An electronic interconnecting device suitable for interconnecting multiple audio devices, and an audio system comprising such a device.

Abstract

Electronic interconnecting device adapted for interconnecting several audio devices, and audio system comprising such a device. This electronic interconnecting device (20) adapted for interconnecting several audio devices (14, 22, 24, 26) comprises: - several communication ports (28, 30, 32, 34), each configured to be connected to a respective audio device; - at least one selector (56, 58) configured to select, according to an action by an operator (12), a value of an operating parameter; - at least one talk-to-press button (60, 62, 64, 66) configured to, following an action by the operator, authorize the transmission of an audio signal; - an electronic processing device (70) connected to each selector and each talk-to-press button, configured to acquire an input audio signal via one communication port and to deliver an output audio signal to another communication port;Each communication port conforms to a digital communication standard. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Electronic interconnection apparatus adapted for interconnecting several audio devices, and audio system comprising such an apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic interconnection apparatus adapted to interconnect several audio devices. An audio device is a head device comprising at least one element from among a microphone and an audio reproduction module, and at least one other audio device is chosen from among a radio and an intercommunication system.

[0002] The invention also relates to an audio system intended to equip an operator, in particular an infantryman, the system comprising such head equipment and such electronic interconnection apparatus connected to the head equipment and intended to be connected to at least one such other audio equipment chosen from the radio and the intercommunication system.

[0003] Document EP 2 845 115 B1 discloses an electronic interconnection device of the aforementioned type, this device also being called a PTT (Push-To-Talk) device. Such a PTT device then comprises at least one push-to-talk button, i.e. a PTT button, configured to - following an action by the user - authorize the transmission of an audio signal, in particular on a channel previously associated with the PTT button.

[0004] This PTT device comprises several analog communication ports, each being capable of being connected to a respective audio device, and the aforementioned document then relates more specifically to particular cables for connecting the audio devices to the PTT device, each cable comprising a memory for storing information relating to the audio device associated with said cable, in order to facilitate the association of each audio device with the PTT device.

[0005] However, this PTT device with such connecting cables is not very practical to use, since it requires in particular to store in advance in each cable the information relating to the different audio equipment.

[0006] The aim of the invention is then to propose an electronic interconnection device making it possible to facilitate the interconnection of different audio equipment, that is to say the connection of each audio equipment to the interconnection device.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to an electronic interconnection device suitable for interconnecting several audio devices, the device comprising:

[0008] - several communication ports, each configured to be connected to a respective audio equipment, audio equipment being head equipment comprising at least one element from among a microphone and an audio reproduction module, at least one other audio equipment being chosen from among a radio and an intercommunication system;

[0009] - at least one selector configured to select, depending on a manipulation of an operator, a value of an operating parameter;

[0010] - at least one press-to-talk button configured to, following an action of the operator, authorize the emission of an audio signal;

[0011] - an electronic processing device connected to each selector and to each button talk-support, configured to acquire an input audio signal via one communication port and to deliver an output audio signal to another communication port, the output signal being obtained from the input audio signal;

[0012] each communication port being compliant with a digital communication standard.

[0013] With the electronic interconnection apparatus according to the invention, each communication port complies with a digital communication standard, which makes it easier to connect each piece of audio equipment to the electronic interconnection apparatus, each piece of audio equipment then being able to exchange, according to the digital communication standard, appropriate initialization information with the interconnection apparatus.

[0014] In other words, each communication port is a digital port, and allows automatic configuration of the connection between the corresponding audio equipment and the interconnection device. This configuration is then transparent to a user, such as an operator, in particular an infantryman, and the use of the interconnection device according to the invention is therefore much simpler for the user.

[0015] Preferably, each communication port complies with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, and the configuration of the connection between the interconnection device and the audio equipment also compliant with the USB standard is further facilitated.

[0016] More preferably, the configuration of the device is adapted as a function of an orientation of the device relative to its direction of extension, said configuration being in particular modified in the event of detection of a change in orientation of the device. Indeed, the interconnection device is preferably capable of being positioned on the left, or respectively right, chest of the user; and the transition from a positioning on the left chest to a positioning on the right chest then preferably takes place via a reversal of the interconnection device relative to a median plane.

