Patent Application
20100189273
The present invention generally relates to monitoring of an audio network environment, and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for monitoring and remotely controlling a wireless audio source via a communication network.
This application is a divisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/675,859 filed on Sep. 30, 2003 (pending).
Modern audio communication systems, such as microphone systems, provide a reliable infrastructure to transmit voice signals. A wireless microphone system generally comprises an acoustic source such as a microphone and a receiver that are linked to each other via a transmitter. The transmitter therefore facilitates a wireless link between the acoustic energy from the audio source and the receiver.
These audio components, i.e. the microphone, transmitter and receiver, are commonly available in the audio industry. The microphone is an audio transducer in which acoustic energy from a sound source is converted into electric output through an oscillating element that oscillates in response to the transmitted acoustic energy. The electric output is fed to the transmitter.
The transmitter is wireless, and is available either as a handheld device or as a body pack. The transmitter sends the microphone's electric output to the receiver via a signal transmission captured by the receiver's antenna. The signal transmission may be, for example, a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, and a pilot tone is provided to so that the receiver can recognize the signal that is being sent from the transmitter that carries the microphone output.
The receivers can be either a diversity or a non-diversity system. Diversity wireless receiver systems are highly desirable because they effectively combat the most common problem with wireless microphone equipment, namely signal dropouts due to multi-path. Diversity wireless systems also almost always have better operating range than similar non-diversity systems.
Wireless receivers must have either one or two external antennas, and there should be a clear open-air path between these antennas and the transmitter's antenna. Every wireless microphone system operates on a specific frequency. The government dictates which frequency ranges can be used by wireless systems. By government policy, all frequencies are shared by a large number of users across the country. There must be one transmitter and one receiver to make a complete wireless system, and they both must be on the same frequency.
The performance of such wireless microphone systems typically is tested and evaluated at the physical location of their audio components, or at a distant testing and repairing facility. However, both of these situations introduce their respective disadvantages in that they require either a shipment of the wireless microphone components to the distant facility, or require an arrangement for the physical presence of a qualified technical individual at the location where the wireless microphone system is being used.
Recommended Standard (RS) 232 is a commonly utilized standard for serial communications in information handling systems. RS-232 has been around as a standard for decades as an electrical interface between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment (DCE). Examples of DTEs include Personal Computers (PCs), workstations, file servers, or print servers that, as a group, are all often referred to as end stations. Examples of DCEs include intermediate network devices that receive and forward data frames across a network that are either (i) standalone devices such as repeaters, network switches, and routers or (ii) communications interface units such as interface cards and modems. RS-232 is used for asynchronous data transfer as well as synchronous links.
The Ethernet has replaced serial ports to dominate the way computers communicate, and has become the communications method of choice. For example, Ethernet Local Area Networks (LANs) consist of network nodes and interconnecting media. The network nodes fall into two major classes: DTEs and DCEs. Typically micro-controller based projects communicate over 10 base T Ethernet or higher, and Ethernet boards allow data traffic to and from the Internet. The Internet is only one type of a communication network. Other communication networks may be Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN), wireless networks, and other similar networks to transfer data between two points.
The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant are after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description of the Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should it be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.
In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.
By using, for example, Ethernet remote control of an audio system such as a wireless microphone, the following functions can be monitored: receiver Internet Protocol (IP) address, receiver link address, receiver RF level, and receiver AF level. In addition, the following functions can also be controlled: receiver name, receiver frequency, receiver squelch level, receiver meter hold (on/off), receiver antenna power (on/off), receiver mute (on/off), default display on receiver state, receiver lock condition, and receiver load/save preset. This is especially advantageous because, for example, problems with audio systems such as wireless microphone systems can be remotely monitored and diagnosed without the need to have the microphone system shipped back to the manufacturer.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pilot tone, that is used to allow a wireless receiver to recognize the transmitter signal, is digitally modulated to contain additional information related to the transmitter and the corresponding audio source such as a wireless microphone. This additional information can include, for example, the transmitter name, transmitter type (hand-held or belt-pack), capsule type (condenser or dynamic), input type (microphone or instrument), transmitter gain setting, transmitter power (high or low), battery level, state of transmitter lock mode, state of transmitter mute condition, transmitter preset name. This list can be added to the list of monitored functions, already detailed above.
Important features of the present invention include, for example, the use of robust web-based technologies to monitor and control the plurality of enumerated functions of the wireless audio system in real time. Specifically, the invention enables, for example, remote diagnosis, performance tracking, tuning, and adjustment of the wireless audio system from a remote location. Further, the present invention enables, in an exemplary application, remote troubleshooting and debugging. Indeed, in case a component defect is detected, the remote central control can check whether a remote-fix is possible. If not, the remote central control can alert a local technician to attend to the problem on a real time basis. If the problem is too complicated to be fixed locally, the defective component is removed for repairs at an appropriate technical control.
