US 6,686,530 B2 · Universal digital media communications and control system and method

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.

Drawings

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Drawings

Claims49

Dependent claims

A digital media communications and control system comprising:

a. a plurality of audio devices, each of the devices including 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;
b. a universal data link operatively connected to each of the device interface modules;
c. 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;
and
d. at least one of the audio devices is configured as a system timing master and at least one of the other audio devices is configured as a slave device, wherein the system timing master is operative to provide synchronization data to the slave devices.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description17,869 words

Summary2,678 words

#This invention pertains to systems for enabling the communication of digital media signals and data between a media source device, such as a musical instrument, and electronic components needed to control and re-produce sounds generated by that source device. More specifically, this invention relates to a system and method that facilitates the interconnection of one or more diverse musical instruments and related audio components on a universal network for purposes of communication of audio signals and signals to identify and control the devices.

#The generation, transmission, amplification and control of audio and other media signals and devices involve diverse yet interrelated technologies that are changing rapidly. The development and implementation of high bandwidth digital communication technologies and distribution systems is significantly affecting all media industries, from book publishing to television/video broadcasting. Products, systems, and services that affect the sense of sight or sound are converging in the use of common technologies and distribution pipelines. This has a profound effect, not only on the nature of the products that are produced, but on the sales channels and the methods of producing content for those products.

#Current examples of the convergence of audio and digital technologies are the arrival and consumer acceptance of the MPEG-3 digital music format, the inexpensive recordable CD (e.g., the “MiniDisc”), and the high bandwidth Internet. However, the markets for technology-driven products are not served by implementation of multiple technical standards. Typically, a new technology begins in its early phase with multiple standards, which in many cases are vigorously debated and disputed among various advocates for the different standards. In most technology-driven industries that prosper, a single standard historically is universally adopted by members of that industry.

Brief description of the drawings10 figures

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system of this invention showing a typical arrangement that interconnects instrument devices with various control devices.

#FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the system of this invention showing a physical implementation and interconnection of devices in an on-stage performance audio environment.

#FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a music editing control device usable in the system of this invention.

Detailed description14,953 words

#A MAGIC-compliant device is defined as one equipped with a MAGIC Link through which it can exchange real-time, bi-directional, fixed-length data and control information, at a determined network sample rate. Unless specified otherwise, the term “device” is to be understood as referring to a MAGIC-compliant device. A MAGIC system is a network of devices connected via a modular, bi-directional, high-speed interconnect which allows them to exchange audio and control information at a fixed network sample rate.

#MAGIC networks can be arranged in different topologies: (a) a daisy chain network where devices are connected together to form a single chain; (b) a star network where several daisy chain networks are connected together using a routing hub; and (c) an uplink network topology where at least two switching hubs that allow data from several MAGIC Links to be multiplexed onto a single cable.

#As shown generally in FIGS. 1 and 2, the topology of one embodiment of a MAGIC system of this invention is characterized by a modular, daisy chained bi-directional digital interconnection of musical instrument devices, processing devices, amplifiers and/or recording systems. Each device has a data link connection to one or more other devices. Thus, the system 10 is comprised of instrument and control devices that are interconnected by MAGIC data links.

Facts

Application

09/995,405Filed 27 Nov 2001 · continuation in part

Priority

26 Apr 1999

Published

US 2003/0172797 A118 Sep 2003

Granted

3 Feb 2004

Term ended

25 Apr 2020

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification5 codes

G10H 1/0058
In coded form: transmission between separate instruments or between individual components of a musical system
G10H 2240/115
Identification code, e.g. ISWC for musical works; Identification dataset: instrument identification, i.e. recognizing an electrophonic musical…
G10H 2240/295
Protocol or standard connector for transmission of analog or digital data to or from an electrophonic musical instrument: packet switched network,…
G10H 2240/301
Packet switched network, e.g. token ring: ethernet, e.g. according to IEEE 802.3

Family

Application60/131,031Us provisional application · filed 26 Apr 1999

Application60/156,003Us provisional application · filed 23 Sep 1999

Application09/557,560Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 25 Apr 2000

US 6,353,169 B1Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 5 Mar 2002

US 2003/0172797 A1Pre-grant publication · published 18 Sep 2003

US 6,686,530 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

Timeline

26 Apr 1999Priority claimedParent application 60/131,031
27 Nov 2001Application filedUS 09/995,405
30 Apr 2002Assigned to Gibson Guitar Corp.assignment of assignor's interest
10 Aug 2003Assigned to Fleet Capital Corporationsecurity agreement
18 Sep 2003PublishedUS 2003/0172797 A1
3 Feb 2004GrantedUS 6,686,530 B2
17 May 2004Assigned to Fleet Capital Corporation, AS Agentassignment of assignor's interest
3 Aug 2005Assigned to Fleet Capital Corporation, AS Agentthis is a corrective assignment to change of nature of conveyance from "assignment of assignor's interest (see document for details)" to assignment of security interest for the document previously recorded at reel/frame 015341/0026.
29 Aug 2005Assigned to Bank of America, N.A., AS Agentassignment of sec. interest
10 Nov 2005Assigned to American Capital Financial Services, Inc., A Delaware Corporationsecurity agreement
16 Jan 2007Assigned to Gibson Guitar Corp.release of security interest
5 Dec 2007Assigned to Lasalle Bank National Association, AS Agentsecurity interest
19 Aug 2010Assigned to Bank of America, National Associationmerger
30 Mar 2011Assigned to Gibson Guitar Corp.release of security interest
7 Apr 2011Assigned to Gibson Guitar Corp.release of security interest
13 Apr 2011Assigned to Bank of America, N.A., AS Agentsecurity agreement
1 Aug 2013Assigned to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association AS Collateral Agentsecurity agreement
5 Aug 2013Assigned to Gibson Guitar Corp.release of security interest
7 Aug 2013Assigned to Bank of America, N.A., AS Agentsecond lien intellectual property security agreement
16 Aug 2013Assigned to Gibson Brands, Inc.change of name
15 Aug 2016Assigned to Wilmington Trust, National Association, AS Collateral Agentassignment of security interest
21 Feb 2017Assigned to Bank of America, N.A., AS Agentsecond lien intellectual property security agreement
24 May 2018Assigned to Cortland Capital Market Services LLCsecurity interest
1 Nov 2018Assigned to Wells Fargo Bank, National Associationsecurity interest
9 Apr 2019Assigned to Gibson Brands, Inc.release of security interest
25 Apr 2020Term endedEstimated
21 Dec 2020Assigned to Gibson Brands, Inc.release of security interest : recorded at reel/frame - 047384/0215
22 Dec 2020Assigned to Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A., AS Collateral Agentgrant of security interest in patent rights

Universal digital media communications and control system and method

Life of this patent

Universal digital media communications and control system and method

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims49

Description17,869 words

Drawings

Classification5 codes

Life of this patent

Description17,869 words