Audio Signal Streaming Interface With Pass-Through Gain Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio recording techniques require physical connections and manual intervention, leading to potential errors and increased complexity, especially in live performances, where real-time feedback and control are limited, and studio-quality recording is often reserved for professional equipment.
Innovation Solution
An audio processing device that connects upstream sound sources to downstream devices, converts analog signals to digital, and streams them to a server via wireless access points or mobile communication, allowing for real-time feedback and control adjustments, minimizing human intervention and enabling studio-quality recordings without expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical connections and manual intervention are used in conventional audio recording, then signal processing can be performed, but complexity of operation and potential for human errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing device automatically performs signal interception, A/D conversion, and streaming to server without requiring manual operation. The device self-manages the recording pipeline by autonomously converting analog signals to digital format and transmitting them, eliminating the need for operators to physically connect cables or manually control the recording process during live performances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where the server receives streamed audio data and can send control signals back to the audio processing device to adjust recording parameters dynamically. This closed-loop control enables automatic gain adjustment, signal level monitoring, and quality assurance without human intervention, improving reliability while reducing operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If post-production mixing is performed manually, then audio signals can be processed, but time consumption and risk of human errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing device performs A/D conversion and initial signal processing during the live recording itself, rather than waiting for post-production. By converting analog signals to digital format and streaming them in real-time, the system prepares the audio data for immediate processing and mixing, eliminating the time delay associated with traditional post-production workflows while maintaining high signal quality through professional-grade conversion hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical mixing operations with automated digital signal processing. The server receives streamed audio data and performs mixing operations algorithmically, substituting the mechanical faders and switches of traditional mixing consoles with software-based signal manipulation. This automation maintains precise control over audio levels and mixing parameters while eliminating human error and significantly reducing the time required for mixing operations.
3Productivity
If conventional streaming devices are used, then audio can be transmitted, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it serves as both an audio interface for analog-to-digital conversion and a streaming device for wireless transmission to the server. By combining these previously separate functions into one device, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate pieces of equipment (audio interface, cable connections, separate streaming device), thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full productivity for both recording and streaming operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces recording complexity, ensures high signal quality from the beginning, and allows for smart, coordinated recording decisions across multiple devices, bringing studio-quality recording capabilities to consumers without the need for expensive professional gear.
Implementation Method 1
The audio processing device converts the signal to digital data, connects to a wireless access point or uses its built-in mobile communication capability
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products that provide streaming capabilities to audio input and output devices are disclosed. An audio processing device connects an upstream device to a downstream device. The upstream device is plugged into an input port of the audio processing device. The audio processing device intercepts a signal from the upstream device to the downstream device. The audio processing device converts the signal to digital data and streams the digital data to a server. The digital data can include metadata, e.g., an input gain. The audio processing device can adjust the input gain in response to instructions from the server. The audio processing device feeds a pass-through copy of the audio signal to an output port. A user can connect the downstream device in a usual signal chain into the output port of the audio processing device. The streaming does not affect the user's workflow.