Satellite Microphone Rotating Ring Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wired satellite microphones in teleconferencing systems lack intuitive controls for volume adjustment and mute functions, particularly for users unfamiliar with the hardware, and do not provide a physical means to control speaker volume.
Innovation Solution
A satellite microphone assembly with a rotatable outer ring that adjusts volume and an actuatable button for mute/unmute functionality, integrated with rotational sensors and indicators for user input detection and feedback, ensuring intuitive control and preventing inadvertent adjustments during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a discrete mute button is provided on the wired satellite microphone, then the mute function is available, but the button is small or hard to locate for unfamiliar users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mute button with the volume control ring, integrating two separate controls into a single unified interface. The volume ring serves dual purposes: volume adjustment and mute functionality, eliminating the need for a separate discrete mute button and simplifying the control interface while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume control ring is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls volume levels through rotation and activates the mute function through pressing. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate controls needed, making the interface simpler and more intuitive for users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wired satellite microphones provide mute function, then audio stream can be removed from call, but there is no physical way to control speaker volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges volume control and mute functionality into a single physical interface - the volume control ring. This unified control mechanism provides both volume adjustment through rotation and mute activation through pressing, ensuring physical accessibility for both functions while enhancing overall control versatility.
3Ease of operation
If rotational sensor detects rotation of outer ring, then volume control is achieved, but inadvertent adjustments may occur during use
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the user to pick up the satellite microphone device before volume control becomes active. This preliminary action serves as an intentional trigger that prevents inadvertent adjustments, ensuring that only deliberate user actions during actual use will change volume settings while maintaining intuitive control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback mechanisms to confirm intentional user actions before making volume changes. By monitoring device state and requiring specific user interactions, the system ensures that volume adjustments reflect deliberate user intent rather than accidental movements, improving control reliability.
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
Enhances user experience by providing intuitive volume control and mute functions through tactile and visual feedback, reducing accidental changes during use and improving audio communication quality.
Implementation Method 1
A rotational sensor can be supported by and received by the base to detect a rotation of the outer ring and output information about a direction and a degree of rotation of the outer ring to the volume control electronics.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite microphone assembly formed by a base housing a microphone and a volume control electronics and an outer ring coupled with the base and rotatable about the base. The outer ring includes a center aperture having an actuatable button to toggle mute/unmute of the microphone disposed therein. A rotational sensor is supported by the base and configured to detect a rotation of the outer ring and to output information about a direction and a degree of rotation of the outer ring to the volume control electronics, thereby causing a rotation of the outer ring to affect a volume of a speaker.