EP3040803B1 - Device for controlling at least one audio or video signal with information display, corresponding electronic mixing controller, method and computer program product - Google Patents

Description

1. Field of the invention

The field of the invention is that of electronic music equipment.

More specifically, the invention relates to a device for controlling an audio or video signal, and an electronic mixing controller implementing such a control device.

2. Solutions of the prior art

Electronic mixing controllers or consoles are widely used by professional or amateur DJs (abbreviation for disc jockey) or VJ (abbreviation for video jockey) to select and broadcast musical pieces in a disco or at a party, and interact with these musical pieces (and if necessary with visual accompaniment, such as images, videos, or visual effects), in particular to accelerate them, slow them down and / or repeat a portion of them (these treatments are called "mixing" ").

These controllers or electronic mixing consoles are an alternative or complement to vinyl turntables (or record players). They also make it possible to mix audio-video clips or to synchronize music on video (or vice versa).

US 2008/212437 A1 discloses a reproduction system comprising a rotary unit operated by a user, a rotation offset detection means making it possible to detect the rotation of the rotary unit and the production of a detection signal according to the rotation step , and means for displaying information as a function of the detection signal.

There are relatively compact mixing consoles that can be easily transported. Some of them can be connected to a data processing device, a portable computer, for example, on which a mixing software is implemented, for example, the software "Virtual DJ" (registered trademark) of the company Atomix Productions which is able to mix audio tracks and video tracks. With this software, it is possible to achieve a 'scratch' with video in the same way as with only audio, that is to say with the same impact on the sound track of the video clip as if we mixed a sound track with no visual accompaniment.

Conventionally, a mixing controller comprises a control surface on which are arranged control means, such as, for example, rotary knobs, push buttons, rectilinear potentiometers ("faders" in English), for adjusting the audio signal (s) (equalization, volume, balance, gain, ...).

There is also one or more knobs (“jog wheel” or “jog dial” in English). Such a wheel or wheel allows the user to move within musical libraries or a musical piece, or to speed up or slow down the reading of a musical piece.

When playing a musical piece, a pressure exerted by a user on the wheel makes it possible to create sound effects known as “scratch” sounds, like when a DJ puts his hand on a vinyl record when playing it on a record player (then interrupting its rotation), and moving the disc back and forth. Part of the music is then played back and forth with the hand (the vinyl record rotates at the speed of the hand instead of spinning at the speed of the record player) which produces specific sounds.

There are different types of scratch. As such, it is important to note that the hand gestures during the scratch correspond to relatively rapid actions, therefore to a relatively rapid rotation of the wheel.

The computer has established itself in the DJing environment in the same way as the CD player or the turntable.

Disadvantages of the prior art

1. a) However, the use of a computer in parallel with a mixing console requires that the DJ often look at the computer screen instead of looking at the audience or his hands during the adjustments. In particular, the DJ is forced to regularly look at the computer screen to read how fast a song is playing, how much time is left before the end of a song, or, when he is scratching, to find the position of the start of the scratch. The use of a computer therefore has the disadvantage of grabbing the attention of the DJ. In addition, the display on the computer screen has latency. In particular, the position of the wheel displayed on the computer screen differs from the actual position of the wheel operated by the DJ. Between the moment when the DJ moves the wheel and the time when the screen displays the movement that the DJ sees on his mixing console, there is a visually perceptible difference which can disturb the DJ (i.e. make him miss the position he wants to reach). Indeed, currently, the latency is five to ten milliseconds. Therefore, for quick and precise actions such as performing a scratch, the DJ cannot rely on what is displayed on the computer screen.
2. b) Furthermore, it is desirable for a mixing console to be able to detect that the user has made a scratch, that is to say the action of his hand or fingers on the wheel and display the corresponding information.
   Certain Pioneer CD players (registered trademarks) and Pioneer mixing controllers have either a circular screen integrated in the player or the mixing controller, or a chaser (that is to say a LED light crown). Emitting Diode ")) on which a light point (or an LED) indicates the angular displacement of the wheel plate.
   The implementation of a light crown (LED in particular) or a circular screen has several drawbacks, however.
   The size of the chaser or screen limits the accuracy of the angular information. For example, a chaser which has 36 LEDs, displays an LED every ten degrees to represent a movement over 360 degrees. Such a chaser therefore does not make it possible to display an angular displacement to within 5 degrees. Even so, displaying an angular displacement to within 5 degrees would offer a precision much lower than that offered by a point of Tipp-Ex (registered trademark) affixed on a vinyl record by a DJ to allow him to find his way when he performs a scratch on a record player. In addition, the screen resolution limits the accuracy of the visual information.
   In addition, the size of the chaser or the screen integrated in the mixing console limits the readability of the information.
   Indeed, even if we have a screen in high definition, or a chaser comprising 72 LEDs, if the screen or the chaser is not large, a reduced angular displacement is hardly discernible for the user. The accuracy depends on the number of LEDs or the resolution of the screen. However, if the screen is small (for example, when it is embedded in a wheel of a mixing console), it is difficult to indicate the angular position with an accuracy exceeding 5 degrees, because it would be necessary that the user can identify separations of the circle in 1 / 72nd, which requires a trained eye; all the more so since the angular displacements represented on the screen or the LEDs are fast and a mixing console is used in a difficult visual environment (dark room with lighting effects).
   Finally, the display is not practical. It is possible to change the resolution of the angular displacement on the chaser or on the screen to make a minimal displacement more readable, for example by multiplying by four on the display the angular displacement of the plate. Thus, when the user moves the plate by 10 °, he moves his representation by 40 ° on the screen or on the chaser. The screen then gives more precise but impractical information, since the user cannot locate himself on the screen to target a position (in fact, the angular displacement displayed on the screen no longer corresponds to the angular displacement of the platform ).
3. c) Furthermore, currently, the measurement of the angular displacement of the wheel is carried out using wheels or optical discs. The dials of DJ products generally use optical encoders (more or less precise).
   The main limitation of this type of technology is resolution. The greater the number of steps per turn, the more the costs increase. This is explained by the fact that it is necessary either:
   • to use circular metal discs finely cut by laser to have very fine rotational steps (counting of teeth);
   • using transparent polymer discs with fine printed lines to have an accurate count (large number of lines);
   • use a reduction ratio to increase the counting accuracy of a less precise encoder.
   
   In all cases, this requires the addition of additional mechanical parts or the use of expensive parts (discs).
4. d) Currently, to be able to simulate the scratch mode of a vinyl turntable, part of the thumb wheel sinks mechanically under the weight of the user's hand. Detection of the sinking of the thumbwheel is either mechanical (the pressure used to activate a sensor), or optical (by means of an infrared transmitter and receiver, for example). The depression of the wheel plate gives a sensation close to the microgroove discs, where the weight of the hand pushes the thickness of the felt placed between the vinyl record and the tray, which immobilizes the microgroove disc.
   Pioneer CDJ CD players work on this principle. The tray sinks on a stroke less than 1 mm under the weight of the hand, a lever multiplying the movement caused by the depression of the tray to move a tab with white and black streaks. An optical sensor captures this movement of the streaks and thus informs the microcontroller of the depression of the plate. This technique makes the knobs mechanically more complex (and therefore costly) than mass or capacitive detection.
5. e) The display tends to become complex for the user and the information is supplied in an unnatural manner.

In other words, the existing mixing consoles are not entirely satisfactory, and there is therefore a need for a mixing controller or console which minimizes or eliminates the drawbacks of the devices of the prior art.

3. Statement of the invention

The proposed control device does not have these drawbacks of the prior art.

• des moyens de commande montés mobiles en rotation selon un axe de rotation sur une embase,
• des premiers moyens de détection d'un déplacement en rotation des moyens de commande aptes à générer un premier signal, ledit premier signal alimentant des moyens de traitement dudit au moins un signal audio ou vidéo, les premiers moyens de détection comprenant des moyens de mesure de l'angle de rotation des moyens de commande,
• des moyens d'affichage et/ou des moyens lumineux, comprenant plusieurs sources de lumière formant au moins des premiers et deuxièmes moyens de graduation, formant au moins une première et une deuxième échelle de graduation.

Indeed, a device for controlling at least one audio or video signal according to claim 1 is proposed, comprising:

• control means mounted mobile in rotation about an axis of rotation on a base,
• first means for detecting a rotation movement of the control means capable of generating a first signal, said first signal supplying means for processing said at least one audio or video signal, the first detection means comprising means for measuring the angle of rotation of the control means,
• display means and / or light means, comprising several light sources forming at least first and second graduation means, forming at least a first and a second graduation scale.

According to the invention, said light sources of said at least first and second graduation means are selectively controlled by said means of processing as a function of the measurement of the angle of rotation of said control means.

The control device of the invention is in the form of a rotating mobile wheel which controls in particular the reading of a CD, a DVD, an MP3 player or a computer.

This wheel is also optionally movable in translation. In this case, all or part of the wheel can be pressed by a user (by applying hand pressure, preferably by the simple weight of the DJ's hand or fingers, i.e. without the DJ has an effort to push it in) to generate a sound effect and returns to the neutral position as soon as the pressure is released.

The dial implements display means and / or visible light means, for example, through a surface of the dial, such as the central part of the dial.

The wheel according to the invention provides, in at least one mode of use, angular information on several graduations, in the center of the wheel for example.

The display of each wheel uses, for example, two concentric circles (or crowns) of lighting to give information of angular position more precise than a single circle (or crown). The two concentric lighting circles indicate the angle of movement of the rotary plate of the thumb wheel at the center of which these two lighting circles are located, the combination of these two circles giving more precision than a single lighting circle.

In other words, the light means and / or these display means form a fixed display area in the center of the wheel comprising, for example, at least two concentric circles of light elements which can be selectively controlled (on, for example) as a function of the angle of rotation of the wheel relative to a fixed base.

In another mode of use, it simultaneously provides information on playback speed and position in the song. Having less need to watch the computer screen, the DJ gains in concentration, speed and synchronization, and pays more attention to his music and his audience.

Several modes of using the wheel are thus possible. One uses in particular the wheel to navigate / move (to go forward / backward) inside a song, to speed up or slow down the music or to produce sound effects like "scratch" sounds.

• une première couronne formée par un écran circulaire, ou un chenillard (c'est-à-dire une couronne de LED) dont le déplacement indique, par exemple, le déplacement angulaire du plateau rotatif de la molette ;
• une deuxième couronne indiquant, par exemple, une position de lecture d'un morceau musical.

The jog wheel in accordance with the invention comprises:

• a first ring formed by a circular screen, or a chaser (that is to say a ring of LEDs) whose displacement indicates, for example, the angular displacement of the rotary plate of the thumb wheel;
• a second crown indicating, for example, a position for reading a musical piece.

The implementation of such a display in the dials makes it possible to have a visually impressive device for making the show when the DJ mixes in public.

This allows, in addition, to "scratch" easily (that is to say to easily perform a scratch). When the DJ makes a scratch on a record player with a vinyl record, the DJ affixes marks ( Tipp-Ex points (registered trademark), for example) on the vinyl allow him to find his way. He therefore does not need to lift his head from the vinyl to look at his hand and the point he must reach on the vinyl. When the DJ makes a scratch on a standard wheel of a mixing console, this manipulation is difficult because the DJ must at the same time look at his hand to see how he moves the wheel, and the screen of the computer to see where your cursor is.

With a display in the center of the wheel in accordance with the invention, the DJ who performs a scratch embraces his hand at the same time and marks it on the central lighting, which allows him to achieve his scratch with great precision.

Each of the concentric circles can consist of points, rectilinear portions and / or curved portions (of various sizes) which can be ignited and which are spaced apart and arranged in a circle.

These ignitable points and portions form graduation means on at least two levels (it is noted in fact that more than two graduations can be provided, such as two concentric luminous circles). The light sources are, for example, selectively switched on or off depending on the measurement of the angle of rotation of the control means. Alternatively, the light intensity or the color of the light sources can vary depending on the measurement of the angle of rotation of the control means.

In at least one mode of use of the device according to the invention, the graduation means display the extent of the rotational movement of the control means from the origin (or starting point) of the movement to the position in course, in order to help the DJ to return precisely to the point of origin of the scratch, if he wishes.

The LED circles could be used to accurately display information other than the rotational movement, for example for displaying the position of a virtual playhead in the duration of an audio / video song.

The intensity of the light flow of the graduation means is adjustable by the user or automatically.

Preferably, the display corresponding to the rotational movement of the control means (and therefore of the hand or finger of the user who actuates them) is implemented on the circle closest to the hand of the user. The display corresponding to a multiple of the displacement of the control means is implemented on a circle further from the hand of the user.

In a particular embodiment, the display corresponding to the rotational movement of the control means is implemented on the larger diameter circle.

A fixed visual reference may be provided indicating the direction "noon" and therefore one or more "noon" positions (position equivalent to the graduation corresponding to 12 noon on the dial of a needle watch). This visual cue can be backlit.

