U.S. patent application number 13/013976 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for devices and methods of controlling manipulation of virtual objects on a multi-contact tactile screen.
This patent application is currently assigned to STANTUM. Invention is credited to Pascal JOGUET, Guillaume Largillier.
Application Number | 20110181546 13/013976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34834225 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110181546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JOGUET; Pascal ; et
al. |
July 28, 2011 |
DEVICES AND METHODS OF CONTROLLING MANIPULATION OF VIRTUAL OBJECTS
ON A MULTI-CONTACT TACTILE SCREEN
Abstract
A device configured to acquire tactile information, that can be
placed over a display device, including a transparent tactile
matrix sensor having rows and columns of conductive stripes, the
rows arranged next to each other to form a first layer, and the
columns are arranged next to each other to form a second layer, and
a transparent resistive layer arranged between the first layer of
rows and the second layer of columns, a resistivity of the
transparent resistive layer decreasing as a function of a pressure
that is exerted onto the transparent resistive layer; and a
measurement unit configured to measure an electric resistance for
each overlap area of a column and a row that are separated from
each other by the transparent resistive layer to acquire
information on a pressure force at the respective overlap area to
acquire the tactile information.
Inventors: |
JOGUET; Pascal; (Bordeaux,
FR) ; Largillier; Guillaume; (Bordeaux, FR) |
Assignee: |
STANTUM
Bordeaux
FR
|
Family ID: |
34834225 |
Appl. No.: |
13/013976 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10590306 |
Nov 6, 2006 |
|
|
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PCT/FR2005/000428 |
Feb 23, 2005 |
|
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13013976 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/174 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 2203/04104
20130101; G06F 3/04886 20130101; G10H 2220/241 20130101; G06F 3/045
20130101; G06F 3/0488 20130101; G10H 2220/096 20130101; G06F
3/04847 20130101; G10H 1/055 20130101; G10H 1/34 20130101; G06F
3/047 20130101; G06F 3/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/174 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/045 20060101
G06F003/045 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 23, 2004 |
FR |
04/50329 |
Claims
1. A device configured to acquire tactile information, that can be
placed over a display device, comprising: a transparent tactile
matrix sensor having rows and columns of conductive stripes, the
rows arranged next to each other to form a first layer, and the
columns are arranged next to each other to form a second layer, and
a transparent resistive layer arranged between the first layer of
rows and the second layer of columns, a resistivity of the
transparent resistive layer decreasing as a function of a pressure
that is exerted onto the transparent resistive layer; and a
measurement unit configured to measure an electric resistance for
each overlap area of a column and a row that are separated from
each other by the transparent resistive layer to acquire
information on a pressure force at the respective overlap area to
acquire the tactile information.
2. The device configured to acquire tactile information according
to claim 1, wherein the transparent resistive layer is made of an
electrically conducting resistive polymer.
3. The device configured to acquire tactile information according
to claim 1, further comprising: a scanning control unit configured
to sequentially read out the tactile information from the rows and
the columns of the conductive stripes of the transparent tactile
matrix sensor with the measurement unit, and configured to store an
image in a memory that represents a current state of the tactile
information of the transparent tactile matrix sensor.
4. The device configured to acquire tactile information according
to claim 3, wherein the transparent tactile matrix sensor includes
a plurality of scanning zones that can be read out in parallel by
the scanning control unit.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/590,306 filed Nov. 6, 2006, the entire contents being
incorporated herein by reference. This application is being filed
concurrently with the following present applications: U.S. patent
application No. XX/XXX,XXX (Attorney Docket No. 373691US41DIV);
U.S. patent application No. XX/XXX,XXX (Attorney Docket No.
373707US41DIV); and U.S. patent application No. XX/XXX,XXX
(Attorney Docket No. 373715US41DIV), all are filed on even date
herewith. This application is also a .sctn.371 of International
Application No. PCT/FR2005/000428, with an international filing
date of Feb. 23, 2005 (WO 2005/091104 A2, published Sep. 29, 2005),
which is based on French Patent Application No. 04/50329, filed
Feb. 23, 2004, the entire contents being incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to musical controllers, particularly
to an interface permitting, e.g., the control of music software or
of a controller by a multi-contact tactile screen with the
manipulation of virtual objects.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Manual-type software controllers are known. They include,
e.g., potentiometers that can be manipulated by the user in the
form of a console and control the different functions of music
software. Such a console is disclosed in WO 01/69399.
