Dynamic Touchscreen Pedal With Tilt Control for Audio Presets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio effect pedals are static and require manual adjustment of knobs and switches, lacking a dynamic interface for easy preset changes, and often necessitate multiple devices and cables, which can be cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable, rotatable, dynamic touch screen pedal (iTAP) that integrates audio effects, looper, and controller functions, allowing customizable graphical interfaces and control via tilt and tap mechanisms, reducing the need for multiple devices and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate audio effect pedals are used to achieve different audio effects, then the variety of audio effects is improved, but the device complexity and number of cables required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple audio effect pedals into a single integrated device with a dynamic touch screen interface. The controller consolidates multiple effect processors, input/output connections, and control interfaces into one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate pedals and cables while maintaining the ability to produce various audio effects through software-based signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic touch screen controller serves multiple functions: it acts as a display, a control interface for multiple audio effects, a parameter adjustment interface, and a preset management system. The single device can emulate different pedal types (distortion, delay, reverb, etc.) through software, making it a universal audio effect processor that replaces multiple specialized pedals
2Adaptability or versatility
If static knobs and switches are used on audio effect pedals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different audio effects and parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic touch screen interface where the position, number, and function of controls are not fixed but can be dynamically reconfigured. The controller can display different layouts for different audio effects, allowing knobs and buttons to be positioned anywhere on the screen and repositioned as needed. This dynamic interface adapts to the specific audio effect being used, providing optimal control placement for each effect type
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the control interface itself based on the selected audio effect. The touch screen can transform between different control schemes (knobs, sliders, buttons, touch zones) and adjust their positions, sizes, and functions dynamically. This allows the interface parameters to be optimized for each specific audio effect while maintaining a unified hardware device
3Adaptability or versatility
If large multi-effect pedals with numerous knobs are used, then the adaptability to multiple audio effects is improved, but the ease of operation during performances is reduced due to the size and fixed layout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional fixed physical control surface to a dynamic touch screen interface that can present controls in multiple virtual dimensions. The controller can display enlarged control elements, provide haptic feedback, and reposition controls based on the musician's needs. The touch screen can show different levels of detail and control granularity without physically expanding the device size, making complex multi-effect processing accessible in a compact form factor
4Reliability
If external power sources and multiple cables are required for audio effect pedals, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the ease of operation and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates power management into the single integrated device. The controller includes built-in power supply circuitry that manages power for all audio effect processors internally, eliminating the need for separate power adapters for each pedal. The unified power system reduces the number of power cables and connections required while maintaining stable power delivery to all effect modules through internal voltage regulation and distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A small (smartphone-sized or tablet-sized), foot-enabled, flat, tiltable, rotatable, dynamic touch screen pedal and controller that uses a tilt mechanism to toggle between and select different audio (or other) functions and effects that are displayed on the attached display. The tilt of the device as well as optional tapping sequences activate different functions in predetermined function locations. Specific audio effects, audio effect presets, loops, songs, and controller functions can each be assigned to different touch screen locations, pedal buttons, and/or tilt directions.