WO2007052269A2

WO2007052269A2 - Wireless microphone system for high quality sound

Info

Publication number: WO2007052269A2
Application number: PCT/IL2006/001262
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moshe Kaplan
Original assignee: Moshe Kaplan
Priority date: 2005-11-02
Filing date: 2006-11-01
Publication date: 2007-05-10
Also published as: WO2007052269A3

Abstract

A system wireless microphone system is provided, for multi-channel, high-quality audio signal, using a digital local wireless communication area, ensuring reliable and specific voice reception without interferences. The system comprises a plurality of wireless microphones; and a sound transceiver in digital wireless communication with said plurality of wireless microphones, wherein at least one of said wireless microphone transmits audio signal at quality equivalent to at least 32,000 samples per second and 16 bits per sample. The system may be used in performing art events with voice and/or musical instruments content.

Description

Wireless microphone system for high quality sound

FIELD THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wireless receiving/transmitting microphone system, and more particularly to a multi-channel, high quality audio wireless microphone system in a local wireless communication area ensuring reliable and specific voice reception without interferences.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a performing art event with voice and/or musical instruments content, it is important that the voice of each performer and sound of each musical instrument will be transferred separately and with the highest audio quality to meet the modern standards of audio reproduction standards.

It has also received a wide acceptance that significant portion of the performers should have the ability to listen to their voice and/or the sound produced by the musical instrument they are playing.

Until recently, before such event, each performer was equipped with a wearable or fixed base microphone , all directly wired to a central audio console, or otherwise connected to the audio console via a dedicated wireless receiver/transmitter link, operating on a dedicated RF frequency.

A wide variety of wireless microphone systems and wireless earphone systems have been proposed recently.

The wireless microphone systems used in the art comprise plurality of wireless microphones each used for collecting sound and converting the sound thus collected into an audio signal to be transmitted by means of radio waves, each via a dedicated

RF channel to a dedicated receiver for receiving the audio signal from each of that wireless microphone, thereby eliminating the need of installing a cable for connecting the microphone. The plurality of wireless receivers is then wired the audio console.

Similarly, any signal which has to be transmitted wirelessly from the audio console to a remote location is assigned a dedicated RF channel. Each of the dedicated RF channel uses a different RF frequency. The logistics of assigning separate frequency to each channel and the need for multiple receivers complicate these systems

Additionally, the need for audio console complicates these systems and increases their cost. Moreover, using plurality of frequency increases the chance of cross interference and interference from external sources.

Taniguchi in US patent application 20030087667 has suggested inputting the audio signals from a plurality of wireless microphones into a single sound transceiver. He also described a methodology by which the sound transceiver assigns each microphone with a specific identification code and specific RF frequency. However, he did not consider the use of his invention for two way communication, namely the combined use of wireless microphones and earphones.

Anjanappa et al, in US patent application 20050196008 have suggested a tooth microphone intended for operation within a noisy environment. They suggested using a retransmission module to transmit the audio signal generated in the microphone into Wi-Fi network.

They suggested connecting the retransmission module described in their invention with a wireless earphone. However, they did not consider the application of their invention in the field of high-quality communication, as their system intends for verbal voice communication only. Neither did he consider the possibility of using a plurality of such microphones simultaneously and continuously or to combine the signals as used in performing art shows.

lnselberg in US patent application 20040171381 has described an interactive microphone/headset device useful for interactive spectator event. He also suggested establishing identified communication between a plurality of microphone/headset devices. He suggested the use Wi-Fi network for communicating between the spectators.