[0004] One disadvantage of this type of controller is that they are
not very ergonomic for an efficient manipulation of software. One
thought has been to implement a tactile screen for the manipulation
of and the access to software functions.
[0005] In the area of tactile controllers, WO 03/041006 and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,570,078 disclose musical controllers with tactile
control on a matrix sensor. The technologies described therein
permit tactile control of the multi-contact type in which all the
fingers can intervene for the control of software.
[0006] However, those publications do not contemplate a visual
return of the manipulations since the different matrix sensors are
of the opaque type.
[0007] US 2002/005108 discloses a system and a process for
controlling in real time signal processors, synthesizers, musical
instruments, MIDI processors, lights, video, and special effects
during presentations, recordings or in compositional environments
using images derived from tactile sensors, from matrices of
pressure sensors, from matrices of optical transducers, from
matrices of chemical sensors, matrices of body sensors and from
digital processes. That system furnishes touchpads, matrices of
pressure sensors and matrices of body sensors as interfaces of
tactile control, video cameras and matrices of light sensors such
as optical transducers, matrices of chemical sensors and of other
apparatuses for generating digital images from processes on
computers or from digital simulations. The tactile transducers can
be arranged on the keys of conventional instruments, attached to
existing instruments or also be used to create new instruments or
new controllers. The matrices of chemical sensors and the other
apparatuses for generating digital images from computer processes
or from digital simulations can be used to observe or simulate
natural physical phenomena such as environmental conditions or
self-organizing process behaviors. Scalar matrices or vectors are
processed to extract pattern limits, geometric properties of pixels
within limits (geometric center, weighted moments, etc.) and
information derived from a higher level (direction of rotation,
segmented regions, pattern classification, syntax, grammars,
sequences, etc.) that are used to create control signals to
external video and visual equipment and for control or even
algorithms. It also provides MIDI and non-MIDI control signals.
[0008] It does not contemplate a visual return of manipulations and
does not mention a command law. Finally, it does not contemplate
technical solution to the masking phenomena that intervene when
several figures are aligned or placed in an orthogonal manner on
the sensor. The resolution of these problems is indispensable for
realizing a multi-contact tactile sensor.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,689 discloses an apparatus for
generating musical sounds. That apparatus comprises a device for
generating positional information for generating information about
the position of musical instruments (PS) as values of plane
coordinates. This information (PS) is stored in a memory device or
determined in a selective manner by a manual operation. The
apparatus also comprises a device for the conversion of information
for converting the information (PS) into information for
controlling parameters of musical sounds (PD). This PD control
information controls the source signals of musical sounds (S11, S12
and S13) for generating a sound field corresponding to the position
of musical instruments arranged on a stage. This allows an operator
to verify the positions of musical instruments on a stage, thus
supplying the sensation of being in a true live performance.
[0010] It mentions a multi-contact, but it is only two contacts on
an axis and not in Cartesian coordinates. The apparatus only
functions linearly for the multipoint option and does not allow
tracking (following of trajectory). Moreover, the apparatus
requires a plurality of sensors specific to each of the
instruments.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,301 discloses a solution of the musical
controller type in the form of a tactile screen with visual return
of the manipulated objects. However, it describes predefined
objects (essentially of the sliders type and circular potentiometer
type). These object types are limiting and can prove to be not very
ergonomic for special manipulations. Moreover, the acquisition mode
described is not in real time. In fact, an icon must first be
activated by a first contact with a finger, then the manipulated
object, and the values are only updated after the icon has been
released. That system does not allow management in real time of the
parameters associated with the object. Finally, the tactile sensor
is a "mono-contact" sensor that permits the acquisition, e.g., only
for a single finger and therefore the control of a single object at
a time. This characteristic is very limiting for an efficient
manipulation of objects.
