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EP0191492A2 - Computer-controlled electro-acoustic device - Google Patents

Computer-controlled electro-acoustic device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0191492A2
EP0191492A2 EP86101833A EP86101833A EP0191492A2 EP 0191492 A2 EP0191492 A2 EP 0191492A2 EP 86101833 A EP86101833 A EP 86101833A EP 86101833 A EP86101833 A EP 86101833A EP 0191492 A2 EP0191492 A2 EP 0191492A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
microphone
cable
signals
computer
microphones
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP86101833A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0191492A3 (en
EP0191492B1 (en
Inventor
Helmut Brähler
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to AT86101833T priority Critical patent/ATE52373T1/en
Publication of EP0191492A2 publication Critical patent/EP0191492A2/en
Publication of EP0191492A3 publication Critical patent/EP0191492A3/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R27/00—Public address systems

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a computer-controlled electro-acoustic discussion system according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Electroacoustic discussion systems facilitate or enable the mutual acoustic communication of the participants in a discussion, conference or the like.
  • the participants have the microphones at their disposal which can be switched on and off by means of the computer in the central office.
  • the spoken word is made audible via loudspeakers or headphones, which are connected to the central amplifier unit.
  • the speakers can be housed in the microphones, for example.
  • the participants in the discussion can express their requests to speak by pressing the button on their microphone.
  • the microphone in question is switched on immediately or later in the course of processing an electronically stored message list. As a rule, only one microphone is switched on at a time. However, depending on the program, a small number of microphones can also be switched on together.
  • by pressing a Ta stature at the head office the specific activation of certain microphones possible.
  • the electrical connection between the microphones and the control center runs over a single common cable which forwards both the sound or microphone signals and the generally digitally coded signaling and control signals from and to the microphones.
  • the cable works as a bus, i.e. it does not establish an individual connection between the individual microphones and the control center.
  • Each microphone has control electronics that are individually coded to distinguish the microphones from each other so that the individual microphones can be addressed individually from the control center by means of an address contained in the control signal.
  • the signaling signals emanating from the control electronics contain the individual address, which enables the relevant microphone to be recognized by the computer of the control center.
  • the cable connecting the microphones to the control center is freely laid in the room in which the discussion system is to be operated.
  • the control electronics and the preamplifier of each microphone are housed in a common housing, to which the incoming and the further section of the cable is connected and to which the microphone, which consists of a microphone capsule and housing, is also permanently or pluggably connected via a feed line.
  • the housing for preamplifier and control electronics is e.g. designed as a microphone console, to which the microphone is connected via a gooseneck and to which the pushbutton switch is also attached.
  • the invention has for its object to design a discussion system of the generic type so that the permanent equipment of a conference room with a discussion system is possible with comparatively little investment.
  • only permanently installed microphone sockets are provided at the individual microphone locations, which are connected to the control center via the only cable that is also permanently installed in the room.
  • Preamplifiers, control electronics and pushbuttons for each microphone are no longer permanently arranged at each microphone location, but are integrated in the microphone, which can be connected to one of the microphone sockets via its connector.
  • Fixed installation of the cable and the microphone sockets are easy to manufacture and not expensive, even if a microphone socket is provided at every or every second subscriber location. Only the microphones with integrated preamplifier and integrated control electronics are more expensive. However, the operator of the conference hall only has to purchase these in a comparatively small number, corresponding to the average, incomplete occupancy of the conference hall.
  • the microphones required in addition to the basic equipment can simply be rented for the duration of the event and easily connected to the existing microphone sockets.
  • the capital expenditure for the permanent furnishing of the conference hall remains low and additional expenditure arises only and only as long as the conference hall is actually fully used.
  • a particularly advantageous embodiment of a microphone of the new discussion system with an integrated preamplifier and integrated control electronics can be found in claim 3.
  • the discussion system shown in the figures comprises a center 1, to which a plurality of microphones 2 are electrically connected via a single, common cable 3.
  • the cable 3 is eight-wire. It is permanently installed in the room in which the discussion system is operated and the furniture indicated here by several armchairs 5.
  • a microphone socket 4 is permanently attached to the furniture or armchair 5 for two armchairs.
  • the cable 3 connects all the microphone sockets 4 to one another by looping through from the microphone socket to the microphone socket.
  • the microphones 2 each have a connecting cable 27 with a connector 28 matching the microphone sockets 4, so that they can be connected directly to the common cable 3 via each of the microphone sockets 4.
  • the control center 1 comprises an amplifier device 11 for amplifying the sound or microphone signals coming from the microphones 2.
  • the amplifier device 11 controls loudspeakers in a manner not shown in detail or headphones via a transmission device.
  • the control center 1 further comprises a computer 12 operating according to the program, which receives digitally coded message signals from the microphones 2 via two wires of the cable 3 and transmits digitally coded control signals to the microphones 2 via two wires of the cable 3.
  • the control center 1 further comprises a power supply 13 which, in addition to the amplifier device 11 and the computer 12 via the cable 3, also feeds the electrical assemblies contained in the individual microphones 2 and to be explained in more detail.
  • Each microphone contains in a housing 21, cf. FIGS. 2-4, a customary microphone capsule 22, a preamplifier 23 for the microphone signals and control electronics 25 indicated by the switch symbol.
  • a pushbutton switch 24 which can be actuated by the discussion participants is provided on the housing.
  • the microphone signals from the preamplifier 23 pass through two speech wires of the common cable 3 to the amplifier device 11 in the control center 1 when the control electronics 25 have switched on the microphone 2 in question due to corresponding control signals from the computer 12 in the control center 1.
  • the respective operating state of the microphone is indicated by an LED 26, cf. Figure 4, which lights up when the microphone is switched on.
  • the control electronics 25 of each microphone are individually coded according to a one-time manual setting for a specific address.
  • the control electronics receives all control signals from the computer 12, but responds to a control signal only if it has the address corresponding to the respective coding contains.
  • the control electronics 25 also generates signal signals in accordance with the actuation of the pushbutton switch 24, which likewise carry an address corresponding to the respective coding of the control electronics 25.
  • the message signals go via the cable 3 to the computer 12 and are processed there depending on the respective program of the computer, for example in such a way that the computer 12 immediately switches on the microphone 2 by means of suitable control signals, in which the key switch 4 was actuated, and all other microphones turns off, or in such a way that the computer 12 sets the microphone 2, in which a key switch 4 has been actuated, to a stored message list and only switches on when the computer in the course of processing the message list at the microphone in question has arrived.
  • FIG. 2 to 4 show further structural details of one of the same microphones 2.
  • the housing 21 of the microphone 2 has the shape of a rectangular cylinder with rounded longitudinal edges.
  • the microphone capsule 22 is arranged on one end 31 of the housing, which is on the left in FIG.
  • the LED 26 is provided in the end wall or the speaking screen 31.
  • the flexible connecting cable 27, which ends at the plug 28, emerges from the opposite end 32.
  • the key switch 24 is installed in the large side wall 33 of the housing 21 shown in FIG. 2.
  • the LED 26 could also be provided in this upper side wall 33, for example in structural association with the pushbutton switch.
  • a circuit board 29 extends between the two ends 31 and 32, which both in conventional technology contains the preamplifier 3 and the control electronics 25.
  • Preamplifier and control electronics are thus integrated into the microphone 2; Via the connecting cable 7 and the plug 28 which can be inserted into one of the microphone sockets 4, a direct galvanic connection to the cable 3 is thus made without the insertion of further electrical modules.
  • the housing 21 can e.g. be designed as a double-shell plastic housing.
  • a number of microphones 2 corresponding to the number of discussion participants present, where the discussion participants are sitting, is connected by means of the plug 28 to the permanently installed microphone sockets 4.
  • the remaining microphone sockets 4 in the room remain unoccupied.
  • the operator of the conference room only has a comparatively small number of microphones 2. He rents additional microphones 2 for large events.
  • two discussion participants share a microphone. Both of them can comfortably take the microphone 2 due to its design as a hand microphone with a longer, flexible connecting cable 27 and use it without having to bend over to the microphone or even have to go to the microphone.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)

