Plug-on Networked Audio Adapter for Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digital audio networking solutions face limitations due to electromagnetic interference and capacitive signal loss in analog microphone cables, and existing professional audio devices struggle with miniaturization and increased power consumption, making them inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A plug-on networked media adapter that directly mates with professional media devices to receive analog signals, amplify, convert them to digital signals, and transmit network-compliant digital signals via standard network cables, eliminating the need for breakout boxes and analog cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If analog microphone cables are used for digital audio networking, then signal transmission is achieved, but electromagnetic interference and capacitive signal loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference and capacitive signal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/analog signal transmission system with a digital network-based system. The analog audio signal is converted to digital format and transmitted over Ethernet network cables, substituting the traditional analog microphone cable infrastructure with a digital networking approach that is immune to electromagnetic interference and capacitive signal loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (audio interface or converter) that acts as a bridge between the analog audio source and the digital network. This intermediary converts the analog signal to digital format and handles the protocol conversion, eliminating the need for analog cables while maintaining signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If professional audio devices are miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal, standardized network components (Ethernet interfaces, digital audio protocols) that can be integrated into compact form factors without requiring specialized high-power hardware. The use of standard digital audio interfaces over network protocols allows miniaturization while maintaining energy efficiency through software-based processing and standardized low-power hardware designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If breakout boxes and analog cables are eliminated, then system complexity is reduced, but compatibility with existing analog devices must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcompatibility with analog devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary conversion device that maintains compatibility with existing analog audio equipment while enabling digital network transmission. This intermediary handles the analog-to-digital conversion and protocol adaptation, allowing the system to work with legacy analog devices without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the audio transmission system into distinct functional layers: analog audio input, digital conversion, network protocol handling, and output transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compatibility through standardized interfaces at each layer boundary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides flexible, efficient, and optimized networked communication performance by removing the need for analog cables, reducing electromagnetic interference, and enabling direct individual control of media devices on a network, while being cost-effective and compact.

Implementation Method 1

an amplifier configured to amplify the analog signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Implementation Method 2

an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the analog signal to a digital signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10356224B2Plug-on networked audio adapter

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 AUDIO TECHNICA US INC

AI summary

One embodiment provides an apparatus comprising an input connector directly mateable with a media device to receive an analog signal. The apparatus further comprises an amplifier configured to amplify the analog signal, an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the analog signal to a digital signal, a network interface configured to convert the digital signal to a networked compliant digital signal compatible with at least one network protocol, and an output connector mateable with a standard network cable that transmits the networked compliant digital signal.