SUMMARY
[0012] This invention relates to a process for controlling
computerized equipment with a device including a multi-contact
bidimensional sensor that acquires tactile information and a
calculator that generates command signals as a function of the
tactile information, including generating graphical objects on a
screen placed under a transparent multi-contact tactile sensor,
each graphical object associated with at least one specific
processing rule such that the sensor delivers during each
acquisition phase a plurality of tactile information, and each
piece of the tactile information forms an object of a specific
processing determined by its localization relative to a position of
one of the graphical objects.
[0013] This invention also relates to a device for controlling
computerized equipment including a multi-contact bidimensional
sensor for acquisition of tactile information, a viewing screen
arranged under the bidimensional tactile sensor, a memory for
recording graphical objects that are each associated with at least
one processing rule, and a local calculator that analyzes positions
of acquired tactile information and applies a processing rule as a
function of the position relative to the position of the graphical
objects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The disclosure will be better understood with the aid of the
following description given below solely by way of explanation of a
selected, representative example with reference made to the
attached figures in which:
[0015] FIG. 1A is a functional diagram of a controller;
[0016] FIG. 1B represents the structure of the controller
associated with the functional diagram;
[0017] FIG. 1C represents the functional diagram of the different
stages of the processes for the acquisition of data coming from the
sensor, of the creation of cursors associated with the different
fingers, of the interaction with the graphical objects and of the
generation of control messages;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a description of the tactile matrix sensor;
[0019] FIG. 2B describes the first stage of the scanning
functioning of the sensor in order to obtain the multi-contact
information;
[0020] FIGS. 2C, 2E and 2F explain the resolution of problems of
orthogonality;
[0021] FIG. 2D is a functional diagram of the capture
interface;
[0022] FIGS. 3A to 3D are diagrams explaining the stages for the
creation of cursors, filtering, calculation of barycenter, mapping
and of the control of graphical objects;
[0023] FIGS. 4 and 5 represent different examples of graphical
objects;
[0024] FIGS. 6 to 10 represent different examples of combinations
of graphical objects on the controller; and
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates the network use of the controller
associated with the computer of the user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The term "multi-contact" defines a tactile sensor that
allows acquisition of contact zones of several fingers at a time in
contrast to "mono-contact" sensors that only allow acquisition for
a single finger or for a stylus as, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No.
5,559,301.
[0027] We provide a screen for multi-contact tactile musical
control with visual return of the different actions of the user on
parameterable objects.
[0028] We also provide a process for controlling computerized
equipment with a device comprising a multi-contact bidimensional
sensor for the acquisition of tactile information as well as
calculating means generating command signals as a function of this
tactile information, and a stage for generating graphical objects
on a screen placed under a transparent multi-contact tactile
sensor, each of which graphical objects is associated with at least
one specific processing law, wherein the sensor delivers during
each acquisition phase a plurality of tactile information, and each
piece of the tactile information forms the object of a specific
processing determined by its localization relative to the position
of one of these graphical objects.
[0029] The process steps may comprise a bounding zone detection of
the contact zone of an object with the tactile sensor.
[0030] The process may also comprise a barycenter detection.
[0031] It may further comprise stages for refreshing graphical
objects as a function of the process carried out during at least
one previous acquisition stage.
[0032] The process may comprise a stage for editing graphical
objects including generating a graphical representation from a
library of graphical components and functions and determining an
associated processing law.
[0033] The acquisition frequency of the tactile information may be
greater than 50 Hz.
[0034] We also provide a device for controlling a computerized
piece of equipment comprising a multi-contact bidimensional sensor
for acquiring tactile information, a viewing screen arranged under
the bidimensional tactile sensor, a memory for recording graphical
objects that are each associated with at least one processing law,
and a local calculator for analyzing the position of acquired
tactile information and application of a processing law as a
function of the position relative to the position of the graphical
objects.
[0035] The device may be connected to a hub (multi-socket network)
to form a network of controllers.
