{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853758","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853758","title":"Systems and methods for signal mixing","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-06-24T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G06F","G10L","G06V","G10L"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"Systems and methods for a signal mixing device are provided. An example method includes generating a mixing request during a live performance based on sensed mouth movement when sensed audio from the mouth is less than a threshold. In such an example method, the sensed mouth movement may be generated from a sensor mounted separately from an audio sensor of a microphone, and may be displayed at a mixing console during the live performance."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Systems and Methods for Signal Mixing patent introduces an innovative approach to enhancing audio quality during live performances by incorporating mouth movement sensing. The invention addresses the problem of inconsistent audio levels caused by performer movement and varying vocal intensity. The key technical approach involves using a sensor, separate from the microphone, to detect mouth movement and generate mixing requests when the sensed audio is below a defined threshold. These requests are then displayed at a mixing console, allowing for real-time adjustments to audio levels and effects. \n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its ability to improve the overall audio experience for audiences and reduce the workload for audio engineers. By automating the process of adjusting audio levels, this system can ensure consistent audio quality even in dynamic performance environments. This technology is applicable to a wide range of industries, including live music, theater, public speaking, and virtual reality. \n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is significant, encompassing professional audio equipment manufacturers, event production companies, and software developers. As live performances continue to evolve, the demand for high-quality audio solutions will only increase. This patent positions its holders to capitalize on this growing market by offering a unique and effective solution to the problem of inconsistent audio levels. Furthermore, the ability to customize the system to suit different performance environments and individual performer needs makes it an attractive solution for a wide range of applications. \n\nOverall, the Systems and Methods for Signal Mixing patent represents a valuable innovation with the potential to transform the way live audio is mixed and processed.","layman_explanation":"The Systems and Methods for Signal Mixing patent addresses a common problem in live audio: maintaining consistent sound quality when performers move around or change their vocal volume. Traditional audio systems rely solely on the sound coming into the microphone. However, this can be unreliable because background noise or the performer moving away from the microphone can cause the audio level to drop.\n\nThis invention solves this problem by adding a second sensor that tracks the performer's mouth movements. This sensor works independently of the microphone. So, even if the sound level drops, the system can still detect that the performer is speaking or singing because their mouth is moving. This information is then used to automatically adjust the audio levels, ensuring that the performer's voice remains clear and audible.\n\nThis technology matters because it can significantly improve the quality of live performances. It reduces the need for sound engineers to constantly adjust audio levels manually, allowing them to focus on other aspects of the sound mix. It also ensures that the audience can hear the performer clearly, regardless of their movements or vocal volume. The market impact could be significant, especially in live music venues, theaters, and public speaking events where consistent audio quality is critical. This technology could also be applied to virtual reality and other immersive environments where real-time audio processing is essential.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be integrated into a wide range of audio equipment, from microphones and mixing consoles to software and virtual reality systems. Market adoption will likely depend on the cost and ease of integration, but the potential benefits are clear. Investment in this technology could lead to significant returns by improving the quality of live performances and reducing the workload for audio engineers.","technical_analysis":"The Systems and Methods for Signal Mixing patent presents a novel approach to real-time audio processing by integrating mouth movement sensing with traditional audio capture techniques. This technology addresses the inherent limitations of solely relying on audio signals, which can be unreliable due to ambient noise and performer movement. The core of this innovation lies in its ability to generate mixing requests based on sensed mouth movement, even when the audio signal is weak or absent.\n\nThe technical architecture typically comprises a mouth movement sensor, an audio sensor (microphone), a processing unit, and a mixing console. The mouth movement sensor can be implemented using various technologies, including optical sensors, inertial sensors, or capacitive sensors. The audio sensor captures the performer's voice, while the processing unit analyzes the signals from both sensors. The mixing console receives mixing requests from the processing unit and adjusts the audio levels or effects accordingly. The integration of these components requires careful consideration of signal processing algorithms, sensor calibration, and communication protocols.