WO2017046631A1

WO2017046631A1 - A system and a method for voice reinforcement

Info

Publication number: WO2017046631A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/057121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lauris STAFECKIS
Original assignee: Certes Technologies
Priority date: 2015-09-16
Filing date: 2015-09-16
Publication date: 2017-03-23

Abstract

The invention relates to a voice reinforcement method and system for schools, universities, corporate environments, government institutions and homes or the like. The system comprises two main elements – a portable unit and a main unit. The portable unit comprises a microcontroller, an audio codec, a RF transceiver, and an IR transmitter. The main unit comprising a microcontroller, an amplifier, a speaker, an IR receiver and a RF transceiver. Method for activation of the portable unit and the main unit comprises the following steps: activation of a portable unit from a sleep mode upon switching a power button; activation of a pairing mode in the portable unit; sending IR control signal to a main unit to activate said main unit from a sleep mode; activation of a audio codec (4) of the portable unit to be able to receive voice signals; and activation of a Mic input of the portable unit.

Description

A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR VOICE REINFORCEMENT

Technical Field The invention relates to a voice reinforcement method and system for schools, universities, corporate environments, government institutions and homes or the like.

Background Art United States patent No. US 5,748,707 discloses a remote wireless speakerphone system comprises a base receiver for direct connection to telephone company lines to receive and transmit voice information over the lines. The base receiver has a speaker which has sufficient power to make voice information received on the telephone line audible in a room. The system also includes a transmitter unit sized to be carried on the person of the user. The transmitter unit includes a microphone positioned to take up the speaking voice of the user and a radio transmitter, which transmits this signal to the receiver. The receiver delivers this voice information to the telephone company line. In this way, the user is free of wires connecting him to the base unit and can conduct two-way conversation by listening to the speaker on the base unit and speaking into the microphone he carries.

Another United States patent No. US 6,560,469 discloses a microphone/speaker-contained wireless remote control system for an Internet device, comprising a system body and a remote controller, each of which includes a circuitry for performing a voice compression operation and modulating an analog audio signal into a digital signal. The remote controller further includes a speaker for transferring an audio signal from the Internet device to the user, and a microphone for receiving a user's voice. In the case where a singing room function is selected, the user's voice received by the microphone is processed in a digital manner. Radio frequency signals are transmitted and received between the remote controller and Internet device through antennas.

Complexity of microphone usage frighten users to use voice reinforcement devices. All existing manufacturers of voice reinforcement systems who are using 2,4GHZ wireless connectivity for microphone and main unit or receiver for the pairing are using buttons on the microphone and the receiver to activate pairing mode. This means that the receiver is needed to be installed in reach of users, but, considering the fact that more and more receivers are installed on the ceiling, the solution was needed to be found how to open radio frequency (RF) channel on the receiver for pairing without reaching the receiver unit; turning the receiver on or off; and not keeping radio channel active all the time for saving energy.

Summary of the Invention

Aim of the invention is reached by developing a system for voice reinforcement, wherein the system comprises two units - a portable unit for voice recording and transmitting and a main unit for voice or sound generating.

The portable unit at least comprises a microcontroller of the portable unit, an audio codec, a RF transceiver of the portable unit, and an IR transmitter. It further comprises a USB port; battery charger, a battery unit and at least one LED for indicating a performance of the portable unit.

The audio codec comprises a microphone and is connected to the RF transceiver and the microcontroller of the portable unit and is configured to supply voice signals thereto. The audio codec further comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC); an automatic gain control (AGC) unit and a digital signal processing (DSP) unit. The RF transceiver of the portable unit comprises an antenna and is connected to the audio codec and a microcontroller of said portable unit and is configured to transmit voice signals received therefrom.

The IR transmitter is connected to the microcontroller of the portable unit and is configured to transmit control signals to the main unit to activate and control it.

The main unit comprises a microcontroller of the main unit, an amplifier, a speaker, an IR receiver and a RF transceiver of the main unit. The main unit further comprises a LED unit for indicating a status of said main unit and a power supply.

The RF transceiver of the main unit comprises an antenna and is connected to the microcontroller and is configured to receive voice signals received from the portable unit. The IR receiver is connected to the microcontroller of the main unit and is configured to receive control signals received from the portable unit. The microcontroller of the main unit is configured to control the amplifier and therefore the speaker according to the instructions implemented in received control signals from the portable unit. The instructions can include volume un or down, change of pre-sets in the equalizer; speakers mute or on/off of the main unit or portable unit.

The amplifier further comprises an equalizer and a dynamic range compression (DRC) unit. The Aux in/out comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

The portable unit further comprises a power button, a volume down button and a volume up button. Both the volume down button and the volume up button are for controlling a volume of the speaker of the main unit. Both buttons are also used to increase or lower an amplification of the microphone of the portable unit.