[0036] This multi-contact bidimensional tactile sensor is
advantageously a resistive tile.
[0037] Furthermore, the device may comprise a network output
suitable for receiving a network cable.
[0038] In the following description, the control is performed on a
computerized piece of equipment that can be, e.g., a music
software, a controller, audiovisual equipment or multimedia
equipment.
[0039] As FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A illustrate, the first basic element
is the matrix sensor 101 necessary for acquisition (multi-contact
manipulations) with the aid of a capture interface 102. The sensor
101 may be divided, if necessary, into several parts to accelerate
capture, with each part being scanned simultaneously.
[0040] The general principle is to create as many cursors (such as
a mouse cursor) as there are zones detected on the sensor and to
follow their developments in time.
[0041] When the user removes the user's fingers from the sensor,
the associated cursors are destroyed.
[0042] In this manner, the position and development of several
fingers are captured simultaneously on the sensor. This is a
multi-contact capture that is quite innovative for this type of
controller.
[0043] The sensor may be a resistive tactile matrix tile of a known
type.
[0044] Resistive tactile matrix tiles are composed of 2 superposed
faces on which tracks of ITO (indium tin oxide), that is a
translucent conductive material, are organized. The tracks are laid
out in lines on the upper layer and in columns on the lower layer
and a matrix as shown in FIG. 2A.
[0045] The two conductive layers are insulated from one another by
spacing braces. The intersection of the line with the column forms
a contact point. When a finger is placed on the tile, a column or
columns situated on the upper layer are put in contact with a line
or line situated on the lower layer, thus creating one or several
contact points as shown in FIG. 2B.
[0046] It is possible to replace the braces by a transparent
resistive material (e.g., a conductive polymer) whose resistance
varies as a function of the pressure, which resistance drops if a
sufficient pressure force is exerted. In this manner, it is also
possible to extract the pressure exerted on the surface by
performing a resistance measurement at each line-column
intersection.
[0047] As concerns the musical or audiovisual use of these tiles,
it is imperative to measure the activity of a finger with a maximum
latency of 20 ms.
[0048] The state of the tile is measured at least 100 times per
second, which tile can be divided into several zones to perform a
parallel processing on these zones.
[0049] Thus, the sampling frequency of the tile may be at least 100
Hz.
[0050] Another basic element is the electronic device for scanning
the tactile tile that allows the simultaneous detection of several
contact points on the matrix sensor. In fact, the known methods of
acquisitions for this type of sensor do not allow the detection of
several simultaneous contact points.
[0051] The known methods do not allow the problems illustrated in
FIG. 2C to be solved.
[0052] If a simultaneous measurement of all the lines is performed
while feeding a column, problems of orthogonality arise. Contact
point No. 1 will mask contact point No. 2. Likewise, if a line is
measured when all the columns are fed, contact point No. 2 is
masked by contact point No. 1. The solution for this problem is in
performing a sequential scanning of the sensor.
[0053] The columns are fed, e.g., at 5V in turn and the level of
the lines (high or low level) measured sequentially.
[0054] When one of the columns is placed under voltage, the others
are in high impedance to prevent the propagation of current into
the latter.
[0055] Thus, column 1 is fed at first while the other columns are
in high impedance.
[0056] The lines are measured sequentially, that is, one after the
other. The value on the first line is read initially while all the
other lines are connected to ground. Then, line 1 is connected to
ground and the value on line 2 is read and so forth until the value
of all the lines has been read.
[0057] Column 1 then passes into the high impedance state and
column 2 is fed. The reading of the state of each of the lines
recommences.
[0058] The scanning is performed in this manner up to the last
column.
[0059] As the goal is to form a multi-contact tile, the total
scanning of the matrix is carried out at an elevated frequency to
obtain the value of each of the intersection points of the tile
several times per second.
[0060] The device permitting the acquisition of the tile data is
illustrated in FIG. 2D, representing the algorithm of the
acquisition of a tile comprising 100 lines (L) and 135 columns
(C).
[0061] Certain problems in the masking of a point by one or several
other points can appear.