[0017] More preferably, the connectors, the selectors and the press-to-talk buttons are respectively arranged on each side of said median plane. This allows then to offer symmetrical operation of the device whether it is positioned on the left chest, or conversely on the right chest of the user.

[0018] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the electronic interconnection device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0019] - the digital communication standard is a USB standard;

[0020] - the device comprises several connectors, each being associated with a communication port respective communication, several selectors and several press-to-talk buttons; and the connectors, the selectors and respectively the press-to-talk buttons are arranged on each side of a median plane of the device;

[0021] the same number of connector(s), the same number of selector(s), and respectively the same number of press button(s) for speaking being preferably arranged on each side of said median plane;

[0022] the apparatus extending in a direction of extension, and the median plane preferably still being perpendicular to the direction of extension;

[0023] - the number of connectors and the number of selectors and the number of buttons support for speaking are each a respective even number;

[0024] the number of connectors being preferably equal to four, the number of selectors being equal to two, and the number of talk buttons being equal to four; and on each side of the median plane are then arranged two connectors, one selector, and respectively two talk buttons;

[0025] - the apparatus further comprises a management module configured to manage a confi configuration of at least one of the communication ports, the at least one selector and the at least one push-to-talk button;

[0026] - the management module is capable of receiving a configuration file, and is configured to modify said configuration, based on the configuration file received;

[0027] - the apparatus extends in an extension direction, and the management module is configured to modify said configuration upon detection of a change in orientation of the device relative to the extension direction;

[0028] the direction of extension preferably being a vertical direction, in particular when the apparatus is carried by an operator along his body;

[0029] - the apparatus further comprises a sensor configured to detect a change orientation of the device relative to the direction of extension, the management module being connected to the sensor and configured to detect the change of orientation via said sensor;

[0030] the sensor preferably being an accelerometer;

[0031] - the management module is capable of detecting a connection of the head equipment with one of the communication ports, and is configured to determine the orientation of the device, depending on the communication port connected to the head equipment;

[0032] - the number of selectors is greater than or equal to two, and the configuration of each selector includes the association with a respective operating parameter;

[0033] the operating parameter preferably being chosen from the group consisting of: a listening sound volume, an identifier of a set of one or more listening channels, and a transmitting sound volume, preferably also with a transmitting mute functionality;

[0034] - the number of selectors is equal to two, with one selector located in the upper part of the device according to the current orientation of the device, and the other selector located in the lower part according to said orientation; and the management module is further configured to associate a predefined operating parameter with the selector in the upper part;

[0035] the management module preferably being configured to change the association between selectors and respective operating parameters in the event of detection of a change in orientation of the device;

[0036] - the number of press-to-talk buttons is greater than or equal to two, and the confi configuration of each press-to-talk button includes the association with a respective set of one or more channels on which the audio signal is transmitted;

[0037] - the apparatus further comprises a wireless communication module configured to communicate with respective audio equipment according to a radio communication protocol;

[0038] the wireless communication module preferably being a short-range module, such as a range of less than 100 m;

[0039] the radiocommunication protocol preferably being compliant with a Bluetooth® standard, such as version 5.0 or later.

[0040] The invention also relates to an audio system intended to equip an operator, in particular an infantryman, the system comprising:

[0041] - head equipment comprising at least one element among a microphone and a audio playback module, and

[0042] - an electronic interconnection device connected to the head equipment and intended to be connected to at least one other audio equipment chosen from a radio and an intercommunication system, the electronic interconnection device being as defined above.

[0043] These characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0044] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of an audio system intended for equipping an operator, such as an infantryman, the system comprising an electronic interconnection device, shown in perspective, and one or more audio devices, such as a head unit, a first radio, a second radio and an intercommunication system; the interconnection device being connected to the head unit and to each of the other audio devices, namely the first radio, the second radio and the intercommunication system; and

[0045] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view showing a change of posi operation of the interconnection apparatus of [Fig.l], from a positioning on the right chest of the operator to a positioning on the left chest, and vice versa, such a change of positioning being carried out via a reversal of the interconnection apparatus relative to a median plane of said apparatus.

