Touchscreen Broadcast Control System for Real-Time Visual Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional television broadcast control systems are cumbersome and inflexible, requiring large crews and equipment, and are not well-suited for modern digital production environments, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies due to the complexity of manual operation and lack of centralized monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A broadcast control apparatus utilizing touch screen display panels and programmable keys for real-time control of visual and audio data, allowing for simultaneous handling of multiple sources and effects, with a centralized system for managing equipment and reducing the need for multiple operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual broadcast control systems are used, then operators can control visual and audio sources, but the system requires large crews and complex equipment, increasing costs and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (visual switching, audio mixing, effect control, recording, replay) into a single integrated digital broadcast control system. The centralized control apparatus with touchscreen display and programmable keys consolidates operations that previously required separate operators and equipment, directly reducing crew size while maintaining full broadcast control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical broadcast control equipment (physical switching panels, separate audio mixers, tape recorders) with a digital system using touchscreen displays and programmable keys. This substitution simplifies the interface and consolidates multiple functions into software-based control, reducing both device complexity and the number of operators needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional broadcast control systems are used, then multiple operators can control different functions, but the equipment size and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is designed as a universal system where a single device can perform multiple functions: visual source selection, audio level control, effect application, recording control, and replay management. The programmable keys and touchscreen interface can be configured for different operations, allowing one operator to control all aspects of broadcast production from a single consolidated station
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate control stations (vision switching panel, audio mixer, recording controls) into a single integrated apparatus. This consolidation dramatically reduces the physical space required in the control room while maintaining all necessary control capabilities through software-based function integration
3Ease of operation
If manual operation procedures are used, then operators can control broadcast functions, but the operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows operators to pre-program control sequences and functions using the programmable keys before broadcast operations begin. Common operations can be set up in advance and executed with simple key presses during live broadcast, eliminating the need for complex manual procedures and reducing operation time while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The touchscreen display shows visual representations of control functions and source selections that mirror the actual broadcast signals. Operators can see copies of the video and audio sources on the display, making it easier to identify and select the correct inputs without complex panel configurations or memorization
Data Source
AI summary
A broadcast control apparatus for visual data includes a touch screen (32, 34) display panel operable to receive and display visual data simultaneously in real time from a plurality of visual sources. It also includes a touch screen graphical panel for the retrieval of control functions from a control function register. The visual data from at least one of the visual sources is selectable for use by finger pressure on the associated portion of the touch screen (32, 34) display panel and the selected data is modifiable in accordance with the retrieved control function.