Multi-Microphone Mute Control Using a Shared State Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems do not provide a mute control function for multiple microphones connected to a computer, whereas such functionality is available for speakers, leading to a lack of efficient audio signal management for microphone inputs.
Innovation Solution
A control table is used to store mute state information for all connected microphones, with device identifiers registered to ensure all microphones are in the same mute state, and the mute state is inverted upon detection of the mute button activation, allowing synchronized mute control across multiple microphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple microphones are connected to a computer without centralized mute control, then each microphone can operate independently, but audio signal management becomes inefficient and lacks uniform control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control of multiple microphones into a single centralized mute button that can uniformly control all connected microphones. The control table stores device identifiers of all microphones and their mute states, allowing one button press to affect all microphones simultaneously, thus simplifying audio signal management while maintaining systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mute button is designed with universal functionality to control any number of microphones connected to the computer. The system automatically detects and registers device identifiers of connected microphones in the control table, enabling the single mute button to universally manage all microphones regardless of quantity or type, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual mute control is implemented for each microphone, then precise control over each microphone is achieved, but the complexity of control increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines individual microphone control into a unified system where a single mute button controls all microphones. The control table maintains individual device identifiers and mute states for each microphone, but the user interface presents a single control mechanism, thus reducing control interface complexity while preserving the ability to manage multiple microphones adaptively.
Solution Approach 2:
The control table acts as an intermediary between the mute button and individual microphones. It stores device identifiers and mute states, mediating the control signal from the single mute button to distribute appropriate control commands to each connected microphone, thereby simplifying the control interface while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a mute control function in a computer having multiple microphones is disclosed. A set of mute state information is stored in a control table of a portable computer. The mute state information is for controlling a mute state. Device identifiers (IDs) of all microphones that are connected to the portable computer are registered with the control table. The microphones corresponding to the device IDs registered in the control table are controlled to be in the same mute state based on the mute state information. In response to a detection of an activation of the mute button, the mute state information are inverted. The device IDs registered in the control table are to be controlled in the same mute state based on the inverted mute state information.