Wireless microphone, connection method thereof, wireless microphone bracket, wireless microphone system, wireless microphone main unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a wireless microphone holder that can easily configure the connection settings for multiple microphones. The wireless microphone holder includes a pairing receiving unit that receives pairing instructions from multiple wireless microphones and a host computer; a storage unit that stores identification information of the host computer; a communication unit that communicates with the host computer; and a connection unit that connects to the multiple wireless microphones and transmits the identification information to the multiple microphones. Upon receiving the pairing instruction from the pairing receiving unit, the connection unit transmits the identification information and instruction information related to the pairing instruction to the multiple microphones connected to the connection unit, and then transmits the instruction information to the host computer, thereby connecting the multiple wireless microphones and the host computer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a wireless microphone holder, a method for connecting a wireless microphone, a wireless microphone system, a wireless microphone host, and a wireless microphone. Background Art

[0002] The battery 101 of Patent Document 1 performs wireless communication with the information terminal 103. The battery 101 of Patent Document 1 receives information for connecting to an access point from the information terminal 103 via the charging device 102.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a wireless microphone transmitter 2. When the transmitter 2 is provided, a charging adapter 4 connected to a receiver 1 receives channel data and sets a communication channel.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-143725

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-207866 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Sometimes, a large number of microphones are used simultaneously. The configurations of Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not assume the use of a plurality of microphones. It takes time and effort to set up connections for each of the plurality of microphones.

[0007] Therefore, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a wireless microphone holder that can easily perform connection settings for a plurality of microphones.

[0008] A wireless microphone holder according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a pairing receiving unit that receives pairing instructions from a plurality of wireless microphones and a host; a storage unit that stores identification information of the host; a communication unit that communicates with the host; and a connection unit that connects to the plurality of wireless microphones and transmits the identification information to the plurality of microphones. Upon receiving the pairing instruction from the pairing receiving unit, the connection unit transmits the identification information and instruction information related to the pairing instruction to the plurality of microphones connected to the connection unit, and transmits the instruction information to the host, thereby connecting the plurality of wireless microphones and the host.

[0009] Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, connection settings of a plurality of microphones can be easily performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless microphone system 1 .

[0012] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the host computer 10.

[0013] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless microphone 11 .

[0014] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the wireless microphone holder 15 .

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the operations of the wireless microphones 11 to 14 , the wireless microphone holder 15 , and the host 10 .

[0016] Figure 6 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a wireless microphone holder 15A according to a modification.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the operations of the wireless microphones 11 to 14 , the wireless microphone holder 15A, and the host 10 according to the modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of a wireless microphone system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The wireless microphone system 1 includes a main unit 10, multiple wireless microphones 11 to 14, and a wireless microphone holder 15. The wireless microphone holder 15 holds the multiple wireless microphones 11 to 14. Furthermore, the wireless microphone holder 15 functions as a charging station for charging the multiple wireless microphones 11 to 14.

[0019] The host 10 and the plurality of wireless microphones 11 to 14 are connected in accordance with a wireless communication standard such as DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications). The host 10 and the wireless microphone cradle 15 are connected via wired communication such as a LAN cable. However, the host 10 and the wireless microphone cradle 15 may also be connected wirelessly.

[0020] The wireless microphone holder 15 is connected to the wireless microphones 11-14 using a communication standard that combines communication and power supply, such as USB. However, the wireless microphone holder 15 can also be connected to the wireless microphones 11-14 using dedicated communication and charging terminals. Furthermore, the wireless microphone 11 and the wireless microphone holder 15 can also be connected using a wireless communication standard. Furthermore, the wireless microphone 11 can also receive power from the wireless microphone holder 15 using a contactless charging standard.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the host computer 10. Figure 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless microphone 11 . Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the wireless microphone holder 15. In addition, all the wireless microphones 11 to 14 have the same structure and function. Figure 3 , the structure of the wireless microphone 11 is representatively shown.

[0022] The host computer 10 includes a CPU 101 , a flash memory 102 , a RAM 103 , a wireless communication unit 104 , and a LAN interface (I / F) 105 .

