EP1177566A1

EP1177566A1 - Device for entering values using a display screen

Info

Publication number: EP1177566A1
Application number: EP99971145A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Vogel; René WUSSLER
Original assignee: Studer Professional Audio AG
Current assignee: Studer Professional Audio GmbH
Priority date: 1998-10-26
Filing date: 1999-10-21
Publication date: 2002-02-06
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-21
Also published as: EP1177566B1; ATE314726T1; US20070159460A1; EP1177566B3; JP5336435B2; DE59913000D1; US7187357B1; WO2000025332A1; JP2010218584A; JP2002528830A; JP4668417B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for entering values by using a display screen provided for displaying the values and by using at least one element for manually entering values. The device includes a support for the element which is connected to the display screen upstream in a viewing direction. The support includes at least one transparent area which is assigned to the element.

Description

Device for entering values with a screen

The invention relates to a device for entering values, with a screen for displaying the values and with at least one element for manually entering the values arranged in front of the screen

Devices for entering values include, for example, rotary knobs and slide levers, which are connected to a scale on which the set value can be read. The feedback about the set value can be grasped quickly and clearly. Such systems are well established and take up little space. Unfortunately however, they are not configurable, ie they cannot be easily and quickly assigned to another task. Nor can they be remotely controlled. This disadvantage can be avoided by connecting to a motor that moves the rotary knob or the slide lever. Such devices are known, but expensive and big

In a further development stage, the device for input can now be separated from the display, so that the rotary knob or slide lever and the display field, which can also be a screen here, are spatially separated. However, such a device can be configured and controlled remotely less favorable, since, if there are several such devices in a narrow field, the assignment between input element and display element must be known or practiced. The elements for entering the values are often spatially separated from the display of the values on the screen so that an assignment between the element and the display is not always certain There are often so many elements to be entered that confusion is obvious. Typical of this type of device are mixing consoles for sound signals, control panels for power plants or chemical plants, as well as user interfaces for medical technology devices, etc

Another known embodiment for such a device with a screen is known from the technology of electronic computers, so-called PCs. In this case, an arrow can be pointed with a mouse at a field on the screen, where, for example, a value is selected from a predetermined selection of values Or, the next intended value can be selected from a predetermined value by means of a pulse from the mouse.This type of configuration can be configured and remotely controlled, but is relatively slow in operation. The lack of a direct-acting input button leads to cumbersome operation Multiple input units cannot be operated

Devices with screens are also known, in which the display and the input of values take place directly on the screen, ie they work without a mouse. On such screens, the program eliminates fields that should be touched with the finger, for example, to make the choice of a value under several values Such systems are known under the term "touch screen. They are very clear and configurable, and can also be operated faster than with a mouse. However, each input field on the screen takes up a lot of space. Operation is perceived as unpleasant when the operator Fingers of the hand must perform a continuous, pushing movement away from the body

From US 5,572,239 a device is known in which operating elements such as rotary or sliding buttons are arranged in front of a flat screen, which are connected via a connecting element such as a shaft to a transducer which detects a movement or a position of the operating element converted electrical signal The transducers are attached to a carrier, so that ultimately the controls are also mounted on this carrier. The carrier is located behind the flat screen when viewed in the direction of view and the connection to the controls is made through openings in the flat screen

In this known device, controls are arranged in front of the screen and transducers behind the screen that implement the settings of the controls. This always presupposes that a connection is established through the screen, which means that no cathode ray tubes can be used as the screen The disadvantage is then to be seen that the use of control elements and transducers separate therefrom requires a large amount of space overall and the assembly of such devices is complex, in particular when used in an audio mixer It is therefore an object of the invention, on the one hand, to provide a device of the type mentioned, which enables reliable, ie reliable and confusion-free but also rapid feedback on values which can be entered ergonomically inexpensively via an element for manual entry and, on the other hand, a constructive one Drive a body that takes up little space and is easy to assemble

