Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to public address systems, and more particularly
to a public address system using wireless mobile communication devices as microphones.
Background
[0002] When an audience member wishes to speak (e.g. in order to ask a question of a presenter
in a large conference room/auditorium), the audience member usual raises his/her hand
in an effort to attract the attention of a moderator/master of ceremonies. Upon being
recognized by the moderator/master of ceremonies, the audience member then normally
has to wait for a wireless microphone to be passed to him/her by a conference assistant
who must deliver the wireless microphone, either directly or hand-to-hand by several
other audience members, and thereafter retrieve it in like fashion. This process is
inefficient in that the moderator/master of ceremonies may accidentally overlook the
audience member, and time delays are introduced while the audience member waits to
receive the cordless microphone.
Summary
[0003] According to an aspect of this specification, there is provided a public address
system, comprising at least one wireless mobile communication device; a sound system,
and a back-end system having an interface for exchanging connection information and
requests with the at least one wireless mobile communication device and in response
sending a connection authorization message to the at least one wireless mobile communication
device for enabling access to the sound system and transmission of wireless audio
signals thereto for broadcast.
[0004] According to another aspect, there is provided a wireless mobile communication device,
comprising: a microphone, a wireless microphone application for converting audio signals
to wireless signals, and at least one communications subsystem for sending a request
message responsive to one of either activation of a URL link or launching of the wireless
microphone application, receiving a connection authorization message, and in response
transmitting the wireless signals for broadcast.
[0005] According to a further aspect of this specification, there is provided a back-end
system for use in a public address system, comprising: an antenna, a computer that
includes a data interface and application software for exchanging connection information
and requests with a plurality of mobile communication devices via the antenna and
in response arbitrating between the requests and sending a connection authorization
message to one of the wireless mobile communication devices to enable access to the
public address system and receiving and converting wireless signals from the one wireless
mobile communication device to audio signals, and an audio interface for transmitting
the audio signals to at least one speaker.
[0006] According to yet another aspect of this specification, there is provided a method
of operating a public address system, comprising receiving at least one request message
for access to the public address system, processing the request message for arbitrating
between the request message and any other pending request message to access the public
address system, and in response sending a connection authorization message to enable
access to the public address system, and receiving wireless audio signals and transmitting
said audio signals to the public address system.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative public address system using wireless
mobile communication devices as microphones, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is block diagram illustrating a wireless mobile communication device in accordance
with the present disclosure;
[0009] FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, are flow diagrams illustrating a method carried out by a wireless
mobile communication device and a back-end system of the public address system, in
accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0010] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an alternative public address system using wireless
mobile communication devices as microphones, in accordance with the present disclosure.
Description of Preferred Embodiments
[0011] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative public address system 100 using wireless mobile communication
devices 110, 110', 110", etc., as microphones. The public address system 100 may be
configured to operate in a large conference room or auditorium environment, or other
public or private venue.
[0012] Wireless mobile communication devices 110, 110', 110" communicate with a service
provider 120 via a cellular network 130 to exchange voice and data. The service provider
120 communicates via the Internet 140 to exchange voice and data with at least one
messaging server 150 under control of a messaging infrastructure 160, in a well known
manner.
[0013] The public address system 100 includes a back-end system 170 which, in the illustrated
embodiment, includes an interface for communicating with the messaging server 150,
as described in greater detail below, and an interface connected to an antenna 180
for wireless communication with mobile communication devices 110, 110', 110" using
any of a plurality of well known wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
™ (Bluetooth
™ is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.), etc.. Wirelessly transmitted voice
signals are transmitted from back-end system 170 to a sound system 190 for amplification
and broadcast over at least one loudspeaker 195.
[0014] Back-end system 170 preferably comprises a computer, such as a PC or server that
includes application software for wireless communication with mobile communication
devices 110, 110', 110", using Bluetooth
™, Wi-Fi, or other suitable wireless protocol. The system 170 preferably also includes
an audio interface having an analog audio output to the sound system 190.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating some of the components of the wireless
mobile communication devices 110, 110', 110", etc. In the embodiment depicted in FIG.
2, wireless mobile communication device 110 includes a communication subsystem 200
for wireless two-way data and voice communication with the cellular network 130. Communication
subsystem 200 may include one or more receivers, transmitters, antennas, signal processors
and other components associated with wireless communications. The particular design
of the communication subsystem 200 depends on the network in which the wireless mobile
communication device 110 is intended to operate. The concepts herein may be applicable
to a variety of wireless mobile communication devices, such as two-way pagers, cellular
telephones, etc.