[0023] The CPU 101 reads the program stored in the flash memory 102 as a storage medium into the RAM 103 to implement the specified functions. For example, the CPU 101 receives sound signals from the wireless microphones 11 to 14 via the wireless communication unit 104. The wireless communication unit 104 connects to the wireless microphones 11 to 14 according to a wireless communication standard such as DECT to receive the sound signals. In addition, the connection standard between the host 10 and the wireless microphones 11 to 14 is not limited to DECT. For example, the host 10 and the wireless microphones 11 to 14 can also be connected according to other wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0024] The CPU 101 transmits the sound signals received from the wireless microphones 11 to 14 to other devices via the LAN interface 105. Regarding the sound signals received from the wireless microphones 11 to 14, the LAN interface 105 connects to other devices according to a communication standard such as Dante (registered trademark) to transmit the sound signals. Furthermore, the communication standard between the host 10 and other devices is not limited to Dante (registered trademark). For example, the host 10 may also connect to other devices according to other communication standards such as USB to transmit the sound signals. Of course, the host 10 may also connect to other devices according to a wireless communication standard to transmit the sound signals.

[0025] Other devices include information processing devices such as personal computers. This information processing device outputs audio signals received from the host computer 10 to a speaker. This allows the information processing device to amplify the voice of a speaker, picked up by the wireless microphones 11 to 14, in a conference room or other venue. Alternatively, the information processing device transmits audio signals received from the host computer 10 to a remote location via the Internet. This allows the information processing device to function as a remote conversation device.

[0026] The wireless microphone 11 includes a CPU 111 , a flash memory 112 , a RAM 113 , a wireless communication unit 114 , a USB interface 115 , and a microphone unit 116 .

[0027] The CPU 111 reads programs stored in the flash memory 112, serving as a storage medium, into the RAM 113 to implement predetermined functions. For example, the CPU 111 receives audio signals related to speech picked up by the microphone unit 116. The CPU 111 transmits the received audio signals to the host computer 10 via the wireless communication unit 114. As described above, the wireless communication unit 114 connects to the host computer 10 using a wireless communication standard such as DECT to transmit the audio signals.

[0028] The USB interface 115 is connected to the wireless microphone cradle 15. The USB interface 115 communicates with the wireless microphone cradle 15 and receives power from the wireless microphone cradle 15.

[0029] Furthermore, the function of communicating with the wireless microphone holder 15 and the function of receiving power from the wireless microphone holder 15 may be separate structures.

[0030] The wireless microphone holder 15 includes a pairing button 151 , a CPU 152 , a RAM 153 , a LAN interface 154 , a USB interface 155 , and a flash memory 156 .

[0031] The pairing button 151 is provided on the housing of the wireless microphone cradle 15. When the pairing button 151 is pressed, the wireless microphone cradle 15 receives a pairing instruction from the wireless microphones 11 to 14 and the host 10.

[0032] The CPU 152 reads programs stored in the flash memory 156, which serves as a storage medium, into the RAM 153, thereby implementing the predetermined functions of the connection unit and the like of the present invention. For example, the CPU 152 communicates with the host computer 10 via the LAN interface 154. Furthermore, the CPU 152 communicates with the wireless microphones 11-14 via the USB interface 155. The USB interface 155 also functions as a power supply unit, supplying power to the wireless microphones 11-14.

[0033] Furthermore, flash memory 156 stores identification information of host 10. This identification information is required for connecting to host 10 according to communication standards such as DECT. Upon receiving a pairing instruction via pairing button 151, CPU 152 reads the identification information stored in flash memory 156 and transmits it to the wireless microphone connected to USB interface 155. The wireless microphone then connects to host 10 using the received identification information.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the operations of the wireless microphones 11 to 14 , the wireless microphone holder 15 , and the host 10 .

[0035] The wireless microphone holder 15 receives a pairing instruction via the pairing button 151 (S11). In addition, the pairing instruction does not necessarily have to be received via the pairing button 151. For example, the wireless microphone holder 15 may receive a pairing instruction when the wireless microphone is detected to be mounted. In this case, the wireless microphone holder 15 receives a pairing instruction each time the wireless microphone is detected to be mounted. Alternatively, the wireless microphone holder 15 may receive a pairing instruction via a GUI of an information processing device connected via a LAN (for example, a WEB UI for receiving settings of the host 10). If the wireless microphone holder 15 receives a pairing instruction, it reads the identification information of the host 10 stored in the flash memory 156 (S12). Then, the wireless microphone holder 15 sends the identification information and the pairing instruction to the wireless microphones 11 to 14 and the host 10 (S13). However, the wireless microphone holder 15 does not necessarily have to send the identification information to the host 10.