For this purpose, in the device according to the invention, a screen for the elements for manual input is placed in front of the screen in the viewing direction. If this screen covers the entire screen, it has at least one transparent area assigned to the element for the display of values on the screen. The elements are over Connections in front of the screen connected to a computer that records the position of the elements for manual input via data and displays feedback on the values set in at least one area on the screen. An element for attaching electronic components is preferably assigned to the screen and the support. The element For fastening electronic components, it is preferably arranged between the support and the screen and, depending on the design, has at least transparent areas if it covers the entire screen. It can also be arranged directly on the support (eg applied as a film) or in These can be integrated. For example, rotary encoders, slide controls, so-called joysticks etc. can be provided linearly or encoders adjustable in two dimensions or directions. Such elements for the input either generate a value corresponding to their current position or generate a signal that corresponds to a movement that has been carried out corresponds and increment previous values, for example

The advantages achieved by the invention can be seen in particular in that clear and reliable feedback can be given to the operator about the values that have just been set. The often encountered spatial and thus also visual distance between the place where a display is made on a screen and the place where one The input of values has been reduced so much that both elements for the display and the operation have moved into the same field of view. Depending on the design, several displays and several elements for the input can be moved into the same field of view, so that, for example, with both Hands Values can be changed at the same time and the currently valid values for both inputs can be followed at the same time. The device according to the invention also allows the input of values in rapid succession and is extremely "handy" or inexpensive for operation with the hands when used on mixing desks for the Sound technology, it also takes the habits of sound engineers very seriously and thus supports their work in a positive way. The fact that the control elements are connected directly to a computer via cables and the cables are attached directly to the screen also results in a special one simple construction with little space requirement

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment and figures. It shows

1 is an illustration of a device according to the prior art,

2 shows a section through part of the device,

3 and 4 each a section through a further embodiment of part of the

Contraption,

Fig. 5 is a view of the device

Fig. 6 shows a detail of the device and

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the structure of the device with a computer

1 shows a known embodiment of a device with a screen 1 which has a plurality of fields 2, 3, etc., in which a value is displayed graphically, for example by numbers. Knobs 4, 5 are assigned to these two fields 2, 3, for example, via the values The values displayed in fields 2, 3 can be changed by turning the rotary knobs 4, 5. To do this, you have to know that the fields 2, 3, the rotary knobs 4, 5 and not the rotary knobs 6 , 7 are assigned, which would also be plausible. In reality, the distance between the fields 2, 3 and the knobs 4, 5, 6 7, and the number of knobs available can also be much larger than shown here, which increases the uncertainty operation increases

FIG. 2 shows a section through a part of the device according to the invention. One can see part of a screen 10, part of an element 11 Fastening of electronic components and part of a carrier 12 for elements for entering values. Typically, the element 11 is designed here as a so-called printed circuit on which conductor tracks, and here in particular also an optically operating sensor 13, are fastened. In this example, the sensor works 13 together with a band 14, which is on rollers 15, 16, which are mounted on axles 17 and 18 in the carrier 12. The band 14 has at least one marking which, when it is opposite the sensor 13, then triggers an electrical pulse Entering values, the band 14 on its upper side 19 can be moved, for example, with a finger. This is a linearly adjustable transmitter. The carrier 12 is formed, for example, from a transparent medium such as glass, plexiglass, mineral glass, etc. and the element 11 in certain areas cut out next to the band 14, transparent or absent The carrier 12 can, for example be attached to a cover plate for the screen or to a common housing part. For example, an incremental encoder is conceivable as sensor 13

To enter values, the band 14 on its upper side 19 is driven, for example, by the finger and moved into a new position, with markings on the band 14 in the sensor 13 triggering pulses which are known per se and are therefore not described here in detail and How values are processed in an evaluation unit These values are displayed by the screen 10 in an area or field which is adjacent to the band 14

