Combining Signals To Form Composite (e.g., Mixing) Patents (Class 369/4)
  • Patent number: 7349749
    Abstract: An audio signal mixer capable of performing a long mix editing with simple manipulations. A second audio signal producing means is prevented from producing a second audio signal when an operating member is positioned at a first end, while a first audio signal producing means is prevented from producing a first audio signal when the operating member is positioned at a second end. As the operating member is moved away from the first end or the second end, the first and second audio signals are mixed. As the operating member is moved toward the second end, the level of the first audio signal is gradually decreased while the level of the second audio signal is gradually increased. Conversely, as the operating member is moved toward the first end, the level of the second audio signal is gradually decreased while the level of the first audio signal is gradually increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamada, Takeaki Funada, Gen Inoshita
  • Patent number: 7343210
    Abstract: The present invention relates to manipulating audio and/or video recordings, particularly music recordings, by giving a user access to individual master tracks and/or channels that make up the recording, that he or she previously did not have access to. The master tracks and/or channels can be manipulated in a variety of ways, such as by adjusting the volume levels and adding special effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventors: James DeVito, Marissa Lee DeVito
  • Patent number: 7277958
    Abstract: The invention is a technique and apparatus for re-assembling transmitted portions of files or sub-files (410, 420, 430, 440), into a viewable file (400). The transmitting device passes the information regarding the file dividing process to the receiver so that the sub-files can be assembled (1130) or stitched (1120) together properly. The media player (1140) in the receiver uses the attached instructions to assemble the sub-files into one whole piece for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Edgestream, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall M. Chung, Maged Bishay, Michael Zelevinsky, Sivagnanam Parthasarathy
  • Patent number: 7277362
    Abstract: An audio signal reproduction apparatus for reproducing scratch sound from an optical disk. Scratch reproduction operation is performed through use of a jog dial and a turntable. When either the jog dial or the turn table has been actuated, a rotational operation signal of the thus-actuated element is supplied to a main system controller of the apparatus. The main system controller detects a rotational direction and a rotational speed, which have been achieved at the time of scratching operation, on the basis of the rotational operation signal, thereby controlling reading of audio data from memory. The main system controller processes the rotational operation signal in accordance with a jog dial/turntable switching signal, thereby controlling reading of audio data such that the same scratching sound is output when the same rotational operation has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Inoue, Kenji Oniki, Tomohiko Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7269103
    Abstract: A tape-shaped switch (500) is provided on a base part (410). Coil springs (460) support a ring-shaped rotational drive section (450) on the position opposed to the switch (500), biasing the same away from the base part (410), so that the rotational drive section (450) may move toward and from the base part (410). First buffers are provided in association with the switches (501) of the tape-shaped switch (500), respectively. A flange (313) extends outward from the disc-shaped table plate (311) of a jog table unit (310) and is mounted on the rotational drive section (450). When the user depresses the jog table unit (310), moving the same downward, at least one of the switches (501) is closed. The motion of the jog table unit (310) is reliably detected because it is detected at a position outside that part of the jog table unit (310), which is depressed so that good feeling of the operation can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kataoka, Keitaro Kaburagi, Tetsuya Kikuchi, Hiroshi Kawami
  • Patent number: 7257072
    Abstract: A digital audio data reproducing system includes a digital audio data reproducing apparatus having a record medium, a detection part for the record medium and a processing unit; an analog record player; and a rotation detecting apparatus for sensing the speed and sense of revolution of an analog record. The rotation detecting apparatus is provided for easily controlling audio data in the other electrical appliances by an analog record in which audio data is stored. The scratch operation of the analog record together with the reproduction of the analog record by a player allows the rotation body to be rotated around a shaft in accordance with the rotation of the analog record. A rotary encoder senses the speed of revolution and the direction of rotation for the rotation body to output pulse signals, and the audio data in the data reproduction apparatus are scratch-controlled on the basis of the pulse signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiko Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7227963
    Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus comprises a signal processing section for processing audio signals fed from outside equipments, an operating section for producing commands in order for said signal processing section to process the audio signals, a storing memory for storing past operation data containing past operation information of the operating section, a controller for setting parameters in order for said signal processing section to process the audio signals in accordance with said past operation data stored in said storing memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Yamada, Takeaki Funada, Hiroyuki Isobe, Keitaro Kaburagi, Naomi Amemiya, Gen Inoshita, Ko Atsumi
  • Patent number: 7212469