However, he did not consider this application of his invention in the field of high- quality communication. Neither did he consider the possibility of using a plurality of such microphones simultaneously and continuously or to combine the signals as used in performing art shows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wireless microphone system comprising plurality of sound transmitting and/or receiving devices in communication with a central sound transceiver, and more particularly to, a multi-channel high quality audio wireless microphone system comprising at least one sound transceiver and a plurality of wireless microphones in a local communication area wherein the sound transceiver is capable of transceiving high quality audio signals from each of the wireless microphones located in the local communication area without interference among them to ensure reliable and specific voice reception. The wireless microphone system may serve as a two-way high quality audio communication system between a plurality of wireless microphones, a plurality of wireless earphones and a sound transceiver.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a two-way high quality communication system such that each user of the said local communication network can hear his/her voice and/or the musical instrument he/she is playing and/or any audio selected by the audio control unit operator, with or without background voice signals, through an earphone/headset. The system is operable to route a conditioned audio signal to the artist ear, allows him/her to control and adjust parameters like the level, pitch and rhythms of his/her produced voice or the voice of the musical instrument he/she is playing. It is becoming widely accepted that presenting certain combination of the performing team voices in some of the players' ears is vital for improving the overall voice quality of the performing team.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless microphone/earphone system comprising: a plurality of wireless devices each operative to acquire a local ID, each of the wireless microphones operative to collect sound, convert the sound thus collected into an audio signal, convert the audio signal to a digital signal using an Analog to Digital [AIO) converter, and transmit the digital signal and the local ID to the sound transceiver. Each audio signal received by the voice transceiver is converted back to audio signal using a plurality of Digital to Analog

(OIA) circuit.

Each of the wireless earphones is operative to receive a digital signal from the sound transceiver, convert it into an audio signal and play it to the user ears. The sound transceiver comprises a local ID registering section for registering the ID received from a wireless microphone and/or earphone, and a registration element assigning local ID element to the participating wireless microphone and earphones. The wireless microphone/earphone may receive the local ID from the sound transceiver and communicate with the sound transceiver using the local ID thus received.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the sound transceiver comprises: A computer such as a PC or a Laptop computer running software controlling the sound transceiver. The software may control the audio parameters such as audio quality, level and spectral amplification curve. The software may be used to manage the wireless microphones registration. The software may also control and indicate the status of each microphone and earphone device including but not limited to: wireless reception quality, intrinsic voice quality (medium, CD, good, hi-fi or concert quality), energy source level, and the composition of the voice transmitted to each earphone.

In another embodiment, the sound transceiver is controlled manually by an operator who manages the registration of some or all the active microphone and earphone devices in the local communication area. The operator may also determine manually or by suitable software the combination of voice signals to be sent to each of the active earphone devices.

In another embodiment, more than one network are connected together, thereby allowing for operation with larger number of microphones/earphones in a single local communication area. In yet another embodiment, at least some of the wireless microphone /earphone devices are equipped with status indicator for displaying at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: registration with the sound transceiver, bad reception, low power source level etc.

In another embodiment, the sound transceiver generates a combined audio signals composed of a combination of at least some of the signals received from the active wireless microphones. The combination signal may be controlled by a computer running appropriate software. This feature allows a non-professional user to utilize the wireless microphone system for suitable performing art event, without the need of an audio console but instead using a common audio amplification system.

In yet another embodiment the signals received by the sound transceiver and converted to audio signals, are routed to an audio control console^' via a suitable cable.

This cable may comprise separate plug connector per each received microphone signal.

In the preferred embodiment, a wireless microphone system is provided comprising: a plurality of wireless microphones; and a sound transceiver in digital wireless communication with said plurality of wireless microphones, wherein at least one of said wireless microphone transmits audio signal at quality equivalent to at least 32,000 samples per second and 16 bits per sample. In some embodiments the digital wireless communication is Wi-Fi RF communication, for example IEEE 802.11a or IEEE 802.11b/g In some embodiments the digital wireless communication conforms to a fiber-less optical transmission specification.

In some embodiments at least one of the plurality wireless microphones also receives audio signals from the sound transceiver. In some embodiments at least one of the plurality wireless microphones is a mobile unit capable of being concealed within the user clothing.

In some embodiments the system further comprises an audio control console connected to the sound transceiver. In some embodiments the audio control console comprises a plurality of microphone input connectors, wherein at least two of said microphone input connectors receives from the sound transceiver audio signal originated from a different wireless microphone. In some embodiments the audio control console further comprises a plurality of audio output connectors, wherein at least two of said audio output connectors connected to the sound transceiver and wherein said sound transceiver transmits audio signals from said audio output connectors to different wireless earphones.

