Acoustic System Frequency-Based Output Device Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic systems face challenges in selecting the appropriate output device for transmitting acoustic signals due to varying frequency characteristics, which can result in undesired sounds or failure to emit desired sounds from soundboards with vibrators.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic system that includes a supply device connected to a network, at least one output device with a control unit to determine the necessity of outputting acoustic signals based on frequency characteristics, and a selection unit to choose the optimal output device for the acoustic signal, ensuring appropriate sound emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a soundboard vibration device is used to generate rich sound, then sound quality is improved, but the sound quality becomes dependent on frequency characteristics which vary with instrument type, causing undesired sounds or failure to emit desired sounds at certain frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound qualityVSAvoidfrequency compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple output devices based on real-time frequency characteristics of acoustic signals. The control unit continuously monitors signal frequency and automatically selects the most suitable output device (soundboard vibration device or speaker device) to handle each frequency range, making the system adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different output devices according to frequency characteristics. When the acoustic signal frequency matches the optimal range of the soundboard vibration device, it is selected; otherwise, the speaker device is used. This parameter-based selection resolves the frequency compatibility issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple output devices are connected to the network, then the system can handle various instrument types, but selecting the appropriate device becomes complex and requires frequency analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument type coverageVSAvoiddevice selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically performs frequency analysis and device selection without user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring acoustic signal frequency characteristics and autonomously determining which output device should receive the signal, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex user decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously analyzes the frequency characteristics of incoming acoustic signals and uses this information to make real-time decisions about device selection. This closed-loop control simplifies the selection process by using actual signal properties rather than pre-configured settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the soundboard shape varies from one instrument type to another, then each instrument has unique acoustic characteristics, but this makes it difficult to select the appropriate output device for a given tune

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic characteristic accuracyVSAvoiddevice selection simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual device selection (mechanical operation) with automated electronic control. The control unit uses frequency analysis algorithms to automatically match acoustic signals with suitable output devices, substituting the need for user understanding of instrument characteristics with computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary frequency analysis of acoustic signals before routing them to output devices. By analyzing frequency characteristics in advance and pre-determining the most suitable device, the system ensures accurate acoustic characteristic matching without requiring complex real-time user decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively switches between output devices to optimize sound quality by selecting the appropriate device based on the frequency characteristics of the acoustic signal, preventing unintended sounds and ensuring desired sound emission.

Implementation Method 1

vibrating the soundboard with the vibrator in a manner determined by acoustic signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9681230B2Acoustic system, output device, and acoustic system control method

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

An acoustic system includes a supply device, which is connected to a network and configured to supply an acoustic signal to the network, and at least one output device configured to output a sound based on the acoustic signal supplied from the supply device via the network. Also, the acoustic system includes a control unit, which is provided to the at least one output device on a one-to-one basis, and configured to control necessity/non-necessity of outputting the acoustic signal to an associated one of the at least one output device, based on frequency characteristics of the acoustic signal.