Instrument Amplifier Impedance Matching for Multi-Speaker Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amplifiers require multiple configurations to accommodate speakers with different characteristics, necessitating multiple amplifiers and complex switching setups, which is inefficient and cumbersome for musical performances.

Innovation Solution

An amplifier with a storage section for characteristic adjustment values, an inspection signal output section, an observation section, and an analysis section that adjusts impedance characteristics based on speaker analysis, allowing for seamless switching between multiple speakers with different characteristics using a single amplifier configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple amplifiers are prepared for different speaker characteristics, then each speaker can be matched with appropriate parameters, but the device complexity and quantity of equipment increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeaker matching accuracyVSAvoidnumber of amplifiers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier is designed with automatic detection and adjustment capabilities that enable a single device to adapt to multiple different speaker characteristics. The amplifier can automatically detect speaker parameters such as impedance and sensitivity, then adjust its output characteristics accordingly, making one amplifier universal for use with various speaker types without requiring manual configuration or multiple dedicated amplifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier dynamically changes its output parameters including voltage, current, and impedance based on the detected speaker characteristics. By automatically adjusting these electrical parameters to match the connected speaker's requirements, the system maintains optimal performance across different speaker configurations without requiring physical hardware changes or multiple amplifier units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple amplifiers are prepared for different speaker characteristics, then each speaker can be matched with appropriate parameters, but the installation and switching complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeaker matching accuracyVSAvoidswitching operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier performs automatic self-detection and self-adjustment when a speaker is connected. The system automatically detects the speaker's characteristics through built-in detection circuits, identifies the appropriate configuration parameters, and adjusts its output without requiring user intervention. This eliminates the need for manual switching between different amplifier configurations or manual parameter setting, making the operation as simple as connecting the speaker.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If speaker characteristics are manually set, then the amplifier can be configured for specific speakers, but the time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter accuracyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier performs preliminary automatic detection of speaker characteristics as soon as a speaker is connected, before any audio signal is sent. The detection circuits automatically measure speaker parameters such as impedance, sensitivity, and frequency response, and pre-adjust the amplifier's output parameters accordingly. This preliminary automatic configuration eliminates the need for manual setup time and ensures accurate parameter matching from the moment of connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4375987A1Amplifier device for music instruments
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 ROLAND CORP
  • EP4375987A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4375987A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4375987A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An amplifier (1, 100) includes an amplification section (200) amplifying musical tone signal from an electric musical instrument, and is connected with a speaker. The amplifier includes a storage section (202) storing a characteristic adjustment value for adjusting output or input impedance characteristic of the amplifier according to a characteristic of the speaker; an inspection signal output section (12) outputting a predetermined inspection signal to the speaker via the amplification section; an observation section (10) observing a resulting inspection signal output to the speaker by the inspection signal output section; an analysis section (S30 to S34, S91 to S98) analyzing the characteristic of the speaker based on the resulting inspection signal observed by the observation section; and an adjustment value storage section (S35, S102) storing, in the storage section, the characteristic adjustment value corresponding to the characteristic of the speaker analyzed by the analysis section in association with the speaker.