Modular Audio Signal Processor With Removable Effect Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Musical instrument users face limitations in achieving diverse guitar tones due to the fixed sonic range of traditional stomp boxes and multiple devices required, with digital signal processing systems offering limited flexibility without convenient updating methods.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal processor with a removable module that contains signal processing instructions and user controls, allowing users to easily change and combine effects by inserting different modules into a base audio processing device with embedded digital signal processing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stomp boxes with fixed circuitry are used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the sonic range is limited and cannot be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The effects processor is divided into a base unit with digital signal processing capabilities and removable effect modules. Each module contains specific effect circuitry that can be independently selected and replaced, allowing the system to adapt to different sonic requirements without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with a universal interface that can accept multiple different effect modules. This allows a single base unit to perform multiple different audio effects functions by simply changing the inserted module, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated devices for each effect type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate effect devices are used to achieve diverse guitar tones, then the sonic range is expanded, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple effect functionalities are merged into a single system by placing different effect modules within one base unit. The base unit integrates the digital signal processing engine and module interface, while individual modules contribute specific effect capabilities. This consolidation allows users to access diverse sonic ranges without managing multiple separate effect devices.
3Productivity
If digital signal processing is implemented with fixed firmware, then processing capabilities are enhanced, but the flexibility to change effects is limited without computer updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed firmware to dynamic reconfigurable functionality. Effect modules can be easily inserted and removed to change processing capabilities in real-time without requiring system reconfiguration or computer updates. This dynamic approach allows users to adapt the processing capabilities to different musical contexts quickly and conveniently.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an audio signal processor that determines the type of audio processing to be performed utilizing an audio processing device (APD) and a removable module. The APD includes a digital signal processor (DSP) that modifies an input audio signal in accordance with a signal processing instruction set. The removable module includes the signal processing instruction set, and when the removable module is coupled to the APD, the signal processing instruction set is transferred to and implemented by the DSP of the APD to perform an audio processing function upon the input audio signal. The removable module may also include a user interface having at least one control to set a control parameter that is transferred to the DSP of the APD to further modify audio processing. The APD may also include a multi-state footswitch whose functionality can be determined by the DSP.