EP1177566B3 - Device for entering values using a display screen - Google Patents

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

The invention relates to a. A device for entering values, with a screen for displaying the values and having at least one element for manually entering the values in front of the screen. Such a device according to the preamble of claim 1, for example US-A-5805146 known. Devices for entering values are, for example, rotary knobs and sliding levers, which are connected to a scale from which the set value can be read. The feedback on the set value can be quickly recorded and clearly arranged. Such systems are well established and take up little space. Unfortunately, they are not configurable, meaning they can not be easily and quickly assigned to another task. They are also not remotely controllable. This disadvantage can be avoided by the connection with a motor which moves the knob or the sliding lever. Such devices are known but expensive and large.

In a further development stage, the device for input can now be separated from the display so that the rotary knob or shift lever and the display field, which can also be a screen here, are spatially separated. Such a device is configurable and remotely controllable. But the operation is less favorable, since, if several such devices are present 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 association between the element and the display is not always safe. Often there are so many elements to enter that confusion suggests. Typical for 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 equipment, etc.

Another known embodiment of such a device with a screen is known from the art of electronic computers, so-called. PC's. In this case, an arrow can be directed to a field on the screen with a so-called mouse, where, for example, a value is selected from a predetermined selection of values can be. Or, it can be selected from a predetermined value, by a pulse from the mouse, the next intended value. Such an embodiment is indeed configurable and remotely controllable but relatively slow in operation. The missing direct-acting input button leads to a complicated operation. The simultaneous operation of multiple input units is impossible.

There are also devices with screens in which the display and input of values are done directly on the screen, i. who work without a mouse. On such screens, fields are discarded by the program which, for example, should be touched with the finger to make the choice of a value among several values. Such systems are known by the term "touch screen". They are very clear and configurable, even faster to use than with a mouse. However, each input field needs a lot of space on the screen. The operation is perceived as unpleasant when the operating finger of the hand has to perform a continuous, pushing, body-directed movement.

From the US 5,572,239 a device is known in which in front of a flat screen controls such as rotary or sliding buttons are arranged, which are connected via a connecting element such as a shaft with a transducer which converts a movement or a position of the control element into an electrical signal. The transducers are mounted on a carrier, so that ultimately the controls are mounted on this carrier. The carrier is seen in the direction behind the flat screen and the connection to the controls is done through openings in the flat screen.

In this known device are thus arranged in front of the screen controls and behind the screen converter, which implement the settings of the controls. This always assumes that a connection is made through the screen, which means that no cathode ray tube can be used as the screen. Another disadvantage is the fact that through the use of controls and separate converters overall, a large amount of space is required and the installation of such devices, especially when used in an audio mixer is expensive.

It is therefore an object of the invention, on the one hand to provide a device of the type mentioned, which provides a safe, i. enables reliable and non-confusing, but also quick feedback on values that can be entered ergonomically via an element for manual input and on the other hand lead to a structural design that takes up little space and is easy to assemble.

For this purpose, in the device according to the invention, a support for the elements for manual input is arranged in front of the screen in the viewing direction. If this carrier covers the entire screen, it has at least one transparent area associated with the element for displaying values across the screen. The elements are connected via connections in front of the screen to a computer, which records the position of the elements for manual input via data and displays feedback on set values in at least one area on the screen. The screen and the carrier is preferably associated with an element for mounting electronic components. The element for mounting electronic components is preferably arranged between the carrier and the screen and, depending on the design, has at least transparent areas when it covers the entire screen. It may also be placed directly on the support (e.g., applied as a foil) or integrated into it. As an element for input, for example, encoders, sliders, so-called. Joysticks, etc. so be provided linear or adjustable in two dimensions or directions donors. Such elements for input either generate a value corresponding to their current position or generate a signal corresponding to an executed movement and increment, for example, previous values.