    Abstract: There is provided a mixing recorder which enables the user to readily produce music using overdubbing and/or other recording techniques while suppressing degradation of sound quality to the minimum and enables the user to easily find out his/her desired mixing result from a large number of mixing results obtained in the process of mixing. An audio signal is input, and a source file is read out from a memory card and an audio signal is reproduced based on the source file. The input audio signal and the reproduced audio signal are mixed into a mixed signal, which is then stored as a new source file in the memory card. The source file stored in advance in the memory card is backed up before the new source file is stored in the memory card, and in the back-up, the source file is automatically backed up by generating a file given a new name associated with a name of a source file to be backed up and having the same contents as the contents of the source file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Hirade, Ryohsuke Ohtani, Yoshiki Kasahara
  • Patent number: 7206648
    Abstract: A multi-channel audio reproducing apparatus includes several audio power amplifiers, the number of which is less than the number of channels required for the multi-channel format of the input audio signals. The multichannel audio reproducing apparatus also includes a decoder for decoding input audio signals and a signal processor, arranged between the decoder and the audio power amplifiers, for receiving decoder output signals of a plurality of channels of the multi-channel format at the input channels thereof and for outputting, at the output channels thereof, audio signals of channels of a number less than the number of audio power amplifiers. A controller controls the signal processor in response to setting information of the connection and installation of a plurality of speakers to which the outputs of the audio power amplifiers are respectively supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kaneaki Fujishita
  • Patent number: 7203142
    Abstract: A DVD audio signal reproducer reproduces a DVD to generate a DVD reproduced audio signal. A reproduced signal determiner determines whether the DVD reproduced audio signal is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal or a 2-channel digital audio signal, and generates a determination signal. If the determination signal indicates that the DVD reproduced audio signal is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal, a digital surround effector converts the DVD reproduced audio signal to a 2-channel digital surround audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Endo
  • Patent number: 7164772
    Abstract: An apparatus is designed for updating setting of parameters so as to control an audio signal. In the apparatus, a holding section holds current values of the parameters effective to control the audio signal. A storing section stores a plurality of scene data, each scene data has a set of setting values of the parameters. A specifying section reads out one of the scene data from the storing section and specifies a setting value of at least one parameter contained in the read scene data. A determining section determines a unit updating amount of the specified parameter for use in a manual update mode according to both of the current value of the specified parameter and the setting value of the specified parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Takamitsu Aoki, Masaru Aiso
  • Patent number: 7072249
    Abstract: In a scratch effect control device for a digital audio signal playback apparatus, a control unit controls output of digital audio data recorded in a data recording medium and read by a data reading device in accordance with a first control signal representative of angular velocity and rotational direction of a first encoder disc and obtained from a first pick-up device, and a second control signal representative of angular velocity and rotational direction of a second encoder disc and obtained from a second pick-up device. The first encoder disc is mounted co-rotatably on an outer sleeve sleeved rotatably on an inner spindle and coupled co-axially to a lower platter member that is driven by a driving unit to rotate about an axis. The second encoder disc is mounted co-rotatably on the inner spindle which is coupled co-axially to an upper platter member that is superposed on the lower platter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Ya Horng Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: J.Y. Huang
  • Patent number: 7043312
    Abstract: The present invention presents a way to augment the playback of a compact disk by increasing the resolution, the number of channel, or both during reproduction, while still allowing the resultant CD to be playable on a standard CD player. From a high quality original master or other source, it produces a set of conventional two track audio signals and a set of residual or additional audio data derived from the original master using this conventional stereo audio signal. Additionally, it extracts a set of control information relating this additional audio data to the conventional stereo signals. This additional audio data contains information from the original master that would otherwise be lost when encoded onto a conventional CD. Upon playback, the control information allows the additional audio data to be recombined with the conventional stereo signal in order to reconstruct the original master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Sonic Solutions
    Inventor: James A. Moorer
  • Patent number: 7010371
    Abstract: In a digital audio signal player having a simulated analogue record, a high frequency alternator is provided, which is connected to the microprocessor, and constantly sends out a high-frequency signal; the alternator has an output terminal electrically connected to a diode connected to the microprocessor; a control element is also connected to the diode. Music is played in a normal way when the microprocessor receives high-frequency signal in a non-reduced form. The control element will send an interfering signal to the diode to reduce high frequency signal passing through the diode when touched by hands, thus making the microprocessor receive high frequency signal in reduced form; music is played with speed and direction changing according to the movement of the control element when the microprocessor receives the reduced high frequency signal. Music is played normally as soon as hands are removed from the control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hanpin Electron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Chih Liu
  • Patent number: 7006642
