DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates the general arrangement and connection of a distributed audio system having features in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system generally comprises an audio source 6 having a right channel signal output line 8 and left channel signal output line 10 . Both the right channel 8 and the left channel 10 are referenced to a respective ground 12 . The audio source 6 provides an electrical signal representing an audio signal and may further generate a stereo signal representing a variance in the signal between the right channel 8 and the left channel 10 . The audio source may comprise any number of suitable audio sources, including, without limitation, a radio tuner/receiver, tape player, phonograph, compact disc player, microphone or similar device. Alternatively, or in addition, a public addressing system (not shown) may integrate with the audio source 6 to provide for the transmission of a paging signal through the audio system.

[0047] The output from the audio source 6 connects to an audio amplifier (or in this case an optional signal conditioner 14 ) through electrical connectors. Multiple digital audio signals may be multiplexed or time shared at the input device of the audio amplifier. Demultiplexing may be controlled by means of isochronous timing. The signal conditioner 14 may be located up to about 100 feet or more from the audio source 6 , but is preferably located within about 30 feet from the audio source and is most preferably located within about 10 feet from the audio source. The signal conditioner 14 amplifies the audio signal to a suitable level for components receiving the audio signal from the signal conditioner. The signal conditioner 14 generally comprises input terminals, internal amplifier circuitry, and signal output connectors, as shown. In an alternative embodiment, a balanced output from the audio source, and suitable conductors may allow for locating audio source 6 up to 500 feet from the signal conditioner 14 , if desired.

[0048] An external power supply 16 preferably provides 24 volts DC on a power supply line 18 referenced to a common ground line 19 to the signal conditioner 14 . Suitable power supplies providing voltage regulated DC current are known by those skilled in the art and, accordingly, they are not described in detail herein. A power line 22 connects to the signal conditioner 14 and extends through the system to a plurality of powered volume controls 20 . Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the power supply 16 could alternatively be internal to the signal conditioner 14 and/or each powered volume control 20 or it could be configured to operate on other voltages.

[0049] Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the system can be configured to work without the signal conditioner 14 , using a conventional amplifier or direct connection. For example, the volume control 20 could be connected to the output channel of a conventional amplifier or directly to the audio signal source 6 . The signal conditioner 14 is preferred, however, to amplify the signal to a desired predetermined level for transmission over significant distance and to provide a plurality of parallel output terminals, if desired.

[0050] The signal conditioner 14 provides the right channel line 24 , the left channel line 26 , a power line 22 and ground 12 to each of a plurality of volume controls 20 . The volume control 20 provides user adjustable amplification of the audio signal and provides the amplified signal to one or more speakers. Preferably, each volume control 20 powers two speakers. Each volume control 20 has a speaker output connector block 28 , an input connector block 30 , and an output connector block 32 and. as shown, each of which has four terminals. Each volume control amplifies the audio signal from the signal conditioner, and transmits the amplified signal to a pair of remote speakers. Each volume control is preferably located as near as possible to the speakers in a convenient, accessible place. Advantageously, the volume control has a high input impedance thereby enabling a plurality of volume controls to connect to a single signal conditioner without undesirably placing too low an impedance load on the signal conditioner 14 or other amplifier.

[0051] The speaker connector block 28 comprises a right channel terminal 34 and right ground terminal 36 and a left channel terminal 38 and left ground terminal 40 . A right speaker 42 connects via a right speaker line pair 46 to the right channel speaker terminal 34 and right channel ground terminal 36 . A left speaker 44 connects via a left speaker line pair 48 to the left channel speaker terminal 38 and left channel ground terminal 40 .

