation thresholds, and intensity levels for each LED element. The system transitions from static fixed-color indication to dynamic user-definable configurations, allowing adaptation to different audio applications and user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing users to modify multiple parameters including color (wavelength), activation threshold (audio level), and intensity for each LED element. These programmable parameters provide extensive customization without requiring complex hardware changes, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
3Loss of information
If multiple colors are used to indicate different audio levels, then more information is provided, but color variance becomes excessive and confusing to the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different LED elements to have different colors and intensity levels based on their specific position and function in the audio level hierarchy. Each LED can be independently configured with optimal color properties for its specific audio level range, providing information differentiation without creating overwhelming visual confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic intensity modulation where LEDs can vary their brightness levels to indicate signal strength within their activation range. This dynamic intensity control provides additional information dimension while maintaining a controlled color palette, reducing visual confusion compared to using many different colors.
4Device complexity
If fixed intensity illumination is used, then the design is simple, but signal behavior and strength variations are not effectively displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic intensity control where each LED can independently modulate its brightness level. This allows the indicator to display not just whether a threshold is exceeded, but also the relative strength of the signal, providing temporal and intensity-based information about signal behavior while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in intensity for each LED element, allowing users to configure different intensity levels and modulation behaviors. This programmable intensity control provides rich signal information without requiring complex hardware, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and information display capability.
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 tailor the audio level indicator to their preferences, providing higher resolution and clarity, reducing distractions while ensuring effective warning for high signal levels, thus enhancing user experience and operational efficiency in mixing desks.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source arranged to emit a coloured light, in response to an audio signal received from a connected audio source
Data Source
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AI summary
Audio level indicators are known which comprise moving needles, or an array of lights, or an illuminated bar. However, the way in which they provide information is fixed. A programmable audio level indicator (240) for use with a mixing desk is provided which comprises a first light source arranged to emit a coloured light, in response to an audio signal received from a connected audio source, to indicate the audio level of that received signal, the indicator arranged to vary the colour and intensity of the light emitted as the audio level changes, wherein the indicator is configured such that the audio levels (30) at which the colour changes are selectable via a user input means (243), the indicator further configured such that the colour (40) emitted to indicate an audio level, or range of audio levels, is also selectable via a user input means, and wherein the indicator is configured such that a range of audio levels is selectable, via a user input means, over which the intensity of the light emitted changes in response to the change of audio level.