Turntable with Integrated Analog-to-Digital Converter for USB Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard phonographic turntables lack direct digital output capabilities, necessitating external audio conversion devices and limiting compatibility with modern digital equipment, while maintaining analog functionality is essential for cultural and operational reasons.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an analog-to-digital converter and a USB or firewire controller within the turntable, enabling direct digital output in standard computer protocols, eliminating the need for external conversion devices and maintaining the familiar operation of a standard turntable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an external audio conversion device is used to connect the turntable to digital equipment, then digital output capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigital output capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the analog-to-digital converter and USB/firewire controller directly into the turntable unit, merging previously separate external conversion devices with the turntable itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for external audio conversion devices while providing standard digital output capabilities, thereby reducing system complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The turntable is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both traditional analog output and built-in digital output capabilities (USB/firewire). This allows the single device to serve both analog and digital applications, eliminating the need for separate external conversion devices and enhancing adaptability to different digital equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an external audio conversion device is used, then digital output capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional connection steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigital output capabilityVSAvoidconnection simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the analog-to-digital converter and USB/firewire controller within the turntable, the patent eliminates the need for external conversion devices and their associated connection steps. Users can now directly connect the turntable to digital equipment using standard USB or firewire cables, significantly improving ease of operation and connection simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a built-in audio conversion device is integrated into the turntable, then ease of operation improves by eliminating external devices, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidinternal device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple functions (analog-to-digital conversion and USB/firewire communication) into a single integrated unit within the turntable. This merging approach, while adding internal complexity, eliminates the need for external conversion devices and simplifies the overall system configuration, ultimately improving ease of operation for the end user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The turntable performs analog-to-digital conversion internally using built-in converters, eliminating the need for external conversion devices. This self-service capability allows the turntable to handle digital signal processing independently, reducing system complexity and improving ease of operation despite increased internal device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If standard digital output protocols (USB/firewire) are implemented, then adaptability to modern digital equipment improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with digital equipmentVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The turntable incorporates universal digital output capabilities by integrating both USB and firewire controllers, allowing compatibility with various modern digital equipment. This multi-functionality approach enhances adaptability while managing complexity through standardized communication protocols and integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless digital signal processing for computers and digital equipment, enhancing compatibility and usability while preserving the traditional feel and functionality of a turntable.

Implementation Method 1

The analog to digital converter (ADC) 18 receives the conventional analog electrical signal and converts it to a digital signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS7567498B2Phonographic turntable with built-in audio to USB or firewire device

Publication Date: 2009.07.28 INMUSIC BRANDS INC

AI summary

The present invention is a turntable which includes an internal analog to digital converter and a controller for a standard digital format. This allows a jack for a standard digital format to be incorporated into the turntable, so that digital signals are generated to be received by the soundcard of an external computer or similar piece of digital equipment.