• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Audio processing device for live performances. It is an audio processing device (1) based on an integrated pc (2) in standard com format, and an input interface (7) (5) and audio output (4) (6). In the integrated pc, the combination of operating system (14) and set of daws (15) desired by the user can be installed, which are controlled in real time through a midi type interface (8) by a dedicated external input (10) or a plurality of manual controls (11). In turn, the pc can be accessed through the usual peripherals by a plurality of standard pc connectors (3). The device of the invention (1) is of small dimensions so that it is easily integrable in a scenario. The integrated pc (2) is a standard com (computer-on-module) format that allows easy replacement between different models. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
    公开号:ES2654012A1
    申请号:ES201631087
    申请日:2016-08-09
    公开日:2018-02-09
    发明作者:Adrián AZNAR MARZO；Tomás RODRÍGUEZ BALLESTER
    申请人:Adrián AZNAR MARZO；Tomás RODRÍGUEZ BALLESTER；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    D E S C R I P C I Ó N

    AUDIO PROCESSING DEVICE FOR LIVE REPRESENTATIONS.
     5

    SECTOR OF THE TECHNIQUE

    The present invention belongs to the audio processing equipment sector, particularly that used by music professionals. The scope of application is both its use on a stage during live performances, and in music production studios.

    The main object of the present invention is a device designed both to modify the audio signals from microphones and musical instruments 15 and to generate new sound samples, using a general purpose PC integrated in a small-sized device which It allows the user to have a variety of operating systems and music editing software installed on it, without the need for another PC or external control device.
     twenty
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

    In recent years, the use of general-purpose computers (PCs), loaded with audio editing software, along with professional sound cards has become popular among music professionals. These softwares, more known as Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), allow both real-time audio editing and sequencing with the device's time base and sound generation from already loaded samples. In turn, by interacting with MIDI input and output interfaces, it allows these software to be controlled by external actuators such as keyboards or pedals, and on the other hand they allow other MIDI chain elements such as synthesizers or effects to be controlled. of light on stage.

    Each professional usually wishes to use their own personal combination of PC, operating system, DAW and sound card both in their personal study and in the 35
    live performances. However, the drawback of this assembly is the reduced portability of the PC together with the sound card given its large dimensions, and other peripherals (such as MIDI controllers) are also necessary to modify the DAW parameters in real time during the performance. This is because the user's access to these parameters through the usual peripherals of a PC, such as a keyboard or a mouse, is too complicated while handling other musical instruments or microphones. The complexity of this configuration leads professionals to rarely use it in their live performances, limiting its use to recording studios.
     10
    On the other hand, in the market you can find devices prepared to be used in live performances by musicians such as effects pedals. Originally these devices were analog and provided a single effect, or "distortion," which they introduced into the audio chain. To achieve a combination of effects, a series of pedals were originally chained, or today those known as “multi-effect pedals” that use digital signal processing can be used to achieve the desired combination of effects. There are many types of multi-effect pedals on the market, with the low-cost segment based on digital signal processors (DSP) and which have a limited set of effects that are selected through menus on the device itself, and occupying the The professional segment is based on the most powerful processors but which use proprietary configuration systems. The latter, allow the combination of effects that the user wants since it is he who loads and configures them, but always requires an external PC or controller to configure them previously in the studio and then load them into the device and be used live. They have the disadvantage of not allowing the re-configuration of the device live. In addition, since these pedals are proprietary systems, they can only be configured through the interfaces defined by the manufacturer, preventing the use of the applications or interfaces desired by the user. In turn, as pedals, only apply effects and distortions. They are not prepared to generate sound or rhythmic bases and cannot be sequenced with other devices.