In some embodiments the sound transceiver can be operated to change at least one of the wireless microphone system functions for example: audio sampling rate and number of bits per sample.

In some embodiments at least one of the wireless microphones comprises a display unit displaying for example: ID, registration check, power source level, audio quality level and reception quality.

In some embodiments the sound transceiver sums audio signals from plurality of wireless microphones and route the said sum signal to an output connector, and the output connector may be wired to an external stereo amplifier.

In some embodiments the system further comprising at least a second sound transceiver, wherein the plurality of wireless microphones in the local communication area are divided to plurality of groups, and wherein each group assigned to a separate sound transceiver.

In some embodiments the system further comprises a computer connected to the sound transceiver. In some embodiments the connection between the computer and the sound transceiver is via USB connection. In some embodiments the software running on the compute is operative to execute sound transceiver management functions selected from a group consisting of: wireless microphone registration, ID assignment to active wireless microphones and assignment of audio quality level for wireless microphones. In some embodiments the software running on the computer is operative to execute basic audio console functions chosen from a group consisting of: level of active wireless microphone amplification, microphone signal routing to the LEFT and RIGHT channels of the stereo output and echo control).

In some embodiments at least one of the wireless earphones wirelessly receives digital audio signals from the sound transceiver, converts said audio signals to sound waves and present said sound waves to the user of the wireless earphone. In some embodiments the sound waves presented to the user consists of his/her own voice collected and transmitted by his/her wireless microphone. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Drawings are generally not to scale.

In the drawings:

Fig 1 schematically depicts a wireless microphone system for high quality sound according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig 2a schematically depicts a wireless combined microphone/earphone devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig 2b schematically depicts a block diagram of a wireless combined microphone/earphone devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig 3 schematically depicts a voice transceiver according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention discloses a multi-channel high quality audio wireless microphone system comprising a sound transceiver and a plurality of wireless microphones in a local communication area capable of two-way, high quality sound communication.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

In discussion of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer to like parts.

For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.

The operation of the wireless microphone system 1000 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings shown in FIG. 1. Wireless microphone system 1000 comprises plurality of Wireless High Quality sound Microphones (WHQM) 2 (six WHQMs 2 are shown in figure 1 , labeled 2a to 2f respectively. However, number of wireless high sound quality microphones may vary).

Preferably, wireless microphone system 1000 further comprises plurality wireless combined microphone/earphone devices (COMBO) 3 (six COMBOs 3 are shown in figure 1 , labeled 3a and 3b respectively. However, number of COMBO, devices may vary).

WHQMs and/or COMBOs detect sound waves and convert the detected sound into digital audio signals at a concert quality. The converted digital signals are wirelessly transmitted to sound transceiver 100. Collectively, concert quality units WHQMs and/or COMBOs may be referred to as remote concert quality microphone system 176.

Optionally, Wireless microphone system 1000 comprises plurality of Wireless Medium Quality sound Microphones (WMQM) 4 (Eight MHQMs 4 are shown in figure 1 , labeled 4a to 4h respectively. However, number of MHQMs may vary). MHQMs detect sound waves and convert the detected sound into digital audio signals at a medium quality. The converted digital signals are wirelessly transmitted to sound transceiver 100. Collectively, medium quality units WMQMs may be referred to as remote medium quality microphone system 177.

Optionally, Wireless microphone system 1000 comprises plurality of monitoring unit 5 (One unit is shown in figure 1. However, number of monitoring units). Monitoring unit 5 receives digital audio signals from sound transceiver 100 and convert said signals to audible sound waves.

Wireless microphone system 1000 further comprises at least one sound transceiver 100. Sound transceiver 100 is operative to receive the digitized audio signal from each of WHQMs 2 and MHQM, transmit digitized audio signal to monitor units, and to manage two-way communication with COMBO devices 3.

Figure 2a schematically depicts the construction of COMBO device 3. COMBO device 3 comprises a canister 301 containing the electronics. A microphone 303 in connected to canister 301. Microphone 303 collects sound waves and converts them to electrical signals.