The microphone system 106 includes a power switch, a mute switch, a gain adjustment, and a frequency selector (not shown). Whereas the status of these controls is typically logged locally, in the present invention the pilot tone is digitally modulated and programmed to communicate the status of these controls to a wireless receiver as discussed in greater detail hereinafter. The list of controls that this digitally modulated pilot tone communicates includes further information such as, for example, the transmitter name, the transmitter type, the capsule type, the input type, the level of battery 114 and the transmitter preset name.
One function of the receivers 314 is to provide a first stage of radio frequency filtering to prevent unwanted radio signals from causing interferences. They should effectively reject signals, which have frequencies substantially above or below the operating frequency broadcasted by the transmitters 310 or 316. The list of controls sent via the digitally modulated pilot tone is logged for monitoring purposes. As indicated earlier, the receivers 314 have a corresponding list of functions that can be controlled remotely. These two lists of functions can be communicated to the central control 102 via the Internet 104. This communication of the functions between the receivers 314 and the Internet 104 is facilitated by the additional components introduced above, i.e. the RS232 and the Ethernet boards.
Wireless transmission signals, typically RF signals, are communicated via antennas 406. These RF transmitted signals are picked up by antennas 408, which are affixed to diversity receivers A and B, 412 and 410. Diversity receivers 412 and 410 are able to avoid signal dropouts due to multi-path because they include two antennas and two receiver channels. Special circuits in the receivers select the audio from antennas 408 and receiver channel with the best signal. Because the chances that there will be simultaneous dropouts at both antennas 408 are extremely low, diversity receivers 412 and 410 provide almost complete immunity from dropouts due to multi-path.
Diversity operation can also improve the useful operating range for wireless systems. This is because even when there are no actual total dropouts, multi-path effects can reduce the amount of signal available at long ranges. This can cause the receiver to briefly lose audio well before the transmitter 402 is truly out of range. With diversity, complete signal loss is much less likely and the useful operating range of the wireless system will be extended. In addition a logic device 420 coupled to both diversity receivers A 412 and B 410, can enhance the selection of a received RF signal with the best signal to noise ratio. This selection of the best diversity receiver, A 412 or B 410, is performed continuously and seamlessly for the duration of the audio transmission.
As the transmitted signal is being selected by either diversity receiver A 412, or by diversity receiver B 410 because of its signal strength, sensors monitoring specific functions of the transmitters and the receivers assemble a predefined data list. This predefined data list includes the plurality of functions identified earlier. This data list is communicated to an RS232 converter 414. The RS converters 414 convert the data received from the receivers A 412 and B 410 to the Ethernet board 416. This Ethernet board 416 then facilitates the transmission of the converted data in form of data frames through the Internet 104 to the remote central control 102 (
Once the data reaches the remote central control 102, it is diagnosed to evaluate the status of the monitored functions. The data acquisition may contain logic that allows a notification, such as an alarm, for any monitored function whenever its corresponding notification characteristics are met. In the case of a controllable function, appropriate controls are communicated back to the wireless control system to adjust or rectify accordingly the controllable function.
In the case of a non-controllable monitored function, the condition of this monitored non-controllable function may be communicated directly to an individual on location for immediate attention, or logged in a for future repair assignments.
The system of the present invention includes the remote central control, the communication network, and can allow for a number of wireless control systems. This system is only limited by the capacity of the remote central control and the communication network to handle data traffic to and from real time simultaneously monitored wireless control systems. The location of these wireless control systems is limited only by their ability to connect to a communication network, such as the Internet.
In the event a defect or malfunctioning is detected, at step 508, for any element of the monitored functions list, a remedial action will be taken, at step 510, as deemed appropriate based on the recommendation of a technical support based at the central control 102 or an expert system stored in the computer at the central control 102. Such remedial may be changing parameters of the malfunctioning functions of the wireless microphone system 106, at step 510. At step 512, results to the performed remedial actions are evaluated back at the central control 102.
If the defect or malfunctioning is not resolved for any of the controllable monitored functions, the wireless microphone system 106 will be sent for repair to an appropriate repair facility, at step 514. Otherwise, the technical support may choose to suspend the link, at step 516, between the wireless microphone system 106 and the central control 102, or may keep monitoring the wireless microphone system for any part of the audio transmission.