[0046] In [Fig.l], an audio system 10 is intended to equip an operator 12, in particular an infantryman, visible in [Fig.2].

[0047] The audio system 10 comprises a head unit 14 comprising at least one element from a microphone 16 and an audio reproduction module 18; and an electronic interconnection device 20 connected to the head unit 14 and intended to be connected to at least one other audio unit chosen from a radio 22, 24 and an intercommunication system 26.

[0048] In the example of [Fig.l], the audio system 10 comprises two radios, namely a first radio 22 and a second radio 24, as well as the intercommunication system 26. The first radio 22, the second radio 24 and the intercommunication system 26 are known per se.

[0049] In the example of [Fig.l], the electronic interconnection device 20, called interconnection device 20 hereinafter, is then connected, on the one hand, to the head unit 14, and on the other hand, to each of the other audio units, namely to the first radio 22, to the second radio 24 and to the intercommunication system 26.

[0050] The headgear 14 and the interconnection apparatus 20 are configured to be worn by the operator 12, as partially shown in [Fig. 2], where the interconnection apparatus 20 is worn either on the left chest of the operator 12, or on his right chest.

[0051] The first radio 22 and the second radio 24 are also capable of being carried by the operator 12, or are alternatively positioned in a vehicle, not shown, inside which the operator 12 is located. The system intercommunication system 26 is preferably positioned in said vehicle. Alternatively, the intercommunication system 26 is also capable of being carried by the operator 12.

[0052] The head equipment 14 is known per se, and preferably comprises at least one microphone 16 and two audio reproduction modules 18. An example of such equipment header 14 is described in document FR 3 019 422 Al published on October 2, 2015.

[0053] In the example of [Fig.l], the microphone 16 is also called an osteophonic microphone and is capable of receiving vibratory oscillations by bone conduction and transforming them into a respective electrical signal. In this example, each audio reproduction module 18 is an osteophonic module, and notably comprises a bone mechanical excitation transducer, capable of transforming a received electrical signal into a vibratory wave representative of a sound signal and transmitting them to the auditory nerve of the operator 12 by bone conduction.

[0054] Alternatively, the microphone 16 is an aerial microphone capable of receiving acoustic sound waves and transforming them into a respective electrical signal.

[0055] As a further variant, each audio reproduction module 18 is an acoustic module comprising a loudspeaker capable of transforming a received electrical signal into a sound wave, and then transmitting them to the auditory nerve of the operator 12 by air conduction through his respective ear, in particular through his auditory canal.

[0056] The interconnection apparatus 20 is configured to interconnect several audio devices 14, 22, 24, 26, and then comprises several communication ports 28, 30, 32, 34, each being configured to be connected to a respective audio device 14, 22, 24, 26.

[0057] In the example of [Fig.l], the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises a first communication port 28 connected to the head-end equipment 14, a second communication port 30 connected to the first radio 22, a third communication port 32 connected to the second radio 24 and a fourth communication port 34 connected to the intercommunication system 26.

[0058] In addition, the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises a housing 36 and several connectors 38, 40, 42, 44, each being fixed to the housing 36 and associated with a respective communication port 28, 30, 32, 34. The housing 36 extends substantially in an extension direction, such as the vertical direction Z in the example of [Fig. 1], and comprises an upper wall 46, a lower wall 48, a front wall 50, a rear wall 52 typically intended to be in contact with the operator 12, and two side walls 54 connecting the front wall 50 to the rear wall 52. The front wall 50, the rear wall 52 and the two side walls 54 connect the upper wall 46 to the lower wall 48, being substantially perpendicular thereto. The upper wall 46 and the lower wall 48 each extend substantially in a respective plane, perpendicular to the direction of extension, such as in a respective horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.The front wall 50, the rear wall 52 and the two side walls 54 each extend substantially in a respective plane including the direction of extension, such as in a respective vertical plane containing the vertical direction Z.

[0059] In the example of [Fig. 1], the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises a first connector 38 associated with the first communication port 28, a second connector 40 associated with the second communication port 30, a third connector 42 associated with the third communication port 32 and a fourth connector 44 associated with the fourth communication port 34.

