Audio Mixing Channel Setup with Automatic Source Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio signal processing systems require users to manually set mixing data for each channel, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for novice users.

Innovation Solution

An audio signal processing system that includes a tablet terminal and a mixer, where the tablet automatically identifies the audio source and associates it with pre-stored mixing data, allowing users to select from multiple data sets and send those settings to the mixer, reducing the need for manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual setting of mixing data for each channel is performed, then precision of mixing data assignment is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of mixing data assignmentVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies audio sources and assigns appropriate mixing data without requiring manual user input for each channel. The mixer autonomously performs the data assignment based on detected audio characteristics, eliminating the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining accurate mixing data assignment through automated audio source identification and matching algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If automated identification of audio source is implemented, then time required for channel setup is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime required for channel setupVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A tablet terminal serves as an intermediary device between the audio sources and the mixer. The tablet captures audio input, identifies audio sources, determines appropriate mixing data, and transmits commands to the mixer. This intermediary approach automates the channel setup process, significantly reducing configuration time while distributing system complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it all in the mixer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If pre-stored mixing data is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different audio sources deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability to different audio sources
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects and applies mixing data based on real-time audio source identification. Rather than using fixed pre-stored mixing data for all scenarios, the system automatically detects the type of audio source (e.g., vocals, instruments, ambient noise) and adaptively chooses the most appropriate mixing data from stored options. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation through automation while ensuring versatility across different audio sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3863010B1Audio signal mixing device, system, method
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 YAMAHA CORP
  • EP3863010B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3863010B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3863010B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An audio signal processing device (3) including: an input reception portion (37) that receives input from a user for selection of a channel of a mixing device (1); an audio signal input portion (35) that receives an audio signal corresponding to the channel of the mixing device (1) selected according to the input from the user for the selection of the channel received at the input reception portion (37); an audio source identification portion (361) that analyzes the audio signal received at the audio signal input portion (35) and identifies a kind of audio source of the audio signal; a setting data acquisition portion (362) that acquires setting data corresponding to the kind of audio source identified by the audio source identification portion (361); and a setting data setting portion (363) that prompts the mixing device (1) to set the setting data for the channel.