Touch-Sensitive Control Means for Electronic Music Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic music instruments have limited and non-alterable functionalities for controlling sound signal parameters like pitch and modulation, restricting user flexibility and customization.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating touch-sensitive means, such as dual-touch capable touchstrips, within the electronic music instrument to simulate physical systems, allowing users to alter and assign various modes for parameter control, providing intuitive and flexible control over sound signal parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hardware control elements (knobs, buttons) are used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the functionality is limited and not alterable by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control elements (knobs, buttons) with a touch-sensitive means that uses electromagnetic fields to detect user input. This substitution enables programmable and alterable functionalities while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure, as the same touch surface can be reconfigured through software to provide different control modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive means serves multiple functions: it can detect pressing gestures, sliding gestures, and hovering gestures, and can be programmed to control different parameters (pitch, modulation, etc.) in different modes. This universal control interface replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated hardware elements, increasing adaptability while managing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed hardware control elements are used, then the device is reliable and easy to operate, but the user cannot customize or change the control functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static, fixed hardware configurations to dynamic, programmable control modes. The touch-sensitive means can be reconfigured through software to provide different control behaviors and functionalities, allowing the system to adapt to different user needs and contexts while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive touch gestures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the control interface by implementing multiple programmable modes that alter how the touch-sensitive means responds to user gestures. Different modes can map the same physical gesture to different control functions, providing flexibility and customization while maintaining consistent and intuitive operation across different contexts.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If physical control systems are used, then the device is durable, but the mechanical parts have limited lifespan and require maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts in the control interface by using a touch-sensitive means that detects user input through electromagnetic fields. This substitution removes wear and tear associated with mechanical components like buttons and knobs, significantly extending the device lifespan and improving reliability without requiring maintenance of mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive means creates a virtual copy of traditional mechanical control functionality through software simulation. Instead of physical buttons and knobs, the system uses touch gestures that are processed to produce equivalent control effects, eliminating the need for durable mechanical components while maintaining the essential control functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic music instrument is provided comprising at least one input element configured to trigger an output sound signal when pressed. The electronic music instrument further comprises a controlling device adapted to alter at least one parameter of at least one output sound signal triggered with the at least one input element. Furthermore, the electronic music instrument comprises a housing adapted to house the at least one input element and the controlling device. The controlling device comprises at least one touch-sensitive means wherein the parameter of the at least one output sound signal is altered corresponding to the position of at least one marker. The controlling device is adapted to set the position of the at least one marker by a simulation of a physical system, and wherein the state of the simulated physical system is alterable by a touching gesture on the at least one touch-sensitive means.