Abstract

1. Computer-controlled electro-acoustic conference equipment for enclosed spaces comprising a central station (1) and a greater number varying as required of microphones (2), allocated to the conference participants and comprising a microphone capsule (22) within a case (21), which are all connected to the central station (1) via a single common cable (3), the central station (1) incorporating an amplifier arrangement (11) for the microphone signals and a computer (12) operating in accordance with a program which is supplied via the cable (3) with informative signals coded by the individual microphones (2) and emits coded control signals to the cable (3) to control the operating condition of the individual microphones (2), each microphone (2) having allocated to it a preamplifier (23) for the microphone signals, at least one switching key (24) operable by the conference participant and an electronic control apparatus (25) connected to the switching key (24), which as a function of the switching key operation generates the informative signals for the computer (12) and evaluates the control signals received thereat for the switching on and off of the microphone, characterized in that the single cable (3) is fixedly laid in the room and electrically interconnects a specific number of microphone plug sockets (4) corresponding to maximum requirements, which are fixedly installed in the room or on its furniture (5) at the places of the conference participants, that in the case of each microphone (2), the associated preamplifier (23) and the associated electronic control apparatus (25) as well as all the associated switching keys (24) are integrated common in a housing (21) with the microphone, and that each microphone (2) has a plug (28) fitting the microphone plug sockets (4) for direct electrical connection to the cable (3).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine rechnergesteuerte elektroakustische Diskussionsanlage nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1.The invention relates to a computer-controlled electro-acoustic discussion system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Elektroakustische Diskussionsanlagen erleichtern oder ermöglichen die gegenseitige akustische Verständigung der Teilnehmer einer Diskussion, Konferenz oder dgl. Den Teilnehmern stehen die Mikrophone zur Verfügung, die vermittels des Rechners in der Zentrale wahlweise ein- und ausgeschaltet werden. Das gesprochene Wort wird über Lautsprecher oder Kopfhörer hörbar gemacht, die an die Verstärkereinrichtung der Zentrale angeschlossen sind. Die Lautsprecher können z.B. in den Mikrophonen untergebracht sein. Die Diskussionsteilnehmer können ihre Sprechwünsche durch Betätigung des Tastschalters an ihrem Mikrophon äußern. Je nach Programm, mit welchem der Rechner der Zentrale betrieben wird, wird dadurch das betreffende Mikrophon sofort oder später, im Zuge des Abarbeitens einer elektronisch gespeicherten Meldeliste eingeschaltet. In der Regel ist immer nur ein Mikrophon eingeschaltet. Es können aber auch, wiederum abhängig vom Programm, mehrere Mikrophone in kleiner Anzahl gemeinsam eingeschaltet sein. Darüber hinaus ist durch Betätigung einer Tastatur an der Zentrale die gezielte Einschaltung bestimmter Mikrophone möglich.Electroacoustic discussion systems facilitate or enable the mutual acoustic communication of the participants in a discussion, conference or the like. The participants have the microphones at their disposal which can be switched on and off by means of the computer in the central office. The spoken word is made audible via loudspeakers or headphones, which are connected to the central amplifier unit. The speakers can be housed in the microphones, for example. The participants in the discussion can express their requests to speak by pressing the button on their microphone. Depending on the program with which the central computer is operated, the microphone in question is switched on immediately or later in the course of processing an electronically stored message list. As a rule, only one microphone is switched on at a time. However, depending on the program, a small number of microphones can also be switched on together. In addition, by pressing a Ta stature at the head office, the specific activation of certain microphones possible.