[0060] As an optional addition, the connectors 38, 40, 42, 44 are preferably arranged on each side of a median plane P of the interconnection apparatus 20. The median plane P is typically a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the interconnection apparatus 20, such as a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of extension in the example of [Fig. 1]. More preferably, the same number of connector(s) 38, 40, 42, 44 are arranged on each side of this median plane P.

[0061] As a further optional addition, when the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises an even number of connectors 38, 40, 42, 44, one half of the connectors 38, 40, 42, 44 is arranged on one side of the median plane P, and the other half is arranged on the other side of the median plane P. According to this optional addition, the connectors 38, 40, 42, 44 are preferably further arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane P.

[0062] In the example of [Fig.l], the first and second connectors 38, 40 are arranged through the upper wall 46, and the third and fourth connectors 42, 44 are arranged through the lower wall 48. The connectors 38, 40, 42, 44 are preferably militarized connectors, such as connectors conforming to the DEFENSE GAM T2 standard.

[0063] In the example of [Fig.l], the first and second connectors 38, 40 are then arranged on one side of this median plane P, and the third and fourth connectors 42, 44 are arranged on the other side of said median plane P. The first connector 38 is preferably arranged symmetrically with the third connector 42 relative to the median plane P. Similarly, the second connector 40 is preferably arranged symmetrically with the fourth connector 44 relative to the median plane P.

[0064] In the example of [Fig.l], the first connector 38 is then configured to receive a complementary connector of a cable, not shown, for connection with the head equipment 14; the second connector 40, and respectively the third connector 42, are each configured to receive a complementary connector of a cable, not shown, for connection with the first radio 22, and respectively with the second radio 24; and the fourth connector 44 is configured to receive a complementary connector of a cable, not shown, for connection with the intercommunication system 26.

[0065] The interconnection apparatus 20 comprises at least one selector 56, 58, and at least one-touch talk button 60, 62, 64, 66.

[0066] As an optional addition, the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises several selectors 56, 58. The selectors 56, 58 are preferably arranged on each side of the median plane P of the interconnection apparatus 20. More preferably, the same number of selector(s) 56, 58 are arranged on each side of this median plane P.

[0067] As a further optional addition, when the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises an even number of selectors 56, 58, one half of the selectors 56, 58 is arranged on one side of the median plane P, and the other half is arranged on the other side of the median plane P. According to this optional addition, the selectors 56, 58 are preferably further arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane P.

[0068] In the example of [Fig.l], the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises two selectors 56, 58, namely a first selector 56 and a second selector 58. The first selector 56 is for example arranged in contact with the upper wall 46, and the second selector 58 is for example arranged in contact with the lower wall 48. The first selector 56 and the second selector 58 are then arranged on each side of the horizontal median plane P of the interconnection apparatus 20. Preferably, the first selector 56 and the second selector 58 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to said median plane P.

[0069] As an optional addition, the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises several talk buttons 60, 62, 64, 66. The talk buttons 60, 62, 64, 66 are preferably arranged on each side of the median plane P of the interconnection apparatus 20. More preferably, the same number of talk button(s) 60, 62, 64, 66 are arranged on each side of this median plane P.

[0070] As a further optional addition, when the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises an even number of talk push buttons 60, 62, 64, 66, one half of the talk push buttons 60, 62, 64, 66 is arranged on one side of the median plane P, and the other half is arranged on the other side of the median plane P. According to this optional addition, the talk push buttons 60, 62, 64, 66 are preferably further arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane P.

[0071] In the example of [Fig.l], the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises four push-to-talk buttons 60, 62, 64, 66, namely a first push-to-talk button 60, a second push-to-talk button 62, a third push-to-talk button 64 and a fourth push-to-talk button 66. The first and fourth push-to-talk buttons 60, 66 are for example arranged in the front wall 50, and the second and third push-to-talk buttons 62, 64 are for example arranged in a respective side wall 54, while partially projecting onto the front wall 50. The first and second push-to-talk buttons 60, 62 are for example arranged on one side of the median plane P, and the third and fourth buttons speaking support buttons 64, 66 are arranged on the other side of the median plane P. Preferably, the first and fourth speaking support buttons 60, 66 are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to the median plane P; and similarly the second and third speaking support buttons 62, 64 are arranged symmetrically with respect to said median plane P.

