Audio Mixing Console Wireless Channel Labeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio mixing consoles face inefficiencies in labeling input channels, often requiring manual handwritten lists or two-person communication, which are cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

An audio mixing console system that uses a remote device with a wireless access point to transmit label signals to the console, allowing users to easily and efficiently assign labels to channels via a user interface, using wireless communication protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handwritten lists or two-person communication methods are used for labeling, then labeling can be completed, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for labeling
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical labeling processes (handwritten lists, physical communication between users) with an automated electronic system. The mixing console automatically receives audio signals, identifies input ports, and assigns labels through wireless communication from a remote device, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving labeling efficiency while reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated wireless labeling is implemented, then labeling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing console is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an audio processing device and an automated labeling system. The wireless access point and processor are integrated into the existing console architecture, allowing it to perform both audio mixing and automatic channel labeling functions. This approach increases productivity while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional labeling methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service labeling where the mixing console automatically identifies input ports and assigns labels without requiring manual intervention or communication between users. The remote device simply transmits the desired label, and the console handles the entire labeling process autonomously, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If manual labeling processes are used, then reliability is maintained through direct user control, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling speedVSAvoidlabeling accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the mixing console receives wireless signals from the remote device, automatically identifies the corresponding input port based on the audio signal source, and confirms the label assignment. This automated feedback loop ensures both high productivity through rapid processing and reliability through accurate automatic identification and association of labels with the correct channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 eliminates the need for manual labeling and two-person processes, providing a more reliable, efficient, and flexible method for channel labeling, enabling customizable and accurate label management.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless access point configured to wirelessly receive a label signal including a channel label to be assigned to the channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the label signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3018847B1Apparatus for labeling inputs of an audio mixing console system
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP3018847B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3018847B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3018847B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An audio mixing console labeling system may include an audio mixing console having a processor and configured to receive an audio signal at a first input port from one of a microphone and a musical instrument, the first input port being associated with a first channel of the audio mixing console, receive a label signal including a channel label to be assigned to the first channel from a remote device, and assign the channel label to the first channel in response to receiving the audio signal at the first input port.