Bei der gattungsgemäßen Diskussionsanlage verläuft die elektrische Verbindung zwischen den Mikrophonen und der Zentrale über ein einziges gemeinsames Kabel, das sowohl die Ton- bzw. Mikrophonsignale als auch die in der Regel digital codierten Melde- und Steuersignale von bzw. zu den Mikrophonen weiterleitet. Das Kabel arbeitet als Bus, d.h. es stellt keine individuelle Verbindung der einzelnen Mikrophone mit der Zentrale her zu. Jedem Mikrophon gehört eine Steuerelektronik, die zur gegenseitigen Unterscheidung der Mikrophone pro Mikrophon individuell kodiert ist, so daß die einzelnen Mikrophone von der Zentrale aus mittels einer im Steuersignal enthaltenen Adresse individuell angesprochen werden können. Ebenso enthalten die von der Steuerelektronik ausgehenden Meldesignale die individuelle Adresse, welche die Erkennung des betreffenden Mikrophons durch den Rechner der Zentrale ermöglicht.In the generic discussion system, the electrical connection between the microphones and the control center runs over a single common cable which forwards both the sound or microphone signals and the generally digitally coded signaling and control signals from and to the microphones. The cable works as a bus, i.e. it does not establish an individual connection between the individual microphones and the control center. Each microphone has control electronics that are individually coded to distinguish the microphones from each other so that the individual microphones can be addressed individually from the control center by means of an address contained in the control signal. Likewise, the signaling signals emanating from the control electronics contain the individual address, which enables the relevant microphone to be recognized by the computer of the control center.

Üblicherweise wird das die Mikrophone mit der Zentrale verbindende Kabel in dem Raum, in welchem die Diskussionsanlage betrieben werden soll, frei verlegt. Die Steuerelektronik und der Vorverstärker jedes Mikrophons sind in einem gemeinsamen Gehäuse untergebracht, an welches der ankommende und der weiterführende Abschnitt des Kabels angeschlossen wird und mit dem außerdem das aus Mikrophonkapsel und Gehäuse bestehende Mikrophon über eine Zuleitung fest oder steckbar verbunden ist. Das Gehäuse für Vorverstärker und Steuerelektronik ist z.B. als Mikrophonpult ausgebildet, mit welchem das Mikrophon über einen Schwanenhals verbunden ist und an dem auch der Tastschalter angebracht ist.Usually, the cable connecting the microphones to the control center is freely laid in the room in which the discussion system is to be operated. The control electronics and the preamplifier of each microphone are housed in a common housing, to which the incoming and the further section of the cable is connected and to which the microphone, which consists of a microphone capsule and housing, is also permanently or pluggably connected via a feed line. The housing for preamplifier and control electronics is e.g. designed as a microphone console, to which the microphone is connected via a gooseneck and to which the pushbutton switch is also attached.

