Audio Mixer Dual Control Layout for Independent Multi-User Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio mixers are not designed for easy use by multiple users simultaneously, leading to potential parameter changes and operational conflicts when multiple individuals operate the same device.
Innovation Solution
The audio mixer is configured with dual independent control sections and signal processing systems, allowing separate and independent control of parameters by multiple users through distinct physical controllers and display modes, ensuring that operations by one user do not affect the settings of others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single audio mixer is used by multiple users, then device utilization is improved, but operational conflicts and parameter changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The audio mixer is divided into multiple independent control sections (first control section and second control section), each with separate operation receivers and parameter controllers. This segmentation allows different users to operate different sections simultaneously without interfering with each other's settings, resolving the operational conflicts while maintaining high device utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users operate the same mixer simultaneously, then collaboration is improved, but parameter stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the parameter control system into multiple independent parameter controllers (first parameter controller and second parameter controller), each user's operations are confined to their designated section. This prevents accidental parameter changes in other sections while allowing collaborative usage of the same mixer device.
3Ease of operation
If independent control sections are added for multiple users, then ease of operation for multiple users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control sections into a single integrated audio mixer device. The first and second control sections share common infrastructure including the mixing bus, signal processor, and display device, while maintaining independent operation receivers and parameter controllers. This combining approach provides independent control for multiple users without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An audio mixer includes a plurality of physical controllers that control a value of a parameter. A processor, in a first mode, divides a plurality of input channels into first/second input channel and a plurality of mixing buses into first/second mixing bus of a first/second signal processing system, respectively, and controls a signal processor to perform a first/second operation to process an audio signal from the first/second input channel to the first/second mixing bus according to the value of the first/second parameter in the first/second signal processing system, respectively. In a second mode, it controls, by using the plurality of input channels and mixing buses as part of the same signal processing system, the signal processor to perform an operation to process an audio signal according to the value of the first/second parameter in the same signal processing system.