    On the other hand, due to the proliferation of on-board systems (or “embedded”) and the “internet of things” (or “Internet of Things”, IoT), there are increasingly more standards of electronic modules of reduced dimensions and low consumption containing a PC 35
    General purpose These modules are called Computer-On-Module (COM) and comprise a general purpose processor, RAM, Flash memory, and a series of peripherals for additional communications and functions. They are modules in which you can install any operating system and the desired software. Originally these modules were designed for low power and low performance applications, but in recent years they have achieved computing capabilities comparable to those of general-purpose desktop PCs. Although internally they are general purpose PCs, these modules do not usually have standard PC connectors for monitor or keyboard because their need is dependent on the final application, so the various COM models available on the market employ 10 edge connectors. proprietary card or connectors that usually differ between different manufacturers. However, there are a few inter-manufacturer standards that allow the exchange of modules between them while maintaining the functionality of the system. The decision to integrate a standard COM format allows on the one hand to have a plurality of suppliers, on the other hand it allows to have a wide range of COM 15 of different features within the same standard, and on the other hand it allows the end user an easy replacement of the internal PC of your device without changing the rest of the system features.

    EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION 20

    The audio processing device for live performances object of the invention comprises the integration into a robust and small-sized encapsulation of a general purpose PC in a standard COM format, an audio input and output interface of professional performance, and a series of user-friendly 25 MIDI controls that will be used to change device configuration parameters in real time. The user is responsible for installing the operating system and the various software that he wishes to process or generate audio within the integrated PC.
     30
    The device object of the invention is contained within a robust encapsulation (preferably metallic), with protection bars, and small dimensions. These characteristics facilitate its protection and integration among the rest of the instrumentation present in a scenario. In turn, its small dimensions can be achieved thanks to the use of an integrated PC in standard COM format. 35

    The different connectors necessary to connect the peripherals of the integrated PC are located in the package, following the relevant standards, and the audio inputs and outputs prepared for electrical signals from both microphones, musical instruments, and line. It also contains a plurality of actuators 5 easily accessible by the user, which may be although not limited to: pushbuttons, switches, rotary selectors, or touch devices. It also contains a plurality of status indicators in the form of light indicators or screens. Both actuators and indicators and screens communicate with the integrated PC through a standard MIDI interface that allows easy integration with the 10 different software that can be installed on the integrated PC.

    The integrated PC is connected directly to an audio input and output interface of professional features with stages of conditioning of analog microphone signal, instrument signal, and line signal. These interfaces are prepared to work with both balanced and unbalanced signaling, and are introduced to the integrated PC using high-performance analog-digital (ADC) and digital-analog (DAC) converters. The objective is that the device of the invention can be integrated both in a string of instruments or microphones of a stage and in the infrastructure of a professional sound studio. In turn, both ADC and DAC converters 20 and MIDI interfaces have low-latency drivers expressly prepared so that the audio processor can be used in live performances.

    Access to the PC integrated in the device of the invention is carried out by means of the usual peripherals of mouse, keyboard and monitor by means of the connectors installed for this purpose. It also implements WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces to connect the device to wireless networks. The objective is to use the device of the invention as a general purpose PC connected to a high performance sound card, all integrated in a small size package. In this way, the user can use the same equipment both in his sound studio and in live performances using MIDI controls instead of PC peripherals. The screens and indicator lights that the device has summarize the internal state of the device to show it to the user when a monitor is not connected to the integrated PC. 35

    The use of an integrated PC in standard COM format allows the user to later replace the processing hardware of their equipment independently of the rest of the electronics that make up the device. It also allows you to choose between a plurality of models of different features and manufacturers. 5

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

    To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, an integral set of said description is attached, a set of drawings where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, it has been represented the next:

    Figure 1.- Shows a functional block diagram of the device of the invention.
    Figure 2.- Shows a schematic front perspective view with a possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
    Figure 3.- Shows a schematic perspective rear view with a possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
    Figure 4.- Shows a schematic front perspective view of the exploded view of a possible embodiment of the device according to the present invention. twenty

    Below is a list of the different elements represented in the figures that make up the invention:

    1 = Object of the invention. 25
    2 = integrated general purpose PC in standard COM format.
    3 = Standard PC connectors for peripherals.
    4 = Audio output interface.
    5 = Audio input interface.
    6 = Analog audio outputs. 30
    7 = Analog audio inputs.
    8 = MIDI interface.
    9 = Control and monitoring elements by the user.
    10 = External MIDI input.
    11 = Elements of manual control by the user. 35
    12 = Indicator lights and user information screens.
    13 = External MIDI output.
    14 = Operating system.
    15 = Several instances of Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
    20 = Encapsulated for mechanical protection of the device elements. 5
    21 = Protection bar for control elements and status indicators.
    40 = Printed circuit card.
    41 = PC connection to the printed circuit board according to the chosen standard.

    PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 10

    As can be seen in Figure 4, the object of the invention in its preferred embodiment comprises an integrated PC (2) in a standard COM format which is directly connected to a printed circuit board (40). The connectorization (41) between the two and the mechanical attachment of the integrated PC (2) to the printed circuit board 15 (40) will depend on the chosen standard of COM format and will be implemented in such a way that they allow an easy replacement of the integrated PC (2 ).

    The printed circuit board (40), apart from the connectorization (41) with the integrated PC (2), will comprise the electrical connections of the rest of the electronic components of the object of the invention such as the ADC converters of the audio input interface (5) and the DAC of the audio output interface (4), the different connectors (3) (7) (8) (10) (13), the MIDI actuators by the user (11), and the screens e indicator lights (12). It also contains WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces to connect the device of the invention to wireless networks. 25

    In another preferred embodiment, and if the mechanical design requires it, one or more additional printed circuit boards will be installed to allow the coupling of connectors, actuators and indicators that are spatially away from the main printed circuit board (40). 30

    The printed circuit card (40) will be mechanically secured in solidarity with the outer encapsulation (20) which in turn is formed by a plurality of parts. The encapsulation must allow easy assembly and disassembly by means of non-blocking screws or clips so that the user can easily replace the integrated PC 35
    (2). In any case there will be no loose or moving parts inside the device in order to increase its reliability.

    The encapsulation has a plurality of external protections, which in its preferred embodiment will suffice with a bar (21) whose objective is to prevent damage to the actuators or screens in case of falling of bulky objects on the device of the invention.

    In another preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that there is a plurality of protections on all sides of the device in order to protect the various connections. 10

    In Figure 3 the rear view of the preferred embodiment of the object of the invention described above can be seen. Here you can see the electrical connections (7) and analog audio output (8), and the various actuators (11) by which the user can control the operating parameters of the device of the invention (1). The screens and indicator lights (12) are mechanically subject to encapsulation, although they are electrically connected to the printed circuit board (40).

    In another preferred embodiment, the device can be simplified by removing the screens 20 and leaving only the light indicators. In this case, the protection bars (21) could also be removed in such a way that the manufacturing process is reduced and its final weight is reduced.

    In the preferred embodiment, the implementation of two independent channels of input and two output audio is provided, but in another embodiment it can be reduced to a single input and output channel in order to reduce manufacturing costs, or Increase the number of both input and output channels as required in the study and on stage.
     30
    In Figure 2 the front view of the preferred embodiment of the object of the invention described above can be seen. In its preferred embodiment, the object of the invention contains a plurality of standard PC connectors (3) that ensure its connection with the peripherals necessary for its correct operation. These include, but are not limited to: monitor connections, connections 35
    USB for keyboard and mouse, and Ethernet connection. In turn, the object of the invention contains a MIDI input (10) in the form of a DIN or USB connector that allows the device to be controlled by a MIDI controller, and a MIDI output (13) that allows the device of the invention to control other devices MIDI slaves. Like the indicators and screens, the actuators (11) are mechanically subject to the protective encapsulation (20) in such a way that eventual blows or coarse treatments of the equipment do not lead to a dysfunction of the device of the invention.