In jüngerer Zeit geht das Bestreben immer häufiger dahin, Konferenzsäle ständig, d.h. auf Dauer mit einer Diskussionsanlage auszustatten. Hierbei ist es aus Gründen der bequemen Benutzung wünschenswert, an jedem Platz eines Diskussionsteilnehmers oder höchstens für je zwei Plätze gemeinsam ein Mikrophon vorzusehen. Bei den bekannten Diskussionsanlagen führt dies zu einem enormen Investitionsaufwand, da jeder Mikrophon-Platz komplett mit einem Vorverstärker und einer Steuerelektronik für das Mikrophon ausgerüstet werden muß. Ist der betreffende Konferenzsaal nicht voll belegt, was erfahrungsgemäß häufig geschieht, werden Vorverstärker und Steuerelektronik an vielen Mikrophon-Plätzen nicht benötigt, also unnötigerweise vorgehalten.In recent times, the effort has been increasing to permanently equip conference halls with a discussion system. For reasons of convenient use, it is desirable to provide a microphone at every place of a discussion participant or at most for two places at a time. In the known discussion systems, this leads to an enormous investment outlay, since each microphone space must be completely equipped with a preamplifier and control electronics for the microphone. If the conference room in question is not fully occupied, which is often the case from experience, preamplifiers and control electronics are not required at many microphone positions, so they are kept unnecessarily.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Diskussionsanlage der gattungsgemäßen Art so auszugestalten, daß die dauernde Ausstattung eines Konferenzsaales mit einer Diskussionsanlage mit vergleichsweise geringem Investitionsaufwand möglich ist.The invention has for its object to design a discussion system of the generic type so that the permanent equipment of a conference room with a discussion system is possible with comparatively little investment.

Diese Aufgabe ist erfindungsgemäß mit der in Anspruch 1 und bezüglich vorteilhafter Ausgestaltungen in den Unteransprüchen gekennzeichneten Diskussionsanlage gelöst.This object is achieved according to the invention with the discussion system characterized in claim 1 and with regard to advantageous refinements in the subclaims.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Diskussionsanlage sind an den einzelnen Mikrophon-Plätzen nur noch fest installierte Mikrophonsteckdosen vorgesehen, die über das einzige, im Raum ebenfalls fest verlegte Kabel mit der Zentrale verbunden sind. Vorverstärker, Steuerelektronik und Tastschalter zu jedem Mikrophon sind nicht mehr an jedem Mikrophon-Platz fest angeordnet, sondern in dem Mikrophon integriert, das über seinen Stecker wahlweise an eine der Mikrophonsteckdosen angeschlossen werden kann. Die feste Installierung des Kabels und der Mikrophonsteckdosen ist einfach herzustellen und nicht teuer, und zwar auch dann, wenn an jedem oder an jedem zweiten Teilnehmer-Platz eine Mikrophonsteckdose vorgesehen wird. Größerer Aufwand entsteht nur bei den Mikrophonen mit integriertem Vorverstärker und integrierter Steuerelektronik. Diese muß der Betreiber des Konferenzsaales jedoch nur in einer vergleichsweise geringen, der durchschnittlichen, unvollständigen Belegung des Konferenzsaales entsprechenden Stückzahl anschaffen. Bei großen, den Konferenzsaal ganz füllenden Veranstaltungen können die dann über die Grundausstattung hinaus benötigten Mikrophone einfach für die Dauer der Veranstaltung dazu gemietet und ohne weiteres an die vorhandenen Mikrophonsteckdosen angeschlossen werden. Insgesamt bleibt also bei Anwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Diskussionsanlage der Investitionsaufwand für die dauernde Ausstattung des Konferenzsaales gering und zusätzlicher Aufwand entsteht nur dann und nur so lange, wie der Konferenzsaal tatsächlich voll genutzt wird.In the discussion system according to the invention, only permanently installed microphone sockets are provided at the individual microphone locations, which are connected to the control center via the only cable that is also permanently installed in the room. Preamplifiers, control electronics and pushbuttons for each microphone are no longer permanently arranged at each microphone location, but are integrated in the microphone, which can be connected to one of the microphone sockets via its connector. Fixed installation of the cable and the microphone sockets are easy to manufacture and not expensive, even if a microphone socket is provided at every or every second subscriber location. Only the microphones with integrated preamplifier and integrated control electronics are more expensive. However, the operator of the conference hall only has to purchase these in a comparatively small number, corresponding to the average, incomplete occupancy of the conference hall. In the case of large events that completely fill the conference hall, the microphones required in addition to the basic equipment can simply be rented for the duration of the event and easily connected to the existing microphone sockets. Overall, when using the discussion system according to the invention, the capital expenditure for the permanent furnishing of the conference hall remains low and additional expenditure arises only and only as long as the conference hall is actually fully used.

Mit der Ausbildung nach Anspruch 2 gewinnt man im Rahmen der erfindungsgemäßen Diskussionsanlage noch den zusätzlichen Vorteil, daß sich das Mikrophon besonders leicht und bequem benutzen läßt, insbesondere dann, wenn es jeweils zwei Diskussionsteilnehmern gemeinsam zur Verfügung steht, da jeder Diskussionsteilnehmer das Handmikrophon ohne weiteres zu sich nehmen kann und somit seinen Platz beim Sprechen nicht zu verlassen braucht.With the training according to claim 2 one gains in the context of the discussion system according to the invention the additional advantage that the microphone can be used particularly easily and conveniently, especially when two discussion participants are available together, since each discussion participant easily the hand microphone can take himself and thus does not have to leave his place when speaking.

Eine besonders vorteilhafte Ausbildung eines Mikrophons der neuen Diskussionsanlage mit integriertem Vorverstärker und integrierter Steuerelektronik geht aus Anspruch 3 hervor.A particularly advantageous embodiment of a microphone of the new discussion system with an integrated preamplifier and integrated control electronics can be found in claim 3.