A pair of earphones 302 is connected to canister 301. Earphones 302 receive electrical signals from canister 301 and convert them to sound waves. Earphones 302 are used by the performer to monitor the sound produced by his voice or his instrument. Additionally, sound produced by other sources such as other performers or recordings may be channeled to earphones 302. Optionally, instructions, cues and other information may be channeled to earphones 302.

In the preferred embodiment, canister 301 contains a battery which supplies the power for COMBO 3. In the preferred embodiment, COMBO 3 is small enough to be concealed within the performer's clothing.

Alternatively COMBO 3 may be connected to external power source such as line power. Although the mobility of the COMBO is limited by the external power line, the complexity of connecting signal line is avoided. In some embodiments, plurality of microphones are connected to the same canister. For example, two or three microphones may be used to collect sound from the voice of a performer and his instrument, such as a singer playing a guitar, or a drum set.

In some embodiments a single earphone is used. In some embodiments, a speaker or speakers are used instead of earphones. In some embodiments, microphone 303 and/or earphones 302 are connected to canister 301 via a connector, ^' for example standard earphone plug. In these embodiments, musical instruments such as electric guitar or electronic keyboard maybe directly connected to the microphone input plug. Similarly, external, preferably amplified, speakers may be connected to the earphone plug. In some embodiments, the microphone and/or a speaker may be integrated into the canister.

Construction of WHQM 2 and WMQM 4 is similar to the construction of COMBO 3, however in a WHQM 2, earphones 302 are missing. Construction of monitoring unit 5 is similar to the construction of COMBO 3, however in a monitoring unit 5 microphone 303 is missing. A block diagram of COMBO 3 device is illustrated in Fig. 2b, It should be noted that block diagrams of WHQM 2 and WMQM 4 is similar to the block diagram of COMBO 3, however in a WHQM 2, earphones block 204 is missing. It should be noted that block diagrams of monitoring 5 is similar to the block diagram of COMBO 3, however in a monitoring unit 5, microphone block 203 is missing.

COMBO 3 comprises a microphone unit 203, an earphone unit 204 and a transceiver / control unit 205. The microphone unit 203 is operative to collect sound waves and convert them to digital audio signals. Microphone unit 203 comprises a microphone.203 connected to an amplifier 207 and A/D circuit 209.

The digitized audio signal is routed to the transceiver/control unit 205 via microphone data channel 309.

Transceiver/control unit 205 comprises a local CPU 215 which may be a micro- processor or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and a WiFi modem/transceiver 218 connected to a suitable antenna 220.

Digital audio signals representative of sound waves collected by the microphone are wirelessly transmitted using WiFi protocol from antenna 220 in COMBO device 3 to voice control apparatus 100. Each of WHQM 2, COMBO 3, WMQM 4 and monitoring unit 5 includes a storage storing an identification (ID) used^' by the WiFi protocol to identify the device. The ID may be a serial number hard wired into the device, or may be set up by a dial, switches, jumpers or by software. In the preferred embodiment, pushbutton (not shown in the figures) is used for setting the ID which is optionally displayed on display 230. Control channel 310 is used by CPU 215 to transmit control signals to A/D 209, for example clock signals or command signals changing the operation of the A/D, for example sampling rate and/or number of bits - thus controlling the quality of the digital audio signals.

Optionally, Control channel 311 is used for controlling amplifier 207, for example muting the microphone or controlling the amplification. Alternatively or additionally, manual control using dials and/or switch and or pushbuttons is used. Transceiver/control unit 205 is also used to receive digital audio signal transmitted from the voice control apparatus 100 using WiFi protocol via WiFi modem/transceiver 218. The received audio signal is routed through earphone data channel 329 from Transceiver/control unit 205 to earphone unit 204. Earphone unit 204 comprises a D/A circuit 222 which converts the digital audio signal to analog form, and an amplifier 224 which drives suitable earphones 302.

Control channel 320 is used by CPU 215 to transmit control signals to D/A 222, for example clock signals.