[0072] The interconnection apparatus 20 comprises an electronic processing device 70 connected to each selector 56, 58 and to each press-to-talk button 60, 62, 64, 66.

[0073] As an optional addition, the interconnection apparatus 20 further comprises a module 75 for managing a configuration of at least one element among the communication ports 28, 30, 32, 34, the at least one selector 56, 58 and the at least one press-to-talk button 60, 62, 64, 66, the management module 75 then being connected to the at least one element for which it is adapted to manage the associated configuration.

[0074] As an optional addition, the interconnection apparatus 20 further comprises a sensor 78 configured to detect a change in orientation of the apparatus 20 relative to the extension direction. The sensor 78 is, for example, an accelerometer.

[0075] As an optional addition, the interconnection apparatus 20 further comprises a wireless communication module 80 configured to communicate with a respective audio device 14, 22, 24, 26 according to a radio communication protocol. The wireless communication module 80 is typically a short-range module, such as a range of less than 100 m. The radio communication protocol is, for example, compliant with a Bluetooth® standard, such as version 5.0 or later. The wireless communication module 80 is known per se, and typically comprises a communication antenna and a radio transceiver, not shown, the radio transceiver being connected to the antenna and compliant with the communication protocol.

[0076] In the example of [Fig.l], the interconnection apparatus 20 comprises an information processing unit 90, formed for example of a memory 92 and a processor 94 associated with the memory 92.

[0077] In the example of [Fig.l], the processing device 70 and the management module 75 are each produced in the form of software, or a software brick, executable by the processor 94. The memory 92 of the interconnection device 20 is then capable of storing processing software and management software. The processor 94 is then capable of executing each of the software among the processing software and the management software.

[0078] In a variant not shown, the processing device 70 and the management module 75 are each produced in the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or in the form of an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0079] When the processing device 70 and the management module 75 are produced in the form of one or more software programs, that is to say in the form of a computer program, they are also capable of being recorded on a medium, not shown, readable by a computer. The computer-readable medium is for example a medium capable of storing electronic instructions and of being coupled to a bus of a computer system. By way of example, the readable medium is an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM memory, a RAM memory, any type of non-volatile memory (for example EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, NVRAM), a magnetic card or an optical card. A computer program comprising software instructions is then stored on the readable medium.

[0080] Each radio 22, 24 is known per se, and is typically a militarized radio when the operator 12 is an infantryman.

[0081] The intercommunication system 26 is known per se, and is also called an intercom system. An example of such an intercommunication system 26 is described in the document FR 2 988 543 A1 published on September 27, 2013. The intercommunication system 26 is typically a militarized intercom system when the operator 12 is an infantryman.

[0082] According to the invention, each communication port 28, 30, 32, 34, in particular each of the first 28, second 30, third 32 and fourth 34 communication ports, complies with a digital communication standard.

[0083] The digital communication standard is, for example, a USB standard, such as USB 2.0 or later.

[0084] Each selector 56, 58 is configured to select - depending on a manipulation by the operator 12 - a value of an operating parameter. The operating parameter is typically chosen from the group consisting of: a listening sound volume, an identifier of a set of one or more listening channels, and a transmitting sound volume, preferably with additionally a transmitting mute functionality.

[0085] In the example of [Fig.l], the first selector 56 is configured to select, following a manipulation by the operator 12, the value of the identifier of the set of one or more channels being listened to; and the second selector 58 is configured to select, following a manipulation by the operator 12, the value of a respective sound volume, such as the sound volume in transmission or the sound volume in listening. In other words, in this example, the first selector 56 makes it possible to modify the channel(s) being listened to, and the second selector 58 makes it possible to vary the value of the sound volume.

[0086] In the example of [Fig.l], each selector 56, 58 is in the form of a wheel, the latter being typically movable in rotation around the extension axis of the device interconnection 20, such as the vertical axis Z.

