Microphone With Reconfigurable Input Output Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microphones often have limited flexibility in handling multiple audio channels and are restricted by single-purpose connectors, limiting their usability in various setups.
Innovation Solution
A microphone with multiple signal connectors (USB and XLR) that can be configured as both input and output, allowing for daisy chaining and signal mixing/multiplexing capabilities, enabling expanded setups and versatile connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a microphone has multiple connectors with mixed input/output functions, then connector versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements connectors that can function as both input and output depending on configuration mode. The first connector (XLR) and second connector (USB) are designed to be reconfigurable, allowing the same physical connector to serve different functional roles (input or output) based on the microphone's operational mode, thereby achieving multi-functionality without adding separate dedicated connectors for each purpose
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of connector functions through circuitry that can switch between different operational modes. The microphone can dynamically change the input/output assignment of its connectors based on detected connection states or user configuration, allowing the system to adapt its functionality in real-time without physical reconfiguration or additional hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If a microphone is configured to mix multiple audio channels, then signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple audio channel processing functions within a single integrated microphone device. The circuitry merges the functionality of multiple microphone elements, mixing capabilities, and signal processing into one unified device that can handle multiple audio channels simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate external mixing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone integrates multiple functions including individual microphone element output, mixed signal output, and configurable input/output roles within a single device. The circuitry is designed to perform multiple operations (amplification, mixing, signal routing) using shared components, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If a microphone supports daisy chaining through passive XLR connector, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The XLR connector is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can act as an active output connector when the microphone is the primary device, or as a passive input connector when daisy-chaining to another microphone. The same physical connector adapts its role based on the operational configuration, enabling flexible chaining arrangements without requiring different connector types
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone having a multi-channel mixer and one or more connectors usable to receive and/or output audio. Any of the connectors may be used as an input connector, as an output connector, or configured to be switchable between being an input and an output connector. The user of the microphone may be able to conveniently use one or more of the connectors to expand the microphone to become part of a larger setup that uses multiple microphones. For example, an XLR connector of the microphone may be passive, and may be configured such that a user can daisy chain the output from an XLR connector of another microphone into an XLR connector of the microphone. In such an arrangement, an output based on one or both of the microphones may be output through another connector of the microphone, such as a USB connector.