In the master/slave communication system, the master receiver 606 is in total control of communications. This master receiver 606 makes a polling of data (i.e.,sends and receives data, such as the plurality of monitored functions introduced above) to each slave receiver 610 in sequence as desired by the central control 102. The slave receiver 610 responds to the master receiver 606 only when it receives a request. This request can be a broadcast to all slave receivers 610, or can be unique to a specific slave receiver 610 as it includes the slave receiver's 610 unique identification in the form of, for example, an Internet Protocol (IP) address. IP addresses are used to deliver packets of data across a communication network and have what is termed end-to-end significance. This means that the source and destination IP address remains constant as the packet traverses the communication network. Each slave receiver 610 will have its own unique IP address to allow correct identification. If a slave receiver 610 does not respond for a predetermined period of time, the master receiver 606 retries to poll it for a number of times before continuing to poll the next slave receiver 610.
As discussed above, each wireless audio system 200 will have a data list that includes the plurality of controllable and non-controllable monitored functions, that corresponds to its wireless communication system. This master/slave system allows the central control 102 to include any desired corrective measures for a specific slave receiver 610, by identifying it in the data packet it communicates to the master receiver 606 by its IP address. The master receiver 606 will, in turn, communicate the desired corrective measures to the targeted slave receiver 610.
Referring to
The circuitry shown in
On the transmitter side, a function is provided that can intermit the tone signal for accurate frequency by utilization of coded serial number and a tone burst. Serial data is represented by turning the tone signal “on” or “off.” As one example, the existence of the tone represents a “1” while no tone represents a “0.” This is done at an accurate bit rate (serial data clock).
On the receiver side, the circuitry restores continuous codes with 1 or 0, and the CPU restores them to data. The circuitry also includes a hold circuit that holds the tone burst slightly longer than the maximum period so that a “no tone” occurs at a tone burst. This allows, for example, the receiver to not be muted by mistake even though the tone signal is intermitted. In one exemplary embodiment, the “hold” circuit includes a diode and a capacitor that detects the tone signal, such that the capacitor is big enough to hold the signal through any serial data chatter that may be generated by the mute circuit in connection with the representation of serial data by turning the tone signal on and off.
The receiver circuitry also provides additional advantages. Normally, when a transmitter stops transmitting a wave, the tone for the tone squelch signal is stopped first, and the wave is then stopped after waiting a sufficient time to operate the mute circuit of the receiver. This can introduce unwanted noise into the transmitted signal. To avoid this, a hold circuit is utilized to add additional holding time on the stabilized time for the mute circuit of the receiver. This reduces noise addition to the transmitted signal.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
A central processing unit (CPU) 706 is incorporated within the transmitter system 700. The CPU 706 provides coded and serialized information from the transmitter to the tone burst creation circuitry 708, which incorporates this information on the tone burst. The resulting signal is fed to a mixer 710 which combines the resulting signal with an audio signal. The combined signal from mixer 710 is modulated at block 712 and the transmitted to ambient atmosphere via high-frequency output antenna 714.
Referring to
The tone decoder receives the tone burst signal from the filter 722, and communicates the decoded result to CPU 728. As discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the decoded result comprises certain serial data. The tone signal is fed from the decoder 724 to a hold circuit 730, and then on to a conventional tone squelch circuit 732. The tone squelch circuit 732 and the mute circuit 726 cooperate to provide an audio output at block 734 that includes substantially reduced noise at minimum cost.
Table 1 set forth below sets forth one exemplary list of the coded serialized data that may be communicated between a transmitter and a receiver of a wireless microphone or other system that incorporates aspects of the present invention:
The data sets encompassed by the present invention, including that presented in Table 1, provides a number of distinct advantages. On the transmitter side, the data sets provide a function that allows a unique wording or code to be associated with that user, and allows the code to be memorized. The gain/output power of an audio amplifier, as well as a setpoint condition of audio mute, can be memorized as well. The data set also allows individual setpoints and user names to be memorized as a set. All of this data, including current information regarding the remainder of battery life, can be coded and transmitted with a tone burst signal as discussed above. On the receiver side, a receiver indicates the setpoint data, and operates by the codes received by the transmitter.
In accordance with this aspect of the invention, it is possible to control a transmitter and a receiver as a set by displaying the user name on the receiver. When the setpoint condition of a transmitter is sent to a receiver with a user name, it is confirmable for a specific setup condition per each transmitter through each receiver. As a result of this, it is not needed for a person using the wireless audio system to make a written note of the user name or setpoint for each transmitter and receiver. This also reduces mistakes and enhances job performance of such personnel.
Referring to
From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/415,717 filed Oct. 3, 2003, now complete. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/415,717 is incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60415717 | Oct 2002 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10675859 | Sep 2003 | US |
| Child | 12726519 | US |