    Abstract: An audio mixing system is disclosed which makes it possible, when the transmission path that was disconnected is reconnected, to carry out processing in which the control parameters for setting the audio processing apparatus are transmitted to the audio processing apparatus from the audio control apparatus and processing with which visual confirmation that the connection has been made again is provided to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiya Kumai
  • Patent number: 6987858
    Abstract: A signal processing method is provided, which makes it possible to quickly find the cause of clipping or the like. A sound signal that is input is subjected to processing of adjusting at least one of sound volume and sound quality. It is determined whether the input sound signal satisfies a condition that the level of the sound signal exceeds a predetermined value at a plurality of metering points on a signal path along which the input sound signal is transmitted. An alarm is displayed on a screen when it is determined that the input sound signal satisfies the condition at at least one of the plurality of metering points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Takamitsu Aoki, Kei Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6987857
    Abstract: The apparatus is a cross fader with dual optocouplers which communicate first and second audio signals. A manually controlled blade shutter travels along a linear path wherein at a first end of the path, a first edge of the blade shutter is inserted into the first optocoupler thereby attenuating or cutting the first audio signal. Likewise, at a second end of the path, a second edge of the blade shutter is inserted into the second optocoupler thereby attenuating or cutting the second audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Stanton Magnetics LLC
    Inventor: Rubin Meraz
  • Patent number: 6965677
    Abstract: The apparatus is a cross fader with a slide assembly which slidingly traverses a path defined by two parallel guide rods which pass through a partially open channels in the slider of the slide assembly. Tension plates are secured by self-tapping screws within recesses laterally adjacent to open portions of at least one of the channels. The tension plates are urged radially against the guide plates, so that the tighter the screws are secured, the tighter the tension plates are urged against the guide rods and the more frictional resistance is generated when the user moves the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Stanton Magnetics Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Kuykendall, Edward R. Dubinsky
  • Patent number: 6961289
    Abstract: In a digital audio signal player having a simulated analogue record, a voltage dividing circuit is provided that consists of a first, and a second leads connected to a respective one of two separate wound wires of a control element; the control element can be turned to simulate an analogue record being moved by hands on the turntable for the player to play music with speed and speed changing according to movement of the control element. The microprocessor can decide that users' hands have touched the control element to complete the voltage dividing circuit, which is normally open, on detecting a voltage drop in order to make music played in the special mode. Music is played in an original normal way when the hand is removed from the control element for disappearance of the voltage drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hanpin Electron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Chih Liu
  • Patent number: 6917689
    Abstract: In a sound mixing equipment, an adjusting circuit has reflecting plates joined to a control in opposite directions. The adjusting circuit has a first light emitting diode and a first light transistor disposed to face one of the reflecting plates, and a second light emitting diode and a second light transistor disposed to face other one of the reflecting plates. Distance from the light emitting diodes to the corresponding reflecting plates is changed by means of shifting the control, making the light transistors receive infrared rays reflected by the plates at adjusted distance to have desired amount of electrical currents. Channels and output terminals of the light transistors are connected to input terminals of sound mixing mechanism. Thus, proportion of sound signals of the channels to be mixed is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hanpin Electron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lung-En Cheng
  • Patent number: 6813361
    Abstract: A non-contact fader control uses a movable permanent magnet and one or two Hall-effect sensors to provide a constant, direct current voltage output. Signal conditioning and digital control circuitry linearize the output and otherwise precondition the output for application to a voltage controlled amplifier for the control of audio output in an audio mixing board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Rane Corproration
    Inventors: Philip R. Jeffs, Paul Mathews
  • Publication number: 20040213423
    Abstract: In an audio signal processing apparatus for recording a plurality of kinds or systems of audio signals on a recording medium and for reproducing a plurality of kinds or systems of audio signals recorded on the recording medium, in a state where a mixing output mode of mixing the plurality of kinds or systems of audio signals and outputting the mixed audio signals is designated, (i) when a recording operation mode of recording the plurality of kinds or systems of audio signals on the recording medium is designated, the plurality of kinds or systems of audio signals are mixed and outputted while making levels of the plurality of kinds or systems of audio signals equal to each other, and (ii) when a reproducing operation mode of reproducing a plurality of kinds or systems of audio signals recorded on the recording medium is designated, the plurality of kinds or systems of audio signals reproduced from the recording medium are mixed and outputted according to an arbitrarily variable mixing ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Taizou Hori
  • Publication number: 20040184625