According to the invention, the first graduation means comprise first steps capable of indicating the angle of rotation of the control means according to a first level of precision, the second graduation means comprising second steps capable of indicating the angle of rotation of the control means according to a second level of precision.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, none of said first and second steps is located at a position equivalent to the "noon" position on the dial of a needle watch.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the first rungs are arranged so that they substantially form the vertices of a first polygon writable in a first circle, and the second rungs are arranged so that they substantially form the vertices of a second polygon writable in a second circle.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said first and second graduation means are arranged in at least two concentric circles.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said first and second graduation means are capable of indicating the extent of the rotational movement of the control means from the origin (or starting point) of the movement to the current position .

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said light sources are visible through a surface of said control means.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the number of steps constituting each of said first and second graduation means is a function of the number of steps per revolution of the control means.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the product of the number of steps of the first graduation level and the number of steps of the second graduation level is equal to the number of steps per revolution, or to a multiple of the number of steps per turn, control means.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the device comprises second means for detecting a support on the control means, along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, capable of delivering a second signal, said second signal supplying the means for processing said at least one audio or video signal.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the first means for detecting a rotation movement are optical detection means.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the first means for detecting a rotation movement are Hall effect detection means.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the second means for detecting a support on the control means comprise capacitive detection means, Hall effect detection means, or at least one pressure sensor.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the control means comprise a circular plate made of a transparent material and a ring, said display means and / or the light means being visible through said at least one central part of said plate.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said display means and / or the light means are fixedly mounted on the base.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the display means consist of at least one LCD or VFD screen.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one LCD or VFD screen has the shape of one or more rings or of a disc.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the light means comprise LEDs.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the LEDs are of the monochromatic type or of the RGB type.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the light sources form third graduation means and are selectively controlled by the processing means as a function of the reading speed of said at least one audio or video signal.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the light sources form fourth graduation means and are selectively controlled by the processing means to indicate a position for reading said audio or video signal.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the light sources of at least one of said graduation means are selectively controlled to indicate a position of start of scratch and a position during scratch.

In the devices of the prior art, during a scratch, the light moves to display only the current position (the origin is therefore not displayed). Therefore, the DJ must remember the origin of his scratch movement, which turns out not very practical. According to this particular aspect of the invention, the light sources (LEDs) light up from the starting point of the scratch to the current position.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the graduation means are substantially coaxial with the control means.

The invention also relates to an electronic mixing controller of at least one audio signal and / or at least one video signal comprising at least one control device as described above.

The mixing controller according to the invention comprises at least one wheel.

It can be a dual deck controller, that is to say a controller with two wheels or knobs that control the playback of two different music.

The invention further relates to a method for controlling at least one audio or video signal implemented in such an electronic mixing controller according to claim 23. Said at least one control device comprises mobile mounted control means in rotation about an axis of rotation on a base, and display means and / or light means, comprising several light sources forming at least first and second graduation means, said method comprising a step of detecting a displacement in rotation of the control means by first means for detecting a rotation displacement capable of generating a first signal, said first signal supplying means for processing said at least one audio or video signal, the first detection means comprising means for measuring the angle of rotation of the control means.

According to the invention, the method further comprises a step of selective control of said light sources of said at least first and second graduation means by said processing means as a function of the measurement of the angle of rotation of said control means.

The invention further relates to a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable medium and / or executable by a microprocessor, the computer program product comprising code instructions. program for the execution of method of controlling at least one audio or video signal, when executed on a computer.

4. List of figures

• la figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'une console de mixage électronique mettant en œuvre deux dispositifs de contrôle conformes à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de détail du dispositif d'affichage d'un des deux dispositifs de contrôle de la console de mixage de la figure 1 ;
• les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues en perspective d'un dispositif de contrôle selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 3C, 3D et 3F sont des vues éclatées du dispositif de contrôle des figures 3A et 3B ;
• la figure 3E est une vue en coupe du dispositif de contrôle des figures 3A et 3B ;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un dispositif de contrôle selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 5 est un diagramme décrivant un mode de fonctionnement du dispositif d'affichage mis en oeuvre dans un dispositif de contrôle conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 6 illustre le dispositif d'affichage d'un dispositif de contrôle conforme à l'invention lorsque le mode "scratch" est activé ;
• la figure 7 illustre le dispositif d'affichage d'un dispositif de contrôle conforme à l'invention lorsque le mode "scratch" est activé, à mesure que l'utilisateur tourne les moyens de commande du dispositif de contrôle;
• la figure 8 est une vue agrandie du dispositif d'affichage de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 9 est une vue de détail d'une variante du dispositif d'affichage de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 10 est un diagramme décrivant un mode de fonctionnement du dispositif d'affichage mis en oeuvre dans un dispositif de contrôle conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 11 est un diagramme décrivant une variante du mode de fonctionnement du dispositif d'affichage mis en oeuvre dans un dispositif de contrôle conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 12 présente la structure simplifiée d'un dispositif de contrôle conforme à l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of illustration and not limitation, and the appended drawings, among which:

• the figure 1 is a top view of an electronic mixing console implementing two control devices according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a detailed view of the display device of one of the two control devices of the mixing console of the figure 1 ;
• the Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of a control device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• the figures 3C , 3D and 3F are exploded views of the control device Figures 3A and 3B ;
• the figure 3E is a sectional view of the device for controlling Figures 3A and 3B ;
• the figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a control device according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 5 is a diagram describing an operating mode of the display device implemented in a control device according to the invention;
• the figure 6 illustrates the display device of a control device according to the invention when the "scratch" mode is activated;
• the figure 7 illustrates the display device of a control device according to the invention when the "scratch" mode is activated, as the user turns the control means of the control device;
• the figure 8 is an enlarged view of the display device of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 9 is a detailed view of a variant of the display device of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 10 is a diagram describing an operating mode of the display device implemented in a control device according to the invention;
• the figure 11 is a diagram describing a variant of the operating mode of the display device used in a control device according to the invention;
• the figure 12 presents the simplified structure of a control device according to the invention.

5. Detailed description of the invention

The invention will be described in the context of a portable mixing console or controller. This console is, for example, connected to a portable computer (not shown) on which mixing software is implemented. It is possible to connect to the console, speakers, microphone and headphones.

5.1 Structure of the mixing console (or controller)

Such a mixing console 1 is represented on the figure 1 and comprises a housing (or chassis) which has a control surface 11 comprising two circular knobs 2, 3 forming control means.

On this figure 1 , only the upper plate 22, 32 and the ring (or crown) 23, 33 of the knobs 2, 3 respectively are visible. The ring and the plate of each wheel form first means for controlling an audio or video signal. The ring 23, 33 on which a relief is provided is preferably made of a non-slip material so as to further optimize its handling.

Second control means, such as for example rotary knobs, push buttons, rectilinear potentiometers, for audio adjustment (equalization, volume, balance, gain), adjustment of the microphone input and of the headphone output in particular, are arranged on the control surface 11.

• une rotation de la molette 2 (par une action de la main de l'utilisateur sur la bague 23) sans pression sur le plateau 22 commande les déplacements au sein du morceau ;
• une rotation de la molette 2 autour de l'axe z (qui est sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan de la surface du plateau 22 comme illustré sur la figure 3B) avec pression sur le plateau 22 commande un effet de « scratch ». Cette pression de la main ou des doigts de l'utilisateur sur le plateau 22 provoque l'enfoncement de la molette 2, et plus précisément du plateau 22 et de la bague 23, selon l'axe z sur une course d'environ 0,5 mm. Bien évidemment, la course de translation de la molette 2 peut être inférieure ou bien supérieure à cette valeur. Un appui sur le plateau 22 peut toutefois être détecté sans qu'une translation du plateau de la molette soit mise en œuvre. Tout appui sur le plateau 22 ou action sur le plateau 22 dirigé au moins en partie selon l'axe z (le poids de la main de l'utilisateur par exemple) sur la molette 2 est détecté par des moyens de détection qui seront décrits plus en détails par la suite.

When playing a musical piece (that is to say an audio track) by the laptop, various actions of the user on the wheel 2, for example, and more precisely on its upper tray 22 and / or on its ring 23 make it possible to control the mixing software. So :

• a rotation of the wheel 2 (by an action of the user's hand on the ring 23) without pressure on the plate 22 controls the movements within the piece;
• a rotation of the wheel 2 around the axis z (which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the plate 22 as illustrated in the figure 3B ) with pressure on the plate 22 controls a “scratch” effect. This pressure of the user's hand or fingers on the plate 22 causes the wheel 2, and more precisely the plate 22 and the ring 23, to be pushed in, along the z axis over a stroke of approximately 0, 5 mm. Obviously, the translational travel of the wheel 2 can be less than or much greater than this value. Pressing on the plate 22 can however be detected without a translation of the plate of the dial being implemented. Any pressing on the plate 22 or action on the plate 22 directed at least in part along the z axis (the weight of the user's hand for example) on the wheel 2 is detected by detection means which will be described more in detail later.

It will be noted that when no rotation and no pressure are applied to the wheel 2, the song is played completely normally.

The figure 2 is a detail view of the thumbwheel 2 of the mixing console 1 of the figure 1 (the other wheel 3 being of identical structure). The wheel 2 includes a digital display device, or screen, 21 which is fixed (that is to say which does not rotate when the wheel 2 is rotated.

The knobs 2, 3 may include an optical filter which extends above the display device 21, this optical filter being, for example, a bandpass filter which allows, for example, red light and considerably attenuates the light with different wavelengths. In this way, the amount of light reflected back through the filter is reduced, which improves the readability of the display.

The display device 21 comprises two concentric circles C1, C2 of LEDs (an inner circle C2 of radius r and an outer circle C1 of radius R) arranged around a design 211 (a logo for example) located in the center of the dial 2.

Above the LEDs is a transparent plate, fixed relative to the housing, on which is painted or glued an LED lighting pattern. This lighting pattern has free areas, that is to say which allow light to pass through (each LED is associated with a free area of the lighting pattern, but the lighting pattern may include additional free zones) and opaque zones which give shape to the lights. Between this transparent plate and the printed circuit of LEDs, one can place a guide of lights fixed on this printed circuit. The lighting pattern may consist of one or more opacifying filters.

On the lighting pattern, around certain free areas, borders can be made at regular intervals. In this case, preferably, one light in two includes such a border. This border makes it easier to identify and memorize a light in a circle (and, therefore, to find a position in an audio or video track).

The circular display in the knobs 2, 3 of the mixing console (control device) 1 replaces the information (playback speed of a song, time remaining before the end of a song, position of the start of the scratch, etc. .) under the eyes of the DJ, in reading as in scratch, and avoids the latter having to multiply the glances on the computer.

In the wheel 2 illustrated in part on the figure 2 , the outer circle C1, located on the periphery of the display device, has 32 LEDs, and the inner circle C2 has 16 LEDs. The number of LEDs for each of these circles C1, C2 can be different. Thus, for example, the outer circle C1 can be composed of 24 LEDs and the inner circle C2 of 12 LEDs. The outer circle C1 is substantially at the same height as the inner circle C2. However, the LED circles could be stepped at different heights (i.e. arranged like steps). In particular, the inner circle C2 can be set back in the wheel 2 (at a height lower than that of the outer circle C1) to improve the contrast ratio of the inner circle C2 (therefore the readability of the display).

In the wheel 2 illustrated in part on the figures 2 and 8 , one of the LEDs of the outer circle C1 (the LED numbered C101) is aligned with the position of a graduation "noon" (12 noon) and one end of one of the LEDs (the LED C201) of the circle C2 is aligned with the position of a "noon" graduation.

However, this can be different because the lights of the LED circles may advantageously not be aligned with the direction "noon". As illustrated in the figure 9 , the circle C1 of LED presents an angular shift compared to the position which would have a graduation "midi" so that none of the LEDs of C1 is in position "noon" (12 noon). The circle C2 of LED presents an angular shift compared to the position which would have a graduation "midday" (identical shift to that of the circle C1) so that C2 does not comprise LED at the position "midday" (12h00) . In this way, visually when a first LED is activated (i.e. when an LED changes state, in particular when this LED lights up, or goes out, or changes color, or changes color light intensity) on C1 or C2, this activation shows the direction of rotation of the dial.

In the case where a rotation sensor comprising 768 steps per revolution is used, the result of the multiplication of the number of LEDs of the outer circle C1 by the number of LEDs of the inner circle C2 preferably corresponds to 768 (or a multiple 768). For example, the number of LEDs in the outer circle C1 can be equal to 32 and the number of LEDs in the inner circle C2 can be equal to 24 (the product of 32 by 24 being equal to 768).

The LEDs can be monochromatic or RGB type LEDs (for "Red Green Blue" in English).

The LED circles can be replaced by an LCD screen (for "Liquid Crystal Display" in English) or a VFD screen (for "Vacuum Fluorescent Display" in English) capable of displaying luminous clusters arranged in circles.

Independently of or in addition to this particular display, the mixing console 1 can implement means for detecting the angular displacement of each wheel 2, 3 and / or means for detecting a press on each wheel 2, 3 including several implementation methods are described below.

