Audio Signal Processing System Zone-Based Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio signal processing systems require extensive physical reconfiguration and are not efficient in changing the range of mixer engines used for cooperative operation, leading to low operability and responsiveness in configuring signal processing.

Innovation Solution

An audio signal processing system with a controller that uses zone data to manage and control multiple audio signal processing devices, allowing for the selection and configuration of specific devices for parallel operation without physical reconfiguration, enabling quick changes in signal processing configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If mixer engines are connected in cascade to cooperate on audio signal processing, then the processing capacity is enhanced, but the ease of changing the range of engines to be used deteriorates due to physical reconfiguration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of mixer enginesVSAvoidease of changing engine range

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical cable connections between mixer engines) with a network-based control system. The controller communicates with mixer engines via network connections, allowing virtual grouping of engines without physical reconfiguration. This enables the system to dynamically change which engines are active based on software configuration rather than physical wiring changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control over mixer engine selection. The controller can dynamically determine which mixer engines to activate and group together based on the audio signal processing requirements, rather than being fixed by physical cascade connections. This dynamic selection allows the system to adapt to different processing needs by simply changing control parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If all connected mixer engines must be used for cooperative operation, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to select specific engine combinations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem connection structureVSAvoidability to select engine combinations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control of mixer engines into independent controllable units. The controller can individually manage and select specific mixer engines based on zone data, allowing flexible combination selection. This segmentation enables the system to treat each engine as an independent resource that can be selectively activated according to processing needs, rather than requiring all connected engines to participate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If connection of mixer engines is confirmed every time signal processing configuration changes, then the accuracy of engine selection is ensured, but the time required for configuration changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of engine selectionVSAvoidtime for configuration changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by storing zone data that pre-defines groups of mixer engines and their connection relationships. This zone data is prepared in advance and stored in the controller, so when configuration changes are needed, the system can quickly reference and apply pre-established zones without performing time-consuming connection verification. The preliminary organization of engine groups enables rapid reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If mixer engines not in use are left idle, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the utilization efficiency of engines deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine management structureVSAvoidengine utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables mixer engines to serve multiple functions and be reused across different audio signal processing tasks. Through the zone-based selection mechanism, engines that are not currently active in one processing configuration can be quickly reassigned to different roles when configuration changes occur. This multi-functional utilization maximizes engine productivity by ensuring all engines can contribute to various processing tasks rather than remaining idle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7617012B2Audio signal processing system

Publication Date: 2009.11.10 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

In a mixer system including: a plurality of mixer engines each provided with a programmable DSP; and a PC controlling operations of the respective mixer engines, the PC stores, as zone data, a plurality of configuration data each indicating a configuration of signal processing to be executed by one mixer engine or more out of the mixer engines under the control of the PC, accepts the selection of the zone data, and when the necessary mixer engines are in a controllable state, transfers data on a part of the aforesaid configuration which is to be assigned to each of the mixer engines, to the corresponding mixer engines. Then, when the selection of the configuration is accepted, each of the mixer engines to which the configuration is transferred is caused to execute the audio signal processing according to the selected configuration.