Optionally, Control channel 321 is used for controlling amplifier 224, for example muting the earphones or controlling the amplification. Alternatively or additionally, manual control using dials and/or switch and or pushbuttons is used.

COMBO device circuits are powered by power source 228. Preferably on/off switch 232 turns on or off the COMBO device. In some embodiments, power source 228 comprises one or more batteries which may be rechargeable batteries. In some embodiments, the COMBO may include squelch circuits or mute switch for reducing the power consumption during periods without transmission and/or reception of sound signal.

Optionally, COMBO device 3 is equipped with a status display unit 23b In the preferred embodiment, display unit 230 indicates registration of the

COMBO device at the sound transceiver 100. The display unit 230 may also indicate some of the COMBO device status parameter, including but not limited to: RF Reception quality, power level of power source 228, COMBO ID, on/off status, on/mute status, sound quality, etc.

In some embodiments, COMBO device is integrated into a single headset. In some embodiments, WHQM and/or WMQM are integrated into one wireless microphone unit wherein the microphone is part of the canister.

A schematic block diagram of sound transceiver 100 is depicted in Fig 3. Sound transceiver 100 comprises: A Wi-Fi hub unit 103 with diversity antenna unit 104, a sound transceiver controller 106 with a USB interface 1007, an audio I/O unit 111 , and a power supply 130.

The audio I/O unit 111 comprises the following: A main audio controller 113 which may be a CPU, a processor, a Digital Signal

Processor (DSP) or an FPGA.

A plurality of A/D circuits 115 (two A/Ds labeled 115a and 115b are shown in the example of figure 3, however the number of A/D may be different), each A/D 115 is connected to separate input connectors 117 (two connectors: 117a and 117b respectively are shown in figure 3). Optionally buffer amplifiers 199 (for clarity, only one of these buffer amplifiers 199 is marked) are inserted between the connectors and the A/Ds.

A plurality of D/A circuits 119 (three D/As labeled 119a to 119c are shown in the example of figure 3, however the number of D/A may be different), connected to separate output connectors 121 (three connectors: 121a to 121c respectively are shown in figure 3)

In an embodiment of the invention, two optional additional of D/A circuits 123a and 123b connected to AUX OUT 125 output connectors (two AUX OUT 125 labeled 125L and 125R for left and right stereo channel respectively are shown in figure 3). Preferably, AUX OUT 125 receives composed signal which is a sum of signals from plurality of microphones. Optionally, composed signal is a processed audio signal wherein processing may comprised weighted summing of signals, addition of echo, spectral equalizing and other sound processing known in the art. Optionally, external sources of sound such as a CD player may be connected with a suitable cable to the AUX IN input connectors 126 (two connectors, 126L and 126R for left and right stereo channel respectively are shown in figure 3). The said external sound signal may be summed with the composed signal in summing amplifiers 198.

According to another aspect of the invention, the sound transceiver is connected to a computer 175 running a software operative to execute certain basic audio console functions selected from a group consisting of amplification level of each active microphone signal, microphone signal routing to the LEFT or RIGHT channel of the AUX OUT 125 output connectors.

The Wi-Fi hub unit 103 convert the RF signals received from WHQM 2, COMBO

3 and /or WMQM 4 (collectively referred to as wireless microphones) to digital signals and communicates with the sound transceiver controller 106 which in turn communicate with the main audio I/O unit 111.

The main audio controller 113 separate the data stream into the separate audio signals which are the reconstructed microphone audio signals and send them to the plurality of D/A circuits 119 which are connected to output connectors 121.

Any desired external music or otherwise voice source may be connected to connectors input connectors 117 which are connected to A/D circuits 115.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two diversity antennas 104 are provided to ensure continuous reception of RF signal in varying reception conditions. This feature may increase the probability of providing continuous communication between the wireless devices and the sound transceiver 100. This feature may also reduce the output transmission power consumption and in turn may help conserving battery power in each wireless microphone.

In a preferred embodiment the sound transceiver 100, communicates with the wireless microphones using the well known IEEE 802.11 "Wi-FP' RF system implementation.

