Slide Operating Element with Light-Transmitting Portion for Musical Instrument Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic musical instruments face challenges in maintaining high visibility of parameter settings during performance, as the operating elements can be difficult to see, especially when many parameters need to be controlled in real-time, leading to confusion between adjacent slide operating elements and their corresponding scale images.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a setting device with a slide operating element and a light-emitting device, where the operating element includes a light-blocking portion and a light-transmitting portion that guides light from a lower surface to an upper surface, creating a light-emitting area that changes according to the setting value, enhancing visibility by illuminating specific display surfaces corresponding to the operating element's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the operating element is made opaque to block light, then the visibility of the operating element itself is improved, but the visibility of the indicated value behind it deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is divided into multiple regions: a first region that is opaque for visibility and a second region that is transparent for displaying the indicated value. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to serve different functions - the first region blocks light to make the operating element visible, while the second region transmits light to display the scale image and indicated value behind it.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the operating element have different optical properties. The first region has light-blocking properties for visibility, while the second region has light-transmitting properties for information display. This local differentiation of quality allows the operating element to simultaneously achieve both visibility and information transparency where needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating elements are arranged closely to control more parameters, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds a vertical dimension to the display by using scale images that extend in the depth direction behind the operating elements. Instead of only horizontal arrangement, the indicated values are displayed in multiple layers - some visible from the front and others visible from the back or through transparent regions, effectively utilizing the third dimension to resolve position detection ambiguity.
Solution Approach 2:
Scale images are displayed both in front of and behind the operating elements, creating multiple visual copies of the indication. This allows the user to see the indicated value from different perspectives - either from the front through transparent regions or from the back through opaque regions, ensuring clear detection regardless of the operating element's position.
3Device complexity
If the operating element covers the light-emitting area, then the structural integration is improved, but the visibility of the indicated value deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is segmented into light-blocking and light-transmitting regions, allowing it to cover part of the light-emitting area while still permitting light to pass through the transparent second region. This segmentation enables the operating element to maintain structural integration with the display system while preserving visibility of the indicated value through the transparent portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent second region of the operating element acts as an intermediary that allows light to pass from the light-emitting area behind it to the front surface. This intermediary region enables the operating element to simultaneously cover the light-emitting area for structural integration and transmit light for visibility of the indicated value.
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
This configuration improves the visibility of parameter settings by clearly indicating the position and value of the slide operating elements, mimicking the feel and structure of a tone-wheel organ drawbar, allowing users to easily recognize the setting values even when the operating element covers part of the light-emitting area, thus facilitating real-time tone control.
Implementation Method 1
a second portion transmits the light from a first surface of the operating element to a second surface facing the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
A setting device includes an operating element and a light-emitting device. The operating element is used for specifying a setting value of a first parameter by moving the operating element within a first region. The light-emitting device includes a second region that is disposed inside the first region. The second region includes a light-emitting area that changes according to the setting value. The operating element covers part of the second region. The operating element is an operating element for specifying a setting value of a first parameter related to sound by moving the operating element relative to a housing. The operating element includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion blocks light. The second portion transmits light from a first surface of the operating element to a second surface facing the first surface.