Conference Audio Pod Signal Routing Without a Base Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In audio conferencing systems, pods require a base device to connect to the network, making it difficult to connect multiple pods at a distance without additional infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A sound signal processing device with a microphone terminal, loudspeaker terminal, and network input/output terminals, along with a detector and path establisher, allows direct network connection without a separate base device by dynamically establishing signal paths based on connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pods are dispersed around a large meeting room to improve sound coverage, then sound reception and distribution is improved, but the need for additional base devices increases device complexity and infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sound emission-reception apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standalone pod with direct network connection, or function as a base device to manage other pods. The apparatus includes both pod functionality (microphone, loudspeaker, network connection) and base functionality (detecting connection status of other devices, establishing signal paths), eliminating the need for separate base devices in pod deployments
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus automatically detects the connection status of other sound emission-reception apparatuses and autonomously establishes appropriate signal paths without requiring manual configuration or separate control devices. The detector and path establisher enable the system to self-organize based on real-time connection status, allowing pods to independently connect to the network and manage their own signal routing
2Reliability
If a base device is installed to enable network connection for pods, then network connectivity is achieved, but the quantity of required devices and infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sound emission-reception apparatus is equipped with dual capability: it can function as a pod (connecting directly to network) or as a base (managing other pods). This eliminates the need for separate base devices, reducing the total number of devices required while maintaining reliable network connectivity for all pods
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses the network itself as an intermediary for communication between pods, eliminating the need for dedicated base devices as intermediaries. The detector communicates connection status through the network, and the path establisher routes signals through the network, allowing direct peer-to-peer communication without additional infrastructure
3Ease of operation
If multiple pods are connected through a base device, then signal routing is managed, but the device complexity and infrastructure needs increase for large meeting rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus automatically detects the connection status of other sound emission-reception apparatuses and autonomously establishes appropriate signal paths without requiring manual configuration or separate control devices. The detector monitors network connections and the path establisher dynamically creates signal routes based on real-time status, enabling self-managed signal routing
Solution Approach 2:
The signal path configuration is dynamic rather than static. The path establisher continuously adapts signal routing based on the real-time connection status detected by the detector, allowing the system to automatically reconfigure as devices are added or removed from the network without manual intervention
Data Source
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AI summary
A sound emission-reception apparatus (10) is connected to a network (400) without a need of a device such as a base. The sound emission-reception apparatus (10) that includes a sound signal processing device includes: a microphone terminal (212) to which a sound signal derived from sound received by a microphone 12 is input; a loudspeaker terminal (214) from which a sound signal is output toward a loudspeaker 18; a first input terminal (211) to which a sound signal output from another device at a proximal-end is input; a first output terminal (231) from which a sound signal is output toward the other device; a distal-end input terminal (211) to which a distal-end sound signal having passed through a network 400 is input; a distal-end output terminal (213) from which a sound signal is output toward the network 400; a path establisher (202) configured to establish a signal path from each input terminal to each output terminal; and a path indicator (104) configured to indicate to the path establisher (202) a signal path that is to be established.