According to a first embodiment, described in relation to the Figures 3A to 3F , the rotation of the control means 22, 23 of the thumbwheel 2 is detected by an optical system, and more precisely an optical encoder comprising a toothed wheel 24 encoder movable in rotation about the z axis, an LED and at least one sensor optical.

In known manner, such a toothed wheel 24 is associated with a tooth detection device (LED optical system) carried by a printed circuit, to detect the characteristics (direction of rotation, amplitude, speed in particular) of the rotation of the wheel. 2 (the angular position of the wheel 2 is here determined incrementally).

To ensure the rotation of the wheel 2, a ball bearing is used in a known manner. The ball bearing can be replaced by any other system known to those skilled in the art, particularly in the field of mixing consoles, for example, a bearing (plain bearing, lubricated bearing, magnetic bearing), a needle bearing, etc. .

In addition, a braking device intended to exert a greater or lesser friction force on the outer circle of the ball bearing in order to brake the rotation is implemented.

For support detection, most mix controllers use capacitive detection (for example, a CapSense® microcontroller). The capacitive detection makes it possible to detect a pressing on the control means without a translation of the turntable of the dial being essential (the translation of the turntable can however be kept to offer the DJ a feeling close to that of a vinyl turntable).

The display device (by LED, LCD or VFD) 21 is fixed, the wheel 2 using the mechanics illustrated on the figures 3C to 3F . As illustrated in the 3D figure , the thumbwheel 2 includes a metal plate 220 for capacitive detection. The metal plate 220 is here on the surface of the wheel 2 for aesthetic reasons but it could be covered by a plastic shell, for example so that a careful finish of the surface of the metal plate is not necessary. The metal plate 220 has a circular hole for a transparent disc 210 making it possible to see the screen and / or the LEDs by transparency.

The metal plate 220, the transparent disc 210 and the ring (crown) 23 of the wheel 2 are mounted so as to be able to rotate about the axis z with respect to a base. In the example illustrated on Figures 3A to 3F , there is no moving part in translation.

According to a second embodiment, described in relation to the figure 4 , a Hall effect detection system (comprising at least one magnetic sensor and one magnet) is capable of detecting the rotation of the control means of the thumb wheel 2.

It detects the depression of a movable part of the wheel 2 (in this case the plate 22) and its rotation using a single electronic component, namely a sensor 27 Hall effect.

A fixed part contains a printed circuit 25 (PCB or “Printed Circuit Board” in English) with the Hall effect sensor 27, and a mobile part rotates above the sensor. A magnet 26 is fixed to the plate 22.

The plate 22 is movable in translation, which makes it possible to vary the distance between the magnet 26 and the sensor 27. The Hall effect sensor 27 measures this variation, which makes it possible to detect whether the plate 22 has been pressed.

The plate 22 is movable in rotation around the z axis and it is movable in translation along this z axis. It moves in rotation if the DJ exerts on the stage 22 an action in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the radius of the wheel 2 and with respect to the axis z. It moves in translation when the hand or one or more fingers of the user is pressed on the plate 22. The magnet 26 is placed substantially along this axis z. The magnet 26 being fixed to the plate 22, it also rotates and moves in translation.

The Hall effect sensor 27 and the magnet 26 are substantially aligned with the axis of rotation z of the wheel and therefore substantially aligned with the center of the wheel.

The Hall effect sensor 27 positioned below this magnet 26 allows the measurement of the variation of magnetic field and, consequently, the exact position in rotation, as well as in translation, of the plate 22. The variation in translation of the plate 22 allows to detect if a force has been exerted on the top of the plate 22 and to detect its penetration.

The single Hall effect sensor 27 is placed on the fixed printed circuit 25 and the magnet 26 is fixed on the plate 22 which can rotate above the sensor 27.

The printed circuit 25 being fixed, it may include a screen and / or LEDs 28 visible through the plate 22, the latter then being transparent or translucent. This screen and / or these LEDs 28 can display a fixed logo and / or information for the user. It is also possible to fix over the printed circuit 25 a fixed or backlit logo or design 211 in the center of the wheel 2.

The rotation of the magnet 26 makes it possible to vary the polarization of the magnetic field above the sensor 27 and thus makes it possible to precisely measure the absolute angular position. A simple magnet 26 cooperating with a Hall effect sensor 27 is sufficient to detect the rotation very precisely (for example, a Hall effect sensor with 14 bit resolution offers an accuracy of approximately 0.02197 ° and at 16384 steps per wheel turn).

In addition, the plate 22 of the thumbwheel 2 can move slightly in translation vertically, which varies the distance between the magnet 26 and the sensor 27 even very slightly (a few microns). This has the effect of modifying the amplitude of the magnetic field (gain variation) at the level of the sensor 27. It is thus possible to measure the displacement which is equivalent to a detection of touching the plate 22.

In other words, the plate 22 mobile in rotation accepts a slight translation which makes it possible to vary the distance between the magnet 26 and the sensor 27. The Hall effect sensor 27 measures this variation, which makes it possible to detect whether the tray 22 has been pushed in.

A single electronic component, the sensor 27, and a single magnet 26 therefore make it possible both to measure precisely the rotation of the plate 22 of the wheel 2 and to detect its depression.

To ensure the rotation of the wheel 2, a ball bearing is used in a known manner. The ball bearing can be replaced by any other system known to those skilled in the art, particularly in the field of mixing consoles, for example, a bearing (plain bearing, lubricated bearing, magnetic bearing), a needle bearing, etc. .

In addition, a braking device intended to exert a greater or lesser friction force on the outer circle of the ball bearing in order to brake the rotation is implemented.

According to a third embodiment (not illustrated), the rotation of the control means of the thumbwheel is detected by an optical system (an optical encoder comprising a coding wheel, an LED and an optical sensor) and the detection of pressing on the control means is provided by one or more pressure sensors. A such a solution is described in particular in the French patent application FR 2 968 101 which is incorporated by reference in the present description.

The three embodiments described above can be combined.

As a first example, the detection of rotation can be carried out by a Hall effect detection system and the detection of support can be carried out by a capacitive detection system.

As a second example, the detection of rotation can be carried out by a Hall effect detection system and the detection of support on the control means is provided by one or more pressure sensors.

5.2 Structure of the display area of a scroll wheel

Each wheel 2, 3 of the control device, or mixing controller, 1 comprises a display area, or screen, fixed 21, 31 respectively, comprising two concentric circles C1, C2 of indicator lights (LEDs in this case) arranged near the center of the thumbwheel which is on the z axis (the circles C1 and C2 may not be concentric). The circles C1 and C2 have the center of the wheel 2 as their center. However, the circles C1 and C2 could have separate centers. A logo or drawing 211 forms a fixed visual reference (with respect to the chassis) indicating a reference direction (direction in which the "midi" position or graduation is or would be located). The diameter of the wheels 2, 3 is, for example, about 150 millimeters but their diameter could be different.

Each indicator of circle C1 is placed substantially at the same distance from the consecutive indicator of circle C1. The location points of the lights of circle C1 (and therefore of the lights of circle C1) substantially form the vertices of a regular convex polygon (the number of sides of which is equal to the number of lights in circle C1 and each angle of which at the top is identical). This polygon is circumscribed to the circle C1 (the sides of this polygon form strings of the circle C1).

Likewise, each indicator of circle C2 is placed substantially at the same distance from the consecutive indicator of circle C2. The location points of the lights in the circle C2 substantially form the vertices of a regular convex polygon (the number of sides of which is equal to the number of lights in the circle C2 and each angle at the top of which is identical). This polygon is circumscribed to the circle C2 (the sides of this polygon form strings of the circle C2).

The display area can include a number of circles of LEDs greater than two.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figure 6 , the display device 21 comprises the two concentric circles C1, C2 of LEDs, the inner circle C2 (of radius r) and the outer circle C1 (of radius R), arranged around the drawing 211 located in the center of the wheel 2 The circle C1 and a longitudinal axis y (that is to say a fictitious line passing through the center of the circle and oriented like the hour hand of a watch at noon, this hand rotating around the center of the circle C1 ) have for intersections a position "noon" (or 12 noon) on the circle C1 and a position "six o'clock" on the circle C1 (ie a position equivalent to the position of a graduation "6" or "VI" on the dial of a needle watch). The circle C1 and a transverse axis x (that is to say a fictitious line oriented like the hour hand of a watch at 3 o'clock) have a "three o'clock" position on the circle C1 (this is ie a position equivalent to the position of a graduation "3" or "III" on the dial of a needle watch) and a position "nine o'clock" on the circle C1 (ie a position equivalent to the position of a graduation "9" or "IX" on the dial of a needle watch). The center of the outer circle C1 and the inner circle C2 are on the z axis (axis of rotation of the thumb wheel). Seen from above (as in the figure 2 ), the center of the circle C1 and the center of the circle C2 and the center of the dial 2 are therefore substantially combined.

The drawing 211 forms a fixed visual reference indicating the position "noon" of the dial and therefore of the two circles C1, C2. If an orthonormal coordinate system is applied to the outer circle C1 whose center is the origin of the coordinate system, and whose y axis (longitudinal axis y) is vertical and an x axis (transverse axis x) is horizontal, the "midday" position corresponds at the coordinates (y = 1, x = 0).

On the figure 6 , LED C101 is located at these coordinates (y = 1, x = 0). On the figure 6 , the LED C117, opposite the LED C101 relative to the center of the circle C1 (that is to say the LED located at the "six o'clock" position), is located at the coordinates (y = -1, x = 0 ). The trigonometric functions are used to determine the location of each of the LEDs. Indeed, the angle α relative to the horizontal axis x is determinable because it depends on the number of LEDs in the circle. For example, if the circle C1 has 32 LEDs, its LED C108 therefore has an angle α of 360/32, that is to say 11.25 degrees relative to the transverse axis, sin α = y / R, therefore y = R x sin 11.25 and cos α = x / R, so x = R x cos 11.25.

Similarly, the circle C2 and the longitudinal axis have there for intersection a position "noon" (or 12:00) on the circle C2 and a position "six hours" on the circle C2. The circle C2 and the transverse axis x have for intersection a position "three o'clock" on the circle C2 and a position "nine o'clock" on the circle C2. If an orthonormal coordinate system is applied to the inner circle C2 whose center is the origin of the coordinate system, and whose y axis (longitudinal axis y) is vertical and an x axis (transverse axis x) is horizontal, the "midday" position corresponds at the coordinates (y = 1, x = 0). On the figure 6 , the LED C201 is located at these coordinates (y = 1, x = 0). On the figure 6 , the LED opposite to the LED C201 with respect to the center of the circle C2 (that is to say the LED located at the "six o'clock" position) is located at the coordinates (y = -1, x = 0).

Each LED of the circles C1, C2 corresponds to an LED. The state of this LED is "ON" when the light is on. The state of this LED is "OFF" when the light is off. Depending on the type of LED used, the LED may have other states ("color 1", "color 2", "color 3", etc., minimum lighting intensity, average lighting intensity, lighting intensity maximum, etc.) and combinations of status (LED flashing, minimum lighting intensity in "color 3", etc.).

From the user point of view, a first series of LEDs is arranged at regular intervals at the same distance (R) from the center of the wheel so that these LEDs are arranged in the circle C1. Similarly, a second series of LEDs is arranged at regular intervals at the same distance (r) from the center of the wheel so that these LEDs are arranged in the circle C2. The regularity of the intervals suggests graduations of a linear scale. The dimensions and the shape of the lights of the circle C1 are different from the dimensions and the shape of the lights of the circle C2 so that the user immediately understands that the graduation scale of the circle C1 is different from the graduation scale of the circle C2 . In this way, the user intuitively understands that the circle C1 is a first scale (linear scale) of graduation and that the circle C2 is a second scale (linear scale) of graduation.

The outer circle C1 has a first series of N lights.

The circle C2 comprises a second series of P lights.

The lights of C1 are arranged at regular intervals thus dividing the 360 degrees of the circle C1 by the number of lights N (that is to say every 360 / N degrees). Each light of C1 is a step on a first graduation scale.

The lights of C2 are arranged at regular intervals thus dividing the 360 degrees of the circle C2 by the number of lights P (that is to say every 360 / P degrees). Each light in C2 is a step on a second graduation scale.

Each light of C1, C2 therefore constitutes a visual cue of several graduation scales: C1 provides the large divisions and C2 provides the small divisions.

It is understood that if the totality of the lights of C2 represents a step of C1, then each light of C2 represents a fraction of a step of C1. Each light of C2 then represents a reference or rung on a second scale of graduation more precise than the first scale of graduation (a graduation of C2 is P times more precise than a graduation of C1). The lights of C2 then constitute intermediate graduations of C1 (that is to say with respect to C1). For example, in "representation of angular displacement" mode, if C1 is composed of 32 lights, and C2 is composed of 16 lights, then each light of C1 represents 360/32 degrees, or 11.25 degrees, and each C2 light represents 11.25 / 16 degree (or 0.703125 degree). This wheel is then graduated every 0.703125 degrees, from minus 359.296875 degrees to plus 359.296875 degrees.