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the device with a rotary knob 20 as an input element. In contrast to FIG. 2, a further (optional) element, a so-called touch screen as a screen 22, is provided. The rotary knob 20 is rotatably mounted on a carrier 21, which supports the There is a screen 22 in front of it, only a part of which can be seen here. An element 23 for attaching electronic components, such as, for example, conductor tracks, is arranged between the screen 22 and the carrier 21 and attached to one of these. A sensor 24 is also located thereon via contacts 25 , 26 The carrier 21 therefore also has a recess 27. Further recesses, not shown here, expose the screen. Also on the carrier 21, a bearing 28 for the rotary knob 20 is fastened via at least one screw connection 29. A rotary code 20 is provided on the rotary knob 20 Disc 30 attached to the sensor 24, which is optically working here, has a line of sight as sensor 24 For example, a component from Hewlett-Packard, type HEDR-8000, is suitable

It is also conceivable to arrange the sensor and the lines leading to it directly on the surface of the carrier and covered by the rotary knob

To enter values, the rotary knob 20 is turned by hand, the disk 30 running along and triggering pulses in the optical sensor 24, which are processed into values in an evaluation unit in a manner known per se and therefore not described in more detail here Display screen 22 in an area or field that is adjacent to the rotary knob 20

4 shows a further possible embodiment, the screen 32 here being a touch screen, with its side wall 31 being fastened directly next to the carrier 33

In the sense of the invention, sensors can also be used which do not work optically, but which exploit other physical effects such as magnetism, ultrasound, etc.

5 shows a view of a device according to the invention looking in the direction of a screen 34 with areas 35 ', 36', 37 ', etc. for displaying set values and rotary knobs 35, 36, 37 etc. as elements for entering values on a carrier 42 are arranged in addition to the elements mentioned for input, other known input elements 38, 39 of a different type can also be provided on the same screen, which operate according to the "touch screen" principle, or which can be activated with a mouse. The carrier 42 can in principle be transparent, so that the screen 34 behind it is visible wherever the knobs 35, 35, 37 do not cover it. However, other areas 40, 41 of the carrier 42, for example covered by conductor tracks, can also be covered or are arranged under the carrier 42 or attached as a film or formed as a thin or thick layer in these further areas 40, 41 which the screen The screen 34 is covered and thus not visible like a net that connects all the rotary knobs The device according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of so-called LCD screens. These have the advantage of having a flat surface and always reproducing areas delimited by a program in exactly the same size. For example, a scale is always shown in the same size and at the same location. The LED Screens can also be easily installed horizontally and form part of a mixer for sound signals, for example

6 shows an example of information such as can occur in an area 35 ', 36' or 37 in an audio mixer. This information relates here, for example, to values for an audio channel for signal processing. 43 is a graphic value display with area information 44 and 45 denoted by 46, an indication of the control mode is provided, which indicates whether the control is carried out automatically or manually. The absolute value of a parameter and 47 the measuring unit used are indicated at 47. At 49, the name of a parameter set is indicated with 50 denotes the name of the parameter and 51 another auxiliary display. In addition, the color of the background 52 can indicate a parameter identification, an alarm level, etc.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the device according to the invention, the conditions in use in an audio mixing console being taken into account as an example here. A user interface 53, as is usual with such mixing consoles, has a large number of setting elements and display elements such as scales, lamps, etc. This consists of a carrier 54 for control elements 55, which are used to configure the mixer, for control elements 56, which are used to influence parameters that are important for processing the audio signals, and for one or more screens 57, which are used to display values, Serve scales, functions, etc. A graphics computer 58 is also connected to the screen. A computer 62 is connected to the user interface 53 via a data bus 59, 60 and 61. The data bus 59 transmits information or commands from the control elements 55 to the computer 62 the configuration of the mixer or its change from the data bus 60 give t the computer 62 from the control elements 56 to new values for the parameters for processing the audio signals or the algorithms used. The data bus 61 gives the graphics computer 58 and thus the screen 57 from the computer 62 Information about the current state of the mixer and the audio signals from The computer 62 is also connected via a data bus 63 and a bus 71 to a signal processor 64 which changes the actual audio signals, mixes, etc. This therefore also has several inputs 65 and outputs 66 for audio signals. The signal computer 64 consists of the actual core of, for example, a digital mixer and is therefore known per se and is not shown here. The signal computer 64 is assigned an algorithm library 67 in which all algorithms are stored which are used in the processing of the Signals from the inputs 65 are used. This is connected via a bus 68 to the computer 62 and via a bus 69 to the signal processor 64