[0062] In fact, the resistance of the transparent material (ITO)
composing the columns and the lines increases proportionately to
the length of the tracks. Thus, the potential measured at the lower
left corner of the sensor will be greater than the potential
measured at the upper right corner.
[0063] In FIGS. 2E and 2F, the cloud of points absorbs a large part
of the electrical potential of the fed column. The potential
measured at the isolated point is therefore too low to be
detected.
[0064] A solution to this problem is in using a voltage comparator
piloted digitally at the output of the line to determine whether
the tension observed is sufficient for being considered as
resulting from the action of a finger on the tactile tile. The
reference value of the comparator (comparison threshold) is
decremented at each line measure. Thus, the comparison values of
the last lines are lower than those of the first lines, which
allows the contact point located at the lower left or the upper
right to be detected in the same manner.
[0065] Thus, e.g., a complete sampling of the tile is performed at
least 100 times per second for the columns and the lines.
[0066] The data from capture interface 102 thus form an image
representative of the totality of the sensor. This image is placed
in memory so that a program can proceed to the filtering, the
detection of the fingers and to the creation of the cursors as seen
in FIG. 1.
[0067] The filtering phase illustrated by FIG. 3B eliminates noise
that might be generated by the acquisition interface or the sensor
itself. It is considered that only the clouds of several contact
points can correspond to the pressure of a finger. Therefore, a
bounding zone detection is carried out to eliminate isolated
contact points.
[0068] The following stage associates a cursor with each support
point (FIG. 3C). To this end, the barycenter of each bounding zone
is calculated. When a finger is released, the corresponding cursor
is freed.
[0069] The program executed locally by the main processor allows
these cursors to be associated with graphical objects that are
displayed on screen 105 to manipulate them. At the same time, the
local program uses these cursors for generating control messages
addressed to the host computer or the controlled apparatus.
[0070] Furthermore, the program comprises a simulator of the
physical models allowing modification of the interaction laws
between the cursors and the graphical objects. Different physical
models can be employed: spring-loaded system, vibration of a
string, management of collisions, the law of gravity,
electromagnetic field and the like.
[0071] The program considers the positioning of the cursors and on
which graphical object each is located. A specific processing is
supplied to the data coming from the sensor as a function of the
object considered. For example, a pressure measurement
(corresponding to a development of the spot made by the finger on
the tactile tile in a short interval of time) can be interpreted.
Other parameters can be deduced as a function of the nature of the
object: the acceleration, speed, trajectories, etc. Algorithms of
recognition of form can also be applied to differentiate different
fingers.
[0072] The main program 103 also transmits the data to be displayed
on screen 105 to graphical interface 104. Moreover, this graphical
interface is constituted of a graphical processor. This graphical
processor is, e.g., of a known type. The latter can be constituted
of primitive graphical functions allowing, e.g., the displaying of
bitmap, fonts of polygons and figures in 2 and 3 dimensions,
vectorial design, antialiasing, texture mapping, transparency and
interpolation of colors.
[0073] The main program may also comprise an analyzer of
mathematical expressions that allows mathematical functions to be
inputted and calculated in real time. These functions allow the
values of any variable to be modified. For example, the coordinates
(x, y) of a cursor inside an object can be considered as two
variables comprised between 0 and 1. The expression analyzer allows
an expression of the type "x*1000+600" to be created to obtain a
new variable whose value is comprised between 600 and 1600. The
variable obtained allows the control, e.g., of the frequency of an
oscillator comprised between 600 and 1600 hertz.
[0074] The mathematical expressions can be applied to scalar values
as well as to vectors.
[0075] The expression analyzer is a tool that allows real-time
calculations to be performed on the variables of objects.
[0076] Local program 103 also performs a formatting of data in the
form of messages for network port 106, that communicates it to the
computer on which the computer applications are performed.
[0077] The network interface is, e.g., an Ethernet 10/100 baseT
standard interface that communicates by packets with the protocol
TCP/IP. It can also be a network interface of the wireless
type.