Im folgenden ist die Erfindung mit weiteren vorteilhaften Einzelheiten anhand eines schematisch dargestellten Ausführungsbeispieles näher erläutert. In den Zeichnungen zeigen:

  • Figur 1 ein Schemabild einer rechnergesteuerten elektroakustischen Diskussionsanlage,
  • Figur 2 eine Draufsicht auf ein Mikrophon der Diskussionsanlage,
  • Figur 3 eine Seitenansicht des Mikrophons nach Figur 2,
  • Figur 4 eine Stirnansicht des Mikrophons nach Figur 2.
The invention is explained in more detail below with further advantageous details using a schematically illustrated exemplary embodiment. The drawings show:
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a computer-controlled electro-acoustic discussion system,
  • FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a microphone of the discussion system,
  • FIG. 3 shows a side view of the microphone according to FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 shows an end view of the microphone according to FIG. 2.

Die in den Figuren gezeigte Diskussionsanlage-umfaßt eine Zentrale 1, mit welcher mehrere Mikrophone 2 über ein einziges, gemeinsames Kabel 3 elektrisch verbunden sind. Das Kabel 3 ist achtadrig. Es ist in dem Raum, in dem die Diskussionsanlage betrieben wird, und seiner hier durch mehrere Sessel 5 angedeuteten Möblierung fest verlegt. In die Möblierung bzw. Sessel 5 ist für je zwei Sessel gemeinsam eine Mikrophonsteckdose 4 fest angebaut. Das Kabel 3 verbindet alle Mikrophonsteckdosen 4 miteinander, in dem es von Mikrophonsteckdose zu Mikrophonsteckdose durchgeschleift ist. Die Mikrophone 2 haben jeweils ein Anschlußkabel 27 mit einem zu den Mikrophonsteckdosen 4 passenden Stecker 28, so daß sie über jede der Mikrophonsteckdosen 4 unmittelbar an das gemeinsame Kabel 3 anschließbar sind.The discussion system shown in the figures comprises a center 1, to which a plurality of microphones 2 are electrically connected via a single, common cable 3. The cable 3 is eight-wire. It is permanently installed in the room in which the discussion system is operated and the furniture indicated here by several armchairs 5. A microphone socket 4 is permanently attached to the furniture or armchair 5 for two armchairs. The cable 3 connects all the microphone sockets 4 to one another by looping through from the microphone socket to the microphone socket. The microphones 2 each have a connecting cable 27 with a connector 28 matching the microphone sockets 4, so that they can be connected directly to the common cable 3 via each of the microphone sockets 4.

Die Zentrale 1 umfaßt eine Verstärkereinrichtung 11 zur Verstärkung der von den Mikrophonen 2 kommenden Ton- bzw. Mikrophonsignale. Die Verstärkereinrichtung 11 steuert in nicht näher gezeigter Weise Lautsprecher oder über eine Übertragungseinrichtung Kopfhörer an.The control center 1 comprises an amplifier device 11 for amplifying the sound or microphone signals coming from the microphones 2. The amplifier device 11 controls loudspeakers in a manner not shown in detail or headphones via a transmission device.

Die Zentrale 1 umfaßt weiter einen nach Programm arbeitenden Rechner 12, welcher über zwei Adern des Kabels 3 digital codierte Meldesignale von den Mikrophonen 2 empfängt und über zwei Adern des Kabels 3 digital codierte Steuersignale zu den Mikrophonen 2 aussendet.The control center 1 further comprises a computer 12 operating according to the program, which receives digitally coded message signals from the microphones 2 via two wires of the cable 3 and transmits digitally coded control signals to the microphones 2 via two wires of the cable 3.

Ferner umfaßt die Zentrale 1 eine Stromversorgung 13, welche neben der Verstärkereinrichtung 11 und dem Rechner 12 über das Kabel 3 auch die in den einzelnen Mikrophonen 2 enthaltenen und noch näher zu erläuternden elektrischen Baugruppen speist.The control center 1 further comprises a power supply 13 which, in addition to the amplifier device 11 and the computer 12 via the cable 3, also feeds the electrical assemblies contained in the individual microphones 2 and to be explained in more detail.

Jedes Mikrophon enthält in einem Gehäuse 21, vgl. Figuren 2-4, eine übliche Mikrophonkapsel 22, einen Vorverstärker 23 für die Mikrophonsignale und eine durch das Schaltersymbol angedeutete Steuerelektronik 25. Außerdem ist am Gehäuse ein durch den Diskussionsteilnehmer betätigbarer Tastschalter 24 vorgesehen.Each microphone contains in a housing 21, cf. FIGS. 2-4, a customary microphone capsule 22, a preamplifier 23 for the microphone signals and control electronics 25 indicated by the switch symbol. In addition, a pushbutton switch 24 which can be actuated by the discussion participants is provided on the housing.