[0052] The input connector block 30 comprises a power input terminal 50 which connects to the power supply line 22 , a ground terminal 52 which connects to the ground 12 , a right channel input terminal 54 for receiving the right channel audio signal, and a left channel input terminal 56 for receiving the left channel audio signal. The audio signal received by the volume control 20 may be an analog signal or a digital signal. The signal may be streaming digital audio data such as is used in TCP/IP networking. Digital audio may be transmitted to the volume control 20 using optical technology or spread spectrum wireless technology. The four lines from the signal conditioner 14 connect to the volume control 20 at the input connector block 30 . Alternatively, for mono-channel or monophonic applications a three conductor wire could be used to carry power, the audio signal and ground to the volume controls 20 . The output connector block 32 comprises a power output terminal 58 which provides power to other parallel connected volume control 20 , a ground terminal 60 which connects to the ground 12 , a right channel output terminal 62 , and a left channel output terminal 64 .

[0053] Internal to the volume control 20 and as described in more detail herein is circuitry which amplifies the incoming signal for right and left channel speakers 42 , 44 . A user-adjustable variable adjustment device such as a voltage divider, variable resistor, potentiometer or similar device controls the magnitude of the signal provided to the amplifier 102 thereby providing for continuously variable volume level adjustment. The amplified signal is output to the speaker connector block 28 to which the right speaker line pair 46 and left speaker line pair 48 connect and thereby feed the signal to a right speaker 42 and a left speaker 44 , respectively.

[0054] The volume control 20 may provide local source input switching which may consist of automatic or manual engagement of the local source. The local source may send or share music with other volume controls 20 . This is similar to sharing files or printers in a networked computer system. [Not sure what you meant by item # 10 ]

[0055] Volume Control Housing

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates one preferred configuration of a volume control 20 adapted to be installed in a wall 80 . Advantageously, the volume control 20 is configured to fit within an electrical wall box or other type enclosure placed in a wall, including, but not limited to, a single, double, or multi-gang wall box, a plaster ring, a face plate mount or a partially in-the-wall partially out-of-the-wall box. Alternatively, the entire control may be aesthetically located outside the wall in a box or control panel, if desired, or one or more remote hand-held units such as infrared controls may also be used.

[0057] The outer housing 79 of the volume control 20 is preferably constructed of an electrically nonconductive material. Alternatively, the housing 79 may be constructed of metal that is electrically isolated from the internal circuitry contained within. The speaker connector block 28 , input connector block 30 , and output connector block 32 are provided at the back of the volume control 20 , thereby providing terminals to connect the volume control 20 to the signal conditioner 14 , speakers 42 , 44 , and/or other volume controls. The front of the volume control 20 has a mounting bracket or yoke 82 having pre-formed holes or openings 84 for securing the volume control to a wall box 81 via suitable screws or other fasteners. Advantageously, the entire volume control 20 is preferably sized to fit within a single gang wall box 81 . The mounting bracket holes 84 are located accordingly to mount the volume control in a standard single gang box, using screws or other attachment device.

[0058] The above construction provides significant advantages over prior art devices because in-wall mounted volume controls are more convenient to operate than centralized volume controls or volume controls integrated in a speaker booster circuit. Furthermore, integrating the high power amplification capability with high-quality audio signal reproduction in a wall box volume control is a significant advance over systems of the prior art, especially when considered in view of the added flexibility provided for installing such powered volume controls as a retrofit or replacement for existing autoformer attenuators. Suitable electrical boxes 81 , either single-gang or multi-gang, are common in both commercial and residential electrical wiring systems and are readily available. Alternatively, other in-wall mounting options exist, such as plaster mounting rings and the like, and are contemplated for use with this preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] A stem 86 of a variable adjustment device, such as a potentiometer or trim pot, extends from a hole formed in the yoke 82 of the volume control 20 providing means to control the level of amplification of the audio signal, i.e., the volume for each the right channel and the left channel. It is contemplated that connected to the stem 86 may be a potentiometer control knob 88 which may be of the slider bar, rotating knob, or digital push button type, as desired. The potentiometer control may also be provided in a graphical user interface (GUI) type control surface for volume adjustment and other control features. A decorative face plate 87 preferably covers the exposed front of the mounting bracket 82 to provide an aesthetic installation. While a wall mounted volume control is disclosed, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that additional controls could also be incorporated, as desired, such as balance, treble, and/or bass adjustment. The volume control and additional controls could be controlled remotely using wireless or infrared technologies.