[0016] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, network access is associated with a subscriber
or user of the wireless mobile communication device 110 via a memory module 202, which
may be a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card for use in a GSM network or a Universal
Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) card for use in a Universal Mobile Telecommunication
System (UMTS). The SIM card is inserted in or connected to an interface 204 of the
wireless mobile communication device 110 to operate in conjunction with a wireless
network. Alternatively, the wireless mobile communication device 110 may have an integrated
identity module for use with systems such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
systems.
[0017] The wireless mobile communication device 110 also includes a battery interface 206
for receiving at least one rechargeable battery 208. The battery 208 provides electrical
power to at least some of the electrical circuitry in the wireless mobile communication
device 110, and the battery interface 206 provides a mechanical and electrical connection
for the battery 208.
[0018] The wireless mobile communication device 110 includes a microprocessor 210 which
controls the overall operation of the wireless mobile communication device 110. Communication
functions, including at least data and voice communications, are performed through
the communication subsystem 200, as discussed above. The microprocessor 210 also interacts
with additional device subsystems such as a display 212, flash memory 214, a random
access memory (RAM) 216, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems 218, a data port
such as serial port 220, keypad 222, speaker 224, microphone 226, a short-range (i.e.
near field) communications subsystem 228, and any other device subsystems generally
designated as 230. The microprocessor may further interact with other components,
which for simplicity are not shown in FIG. 2.
[0019] The microprocessor 210, in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution
of software applications on the wireless mobile communication device 110. Software,
which may include operating system software or application software, may be stored
in flash memory 214, RAM 216 or any other memory element. As will be discussed below,
according to an exemplary embodiment, application software is provided to permit the
wireless mobile communication device 110 to function as a wireless microphone in the
public address system 100 of FIG. 1.
[0020] A predetermined set of applications that control basic device operations, including
data and voice communication applications, will normally be installed on the wireless
mobile communication device 110 during or after manufacture. The wireless mobile communication
device 110 may include a personal information manager (PIM) application having the
ability to organize and manage data items relating to a user such as, but not limited
to, instant messaging, email, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task
items.
[0021] In a data communication mode, a received data signal representing information such
as a text message, an email message, a media file to be transferred, or Web page download
will be processed by the communication subsystem 200 and input to the microprocessor
210, which will further process the signal. In response to the received data signal,
the microprocessor 210 may generate output for display on the display 212.
[0022] For voice communications, the wireless mobile communication device110 may receive
one or more signals associated with a voice communication, such as an indication of
the identity of a calling party. In response to the received data signal, the microprocessor
210 may generate output for display on display 212 and/or the speaker 224.
[0023] In addition, as discussed briefly above, a short-range communications subsystem 228
is provided for communication between the wireless mobile communication device 110
and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For
example, the short-range communications subsystem 228 may include an infrared device
and associated circuits and components, or a wireless bus protocol compliant communication
mechanism such as a Bluetooth
™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems
and devices. In another embodiment, the short-range communications subsystem 228 may
be a wireless networking communications subsystem, conforming to IEEE 802.11 standards
such as one or more of 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n.
[0024] In an embodiment discussed in greater detail below, the short-range communications
subsystem 228 permits wireless communication with the public address system 100 via
antenna 180 using any of the foregoing well known wireless protocols to transmit voice
signals that are then sent to sound system 190 for broadcast over the loudspeaker
195. The choice of wireless protocol may depend on the size of auditorium/hall/conference
room in which the meeting is to take place. For example, a person of skill in the
art will appreciate that phone-class Bluetooth
™ communications may be used for distances of about 10 meters between the wireless
mobile communication devices 110, 110', 110" and the public address system 100, whereas
WiFi provides a range of about 100 meters.
[0025] In another embodiment discussed below in connection with FIG. 4, the short-range
communications subsystem 228 may also communicate with an RFID/NFC (radio frequency
identification/near field communication) or similar tag to identify an audience member
and associate the audience member with a particular seat (or other location) in order
to permit the audience member to speak or initiate questions under control of back-end
system 170.
[0026] The wireless mobile communication devices 110, 110', 110" may include one or more
circuit boards (not shown) that implement the components described above. This disclosure
is not limited to any particular electronic component or software module or any combination
thereof.
[0027] In operation, according to the embodiment of FIGS 1, 2 and 3 and 3A, a master of
ceremonies (MC) issues an SMS/email/calendar appointment invitation (step 300) to
the wireless mobile communication devices 110, 110', 110", etc. of a plurality of
invited participants. Preferably, the invitation includes a link (e.g. URL) to a web
site that provides information on how to connect to the public address system at the
designated time and place of the appointment (i.e. meeting).
