Playback Device Audio Separation Real-Time Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio processing technologies are limited in track separation capabilities, unable to perform multi-dimensional separation, and require cloud-based processing, which is not real-time and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A playback device and system that integrates an audio separation module, an audio synthesis module, and an audio playback module, enabling real-time track separation and synthesis with flexible adjustment of performance parameters, allowing for multiple dimensions and levels of track separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cloud-based separation models are used for track separation, then processing capability is improved, but real-time performance and flexibility are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack separation precisionVSAvoidreal-time processing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the track separation functionality from cloud-based processing and implements it locally within the playback device. The audio separation module is integrated into the device itself, allowing track separation to be performed on-device without uploading audio signals to cloud platforms, thereby eliminating network delays and enabling real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate local processing layer between the audio source and the user. The playback device serves as an intermediary that performs track separation locally using integrated separation models, rather than directly relying on cloud-based processing, thus reducing latency while maintaining separation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If ordinary separation models are used, then device complexity is reduced, but track separation capability and user experience are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation model complexityVSAvoidtrack separation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal audio separation module that can separate audio signals into multiple independent tracks (vocals, drums, bass, guitar, etc.) simultaneously. This multi-functional module replaces the need for multiple specialized separation models, providing comprehensive track separation capability while maintaining manageable device complexity through integration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the audio signal into multiple independent frequency bands and process each band separately through the audio separation module. This segmentation approach allows detailed track separation across different frequency ranges while keeping the overall system architecture organized and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If cloud-based processing is used, then separation quality can be improved, but operational flexibility and ease of use are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation qualityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The playback device performs track separation autonomously using its integrated audio separation module. The device processes audio signals locally without requiring user intervention to upload files to cloud platforms or wait for remote processing, thereby simplifying the user workflow and improving ease of operation while maintaining separation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the audio separation functionality directly into the playback device, combining the separation module with the playback architecture. This integration eliminates the need for separate cloud-based processing steps, allowing users to simply play audio and receive instantly processed output with separated tracks, greatly improving operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If track separation is performed in real-time locally, then flexibility and real-time performance are improved, but device complexity and computational requirements are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time processing speedVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested architecture where the audio separation module is integrated within the playback device's existing signal processing pipeline. The separation functionality is embedded within the audio processing chain, allowing real-time processing without requiring a completely separate system, thus managing device complexity through hierarchical integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4571730A1Playback device and playback system
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4571730A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4571730A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4571730A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a playback device and a playback system. The playback device comprises: an audio separation module, configured to perform track separation processing on an input audio signal to generate at least two independent track signals; an audio synthesis module, configured to process the track signals according to a target instruction and generate a target audio signal; an audio playback module, configured to receive the target audio signal from the audio synthesis module and play back the target audio signal; and wherein the audio separation module, the audio synthesis module and the audio playback module are all integrated in the playback device.