Die Mikrophonsignale vom Vorverstärker 23 gelangen über zwei Sprechadern des gemeinsamen Kabels 3 zur Verstärkereinrichtung 11 in der Zentrale 1, wenn die Steuerelektronik 25 aufgrund entsprechender Steuersignale vom Rechner 12 der Zentrale 1 das betreffende Mikrophon 2 eingeschaltet hat. Der jeweilige Betriebszustand des Mikrophons wird durch ein LED 26 angezeigt, vgl. Figur 4, das bei eingeschaltetem Mikrophon aufleuchtet.The microphone signals from the preamplifier 23 pass through two speech wires of the common cable 3 to the amplifier device 11 in the control center 1 when the control electronics 25 have switched on the microphone 2 in question due to corresponding control signals from the computer 12 in the control center 1. The respective operating state of the microphone is indicated by an LED 26, cf. Figure 4, which lights up when the microphone is switched on.

Die Steuerelektronik 25 jedes Mikrophons ist individuell entsprechend einer einmaligen manuellen Einstellung für eine bestimmte Adresse codiert. Die Steuerelektronik empfängt alle Steuersignale vom Rechner 12, spricht aber auf ein Steuersignal nur dann an, wenn dieses die der jeweiligen Codierung entsprechende Adresse enthält. Die Steuerelektronik 25 erzeugt außerdem nach Maßgabe der Betätigung des Tastschalters 24 Meldesignale, die ebenfalls eine der jeweiligen Codierung der Steuerelektronik 25 entsprechende Adresse führen. Die Meldesignale gehen über das Kabel 3 an den Rechner 12 und werden dort abhängig vom jeweiligen Programm des Rechners verarbeitet, z.B. in der Weise, daß der Rechner 12 vermittels geeigneter Steuersignale sofort dasjenige Mikrophon 2, bei dem der Tastschalter 4 betätigt wurde, einschaltet und alle übrigen Mikrophone dafür ausschaltet, oder auch in der Weise, daß der Rechner 12 das Mikrophon 2, bei dem ein Tastschalter 4 betätigt wurde, auf eine gespeicherte Meldeliste setzt und erst dann einschaltet, wenn der Rechner im Zuge der Abarbeitung der Meldeliste bei dem betreffenden Mikrophon angekommen ist.The control electronics 25 of each microphone are individually coded according to a one-time manual setting for a specific address. The control electronics receives all control signals from the computer 12, but responds to a control signal only if it has the address corresponding to the respective coding contains. The control electronics 25 also generates signal signals in accordance with the actuation of the pushbutton switch 24, which likewise carry an address corresponding to the respective coding of the control electronics 25. The message signals go via the cable 3 to the computer 12 and are processed there depending on the respective program of the computer, for example in such a way that the computer 12 immediately switches on the microphone 2 by means of suitable control signals, in which the key switch 4 was actuated, and all other microphones turns off, or in such a way that the computer 12 sets the microphone 2, in which a key switch 4 has been actuated, to a stored message list and only switches on when the computer in the course of processing the message list at the microphone in question has arrived.

Die Figuren 2 bis 4 zeigen weitere bauliche Einzelheiten eines der untereinander gleichen Mikrophone 2. Das Gehäuse 21 des Mikrophons 2 hat die Form eines Rechteckzylinders mit abgerundeten Längskanten. An dem einen, in Figur 2 linken und als Einsprechsieb ausgebildeten Stirnende 31 des Gehäuses ist die Mikrophonkapsel 22 angeordnet. In der Stirnwand bzw. dem Einsprechsieb 31 ist das LED 26 vorgesehen. Aus dem gegenüberliegenden Stirnende 32 tritt das flexible Anschlußkabel 27 aus, welches an dem Stecker 28 endet. In der in Figur 2 oberen großen Seitenwand 33 des Gehäuses 21 ist der Tastschalter 24 eingebaut. Alternativ könnte das LED 26 auch in dieser oberen Seitenwand 33, z.B. in baulicher Vereinigung mit dem Tastschalter, vorgesehen sein. Nahe der gegenüberliegenden, unteren Seitenwand 34 und paralell zu dieser erstreckt sich zwischen den beiden Stirnenden 31 und 32 eine Schaltungsplatine 29, welche in üblicher Technik sowohl den Vorverstärker 3 als auch die Steuerelektronik 25 enthält. Vorverstärker und Steuerelektronik sind also in das Mikrophon 2 integriert; über das Anschlußkabel 7 und den in einer der Mikrophonsteckdosen 4 einführbaren Stecker 28 wird also ohne die.Einfügung weiterer elektrischer Baugruppen eine unmittelbare galvanische Verbindung zu dem Kabel 3 hergestellt.Figures 2 to 4 show further structural details of one of the same microphones 2. The housing 21 of the microphone 2 has the shape of a rectangular cylinder with rounded longitudinal edges. The microphone capsule 22 is arranged on one end 31 of the housing, which is on the left in FIG. The LED 26 is provided in the end wall or the speaking screen 31. The flexible connecting cable 27, which ends at the plug 28, emerges from the opposite end 32. The key switch 24 is installed in the large side wall 33 of the housing 21 shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the LED 26 could also be provided in this upper side wall 33, for example in structural association with the pushbutton switch. Near the opposite, lower side wall 34 and parallel to this, a circuit board 29 extends between the two ends 31 and 32, which both in conventional technology contains the preamplifier 3 and the control electronics 25. Preamplifier and control electronics are thus integrated into the microphone 2; Via the connecting cable 7 and the plug 28 which can be inserted into one of the microphone sockets 4, a direct galvanic connection to the cable 3 is thus made without the insertion of further electrical modules.

