FI105379B - Method and system for voice communication - Google Patents

Description

105379

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SOUND TRANSPORT FÖRFARANDE OCH ARRANGEMANG FÖR LJUDCOMMUNICATION

Field of the Invention 5

The invention relates to methods of voice communication between a microphone and an audio device such as a sound card of a data processing device. The invention further relates to systems for implementing voice communication.

Background of the Invention

Various microphones are well known to those skilled in the art. Microphones are used to receive audio, such as speech, and to convert and forward audio to an audio device that uses and / or processes the received audio.

15 Any device that uses microphones can be understood as an audio device. Examples of this are various recorders or digital recorders, and another example is the so-called sound cards used in processing equipment for the purpose of processing audio.

It is also known to use a data processing device, such as a microcomputer or a Personal Computer (PC) or workstation, to establish a telephone connection to a parasitic party or to receive a call from the other party, or to participate in a so-called teleconference or group call. than two parties. Such voice communication can be arranged to be provided over an Internet connection or similar network arrangement, whereby there is already a known communication protocol for transmitting speech data in digital form, that is, being converted from an analog form to a digital form. When using the Internet, this type of communication rigging is sometimes called "Internet call" or "Internet phone". The Internet phones mentioned are e.g. made it possible to make an international call at a marginal cost of 30 local calls. The Internet and communication networks are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are therefore not described in further detail except by mentioning that the Internet is a global open communication network that connects a large number of LANs such as those of various companies, universities and other organizations. These networks, in turn, can be used by a large number of stand-alone workstations and / or computer devices. The individual user may either have direct access to these LANs or the individual user may connect to them via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or through an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) connection using modems or similar devices. gateway to regional networks. The two most commonly used communication protocols on the Internet are TCP and IP (Transmission Control Protocol and Internet 10 Protocol, respectively). Internet usage has increased rapidly and steadily, and so it is expected that Internet use will also increase.

Currently, Internet telephony is based on what is known as Internet Relay Chat (IRC), which can best be described as a multi-channel multi-user chat network.

15 The current IRC is based primarily on text communication servers, but it is expected that IRC servers specifically for Internet calling will soon be a reality. These are quite likely to improve the quality of Internet calls by providing higher speed and better connectivity to services. It is very likely that the introduction of these will make Internet phones even more profitable.

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In order to enable communication via a networked data processing device, the microphone must first receive audio and then be transferred to a data processing device, where it is then appropriately processed and digitized by means of a so-called sound card implemented in a computer.

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An example of an implementation is the so-called LanPhone ™. The client program running on this Windows95 ™ uses the computer's sound card to digitize speech and send it through a local area network (LAN) to a gateway computer that provides ψ an interface to the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) or other suitable public telecommunications network. In principle, there are several sound cards that could be compatible with LanPhone ™ if a connection to a standard handset is provided.

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Current handsets use capacitor microphones that require a bias voltage. 1 to 11 volts to work properly. The use of different types of sound cards has proven problematic because the implementation of the microphone connection varies from one type of card-5 to another.

Currently, there are two known microphone connection configurations implemented with a 3.5mm stereo plug. These two types of interfaces can be explained, for example, as follows:

Version A: Frame -> Ground Center -> 5V Bias Tip Microphone Signal 15 Version B: Frame Center -> Microphone Signal Tip 5V Bias

Both types mentioned above can be used if the connection between the sound card and the handset 2 0 is able to change the signal correctly on the basis of the sound card used.

In turn, the microphone inputs on the computer are generally intended and specified only for dynamic microphones that do not require any internal bias or amplifier operating voltage. However, some sound cards provide at least some DC voltage for this purpose. However, there is still no standard to determine at which pin (for example, center or tip) bias supply can be * provided.

In accordance with conventional solutions, the correct pin or connection type has been selected by a test performed with Dual-In-Line Package (DIP) switches.

For example, the interface electrode currently used by said LanPhone ™ system 4 105379 ankle between handset and sound card uses four DIP switches to allow different types of sound card to be used with the same handset adapter.

Summary of the Invention 5

Problems with current solutions include the difficulty of combining non-standardized audio devices such as sound cards with various microphones. This causes great difficulty in installing the microphone, and even makes it impossible for those who are not particularly familiar with and "handy" in computer technology or in general electronics. If the connections are not made properly, the microphone will not work or will malfunction due to incorrect biasing. The version currently used in, for example, LanPhone ™ is not optimal because it requires the user or application installer to know the exact type and brand of the sound card and also to know how to configure the DIP switches accordingly. It is clear that requiring such knowledge effectively prevents and even scares potential users of voice transmission using systems and open communication networks of such computing hardware.