\n\nOne of the key technical challenges is the design of the mouth movement sensor. The sensor must be sensitive enough to detect subtle movements, yet robust enough to withstand the rigors of live performance. Signal processing algorithms must also be carefully designed to filter out noise and artifacts from the sensor signals. Furthermore, the system must be able to distinguish between intentional mouth movements and random movements, such as coughing or sneezing. \n\nThe implementation details involve the development of real-time signal processing algorithms that can analyze the signals from both sensors and generate mixing requests in a timely manner. These algorithms must be optimized for performance to minimize latency and ensure that the audio adjustments are made in real-time. The system must also be able to adapt to different performance environments and individual performer needs. \n\nFrom a code-level perspective, the implementation would likely involve a combination of low-level sensor drivers, signal processing libraries, and high-level application code. The sensor drivers would be responsible for reading data from the mouth movement and audio sensors, while the signal processing libraries would be used to analyze the sensor data and generate mixing requests. The high-level application code would be responsible for managing the overall system and providing a user interface for configuring the system parameters. \n\nThe performance characteristics of the system would depend on the specific hardware and software components used. However, the system should be able to process the sensor data and generate mixing requests in real-time, with minimal latency. The system should also be able to adapt to different performance environments and individual performer needs. Overall, the Systems and Methods for Signal Mixing patent represents a significant advancement in live audio technology, with the potential to enhance the quality and reliability of live performances across various industries.","business_analysis":"The Systems and Methods for Signal Mixing patent introduces a technology with significant commercial potential within the live entertainment and audio production industries. The core innovation - using mouth movement to inform real-time audio mixing - addresses a persistent problem: maintaining consistent audio quality during dynamic live performances where performers move or vary their vocal delivery.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial. The global live music market alone is a multi-billion dollar industry, and the demand for high-quality audio experiences is constantly growing. By improving audio clarity and reducing the workload for audio engineers, this technology offers a valuable solution for concert venues, theaters, public speaking events, and virtual reality environments. The size of the professional audio equipment market, which includes mixing consoles, microphones, and signal processors, further underscores the potential for revenue generation.\n\nThis technology offers several competitive advantages. Existing solutions often rely solely on audio input, which can be unreliable in noisy environments. The patent's integration of mouth movement sensing provides a more robust and responsive system, ensuring that the performer's audio remains clear and consistent. This system could significantly reduce the workload for audio engineers, allowing them to focus on more creative aspects of sound design. \n\nPotential business models include licensing the technology to professional audio equipment manufacturers, developing and selling integrated hardware and software solutions, and offering subscription-based services for live audio mixing. Revenue could be generated through upfront licensing fees, recurring subscription revenue, and sales of hardware and software products.\n\nFrom a strategic positioning standpoint, this technology could be positioned as a premium solution for high-end live performances and audio production environments. By targeting professional users and emphasizing the superior audio quality and reduced workload, the technology can command a premium price point. \n\nROI projections would depend on the specific business model and market adoption rate. However, the potential for significant revenue generation is clear, given the size of the live entertainment and audio production industries. By improving audio quality, reducing workload, and offering a unique and effective solution to a persistent problem, the Systems and Methods for Signal Mixing patent represents a valuable investment opportunity.","faqs":null,"topics":["signal mixing","audio processing","live performance","mouth movement sensing","audio engineering","systems","methods","signal"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Systems and Methods for Signal Mixing - Patent for Live Audio","description":"Explore Systems and Methods for Signal Mixing, a patent for enhancing live audio using mouth movement sensing. Improve audio clarity and reduce engineer workload.","keywords":["signal mixing","audio processing","live performance","mouth movement sensing","audio engineering","patent","patent US-9853758"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853758","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853758","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Systems and methods for signal mixing\" (US-9853758). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853758","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853758","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853758","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T15:06:33.718Z"}