    Abstract: While an AUX-bus selecting operator is being operated beyond a predetermined time period, displays of channel-ON operators, normally indicating ON/OFF states of corresponding input channels, indicate ON/OFF states of signal delivery from the input channels to the AUX bus. Thus, a user can readily confirm, with minimized operation, the ON/OFF states of the signal delivery from the input channels to the second bus. Operating any one of the channel-ON operators in this state can change the ON/OFF state of the signal delivery from the corresponding input channel to the AUX bus. Further, operating the AUX-bus selecting switch while keeping operating the layer operator, current fader settings of the input channels can be copied as delivery levels of signals from the input channels to the AUX bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Okabayashi, Daisuke Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20040184626
    Abstract: In a digital mixer including a display, cursor controls, an increase/decrease control, and a plurality of channel strips for controlling parameters of input channels associated therewith, on a control panel, the channel strips each having a selection switch, an assignment switch is provided for assigning any one parameter among the parameters of the input channel to the increase/decrease control, so that where operation of the increase/decrease control is detected, when no selection switch has been operated, a value of a parameter displayed at the position of the cursor is changed in accordance with the operation of the increase/decrease control, while when any selection switch has been operated, a value of a parameter assigned to the increase/decrease control among parameters of an input channel corresponding to a channel strip having the selection switch is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20040179704
    Abstract: A sound control system includes a digital mixing system, a control system, and a private control system. The professional operator who is experienced in handling of the digital mixing system executes detailed settings of respective parameters associated with the mixing process of the digital mixing system by using the control system. The amateur operator who is inexperienced in the handling of the digital mixing system executes settings of a part of parameters out of the parameters that are authorized by the professional operator, etc. by using the private control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Shinjiro Yamashita, Kengo Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20040133291
    Abstract: There is provided a digital mixer including a plurality of functional blocks each having a CPU and a control program executed by the CPU which is capable of properly and easily controlling the version of the control program operated by the CPU of each functional block. When the power of the digital mixer is turned on, the respective versions of the functional blocks are acquired. Matching of the acquired versions of the functional blocks with the reference version is checked. When the checked versions of the functional blocks all match the reference version, the operation of the digital mixer is continued, and when at least one of the checked versions of the functional blocks mismatches the reference version, a warning is given to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kei Nakayama, Kotaro Terada
  • Publication number: 20040091126
    Abstract: There is provided a mixing recorder which enables the user to readily produce music using overdubbing and/or other recording techniques while suppressing degradation of sound quality to the minimum and enables the user to easily find out his/her desired mixing result from a large number of mixing results obtained in the process of mixing. An audio signal is input, and a source file is read out from a memory card and an audio signal is reproduced based on the source file. The input audio signal and the reproduced audio signal are mixed into a mixed signal, which is then stored as a new source file in the memory card. The source file stored in advance in the memory card is backed up before the new source file is stored in the memory card, and in the back-up, the source file is automatically backed up by generating a file given a new name associated with a name of a source file to be backed up and having the same contents as the contents of the source file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Seiji Hirade, Ryohsuke Ohtani, Yoshiki Kasahara
  • Patent number: 6728167
    Abstract: A device that controls background music interspersed with commercial messages by using an unmodified Compact Disc (CD) player loaded with custom discs. The custom discs provide the music and commercial content, and inform the device of the rate at which the commercial messages should interrupt the music. Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signals are employed to provide control signals to the device to inform it of the disc type, track end, and rate of interspersion of commercial messages. The CD player is controlled by either a wired or wireless remote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Xantech Corporation
    Inventor: Michael S. Robbins
  • Publication number: 20040032961
    Abstract: There is provided a signal processing apparatus that is capable of giving terminal names which are the most suitable for processing on signals. A plurality of kinds of signals are externally input via a plurality of input terminals of an input terminal group. Processing is performed on the plurality of kinds of signals to generate a signal for at least one channel. The signal for the at least one channel is externally output via a plurality of output terminals of an output terminal group. A plurality of effective terminals included in at least one of the input terminal group and the output terminal group are automatically numbered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kotaro Terada, Akio Suyama
  • Patent number: 6686530
    Abstract: A digital media communications and control system includes a plurality of audio devices each of which includes a device interface module for communication of digital media data and control data from at least one of the devices to at least one other of the devices. A universal data link is operatively connected to each of the device interface modules. The device interface modules and universal data links are operative in combination to connect the devices together in the system and provide full duplex communication of the digital media data and control data between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Gibson Guitar Corp.