It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of prior art solutions and to provide a new type of solution for connecting a microphone to an audio device, such as a sound card of a data processing device.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a method and system whereby the user no longer has to make configuration changes to the interface between the microphone and the audio device used.

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It is also an object of the invention to provide a method and system for using the same microphone with different audio devices or sound cards.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the following Part 3 0 of the specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

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The objects are achieved by a method of connecting a biased microphone to an audio device for providing audio signal communication between them, the interface comprising a plurality of inputs to the microphone. The method comprises the steps of supplying a bias voltage to a microphone via at least one of said microphone inputs 5, so that the bias is passed through a diode disposed on each input conductor, and transmitting an audio signal from the microphone to the audio device through another of said plurality of inputs.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention provides a connected process the microphone 10 to the telecommunications network, the data processor to the sound card of the voice signal communications therebetween and thereby a subsequent operation to provide to the sound transferred to the microphone to a user and said telecommunications network of another party connected, in which the connection between the sound card and the microphone comprises several inputs for the microphone. The method comprises the steps of applying a bias voltage to the microphone 15 from the sound card through at least one of said plurality of inputs so that the bias is passed through a diode disposed on each conductor from said plurality of inputs and transmitting the audio signal from the microphone to the sound card.

The invention further provides a system for connecting a microphone in need of a bias voltage to an audio device for providing audio signal communication between them. According to the invention, the interface comprises a plurality of inputs for the microphone, wherein the microphone bias is supplied through at least one of said plurality of microphone inputs.

In addition, at least one diode is disposed on each of the conductors exiting said inputs 25 such that bias is applied through said at least one diode, the rigid system being such that audio signal is transmitted from the microphone to the audio device through one of said plurality of inputs.

Alternatively, the invention provides a system for connecting the microphone to the telecommunications network 30 connected to the data processing device to a sound card of the voice signal communications therebetween and thereby a subsequent operation to achieve with sound transmitted between the microphone and the user's telecommunication network connected to said second party. In system 105379, the 6 interface comprises a plurality of inputs for a microphone, wherein the bias voltage to the microphone is applied through at least one of said plurality of microphone inputs. At least one diode is disposed on each conductor output from said inputs such that a bias is applied through said diode, and an audio signal is transmitted from the microphone 5 to the sound card through the second of said plurality of inputs.

The invention provides numerous advantages in that the solution provides a simple, reliable and manageable way of mounting a microphone in a data processing device. The solution frees the user from any complicated configuration other than simply "plugging" the interface cable into a data processing device or other audio device. It thus greatly improves the cost-effectiveness of deploying networked telephones such as Internet telephones or other audio devices that require an external microphone. The system of the invention provides a simple form of connection which is more reliable than conventional mechanical couplings.

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Other objects and advantages of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed herein, but rather is intended to cover all modifications, similarities, and variants within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a prior art solution; and

Figure 2 shows a system according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed explanation of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art microphone connection system employing conventional DIP switches 10 and including a resistor R and a condensation output between microphone 1 and input (and output) pins. During microphone installation, the user must configure, i.e. connect the DIP switches in the correct manner, to provide the correct connection to either version A or version B described above. The configuration depends on the type of sound card used. The sound card determines what 5 input pins (inp # l or inp # 2) or output pins (out # l or out # 2) should be used and for what purpose.

Figure 2 illustrates a circuit which solves the problem of the separately required configuration of e.g. a handset adapter each time it is installed on a new device, e.g., 10 of the prior art DIP switch. The adapter circuit 2 is such that it automatically accommodates the two alternate connections, i.e. the A and B versions described above, by supplying a supply voltage to the microphone through the diodes so that it can be supplied through the pins of either of the two microphone inputs.

According to this embodiment, the circuit 2 comprises a resistor R coupled to a conductor from the microphone 1 to the input pins. The circuit further comprises two parallel connected capacitors C1 and C2 to provide in each case a circuit having at least one resistor and one capacitor. In addition, two diodes D1 and D2 are connected between the resistor R in the parallel conductor and their respective input (output) pins. The system of system 20 is such that said parallel capacitors C1 and C2 are coupled to a conductor between microphone 1 and resistor R between the pins of diodes D1 and D2 and the input (output) respectively. The grounding of the microphone and the device in question is arranged in a manner known per se.

Note that the number of capacitors and resistors may be greater than the figure shows. If more capacitors or resistors are used, they can be connected in parallel or in series.

