Tone Processing Module Dynamic Path Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing musical equipment with tone processing modules, such as arpeggiators, require complex settings and multiple switches to manage different recording and reproduction modes when connected to external equipment, making it difficult for users to set appropriate connections for various scenes of use.

Innovation Solution

A processor-controlled tone processing module that can be inserted into different paths based on selected modes, allowing for simple and intuitive connection settings by choosing between first and second modes, reducing the need for multiple switches and resource consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches and settings are provided to manage different recording and reproduction modes, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple switches (arpeggiator on/off switch, external input on/off switch) into a single mode selection mechanism. The mode selection unit integrates the functionality of multiple switches by providing predefined modes (first mode for recording arpeggio performance, second mode for reproducing arpeggio performance) that automatically set the appropriate configuration, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mode selection unit serves multiple functions: it controls the arpeggiator on/off state, controls the external input on/off state, and determines the connection path for tone data. This multi-functional approach allows a single unit to replace multiple dedicated switches, simplifying the device while preserving all necessary adaptability for different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches and settings are provided to manage different recording and reproduction modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent settings into a unified mode selection interface. Users select from predefined modes (first mode for recording, second mode for reproduction) rather than manually configuring multiple switches, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full adaptability for different recording and reproduction scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining appropriate settings for each mode. When a user selects a mode, the system has already prepared the correct configuration (arpeggiator state, external input state, connection paths), eliminating the need for users to understand or adjust multiple individual settings, thus improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If separate settings are required for recording and reproduction modes, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of multiple settings (arpeggiator state, external input state, tone data routing) into a single mode selection operation. This ensures that reliable, pre-tested configurations are applied consistently while allowing users to switch between recording and reproduction modes through a simple, intuitive interface, maintaining reliability without sacrificing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-establishing reliable settings for each mode (first mode for recording, second mode for reproduction). This preliminary action ensures that when users select a mode, the correct configuration is immediately applied, maintaining reliability while requiring minimal user input and complex operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If the tone processing module is fixed in one path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomplexityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic routing where the connection path of the tone processing module changes based on the selected mode. The system dynamically connects the tone processing module to different paths (first path for recording arpeggio performance, second path for reproducing arpeggio performance) through the mode selection unit, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed physical paths or complex hardware reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mode selection unit acts as an intermediary that dynamically routes tone data between different paths based on the selected mode. This intermediary component allows the tone processing module to serve multiple functions by redirecting its output to appropriate destinations, achieving adaptability without increasing the fundamental device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are used to control different functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple switches (arpeggiator on/off, external input on/off, tone data routing) into a single mode selection unit. Users select from predefined modes that automatically configure all necessary settings, dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining the adaptability to handle different recording and reproduction scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining appropriate settings combinations for each mode. When users select a mode, the system has already prepared the correct configuration for all functions, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust multiple switches and understand their interactions, thus improving ease of operation while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10147408B2Connection setting of tone processing module
Publication Date: 2018.12.04 YAMAHA CORP
  • US10147408B2 patent drawing
  • US10147408B2 patent drawing
  • US10147408B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A first input section is used for inputting first tone data, and a first output section is connected to the first input section via a first path. A second input section is used for inputting second tone data, and a second output section is connected to the second input section via a second path. A tone processing module performs tone processing on the tone data, and a processor is configured to insert the tone processing module into the first and second paths in response to selection of first and second modes, respectively. The tone processing module performs the tone processing on the first tone data in the first mode, and performs the tone processing on the second tone data in the second mode. The above allows connection of the module to be set easily in response to the selected mode.