Synthesizer Tone Expansion via PC Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for expanding tone generation and sound effect functions in musical instruments and sound generating apparatuses are cumbersome, requiring dedicated sockets, communication circuits, and power supplies, leading to increased costs and poor user interface operability.
Innovation Solution
A waveform generating apparatus with a first tone generator, memory, library, and communication device that selects and controls timbre data from internal and external sources, including a computer network, to generate and mix waveform data, and a sound effect imparting apparatus with similar components for effect data, allowing seamless expansion and parameter editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plug-in boards are attached to expand tone generation functions, then function versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to dedicated sockets, communication circuits, and power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single apparatus to function both as a tone generator and as an effect imparting device. The external apparatus can provide either tone generation or effect processing functions, eliminating the need for dedicated plug-in boards for each function type. This multi-functional approach reduces hardware complexity while maintaining versatility in expanding tone generation and sound effect capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by allowing the external apparatus to be replicated or replaced without modifying the main apparatus structure. Instead of physically attaching plug-in boards, the system copies functionality through network connectivity, where an external apparatus can assume the role of either tone generator or effect processor. This virtual copying approach avoids the hardware complexity of dedicated sockets and communication circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plug-in boards are used for function expansion, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to separate parameter settings and poor user interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the control interfaces of the main apparatus and external apparatus into a unified parameter setting system. The operation panel of the main apparatus can display and accept parameter settings for both internal and external functions, eliminating the need for separate control interfaces. This integration improves ease of operation while maintaining the adaptability to use either internal or external tone generation and effect processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a control unit that mediates between the operation panel and both internal/external tone generators and effectors. This intermediary control unit manages parameter settings uniformly regardless of whether the function is provided internally or externally, creating a seamless user experience. The mediator translates user inputs into appropriate control signals for the active function source, improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PC with DAW application is connected to expand functions, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to forcing users to use basic UI with poor operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the traditional control architecture where the PC/DAW controls the synthesizer. Instead, the synthesizer's operation panel controls the external apparatus (PC/DAW) through network connectivity. The main apparatus displays and accepts parameter settings on its own operation panel, and these settings are transmitted to the external apparatus. This inverted control approach improves ease of operation by using the synthesizer's superior UI rather than forcing users to navigate the PC's basic interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A synthesizer 10 is configured such that when a PC 30 is connected thereto, the synthesizer 10 accepts selection of a tone used for sound generation from among a tone included in an internal tone generation unit 16 and a tone included in a tone generation module 312 provided by the external PC 30, and causes the PC 30 to enable the function of the tone generation module 312, downloads an edit operation accepting program corresponding to the tone generation module 312 from a UI control program memory 315 of the PC 30, and executes the downloaded edit operation accepting program to thereby realize a function of editing data of the tone included in the tone generation module 312, the data being stored in the PC 30, when the tone included in the tone generation module 312 of the PC 30 is selected.