[0060] Signal Conditioner Circuitry

[0061] FIG. 3 more fully illustrates the internal componentry of the signal conditioner 14 shown in FIG. 1 . Note that preferred component values and device specifications are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention herein disclosed.

[0062] The signal conditioner 14 generally comprises a two channel amplifier each having gain determined by a variable resistor potentiometer, and a plurality of signal conditioner output connector blocks 100 . Advantageously, the signal conditioner 14 appears as a very high impedance to the signal source thereby preventing the signal conditioner from distorting or overloading the signal source. The signal conditioner 14 is preferably powered by a 24-volt regulated power supply which also powers each volume control connected thereto. A voltage of 24 VDC is preferred in order to maintain the “low voltage” status of the product.

[0063] The signal conditioner 14 amplifies the audio signal for transmission to a plurality of volume controls 20 . A continuously variable master adjustment device such as a resistor or potentiometer RP 1 , RP 2 allows adjustment of the level of amplification on each channel. The variable master adjustment device provides the user the advantage of being able to preset the maximum voltage presented to the input of the volume controls. This prevents an inexperienced volume control operator from driving the remote amplifier or the speakers into distortion or damaging the volume control or speakers. The variable master adjustment device also allows the volume control and speaker to be grounded, i.e., shut off, if desired.

[0064] The signal conditioner's output has four conductors which advantageously enable the system of this preferred embodiment to connect to most existing wiring systems thereby providing a system ideal for retrofitting existing outdated or inadequate systems. The four lines carry the following signals: 24 volts DC power 22 , ground 12 , right channel 24 in reference to ground, and left channel 26 in reference to ground. Alternatively, for mono-channel applications three conductors may be utilized to carry power, ground, and the audio signal.

[0065] For ease of manufacturing, design and operation the left channel amplification circuitry mirrors the right channel amplification circuitry and, accordingly, only the right channel amplification circuitry is described in detail herein. Furthermore, the audio amplifier of this preferred embodiment is of the type commonly used for audio signal amplification. The circuit is built around a LM1875 20 watt power audio amplifier built by National Semiconductor and is described on page 1-154 to 1-159 of the National Semiconductor application book. Advantageously, the LM1875 amplifier is a monolithic power amplifier which offers low distortion and high quality signal performance at temperatures up to 170° C. while thermal protection limits return operation to 150° C. The LM1875 offers up to 30 watts of power output with distortion levels of generally less than 0.015% total harmonic distortion (THD) at 1 Khz at 20 watts and is extremely stable at gains of 5 or greater. The gain of the amplifier is preferably between about 5 and 20 and most preferably between about 7 and 13. Of course, other semiconductor amplifiers may be used in place of the LM1875, including, but not limited to, integrated circuit known as the TDA2040, TDA7262, or TDA2614 available from Thomson Electronics.

[0066] While the amplifier design shown and described herein is analog linear amplification, it will be appreciated that other amplifier designs may be used. For example, the amplifier may be pulse width modulated or may use direct digital technologies.

[0067] As known by those of ordinary skill in the art, adequate heat dissipation helps maintain amplifier longevity and performance. The National Semiconductor application book provides detailed information regarding heat dissipation and proper heat sinking of the amplifier components.

[0068] The right channel audio signal from the audio source 6 enters the signal conditioner 14 at the right channel connector 8 having reference to ground 12 . Preferably the connector is a standard RCA plug which is commonly used in audio applications. Of course, a plethora of suitable electrical and optical connectors exist and may be used to enjoy the advantages of the invention herein disclosed. Although RCA connectors are mentioned explicitly the invention should in no way be limited to connectors of any one type. Thus, it is contemplated that the use of any suitable audio-quality connectors, such as spade terminals, are within the inventive scope of this application.