Wi-Fi is a term of art for the IEEE 802.11a and 802.111 b/g wireless transmission specifications. The 802.11 b specification allows for the wireless transmission of approximately 11 Mbps of raw data at indoor distances from several dozen to several hundred feet and outdoor distances of several to tens of miles as an unlicensed use of the 2.4 GHz band. The 802.11a specification uses the 5 GHz band, and can handle 54 Mbps at typically shorter distances. Wi-Fi is an extension of wired Ethernet, bringing the same principles to wireless communication, and as such is ecumenical about the kinds of data that pass over it. Primarily used for TCP/IP, Wi-Fi can also handle other forms of networking traffic, such as AppleTalk or PC files sharing standards.

Alternatively, fiber-less optical transmission system as described in, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,022 to Segev, entitled "Infra-red communication system", the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference may be used. Alternatively, other wireless bidirectional communication protocols may be used.

Each of the above described communication methods may be useful for communicating between the wireless microphones or wireless microphones/ earphones and the sound transceiver. However those who are skilled in the art may use future wireless communication protocols for communication between the wireless devices of the present invention.

In some embodiments power source 130 is a battery, optionally a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments power source receives external power via power connector 1030. In yet other embodiments, power is supplied via USB connector 1007.

Referring now back to figure 1 , System 1000 comprises an audio control console 170.

Audio control console 170, as known in the art, receives sound signal from plurality of inputs, for example the multi-channel microphone input connector 1702. Audio control console 170 is used for manipulating said sound signals, for example, filtering, equalization, amplification, addition of echo and other sound processing and effects and combining said signals in various ways for example forming stereo LEFT and RIGHT output from combinations of at least some of said signals. Processed signals are presented at the multi-channel audio out connector 1701. Audio control console 170 preferably comprise additional input connectors 1703, for example: Aux input for CD player, connectors for local microphones directly wired, etc

Audio control console 170 preferably comprises additional audio out connectors 1704 used for connecting. stage speakers aimed at the audience. Additional audio out connectors 1704 may have additional outputs connected to a recording device etc.

For clarity, devices connected to connectors 1703 and 1704 were omitted from figure 1. According to an embodiment of the invention, D/A 119 in sound transceiver 100 convert the received wireless microphone signals to audio signals. These signals may be routed to a suitable connector 121 and suitable cable 1210 to an audio control console 170 preferably by a plurality of XLR connectors, one per each wireless microphone. Thus, the audio console operator may consider the said connectors as connectors of wired microphones.

The wireless microphone system 1000 may include an additional sound transceiver 200 which is similar to sound transceiver 100. For example sound transceiver 200 may be operative also to communicate with WMQMs 4. The sound transceiver 200 shall operate on a different wireless network frequency, preferably according to that wireless network frequency allocation regulations. The number of coexisting sound transceiver is limited only by the frequency allocation regulations of the specific wireless network.

In the Preferred embodiment, sound transceiver 100 communicates with remote concert quality microphone system 176; while sound transceiver 200 communicates with remote medium quality microphone system 177. However, transceiver 100 or 200 may communicate simultaneously, with both remote concert quality microphones and remote medium quality microphones.

Additionally and optionally, output connectors from a second sound transceiver 200 which carry the audio signals from other wireless microphones may also be routed to the audio control console 170. Processed audio signals, optionally combining signals from both sound transceivers are transmitted from audio control console 170 to first sound transceiver 100 and optionally to second sound transceiver 200 via audio output connector 1701.

Optionally, sound transceiver 100 may be connected to a computer 175. Computer 175 may be a PC computer or a laptop computer. In the preferred embodiment, computer 175 communicates with sound transceiver 100 via USB connection 141. In other embodiments, another suitable Ethernet LAN means of communication are used.

Computer 175 may be used for configuring system 1000, for example during registration of remote microphones. In a preferred embodiment, computer 175 runs software design to manage system 1000. Said software display and manage the wireless microphone registration process. The system operator may use the said software to manage, control and validate the wireless microphones registration process.

