MIDI Timing Engine Synchronizes Multi-Source Audio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic music collaboration systems face issues with synchronization due to CPU timing discrepancies between audio files, leading to signal degradation and inferior music quality, especially when combining audio streams from different digital audio workstations.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising USB audio input hubs and a MIDI timing engine generates a MIDI time code (MTC) timing signature signal to synchronize audio signals from multiple digital audio workstations, reducing CPU jitter and streamlining collaboration by aligning start/stop times, thereby eliminating the need for excessive DA/AD conversions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple audio files are synchronized using CPU timing, then collaboration between parties is enabled, but timing accuracy deteriorates with 0.1% jitter causing bpm variation from 99-101

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollaboration capabilityVSAvoidtiming accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a MIDI timing engine as an intermediary device that generates MTC timing signature signals to mediate between multiple DAWs. This mediator synchronizes audio files by providing a central timing reference, eliminating the CPU timing jitter that occurs when systems attempt to synchronize independently. The MTC signals act as the intermediary communication protocol that ensures precise timing alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If audio signals are combined through traditional means, then multiple sources can be integrated, but signal quality deteriorates due to DA/AD conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integration capabilityVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional DA/AD conversion mechanisms with a digital-native synchronization system. By using MIDI time code signals and digital audio routing through USB audio input hubs, the system eliminates the mechanical/electrical conversion processes that degrade signal quality. The synchronization and summing occur entirely in the digital domain, preserving signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If CPU timing is used for synchronization, then system complexity is reduced, but synchronization precision deteriorates with 0.01% jitter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization system complexityVSAvoidsynchronization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic timing adjustment through the MIDI timing engine that continuously generates and distributes MTC synchronization signals. Rather than relying on static CPU timing schedules, the system dynamically adapts timing across all connected DAWs in real-time. This dynamic approach allows precise synchronization (0.01% jitter) while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through standardized MIDI protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9959851B1Collaborative synchronized audio interface

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 FERNANDEZ JOSE MARIO

AI summary

A system and method eliminates the drag associated with CPU drag on experienced by combine audio streams from multiple sources. The embodiments receive audio signals from two separate audio sources and apply a MIDI based timing signature to the audio signals. The audio signals are synchronized according to the MTC signature signal and combined, when synchronized, at a summing module for output as a combined audio stream.