When the portable unit is switched on, then short press of the volume up button increases the amplification of the microphone of the portable unit by one predetermined level. Short press of the volume down button decreases the amplification of the microphone of the portable unit by one predetermined level. When the portable unit is switched on, then hold of the volume up button periodically increases the amplification of the microphone of the portable unit. Hold of the volume down button periodically decreases the amplification of the microphone of the portable unit. The portable unit is configured so that short press of the button is pressing of the button for a short period of time and then releasing it. The button hold is pressing of the button for at least 3 seconds.

When the portable unit is switched off, then by short press of the volume up button a command to decrease a volume (VOL DOWN) is sent to the main unit via IR channel. By short press of the volume down button a command to increase a volume (VOL UP) is sent to the main unit via IR channel. By button hold of the volume up button a command to change the Equalizer settings (Change EQ) is sent to the main unit via IR channel. By button hold of the volume down button a command to mute the main unit (MUTE) is sent to the main unit via IR channel.

When the portable unit is switched off, then after a short press of the power button the portable unit is switched off. By holding of the power button will activate a pair command between the portable unit and the main unit via IR channel. For example , the pair command will be sent to the main unit after 10 seconds from the pressing of the power button.

When the portable unit is switched off, then by holding the power button a command to switch on or of the main unit is sent via IR Channel. By holding of the power button will activate the portable unit (switch on) and will send a pair command (MIC Connect) to the main unit.

The portable unit further comprises a Mic input of the portable unit for connecting an external microphone and receiving voice signal from said external microphone connected thereto.

The present invention further comprises a method for activation of the portable unit and the main unit. The method comprises the following steps:

a) activation of a portable unit from a sleep mode upon switching a power button;

b) activation of a pairing mode in the portable unit;

c) sending IR control signal to a main unit to activate said main unit from a sleep mode;

d) activation of a audio codec of the portable unit to be able to receive voice signals;

e) activation of a Mic input of the portable unit. After not receiving any voice signals during a predetermined time the portable unit is switched back into the sleep mode. The predetermined time, for example, can be 20 minutes from the last reception of the voice signal from any of the sources - from the microphone of the portable unit or from the external microphone. Accordingly, the connection between both units is lost and after 30 seconds goes into sleep mode

The method further comprises the following step: f) when the portable unit is switched on, pairing of the portable unit with the main unit is activated by pressing and holding for at least 3 seconds a power button. The method further comprises the following step: g) when the portable unit is switched off, pairing of the portable unit with the main unit is activated by pressing and holding for at least 3 seconds a power button and a volume up button. The method further comprises the following step: h) when the portable unit is switched off, the Mic input of the portable unit is switched on or switched off by pressing and holding for at least 3 seconds a power button and a volume down button. The portable unit can also function as a remote control for the main unit or a wireless mini- transceiver when using an external over-the-ear microphone that can be plugged into the portable unit.

Remote control can be used to control the main unit - turn it ON/OFF, volume up/down, switch between audio presets, MUTE sound, open Bluetooth channel and restore default settings. To transmit sound from the portable unit also called microphone, it must be paired to the RF receiver unit, where later received signal is being sent to the amplifier and the speaker. The portable unit can be connected to the main unit containing the speaker using a built-in 2.4 Ghz receiver. The portable unit itself has an internal microphone and Aux in to connect external headset microphone to transmit voice to the main unit.

A PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) pairing can also be used. It comprises a logic chain of actions by pressing one button of the portable unit - by holding button for a certain amount of seconds, lot of sequential activities can done: activates Runa Tx from sleep mode; activates Runa Tx Pairing mode; sends IR command to Rx to activate Rx from sleep mode; activates Tx internal microphone for sound transmitting; and activates Tx Aux line in channel.

The present invention is incredibly effortless to implement, simple to install, easy to use and extremely flexible. The main unit can be installed on a ceiling or wall or can be used as a portable wireless speaker by simply placing it on a table in the room.

Brief description of the drawings

The following disclosure will be better understood by a person skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the figures.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a system of voice reinforcement.

Fig. 2 is view showing a portable unit 1 having a volume up button 202, a volume down button 201 and a power button 200. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the control unit 1 showing an USB 5 and a Mic input 13.

Fig 1 schematically illustrates a system for voice reinforcement comprising two main elements - a portable unit 1 as a microphone and a control unit and a main unit 100 as a speaker and to be controlled by the portable unit 1.

