Manual Audio Recording and Playback Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concurrent data recording and playback machines, such as loopers and delay effects, lack the ability to alternately play back and record separate audio samples using a single switch, limiting their flexibility and rhythmic control in live musical performances where timing is variable.
Innovation Solution
A manually controlled concurrent data recording and playback system utilizing an electromechanical momentary switch to alternately start and stop recording and playback of distinct data samples with each switch state change, allowing for flexible and intuitive control of audio data synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If delay effects continually delay the playback of recorded audio by a fixed time interval, then a repeat effect is achieved, but the rhythm is tied to a fixed time interval and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-time-interval delay mechanism into a dynamic system where the delay interval is manually controllable. The musician can adjust the timing of recording and playback operations in real-time, allowing the delay effect to adapt to variable tempos and rhythmic patterns rather than being constrained by a predetermined fixed interval.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic recording and playback actions triggered by musician input. Each activation of the mechanism initiates a recording period followed by a playback period, creating a rhythmic cycle that can be manually controlled. This periodic structure allows flexible timing while maintaining the essential repeat function of delay effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If loopers allow concurrent recording and playback of distinct audio samples, then versatility is improved, but the ability to alternately play back and record separate samples using a single switch is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single footswitch serve multiple functions: it can initiate recording, initiate playback, stop recording, and stop playback, depending on the current operational state. This multi-functionality allows the musician to control both recording and playback operations with a single device, simplifying the interface while expanding the capability to alternately manipulate distinct audio samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines which operation to perform based on its current state. When the footswitch is activated, the system self-determines whether to start recording, start playback, stop recording, or stop playback without requiring the musician to manually select the operation type. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining versatile sample control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If musicians wish to synchronize recording and playback with variable timing in live performances, then rhythmic flexibility is improved, but fixed time interval mechanisms prevent synchronization with dynamic tempo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid, predetermined time interval mechanism with a dynamic system that responds to musician input in real-time. The recording and playback operations are triggered by footswitch activations rather than occurring at fixed intervals, allowing the musician to synchronize the delay effect with the variable tempo and rhythmic changes of a live performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through LEDs that indicate the current operational state and timing. This feedback mechanism helps the musician understand the system's response to their input and adjust their footswitch timing accordingly, facilitating synchronization with dynamic tempo while maintaining efficient control during performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An novel method of manually controlling concurrent audio data recording and playback machines using an electromechanical momentary switch, an electronic device capable of detecting changes in the state of said electromechanical momentary switch, an audio data recording device, and an audio data playback device, whereby said electronic device will, upon detecting each change of state in said electromechanical momentary switch, cause said audio data recording device to stop recording the current audio data sample and start recording a new audio data sample, and cause said audio data playback device to play back the audio data sample whose recording was just stopped.