Software Crosspoint Matrix for Digital Audio Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital sound editing and mixing systems require expensive and complex hardware for monitoring and mixing, which can be difficult to use efficiently, necessitating a software-based solution for digital signal routing and control.
Innovation Solution
A software-based crosspoint matrix for digital signal routing and control, implemented through software code, with a graphics user interface for configuring inputs and outputs, and providing variable gain control circuits for signal strength adjustment, replacing the need for physical hardware systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated hardware monitoring and mixing equipment is used, then audio production quality and control capability are improved, but system cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical hardware mixing consoles and monitoring equipment with a software-based virtual mixing console that runs on a general-purpose computer. The software application provides all mixing, monitoring, and signal routing functions that traditionally required dedicated hardware devices, thereby eliminating complex mechanical and electrical hardware systems while maintaining audio production quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The software application consolidates multiple functions previously requiring separate hardware devices into a single universal platform. The virtual mixing console can perform mixing, monitoring, signal routing, effects processing, and control of audio interfaces all through one software application, replacing numerous specialized hardware devices with a multi-functional software solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated hardware monitoring equipment with numerous physical inputs and outputs is deployed, then audio signal routing and control capability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical patch cables, patch bays, and manual routing switches with software-based virtual routing. The software application provides graphical interfaces and automated routing logic that simplifies complex signal path configuration, allowing users to route audio signals between multiple inputs and outputs through software menus and visualizations rather than physical cable management.
Solution Approach 2:
The software application acts as an intermediary layer between the audio interface hardware and the user. It provides a simplified control interface that translates user actions into complex hardware control signals, mediating between simple user interactions and the sophisticated signal routing requirements of professional audio equipment.
3Reliability
If dedicated hardware systems are used for audio monitoring and mixing, then professional audio control functions are achieved, but cost increases due to expensive specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive specialized hardware mixing consoles and monitoring equipment with software running on standard computer hardware. The virtual mixing console provides professional-grade audio control functions that previously required costly dedicated hardware devices, leveraging the processing power of general-purpose computers to deliver professional audio production capabilities at lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The software application creates a virtual copy of traditional hardware mixing console functionality. It replicates the signal processing, routing, and control capabilities of expensive hardware mixing consoles in software form, allowing users to access professional audio control functions without purchasing the original expensive hardware equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A crosspoint matrix for digital signal routing and control, the matrix realized by software code includes a plurality of configurable inputs adapted to accept one or more input signals; a plurality of configurable outputs connected via signal paths to the inputs; and a plurality of variable gain control circuits described by code at each signal path intersection for enabling signal strength level adjustment. In a preferred embodiment, the matrix is a software interface inserted between a sound editing application and a sound card.