Sound Masking Control via Electronic Floorplan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sound masking systems lack efficient configuration and control methods, particularly in complex physical spaces, which hinders their effectiveness in improving acoustic privacy and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for configuring and controlling sound masking systems using an electronic floor plan or CAD drawing, featuring a graphical interface for placing and managing sound masking components, generating control signals, and monitoring operational information, allowing for precise layout, cabling design, and real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sound masking systems are deployed in complex physical spaces using traditional methods, then the system can provide acoustic privacy, but the configuration and control becomes inefficient and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical space using electronic floor plans and CAD drawings. This digital representation allows users to configure, control, and monitor sound masking systems in a simplified virtual environment that mirrors the actual physical layout, making complex system management intuitive and efficient without requiring direct physical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface (GUI) as an intermediary between the user and the sound masking system components. This GUI layer translates complex system operations into simple visual interactions on the electronic floor plan, allowing users to control sound masking devices remotely through intuitive clicks and selections rather than dealing with complex hardware configurations.
2Reliability
If traditional control methods are used for sound masking systems, then the system can operate, but real-time monitoring and adjustments are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where the graphical user interface continuously displays the operational status of sound masking components on the electronic floor plan. This visual feedback system allows users to monitor system performance instantly and make real-time adjustments by simply selecting components and modifying parameters through the GUI, eliminating delays associated with traditional monitoring methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If sound masking components are placed precisely in complex spaces, then acoustic performance improves, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By using electronic floor plans and CAD drawings as a digital template, the system allows users to precisely position sound masking components by simply placing graphical icons on the virtual representation. This copying approach maintains exact spatial relationships and positioning accuracy while dramatically speeding up the configuration process compared to manual measurement and physical placement methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and mechanism for monitoring and/or controlling a sound masking system from a computer aided design drawing. According to an embodiment, the system is configured to allow an operator to “click” sound masking components on the design drawing and view operating/configuration settings, and/or edit, change or modify the operating/configuration settings, which are then applied via an interface to the associated physical sound masking component in the sound masking system. According to another embodiment, the system is configured to allow an operator to design or configure sound masking components on a design drawing. The sound masking components correspond to physical sound masking components in a sound masking system and comprise one or more active sound masking elements, which are configured to be responsive to an input and allow an operator to monitor, change and/or modify operating/configuration settings for physical sound masking component via the sound masking element in the design drawing.