The circles C1, C2 of the display device display a discontinuous variable (in other words, the variable represented on the display device, i.e. here the angle displayed by the lights of C1, C2 cannot take than a finite set of values). Consequently, the display device has a discrete character although the actual angle of rotation of the plate is a continuous variable. In this way, the display device simplifies the information for the user and therefore its memorization by the user.

By making it possible to keep a reduced number of steps (ie divisions or graduations) on the first outer crown C1, the approach of the invention ensures the readability of the display area. In addition, by moving intermediate steps between the steps of the first crown C1 to the second ring C2, the approach of the invention provides the same precision gain as the needle in displaying the angular position of the dial. of minutes brings on the dial of a clock (without the minute hand, it is still possible to read the hour by looking at the position of the hours, but reading the time by looking only at the hour hand gives less precise information and is more difficult to read).

There is a substantially identical interval (I) between each light in the circle C1 (the number of intervals I is equal to N). Similarly, there is a substantially identical interval (i) between each light in the circle C2 (the number of intervals i is equal to P). The interval between the lights of the circle C1 is substantially identical to the interval between the lights of the circle C2. These intervals I and i are unlit to promote contrast. These intervals ensure the readability of the graduations.

The graduations, in particular the graduations of the most precise graduation scale, may have an angular offset with respect to the "noon" direction (that is to say with respect to the longitudinal axis y). In this case, none of these graduations is located at an angular position equivalent to the angular position of a "noon" graduation on the dial of a needle watch.

The absolute value of the angle formed by the intersection between on the one hand, a line merged with the longitudinal axis y (the direction "noon") and on the other hand, a line passing through the center of a circle graduation and by the center of the light closest to the midday position is appreciably between the half of 360 degrees divided by the number of lights of this graduation circle (in this case, the light does not tangent the direction "noon "unless the interval between the lights is zero) and the quarter of 360 degrees divided by the number of lights in this graduation circle. Indeed, a light and an adjacent interval extend over an angle of 360 degrees divided by the number of lights in the graduation circle, therefore the median angular position is half of 360 degrees divided by the number of lights, and d On the other hand, an interval will rarely be longer than a light although this is possible.

In the embodiment corresponding to figures 2 , 6 , 7 and 8 , the LED C201 (the center of the corresponding light) of the circle C2 is appreciably to the right of the direction "noon" (or 12h00) but tangent appreciably this direction (therefore the light presents a slight angular offset in the direction of rotation of the hands of a watch). The angular offset of the LED C201 with respect to the "noon" direction is approximately equal to 360 degrees divided by 2 times half of P (P being the number of lights of C2). In other words, the angular offset of the C201 LED with respect to the "noon" direction is substantially equal to ¼ x 360 / P.

The C216 LED in the C2 circle is to the left of the "noon" direction (therefore the C216 LED has an angular offset in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction of rotation). The LEDs of C2 are not symmetrical about the longitudinal axis y. The LED 101 of the circle C1 is exactly at a "noon" or 12 noon position (that is to say a position equivalent to the position of a noon graduation generally indicated by "12" or "XII" on the dial d 'a needle watch). The LEDs of C1 are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis y. The LEDs of C1 are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the transverse axis x. On the figure 8 , the lights of the circles C1 and C2 have a shape comprising a point directed in the direction of rotation of the hands of a watch.

As illustrated in the figure 9 , the circle C1 of LED has an angular offset compared to the direction "noon" so that none of the LEDs of C1 is in the noon position (in other words, no LED is located at a position equivalent to the position of a "noon" graduation on the dial of a needle watch). The circle C2 of LED presents an angular shift compared to the midday position (this shift is different from that of the circle C1 - the shift of the LEDs of the circle C2 is a multiple of the shift of the LEDs of the circle C1-) so that C2 does not have an LED at the midday (or 12 o'clock) position. In this way, visually when a first LED lights up on one of the circles C1 or C2, its lighting shows the direction of rotation of the wheel. On each of the circles C1 and C2, the LEDs are located symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal axis y (axis aligned with the positions "noon" and "six o'clock"). When moving in the song or in a list of titles, or when scratching, the direction of rotation of the dial is visually indicated by the angular position of the LED relative to the "noon" position. If the activated LED (lit, for example) has an angular offset in the direction of clockwise rotation, this indicates a rotation of the dial in the direction of clockwise rotation. Conversely, if the activated LED has an angular offset in the opposite direction to the direction of clockwise rotation (counterclockwise), this indicates a rotation of the dial in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the hands d 'a watch.

In the embodiment corresponding to the figure 9 , the LED C201 of the circle C2 is to the right of the direction "noon" (therefore the LED C201 has an angular offset in the direction of rotation of the needles of a watch).

At the location of the midday position on the circle C2 is an interval (interval between the LEDs C201 and C216).

The angular offset of the LED C201 with respect to the "noon" direction is substantially equal to 360 degrees divided by half of P (P being the number of lights of C2). In other words, the angular offset of the C201 LED with respect to the "noon" direction is substantially equal to ½ x 360 / P.

The C216 LED in the C2 circle is to the left of the "noon" direction (therefore the C216 LED has an angular offset in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction of rotation). In absolute value, this angular offset is identical to that of the LED 201 of the circle C2.

The LEDs of C2 are substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis y. The LEDs of C2 are also substantially symmetrical with respect to the transverse axis x.

An LED and an interval of C2 extend over an angle of 360 degrees divided by the number of LEDs in the circle C2.

At the location of the midday position on the circle C1 is an interval (interval between the LEDs C101 and C132).

The LED C101 of the circle C1 is to the right of the "noon" direction (therefore the LED C101 has an angular offset in the direction of clockwise rotation).

The angular offset of the LED C101 with respect to the "noon" direction is equal to 360 degrees divided by half of N (N being the number of lights in the circle C1). In other words, the angular offset of the LED C101 relative to the direction "noon" is substantially equal to ½ x 360 / N.

The C132 LED in the C1 circle is to the left of the "noon" direction (therefore the C132 LED has an angular offset in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction of rotation). In absolute value, this angular offset is identical to that of the LED C101 of the circle C1.

The LEDs of circle C1 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis. The LEDs of circle C1 are also positioned symmetrically with respect to the transverse axis.

On the figure 9 , the lights of circles C1 and C2 are in the shape of an arc of a circle. The interval between the lights of the circle C1 is substantially identical to the interval between the lights of the circle C2. The length of the arcs of the lights of circle C2 is appreciably different from the length of the arcs of circles of the lights of circle C1 because the circles C1 and C2 because they do not have the same radius (in addition, they do not have the same number of lights and a greater interval between the lights of circle C2 could wrongly suggest less precision).

The LED lights in circles C1 and C2 have central symmetry. The LED lights of circle C1 have a central symmetry, the center of symmetry of which is the center of circle C1 (this center is substantially aligned with the z axis). The lights of the LEDs of the circle C2 have a central symmetry whose center of symmetry is the center of the circle C2 (this center is also substantially aligned with the axis z).

On the graduation circle C1, an LED and an interval extend over an angle of 360 degrees divided by the number of LEDs of C1.

In this way, an angle displayed by the graduation circle C1 corresponds to an angle of the rotary movement of the wheel (on the scale of C1).

It is possible to use at regular intervals on the circle C1 and on the circle C2 lights of a different shape or of a different color from those of the lights of the same circle. For example, LEDs C104, C112, C120, and C128 can be monochrome of a different color or be lit with a different color or light intensity than other C1 lights to indicate information such as the eighths turn and facilitate the memorization of an LED (and of an angular position corresponding to this LED). Likewise, LEDs C108, C116, C124, and C132 can be or be lit in another color to indicate information such as quarter turns. Differences in shape and / or color can also be used to display the graduations of a non-linear scale.

Mixing controller 1 offers at least two playback speeds (33 rpm and 45 rpm) like a record player.

At the speed of 33 revolutions per minute, one revolution (360 °) of the plate corresponds to 60 seconds divided by 33, that is to say approximately 1.818 seconds.

If one turn of the stage corresponds to 32 LEDs of the outer circle C1, each LED of C1 corresponds to the duration of a turn divided by the number of LEDs of C1, that is to say 1.818 / 32, therefore approximately 0.056 seconds. A C1 LED therefore covers 56 thousandths of a second (at the speed of 33 revolutions per minute). Latency then has no visible consequence by the user (but the precision offered by the C1 circle is not sufficient because, in 56 thousandths of a second, at only 33 revolutions per minute, the stage already rotates by 11.25 degrees).

However, we use the inner circle C2 (here, it has 16 LEDs) to increase the precision.

Here, one LED lit on the outer circle C1 is equivalent to sixteen LEDs lit on the inner circle C2.

One turn of the stage therefore corresponds to 512 (32 × 16) LED lights on the circle C2. Each LED of the inner circle C2 corresponds to 1.818 divided by 512, that is to say approximately 0.00355 seconds. A C2 LED covers 3.55 thousandths of a second. Therefore, a latency would be perceptible on the screen of a computer while it is not on the LEDs of C2.

The functions assigned to display area 21 vary according to the mode (play mode, scratch mode, song selection mode, etc.). Depending on the program which controls the display area 21, this display can thus be used for different functions.

Play mode

In reading mode, one of the circles C1, C2 of LED (in blue, for example) shows the instantaneous speed and the second circle (in white, for example) shows the position (of a virtual reading head) in the audio track of the song being played.

• le plus grand cercle C1 extérieur, au bord de l'écran, tourne (donne l'impression de tourner) comme un plateau motorisé d'une platine vinyle (c'est-à-dire à 33 tours par minute, par exemple), sa vitesse de rotation variant ensuite selon le réglage de « pitch » (correspondant à la modification de la vitesse de lecture d'une musique) ;
• le plus petit cercle C2 central (à l'intérieur du cercle C1) montre la position dans le morceau décomposé en segments (seize segments dans le mode de réalisation illustré), le nombre de segments éclairés indiquant la position dans le morceau, allant de un segment éclairé au début du morceau à seize segments éclairés à la fin du morceau.

More precisely, during the playback of a musical piece, the screen 21, 31 of each wheel 2, 3 animates the two concentric circles C1, C2:

• the largest outside circle C1, at the edge of the screen, rotates (gives the impression of spinning) like a motorized platter of a vinyl turntable (i.e. at 33 rpm, for example), its speed of rotation then varying according to the pitch setting (corresponding to the modification of the speed at which music is played);
• the smallest central circle C2 (inside circle C1) shows the position in the piece broken down into segments (sixteen segments in the illustrated embodiment), the number of lit segments indicating the position in the piece, ranging from one segment lit at the start of the song to sixteen segments lit at the end of the song.

In reading mode, the instantaneous reading speed can be represented by a single light which moves in a circular path. However, the speed instantaneous can be represented in another form, for example that of a plurality of lights on or off joined to each other, that is to say an arc of light or dark circle (since the LEDs are arranged so as to form circles) which moves along a circular path giving an impression of light movement produced by successively switching on and off a series of lamps or LEDs (like a chaser).

One of the circles C1, C2 of LEDs (in particular the inner circle C2) can also be used to indicate reference points facilitating the setting of the tracks between them while the other circle (the outer circle C1) shows the position ( virtual playhead) in the audio track of the song being played or in the video track being played.

Scratch mode

In scratch mode, the music track is played at the speed of rotation of the dial.

It is played back if the DJ turns the dial counterclockwise, while if the DJ turns the dial clockwise, the music track is played forward. During the scratch, the user's hand therefore controls the playback of the music track.

The DJ is guided by the display device (or screen, or display) 21, 31 which displays the angular displacement of the stage 22, 32. The display device gives an angular displacement reference (the zero angle, this that is to say the absence of rotational movement of the wheel) on a horizontal plane and displays a visual representation of the measurement of horizontal angles relative to this reference. In practice, the central display device 21, 31 indicates to the user how the wheel (or jog-wheel) 2, 3 has rotated during the scratch and where to return to find the start of the scratch (or the start of a series of successive scratches). The LEDs display the angular displacement of the plate 22, 32 of the thumb wheel 2, 3.

• C1, le chenillard de plus grand diamètre, possède N lumières. En mode représentation angulaire, chaque lumière représente 360 degrés divisés par N (c'est-à dire 360/N degrés) et un repère ou échelon sur une première échelle de graduation d'une variable consistant en un angle de rotation du plateau autour de l'axe z ;
• C2, le chenillard plus petit, concentrique de C1 et placé à l'intérieur de C1, possède P lumières. En mode représentation angulaire, la totalité des lumières de C2 (c'est-à-dire lorsqu'elles sont toutes activées) représente le même nombre de degrés qu'une lumière activée de C1. Ainsi, chaque lumière activée de C2 représente 360/N/P degrés. Une graduation (ou division) de C2 est P fois plus petite que une graduation de C1.

