Audio Processing Allocation Across Multiple Data Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern audio production in video editing systems faces inefficiencies due to complex hardware arrangements and rigid workflows, leading to high costs and latency in processing large numbers of audio tracks, which are not well-suited for modern digital environments.
Innovation Solution
A method of allocating audio processing operations across multiple data processing units based on expected execution time, prioritizing real-time operations, and dynamically re-allocating tasks in response to changes or improved efficiency opportunities, utilizing an execution time database to optimize processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex hardware arrangements with multiple interlinked systems are used to handle large numbers of audio tracks, then the system can process large-scale audio productions, but the device complexity and hardware costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio processing system into multiple independent processing units, each capable of handling specific audio tracks or processing operations independently. This segmentation allows the system to scale horizontally by adding more processing units rather than requiring increasingly complex monolithic hardware arrangements, directly resolving the contradiction between handling large-scale productions and maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing units are designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of performing various audio processing operations (mixing, effects processing, routing) on different types of audio tracks. This universality eliminates the need for specialized hardware for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity for large-scale audio productions.
2Reliability
If rigid hierarchical bussing structures are used for signal flow, then the system follows conventional audio production models, but the adaptability to modern digital environments and flexible workflows is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic signal routing where the signal flow path is not fixed but can be reconfigured in real-time based on processing requirements. Processing units can be dynamically assigned to different audio tracks and operations, and routing paths can be changed without reconfiguring the entire system. This dynamic approach maintains signal flow stability through controlled routing while providing high adaptability to different production workflows and digital environment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of routing parameters and processing assignments on-the-fly without altering the fundamental system architecture. This enables the same reliable hierarchical structure to adapt to different production needs by modifying operational parameters rather than physical connections, thus maintaining both reliability and versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If linear breakdown of productions into tracks and stems is used, then the system follows traditional audio organization, but the processing efficiency for large numbers of tracks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional organization structure that goes beyond the traditional linear track-stem hierarchy. Audio elements can be organized and processed in parallel across multiple dimensions (time, frequency, spatial, semantic), allowing efficient handling of large track counts by distributing processing across multiple processing units operating simultaneously on different segments or aspects of the audio production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization and pre-processing of audio tracks into optimized groups or batches before main processing. This preliminary action prepares the data in a format that maximizes processing efficiency when handled by multiple processing units, maintaining the ease of traditional linear organization while dramatically improving processing throughput for large-scale productions.
4Ease of operation
If conventional mixing console arrangements are used, then the system provides familiar audio production workflows, but the processing speed and latency performance are insufficient for modern digital requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical signal routing and processing architecture of conventional mixing consoles with a digital parallel processing system. Instead of physical patching and sequential signal flow through fixed channels, the system uses digital signal processing across multiple independent processing units that can operate simultaneously. This substitution maintains familiar operational concepts through software interfaces while achieving dramatically higher processing speeds and lower latency through parallel computation and optimized digital signal paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of a performing a plurality of processing operations on a plurality of audio entities using a computer system having multiple data processing units includes allocating each data processing operation to one of the data processing units, such that the data processing operation is performed on said one of the data processing units. The allocation is based at least partly on an expected execution time for the data processing operation on said one of the data processing units to which it is allocated. The method further includes performing the plurality of processing operations on said plurality of audio entities according to the allocation and outputting processed audio. Allocating each data processing operation to one of the data processing units includes identifying one or more realtime processing operations that must be performed in a predetermined time period, and allocating said realtime processing operations to be performed before non-realtime processing operations.