Audio Signal Muting Control After CPU Malfunction Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

In power amplifiers, malfunctions in the CPU can lead to premature muting of sound signals, even if there is no issue with the sound output, causing unnecessary silence and potential damage to subsequent audio devices.

Innovation Solution

An audio device with a processor, display, operating elements, and a detector that allows signal processing to continue and notifies the user of malfunctions, enabling user-controlled muting through operating elements without interrupting signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the CPU immediately mutes the sound signal when a malfunction is detected, then the audio device can be protected from potential damage, but the sound output may be unnecessarily interrupted even when there is no problem with the sound

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from damageVSAvoidsound output continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the malfunction detection and sound muting: the system displays a malfunction message and waits for user input before muting the sound. This intermediary step allows the system to protect itself from potential damage while avoiding unnecessary interruption of sound output when the malfunction does not affect audio quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by notifying the user of the malfunction through display and waiting for user confirmation or cancellation. This feedback loop allows the user to determine whether the malfunction actually requires sound muting, thereby preventing unnecessary interruption of audio output while maintaining protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the CPU continues signal processing without muting when a malfunction is detected, then the sound output can continue without interruption, but the audio device or subsequent devices may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound output continuityVSAvoidprotection from damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the malfunction detection and sound muting: the system displays a malfunction message and waits for user input before muting the sound. This intermediary step allows the system to protect itself from potential damage while avoiding unnecessary interruption of sound output when the malfunction does not affect audio quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by notifying the user of the malfunction through display and waiting for user confirmation or cancellation. This feedback loop allows the user to determine whether the malfunction actually requires sound muting, thereby preventing unnecessary interruption of audio output while maintaining protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a manual variable resistor with a brush is used for level control, then the user can immediately mute the sound by turning the knob, but the sound quality may deteriorate due to brush aging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediate muting capabilityVSAvoidsound quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual variable resistor with a digital control system using a rotary encoder and CPU. This substitution eliminates the brush contact issue that causes sound quality deterioration while maintaining the user's ability to immediately mute sound by rotating the knob, which the CPU interprets as a muting command.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the manual variable resistor's functionality using a rotary encoder. The encoder generates digital signals that are processed by the CPU to achieve the same level control and muting capabilities without the physical wear and sound quality issues associated with mechanical brushes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10637426B2Audio device and control method for an audio device

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

An audio device includes: a processor configured to perform signal processing on the sound signal according to a value of a parameter; a display; a plurality of operating elements; a controller configured to: change the value of the parameter in accordance with an operation performed through any one of the plurality of operating elements; cause the display to display the value of the parameter; and write the value of the parameter in the current memory; and a detector. The controller is configured to: execute a first routine, which is uninterruptable by another routine, when the detector detects the malfunction; and cause, in the first routine, the display to display a first message without newly storing the value of the parameter; and mute, in the first routine, the processed signal in accordance with an operation performed through any one of the plurality of operating elements.