The wheel plate 2, 3 has two chasers C1, C2:

• C1, the chaser of larger diameter, has N lights. In angular representation mode, each light represents 360 degrees divided by N (that is to say 360 / N degrees) and a mark or step on a first scale of graduation of a variable consisting of an angle of rotation of the plate around the z axis;
• C2, the smaller, concentric chaser of C1 and placed inside C1, has P lights. In angular representation mode, all of C2's lights (i.e. when they are all activated) represents the same number of degrees as an activated light of C1. Thus, each activated light of C2 represents 360 / N / P degrees. A graduation (or division) of C2 is P times smaller than a graduation of C1.

The lights of C2 constitute intermediate graduations of C1 (that is to say with respect to C1). In other words C2 displays the intermediate angles (orientations).

C1 displays the angular displacement on the scale 1 of 1 (1 displayed revolution = 1 real revolution) while C2 displays the angular displacement with an enlargement on the scale N on 1 (N displayed revolutions = 1 real revolution).

Each light of C1 constitutes a visual cue of a first graduation scale. Each C2 light constitutes a visual cue for a second graduation scale.

For example, if C1 is composed of 32 lights, and C2 is composed of 16 lights, then each activated light of C1 represents 360/32 degrees, or 11.25 °, and each activated light of C2 represents 11.25 / 16 degree, that is 0.703125 ° (that, in this part of the description, we write "0.7 °" so as not to unnecessarily burden the presentation).

The interval I (always not activated) between each light of C1 does not represent an angle. Similarly, the interval i (always not activated) between each light of C2 does not represent an angle (these are visual separations between graduations).

In practice, the user places his hand on the plate 22 of the wheel 2, for example. The sensor integrated into the plate 22 detects that the hand is placed, and the screen 21 switches to "representation of the angular displacement" mode (it may be that the display device 21 previously displayed other information).

The user then turns the plate 22 by A degrees, keeping his hand on the plate 22, with A = B1 x (360 / N) + B2 x (360 / N / P), B1 and B2 being whole numbers.

The display step of C2, corresponding to the number of degrees that must be reached for the rotation to be displayed, is equal to 360 / N / P.

The display device 21 then shows the user a movement of B1 lights on the chaser C1, and B2 lights on the chaser C2.

As the LEDs of C1 show an angular displacement of approximately the same angle as the angle traversed by the plate 22 of the wheel 2, the user can refer to it, without trying to read it, to intuitively return to the position of his choice.

1. i) Idéalement, le pas du capteur qui mesure le déplacement angulaire du plateau 22 est soit égal au pas d'affichage, soit un multiple du pas d'affichage, sur le chenillard C2. Ainsi, idéalement, le pas du capteur de déplacement angulaire est égal à 360 degrés divisés par N et par P (soit 360/N/P), ou à la moitié de 360 degrés divisés par N et par P (1/2 x 360/N/P), ou bien à un tiers de 360 degrés divisés par N et par P (soit 1/3x 360/N/P).
   Dans le cas ou C1 possède 32 lumières et C2 possède 16 lumières, alors idéalement, le pas de détection de la rotation du plateau 22 est égal à 360/32/16, soit 0,7°, ou bien un multiple de 0,7°, ou bien 0,7° est un multiple de la taille de ce pas. Par exemple :
   • un pas de capteur de 1,4° (correspondant à 2 x 0,7) ou de 2,1° (correspondant à 3 x 0,7) peut être affiché (l'affichage sur C2 bouge ou augmente alors par bloc de 2 ou 3 LED) ;
   • un pas de capteur de 0,35° (correspondant à 0,7 / 2) ou 0,235° (correspondant à 0,7 / 3) peut aussi être affiché (l'affichage sur C2 bouge ou augmente alors d'une LED par une LED).
2. ii) Si le pas de détection du capteur de rotation n'est pas un multiple du pas d'affichage (360/N/P degrés), et si le pas d'affichage n'est pas un multiple du pas du capteur, il reste possible d'utiliser l'afficheur C2 en mode de scratch. Il est prévu dans ce cas, un traitement mis en œuvre par un processeur (ou logiciel) qui procède à une interpolation pour assigner aux pas du capteur un affichage sur le chenillard C2, puisque tous les pas du capteur ne pourront pas s'afficher uniformément.

We note, moreover, the following:

1. i) Ideally, the sensor pitch which measures the angular displacement of the plate 22 is either equal to the display pitch, or a multiple of the display pitch, on the chaser C2. So, ideally, the pitch of the angular displacement sensor is equal to 360 degrees divided by N and by P (i.e. 360 / N / P), or half of 360 degrees divided by N and by P (1/2 x 360 / N / P), or to a third of 360 degrees divided by N and by P (i.e. 1 / 3x 360 / N / P).
   In the case where C1 has 32 lights and C2 has 16 lights, then ideally, the pitch of detection of the rotation of the plate 22 is equal to 360/32/16, or 0.7 °, or a multiple of 0.7 °, or 0.7 ° is a multiple of the size of this step. For example :
   • a sensor step of 1.4 ° (corresponding to 2 x 0.7) or 2.1 ° (corresponding to 3 x 0.7) can be displayed (the display on C2 moves or then increases in blocks of 2 or 3 LEDs);
   • a sensor step of 0.35 ° (corresponding to 0.7 / 2) or 0.235 ° (corresponding to 0.7 / 3) can also be displayed (the display on C2 moves or then increases by one LED by a LED).
2. ii) If the detection pitch of the rotation sensor is not a multiple of the display pitch (360 / N / P degrees), and if the display pitch is not a multiple of the sensor pitch, it it is still possible to use the C2 display in scratch mode. In this case, processing is implemented by a processor (or software) which performs an interpolation to assign to the steps of the sensor a display on the chaser C2, since all the steps of the sensor cannot be displayed uniformly. .

• pour le 1er pas (du capteur): la 1ère LED sur C2
• pour le 2ème pas: rien
• pour le 3ème pas: la 2ème LED sur C2
• pour le 4ème pas: la 3ème LED sur C2
• pour le 5ème pas: rien
• pour le 6ème pas: la 4ème LED sur C2
• pour le 7ème pas: la 5ème LED sur C2
• pour le 8ème pas: rien
• pour le 9ème pas: la 6ème LED sur C2
• pour le 10ème pas: la 7ème LED sur C2
• pour le 11ème pas: rien
• pour le 12ème pas: la 8ème LED sur C2
• pour le 13ème pas: la 9ème LED sur C2
• pour le 14ème pas: rien
• pour le 15ème pas: la 10ème LED sur C2
• pour le 16ème pas: la 11ème LED sur C2
• pour le 17ème pas: rien
• pour le 18ème pas: la 12ème LED sur C2
• pour le 19ème pas: la 13ème LED sur C2
• pour le 20ème pas: rien
• pour le 21ème pas: la 14ème LED sur C2
• pour le 22ème pas: la 15ème LED sur C2
• pour le 23ème pas: rien
• pour le 24ème pas: la 16ème LED sur C2

For example, if C1 has 32 LEDs, and C2 has 16 LEDs (so a display step of 360/32/16 equal to 0.703125), and if a rotation sensor of 768 steps per revolution is used ( and therefore a rotation sensor pitch of 360/768, i.e. 0.46875 degrees), then, since 0.70325 x 2 is equal 0.46875 x 3, the processing assigns for example:

• for the 1st step (of the sensor): the 1st LED on C2
• for the 2nd step: nothing
• for the 3rd step: the 2nd LED on C2
• for the 4th step: the 3rd LED on C2
• for the 5th step: nothing
• for the 6th step: the 4th LED on C2
• for the 7th step: the 5th LED on C2
• for the 8th step: nothing
• for the 9th step: the 6th LED on C2
• for the 10th step: the 7th LED on C2
• for the 11th step: nothing
• for the 12th step: the 8th LED on C2
• for the 13th step: the 9th LED on C2
• for the 14th step: nothing
• for the 15th step: the 10th LED on C2
• for the 16th step: the 11th LED on C2
• for the 17th step: nothing
• for the 18th step: the 12th LED on C2
• for the 19th step: the 13th LED on C2
• for the 20th step: nothing
• for the 21st step: the 14th LED on C2
• for the 22nd step: the 15th LED on C2
• for the 23rd step: nothing
• for the 24th step: the 16th LED on C2

The display in scratch mode is described more precisely below.

The outer circle C1 of LED offers a first level of precision and the inner circle C2 of LED offers a second level of precision. In other words, we use the two circles C1, C2 of LEDs to increase the precision of the display.

1. a) Lorsque le DJ démarre le mode de scratch, toutes les LED de l'un des cercles C1, C2 sauf une LED s'éteignent. Autrement dit, à l'instant où le mode de scratch devient actif, sur l'un des cercles Cl ou C2, une seule LED est allumée pour signaler le point de départ du scratch.
   Sur le visuel de la figure 6, c'est la LED C101 du cercle extérieur C1 qui s'allume lorsque le DJ active le mode "scratch". Il pourrait toutefois s'agir d'une LED du cercle intérieur C2. Cette LED peut s'allumer en couleur rouge, par exemple. Cette première LED C101 peut s'allumer d'une couleur différente de celle des autres LED du même cercle C1.
   Par ailleurs, ce n'est pas forcément la LED C101 située "à midi" (comme sur la figure 6) qui s'allume ou reste allumée. En effet, la LED qui est allumée est de préférence la LED qui correspond à la dernière position BO d'une tête de lecture virtuelle dans un morceau, la dernière LED qui était allumée sur C1 en mode de lecture (donc un repère de position de lecture en mode de lecture).
   BO correspond à la position angulaire d'une tête (ou pointe) de lecture sur un disque vinyle par rapport à sa platine vinyle, disque sur lequel le morceau serait enregistré et joué par cette platine vinyle, le tout étant virtuel. De cette façon, le déplacement angulaire affiché ou représenté sur l'un des cercles C1, C2 correspond toujours sensiblement à la position de la tête de lecture virtuelle (comme la position d'une pointe de lecture d'une platine vinyle lors d'un scratch). Par conséquent, le dispositif d'affichage affiche sur le cercle extérieur C1 la position de la tête de lecture virtuelle (c'est-à-dire sa position angulaire) et le scratch commence là où est positionnée la tête de lecture virtuelle (c'est-à-dire à partir de cette position angulaire BO).
   Par ailleurs, le contrôleur de mixage 1 peut mettre en oeuvre des molettes 2, 3 comportant en plus de la détection d'un appui ou non, une détection de la zone où l'appui est exercé par l'utlisateur. Dans ce cas, la LED de C1 ou C2 qui est la plus proche de la position angulaire de la zone d'appui peut s'allumer pour servir de point de départ du scratch et de référence intuitive à l'utilisateur pour le scratch.
2. b) Ensuite (toujours en mode de scratch), lorsque le DJ tourne la molette 2 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et/ou dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre (l'utilisateur peut notamment exercer un mouvement de va-et-vient), la zone éclairée s'étend ou rétrécit en fonction de la direction de la rotation de la molette 2, ou la zone éclairée se déplace en fonction de la direction de la rotation de la molette 2. Par conséquent, un curseur ou index (selon, le Centre National de Ressources Textuelles et Lexicales, la définition d'un premier index est une "aiguille ou tout autre objet mobile qui fournit des indications en parcourant des divisions sur un cadran ou le long de repères gradués") fournissant des indications sur le déplacement angulaire de la molette parcourt le cercle extérieur C1 de LED et un second index parcourt le cercle intérieur C2 de LED (plus précisément, le curseur ou l'index est la LED qui vient de changer d'état c'est-à-dire qui vient, par exemple, de s'éteindre ou de s'allumer sur le cercle considéré).
   Le point de départ BO (ici, la LED C101) de ce déplacement peut également continué à être indiqué sur le dispositif d'affichage.
   Par exemple, lorsque le DJ tourne la molette 2 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre, la zone éclairée s'étend dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre sur le cercle extérieur C1 de LED et sur le cercle intérieur C2 de LED pour montrer la position d'une tête de lecture virtuelle et l'origine (point de départ) du déplacement de cette tête de lecture virtuelle.
   Comme illustré sur les visuels de la figure 7 (l'ordre chronologique de ces visuels étant de gauche à droite, du haut vers le bas), la zone éclairée s'étend d'abord sur le cercle intérieur C2 de LED, puis sur le cercle extérieur C1 de LED pour montrer le déplacement de la position d'une tête de lecture virtuelle (le DJ tournant la molette dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre). Ainsi, sur le premier visuel en haut à gauche, la LED C201 du cercle intérieur C2 et la LED C101 du cercle extérieur C1 sont allumées. A cette étape, la LED C201 constitue un index puisqu'elle vient de s'allumer. La LED C201 constitue un repère correspondant à la graduation +0,703125°. La LED C201 étant allumée et la LED suivante ou consécutive C202 correspondant à la graduation +1,0625° étant éteinte, le déplacement angulaire du plateau est alors un angle compris entre ces deux graduations (la première graduation est comprise car la LED C201 est allumée et la seconde graduation est non-comprise car la LED C202 est éteinte), c'est-à-dire entre les bornes [+0,703125° , +1,0625°[. La LED C101 du cercle extérieur C1 restant allumée (elle correspond ici à BO), les LED C202 à C216 s'allument l'une après l'autre, jusqu'à ce que toutes les LED C201 à C216 du cercle intérieur C2 soient allumées. Lorsque le DJ tourne encore la molette 2 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre, les LED C201 à C216 du cercle intérieur C2 s'éteignent, la LED C102 du cercle extérieur C1 s'allume (la LED C101 du cercle extérieur C1 restant allumée), et de nouveau les LED du cercle intérieur C2 s'allument l'une après l'autre (les visuels montrent uniquement les LED C201 à C203 allumées). L'étape où toutes les LED de C2 sont allumées et une LED supplémentaire de C1 est allumée n'est pas représentée.
3. c) Pour revenir au début du battement dans un scratch, le DJ déplace la molette 2 en sens inverse (à la suite du cas précédent, il la déplace dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre) jusqu'à réduire la zone éclairée précisément à ce qu'elle était au début du scratch, sur une LED (à savoir la LED C101 comme illustré sur la figure 6). Il lui suffit alors de cesser d'exercer une pression sur le plateau pour que le mode de lecture redevienne actif. Par conséquent, le scratch s'achève aussi là où est positionnée la tête de lecture virtuelle (c'est-à-dire à sa position angulaire). Si l'utilisateur le souhaite, cette position angulaire correspond donc à celle où était la tête de lecture virtuelle lorsque l'utilisateur a démarré le scratch (à la dernière position du repère en mode de lecture).