[0069] It is also envisioned that the signal from the audio source could be configured as a balanced output, if desired. Balanced output eliminates undesirable noise in the audio signal. A typical balanced output comprises three lines, consisting of a positive terminal, a negative terminal and ground. A balanced signal is often carried over a three conductor cable comprising a twisted pair and ground for each channel. Three pin connectors are used to connect a balanced output to an input circuit. Thus, in a mono-channel application, the balanced output would require four conductors and a stereo application would require six conductors (two for right channel, two for left channel, ground and power). Those of ordinary skill in the art are familiar with balanced outputs and, accordingly, they are not discussed in great detail herein. Other electrical connectors exist and can easily be adapted for use with the present invention, as desired, such as pin connectors, terminal strips and the like.

[0070] Other types of wiring may be substituted for four-conductor speaker wire. For example, Category 5 (CAT-5) wiring may be used. The use of CAT-5 wiring allows additional control signals or data to be transmitted separately with audio signal and power conductors.

[0071] Use of CAT-5 wiring allows for high-speed transmission of audio information by twisted pair. Such high-speed transmission is especially beneficial when the transmission is a digital audio bit stream as opposed to an audio signal.

[0072] Connected to the right channel connector 8 is a 1 kΩ resistor R 2 which feeds into a 50 kΩ variable resistor potentiometer RP 2 . As is known by those of ordinary skill in the art, the variable resistor is preferably configured as a voltage divider in both the signal conditioner 14 and the volume control 20 (described later). The variable resistor RP 2 is user variable between a series resistance of about 0 to 1000 kΩs, more preferably between about 0 and 100 kΩs and most preferably between about 0 and 50 kΩs and provides for adjustment of the signal voltage level to an input A 1 of the amplifier 102 . The signal is applied to the terminal of amplifier 102 through a series connected 1 kΩ resistor R 4 and a 1.0 uF capacitor C 2 .

[0073] The positive side of the capacitor C 2 connects in parallel with the positive side of a 100 pF capacitor C 4 , a 22 kΩ resistor R 6 and the positive input A 1 of the amplifier 102 . The negative side of the capacitor C 4 connects to ground. The capacitor C 4 and the capacitor C 2 work in unison to form a band-pass filter for the amplifier 102 thereby allowing only a certain range of frequencies to the amplifier. The capacitor C 2 blocks any low frequency or direct current (DC) from entering the amplifier 102 . Capacitor C 4 provides a short circuit path for high frequency noise or signals. The 22 kΩ resistor R 6 in turn connects in parallel with a 1.5 kΩ resistor R 15 , a 10 uF capacitor C 13 and a 1N52429 zener diode D 2 . The zener diode D 2 biases the amplifier 102 so that the output voltage may swing from +12 volts to −12 volts. A resistor R 15 , preferably 1.5 KΩ, is connected to power supply node 104 . Current flow is controlled by a 1N4004 diode D 1 connected to a one-half (½) amp fuse 106 . The fuse prevents greater than a predetermined current flow from entering the circuitry of the signal conditioner 14 and causing damage thereto. The fuse 106 connects to a terminal accepting power via the power line 18 from the power supply 16 (see FIG. 1 ). The diode D 1 protects the circuitry by preventing current from flowing backwards through the circuit should the power input inadvertently be hooked up positive input to ground.

[0074] Preferably, a 1000 uF capacitor C 14 is connected between the supply rail 104 and ground 12 . As is known by the those skilled in the art, the capacitor C 14 will act as an open circuit to DC current but allow AC signals to pass freely. Thus this design further reduces noise in the system of the present invention by allowing high frequency signals on the power supply node 104 to freely flow to ground 12 . Furthermore, the capacitor C 14 acts as a power storage device should the power at node 104 momentarily sag.

