Videoconferencing System Integration with Phase Plug Speakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing systems are often cumbersome and lack integration of essential components, such as cameras, microphones, speakers, and codecs, which limits portability and ease of use, and they do not efficiently support high-definition video and audio conferencing over various network infrastructures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component videoconferencing system (MCVCS) that integrates cameras, microphones, speakers, and codecs, potentially within a unitary housing, which includes portable designs, high-definition capabilities, and incorporates advanced audio processing features like beamforming and phase plugs for improved sound dispersion, and can be coupled with a computer system or set-top boxes for network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If videoconferencing components (camera, microphone, speaker, codec) are integrated into a unitary housing, then portability and ease of use are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates camera, microphone, speaker, and codec components into a single unitary housing, combining multiple previously separate videoconferencing devices into one portable unit that can be easily transported and deployed
2Object-generated harmful factors
If phase plugs are added to speakers, then sound dispersion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phase plugs within the speaker structure to improve sound dispersion characteristics in specific frequency ranges, applying a localized structural modification to enhance acoustic performance without redesigning the entire speaker system
Data Source
AI summary
A videoconferencing system may include a camera, microphones, speakers, and a codec. In some embodiments, the codec functionality may be incorporated in a set-top box (e.g., a cable box, a satellite box, or a gaming box). The codec functionality may also be split between different components of the videoconferencing system. The camera and speakers may be coupled to or placed around a display. The videoconferencing system may send/receive signals through a network coupled to the computer system. The various functions to support the videoconference (e.g., compression and decompression of video signals) may be performed by circuitry in the camera base, codec/set top box, and/or on the computer system. The computer system may be a laptop computer. In some embodiments, ported speakers may be used to maximize sound quality for the provided speaker size.