Digital Mixer Parameter Transfer for Port Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital mixers, when the connection of an audio signal source, such as a microphone, is changed from one input port to another, the previously set parameters need to be reconfigured for the new port, leading to inefficiencies and increased user operation during changes in setup scenarios like rehearsals and performances.
Innovation Solution
The digital mixer implements a feature where parameter values from the previously connected port can be automatically or conditionally applied to the newly connected port, allowing for seamless parameter transfer and reducing the need for reconfiguration, with user permission and activation options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parameter values are manually reconfigured for each input port when connection changes occur, then each port operates with correct parameters, but user operation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically transferring parameters from the previously used input port to the newly connected port before the user needs to use it. When a connection change is detected, the parameter transfer mechanism proactively copies all necessary parameter settings (gain, EQ, effects, etc.) from the old port to the new port, so the user finds the new port already configured correctly without needing to perform any reconfiguration actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies the copying principle by creating a duplicate of the parameter set from the previously used input port and applying it to the newly connected port. The system maintains a record of parameter values from each port and automatically copies these values when connection changes occur, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and ensuring parameter consistency across port changes.
2Productivity
If parameters are automatically transferred when connection changes occur, then setup efficiency improves, but risk of incorrect parameter application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by providing visual indication to the user when parameter transfer occurs. The display shows which parameters are being transferred from the previous port to the new port, allowing the user to verify that the correct parameters are applied. This feedback mechanism maintains reliability by enabling user oversight while preserving the productivity benefits of automatic transfer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all input ports maintain independent parameter settings, then each port can be optimized independently, but operation complexity increases when switching between ports
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies universality by making the parameter set transferable across different input ports. Instead of each port having completely independent parameters, the system enables parameters to function universally across multiple ports through automatic transfer. This maintains the flexibility of port-specific optimization while adding the convenience of portable settings, allowing users to switch between ports without losing their customized parameter configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a digital mixer (100), when a patch of a certain channel is changed (601), values of parameters of one port which has been connected to the certain channel is applied as parameters of a newly connected port (605), thereby enabling to hand over parameters of the one port which have been set for the certain channel. Further, when a newly connected port is already connected to another channel (YES in 604), the digital mixer asks the user whether or not to apply the parameters of the one port (606).