[0036] The wireless microphones 11 to 14 receive the identification information and pairing instructions (S21). In addition, the host 10 receives the pairing instruction (S31). If the host 10 receives the pairing instruction, it jumps to the pairing mode (S32). The pairing mode is a mode in which the encryption of wireless communication is released and the identification information sent from other devices is received. If the wireless microphones 11 to 14 receive the identification information and pairing instructions, the received identification information is broadcast (S22). The host 10 receives the identification information sent by the wireless microphones 11 to 14 (S33). The host 10 allocates Dante (registered trademark) channels in the order in which the identification information is received (S34).

[0037] For example, when host 10 first receives identification information from wireless microphone 11, it assigns Dante (registered trademark) channel 1 to wireless microphone 11. When host 10 secondly receives identification information from wireless microphone 12, it assigns Dante (registered trademark) channel 2 to wireless microphone 12. When host 10 thirdly receives identification information from wireless microphone 13, it assigns Dante (registered trademark) channel 3 to wireless microphone 13. When host 10 fourthly receives identification information from wireless microphone 14, it assigns Dante (registered trademark) channel 4 to wireless microphone 14.

[0038] In this way, wireless microphones 11 to 14 and host 10 are connected to each other. The sound picked up by wireless microphone 11 is then transmitted from host 10 to other devices via Dante (registered trademark) channel 1. The sound picked up by wireless microphone 12 is transmitted from host 10 to other devices via Dante (registered trademark) channel 2. The sound picked up by wireless microphone 13 is transmitted from host 10 to other devices via Dante (registered trademark) channel 3. The sound picked up by wireless microphone 14 is transmitted from host 10 to other devices via Dante (registered trademark) channel 4.

[0039] In this way, the host 10 allocates channels in the order in which they are connected. The user does not need to connect multiple wireless microphones in sequence. By simply pressing the pairing button 151 of the wireless microphone holder 15 once, the user can easily connect multiple wireless microphones to the host 10.

[0040] In the wireless microphone system of this embodiment, identification information and pairing instructions are sent to the wireless microphone connected to the wireless microphone holder 15. In other words, identification information and pairing instructions are not sent to wireless microphones not connected to the wireless microphone holder 15. Therefore, the host 10 pairs only with the wireless microphone that was connected to the wireless microphone holder 15 at the time the pairing button 151 of the wireless microphone holder 15 was pressed. For example, if the wireless microphone holder 15 is connected to wireless microphones 11-13 but not to wireless microphone 14, the host 10 pairs with wireless microphones 11-13 but not with wireless microphone 14.

[0041] The wireless microphone system 1 is used in venues of various sizes and events of various scales. The number of wireless microphones required varies depending on the size of the venue and the scale of the event. The event operator connects the required number of wireless microphones to the wireless microphone holder 15 to match the size of the venue and the scale of the event. Subsequently, if the event operator presses the pairing button 151, only the wireless microphones connected to the wireless microphone holder 15 at that time are connected to the host 10. As described above, the event operator can easily adjust the number of wireless microphones connected to the host 10 to match the size of the venue and the scale of the event.

[0042] While this embodiment illustrates an example of connecting four wireless microphones 11-14 to the host 10, the number of microphones used is not limited to four. For example, Dante (registered trademark) can transmit 64 channels of audio signals using 100base-TX. Therefore, the host 10 can simultaneously connect up to 64 microphones. The wireless microphone system 1 can connect a greater number of wireless microphones to the host 10 than can be simultaneously connected to the wireless microphone holder 15. The operator of an event first mounts the four wireless microphones 11-14 on the host 10 and presses the pairing button 151 to connect the four wireless microphones 11-14 to the host 10. The operator of the event then re-mounts the four wireless microphones 11-14 on another wireless microphone and again presses the pairing button 151 to connect the other wireless microphone to the host 10. In this case, the host 10 also allocates Dante (registered trademark) channels in the order in which the identification information is received. For example, when the host 10 has already assigned Dante (registered trademark) channels 1 to 4 to the wireless microphones 11 to 14 , respectively, it then assigns Dante (registered trademark) channel 5 to another wireless microphone connected to the host 10 .