[0075] The signal at the positive amplifier input A 1 is reproduced or replicated at the amplifier output A 4 having gain determined by the user controlled variable resistor RP 2 and is inverted in relation to the signal of the amplifier input A 1 . The negative amplifier input A 2 connects in parallel with a 22 kΩ resistor R 10 which in turn feeds back to the amplifier output A 4 through resistor R 10 . This connection provides negative feedback to reduce the gain and increase the fidelity of the amplifier. The negative amplifier input A 2 also connects to ground through a 1 kΩ resistor R 8 in series with a 47 uF capacitor C 6 . The amplifier 102 also has DC power supply voltages applied across terminals A 3 and A 5 . These are known by those of ordinary skill in the art as “rail voltages” and are constant power supply voltages needed to operate the amplifier 102 . The output voltage at the amplifier output A 4 must remain between the voltage at the terminals A 3 and A 5 . Terminal A 5 is connected to the power supply rail 104 and is also referenced to ground through a 0.1 uF capacitor C 8 . The capacitor C 8 shorts high frequency noise to prevent it from interfering with the operation of the amplifier 102 . Amplifier terminal A 3 connects directly to ground.

[0076] The amplifier output A 4 connects to a resistor-capacitor network comprising a 0.1 uF capacitor C 10 , 4.7Ω resistor R 12 , and 1000 uF capacitor C 12 , and resistor R 14 . The resistor-capacitor network provides high frequency stability and prevents parasitic oscillation. The capacitor C 12 blocks any DC signal from the output while the capacitor C 10 acts as a short to ground for high frequencies. The opposite side of the capacitor C 12 connects in parallel with a 1 kΩ resistor R 14 and the output terminal for the right channel output 24 . Terminating the audio signal line 24 through a connection to ground through R 14 provides DC residual bleed off of voltage produced by the output of the amplifier 102 .

[0077] The amplifier output A 4 , provides the right channel signal to the signal output terminal 24 and to a plurality of output connector blocks 100 , as shown in FIG. 1 . One or more output blocks 100 may be connected to one or more volume controls 20 ( FIG. 1 ) as desired. Each connector block 100 also provides a power terminal 22 , left channel signal terminal 26 , and a ground terminal 12 as shown. A four conductor line connects to each connector block 100 to carry the audio signal, and power, to each volume control 20 . Advantageously, four conductors are utilized to power traditional speaker pairs, i.e. two conductors for each speaker, thereby making the four conductor configuration of the system of the present invention ideal for retrofit applications. Other wiring, such as CAT-5 wiring, may also be used. In particular, CAT-5 wiring is ideally suited when high speeds are required, for example, when a digital audio bit stream is used.

[0078] As noted above, the system of the present invention may also be configured to operate without the signal conditioner 14 or other amplifier by connecting the audio source 6 ( FIG. 1 ) and power supply 16 ( FIG. 1 ) directly to the volume control 20 ( FIG. 1 ).

[0079] The operation and connections for the left channel amplifier circuitry essentially mirrors the operation and connections for the right channel amplifier described herein and, therefore, this description will not be repeated.

[0080] Volume Control Circuitry

[0081] As noted above in connection with FIG. 1 , the output terminals of the signal conditioner 14 connect via wires or some other form of signal conductor to the input connector block 30 of one or more volume controls 20 . FIG. 4A illustrates a basic block diagram of one possible embodiment of the circuitry for a volume control 20 . The signal enters the volume control 20 through the input connector block 30 which in turn connects to an input attenuator 120 . The attenuator decreases the voltage swing of the input signal. The signal is then further divided by a variable resistor RP 4 . Accordingly, the left channel signal is also divided by a variable resistor RP 3 . The voltage divided right channel signal then enters the volume control amplifier 103 , which preferably has a constant gain. Thus, the variable resistor RP 4 determines the magnitude of the signal presented to the constant gain amplifier 103 . The resistance of the variable resistor RP 4 is between about 0 to 1000 kΩs, more preferably between about 0 and 100 kΩ and most preferably between about 0 and 50 kΩs. The amplified signal is then provided to the left speaker 44 through the speaker connector block 28 .