*

In operation, the novel type of passive circuit switch of FIG. 2 operates in the following 30 ways when used in the two described I / O types of connection I and B. First, the connection in connection with a sound card requiring a type A connection is explained. Suppose that lnp # l carries a bias voltage, and thus Inp # 2 is used for the microphone return signal, 8 105379 thus to carry the speech signal. In this case, the diode D1 will be in the conductive state and thus will provide the necessary bias for the microphone 1, e.g.

5 V voltage. The sound coming from the microphone causes the microphone impedance to fluctuate and thus a small AC current in resistor R can be seen, causing a small drop in AC voltage-5 over resistor R. The AC signal is connected to Inp # 2 via C2 and is recognized by the sound card so used. The sound card then processes the sound to convert it for transmission over the used network.

In case B, it is assumed that the supply voltage is carried by Inp # 2 and thus Inp # 1 is used for the return signal of the 10 microphones, i.e. to carry the speech signal. In this case, the diode D2 will be the one in the conductive state and thus provide the bias required for the microphone 1. As in the case of A, the sound arriving at the microphone causes the microphone to vary its impedance and thus a small AC current in resistor R can be seen, which causes a small ac voltage drop across resistor R. The AC signal 15 is now connected to Inp # 1 via C1 and is recognized by the sound card so used.

The adapter system of Figure 2 has been tested with SoundBlaster ™ and GravisUltrasound ™ sound cards. In tests, the adapter has been found to work properly, and outweighs the advantages described above.

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The invention thus provides a device and a method which can, or can, achieve a significant improvement in, e.g., the field of telecommunications, and more particularly, when a microphone is connected to a data processing device or other audio device.

The system according to the invention is easy and economical to implement from known components and reliable in use. It should be noted that the preceding example of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. All further embodiments, modifications, and applications apparent to those skilled in the art will thus be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (12)

105379 A method of connecting a biased microphone to an audio device 5 for providing audio signal communication between them, the interface comprising a plurality of inputs for a microphone, said method comprising the steps of applying a bias to the microphone through at least one of said plurality of microphone inputs. through a diode, and transmitting 10 audio signals from the microphone to the audio device through one of said plurality of inputs. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface comprises two input pins and that the method comprises supplying a bias voltage through the first input pins 15 and transmitting the return tone signal from the second two input pins. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises placing a capacitor in parallel with each of the diodes 2. on each conductor. Method for connecting a microphone according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter circuit automatically selects the correct inputs when installing the interface, so that the user need not have any knowledge of the different parameters of the interface. •. Method for switching on a microphone according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the audio device is a sound card. «f 6. Method of connecting a microphone to the communication network connected to the information processing apparatus to the sound card to provide a voice signal communication and the means of the subsequent communications transmitting the voice between the microphone use 105 379 organizer and connected to said communications network of the second party, wherein the connection between the sound card and the microphone comprises several inputs for the microphone, said method comprising the steps of supplying a bias voltage to a microphone from the sound card through at least one of said 5 plurality of microphone inputs so that the bias is passed through a diode disposed on each of said plurality of inputs and transmitting the audio signal from the microphone to the sound card. 10 A system for connecting a biased microphone to an audio device for providing audio signal communication between them, wherein the interface comprises a plurality of inputs for the microphone, the bias being applied to the microphone through at least one of said plurality of microphone inputs, at least one diode positioned through at least one diode, and the audio signal is transmitted from the microphone to the audio device through one of said plurality of inputs. 20 A system according to claim 7, characterized in that the audio device is a sound card. 9. An arrangement for connecting a microphone to the communication network connected to the information-25 processing unit to the sound card of the voice signal communication and allows the subsequent communication to provide for the transfer of sound from a microphone käyt-- organizer and connected to said communications network of the second party, wherein the connection between the sound card and the microphone comprises several inputs for the microphone for biasing the microphone through at least one of said plurality of microphone inputs, the 105379 at least one diode is disposed on each of said plurality of inputs so that the bias is passed through said diode, and the audio signal is transmitted from the microphone to the audio card through said plurality of inputs. 5 A system according to claim 7 or 8 or 9, characterized in that the interface comprises two input pins, the system being such that the bias voltage is supplied through the first of the input pins and the sound return signal is transmitted through the second of the two input pins. 10 System according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the capacitor is connected in parallel with each diode. A rigid system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the adapter circuit 15 is automatically tracked to select the correct inputs when the adapter is installed, without the user having to know any of the various parameters of the adapter. ψ 105379