[0043] Furthermore, the number of wireless microphone holders 15 is not limited to one. The wireless microphone system 1 may also include multiple wireless microphone holders 15. The event operator may also attach a wireless microphone to each of the multiple wireless microphone holders 15 and press the pairing button 151 on each of the multiple wireless microphone holders 15. In this case, the host 10 also assigns Dante (registered trademark) channels in the order in which the identification information is received.

[0044] If the upper limit of connectable channels has been reached, the host 10 may reject connections to wireless microphones with more channels than the upper limit. Alternatively, if the upper limit of connectable channels has been reached, the host 10 may disconnect an already connected wireless microphone and assign a channel to a new wireless microphone. For example, the host 10 may disconnect a wireless microphone assigned channel 1 and assign channel 1 to a newly connected wireless microphone.

[0045] The host 10 may also include a mode switch. The host 10 may also receive, via this mode switch, either a first mode for rejecting a new wireless microphone connection when the upper limit of the number of connectable channels has been reached, or a second mode for disconnecting an already connected wireless microphone and connecting a new one. Furthermore, the host 10 may receive a mode switching instruction via the GUI of an information processing device connected via a LAN.

[0046] In addition, the wireless microphone holder 15 can also specify whether to add a new wireless microphone or restart from the allocation of channel 1 based on the way the pairing button 151 is pressed. For example, when the pairing button 151 is pressed and held for 1 second, the wireless microphone holder 15 sends a pairing instruction to the wireless microphone connected at that time and the host 10. In this case, the host 10 adds the new wireless microphone to the currently connected wireless microphone. On the other hand, when the pairing button 151 is pressed and held for 5 seconds, the wireless microphone holder 15 sends a pairing instruction including an initial setting instruction to the host 10. In this case, the host 10 disconnects the currently connected wireless microphone and allocates the wireless microphone connected at that time in order starting from channel 1. In this way, the operator of the event can simply indicate whether to add a wireless microphone or to restart the setting from the beginning.

[0047] then, Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the structure of a wireless microphone holder 15A according to a modified example. The flash memory 156 of the wireless microphone holder 15A also stores wireless mode information. The remaining structure is the same as that of the wireless microphone holder 15, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] Wireless method information indicates the wireless communication method used (such as standard, encryption method, and frequency). The wireless communication method used varies depending on the country or region where the product is shipped. The main unit 10 and wireless microphone holder 15 are pre-set to the wireless communication method appropriate for each country or region where the product is shipped, at the factory. Meanwhile, wireless microphones 11-14 do not have their wireless communication method set at the factory.

[0049] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wireless microphones 11 to 14, the wireless microphone holder 15A, and the host 10 according to the modification. Figure 5 Common operations are denoted by common reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0050] Upon receiving the pairing instruction, the wireless microphone holder 15 reads the identification information and wireless mode information (S102). The wireless microphone holder 15 then sends the identification information, wireless mode information, and pairing instruction to the currently connected wireless microphone (S103). The wireless microphones 11-14 receive the identification information, wireless mode information, and pairing instruction (S201). Based on the received wireless mode information, the wireless microphones 11-14 set the wireless communication mode (S202). As a result, the wireless microphones 11-14 are set to the wireless communication mode appropriate for each country or region where the product is shipped, enabling connection to the host 10.

[0051] In this way, wireless microphones 11-14 are configured with the appropriate wireless communication method for each country or region of shipment when the product is first used. Therefore, wireless microphones 11-14 do not need to be configured with the appropriate wireless communication method at the time of shipment from the factory. This eliminates the need for manufacturers of wireless microphone systems to pre-configure the appropriate wireless communication method for each of their numerous wireless microphones for each country or region. Consequently, manufacturers can manufacture and ship wireless microphones regardless of the country or region of shipment.