[0087] Each push-to-talk button 60, 62, 64, 66 is configured to, following an action by the operator 12, authorize the transmission of an audio signal. Each push-to-talk button 60, 62, 64, 66 is associated with a single transmission channel or associated with a conference room with several transmission channels. Those skilled in the art will understand that when a respective push-to-talk button 60, 62, 64, 66 is associated with a respective conference room having several transmission channels, then activation of this push-to-talk button 60, 62, 64, 66 allows simultaneous transmission of the audio signal on all the channels of the corresponding conference room.

[0088] The association of each push-to-talk button 60, 62, 64, 66 with a respective channel or conference room is typically configured at startup of the interconnection apparatus 20 from a predefined push-to-talk button(s) 60, 62, 64, 66 configuration file.

[0089] The processing device 70 is configured to acquire an input audio signal via a respective communication port 28, 30, 32, 34 and to deliver an output audio signal to another respective communication port 28, 30, 32, 34, the output signal being obtained from the input audio signal.

[0090] The management module 75 is configured to manage the configuration of at least one element among the communication ports 28, 30, 32, 34, the at least one selector 56, 58 and the at least one press-to-talk button 60, 62, 64, 66.

[0091] The configuration of each communication port 28, 30, 32, 34 includes, for example, the association with a respective audio device 14, 22, 24, 26.

[0092] The configuration of each selector 56, 58 includes, for example, the association with a respective operating parameter.

[0093] The configuration of each press-to-talk button 60, 62, 64, 66 comprises, for example, the association with a respective set of one or more channels on which the audio signal is transmitted.

[0094] As an optional addition, the management module 75 is capable of receiving a configuration file, and is configured to modify said configuration, depending on the configuration file received.

[0095] As an optional addition or alternative, the management module 75 is configured to modify said configuration in the event of detection of a change in orientation of the interconnection device 20 relative to the extension direction.

[0096] According to this addition or this variant, the management module 75 then makes it possible in particular to systematically associate the same operating parameter with the selector 56, 58 arranged in the upper part of the interconnection device 20; and respectively, where appropriate, with the selector 56, 58 arranged in the lower part of the device interconnection 20. The operating parameter systematically associated with the selector 56, 58 arranged in the upper part is for example the identifier of the set of one or more channels being listened to, and that systematically associated with the selector 56, 58 arranged in the lower part is for example a respective sound volume, such as the sound volume in transmission or the sound volume in listening.

[0097] According to this addition or this variant, and when the interconnection device 20 comprises the sensor 78, the management module 75 is preferably connected to the sensor 78 and then configured to detect the change of orientation via said sensor 78.

[0098] According to this addition or this variant, the management module 75 is - also or as a variant - capable of detecting a connection of the head equipment 14 with one of the communication ports 28, 30, 32, 34, and is then configured to determine the orientation of the device 20, as a function of the communication port 28, 30, 32, 34 connected to the head equipment 14. Where appropriate, the management module 75 is typically configured to determine that the communication port 28, 30, 32, 34 connected to the head equipment 14 and the or one of the communication ports 28, 30, 32, 34 arranged in the upper part of the device 20, or even oriented upwards, then to deduce therefrom the orientation of the device 20.

[0099] For the detection of the connection of the head-end equipment 14 with one of the communication ports 28, 30, 32, 34, the management module 75 is for example configured to acquire an identifier of each audio equipment 14, 22, 24, 26 connected to a respective communication port 28, 30, 32, 34, and to then determine to which respective communication port 28, 30, 32, 34 the audio equipment 14, 22, 24, 26 whose identifier corresponds to the head-end equipment 14 is connected. This acquisition of identifier is typically carried out via an exchange of message(s) according to the digital communication standard to which each communication port 28, 30, 32, 34 conforms.

[0100] As an optional addition, the management module 75 is further configured to associate a predefined operating parameter with the selector 56, 58 in the upper part. According to this optional addition, the management module 75 is preferably configured to change the association between selectors 56, 58 and respective operating parameters in the event of detection of a change in orientation of the device 20.