The advantages achieved by the invention are to be seen in particular in that a clear and reliable feedback can be made to the operator via just set values. The often encountered spatial and thus also visual distance between the place where a display is made on a screen and the place where an input of values occurs, is reduced so far that both elements, for the display and operation in the same field of view moved. This can also be moved depending on the design of multiple displays and multiple elements for input in the same field of view, so that for example with both hands At the same time, values can be changed and the currently valid values for both inputs can be tracked simultaneously. The inventive device also allows the entry of values in quick succession and is pronounced "handy" or cheap for the operation with the hands. In the application to mixing consoles for the sound technique, it also takes very much on the habits of the Tonmeister consideration and thus supports their work in a positive way. The fact that the controls are connected via lines directly to a computer, and the lines are mounted directly on the screen, there is also a particularly simple construction with low space requirements.

• Fig. 1 eine Darstellung einer Vorrichtung gemäss dem Stand der Technik,
• Fig. 2 einen Schnitt durch einen Teil der Vorrichtung,
• Fig. 3 und 4 je einen Schnitt durch eine weitere Ausführung eines Teils der Vorrichtung,
• Fig. 5 eine Ansicht der Vorrichtung.
• Fig. 6 ein Detail der Vorrichtung und
• Fig. 7 ein Blockschema des Aufbaus der Vorrichtung mit einem Rechner.

In the following the invention with reference to an embodiment and figures will be explained in more detail. It shows:

• Fig. 1 a representation of a device according to the prior art,
• Fig. 2 a section through a part of the device,
• 3 and 4 each a section through a further embodiment of a part of the device,
• Fig. 5 a view of the device.
• Fig. 6 a detail of the device and
• Fig. 7 a block diagram of the structure of the device with a computer.

Fig. 1 shows a known embodiment of a device with a screen 1 of a plurality of fields 2, 3, etc., in which a value is displayed graphically, for example by numbers. For example, knobs 4, 5 are assigned to these two fields 2, 3, via which values can be entered into the device. Thus, the displayed values in the fields 2, 3 can be changed by turning the knobs 4, 5. But you have to know that the fields 2, 3, just the knobs 4, 5 and not knobs 6, 7 are assigned, which would be just as plausible. In reality, the distance between the fields 2, 3 and the knobs 4, 5, 6, 7, as well as the number of available knobs but also be much larger than shown here, which increases the uncertainty in the operation.

Fig. 2 shows a section through a part of the inventive device. Here you can see a part of a screen 10, a part of an element 11 to Fastening of electronic components and a part of a carrier 12 for elements for entering values. Typically, the element 11 is formed here as a so-called printed circuit on which printed conductors, and in particular also an optically operating sensor 13, are attached. In this example, the sensor 13 cooperates with a belt 14 which lies on rollers 15,16 which are mounted in the carrier 12 via axes 17 and 18. The band 14 has at least one mark which, when facing the sensor 13, triggers an electrical pulse therein. For entering values, the band 14 can be moved on its upper side 19 with a finger, for example. This is a linearly adjustable encoder. The support 12 is formed, for example, from a transparent medium such as glass, plexiglass, mineral glass, etc., and the element 11 is cut out in certain areas adjacent to the belt 14, transparent or absent. The carrier 12 may be attached, for example, to a cover plate for the screen or to a common housing part. As sensor 13, for example, an incremental encoder is conceivable.

For entering values, the band 14 is placed on its top 19 e.g. driven by the finger and moved to a new position, with marks on the belt 14 in the sensor trigger 13 pulses, which are processed in a known per se and therefore not described here manner in an evaluation unit to values. These values are displayed by the screen 10 in an area or field adjacent to the belt 14.

Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the device with a knob 20 as an input element. In contrast to Fig. 2 Here is another (optional) element, a so-called. Touch screen as a screen 22 is provided. The knob 20 is rotatably mounted on a support 21, which is upstream of the screen 22, of which only a part can be seen here. Between the screen 22 and the carrier 21, a member 23 for mounting electronic components such as tracks, arranged and attached to one of these. This is also a sensor 24 via contacts 25, 26 attached. The carrier 21 therefore also has a recess 27. Other not shown recesses set the screen free. Also mounted on the carrier 21 is a bearing 28 for the knob 20 via at least one screw 29. On the knob 20 is provided with a code disc 30, to which, the optically operating, sensor 24 has visual contact here. As a sensor 24 For example, a device from Hewlett-Packard, type HEDR-8000 is suitable.