    In another preferred embodiment, the combination of the actuators (11), the light indicators and the screens (12) in a single peripheral in the form of a plurality of touch screens is contemplated. In that case a plurality of protection bars (21) will be necessary to ensure the integrity of these screens.

    Figure 1 shows the functional diagram of the preferred embodiment of the object of the invention. The MIDI interface (8) establishes the communication between the external MIDI input 15 (10), the actuators or manual controls (11), the screens and lights (12), the external MIDI output (13), and the operating system ( 14) present in the integrated PC (2). For this it consists of the necessary electronics and some drivers prepared for this purpose, characterized by low latency. The operating system (14) and the DAW type software (15) that the user will install will have to be prepared to be controlled and control this standard MIDI interface.

    The audio input (5) and audio output (4) interfaces have low-latency drivers to communicate the digital sound flow with the operating system. At the electrical level, they have the stages of adaptation of impedances, variable gain, and 25 high-performance ADC and DAC converters.

    The standard PC connectors (3) are electrically connected, directly, with the integrated PC (2).
     30
    权利要求:
    Claims (8)
    [1]

    1. Audio processing device for live performances (1) comprising a general purpose integrated PC (2), a plurality of standard PC connectors (3), a plurality of audio input interfaces (5), and a plurality 5 of audio output interfaces (4), characterized by the following properties:
     The general purpose integrated PC (2) belongs to a standard Computer-On-Module (COM) format connected to the rest of the device of the invention by means of a quick fixing system that allows its replacement by the user. 10
     The general purpose integrated PC (2) is directly connected to the standard PC connectors (3) through which it is capable of controlling a plurality of standard PC peripherals.
     It presents a plurality of manual controls (11) input to the integrated PC (2) through a MIDI interface (8). fifteen

    [2]
    2. Audio processing device for live performances (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the audio input interfaces (5) comprise, but are not limited to:
     A plurality of electrical connectors. twenty
     A plurality of analog audio conditioning stages with variable gain and user selection (multiplexing) among a plurality of inputs from the different connectors.
     A plurality of analog to digital signal converters with a quantization of 16 bits per sample or more, and a sampling frequency of 44.1 25 kHz or more.

    [3]
    3. Audio processing device for live performances (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the audio input interfaces (5) support a plurality of electrical signal levels corresponding to a plurality of 30 input devices comprising, although they are not limited to:
     Microphones.
     Musical instruments.
     Amplifiers.
     35
    [4]
    4. Audio processing device for live performances (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the audio output interfaces (4) comprise, but are not limited to:
     A plurality of digital to analog signal converters with a quantization of 16 bits per sample or more, and sampling frequency of 44.1 5 kHz or more.
     A plurality of analog audio conditioning stages with variable gain.
     A plurality of electrical connectors.
     10
    [5]
    5. Audio processing device for live performances (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the connection of the MIDI interface (8) with the integrated general purpose PC (2) is supported internally over a standard communications interface that can be either USB type or asynchronous serial port type. fifteen

    [6]
    6. Audio processing device for live performances (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the current state of the device of the invention is shown by a plurality of screens and indicator lights (12).
     twenty
    [7]
    7. Audio processing device for live performances (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the general purpose manual input controls (11) to the integrated PC (2) via the MIDI interface (8) can be formed by a plurality of devices that comprise, but are not limited to:
     Push buttons. 25
     Switches.
     Linear selectors.
     Rotary selectors.
     Potentiometers.
     Touch surfaces on the device screens (12). 30

    [8]
    8. Audio processing device for live performances (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it contains a plurality of external MIDI inputs (10) and outputs (13) connected to the integrated PC (2) via the MIDI interface (8) . These inputs and outputs can be implemented on a plurality of interfaces that
    understand, but are not limited to:
    USB
     Asynchronous serial port on DIN 180º 5-pin connector.
     Asynchronous serial port on D-Sub DA-15 connector.
    Firewire 5
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