Chairman Microphone Integrating Conference Control Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conference systems require labor-intensive and complex setup with a separate control center for operation, which is costly and aesthetically unappealing, as they need a separate communication path for settings and management.

Innovation Solution

Integrating the control functions, such as volume and sound settings, frequency management, and power supply into the chairman's microphone unit, allowing for direct wireless communication and eliminating the need for a separate control center, enabling non-specialists to set up the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate control center is used to manage conference system settings and operations, then system control and management functions are improved, but device complexity and setup cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem controlVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control center functions with the chairman's microphone unit, integrating system control, volume settings, sound settings, frequency management, and power supply control into a single device that the chairman uses during the conference, thereby eliminating the need for a separate control center and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chairman's microphone unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the chairman's communication device and the central control unit for the entire conference system, including volume control, sound settings, frequency management, and power supply control, allowing one device to fulfill multiple roles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate control center is located away from the conference system, then technician monitoring and operation are improved, but ease of operation and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnician monitoringVSAvoidsetup process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation by allowing the chairman to directly control all conference system functions through the integrated control unit in their microphone, eliminating the need for remote technician intervention for routine operations such as volume adjustment, sound settings, and frequency management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the control functions into the chairman's microphone unit, the system allows the chairman to have direct control over all settings and operations right at their position, eliminating the need for a separately located control center and reducing setup complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a separate communication path is established between control center and conference system, then system management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement capabilityVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chairman's microphone unit serves dual purposes: it is both a conference communication device for the chairman and the control interface for the entire system, using the same wireless communication channel for both conference audio and control functions, thereby eliminating the need for a separate control communication path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components including separate control center are included in conference system, then system functionality is improved, but aesthetic appearance and user acceptance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all control functions into the chairman's microphone unit, eliminating the need for a separately visible control center and other additional devices, thereby reducing the visual clutter in the conference room while maintaining full system functionality through the integrated unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2441242B1Conference system
Publication Date: 2013.10.02 SENNHEISER ELECTRONICS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2441242B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2441242B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a conference system and to a method for controlling the conference system, wherein the conference system comprises a president voice station (PS) and a plurality of delegate voice stations (DS). The president voice station (PS) comprises a conference control unit (KSE) for controlling the operation of the conference system and/or the plurality of delegate voice stations.