In another embodiment, the said software controls one or more features of the wireless microphone status including but not limited to: microphone signal reception quality, sound quality (e.g. medium, CD, good, high, hi-fi, concert); energy source level, and the composition of the audio signal transmitted to each earphone.

In another embodiment, computer 175 executes software for controlling the sound transceiver to execute basic audio console functions. These functions may be selected from a group consisting of: amplification level of each active microphone signal, microphone signal routing to the LEFT or RIGHT channel of the stereo output, echo level to some of the microphones, etc.

In a variant to this embodiment, computer 175 replaces the functionality of audio console 170, greatly simplifying system 1000 and reducing its cost by eliminating the need for costly audio console.

This embodiment will allow the application of the wireless microphone system 1000 for simple tasks which do not require an audio console, e.g., rehearsals, and non professional performing art events.

In some embodiments, the sound transceiver 100 routes to the AUX OUT connector 125 a stereo signal representing a sum of the signals of some or all active wireless microphones. Said stereo signal may be synthesized using a computer 175 running a suitable software operative to amplify combine signals from wireless microphone into stereo signal'. This feature will allow an average user to operate the wireless microphone system 1000 without the need for an audio console but rather through a cable connected to a stereo amplifier. Moreover, running suitable control software on the PC 175 increases the wireless microphone system flexibility and performance. In order to operate system 1000, all active remote microphones have to be registered with sound transceiver 100 or 200.

The sound transceiver controller 106 in sound transceiver 100 comprises a local identification registering unit operative to register a local identification word as received from each wireless microphones which are operative to receive the local identification word from the sound transceiver 100 and communicate with the sound transceiver 100 with the assigned local identification element thus received.

^' In one embodiment each remote unit 2, 3, 4 or 5 has a unique ID. When the ID is hardwired, the manufacturer ensures that no two units would have the same ID. If the ID is changeable, the user ensures that all active units have different IDs.

In one embodiment, sound transceiver 100 has two modes of operation: Registration Mode and Audio Transmission Mode.

Registration mode is initiated at power-up of sound receiver 100, by activation of a switch on sound transceiver 100 or by a command from computer 175.

During registration mode, sound transceiver 100, recognize all the active remote units in its reception range and registers the ID of each. At this stage, sound quality of each remote unit may be defined and bandwidth needed for communication with each remote unit is allocated.

In one embodiment, sound transceiver 100 assigns an output connector 121 for each active microphone. Similarly, if needed, as is the case for COMBO unit, input connectors 117 are also assigned for some of the remote units.

In another embodiment, automatic registration is done wherein sound receiver is set to registration mode while all the remote units are inactive. User is then turn on one remoter unit at the time. Each remote unit which is turned on, communicates with the sound receiver and requests an ID. Sound receiver than assigns an ID to said remote unit.

After registration is completed, sound receiver is switched to audio transmission mode wherein audio signals are exchanged between sound receiver and remote units. Generally, any un registered remote unit operating within the reception range of the sound receiver would not be granted permission to communicate, thus excluding interference from foreign devices.

In some embodiment, mixed mode may be entered, in which an unregistered remote unit requesting ID would be granted permission to communicate with the sound receiver while audio data is exchanged.

The audio quality level of a wireless microphone is limited by two parameters, namely the sampling rate and the number of bits per sample. These two parameters define in turn the required bit rate communication between each wireless microphone and the sound transceiver. The following Table 1 defines common settings of the sampler within a preferred embodiment of the wireless microphone system:

Thus, for wireless signal transmission at 5 GHz RF frequency, using the IEEE 802.11 protocol, with maximum channel bandwidth is 55 MBps which in turn can handle up to 23 wireless microphones operating simultaneously at Concert quality level.

The use of speech compression techniques such as those defined by the ITU-T- G.729 recommendations or similar techniques may significantly increase the sound transceiver capacity to communicate low quality voice.

Music compression techniques such as MP3, may increase the sound transceiver capacity to communicate with at least one hundred wireless COMBO devices operating simultaneously while maintaining reasonable sound quality. For example, commercial CD players use -0.7 MB bandwidth, but lose only little sound quality when compressed -10 fold using MP3 technology.