[0078] It should be noted as illustrated in FIG. 11 that the
Ethernet connection offers the user the possibility, by using a
simple hub (multi-socket network), of indefinitely expanding the
control apparatus by constituting a network of controllers.
[0079] The controller or controllers present in the network then
communicate among themselves and with the host computer in the form
of the reciprocal sending of messages.
[0080] Furthermore, the unit constituting the machine is fed by a
battery (not shown) of a known type or by an AC adapter.
[0081] Finally, an interface editor 107 at the level of the
computer of the user allows the interface, that is, the totality of
the graphic objects displayed on screen 105, to be programmed in a
graphical manner. The interfaces may themselves be organized in
scenes, that are higher hierarchical structures. In fact, each
scene comprises several interfaces. The user can interchange the
interfaces with the aid of a button keyboard or a control pedal
board connected to input-output port 109.
[0082] Another function of the interface editor is to assign the
control data to the parameters that the user wishes to control.
[0083] The user has at the user's disposal, e.g., a library of
parameterable graphical objects allowing the composition of
different interfaces according to the application desired. FIGS. 4
and 5 represent different graphical objects placed at the
disposition of the user.
[0084] They can be predefined and dedicated quite particularly to
music or to the control of audiovisual equipment or computerized
apparatuses. For example, a linear potentiometer 403, 404 is
particularly adapted to control continuous parameters such as the
volume of a sound signal, the frequency of a filter. A serrated
wheel 401 can serve, e.g., to control the playing of an audio or
video reader. The objects can also be freely developed with a
development kit (SDK) of a known type 109. The development kit
furnishes access to the primitive graphical functions of the
controller.
[0085] Interface editor 107 thus allows the user to readily create
personalized control interfaces. It is a software executed on the
user's computer. It is composed of a main window representing the
tactile surface of the tile on which graphical objects from a
library of proposed objects can be placed. The manipulation and
placing of objects on the surface are performed, e.g., with the
mouse. The object placed on the window is displayed at the same
time on the controller and the object is recorded in a memory of
the controller. It can subsequently move or re-dimension the
objects at its convenience.
[0086] In addition to the positioning of graphical objects on the
main window, other secondary windows allow the regulation of
different parameters inherent in the objects (graphical properties,
physical behavior). For example, a button 402 can also act as a
switch or as a trigger. In the case of the trigger mode, a pressure
measurement can optionally be performed. Another example of a
parameterable object is area 2D (503, 544) of which the principle
includes moving pawns inside a delimited zone. The number of pawns
present in area 2D is a parameterable option. The area can be
configured in uniplan mode, a mode in which the pawns enter into
collision with each other, or multi-plan, a mode in which the pawns
are placed on distinct superposed planes. Physical parameters can
also be configured: the coefficient of friction of the pawns on the
plane, the rebound and the attraction of the pawns on the edges and
among themselves.
[0087] The editor also permits the objects present on the surface
to be listed and the creation of functions and of variables with
the expression analyzer.
[0088] Thus, the objects have by default a certain number of
variables (x, y, z . . . ) corresponding to their primitive axes.
These variables are always comprised between 0 and 1 and vary in
the form of 32-bit numbers with floating comma. The user must be
able to "connect" these variables to other values more
representative of what he desires to control. Thus, the expression
analyzer furnishes the possibility of creating new variables with
the aid of simple mathematical expressions. For example, a
rectilinear potentiometer has a primitive axis that is x. If the
user wishes to control the frequency of 500 to 2500 Hz he must
create a variable a=2000x+500.
[0089] Status display options are also desired. They permit a
visual control of the state of a parameter.
[0090] The further treatments to be applied to the objects at the
level of the main calculating unit 103 by the manipulation on the
tile are specific to each type of object.
[0091] In fact, a circular movement of the finger on a virtual
linear potentiometer (403, 404) should not have an effect on the
state of the potentiometer whereas it should modify the state in
the case of a circular potentiometer 401. Likewise, certain objects
can only take into account a single finger (the linear
potentiometer, for example) at a time whereas others can accept the
interaction of several fingers (keyboard, area 2D).