    Inventors: Henry E. Juszkiewicz, Nathan W. Yeakel, Shri Amit, Richard A. Frantz, Jason S. Flaks, Thomas L. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6687193
    Abstract: An audio reproduction apparatus capable of modulating an audio signal with at least one of reproduction factors, including the speed and direction of reproduction, and the sound pressure of the audio signal, an audio reproduction method used by the audio reproduction apparatus, a remixing apparatus employing the audio reproduction apparatus, and a remixing method used by the remixing apparatus are provided. The audio reproduction apparatus for reproducing a first audio signal recorded in a predetermined first recording medium includes: a reproduction control unit for generating a reproduction control signal by analyzing at least one of first and second displacement values, which are varied by a user, and outputting the generated reproduction control signal; and an audio reproduction unit for modulating and reproducing the first audio signal according to the reproduction control signal. The audio reproduction apparatus can modulate an audio signal in a variety of ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-kwan Jung
  • Publication number: 20040008852
    Abstract: Arrangements are made such that a plurality of operators, such as faders, can be set to opposite operational directions. When any one of the operators has been operated in a particular direction, a control value of each of the other operator, set to the same operational direction as the operated operator, is controlled in the same direction as the particular operated direction, while a control value of each of the other operators, set to the opposite operational direction from the operated operator, is controlled in the opposite direction from the particular operated direction. Where control values of a plurality of channels are to be controlled via a collective control controller, each of the channels is set to a forward or inverse operational direction. Thus, even faders that are to be operated in opposite directions can be appropriately operated collectively as a group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaru Also, Akio Suyama
  • Publication number: 20030235317
    Abstract: During mixing of an N-channel input signal to generate an M-channel output signal, the mixed channel signals are equalized (e.g., amplified) to maintain the overall energy/loudness level of the output signal substantially equal to the overall energy/loudness level of the input signal. In one embodiment, the N input channel signals are converted to the frequency domain on a frame-by-frame basis, and the overall spectral loudness of the N-channel input signal is estimated. After mixing the spectral components for the N input channel signals (e.g., using weighted summation), the overall spectral loudness of the resulting M mixed channel signals is also estimated. A frequency-dependent gain factor, which is based on the two loudness estimates, is applied to the spectral components of the M mixed channel signals to generate M equalized mixed channel signals. The M-channel output signal is generated by converting the M equalized mixed channel signals to the time domain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Baumgarte
  • Patent number: 6618329
    Abstract: A digital audio signal player having a simulated analogue record includes a laser pick-up used for reading the data of an analogue CD, a microprocessor, a digital audio signal processor electrically connected to the microprocessor, a digital/analog converter electrically connected to the audio signal processor, and a turnable control element. The data of the CD is stored in a RAM of the audio signal processor. The control element is made of conductive materials, and electrically connected to both the audio signal processor and the microprocessor, and can send a glitch to the microprocessor when touched by the user's hands. The microprocessor will make the audio signal process and send out the data on detecting that the difference between the glitch and an original signal exceeds a preset amount. The control element has a sensor for sensing the rotating speed and direction thereof so as to make the audio signal processor to process and send out the data according to the movement of the control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hanpin Electron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Chih Liu
  • Patent number: 6594601
    Abstract: The invention provides for a method and system for mixing two signals, a primary signal and another sample signal, in a manner that avoids the cancellation of certain frequency components in the resulting mixed signal. Advantageously, the resulting combination signal therefor likely retains more of the fullness of the original two signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Avid Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Umminger, III, David M. Lebolt, Andrew H. Cook
  • Publication number: 20030086579
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (200) for controlling and mixing signals, each having their individual control member (212, 213, 214, 215). In known mixer apparatuses (100), the direct transfer of the level of the input signal to the output signal cannot be seen directly. Therefore, it is proposed that the control members (212, 213, 214, 215) corresponding to the respective input signals show the direct transfer of the input signal to the output signal. It is proposed to control the level of the output signal as a whole by means of one main control member (211). When the main control member (211) is moved and controls the level of the output signal, the control members (212, 213, 214, 215) corresponding to the respective input signal move along with it and preserve the relationship between the control levels of the individual input signals in the output signal. The invention also relates to a method and a record carrier (510).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Tatiana A. Lashina, Paul Philip Thursfield