The portable unit 1 (see Fig. 1) comprises a microcontroller 2 of the portable unit 1, a microphone 3, an audio codec 4, an USB 5, a RF transceiver 6 of the portable unit 1 having an antenna 7, a battery unit 8 with battery charger 11, at least two LEDs 9 , an IR transmitter 10, at least three buttons 12 and a external microphone or Mic input 13. The microcontroller 2 is configured to control each aspect of the portable unit 1 and to process each command given through the buttons 12, 200, 201 and 202. Accordingly, the microcontroller 2 is connected almost to each element of the portable unit 1. The audio codec 4 is connected to the mic 3 and to the Mic input 13 to receive voice signal therefrom, process them and transmit said processed signals to the microcontroller or to the RF transceiver 6 for transmitting them to the main unit via both antennas 7 and 107 of both units 1 and 100. IR transmitter 10 is configured to transmit IR signals to the IR receiver 110 of the main unit 100.

The main unit 100 (see Fig. 1) comprises a microcontroller 102 of the main unit 100, an amplifier 103, a speaker 111, an IR receiver 110, an Aux in/out 101, a RF transceiver 106 of the main unit 100, an antenna 107, at least on LED 109 and a power supply 108 for providing power to the main unit 100. The microcontroller 102 is configured to control each aspect of the main unit 100 as well as process signals received from the portable unit 1. The main unit 100 is provided with amplifier 103 connected to the speaker 111 for amplifying signals received from the microcontroller 102. The amplifier 103 additionally is also provided with an equalizer.

Fig. 2 shows one embodiment of the portable unit 1. The portable unit 1 comprises a microphone 3 and control buttons 12, such as a power button 200, mainly for switching on or off, a volume up button 202 and a volume down button 201 for controlling a volume and other functions of the portable unit 1 and the main unit 100 as described before. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the control unit 1 showing the USB 5, two LEDs 9 and the Mic input 13. The LEDs 9 are provided to indicate a status of the portable unit 1. The USB 5 is provided to connect said portable unit 1 to other devices or to the external power source. While the inventions have been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventions. Therefore, it is intended that the inventions not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

A system for voice reinforcement, wherein the system comprises:

- a portable unit (1) comprising a microcontroller (2) of the portable unit (1), an audio codec (4), a RF transceiver (6) of the portable unit (1), and an IR transmitter (10), wherein the audio codec (4) comprises a microphone (3) and is connected to the RF transceiver (6) and the microcontroller (2) of the portable unit (1) and is configured to supply voice signals thereto,

wherein the RF transceiver (6) comprises an antenna (7) and is connected to the audio codec (4) and a microcontroller (2) and is configured to transmit voice signals received therefrom, and

wherein the IR transmitter (10) is connected to the microcontroller (2) of the portable unit (1) and is configured to transmit control signals to the main unit (100) to activate and control it, and

- a main unit (100) comprising a microcontroller (102), an amplifier (103), a speaker (111), an IR receiver (110) and a RF transceiver (106) of the main unit (100), wherein the RF transceiver (106) of the main unit (100) comprises an antenna (107) and is connected to the microcontroller (102) and is configured to receive voice signals received from the portable unit (1),

wherein the IR receiver (110) is connected to the microcontroller (102) of the main unit (100) and is configured to receive control signals received from the portable unit (1), and

wherein the microcontroller (102) of the main unit (100) is configured to control the amplifier (103) and therefore the speaker (111) according to the instructions implemented in received control signals from the portable unit (1).

A system for voice reinforcement according to Claim 1, wherein the portable unit (1) further comprises a power button (200), a volume down button (201) and a volume up button (202).

A system for voice reinforcement according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the portable unit (1) comprises a Mic input (13) of the portable unit (1) for receiving voice signal from external microphone connected thereto. Method for activation of the portable unit (1) and the main unit (100) according to any claim 1 to 3, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) activation of a portable unit (1) from a sleep mode upon switching a power button (200);

b) activation of a pairing mode in the portable unit (1);

c) sending IR control signal to a main unit (100) to activate said main unit (100) from a sleep mode;

d) activation of a audio codec (4) of the portable unit (1) to be able to receive voice signals;

e) activation of a Mic input (13) of the portable unit (1).

The method according to Claim 4, wherein after not receiving any voice signals during a predetermined time the portable unit (1) is switched back into the sleep mode.

The method according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the method further comprises the following step:

f) when the portable unit (1) is switched on, pairing of the portable unit (1) with the main unit (100) is activated by pressing and holding for at least 3 seconds a power button (200).

The method according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the method further comprises the following step: g) when the portable unit (1) is switched off, pairing of the portable unit (1) with the main unit (100) is activated by pressing and holding for at least 3 seconds a power button (200) and a volume up button (202).

The method according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the method further comprises the following step: h) when the portable unit (1) is switched off, the Mic input (13) of the portable unit (1) is switched on or switched off by pressing and holding for at least 3 seconds a power button (200) and a volume down button (201).