Digital Audio Conference Microphone Testing Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital audio conference systems lack adequate configurability, testing, and control of device setups, particularly in identifying and addressing malfunctioning microphones during conferences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically test microphones by receiving audio signals from speakers and comparing them to determine proper operation, with the conference controller enabling or disabling microphones based on signal matching, and integrating this functionality into a digital audio conference tool for workflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic microphone testing is implemented by comparing sampled audio signals with source audio signals, then microphone operation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional testing and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing of microphone functionality before the actual conference begins. The conference controller sends a test audio signal through the loudspeaker, and the microphone captures this signal for verification. This preliminary action ensures that microphones are operational before being activated for the conference, preventing failures during the actual event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the conference controller receives the sampled audio signal from the microphone, compares it with the original test signal, and determines whether the microphone is functioning properly. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically enables or disables the microphone, ensuring reliable operation without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If manual microphone testing and verification is performed during conference setup, then measurement precision of microphone functionality is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual testing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automatic testing where the conference controller autonomously performs microphone verification without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically sends test signals, captures responses from microphones, analyzes the sampled signals, and makes enable/disable decisions. This eliminates the need for operators to manually test each microphone, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with an automated electronic testing mechanism. Instead of operators physically checking microphones, the conference controller electronically transmits test audio signals and automatically analyzes the captured signals through signal comparison algorithms, achieving both precision and speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive audio signal testing and comparison is performed for each microphone, then manufacturing precision of audio quality is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous testing and signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic testing rather than continuous monitoring. Microphones are tested at specific intervals - initially before the conference begins and potentially at designated checkpoints during the conference. This periodic approach maintains audio quality precision by verifying microphone functionality when needed, while conserving energy by not continuously processing signals from all microphones.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures proper microphone operation during conferences by automatically identifying and disabling faulty microphones, enhancing the overall quality and reliability of audio conferencing systems.
Implementation Method 1
receive a first audio signal from at least one first loudspeaker in a venue for the audio conference
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a computer-program product embodied in a non-transitory computer read-able medium that is programmed to manage a digital audio conference including a plurality of conference units and each conference unit including a microphone is provided. The computer-program product comprises instructions to receive first information corresponding to a layout of a venue that facilitates an audio conference for users of the plurality of conference units. The computer-program product further comprises instructions to store second information corresponding to an arrangement of a plurality of seats in the venue and to associate a first conference unit of the plurality of conference units to a first seat of the plurality of seats.