Dynamic Sound Image Localization in Electronic Musical Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound signal processors in electronic musical instruments are limited in creating non-conventional musical expressions due to fixed sound image localization positions, which restrict the versatility of sound source positioning.

Innovation Solution

A sound signal processor system that includes a tone generator, signal processing, and localization processing units, capable of distributing sound signals to multiple speakers with precise gain and delay, allowing for dynamic sound image localization based on pitch, tone, and sound strength, enabling non-conventional musical expressions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the sound image localization position is fixed as in existing electronic musical instruments, then the sound signal processor can maintain simple structure and stable operation, but it cannot realize non-conventional new musical expressions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemusical expression capabilityVSAvoidsound signal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sound image localization by allowing the sound source position to vary continuously within a spatial range rather than being fixed. The localization position is determined dynamically based on pitch information and tone information, enabling the system to adapt to different musical contexts and realize diverse musical expressions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters controlling sound image localization by introducing pitch-dependent and tone-dependent positioning. Different pitch ranges and tone types map to different localization positions within the spatial range, creating new musical expressions through parameter variation without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sound source localization position is uniquely determined as in existing systems, then the processing is simple and reliable, but the versatility of sound source positioning is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound source positioning flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sound signal processing into distinct functional modules: pitch detection unit, tone detection unit, and sound image localization unit. Each module handles a specific aspect of the processing, making the overall system more manageable and easier to operate despite the increased versatility in positioning options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing sound signal processors are used, then the system structure is simple, but new musical expressions cannot be created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemusical expression capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal sound signal processing system that can handle multiple types of musical expressions through a single integrated architecture. The system processes various pitch information and tone information types and maps them to different localization positions, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate processing paths for different musical styles.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3719789B1Sound signal processor and sound signal processing method
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 YAMAHA CORP
  • EP3719789B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3719789B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3719789B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A sound signal processor includes a receiving portion configured to receive audio information, a sound source position setting portion configured to set position information of a sound source based on the received audio information, and a sound image localization processing portion configured to calculate an output level of a sound signal of the sound source for a plurality of speakers to thereby perform sound image localization processing of the sound source to localize a sound image of the sound source in a sound image localization position based on the set position information.