[0101] Thus, the interconnection apparatus 20 according to the invention makes it possible to facilitate the interconnection of the different audio equipment 14, 22, 24, 26, that is to say the connection of each respective audio equipment 14, 22, 24, 26 to the interconnection apparatus 20. Indeed, each communication port 28, 30, 32, 34 being compliant with the digital communication standard, each audio equipment 14, 22, 24, 26 exchanges, during its connection to the interconnection apparatus 20 and according to the digital communication standard, appropriate initialization information, in particular its identifier, with the interconnection device 20. This then makes it possible to automate the configuration of the corresponding audio equipment 14, 22, 24, 26 when it is connected to the interconnection device 20, and therefore to facilitate the interconnection of the audio equipment 14, 22, 24, 26.

[0102] Furthermore, the adaptation of the configuration of the interconnection apparatus 20 as a function of its orientation is particularly facilitated, and then allows the operator 12 to very easily switch from positioning the interconnection apparatus 20 on his left chest to positioning on his right chest, and vice versa, as shown in the example of [Fig. 2]. This change of positioning then takes place simply via a reversal of the interconnection apparatus 20 relative to the median plane P, as illustrated by the arrow F.

[0103] Those skilled in the art will further observe that various optional and mutually complementary features make it possible to further facilitate this configuration adaptation in the event of the interconnection apparatus 20 being overturned. Indeed, this overturning is facilitated by the arrangement of the connectors 38, 40, 42, 44 on either side of the median plane P, and / or by the arrangement of the selectors 56, 58 on either side of the median plane P, and / or by the arrangement of the press-to-talk buttons 60, 62, 64, 66 on either side of said median plane P. Those skilled in the art will also understand that when this arrangement of the connectors 38, 40, 42, 44 and / or the selectors 56, 58 and / or the press-to-talk buttons 60, 62, 64, 66 of on either side of the median plane P is a symmetrical arrangement with respect to this median plane P, then the reversal is made easier.

[0104] This reversal is also facilitated by the ability of the management module 75 to modify the configuration of at least one element among the communication ports 28, 30, 32, 34, the selectors 56, 58 and the press-to-talk buttons 60, 62, 64, 66, in the event of detection of a change in orientation of the interconnection device 20. This configuration modification, in particular the modification of the coupling between selector 56, 58 and associated operating parameter, in the event of a change in orientation of the interconnection device 20 typically allows the operating parameter associated with the selector 56, 58 arranged in the upper part to be systematically the same parameter, and in a similar manner that that associated with the selector 56, 58 arranged in the lower part to also be systematically the same other parameter.

[0105] This then makes it much easier for the operator 12 to use the interconnection device 20 since the operator can then always vary the same operating parameter with the selector 56, 58 arranged in the upper part of the interconnection device 20, and similarly the same other operating parameter with the selector 56, 58 arranged in the lower part.

[0106] It is then understood that the electronic interconnection device 20 according to the invention makes it possible to facilitate the interconnection of the different audio equipment 14, 22, 24, 26, that is to say the connection of each audio equipment 14, 22, 24, 26 to the interconnection device 20.

Claims

Claims

1. Electronic interconnection apparatus (20) adapted to interconnect several audio equipments (14, 22, 24, 26), the apparatus (20) comprising: - several communication ports (28, 30, 32, 34), each being configured to be connected to a respective audio equipment (14, 22, 24, 26), an audio equipment (14, 22, 24, 26) being a head equipment (14) comprising at least one element among a microphone (16) and an audio reproduction module (14, 22, 24, 26), at least one other audio equipment (14, 22, 24, 26) being chosen among a radio (22, 24) and an intercommunication system (26); - at least one selector (56, 58) configured to select, as a function of a manipulation by an operator (12), a value of an operating parameter; - at least one press-to-talk button (60, 62, 64, 66) configured to, following an action by the operator (12), authorize the emission of an audio signal;- an electronic processing device (70) connected to each selector (56, 58) and to each push-to-talk button (60, 62, 64, 66), configured to acquire an input audio signal via a communication port (28, 30, 32, 34) and to deliver an output audio signal to another communication port (28, 30, 32, 34), the output signal being obtained from the input audio signal; each communication port (28, 30, 32, 34) being compliant with a digital communication standard; - a management module (75) configured to manage a configuration of at least one of the communication ports (28, 30, 32, 34), the at least one selector (56, 58) and the at least one push-to-talk button (60, 62, 64, 66); the apparatus (20) extends in an extension direction, and the management module (75) is further configured to modify said configuration in the event of detection of a change in orientation of the apparatus (20) relative to the extension direction.;

