Sound Waveform Synthesizer Buffer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound waveform synthesizers face inefficiencies in reading and transferring waveform data from large-capacity storage media like HDDs, leading to high latency and reduced computing power due to bus congestion, especially when handling diverse tone colors and varying amounts of waveform data during musical sound synthesis.
Innovation Solution
A sound waveform synthesizer apparatus with a waveform buffer that allows independent control of sound waveform synthesis and data transfer from storage, prioritizing data transfer to the buffer over direct storage access, enabling efficient data handling and reducing the impact of storage latency on synthesis processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If waveform data is transferred from HDD to waveform RAM through work RAM, then waveform data can be stored for diverse tone colors, but it takes time to change waveform data and reduces processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data transfer path into two independent segments: one from HDD to work RAM, and another from work RAM to waveform RAM. This segmentation allows both transfers to occur simultaneously without blocking each other, resolving the contradiction between storing diverse waveform data and maintaining fast transfer speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by transferring waveform data from HDD to work RAM in advance before it is needed for synthesis. This pre-loading of data into the work RAM buffer eliminates the time delay when waveform data needs to be changed during music performance, as the data is already ready in the buffer.
2Reliability
If waveform data is transferred in advance from HDD to work RAM, then waveform data is ready for synthesis, but the CPU bus becomes congested and processing power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer process into two independent pathways: HDD to work RAM and work RAM to waveform RAM. This allows waveform data to be loaded in advance without blocking the CPU bus, as the second transfer path operates independently and does not require CPU intervention for each data transfer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The work RAM serves as an intermediary buffer between the HDD and waveform RAM. This intermediary allows the CPU to focus on processing tasks while waveform data is automatically transferred through the buffer, eliminating the need for the CPU to be blocked by data transfer operations and thus maintaining processing power.
3Adaptability or versatility
If waveform data is transferred frequently between storage and memory, then diverse tone colors can be accessed, but bus congestion increases and transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-transferring waveform data from HDD to work RAM before it is needed for synthesis. This advance preparation ensures that when tone colors need to be changed during performance, the data is already ready in the work RAM buffer, eliminating transfer delays and reducing the frequency of interruptive transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the transfer path into two independent stages (HDD to work RAM, then work RAM to waveform RAM), the patent allows waveform data to be loaded in advance without blocking subsequent synthesis operations. This segmentation enables frequent tone color changes without causing bus congestion, as each transfer stage operates independently.
Data Source
AI summary
In a sound waveform synthesizer, a waveform data supplying section reads the waveform data from a storage medium for supplying the waveform data to a waveform buffer in response to a first transfer request. A waveform data processing section retrieves the waveform data from the waveform buffer in response to a second transfer request. The waveform data processing section performs sound waveform synthesis based on the retrieved waveform data and given control parameters, while notifying a state and progress of the sound waveform synthesis to a control data processing section. The control data processing section issues the first transfer request based on the notified progress of the sound waveform synthesis. The control data processing section receives waveform control information from an outside and creates the control parameters based on the waveform control information and the notified state of the sound waveform synthesis. The control data processing section issues the second transfer request corresponding to the first transfer request together with the created control parameters to the waveform data processing section.