[0052] Finally, the description of the present embodiment is illustrative in all respects and is not intended to be restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not indicated by the above-described embodiment but by the claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0053] Description of the label

[0054] 1…Wireless microphone system

[0055] 10…Host

[0056] 11, 12, 13, 14… wireless microphones

[0057] 15, 15A…Wireless microphone bracket

[0058] 101…CPU

[0059] 102…Flash memory

[0060] 103…RAM

[0061] 104…Wireless Communications Department

[0062] 105…LAN interface

[0063] 111…CPU

[0064] 112…Flash memory

[0065] 113…RAM

[0066] 114…Wireless Communications Department

[0067] 115…USB interface

[0068] 116…Microphone unit

[0069] 151…Pairing button

[0070] 152…CPU

[0071] 153…RAM

[0072] 154…LAN interface

[0073] 155…USB interface

[0074] 156…Flash memory

Claims

1. A wireless microphone bracket, comprising: a pairing receiving unit configured to receive pairing instructions from the plurality of wireless microphones and the host; a storage unit for storing identification information of the host; a communication unit for communicating with the host; as well as a connecting unit connected to the plurality of wireless microphones and transmitting the identification information to the plurality of wireless microphones; When the pairing receiving unit receives the pairing instruction, the connecting unit sends the identification information and instruction information related to the pairing instruction to the multiple wireless microphones connected to the connecting unit, and sends the instruction information to the host, so that the multiple wireless microphones and the host are connected to each other.

2. The wireless microphone holder according to claim 1, wherein: The connection unit causes the host to assign different channels to the plurality of wireless microphones.

3. The wireless microphone holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication unit is connected to the host wirelessly.

4. The wireless microphone holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A power supply unit is provided, which supplies power to the plurality of wireless microphones.

5. The wireless microphone holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The connecting unit transmits the same identification information to two or more of the plurality of wireless microphones.

6. The wireless microphone holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the pairing receiving unit receives the pairing instruction, the connecting unit transmits information indicating a wireless communication method to the plurality of wireless microphones connected to the connecting unit, thereby connecting the plurality of wireless microphones and the host to each other.

7. A method for connecting a wireless microphone, wherein: The wireless microphone holder receives pairing instructions of multiple wireless microphones and the host, When the pairing instruction is received, the host identification information and instruction information related to the pairing instruction stored in the storage unit of the wireless microphone holder are sent to the plurality of wireless microphones connected to the wireless microphone holder. sending the instruction information from the wireless microphone holder to the host, The plurality of wireless microphones and the host are connected to each other.

8. The method for connecting a wireless microphone according to claim 7, wherein: The host is configured to allocate different channels to the plurality of wireless microphones.

9. The method for connecting a wireless microphone according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The wireless microphone bracket is connected to the host wirelessly.

10. The method for connecting a wireless microphone according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The wireless microphone holder supplies power to the plurality of wireless microphones.

11. The method for connecting a wireless microphone according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The wireless microphone holder transmits the same identification information to two or more of the plurality of wireless microphones.

12. The method for connecting a wireless microphone according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: Upon receiving the pairing instruction, the wireless microphone holder transmits information indicating a wireless communication method to the plurality of connected wireless microphones. The plurality of wireless microphones and the host are connected to each other.

13. A wireless microphone system comprising a main unit, a wireless microphone holder, and a plurality of wireless microphones. In this wireless microphone system, The wireless microphone bracket receives a pairing instruction, When the wireless microphone holder receives the pairing instruction, the wireless microphone holder transmits the host identification information stored in the storage unit of the wireless microphone holder and the instruction information related to the pairing instruction to the plurality of wireless microphones connected to the wireless microphone holder. The wireless microphone bracket sends the instruction information to the host, The plurality of wireless microphones and the host are connected to each other.

14. A wireless microphone host, used in the wireless microphone system according to claim 13, and paired with the plurality of wireless microphones. When the wireless microphone cradle receives a pairing instruction, the wireless microphone cradle receives the instruction information from the wireless microphone cradle, The host is connected to the plurality of wireless microphones.

15. A wireless microphone used in the wireless microphone system according to claim 13, paired with the host, When the wireless microphone cradle receives the pairing instruction, the wireless microphone cradle receives the host identification information and instruction information related to the pairing instruction stored in a storage unit of the wireless microphone cradle. The wireless microphone is connected to the host.

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