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

For entering values, the rotary knob 20 is rotated by hand, wherein the disk 30 runs along and triggers pulses in the optical sensor 24, which pulses are processed in a known manner and therefore not described here in detail in an evaluation unit into values. These values are displayed by the screen 22 in an area or field adjacent to the knob 20.

Fig. 4 shows a further possible embodiment wherein the screen 32, here a touch screen, with its side wall 31 is attached directly adjacent to the carrier 33.

For the purposes of the invention, it is also possible to use sensors which do not work optically but utilize other physical effects such as magnetism, ultrasound, etc.

Fig. 5 shows a view of a device according to the invention in the direction of a screen 34 with areas 35 ', 36', 37 ', etc. for displaying set values and knobs 35, 36, 37, etc. as elements for inputting values on a support 42 are arranged. In addition to the above-mentioned elements for input, further input elements 38, 39 of another type known per se can be provided on the same screen, which operate on the principle of "touch-screen", or which can be activated with a mouse. The carrier 42 may be formed transparent in principle, so that the underlying screen 34 everywhere where not the knobs 35, 35, 37 cover this, is visible. However, other regions 40, 41 of the carrier 42 can also be made, for example, by conductor tracks which are arranged above or below the carrier 42 or are applied as a foil or in the form of a thin or thick layer. In these other areas 40, 41, which can cover the screen like a net connecting all the knobs, the screen 34 is covered and thus not visible.

The device according to the invention is particularly advantageous in so-called LCD screens. These have the advantage of having a flat surface and once again reproduced by a program delimited areas in exactly the same size. For example, a scale is always displayed in the same size and location. The LED screens can also be installed very easily horizontally and, for example, form part of a mixing console for audio signals.

Zig. Fig. 6 shows an example of indications as to how they may appear in an area 35 ', 36' or 37 'in an audio mixer. This information relates here e.g. Values for an audio channel for signal processing. 43 is a graphic value display with area information 44 and 45 is designated. With 46 an indication of the control mode is provided, indicating whether the control is automatic or manual. 47 indicates the absolute value of a parameter and 48 indicates the unit of measurement used. In other places, 49 denotes the name of a parameter set, 50 the name of the parameter and 51 another auxiliary display. In addition, the color of the background 52 may indicate a parameter identification, an alert level, and so on.

Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of the device according to the invention, taking into account as an example the conditions when used in an audio mixer closer. A user interface 53 as usual in such mixing consoles, a variety of setting elements and.Anzeigeelemente such as scales, lamps, etc. on. This consists of a support 54 for controls 55, which serve the configuration of the mixer, for controls 56, which serve to influence parameters that are important for the processing of the audio signals and for one or more screens 57, which display values, Scales, functions, etc. serve. A graphics calculator 58 is also connected to the screen. Via a respective data bus 59, 60 and 61, a computer 62 is connected to the user interface 53. Here, the data bus 59 from the controls 55 to the computer 62 information or commands on the configuration of the mixer or their change. The data bus 60 gives the computer 62 from the controls 56 new values for the parameters for processing the audio signals or the algorithms used. The data bus 61 is the graphics calculator 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. Therefore, this also has several inputs 65 and outputs 66 for audio signals. The signal processor 64 consists of the actual core of a, for example, digitally working mixing console and is thus known per se and not shown here. The signal processor 64 is associated with an algorithm library 67, in which all algorithms are used, which are used in the processing of the signals from the inputs 65. This is connected via a bus 68 to the computer 62 and via a bus 69 to the signal processor 64.

