Conference Microphone with Multi-Source Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Available conference microphones offer limited functionality and versatility, forcing users to adapt to a 'one size fits all' solution rather than allowing the system to adapt to specific user needs.
Innovation Solution
A conference microphone with a housing containing a directional boundary microphone, an omnidirectional microphone, and a lavaliere microphone, connected via auxiliary inputs, controlled by a microprocessor and a control panel, with a USB Hub for computer control, and a mesh material design for audio passage, allowing for adaptable usage in various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphone types are integrated into a single conference microphone system, then versatility and adaptability to different conferencing scenarios are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple microphone types (directional boundary microphone with three cardioid condenser capsules, omnidirectional microphone, and lavaliere microphone input) into a single integrated conference microphone system. This merging allows the system to handle various conferencing scenarios (boardroom discussions, presentations, one-on-one meetings) within one device, resolving the contradiction by achieving versatility through integration rather than requiring separate systems for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The conference microphone is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can capture directional speech from the front, omnidirectional room audio, or connected lavaliere microphones. The system adapts to different user needs through a microprocessor-controlled switch that selects between microphone sources based on control panel input or automatic detection, making the device universally applicable to various conferencing situations without requiring multiple specialized devices
2Measurement precision
If a directional boundary microphone with multiple cardioid condenser capsules is used, then sound capture precision and distortion minimization are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directional boundary microphone is segmented into three separate cardioid condenser capsules arranged in a pyramid configuration, with each capsule oriented to face a different direction. This segmentation allows each capsule to capture sound from its specific direction with high precision, and the combined output creates a comprehensive directional sound field. The segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing by using identical capsule units that can be independently tested and replaced, while achieving superior sound capture precision through their coordinated arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The three cardioid condenser capsules are arranged in a three-dimensional pyramid configuration rather than a flat plane, adding spatial dimensionality to the sound capture system. This dimensional arrangement allows the microphone to capture sound from multiple angles and create a more accurate directional sound field, improving measurement precision while the modular pyramid structure facilitates standardized manufacturing processes
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
Enables flexible and effective sound capture with multiple microphone patterns, minimizing distortion and allowing for easy setup and selection of optimal microphone configurations for different conferencing scenarios, enhancing user experience and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a majority of the top wall and lateral side walls are comprised of a mesh material allowing for the passage of audio therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A conference microphone having a housing which encloses plural microphones is disclosed. Within the housing are a directional boundary microphone which includes three cardioid condenser capsules and an omnidirectional microphone. The housing has a rear edge wall and the directional boundary microphone includes an input end facing away from the rear edge wall of the housing. A lavaliere microphone is selectively connected to the housing via an auxiliary microphone input. A microprocessor is linked to a control panel for actuation by a user to control which of the directional boundary microphone, the omnidirectional microphone and the lavaliere microphone are active.