As a general rule, before starting a scratch, the play mode is active. Consequently, the circles C1, C2 of LEDs already provide information to the user. For example, a chaser (in blue, for example) turns on the circle C1 and the second circle C2 shows the position (of a virtual playhead) in the audio or video track played, i.e. the already read part of the song.

1. a) When the DJ starts the scratch mode, all the LEDs of one of the circles C1, C2 except one LED go out. In other words, at the moment when the scratch mode becomes active, on one of the circles C1 or C2, a single LED is lit to indicate the starting point of the scratch.
   On the visual of the figure 6 , it is the LED C101 of the outer circle C1 which lights up when the DJ activates the "scratch" mode. It could however be an LED of the inner circle C2. This LED can light up in red, for example. This first LED C101 can light up in a different color from that of the other LEDs in the same circle C1.
   In addition, it is not necessarily the C101 LED located "at noon" (as on the figure 6 ) which lights up or stays on. Indeed, the LED which is lit is preferably the LED which corresponds to the last position BO of a virtual play head in a song, the last LED which was lit on C1 in reading mode (therefore a position marker of reading in reading mode).
   BO corresponds to the angular position of a head (or point) of reading on a vinyl disc compared to its turntable, disc on which the piece would be recorded and played by this turntable, the whole being virtual. In this way, the angular displacement displayed or represented on one of the circles C1, C2 always corresponds substantially to the position of the virtual reading head (like the position of a reading point of a vinyl turntable during a scratch). Consequently, the display device displays on the outer circle C1 the position of the virtual reading head (that is to say its angular position) and the scratch begins where the virtual reading head is positioned (it that is to say from this angular position BO).
   Furthermore, the mixing controller 1 can use knobs 2, 3 comprising, in addition to the detection of a support or not, a detection of the area where the support is exerted by the user. In this case, the LED of C1 or C2 which is closest to the angular position of the support zone can light up to serve as a starting point for the scratch and as an intuitive reference for the user for the scratch.
2. b) Then (still in scratch mode), when the DJ turns the dial 2 clockwise and / or anti-clockwise (the user can in particular exert a movement of back and forth), the illuminated area expands or shrinks depending on the direction of rotation of thumbwheel 2, or the illuminated area moves depending on the direction of rotation of thumbwheel 2. By Consequently, a cursor or index (according to the National Center for Textual and Lexical Resources, the definition of a first index is a "needle or any other moving object which provides indications by traversing divisions on a dial or along landmarks graduated ") providing indications on the angular displacement of the scroll wheel traverses the outer circle C1 of LED and a second index traverses the inner circle C2 of LED (more precisely, the cursor or the index is the LED which has just changed state that is to say, which has just died out or lit up on the circle in question).
   The starting point BO (here, LED C101) of this movement can also continue to be indicated on the display device.
   For example, when the DJ turns the dial 2 clockwise, the illuminated area extends clockwise on the outer circle C1 of LED and on the inner circle C2 of LED to show the position of a virtual read head and the origin (starting point) of the movement of this virtual read head.
   As illustrated in the visuals of the figure 7 (the chronological order of these visuals being from left to right, from top to bottom), the illuminated zone extends first on the inner circle C2 of LED, then on the outer circle C1 of LED to show the displacement the position of a virtual read head (the DJ turning the dial clockwise). Thus, in the first display at the top left, the LED C201 of the inner circle C2 and the LED C101 of the outer circle C1 are lit. At this stage, the LED C201 constitutes an index since it has just lit. The LED C201 constitutes a mark corresponding to the graduation + 0.703125 °. The LED C201 being lit and the next or consecutive LED C202 corresponding to the graduation + 1.0625 ° being extinguished, the angular displacement of the plate is then an angle between these two graduations (the first graduation is understood because the LED C201 is lit and the second graduation is not included because the LED C202 is off), that is to say between the terminals [+ 0.703125 °, + 1.0625 ° [. The LED C101 of the outer circle C1 remaining lit (it corresponds here to BO), the LEDs C202 to C216 light up one after the other, until all the LEDs C201 to C216 of the inner circle C2 are lit . When the DJ still turns the dial 2 clockwise, the LEDs C201 to C216 of the inner circle C2 go out, the LED C102 of the outer circle C1 lights up (the LED C101 of the outer circle C1 remaining on), and again the LEDs of the inner circle C2 light up one after the other (the visuals show only the LEDs C201 to C203 lit). The step where all the LEDs of C2 are lit and an additional LED of C1 is lit is not shown.
3. c) To return to the start of the beat in a scratch, the DJ moves the dial 2 in the opposite direction (following the previous case, he moves it in the counterclockwise direction) until the illuminated area is reduced precisely what it was at the beginning of the scratch, on an LED (namely the LED C101 as illustrated on the figure 6 ). It then suffices for him to stop exerting pressure on the plate so that the reading mode becomes active again. Consequently, the scratch also ends where the virtual read head is positioned (that is to say at its angular position). If the user wishes, this angular position therefore corresponds to that where the virtual read head was when the user started the scratch (at the last position of the marker in read mode).

Thanks to the LEDs, in scratch mode, the user has graduations and graduated angular position information provided by the LED (s) lit from the circles C1 and C2. Thanks to drawing 211 (indicating the "midday" positions), the user has a visual reference for this graduated information. The intermediate graduations allow it to bring the wheel precisely to the desired position (and therefore to the desired location in the audio or video track).

5.3 Functional diagrams of the shelf lighting

The figure 5 is a functional diagram of the lighting of the plate to indicate the origin of the angular displacement of the latter and the current angular position of the latter on the two circles or rings of lights C1 and C2.

In this diagram, A is the angle of rotation of the wheel plate at an instant during the scratch. A = 360 degrees maximum during the scratch (beyond this value, the system still works, see example 2 below). A can be positive or negative.

C1 is a first set of lights (ignitable) arranged in a circle on (under) the turntable. C1 is a circle close to the user's hand (DJ or VJ) when his hand presses on the board during the scratch. N is the number of lights (for example, a number of LEDs) of C1.

C2 is a second set of lights (ignitable) arranged in a circle. C2 is a circle inside C1. In this way C2 is further from the user's hand.

Each LED of C1, C2 according to the state of this LED is used by the user as a visual marker for movement and position. In addition, the state of an LED corresponding to the position of a "cue point" (mark that is assigned to a location in an audio, video or effects track and which allows you to resume playback of the track at this location) can be different from those of the LEDs which do not correspond to the position of a "cue point" so that the user can easily identify the "cue points".

C1 covers 360 degrees. When all of C1's LEDs are on, C1 represents a rotation angle that is a multiple of 360 degrees. The LEDs of C1 correspond to a first level (or scale) of graduation. C1 displays in full size, that is to say on a 1/1 scale, the angular position of the plate (1 displayed revolution = 1 real revolution). The lighting of C1 follows the angular displacement of the plate. In this way, the display corresponding to the rotational movement of the control means is implemented on the larger diameter circle.

C2 displays the intermediate steps of C1. Therefore, when all of C2's LEDs are on, C2 alone represents a rotation angle (the angular position of the stage) of 360 degrees divided by the number of lights in C1. The graduation scale of C2 is N times the graduation scale of C1. If we take the previous example, when the plate moves 33.75 degrees, that is to say 3 x 11.25 °, C1 performs less than an eighth of a turn while C2 performs 3 turns which would correspond so at 1080 degrees -if the scale of C2 was the same as that of C1-).

Thus, C2 displays the displacement with an enlargement (the factor N) that is to say on the scale N / 1 (N laps displayed = 1 real lap). When the user turns the wheel during the scratch, the display of C2 turns N times more than the display of C1 (N is the number of lights of C1). In other words, the lights activated on C2 seem to rotate N times more than the lights activated on C1.

To make a scratch, the user places his hand (or his fingers) on the board at the periphery of C1. C2 being inside C1, it is preferable that C2 displays the intermediate steps of C1 (and not the reverse: that C1 displays the intermediate steps of C2) because C1 displays on the scale 1 on 1 and is the most close to the user's hand while C2 displays a multiple of the graduation scale of C1 (C2 displays the product of the angle of rotation times the number of lights in C1). If C1 displayed the intermediate steps of C2, the user's hand would risk following (sometimes inappropriately) the light movement on the circle closest to it (i.e. C1), while the displacement displayed by C1 is then a multiple of the actual displacement of the stage.

P is the number of lights (for example, a number of LEDs) of C2. The LEDs of C2 therefore correspond to a second more precise graduation level than the first graduation level of C1.

The LEDs of C1 are lit from BO (and not systematically from the LED C101 of C1 which is located at noon), i.e. from the last position of a virtual read head, position which was displayed on C1, in playback mode, just before stopping the rotation of the lights (the initial angular position BO thus corresponds to the original position of a virtual read head in the song).

In this way, the DJ starts his scratch from the last position of the virtual playhead and at the end of his scratch, if he wishes, the DJ returns exactly to this position.

It is therefore considered in step E1 that the position of the last light activated on the circle C1 is BO (last position of a virtual read head in the song in play mode). It is detected in step E2 if the "scratch" mode is activated. If not, there is no display of the angular position of the plate 22 on the screen 21 (step E3). If yes, a possible pressure on the plate is detected (step E4). If no pressure is detected, the song will play (see the section on the description of the playback mode) the song starts (if the user activated the scratch mode before starting the play mode) or continues (if the user has activated the reading mode before launching the scratch mode) or resumes (if, in the scratch mode, the user stops exerting pressure on the board), the rotation of the light circles C1, C2 is initiated, or continues or resumes without displaying the angular position of the plate (step E5). C1 turns from position BO, or BO + B1 (or from BO + B1-N or BO + B1 + N), which becomes the new BO if there has been detection on the contact surface and a rotation of the tray. C2 rotates from the position in the song which is determined by the mixing software executed by the computer (or by other processing means). If a pressure is detected, the rotation of the lights C1 and C2 stops (step E6). We detect then if there is a rotation of the plate (step E7). If no rotation is detected, only the light BO of C1 is on, the lights of C2 being all off (step E8). A possible pressure on the plate is then detected (step E4). If a rotation of the plate is detected, the angle of rotation equal to A degrees is determined in step E9.

Then, in step E10, B1 lights of the crown C1 (provided with N lights) are on (thus, all the lights located between BO and BO + B1 are lit), it being understood that no touch is made of BO which remains on to serve as an origin mark as long as a pressure on the plate is detected. B1 is equal to E (AxN / 360) with E (X) = whole part of X. If BO + B1 is greater than N, then the crown C1 lights up the lights located between BO and BO + B1-N. Conversely, if B0 + B1 is less than -N, then the crown C1 illuminates the lights located between BO and BO + B1 + N. In addition, in step E11, B2 lights of the crown C2 (provided with P lights) are lit. Thus, the crown C2 lights the lights from C201 to B2, with B2 equal to E ((AxN / 360-E (AxN / 360)) xP) and E (X) = whole part of X.

A possible pressure is then again detected on the platter (step E12) to determine whether the user has finished his scratch or not (as with a turntable, the user maintains pressure on the disc as long as the scratch is not not completed). If such a pressure is detected, step E4 is again implemented. Otherwise, the screen stops displaying the angular position (step E13), then step E5 is implemented.

Example 1: Rotation of +92 degrees of the stage (therefore A = 92) from BO which is here, by hypothesis, the LED C108. C1 has 32 lights (so N = 32) and C2 has 16 lights (so P = 16).

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(92\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(92\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{8,177777777777778}\right)$$

B1=8We calculate how many steps (how many lights are to be lit) on C1. The number of lights of C1 to turn on depends on the angle of rotation (which the user will have to reduce to zero to return to BO and therefore at the start of the scratch) and on the number of lights of C1. $$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{AT}\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(92\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(92\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(8.17777777777777778\right)$$

B1 = 8

Consequently, eight LEDs are to be lit on C1 (these eight LEDs correspond to an angle of rotation of at least 90 degrees).

