Audio Mixer Module for ASIO and WDM Signal Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio signal processing devices face challenges in mixing and recording audio signals from different standards, such as ASIO and WDM, which often result in signal loops and howling issues when trying to combine and record mixed audio signals.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a mixer module that processes and mixes ASIO and WDM audio signals, allowing for two selection modes to manage signal processing and output, including a mode selection switch and output switches to handle signal routing and processing between different standards, enabling seamless mixing and recording without hardware loops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If audio signals from ASIO and WDM standards are mixed and output to the same audio interface for recording, then mixing capability is improved, but signal loops and howling are caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing capabilityVSAvoidhowling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The audio signal processing path is divided into separate routes: ASIO signals go through the ASIO driver and application, while WDM signals go through the WDM driver and application. The mixer module selectively combines these segmented paths without creating feedback loops, preventing howling while maintaining mixing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mixer module acts as an intermediary between the ASIO and WDM audio signal paths. It receives signals from both standards, processes them independently, and combines them into a unified output that can be recorded without creating signal loops or howling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If separate processing paths are maintained for ASIO and WDM audio signals, then signal processing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing precisionVSAvoidprocessing path complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixer module merges the separate ASIO and WDM processing paths into a unified architecture. While maintaining separate signal flows for precision processing, the module combines control functions and signal routing into a single integrated component, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixer module is designed as a universal component that handles both ASIO and WDM audio signals simultaneously. It provides multi-functional capabilities including signal routing, mixing, and output management, eliminating the need for separate dedicated processing paths for each standard.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual control of audio signal routing is implemented, then operational flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiduser operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mixer module automatically manages signal routing based on the selected mode (first mode for ASIO, second mode for WDM). The system self-configures the processing paths and output destinations without requiring manual user intervention, maintaining operational flexibility while significantly improving ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The audio signal routing is made dynamic through mode switching that automatically adapts the processing paths based on the selected operation mode. The system transitions between different routing configurations seamlessly, providing flexibility without requiring users to manually reconfigure connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3196755B1Control device
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 TEAC CORP
  • EP3196755B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3196755B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3196755B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control device is provided which mixes and records two types of audio signals processed under standards different from each other; in particular, an audio signal of ASIO standard and an audio signal of WDM standard. An audio interface is connected to a computer, and an audio signal is input to the computer. A mixer module of the computer mixes an audio signal which is effect-processed by an ASIO application and an audio signal reproduced by a WDM application, and outputs the mixed audio signal to the audio interface and to the WDM application for sound recording. The user operates a screen displayed on an operation panel to switch between presence and absence of effect process and presence and absence of mixing.