Das Gehäuse 21 kann z.B. als zweischaliges Kunststoffgehäuse ausgebildet sein.The housing 21 can e.g. be designed as a double-shell plastic housing.

Beim Betrieb der Diskussionsanlage wird eine der Anzahl der anwesenden Diskussionsteilnehmer entsprechende Anzahl von Mikrophonen 2 dort, wo die Diskussionsteilnehmer sitzen,mittels der Stecker 28 an die fest eingebauten Mikrophonsteckdosen 4 angeschlossen. Die übrigen im Raum vorhandenen Mikrophonsteckdosen 4 bleiben unbelegt. Der Betreiber des Konferenzsaales hält nur eine vergleichsweise geringe Zahl von Mikrophonen 2 bereit. Bei großen Veranstaltungen mietet er weitere Mikrophone 2 hinzu.When the discussion system is in operation, a number of microphones 2, corresponding to the number of discussion participants present, where the discussion participants are sitting, is connected by means of the plug 28 to the permanently installed microphone sockets 4. The remaining microphone sockets 4 in the room remain unoccupied. The operator of the conference room only has a comparatively small number of microphones 2. He rents additional microphones 2 for large events.

Bei dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel teilen sich jeweils zwei Diskussionsteilnehmer ein Mikrophon. Beide können das Mikrophon 2 aufgrund seiner Ausbildung als Handmikrophon mit längerem, flexiblem Anschlußkabel 27 bequem zu sich nehmen und es benutzen, ohne sich zum Mikrophon vorbeugen oder gar zu dem Mikrophon hingehen zu müssen.In the exemplary embodiment shown, two discussion participants share a microphone. Both of them can comfortably take the microphone 2 due to its design as a hand microphone with a longer, flexible connecting cable 27 and use it without having to bend over to the microphone or even have to go to the microphone.

Claims (3)

1. Rechnergesteuerte elektroakustische Diskussionsanlage für geschlossene Räume mit einer Zentrale (1) und einer größeren Anzahl von den Diskussionsteilnehmern zugeordneten, eine Mikrophonkapsel (22) in einem Gehäuse (21) umfassenden Mikrophonen (2), die alle über ein einziges gemeinsames Kabel (3) an die Zentrale (1) angeschlossen sind, wobei die Zentrale (1) eine Verstärkereinrichtung (11) für die Mikrophonsignale und einen nach Programm arbeitenden Rechner (12) umfaßt, der über das Kabel (3) von den einzelnen Mikrophonen (2) kodierte Meldesignale empfängt und kodierte Steuersignale zur Steuerung des Betriebszustandes der einzelnen Mikrophone (2) auf das Kabel (3) abgibt, und wobei jedem Mikrophon (2) ein Vorverstärker (23) für die Mikrophonsignale, mindestens ein vom Diskussionsteilnehmer betätigbarer Tastschalter (24) und eine mit dem Tastschalter (24) verbundene Steuerelektronik (25) zugeordnet ist, welche nach Maßgabe der Tastschalter-Betätigung die Meldesignale für den Rechner (12) erzeugt und die von dort empfangenenSteuersignale zum Ein- und Ausschalten des Mikrophons (2) auswertet, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß das einzige Kabel (3) im Raum fest verlegt ist und eine größere Anzahl von Mikrophonsteckdosen (4) miteinander verbindet, die in dem Raum oder seiner Möblierung (5) an den Plätzen der Diskussionsteilnehmer fest installiert sind, daß der Vorverstärker (23) und die Steuerelektronik (25) sowie der Tastschalter (24) in bzw. an dem Gehäuse (21) des jeweiligen Mikrophons (2) vorgesehen sind, und daß das Mikrophon (2) einen zu den Mikrophonsteckdosen (4) passenden Stecker (28) für den unmittelbaren elektrischen Anschluß an das Kabel (3) aufweist.1. Computer-controlled electro-acoustic discussion system for closed rooms with a center (1) and a larger number assigned by the discussion participants, a microphone capsule (22) in a housing (21) comprising microphones (2), all via a single common cable (3) are connected to the control center (1), the control center (1) comprising an amplifier device (11) for the microphone signals and a computer (12) operating according to the program, which signals via the cable (3) coded by the individual microphones (2) receives and encodes control signals for controlling the operating state of the individual microphones (2) on the cable (3), and each microphone (2) has a preamplifier (23) for the microphone signals, at least one key switch (24) which can be actuated by the discussion participant and one with the pushbutton switch (24) is associated with control electronics (25) which, in accordance with the pushbutton switch actuation, the alarm signals for the computer ( 12) and evaluates the control signals received from there for switching the microphone (2) on and off, characterized in that
that the only cable (3) is permanently installed in the room and connects a larger number of microphone sockets (4) to each other, which in the room or its furniture (5) at the places of the discussion participants are permanently installed that the preamplifier (23) and the control electronics (25) and the key switch (24) are provided in or on the housing (21) of the respective microphone (2), and that the microphone (2) one too the microphone sockets (4) have suitable plugs (28) for the direct electrical connection to the cable (3). 2.
Diskussionsanlage nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß jedes Mikrophon (2) als Handmikrophon mit einem flexiblen Anschlußkabel (27) zwischen Gehäuse (21) und Stecker (28) ausgebildet ist.2nd
Discussion system according to claim 1,
characterized,
that each microphone (2) is designed as a hand-held microphone with a flexible connecting cable (27) between the housing (21) and plug (28). 3.
Diskussionsanlage nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß das Gehäuse (21) des Mikrophons (2) die Form eines Rechteckzylinders mit abgerundeten Längskanten hat, in dem an einem Stirnende (31) die Mikrophonkapsel (22) angeordnet ist, aus dem am gegenüberliegenden Stirnende (32) das Anschlußkabel (27) austritt, und in dem dazwischen, parallel zu den großen Seitenwänden (33) des Gehäuses (21) eine Schaltungsplatine (29) mit dem Vorverstärker (23) und der Steuerelektronik (25) angeordnet ist.3rd
Discussion system according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
that the housing (21) of the microphone (2) has the shape of a rectangular cylinder with rounded longitudinal edges, in which the microphone capsule (22) is arranged at one end (31), from which the connecting cable (27) emerges at the opposite end (32) , and in between which a circuit board (29) with the preamplifier (23) and the control electronics (25) is arranged parallel to the large side walls (33) of the housing (21).
EP86101833A 1985-02-15 1986-02-13 Computer-controlled electro-acoustic device Expired - Lifetime EP0191492B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT86101833T ATE52373T1 (en) 1985-02-15 1986-02-13 COMPUTER-CONTROLLED ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC DISCUSSION EQUIPMENT.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3505348 1985-02-15
DE19853505348 DE3505348A1 (en) 1985-02-15 1985-02-15 COMPUTER-CONTROLLED ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC DISCUSSION SYSTEM