Since B1 is positive, 8 lights are selected in the direction of clockwise rotation. $$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\left[\mathrm{AT}\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right]-\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{AT}\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right]\right)\right]\times \mathrm{P}\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{8,177777777777778}-\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{8,177777777777778}\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{8,177777777777778}-8\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{0,177777777777778}\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{2,8444444444444}\right)$$

B2= 2B2 is the integer part of the product of the residue of C1 by the number of lights of C2. $$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\left[92\times 32/360\right]-\mathrm{E}\left(\left[92\times 32/360\right]\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[8.17777777777777778-\mathrm{E}\left(8.17777777777777778\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[8.17777777777777778-8\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[0.17777777777777778\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(2.8444444444444\right)$$

B2 = 2

Consequently, two LEDs are lit on C2 (these two LEDs alone correspond to a rotation angle of 1.40625 degrees).

These two LEDs are lit from C201 (i.e. the LED of C2 which is closest to 'noon' on the figures 2 , 6 and 8 ) included. Since B2 is positive, we light two lights in the direction of clockwise rotation.

We ignore the remainder of C1 and C2, i.e. 0.59375 degrees (unless we have a circle C3, or even other additional circles, to display the intermediate steps or graduations of C2).

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(452\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(452\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{40,177777777777778}\right)$$

B1=40 Example 2 (this is an unlikely case but the device must not have a malfunction in such a case): Rotation of +452 degrees of the plate. C1 has 32 lights and C2 has 16 lights. $$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{AT}\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(452\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(452\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(40.17777777777777778\right)$$

B1 = 40

But B1> N, or if BO + B1> N, then the crown C1 lights the lights between BO and BO + B1-N.

So we select on C1 the lighting of 40-32 = 8 LEDs.

Consequently, eight LEDs are lit on C1 (these eight LEDs correspond to an angle of rotation of at least 90 degrees - the DJ being a priori able to remember that he has made more than one lap (all the more that in general the rotation during a scratch is less than 360 degrees because otherwise the user risks missing his scratch.) However, in one embodiment, as long as A is greater than 360 degrees, the LED corresponding to the position BO on C1 can flash to indicate to the user that the angle A is greater than 360 degrees.

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[452\times 32/360-\mathrm{E}\left(452\times 32/360\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{40,177777777777778}-\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{8,177777777777778}\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{40,177777777777778}-40\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{0,177777777777778}\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{2,8444444444444}\right)$$

B2= 2Therefore, the following LEDs of C1 are lit (in addition to C108), namely the LEDs C109, C110, C111, C112, C113, C114, C115, C116. $$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{AT}\times \mathrm{NOT}/360-\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{AT}\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right)\right]\times \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="P\; B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">P\; </figure-callout>}\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}$$$$\mathrm{}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[452\times 32/360-\mathrm{E}\left(452\times 32/360\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[40.17777777777777778-\mathrm{E}\left(8.17777777777777778\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[40.17777777777777778-40\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[0.17777777777777778\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(2.8444444444444\right)$$

B2 = 2

Consequently, two LEDs are lit on C2 (these two LEDs alone correspond to a rotation angle of 1.40625 degrees). Since B2 is positive, two lights are selected on C2 in the direction of clockwise rotation. Thus, the following lights C201, C202 are on.

The figure 10 is a functional diagram of the lighting of the plate to indicate on the two rings of lights C1 and C2 the extent of the angular displacement of the latter from the origin to the current angular position.

In this diagram, A is the actual angle of rotation of the wheel plate at an instant during the scratch.

The sensor measuring the rotational movement of the plate provides an approximation of the actual movement of the plate which depends on the pitch of the sensor. In this diagram, A1 is the angle of rotation of the wheel plate obtained thanks to the sensor at an instant during the scratch.

A1 = 360 degrees maximum during the scratch. A1 can be positive or negative.

R is the resolution of the sensor (number of steps of the sensor covering 360 degrees).

Steps E1 to E7, E12 and E13 are identical to those of the functional diagram of the figure 5 .

It is detected if there is a rotation of the plate (step E7). If no rotation is detected, only the light BO of C1 is turned on to serve as a zero mark (A1 = 0), the lights of C2 being all off (step E8). A possible pressure on the plate is then detected (step E4). When a rotation of the plate is detected, the angle A of rotation of the plate is measured (step E9A and the angle of rotation equal to A1 degrees is determined in step E9B. A1 is equal to E (Ax (R / 360)] x360 / R) with E (X) = whole part of X.

Then, in step E10, B1 lights of the crown C1 (provided with N lights) are on (BO remaining on, thus, all the lights located between BO and BO + B1 (included) are lit). B1 is equal to E (A1xN / 360) with E (X) = whole part of X. If BO + B1 is greater than N, then the crown C1 illuminates the lights located between BO and BO + B1-N. If BO + B1 is less than -N, then the crown C1 illuminates the lights located between BO and BO + B1 + N. In addition, in step E11, B2 lights of the crown C2 (provided with P lights) are lit. Thus, the crown C2 illuminates the lights located between the "midday" position at B2, with B2 equal to E ((AlxN / 360-E (AlxN / 360)) xP) and E (X) = whole part of X. By therefore, if A1 is positive (clockwise rotation), the crown C2 illuminates the lights from C201 to B2; while if A1 is negative (rotation in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the hands of a watch), the crown C2 illuminates the lights from C216 to B2.

So as explained on the figure 10 , the first LED that lights up on the circle C2 depends on the direction of rotation of the dial.

Indeed, the LED C201 of the circle C2 is to the right of the 12:00 position (therefore the LED 1 has an angular offset in the direction of rotation of the hands of a watch).

The C216 LED in the C2 circle is to the left of the 12:00 o'clock position (therefore the C216 LED has an angular offset in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction of rotation).

If the sign of the angle A1 is negative (rotation anticlockwise), then the LED C216 lights up first.

If the sign of the angle A1 is positive (rotation clockwise), then the LED C201 lights up first.

The figure 11 is a functional diagram of the lighting of the tray to indicate the angular position of the latter on the two rings of lights C1 and C2.

In this diagram, A is the actual angle of rotation of the wheel plate at an instant during the scratch.

In this diagram, A1 is the angle of rotation of the wheel plate obtained thanks to the sensor at an instant during the scratch.

A1 = 360 degrees maximum when scratching (beyond this value, the system still works, see example 2 below). A1 can be positive or negative.

R is the resolution of the sensor (number of steps of the sensor covering 360 degrees).

C1 is a first set of lights arranged in a circle. N is the number of lights in C1. C1 covers 360 degrees.

C2 is a second set of lights arranged in a circle. C2 is a circle inside C1. P is the number of lights in C2. C2 displays the intermediate steps of C1.

The lights of C1, C2 display an approximate representation of the actual displacement measurement which depends on the display pitch (on the precision of their graduation scales) but also on the sensor pitch.

It is considered in step E1 that the position of the reference frame on the circle C1 is B0. It is detected in step E2 if the "scratch" mode is activated. If not, there is no display of the angular position of the plate 22 on the screen 21 (step E3). If yes, a possible pressure is detected on the plate (step E4) to determine whether the user has started his scratch or not and to determine the position BO of this scratch action. If no pressure is detected, the song will play (see the section on the description of the playback mode) the song starts (if the user activated the scratch mode before starting the play mode) or continues (if the user has activated the reading mode before launching the scratch mode) or resumes (if, in the scratch mode, the user stops pressing on the plate), the rotation of the lighting of the circles C1, C2 continues, is initiated or resumed without displaying the angular position of the plate (step E5). C1 turns from the BO position, or from the new position (BO + B1 or BO + B1-N or BO + B1 + N) determined by the mixing software, which becomes the new BO if there is detection ( pressing) on the contact surface (on the plate) and a rotation of the plate. C2 rotates from the position in the song that is determined by the mixing software. If a pressure is detected, the rotation of the lights C1 and C2 stops (step E6). It is then detected if there is a rotation of the plate (step E7). If no rotation is detected, only the light BO of C1 is turned on to serve as an origin reference (A1 = 0 because no rotation is detected), the lights of C2 being all off (step E8); the user can then easily identify and keep in mind the BO position (or save it as a "Cue point" if he has not already done so). A possible pressure on the plate is then detected (step E4). When a rotation of the plate is detected, the angle A of rotation of the plate is measured (step E9A) and the angle of rotation equal to A1 degrees is determined in step E9B. A1 is equal to E (Ax (R / 360)] x360 / R) with E (X) = integer part of X.

Then, in step E10, the new position of the reference mark on the crown C1 is determined. A microcontroller (on board the mixing console) sends information A1 to the software (angle of movement of the "jog wheel" plate). The DJ software (that is to say the mixing software) calculates the position of the mark on the crown C1 in order to move this mark from its original position BO to the position BO + B1 with B1 being equal to E (A1xN / 360) and with E (X) = integer part of X. If BO + B1> N, then the position of the coordinate system becomes BO + B1-N. If BO + B1 <-N, then the position of the reference becomes BO + B1 + N. The DJ software sends the microcontroller the request to move the marker to the new position. Thus, on the crown C1, the position of the reference mark, which was BO, therefore becomes BO + B1 (or BO + B1-N or BO + B1 + N).

Example 1: The position BO of the mark on C1 corresponds to light C108. The sensor measured a rotation angle of +92 degrees to the platter. C1 has 32 lights (so N = 32). The user has chosen a so-called "negative" lighting theme: on C1, the rotation angle mark is represented in the form of an extinguished light, the other lights of C1 then being lit (in other words, a cursor unlit will move on an illuminated circle).

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(92\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(92\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{8,177777777777778}\right)$$

B1=8
BO+B1 n'est pas supérieur à N.
BO+B1 n'est pas inférieur à -N.One calculates the new position of the reference mark on C1. $$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{AT}1\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(92\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(92\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(8.17777777777777778\right)$$

B1 = 8
BO + B1 is not greater than N.
BO + B1 is not less than -N.

We must therefore move the marker from its original position BO to position BO + B1. Consequently, the position of the reference mark on C1 is shifted by eight lights relative to BO (in the direction of rotation of the needles of a watch because B1 is positive).

So, on C1, we move the reference mark from light C108 (light C108 changes state: in this lighting theme, it lights up) to light C116 (light C116 changes state: in this theme , it goes out). The state of the other lights of C1 remains unchanged (in this theme, they remain on).

B1=8Example 1a: The only difference compared to the previous example is that, this time, the user has chosen the so-called "positive" lighting theme: on C1, the rotation angle mark is represented under the shape of a light on, the other lights of C1 then being off (in other words, an illuminated cursor will move on an unlit circle). $$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{AT}1\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right)$$

B1 = 8

So, on C1, we move the reference mark from light C108 (light C108 changes state: in this lighting theme, it goes out) to light C116 (light C116 changes state: in this theme , it lights up). The state of the other lights of C1 remains unchanged (in this theme, they remain off).

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(-452\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(-452\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(-\mathrm{40,177777777777778}\right)$$

B1=-40
BO+B1 n'est pas supérieur à N.
B0+B1 est inférieur à -N.
B0+B1<-N, alors on doit déplacer le repère depuis sa position d'origine BO vers la position BO+B1+N. $$\mathrm{B}1+\mathrm{N}=-40+32=-8.$$

Example 2: The position BO of the mark on C1 corresponds to light C108. The sensor measured a rotation angle of -452 degrees from the platter. C1 has 32 lights (so N = 32). The user chose the so-called "negative" lighting theme. $$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{AT}1\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(-452\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(-452\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(-40.17777777777777778\right)$$

B1 = -40
BO + B1 is not greater than N.
B0 + B1 is less than -N.
B0 + B1 <-N, then one must move the reference mark from its original position BO towards the position BO + B1 + N. $$\mathrm{B}1+\mathrm{NOT}=-40+32=-8.$$

Consequently, the position of the reference mark on C1 is shifted by 8 lights relative to BO (in the opposite direction to that of clockwise because B1 is negative).

So, on C1, we move the reference mark from light C108 (light C108 changes state: in this lighting theme, it lights up) to light C132 (light C132 changes state: in this theme , it goes out). The state of the other lights of C1 remains unchanged (in this theme, they remain on).

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(1\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(1\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{0,0888888888888}\right)$$

B1=0
B0+B1 n'est pas supérieur à N.
BO+B1 n'est pas inférieur à -N.Example 3: The position BO of the mark on C1 corresponds to light C101. The sensor measured a +1 degree rotation angle of the platter. C1 has 32 lights (so N = 32). The user chose the so-called "negative" lighting theme. $$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{AT}1\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(1\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(1\times 32/360\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}1=\mathrm{E}\left(0.0888888888888\right)$$

B1 = 0
B0 + B1 is not greater than N.
BO + B1 is not less than -N.