  • Publication number: 20030086580
    Abstract: To mix signals of a plurality of input channels, first buses and second buses are provided. It is possible that, even when a user has selected a desired first surround mode and a desired effect to be imparted, an effecter is capable of performing only an effect process corresponding to a second surround mode. However, if arrangements are made such that the input signals are subjected to level adjustment corresponding to the second surround mode and mixed via the second buses to the effecter, the effecter can impart the mixed signals with an effect corresponding to the second surround mode. The effect-imparted signals are returned to the first buses, and mixed on the first buses to provide effect-imparted signals corresponding to the first surround mode. In the second surround mode, sound image localization may be controlled to follow localization in the first surround mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hamamatsu
  • Patent number: 6545953
    Abstract: An audio signal manipulator system for manually manipulating digital audio signals to simulate the audio sounds emitted when a user mixes vinyl records. The audio signal manipulator system includes a console for storing and manipulating a digital signal input received from a multimedia input apparatus. A manipulating assembly comprising a stand and an effects disk mountable to a phonograph, and a transducer is provided for manually manipulating media currently playing in the console. The transducer is preferably mounted on the stand for selectively engaging the effects disk such that it reads a rotational direction and a rotational speed of the effects disk. In one embodiment of the present invention, manual movement of the effects digitally manipulates the media stored in the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Herbert
  • Publication number: 20030059067
    Abstract: Audio signals of a plurality of input channels are received via corresponding input terminals. First adjusting section adjusts respective volume levels of the audio signals received via the input channels. First mixing section mixes the audio signals, having been adjusted in volume level by the first adjusting section, to thereby provide a mixed signal. The mixed signal is distributed to a plurality of channels. Second adjusting section also adjusts respective volume levels of the audio signals received via the input channels. For each of the channels, a second mixing section mixes the received audio signal, having been adjusted in volume level by the second adjusting section, with the mixed signal distributed to that channel. Thus, for each of the channels, there is provided an output signal comprising a mixture of the received audio signal and the mixed signal. The thus-provided output signals can be listened to or monitored via headphones or the like on a channel-by-channel basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 6535462
    Abstract: A digital sound-signal broadcaster includes a control faceplate to control the rotating speed and direction of a turntable so as to operate the music data of a CD stored in a dynamic memory chip to make a variety of special sound effects to heighten atmosphere of joy, not only easy in handling and convenient in carrying but possible to prevent any wear as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hanpin Electron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Chih Liu
  • Publication number: 20030039176
    Abstract: A tandem CD player for playing a selected track from two different CDs is disclosed. The tandem CD player comprises a control unit, a control panel that is connected to said control unit, and two CD players. The control panel has a plurality of controls for adjusting the control unit, including a fader control for adjusting a time period between songs played on alternating CD players. The control unit is connected to the two CD players for controlling their operations. The tandem CD player may also comprise a mixer unit that controls the sound output from the tandem CD player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Fred DePoalo
  • Publication number: 20020154577
    Abstract: A battery powered personal audio device may be carried by a user, for example in the user's palm or pocket. Touch operators may be provided with the personal audio device. The personal audio device may play back audio files such as compact disc or digital audio stream. The user may interject sounds or audio effects onto the ongoing playback of the audio by operating one or more touch operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander J. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20020107592
    Abstract: A diagnostic tool for an audio mixing system has an information source storing at least interconnection characteristics and apparatus settings in the system, relative to channel inputs, a search function accessible by a user, which upon initiation polls the information source, and search criteria associated with the search function for establishing specific information to be matched in a search. Initiation of the search function causes the search function to poll the information source, and to return channel numbers for those channels that match the search criteria. Criteria can be specific to hardware and/or software.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: David Iain Craig
  • Publication number: 20020099458