Publications (3)

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EP0191492A2 true EP0191492A2 (en) 1986-08-20
EP0191492A3 EP0191492A3 (en) 1987-12-16
EP0191492B1 EP0191492B1 (en) 1990-04-25

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ID=6262684

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP86101833A Expired - Lifetime EP0191492B1 (en) 1985-02-15 1986-02-13 Computer-controlled electro-acoustic device

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EP (1) EP0191492B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE52373T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3505348A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0566194A2 (en) * 1992-04-16 1993-10-20 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Conference system with automatic speaker detection and speaker unit for use in the conference system
DE102004033866A1 (en) * 2004-07-13 2006-02-16 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Conference terminal with echo reduction for a voice conference system

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3626097A (en) * 1969-09-26 1971-12-07 Audio Designs & Mfg Accessing controller for multiple-input plural output signal control console device
FR2227705A1 (en) * 1973-04-30 1974-11-22 Siemens Ag
DE2523864A1 (en) * 1975-05-30 1976-12-16 Heinrich Peiker Electroacoustical communication system for conference etc. - positions provided with microphone and loudspeaker units for simplex or duplex operation
US4281314A (en) * 1978-06-05 1981-07-28 Morris S. Wagner Selection switching apparatus
GB2123193A (en) * 1982-06-19 1984-01-25 James Ernest Gleave Public address system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3626097A (en) * 1969-09-26 1971-12-07 Audio Designs & Mfg Accessing controller for multiple-input plural output signal control console device
FR2227705A1 (en) * 1973-04-30 1974-11-22 Siemens Ag
DE2523864A1 (en) * 1975-05-30 1976-12-16 Heinrich Peiker Electroacoustical communication system for conference etc. - positions provided with microphone and loudspeaker units for simplex or duplex operation
US4281314A (en) * 1978-06-05 1981-07-28 Morris S. Wagner Selection switching apparatus
GB2123193A (en) * 1982-06-19 1984-01-25 James Ernest Gleave Public address system

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0566194A2 (en) * 1992-04-16 1993-10-20 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Conference system with automatic speaker detection and speaker unit for use in the conference system
US5404397A (en) * 1992-04-16 1995-04-04 U.S. Phillips Corporation Conference system with automatic speaker detection and speaker unit
DE102004033866A1 (en) * 2004-07-13 2006-02-16 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Conference terminal with echo reduction for a voice conference system
DE102004033866B4 (en) * 2004-07-13 2006-11-16 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Conference terminal with echo reduction for a voice conference system
US7853007B2 (en) 2004-07-13 2010-12-14 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V. Conference terminal with echo reduction for a voice conference system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3505348A1 (en) 1986-08-21
ATE52373T1 (en) 1990-05-15
EP0191492A3 (en) 1987-12-16
DE3670747D1 (en) 1990-05-31
EP0191492B1 (en) 1990-04-25

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