[0092] For example, the "area 2D" (503, 504) is a rectangular
surface containing a certain number of pawns, each with its own
position. The pawns can be moved by the user.
[0093] The principle is to put in place a physical system for the
totality of the objects, that is, e.g., that the pawns moved by the
user acquire a speed of inertia that they retain when the user lets
them go; the pawns subjected in this manner to their own speed will
rebound on the edges of "area 2D" and also rebound among
themselves. Furthermore, they will be subjected to forces of
attraction/repulsion on the edges and on the other pawns as well as
to a coefficient of friction on the surface of area 2D for stopping
the pawns at the end of a certain time. All these parameters will
be parameterable.
[0094] Another variant of area 2D includes applying a physical law
of the "spring-loaded" type. A virtual rubber band is stretched
between each cursor and each pawn. The user can modify the behavior
of this object by configuring the friction and the interpolation
factor. These properties can also be modified in real time with the
aid of other objects.
[0095] Another example is the "Multislider" 501, a table of cursors
whose numbers can be configured. The typical use is the controlling
of a graphic equalizer or of a spectral envelope. The difference
between a "multislider" and several simple juxtaposed linear
potentiometers is that the totality of the cursors can be modified
in a single touch by sliding the finger. The multislider can also
be used as a discrete string. For this, it is sufficient to apply
to it the physical model of a string whose tension is parameterable
by the user.
[0096] A visualization of different examples of interfaces uniting
different types of objects is illustrated by FIGS. 6 to 9, in which
several objects described above can be observed.
[0097] FIG. 6 shows an arrangement of 6 areas 2D (601) containing 1
pawn each. This interface could control, e.g., six different
filters assigned to one or several sound sources. In this instance,
the abscissa movement of each pawn in each zone controls the
frequency of the filter whereas the ordinate movement controls the
quality factor or the width of the filter band.
[0098] FIG. 7 shows an example of the control of a synthesizer or
of a sampler of a known type. The interface is composed by a
tempered keyboard 704 controlling the pitch of the sounds, by a
group of four vertical potentiometers 703 allowing the control,
e.g., of its dynamic envelope (attack time, hold level, release
time). An area 2D (701) containing 3 pawns allows the control,
e.g., of effects applied to the sound (reverberation, echo,
filters). A matrix of 16 buttons 792 can, e.g., release 16
different recorded musical sequences or also call up 16 prerecorded
configurations of the previously described controls.
[0099] Another example is illustrated by FIG. 8 showing the control
of a device for the broadcasting of different sound sources into
space on a device constituted by several loudspeakers. In this
configuration an area 2D (801) representing the broadcasting space
contains 4 pawns 801 corresponding to four sound sources. Area 2D
also contains 5 icons 802 representing the position of five
loudspeakers. The level and/or the phase of each sound source
relative to each enclosed space is regulated by moving the
different pawns 802, which determines its emplacement in the space.
Moreover, a group of four linear potentiometers 803 allows the
relative level of each source to be regulated. A unit of four
buttons 804 allows each sound source to be activated or
deactivated.
[0100] Another example is illustrated in FIG. 9 that shows the
control of a synthesizer or a sound generator according to a
configuration different from that shown in FIG. 7. Here, the
frequency of the sound generator is controlled by four virtual
strings 903. The initial tension (the pitch) of each string can
itself be controlled, e.g., by a linear potentiometer 902. An area
2D 10, e.g., control other parameters of the sound generator such
as the output level, the sound quality, the panning, etc.
[0101] FIG. 10 shows the control of equipment for audio and/or
video editing of a known type. A serrated wheel 1001 allows the
rate of reading the audio and/or video sources to be controlled.
Status display object 1002 allows the positioning of the reading to
be represented according to a format (hour, minute, second, image)
of a known type. A set of buttons 1003 allows access to the
functions of reading and editing of the controlled apparatus.
[0102] The devices and methods described above are by way of
example. It is understood that one skilled in the art is capable of
realizing different variants of the devices and methods without
departing from the scope of the appended claims.
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