The marker must be moved from its original BO position to the BO + B1 position. But B1 = 0, consequently, the position of the reference mark on C1 is moved by 0 light with respect to BO (light C101 does not change state: it remains on).

In addition, in step E11, B2 lights of the crown C2 (provided with P lights) are selected. Thus, the crown C2 activates (lights up, for example) the lights located between the "midday" position and B2 (included), with B2 equal to E ((AlxN / 360-E (AlxN / 360)) xP) and E ( X) = whole part of X. Consequently, if A1 is positive (rotation clockwise), the crown C2 activates the lights from C201 to B2; while if A1 is negative (rotation in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction of rotation), the crown C2 activates the lights from C216 to B2. Thus, on circle C2 the first LED which changes state depends on the direction of rotation of the wheel.

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\left[92\times 32/360\right]-\mathrm{E}\left(\left[92\times 32/360\right]\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{8,177777777777778}-\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{8,177777777777778}\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{8,177777777777778}-8\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{0,177777777777778}\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\mathrm{2,8444444444444}\right)$$

B2= 2
B2 lumières doivent être allumées sur C2.Example 1: The sensor measured a rotation angle of +92 degrees of the plate. C1 has 32 lights (so N = 32) and C2 has 16 lights (so P = 16). The user chose the so-called "positive" lighting theme for C2. $$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\left[\mathrm{AT}1\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right]-\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\mathrm{AT}1\times \mathrm{NOT}/360\right]\right)\right]\times \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="P\; B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">P\; </figure-callout>}\right)$$

$$\mathrm{B}$$$$\mathrm{}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[\left[92\times 32/360\right]-\mathrm{E}\left(\left[92\times 32/360\right]\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[8.17777777777777778-\mathrm{E}\left(8.17777777777777778\right)\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[8.17777777777777778-8\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(\left[0.17777777777777778\right]\times 16\right)$$

$$\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}2=\mathrm{E}\left(2.8444444444444\right)$$

B2 = 2
B2 lights must be on on C2.

These two lights are on between the midday position and B2. B2 is positive so we select two lights on C2 from the midday position in the direction of clockwise rotation. The lights C201 and C202 are therefore lit (the other lights of C2 being off).

We ignore the remainder, that is to say 0.59375 degrees.

Example 1bis: The only difference compared to the previous example is that, this time, the user has chosen the so-called "negative" lighting theme for C2.
B2 = 2
B2 lights must be off on C2.

These two lights are off between the midday position and B2. B2 is positive so we select, on C2, two lights from the midday position in the direction of clockwise rotation. The lights C201 and C202 are therefore off (the other lights in C2 being on).

A possible pressure is then again detected on the platter (step E12) to determine whether the user has finished his scratch or not (as with a turntable, the user maintains pressure on the disc as long as the scratch is not not completed). If such pressure is detected, step E4 is again implemented. In the case on the contrary, the screen stops displaying the angular position (step E13), then step E5 is implemented.

This variant is a particularly useful lighting mode when the DJ performs a series of successive scratching (pressing the wheel stops between each scratch) and wishes to return to the start of the scratching series.

5.4 Other aspects and advantages of the mixing controller

The figure 12 presents the simplified structure of a control device, corresponding to the wheel 2, according to the invention implementing a method for controlling at least one audio or video signal according to the particular embodiments described above.

Such a control device comprises a memory M consisting of a buffer memory, processing means 30 equipped for example with a microprocessor µP, and controlled by the computer program P, implementing the method according to the invention. The memory M, the processing means 30 and the computer program P can be located on an external device (computer) connected to the control device.

The control device comprises detection means D.

The rotation of the control means 22, 23 of the thumbwheel 2 is detected by first detection means D1, comprising means for measuring the angle of rotation D11, capable of generating a first signal S1 supplying processing means 30 d '' at least one audio or video signal S.

Pressing on the control means 22, 23 of the thumbwheel 2 is detected by second detection means D2 able to generate a second signal S2 supplying the processing means 30 of said at least one audio or video signal S.

Note that the first detection means D1 and the second detection means D2 can be two separate devices or the same device (a Hall effect sensor, for example, is capable of detecting both rotation and pressing on the wheel 2).

The display means and / or the light means 21 comprise at least two graduations C1 and C2 formed by light sources, the latter being selectively controlled by the processing means 30 as a function of the measurement of the angle of rotation of the control means 22, 23 and, possibly, of the detection of a support on the control means 22, 23.

The control device, or mixing controller, 1 offers at least two playback speeds (33 rpm and 45 rpm) of the audio or video tracks.

Mixing controller 1 has an audio interface playing music up to a resolution of 24-bit / 96kHz, on a double "master" output (where speakers oriented to the public are connected) and "booth" (where the DJ monitoring speakers are connected), a headphone output for pre-listening, a microphone input to liven up the evening, a line input to inject an external sound source.

The DJ who wants to get away from computer screen control a little more and interact more easily with the public can use the mixing controller with his Google Glass (registered trademark) or another similar device. The DJ can thus view additional information on his Google Glass to that displayed by the mixing controller. For example, the DJ can visualize on his Google Glass the title of the songs, the names of the artists, the number of votes obtained and the classification of the title, messages or dedications and personalize his animation in real time. He can also preview images, videos or visual effects in order to select and launch them at the appropriate time. They also allow the DJ to film his performance in a subjective view. Finally, they make it possible to collect the data displayed by the mixing controller (in particular those displayed by the wheel display device) in order to link them and process them with the other data collected and used by the mixing software.

Mixing controller 1 has two sets of four drum type pads that allow the DJ to launch sound samples or move from “cue point” to “cue point” while tapping on the pads. Variable color backlighting shows the DJ which control is assigned to a pad.

The mixing controller 1 also includes a contactless sensor (infrared, for example), allowing the DJ to control the instant effects by moving his hand away from the sensor or moving it closer, such a gesture being visible to the public.

The mixing of the audio and / or the video is ensured by processing means such as a computer which executes the mixing software. These processing means can be integrated into the mixing controller 1.

The sensitivity of the rotation detection and the pressure detection (i.e. the thresholds from which the detected movements are taken into account) can be adjusted using configuration software and / or through on-board software (or "firmware" in English). This makes it possible to determine from which angular displacement a scratch begins to be exerted.

The signals from the sensor (s) (Hall effect sensor and / or capacitive sensor) are translated into digital output signals sent directly to a computer (for example, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, etc.) or another external data processing device running mixing software.

In an alternative, the signals coming from the sensor (s) (Hall effect sensor and / or capacitive sensor) are translated into digital output signals and sent to processing means embedded in the mixing controller 1 which processes them to provide information or parameters that can be used on a computer or other external data processing device running mixing software. The on-board processing means are capable of implementing on-board software. From the information from the sensor (s), the on-board software determines the characteristics of the movement of the plate relative to the Hall effect sensor (angular values, speeds, etc.), and therefore relative to the support of the wheel.

The on-board software can be updated. The mixing controller 1 can be supplied with a configuration program making it possible in particular to update the on-board software. To this end, the mixing controller 1 includes at least one erasable and reprogrammable non-volatile memory.

In a variant of the embodiment described above, the mixing console can implement a single wheel according to the invention, or more than two wheels.

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for monitoring an audio signal which provides information in an aesthetic form.

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for monitoring an audio signal which allows a representation of an angular displacement even minimal control means (thanks to lighting which follows the angular displacement of the control means).

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for monitoring an audio signal which allows a more precise measurement of the angular displacement of the control means.

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for controlling an audio signal which facilitates the reading of the angular displacement of the control means.

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for controlling an audio signal which implements lighting enabling the angular displacement of the control means to be followed.

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for controlling an audio signal which allows optimal guidance of the user (by keeping on the LEDs or the screen the same angular displacement as that of the plate of the control means).

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for controlling an audio signal allowing the user to find, easily (and therefore quickly) and with precision, the position of his choice in a piece of music or video by allowing it to locate itself on the display of the scroll wheel.

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for controlling an audio signal which implements reliable and precise means for detecting a movement in translation of the control device.

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for controlling an audio signal which offers a feeling close to that of vinyl turntables.

The invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a device for controlling an audio signal which is robust and reliable, which implements a limited number of parts and which is relatively simple to assemble.

Claims (24)

1. Control device (2) for at least one audio or video signal in the form of a thumbwheel (2), comprising:

   - control means (22, 23) which are mounted so as to be rotationally movable about a rotation axis (z) on a base,

   - first detection means (D1) for a rotational movement of the control means (22, 23) which are capable of generating a first signal (S1), the first signal (S1) supplying processing means (30) of the at least one audio or video signal (S), the first detection means (D1) comprising measuring means (D11) for the rotation angle of the control means (22, 23),

   - display means and/or lighting means (21) comprising a plurality of light sources which form at least first and second graduation means,
   the light sources of the at least first and second graduation means forming at least a first and a second graduation scale (C1, C2) and being selectively controlled by the processing means (30) in accordance with the measurement of the rotation angle of the control means (22, 23), the control device (2) being characterised in that the first graduation scale (C1) comprises first scale divisions which are capable of indicating the rotation angle of the control means (22, 23) according to a first precision level, and in that the second graduation scale (C2) comprises second scale divisions which are capable of indicating the angle of the control means (22, 23) according to a second precision level.
2. Control device (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that none of the first and second scale divisions is located at a position which is equivalent to the "noon" position" on the dial of an analogue watch.
3. Control device (2) according to claim 2, characterised in that the first scale divisions are arranged in such a manner that they substantially form the peaks of a first polygon which can be inscribed in a first circle, and the second scale divisions are arranged so that they substantially form the peaks of a second polygon which can be inscribed in a second circle.
4. Control device (2) according to claim 3, characterised in that the at least one first and one second graduation scale (C1, C2) are arranged in at least two concentric circles.
5. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the at least one first and one second graduation scale (C1, C2) are capable of indicating the extent of the rotational movement of the control means (22, 23) from the origin (or starting point) of the movement as far as the current position.
6. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the light sources are visible through a surface of the control means (22, 23).
7. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the number of scale divisions constituting each of the first and second graduation scales (C1, C2) is a function of the number of steps per revolution of the control means (22, 23).
8. Control device (2) according to claim 7, characterised in that the product of the number of scale divisions of the first graduation scale (C1) and the number of scale divisions of the second graduation scale (C2) is equal to the number of steps per revolution or a multiple of the number of steps per revolution of the control means (22, 23).
9. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it comprises second detection means (D2) for abutment against the control means (22, 23) in accordance with an axis which is substantially parallel with the rotation axis (z), which detection means are capable of supplying a second signal (S2), the second signal (S2) supplying the processing means (30) of the at least one audio or video signal (S).
10. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the first detection means for a rotational movement (D1) are optical detection means.
11. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the first detection means for a rotational movement (D1) are Hall effect detection means.
12. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the second detection means (D2) for abutment against the control means (22, 23) comprise capacitive detection means, Hall effect detection means or at least one pressure sensor.
13. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the control means (22, 23) comprise a circular plate (22) which is produced from a transparent material and a ring (23), the display means and/or the lighting means (21) being visible through at least a central portion of the plate (22).
14. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the display means and/or the lighting means (21) are mounted on the base so as to be fixed.
15. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the display means are constituted by at least one LCD or VFD screen.
16. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the lighting means comprise LEDs.
17. Control device (2) according to claim 16, characterised in that the LEDs are of the monochromatic type or RGB type.
18. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the light sources form third graduation means and are selectively controlled by the processing means (30) in accordance with the reading speed of the at least one audio or video signal (S).
19. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the light sources form fourth graduation means and are selectively controlled by the processing means (30) in order to indicate a reading position of the audio or video signal (S).
20. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the light sources of at least one of the graduation scales (C1, C2) are selectively controlled by the processing means (30) in order to indicate a scratch starting position and a position during the scratch.
21. Control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the graduation scales (C1, C2) are substantially coaxial with the control means (22, 23).
22. Electronic mixing controller (1) for at least one audio signal and/or at least one video signal (S) comprising at least one control device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.
23. Control method for at least one audio or video signal carried out in an electronic mixing controller (1) according to claim 22, the method comprising:

    - a step of detecting a rotational movement of the control means (22, 23) by first detection means for a rotational movement (D1) which are capable of generating a first signal (S1), the first signal (S1) supplying processing means (30) of the at least one audio or video signal (S), the first detection means (D1) comprising measuring means (D11) for the rotation angle of the control means (22, 23),
    characterised in that the method further comprises a step of selective control of the light sources by the processing means (30) in accordance with the measurement of the rotation angle of the control means (22, 23), the light sources forming at least a first and a second graduation scale (C1, C2), the first graduation scale (C1) comprising first scale divisions which are capable of indicating the rotation angle of the control thumbwheel (2) according to a first precision level, the second graduation scale (C2) comprising second scale divisions which are capable of indicating the rotation angle of the control means (22, 23) according to a second precision level.
24. Computer program product which can be downloaded from a communication network and/or stored on a computer-readable medium and/or carried out by a microprocessor, characterised in that it comprises program code instructions for carrying out the control method for at least one audio or video signal according to claim 23 when it is carried out on a computer.

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