Acoustic Device Non-Real-Time String Signal Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric guitars face challenges in analyzing and applying non-real-time acoustic effects to string signals due to limitations in real-time processing, restricting the range of effects that can be added to acoustic signals.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic device and control program that allow for recording and playback of string acoustic signals, enabling non-real-time analysis and effect application, including reverse and pitch shift effects, by using a string acoustic signal input unit, operation input unit, control unit, audio recording playback unit, analysis unit, effect unit, and acoustic signal generation unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If real-time processing is used to switch acoustic effects, then the response speed is improved, but the analysis precision and range of effects are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidanalysis precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between real-time processing mode (for immediate response) and non-real-time processing mode (for detailed analysis). The processing mode is not fixed but adapts based on operational requirements, allowing the device to optimize between speed and precision as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing time parameter from fixed real-time constraints to variable timeframes including non-real-time options. This allows the analysis depth and effect range to be adjusted by changing the time parameter, enabling comprehensive signal analysis when time permits while maintaining quick response capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If real-time processing is used, then the processing time is reduced, but the range of applicable acoustic effects is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidrange of acoustic effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic operational modes where the processing timeframe can switch between real-time and non-real-time. This dynamic capability enables the device to handle both time-sensitive applications and applications requiring comprehensive analysis with diverse effect options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of acoustic signals to identify suitable effects before final processing. This preliminary action stage can operate in real-time for quick decisions, while more comprehensive preliminary analysis can be performed in non-real-time mode to expand the range of applicable effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If non-real-time processing is used, then the analysis precision is improved, but the response speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal analysis precisionVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The processing speed is made dynamic rather than fixed at non-real-time speeds. The system can switch between non-real-time processing for high-precision analysis and real-time processing for speed-critical operations, optimizing the speed-precision tradeoff based on specific operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive signal analysis is performed, then the effect quality is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffect application precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary signal analysis to identify key characteristics and determine appropriate effects before applying them. This preliminary action stage can be conducted with varying depth - quick preliminary analysis for time-sensitive applications and comprehensive preliminary analysis for quality-critical applications, thereby managing the time-quality tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The depth and comprehensiveness of signal analysis are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system can adjust the analysis thoroughness based on time constraints and quality requirements, switching between expedited analysis and comprehensive analysis modes to optimize the time-quality balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3709290B1Acoustic device and acoustic control program
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 YAMAHA CORP
  • EP3709290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709290B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3709290B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An acoustic device includes: an audio recording playback unit that records and plays back string independent acoustic signals for each string independent acoustic signal, the string independent acoustic signals respectively corresponding to different strings of a stringed instrument and being independent from each other; an analysis unit that analyzes at least one string independent acoustic signal from among the recorded string independent acoustic signals; and an acoustic effect imparting unit that imparts an acoustic effect to the at least one string independent acoustic signal for each string independent acoustic signal, based on a result of the analysis by the analysis unit.