Audio Mixer Control Circuit for Automatic Signal Path Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional audio mixing consoles require extensive user input and manual adjustments for processing audio signals from various sources, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially for live performances where quick setup and adjustments are necessary.

Innovation Solution

An audio mixer system with an intelligent control circuit that recognizes audio signal sources using an artificial neural network, automatically setting signal paths based on source type recognition, allowing for both manual and automatic modes of operation, and learning from user inputs to optimize signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual operation mode is used for audio mixing console, then user can precisely control each parameter, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter control precisionVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects audio signal sources and configures signal paths without requiring manual user input for each parameter. The control circuit autonomously analyzes incoming signals, identifies source types, and sets appropriate routing parameters, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit pre-configures signal paths by automatically detecting and analyzing audio signals before user operation. The system performs preliminary signal source identification and parameter setup, so that when users need to operate the console, the basic configuration is already in place, reducing both setup time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automatic signal path setting is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to additional control circuits and algorithms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing speedVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects external devices, analyzes audio signal characteristics, identifies source types, and configures signal paths. By making the control circuit universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each task, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors audio signals and automatically adjusts signal path settings based on real-time signal analysis. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing audio sources dynamically, maintaining high processing speed while using intelligent algorithms that optimize control circuit resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If extensive control elements are provided for all functions, then user control precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the large number of controls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit automatically performs signal source detection and path configuration without requiring users to manually adjust multiple control elements. The system serves itself by autonomously analyzing incoming signals and setting appropriate parameters, thereby maintaining control precision while dramatically simplifying user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the complex signal analysis and configuration tasks from manual user operation and transfers them to automatic control circuit execution. By taking out these complex functions from the user interface domain and implementing them in the control domain, the system maintains precise control capabilities while presenting a simplified operational interface to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9952826B2Audio mixer system
Publication Date: 2018.04.24 HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES LTD
  • US9952826B2 patent drawing
  • US9952826B2 patent drawing
  • US9952826B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An audio mixer system and method is provided. The audio mixer system includes an audio interface, an audio signal processor, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to recognize a source type of an audio signal at the audio interface based on analyzing the audio signal. The control circuit is configured to control a setting of a signal path of the audio signal from an input of the audio interface through the audio signal processor to an output of the audio interface based on the recognized source type.