    Abstract: Methods and systems for mixing digital audio signals are described. In one embodiment, a result buffer is configured to hold resultant mixed digital audio signals that represent multiple combined input signals. A volume ramp function is calculated based, at least in part, on one or more previously-processed result buffers. A current digital audio signal is processed using the volume ramp function to provide a processed audio signal. In one embodiment, the volume ramp function is a linearly varying function and the current digital audio signal is divided by the volume ramp function. At least portions of the processed audio signal are then written into the result buffer. The process constitutes a one-pass method for autogain control for mixing audio signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Eric H. Rudolph
  • Patent number: 6408129
    Abstract: A system for playing a selected one of multiple audio tracks recorded in synchronized fashion with a motion picture on an optical disk. The optical disk has encoded on it a mixing master music and effects (“M&E”) track, or a switching master M&E track. Individual audio tracks are provided for language-specific versions of the same motion picture, but these tracks have data recorded in them only where there is dialog. In this way, for many a motion picture, all tracks but masters will have data recorded for well less than half of the running time of the motion picture. When a mixing master is used, it is mixed with a language-specific track when the latter has dialog; the mixing master contains no dialog. If a switching master is used, it may contain dialog recorded with the M&E; when a language-specific track has dialog recorded in it, it also contains M&E and the track is played to the exclusion of the switching master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Time Warner Entertainment Co, LP
    Inventors: Christopher J. Cookson, Lewis S. Ostrover, Warren N. Lieberfarb
  • Patent number: 6353169
    Abstract: An audio communications and control system includes a plurality of audio devices each of which includes a device interface module for communication of digital audio data and control data from at least one of the devices to at least one other of the devices. A universal data link is operatively connected to each of the device interface modules. The device interface modules and universal data links are operative in combination to connect the devices together in the system and provide full duplex communication of the digital audio data and control data between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Gibson Guitar Corp.
    Inventors: Henry E. Juszkiewicz, Thomas L. Sherman, Richard A. Frantz, Jason S. Flaks
  • Publication number: 20020025051
    Abstract: There are provided a mixing apparatus that enables a user who is mixing and the like to be positively engaged in the performance of a musical composition at a low cost by simple operations, a method of controlling the same, and a mixing control program. A plurality of first audio dataare input, and the input plurality of first audio data are mixed. A storage device stores a plurality of second audio data. A plurality of operating members are each disposed to be depressed and have a sensor for detecting the depression. At least one of the plurality of second audio data stored in the storage device is assigned, respectively, to at least one of the plurality of operating members. The second audio data is reproduced when the at least one of the plurality of operating members to which the second audio data is assigned is detected as being depressed. The second audio data reproduced by the reproducing device is input, and the input second audio data and the input first audio data are mixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Akito Kohno, Hironari Kobayashi, Ryoji Tanji
  • Publication number: 20020015504
    Abstract: A recording/reproducing mixer comprises a recording/reproducing device that records and/or reproduces a plurality of audio signals in/from a plurality of tracks, a track selector that selects a track of said recording/reproducing device, a reader that reads audio signals of the selected track of said recording/reproducing device, a mixing device that mixes the read audio signals, a designator that designates a listening mode, and an output controller that outputs the read audio signals bypassing said mixing device when the listening mode is designated, and outputs the read audio signals via said mixing device when the listening mode is not designated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Akito Kohno, Takahisa Kageyama
  • Patent number: 6330338
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for mixing digital audio signals from a first number of inputs (1 to m) into a second number of outputs (21 to n). In order to create a process and a device that are significantly simpler and cheaper, the data words of the incoming audio signals should be supplied in relation to each other so that the data bits arrive in increasing order with the lowest value bit first, in parallel data streams that are synchronized word-wise and bitwise and can be added up in bitwise fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Studer Professional Audio AG
    Inventors: Andreas Von Ow, Silvio Gehri, Robert Huber
  • Publication number: 20010009584
    Abstract: An in-plane position sensor detects positions along two directions or X-Y directions to produce a pair of position signals concurrently. The pair of position signals controls control parameters which influence upon a variety of effecters and addition processor which are implemented in a digital arithmetic unit (DSP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventor: Michio Suruga