[0028] When an invited participant wishes to ask a question, make a comment or otherwise
speak, he/she either clicks on the link in the invitation displayed on his/her wireless
mobile communication device 110, 110', 110", etc. or launches an application on the
wireless mobile communication device (step 305), which causes the device 110, 110',
110" to send a request message to back-end system 170 via the cellular network 130,
Internet 140 and messaging server 150 under control of messaging infrastructure 160
(step 310). The request message is processed by the back-end system 170 (step 315),
either automatically or under control of the MC, to arbitrate between the user request
and any other pending user requests to access the public address system 100 via their
wireless mobile communication devices 110, 110', 110", etc. In one embodiment, the
back-end system 170 may send a confirmation message to the wireless mobile communication
device 110, 110', 110", for displaying a message via display 212 to indicate that
the user's request is pending.
[0029] Once the moderator/master of ceremonies (or automatic arbitration/selection program)
determines that the request to speak should be granted, back-end system 170 transmits
a connection authorization message (step 320) to the user's wireless mobile communication
device 110, 110', 110" via messaging server 150 under control of messaging infrastructure
160, Internet 140 and the cellular network 130, to enable access to the public address
system 100 via antenna 180. In response to receiving the authorization message (step
325), the wireless mobile communication device 110, 110', 110" launches its wireless
microphone application from flash memory 214, RAM 216, etc., and communicates with
the public address system 100 via antenna 180 (step 330) to transmit voice signals
that are then sent to sound system 190 for broadcast over the loudspeaker 195. The
wireless microphone application functions in a manner similar to well known hands-free
applications for mobile GPS units, and can either be pre-loaded on the wireless mobile
communication device 110, 110', 110", manually downloaded from service provider 120
(or other web application provider), or automatically downloaded from the back-end
system 170 along with the connection data during step 320 or, according to one embodiment
discussed below in connection with FIG. 4, the wireless microphone application may
be downloaded from an RFID/NFC device to the wireless mobile communication device
110, 110', 110". In one embodiment, the wireless microphone application may enforce
frequency damping to avoid feedback from loudspeaker 195.
[0030] Security of the voice channel between wireless mobile communication devices 110,
110', 110" and the public address system 100 may provided using conventional protocols.
For example, Wi-Fi utilizes WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) while Bluetooth
™ may include a security layer on top of the communications channel, as is well known
in the art.
[0031] Turning to the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4, whose operation is set forth in
FIGS. 3 and 3B, before the meeting is scheduled to take place, an NFC-enabled device
is used to program individual RFID/NFC tags 400, 400', 400", etc. with password information
to enable either Bluetooth
™ pairing or Wi-Fi authentication to the public address system 100.
[0032] During the meeting, when a participant wishes to ask a question, make a comment or
otherwise speak, he/she either 'taps' (i.e. touches) his/her wireless mobile communication
device 110, 110', 110", etc. on the RFID/NFC tag 400, 400', 400", etc. which causes
the tag to transmit connection information (step 300') for connecting to the public
address system 100 (i.e. type, encryption keys, PIN, seat number, etc.). As discussed
above, in one embodiment, the wireless microphone application is also downloaded from
the RFID/NFC tags 400, 400', 400", etc. to wireless mobile communication devices 110,
110', 110", etc.
[0033] RFID/NFC tags 400, 400', 400", etc. are integrated electronic chips and antennae.
Normally, the RFID/NFC tags are passive and battery-less and are powered by an electromagnetic
excitation field from the short range (near field) communications component 228 of
the mobile communication device. However, active, battery-powered tags may also be
utilized.
[0034] In response to downloading the connection information, the wireless mobile communication
device 110, 110', 110", etc. launches an application (step 305), which causes the
device 110, 110', 110" to wirelessly send a request message to back-end system 170
via one of either antenna 180 or the cellular network 130, Internet 140 and messaging
server 150 under control of messaging infrastructure 160 (step 310). The request message
is processed by the back-end system 170 (step 315), either automatically or under
control of the MC, to arbitrate between the user request and any other pending user
requests to access the public address system 100 via their wireless mobile communication
devices 110, 110', 110", etc.