2. The apparatus (20) of claim 1, wherein the digital communication standard is a USB standard.

3. Apparatus (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus (20) comprises a plurality of connectors (38, 40, 42, 44), each being associated with a respective communication port (28, 30, 32, 34), several selectors (56, 58) and several push-to-talk buttons (60, 62, 64, 66); and the connectors (38, 40, 42, 44), the selectors (56, 58) and respectively the push-to-talk buttons (60, 62, 64, 66) are arranged on each side of a median plane (P) of the apparatus (20); the same number of connector(s) (38, 40, 42, 44), the same number of selectors (56, 58), and respectively the same number of push-to-talk buttons (60, 62, 64, 66) being preferably arranged on each side of said median plane (P); the apparatus (20) extending in a direction of extension, and the median plane (P) preferably still being perpendicular to the direction of extension.

4. Apparatus (20) according to claim 3, wherein the number of connectors (38, 40, 42, 44) and the number of selectors (56, 58) and the number of push-to-talk buttons (60, 62, 64, 66) are each a respective even number; the number of connectors (38, 40, 42, 44) preferably being four, the number of selectors (56, 58) being two, and the number of push-to-talk buttons (60, 62, 64, 66) being four; and on each side of the median plane (P) are then arranged two connectors (38, 40, 42, 44), one selector (56, 58), and respectively two push-to-talk buttons (60, 62, 64, 66).

5. Apparatus (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the management module (75) is capable of receiving a configuration file, and is configured to modify said configuration, depending on the received configuration file.

6. Apparatus (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein the direction of extension is a vertical direction (Z), particularly when the apparatus (20) is carried by an operator (12) along his body.

7. Apparatus (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (20) further comprises a sensor (78) configured to detect a change in orientation of the apparatus (20) relative to the extension direction, the management module (75) being connected to the sensor (78) and configured to detect the change in orientation via said sensor (78); the sensor (78) preferably being an accelerometer.

8. Apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the management module (75) is capable of detecting a connection of the head equipment (14) with one of the communication ports (28, 30, 32, 34), and is configured to determine the orientation of the apparatus (20), depending on the communication port (28, 30, 32, 34) connected to the head equipment (14).

9. Apparatus (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of selectors (56, 58) is greater than or equal to two, and the configuration of each selector (56, 58) includes association with a respective operating parameter; the operating parameter preferably being selected from the group consisting of: a listening volume, an identifier of a set of one or more listening channels, and a transmitting volume, preferably further comprising a transmitting mute functionality.

10. Apparatus (20) according to claim 9, wherein the number of selectors (56, 58) is equal to two, with one selector (56, 58) located in the upper part of the apparatus (20) according to the current orientation of the apparatus (20), and the other selector (56, 58) located in the lower part according to said orientation; and the management module (75) is further configured to associate a predefined operating parameter with the selector (56, 58) in the upper part; the management module (75) preferably being configured to change the association between selectors (56, 58) and respective operating parameters in the event of detection of a change in orientation of the apparatus (20).

11. Apparatus (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of push-to-talk buttons (60, 62, 64, 66) is greater than or equal to two, and the configuration of each push-to-talk button (60, 62, 64, 66) includes association with a respective set of one or more channels on which the transmission of the audio signal is carried out.

12. Apparatus (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus (20) further comprises a wireless communication module (80) configured to communicate with respective audio equipment (14, 22, 24, 26) according to a radio communication protocol; the wireless communication module (80) preferably being a module short range, such as a range less than 100 m; the radio communication protocol preferably conforming to a Bluetooth® standard, such as version 5.0 or later.

13. Audio system (10) intended to equip an operator (12), in particular an infantryman, the system (10) comprising: - a head unit (14) comprising at least one element from among a microphone (16) and an audio reproduction module (18), and - an electronic interconnection device (20) connected to the head unit (14) and intended to be connected to at least one other audio unit (22, 24, 26) chosen from among a radio (22, 24) and an intercommunication system (26), the electronic interconnection device (20) being according to any one of the preceding claims.

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