Touchless Signal Modifier Using Theremin Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal processing circuits lack user-controllable power supply options, leading to unintended performance degradation when mismatched or underpowered, limiting creative exploration of power variations.

Innovation Solution

A touchless signal modifier system using a Theremin as a touchless sensor to dynamically vary power supplied to signal processing circuits through expressive motion, allowing for additional desirable alterations in the processed output signal without physical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed power supply is used to ensure stable operation, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable operationVSAvoidpower variation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic power supply system where the voltage or current supplied to the signal processing circuit can be varied in real-time. This allows the system to transition from a fixed, reliable power state to a dynamic, adaptable state where power levels can be adjusted to create different signal processing effects while maintaining operational stability through controlled variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the power supply parameters (voltage or current) as a controllable variable. By adjusting these parameters within certain ranges, the system can explore different operational modes of the signal processing circuit, creating intentional performance degradation for creative purposes while maintaining reliable operation throughout the parameter range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If intentional power mismatch is used to create creative effects, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecreative explorationVSAvoidperformance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the typically harmful effect of power mismatch (which causes unreliable operation) into a beneficial creative tool. By intentionally supplying mismatched or suboptimal power to the signal processing circuit, users can induce interesting artifacts, distortion, and unexpected behavior that enhance creative expression, transforming reliability degradation into an artistic feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial power delivery intentionally, providing less than the optimal power required for peak performance. This partial action creates interesting operational states where the signal processing circuit operates in non-optimal but creatively valuable modes, producing unique audio or visual effects that would not occur under full power conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If traditional contact-based control is used for precision, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidhands-free operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based control (knobs, buttons, foot pedals) with a touchless sensing system. Users can adjust power supply parameters and control signal processing effects without physical contact, using gestures or proximity-based input. This substitution maintains precise control capability while dramatically improving ease of operation, especially in performance contexts where hands-free control is essential.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 dynamic and expressive control of power to signal processing circuits, providing additional creative alterations beyond normal operation without monopolizing hands, suitable for live performances and artistic applications.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor, such as a Theremin, may be used to vary the power output based on proximity of a conductive object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS10199022B1Touchless signal modifier and method of use

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 GREENLEE JONATHAN

AI summary

A signal processing system, machine, and method of use to dynamically vary the power supplied to a signal processing circuit, imparting the processed output signal of the signal processing circuit with alterations substantially beyond the alterations typically produced by the signal processing circuit.