[0035] Once the moderator/master of ceremonies (or automatic arbitration/selection program)
determines that the request to speak should be granted, back-end system 170 sends
a connection authorization message (step 320) to the user's wireless mobile communication
device 110, 110', 110" to enable access to the public address system 100 via antenna
180. In response to receiving the authorization message 320 (step 325), the wireless
mobile communication device 110, 110', 110" launches its wireless microphone application
from flash memory 214, RAM 216, etc., and communicates with the public address system
100 via antenna 180 (step 330) to transmit voice signals that are then sent to sound
system 190 for broadcast over the loudspeaker 195, as discussed above in connection
with the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0036] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a difference between the embodiments
of FIGS. 1 and 4 is that in the embodiment of FIG. 4 connection/authentication information
is received from the RFID/NFC tags 400, 400', 400", etc. (step 300') instead of being
downloaded following user selection of a link in an email/SMS invitation and sending
of the invitation before the meeting (step 300), as in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0037] The embodiments set forth above are for illustration, and although one or more particular
embodiments of the system and method have been described herein, changes and modifications
may be made thereto. For example, although transmission of the connection authorization
message (step 320) from back-end system 170 to the user's wireless mobile communication
device 110, 110', 110" is described in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 4 as occurring
via messaging server 150 under control of messaging infrastructure 160, Internet 140
and the cellular network 130, it is contemplated that the connection authorization
message can be transmitted from back-end system 170 to the user's wireless mobile
communication device 110, 110', 110" via antenna 180. All such changes are believed
to be within the scope of this disclosure in its broadest aspects and as set forth
in the following claims.
1. A public address system (100), comprising:
at least one wireless mobile communication device (110, 110', 110");
a sound system (190); and
a back-end system (170) having an interface for exchanging connection information
and requests with said at least one wireless mobile communication device (110, 110',
110") and in response sending a connection authorization message to said at least
one wireless mobile communication device for enabling access to the sound system (190)
and transmission of wireless audio signals thereto for broadcast.
2. The public address system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one wireless
mobile communication device (110, 110', 110") further comprises a microphone (226);
and at least one communications subsystem (200, 228) for exchanging said connection
information and transmitting said wireless audio signals.
3. The public address system according to claim 2, wherein said communications subsystem
(110, 110', 110") comprises at least one of a Bluetooth™ transmitter and a WiFi transmitter.
4. The public address system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising
at least one radio frequency/near field communication tag (400, 400', 400") for transmitting
said connection information to said at least one wireless mobile communication device
(110, 110', 110") for exchange with said back-end system (170).
5. The public address system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a messaging server (150) for exchanging said connection information and requests between
said back-end system (170) and said at least one wireless mobile communication device
(110, 110', 110") and sending said connection authorization message from said back-end
system to said at least one wireless mobile communication device.
6. A wireless mobile communication device (110, 110', 110"), comprising:
a microphone (226);
a processor (210);
a memory (214, 216) storing a wireless microphone application executable by said processor
(210) for converting audio signals to wireless signals;
at least one communication subsystem under control of said processor (210) for sending
a request message responsive to one of either activation of a uniform resource locator
'URL' link or launching of said wireless microphone application, receiving a connection
authorization message, and in response transmitting said wireless signals for broadcast.
7. The wireless mobile communication device according to claim 6, wherein said wireless
microphone application enforces frequency damping to avoid feedback.
8. The wireless mobile communication device according to claim 6 or claim 7, further
comprising a display (212) for displaying a confirmation message subsequent to sending
said request message and prior to receiving said connection authorization message
to indicate that the request is pending.
9. The wireless mobile communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein
said wireless microphone application is one of either a pre-loaded application, a
downloaded application from one of either a wireless service provider (120) or web
application provider, an automatically downloaded application that comprises said
authorization message, or an application downloaded from a radio frequency identification/near
field communication tag (400, 400', 400").
10. A back-end system (170) for use in a public address system (100), comprising:
an antenna (180);
a computer that comprises a data interface and application software for exchanging
connection information and requests with a plurality of mobile communication devices
(110, 110', 110") via said antenna and in response arbitrating between said requests
and sending a connection authorization message to one of said wireless mobile communication
devices to enable access to the public address system (100) and receiving and converting
wireless signals from said one of said wireless mobile communication devices to audio
signals; and
an audio interface for transmitting said audio signals to a sound system (190).
11. The back-end system according to claim 10, further comprising an interface to a messaging
system (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) for said exchanging of connection information and
requests.
12. A method of operating a public address system (100), comprising:
receiving at least one request message for access to the public address system;
processing the request message for arbitrating between said request message and any
other pending request message to access the public address system, and in response
sending a connection authorization message to enable access to the public address
system; and
receiving wireless audio signals and transmitting said audio signals to the public
address system.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising transmitting a confirmation message
after receiving said at least one request message to indicate that the request message
is process pending.
14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein at least one of said request
message, connection authorization message and wireless audio signals are wireless
signals conforming to one of either Bluetooth™ or WiFi signaling protocols.
