Ceiling Audio Array with Wireless Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sound transmission systems in hospitality settings, such as hotels and conference centers, often suffer from low quality and intelligibility due to outdated built-in systems and the use of portable speakers, which can create uneven sound distribution, safety hazards, and inconvenience for audience members, particularly those with disabilities, and lack flexibility in microphone and speaker setups.
Innovation Solution
An audio system comprising a radial array of microphones and speakers with digital signal processing capabilities, including a first processor near the array and a second processor remotely connected, allowing for intelligent audio signal distribution and control, enabling the generation, transmission, and routing of audio signals to optimize sound delivery and disable unnecessary microphones and speakers for clear communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable speakers are used for sound reinforcement, then the system is easy to set up and flexible, but the sound quality and intelligibility deteriorate due to uneven sound distribution and reverberation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sound reinforcement function into multiple distributed ceiling-mounted speakers throughout the meeting space, rather than using a single portable speaker. This segmentation allows sound to be delivered from multiple locations simultaneously, achieving uniform sound distribution and high intelligibility while maintaining ease of setup through wireless connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal sound projection (portable speakers facing the audience) to vertical sound distribution (ceiling-mounted speakers delivering sound from above). This dimensional change eliminates reverberation issues caused by horizontal projection against walls and ceilings, while maintaining setup flexibility through wireless operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If portable speakers are placed at the front of the room, then the system is simple to deploy, but safety hazards increase due to cable tripping risks and uneven sound distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the audio signal transmission function from physical cables and implements it wirelessly. This eliminates cable tripping hazards while maintaining deployment simplicity, as the wireless speakers can be easily positioned and configured without requiring cable routing through the meeting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves speakers from the horizontal plane (front of room on stands) to the vertical plane (ceiling mounting). This dimensional relocation eliminates safety hazards associated with floor-level cables and equipment while maintaining easy deployment through wireless connectivity and simple ceiling mounting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audience members use wired or wireless portable microphones for questions, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and user inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes all ceiling speakers universal communication points by equipping each with an integrated microphone. Any audience member can use any speaker as a communication point, eliminating the need for specialized portable microphones and simplifying the system to a single type of device performing multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of speakers and microphones into single integrated units distributed throughout the room. This combination eliminates the need for separate portable microphones and cables, reducing device complexity while maintaining full communication capability for audience questions and comments.
4Stability of the object's composition
If built-in sound systems are used in hotels, then the system is permanently installed and aesthetically pleasing, but sound quality deteriorates due to outdated equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static, outdated built-in speakers with dynamic, modern wireless ceiling-mounted speakers. These speakers maintain the aesthetic advantage of permanent ceiling installation while delivering current-generation sound quality through wireless technology and modern audio components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces old mechanical wired sound systems with modern wireless technology. This substitution maintains the clean, permanent installation aesthetic while dramatically improving sound quality through contemporary audio components and wireless signal transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating, transmitting and distributing audio signals. The system and method may include an array having a plurality of microphones and a plurality of speakers as well as a first processor disposed proximate the array. The system and method can also have a second processor disposed remotely from the array and communicatively coupled with the array, at least one remotely located device having at least one microphone and at least one speaker and one or more remotely located speakers. Also, there may be an audio signal that is generated by one of a microphone on the array and a microphone on the at least one remotely located device, the location of the generation of the audio signal determined by one of the first processor and the second processor, generated audio signal transmitted to at least one of the speakers on the array, the at least one speaker on the remotely located device and the one or more remotely located speakers.