It should be noted that defining sound quality of remote medium quality microphone system 177 and remote concert quality microphone system 176 is arbitrary. System 1000 may comprise unidirectional and bidirectional remoter units communicating at other sound qualities listed in the above table or proprietary sound quality protocol. Specifically, sound quality of the two channels in a COMBO device that is the IN channel - from the COMBO to the sound transceiver and OUT channel - from the sound transceiver to the COMBO may be different. For example, IN channel may be a single, concert quality channel, while the OUT channel may be a stereo, CD quality channel.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A wireless microphone system comprising: a plurality of wireless microphones; and a sound transceiver in digital wireless communication with said plurality of wireless microphones, wherein at least one of said wireless microphone transmits audio signal at quality equivalent to at least 32,000 samples per second andi6 bits per sample.

2. The wireless microphone system of claim 1 wherein said digital wireless communication is Wi-Fi RF communication.

3. The wireless microphone system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality wireless microphones transmitting audio signal at quality equivalent to at least 32,000 samples per second and 16 bits per sample also receives audio signals from the sound transceiver.

4. The wireless microphone system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality wireless microphones is a mobile unit, capable of being concealed within the user clothing.

5. The wireless microphone system of claim 1 and further comprising an audio control console connected to the sound transceiver.

6. The wireless microphone system of claim 5 wherein audio control console comprises a plurality of microphone input connectors, wherein at least two of said microphone input connectors receives from the sound transceiver audio signals originated from different wireless microphones.

7. The wireless microphone system of claim 6 wherein audio control console further comprises a plurality of audio output connectors, wherein at least two of said audio output connectors are connected to the sound transceiver and wherein said sound transceiver transmits audio signals from said audio output connectors to different wireless microphones.

8. The wireless microphone system in claim 1 or 5 and further comprises a computer connected to the sound transceiver.

9. The wireless microphone system in claim 8 wherein the connection between the computer and the sound transceiver is via USB connection.

10. The wireless microphone system in claim 1 , wherein the sound transceiver can be operated to change at least one of the wireless microphone system functions.

11. The wireless microphone system in claim 10, wherein the sound transceiver can be operated to change at least one of the wireless microphone system functions selected from the group of: audio sampling rate and number of bits per sample.

12. The wireless microphone system in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the wireless microphones comprise a display unit.

13. The wireless microphone system in claim 12, wherein the display unit displays data chosen from a group consisting of: ID, registration check, power source level, audio quality level and reception quality.

14. The wireless microphone system in claim 1 , wherein the sound transceiver sums audio signals from plurality of wireless microphones and route the said sum signal to an output connector.

15. The wireless microphone system in claim 1 , wherein the output connector is wired to an external stereo amplifier.

16. The wireless microphone system of claim 2 wherein digital wireless communication conforms to a transmission specification chosen from the group consisting of: IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b/g

17. The wireless microphone system of claim 1 wherein digital wireless communication conforms to a fiber-less optical transmission specification.

18. The wireless microphone system in claim 1 and further comprising at least a second sound transceiver, wherein the plurality of wireless microphones in the local communication area are divided to plurality of groups, and wherein each group assigned to a separate sound transceiver.

19. The wireless microphone system in claim 8, wherein software running on the compute is operative to execute sound transceiver management functions selected from a group consisting of: wireless microphone registration, ID assignment to active wireless microphones and assignment of audio quality level for wireless microphones.

20. The wireless microphone system in claim 8, wherein the software running on the computer is operative to execute basic audio console functions chosen from a group consisting of: level of active wireless microphone amplification, microphone signal routing to the LEFT and RIGHT channels of the stereo output and echo control.

21. The wireless microphone system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the wireless microphones wirelessly receives digital audio signals from the sound transceiver, converts said audio signals to sound waves and present said sound waves to the user of the wireless microphone.

22. The wireless microphone system of claim 21 , wherein sound waves presented to the user consists of his/her own voice collected and transmitted by his/her wireless microphone.