15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said wireless audio signals
received at said public address system are received from a wireless mobile communication
device (110, 110', 110").
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. A public address system (100), comprising:
at least one wireless mobile communication device (110, 110', 110");
a sound system (190); and
a back-end system (170) having an interface for exchanging connection information
and requests with said at least one wireless mobile communication device (110, 110',
110") and in response sending a connection authorization message to said at least
one wireless mobile communication device via a cellular network, such that said at
least one wireless mobile communication device (110, 110', 110") is enabled to access
to the sound system (190) and transmit wireless audio signals thereto for broadcast
via a short range communications component (228) of said at least one wireless mobile
communication device (110, 110', 110").
2. The public address system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one wireless
mobile communication device (110, 110', 110") further comprises a microphone (226);
and at least one communications subsystem (200, 228) for exchanging said connection
information and transmitting said wireless audio signals.
3. The public address system according to claim 2, wherein said short range communications
component (228) comprises at least one of a Bluetooth™ transmitter and a WiFi transmitter.
4. The public address system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising
at least one radio frequency/near field communication tag (400, 400', 400") storing
said connection information, said connection information received at said at least
one wireless communication device (110, 110', 110") from at least one of said at least
one radio frequency/near field communication tag (400, 400', 400") or said back end
system (170) via said cellular network and when said connection information is received
from said at least one radio frequency/near field communication tag (400, 400', 400"),
said at said at least one wireless communication device (110, 110', 110") exchanges
said connection information with said back-end system (170).
5. The public address system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a messaging server (150), in communication with said interface, for exchanging said
connection information and requests between said back-end system (170) and said at
least one wireless mobile communication device (110, 110', 110") and sending said
connection authorization message from said back-end system to said at least one wireless
mobile communication device.
6. A wireless mobile communication device (110, 110', 110"), comprising:
a microphone (226);
a processor (210);
a memory (214, 216) storing a wireless microphone application executable by said processor
(210) for converting audio signals to wireless signals;
at least one communications subsystem under control of said processor (210) for sending
a request message responsive to one of either activation of a uniform resource locator
'URL' link or launching of said wireless microphone application, and in response receiving
a connection authorization message via a cellular network; and
a short range communications subsystem (228) under control of said processor (210)
for transmitting said wireless signals for broadcast, responsive to receiving said
connection authorization message.
7. The wireless mobile communication device according to claim 6, wherein said wireless
microphone application enforces frequency damping to avoid feedback.
8. The wireless mobile communication device according to claim 6 or claim 7, further
comprising a display (212) for displaying a confirmation message subsequent to sending
said request message and prior to receiving said connection authorization message
to indicate that the request is pending.
9. The wireless mobile communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein
said wireless microphone application is one of either a pre-loaded application, a
downloaded application from one of either a wireless service provider (120) or web
application provider, an automatically downloaded application that comprises said
authorization message, or an application downloaded from a radio frequency identification/near
field communication tag (400, 400', 400").
10. A back-end system (170) for use in a public address system (100), comprising:
an antenna (180);
a computer that comprises a data interface and application software for exchanging
connection information and requests with a plurality of mobile communication devices
(110, 110', 110") via a cellular network and in response arbitrating between said
requests and sending a connection authorization message to one of said wireless mobile
communication devices to enable access to the public address system (100) and receiving
and converting wireless signals from a short range communications subsystem (228)
of said one of said wireless mobile communication devices to audio signals, said wireless
signals received via said antenna (180); and
an audio interface for transmitting said audio signals to a sound system (190).
11. The back-end system according to claim 10, further comprising an interface to a messaging
system (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) for said exchanging of connection information and
requests.
12. A method of operating a public address system (100) in communication with a back
end system (170), comprising:
receiving, at said back end system (170), at least one request message from one of
a plurality of mobile communication devices (110, 110', 110") for access to the public
address system;
processing, at said back end system (170), the request message for arbitrating between
said request message and any other pending request message from any other of said
plurality of said mobile communication devices (110, 110', 110") to access the public
address system, and in response sending a connection authorization message to said
one of said plurality of mobile communication devices (110, 110', 110") via a cellular
network to enable access to the public address system; and
receiving, at said back end system (170), wireless audio signals from a short range
communications subsystem (228) of said one of said plurality of mobile communication
devices (110, 110', 110")and transmitting said audio signals to the public address
system.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising transmitting a confirmation
message after receiving said at least one request message to indicate that the request
message is process pending.
14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said wireless audio signals
are wireless signals conforming to one of either Bluetooth™ or WiFi signaling protocols.