In an audio mixer of a known type, the user interface 53 is connected directly to the process computer 64 via suitable means, so that the operating elements 55, 56 can directly influence the processing of the signals for the outputs 66. According to the invention, additional options for the operation of a To create such a mixer, the computer 62 is switched on between the user interface 53 and the process computer 64, and the book on the state, ie all the settings of the mixer and the signals associated therewith, is kept when the configuration of the mixer is changed via the operating elements 55 this is done via corresponding data which, via the data bus 59, cause the computer 62 to select new algorithms on the one hand via the bus 68 in the algorithm library 67 and have them output to the signal processor 64 and, on the other hand, instruct the graphics computer 58 via the data bus 61 which Displays, scales, etc. on screen 57 of the new Adapting the configuration The term configuration is to be understood as the entire arrangement intended for processing the audio signals. It can be represented, for example, in a block diagram in which all processing operations such as amplifications, addition of signals, filtering, level changes, etc. are listed. that corresponds exactly to a configuration can be changed by changing the configuration so that a different block diagram applies to the processing etc. If, on the other hand, the operating elements 56 are actuated, the configuration (the block diagram) is retained and only values for parameters in the provided algorithms changed, sent to the signal processor 64 via the bus 71 and also displayed on the screen 57 via the graphics computer 58 If values such as those shown in FIG. 6 can be changed. Assuming that the rotary head 70 is used to specify a limit frequency in a filter, this is changed by turning the rotary knob 70 and also displayed in values at 47 also in which channel this change was made, etc

The computer 62 thus serves to record the state of signal paths, level adjusters, filters, the dynamics-changing processors, as well as the size of signals, the position and the change in the position of input elements, etc., and to display them in a suitable form on the screen 57 he the signal processor 64 control commands for processing the sound and video signals. This display, which is adapted at any time, also guides the user by being able to recognize at any time which changes at different levels his intervention in the existing settings brings about not only the display of the new cutoff frequency, but also the updated display of other values that depend on it, for example the level, etc

The control elements 55 represent means with which the signal flow in the audio channels can be defined by the selection of the algorithms. The stored program parts in the computer 62 also define means which determine the assignment of the control elements, for example in the sense that a row or Column of rotary knobs on the mixer is used to set the same parameters, while other parameters are influenced by elements in other columns or rows.It can also mean that individual controls are shut down during a configuration and can have no effect, or that more than one with one control Parameters can be changed, for example by serial control. It can also simply mean that the language of the lettering can be adapted, for example, at position 49, etc., or that the color of parts of the display can be changed or changed rhythmically

Claims

claims

1 device for entering values, with a screen (34, 57) for displaying the values and with at least one element (35, 36, 37, 55, 56) for manually entering the values arranged in front of the screen, characterized in that the A carrier (42) for elements (35, 36, 37, 55, 56) for manual input is connected upstream in the viewing direction and the elements are connected via connections in front of the screen to a computer (52) which controls the position of the elements for manual input Input via data recorded and in at least one area (35 ', 36', 37 ') on the screen shows a feedback about the set values

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier (42) has the transparent areas (35 ', 36', 37 ') assigned to the elements (35, 36, 37)

3 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer (52) is connected to a signal processor (64) which receives via inputs (65) signals which are processed in accordance with the set values, the computer being configured for processing in Signal processor determined

4 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the screen and the carrier is assigned an element (11) for fastening electronic components, which is arranged for fastening electronic components between the carrier and the screen

5 Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the element for fastening electronic components is arranged on the carrier

6 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that rotary encoders (23) are provided as an element for input

7 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that linearly adjustable sensors (14) are provided as an element for input

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that adjustable encoders are provided as an element for input in two dimensions.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the screen has further input elements (38, 39) of a different type.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer (62) on displays in areas (35 ', 36', 37 ') on the screen, the state of elements such as signal paths, level controls, filters, the dynamics changing processors Size of signals, the position and the change in the position of input elements, etc. detected and displayed on the screen (57) in a suitable form.