USB Audio Transfer for Analog-Digital Clock Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in seamlessly integrating analog and digital audio processing, particularly in terms of connectivity, setup replication, communication through A/D and D/A converters, glitch-free clock synchronization at low latency, and maintaining synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling and transferring audio between analog and computer systems in digital audio processing, utilizing a USB connection for communication and enabling time correction in analog and digital audio processing. This involves converting data between analog and digital formats to control analog circuits and synchronize clocks without a universal clock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If analog equipment is integrated into digital workflows, then audio quality is improved, but connectivity and setup complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoidconnectivity and setup
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines analog audio processing capabilities with digital control systems into a unified device. The analog processor is integrated with USB communication interfaces and digital control circuitry, allowing seamless integration into digital workflows while maintaining analog audio quality. This merging eliminates the need for separate analog and digital equipment, simplifying connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces USB communication as an intermediary between digital computers and analog audio processors. This intermediary enables standardized digital control of analog equipment, replacing complex analog cabling and manual setup with simplified digital communication protocols, thereby reducing setup complexity while preserving audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If analog processors are controlled digitally, then setup replication is improved, but communication through A/D and D/A converters introduces complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup replicationVSAvoidA/D and D/A communication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the analog processor sends status information back to the digital computer via USB communication. This bidirectional communication enables the digital system to monitor and adjust analog processor settings, ensuring accurate setup replication while managing the complexity of A/D and D/A conversion through intelligent control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls analog processor parameters through digital signals converted to analog via D/A converters. By precisely controlling conversion parameters such as sampling rate, resolution, and timing, the system achieves accurate setup replication while minimizing the complexity introduced by A/D and D/A conversion processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If clock synchronization is achieved without universal clock, then adaptability is improved, but glitch-free synchronization at low latency becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock synchronizationVSAvoidglitch-free synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic clock synchronization where each device maintains its own clock but continuously adjusts timing based on real-time communication over USB. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different devices and configurations while maintaining glitch-free synchronization through continuous timing correction and buffer management algorithms that operate at low latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250138775A1Method and Apparatus for Control and Transfer of Audio Between Analog and Computer in Digital Audio Processing
Publication Date: 2025.05.01 FREQPORT PTY LTD
  • US20250138775A1 patent drawing
  • US20250138775A1 patent drawing
  • US20250138775A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for control and transfer of audio between analog and computer in digital audio processing including one or a combination of a. controlling data by converting to- and -from analog to control the analog circuit and b. time correction in analogue and digital audio processing with a communication line using USE connection between analog processor and digital computer processor.