In an audio mixing console of known type, the user interface 53 is connected via suitable means directly to the process computer 64, so that the controls 55, 56 can directly influence the processing of the signals for the outputs 66. In order to provide additional possibilities for the operation of such a mixer according to the invention, the computer 62 is switched on between the user interface 53 and the process computer 64, the book about the state, ie all settings of the mixer and the associated signals leads. If the configuration of the mixing console is changed via the operating elements 55, this is done via corresponding data which, via the data bus 59, move the computer 62 to select new algorithms via the bus 68 in the algorithm library 67 and output them to the signal processor 64 and, on the other hand, instruct graphics processor 58 via data bus 61 to adjust the displays, scales, etc. on screen 57 to the new configuration. The term configuration means the entire arrangement provided for the processing of the audio signals. It can be represented, for example, in a block diagram in which all processing such as, gains, additions of signals, filtering, level changes, etc. are listed. Such a block diagram, which corresponds to exactly one configuration, can be changed by changing the configuration, so that then another block diagram applies to the processing, and so on. If, however, the operating elements 56 are actuated, the configuration (the block diagram) is retained and merely changes values for parameters in the algorithms provided, outputs them to the signal processor 64 via the bus 71 and also displays them via the graphics computer 58 in the screen 57. So can be such values as those in Fig. 6 are shown to be changed. Assuming that the rotary head 70 serves to indicate a cut-off frequency in a filter, this is changed by turning the rotary knob 70 and displayed in 47 also in values. In addition, you can see in which channel this change was made, etc.

The computer 62 thus serves to detect the state of signal paths, level controls, filters, the dynamics changing processors, and the size of signals, the position and the change in the position of input elements, etc. and display on the screen 57 in an appropriate form. He also gives the signal processor 64 control commands for editing the audio and video signals. Through this customized display, the user is also guided by being able to recognize at any time which changes at different levels causes his intervention in the existing settings. For example, a change in the cutoff frequency on a filter module not only causes 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 operating elements 55 represent means with which the signal flow in the audio channels can be defined by the selection of the algorithms. In the computer 62 are defined by the stored program parts and means that determine the assignment of the controls, for example, in the sense that a row or column of knobs on the mixer for setting the same parameters, while other parameters by elements in other columns or Rows are affected. It may also mean that individual controls are disabled in a configuration and can not exert any effect, the device being designed such that a control element can be used to change several parameters, e.g. by serial control. It may also simply mean that the language of the label is e.g. can be adjusted at the point 49, etc., or that in parts of the display, the color can be changed rhythmically or change.

Claims (8)

1. A device for entering values for the processing of audio signals in a signal processor (64) including a display screen (34, 57) for displaying the values, at least two elements (35, 36, 37, 55, 56) arranged in front of the display screen for manually inputting the values, a carrier (42) for elements (35, 36, 37, 55, 56) for manual inputting, which is provided in front of the display screen in the direction of view, the elements being connected via connections in front of the display screen to a computer (62), which determines the position of the elements for manual inputting by means of data and displays a feedback signal relating to set values in at least one region (35', 36', 37') of the screen, characterised in that the computer (62) is so connected to the signal processor (64) for the processing of the audio signals that the computer can transmit control commands to the signal processor for processing the audio signals corresponding to the settings at the elements for manual inputting, that associated with the display screen and the carrier there is an element (11) for connecting electronic components, which is arranged between the carrier and the display screen for connecting electronic components, wherein fastened to the element (11) for connecting electronic components there are conductive tracks, and that the device is so constructed that a plurality of parameters can be altered with one element (35, 36, 37) for manually inputting the values.
2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the carrier (42) has transparent regions (35', 36', 37') associated with the elements (35, 36, 37).
3. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the computer determines the configuration for the processing of the audio signals in the signal processor.
4. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that rotary signal generators (23) are provided as the elements for inputting.
5. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that manually movable signal generators (14) are provided as the elements for inputting.
6. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the computer (62) is connected to operating elements (55), which determine the configuration of the device.
7. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the display screen has further input elements (38, 39) of a different type.
8. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the computer (62) determines the state of elements such as signal paths, level controllers, filters, processors altering the dynamics, the magnitude of signals, the position and the change in position of input elements etc. by means of displays in regions (35', 36', 37') on the display screen and presents them on the display screen (57) in a suitable form.

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