Tone Generation System Star Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tone generation systems face challenges with complex connections, signal disruption, and operational reliability due to wired MIDI and mLAN technologies, which require cumbersome reconnection and lack flexibility in device function handling within networks.
Innovation Solution
A tone generation system utilizing a star-type network of processor devices that can select and set destination processing elements for communication, employing retransmission control and connection tables to ensure reliable operation and independent handling of processing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired MIDI connections are used to connect electronic musical instruments, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the wiring occupies considerable space and becomes cumbersome when reconnection is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired MIDI connection system with a wireless communication system. Electronic musical instruments are connected via wireless transmission of performance data, eliminating physical cables while maintaining reliable signal transmission. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the mechanical wiring component that caused space occupation and operational cumbersome-ness.
2Device complexity
If daisy-chain connections are used in mLAN system, then device connections are simplified, but physical reconnection of new devices becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection management where processing elements can be freely assigned and reassigned to different physical devices without fixed wiring constraints. The system dynamically routes performance data based on logical device identification rather than physical connection topology, allowing new devices to be integrated simply by assigning device IDs without complex physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network infrastructure as an intermediary between electronic musical instruments, using broadcast communication and device identification tables to manage connections. This intermediary layer abstracts the physical connection details, allowing devices to be added or reconfigured without directly manipulating physical cables, thus simplifying reconnection operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packet transmission is used in networked musical instrument systems, then communication flexibility is improved, but packet loss may cause false operations at receiving end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receiving ends monitor incoming performance data for completeness and validity. The system uses device identification tables and sequential data validation to detect lost or erroneous packets, and can request retransmission or compensate for missing data, thus maintaining operational reliability while preserving communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs error prevention measures by establishing validation rules and data integrity checks before processing performance data. The system prepares compensation mechanisms in advance, such as using context information from surrounding data or predefined default values, to cushion against the effects of packet loss and prevent false operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed-function devices are connected to network, then device functionality is stable, but multiple device types are needed to achieve necessary functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables single electronic musical instruments to perform multiple functions by allowing flexible assignment of processing elements. A single device can be configured to handle different processing roles (e.g., tone generation, effect processing, mixing) by assigning appropriate processing elements through software configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining functional stability through defined processing element roles.
Data Source
AI summary
In a plurality of rooms, hubs are installed to build a star-shaped LAN, and tone-generation-related devices, such as a keyboard, tone generator device and speaker, are connected to the respective hubs. For example, in an internal network, the keyboard is logically connected to an input side of the tone generator device and a speaker is connected to an output side of the tone generator device, so as to build a tone generation system. The tone-generation-related devices are provided with respective network adaptors so that they can be readily connected to the LAN. Communication is carried out between the tone-generation-related devices, using a communication protocol intended for retransmission control. Each of the tone-generation-related devices is in the form of a processor device, which executes a program corresponding to a function of a desired processing element to thereby implement the desired processing element. Once a given tone-generation-related device, implementing a plurality of processing elements, is connected to the network, an internal connection between the processing elements is canceled.