[0082] Power to the circuit is provided through the input connector block 30 . A power line from the connector block 30 connects to a fuse 108 and then to a diode D 1 before connecting to the volume control amplifiers 103 , 203 . The supply rail is referenced to ground through a capacitor C 14 , thereby shorting any high frequency noise on the supply rail. The capacitor C 14 also acts as a power storage device should the power at node 104 momentarily sag. The volume control also comprises an output connector block 32 connected electrically to the input connector block 30 so that a plurality of volume controls may be configured in a daisy chain arrangement, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0083] The circuitry of the volume control 20 may be configured to operate in a bridged or single channel mode. FIG. 4B illustrates a volume control 20 configured in bridged mode. In bridged mode, the volume control 20 supplies power to left and right speakers 42 , 44 , ( FIG. 1 ). The connections to the input connector block 30 and to the speaker connector block 28 may be varied, as desired, to achieve other stereo-power output and mono-channel output configurations.

[0084] FIG. 4C illustrates the internal componentry of one preferred embodiment of a volume control 20 , configured for stereo audio amplification. The circuitry of the volume control 14 generally resembles the circuitry of the signal conditioner 14 . The four conductor wires from the signal conditioner 14 connect at the input connector block 30 . The terminals of the input connector block 30 are each daisy chained directly to the corresponding terminals of the output connector block 32 to facilitate connection of additional volume controls 20 in a daisy chain fashion, as described below in more detail.

[0085] The power terminal 22 also connects to a ½ amp fuse 108 as in the circuitry of the signal conditioner 14 . Power is supplied to the circuit in the same fashion described above for the signal conditioner 14 . The ground terminal 52 also connects to a circuit ground 12 . The left channel amplification circuitry also mirrors the right channel amplification circuitry in the volume control 20 . Thus, in the interest of brevity only the differences in the right channel circuitry of the volume control 20 in comparison to the right channel circuitry of the signal conditioner 14 are described herein.

[0086] The right channel input terminal 54 connects to attenuator circuitry shown as 120 . The attenuator comprises a 100 kΩ resistor R 50 in series in with the input signal. Alternatively, an attenuator bypass switch 122 , in parallel with the resistor R 50 , provides means for bypassing the attenuator to maintain the signal at its fullest magnitude. Thus, depending on the position of the switch 122 , the 100 kΩ resistor R 50 may be bypassed with a short or placed in series with the input signal. For example, if the volume control 20 were to be directly connected to a line level source (unamplified), the resistor R 50 may be bypassed via switch 122 so as to not decrease the signal strength to too low a level.

[0087] A jumper 124 connects opposite the attenuator 120 to a ribbon wire 126 . The ribbon wire connects at the front of the board to an input jumper 128 . The input jumper 128 connects to a 10 kΩ variable resistor RP 4 . The 10 kΩ resistor RP 4 adjusts the magnitude of the signal presented to the right channel amplifier circuitry, thereby controlling the magnitude of the signal exiting the volume control 20 and the volume of the sound at the right speaker 42 . The variable resistor RP 4 is controlled by a user adjustable device such as the rotatable stem 86 shown on FIG. 2 . Moving to FIG. 6 B, the same circuitry described above for the signal conditioner 14 connects to resistor RP 4 . It is an advantage of the present invention that both the variable resistors which control right and left channel power amplification, i.e. volume, are located on the master board 141 , as shown in FIG. 6 A, which decreases manufacturing costs and increases reliability. As shown in FIG. 4C, a single control, dual track potentiometer controls the right channel variable resistor and the left channel variable resistor in unison. Alternatively, separate controls for each of the right and left channel could be provided to achieve balance control between the right and left channel.

[0088] The left channel output connects to the speaker connector block 28 through 1000 uF capacitor C 12 . The right channel line connects to the right channel speaker output terminal 34 . Ground 12 connects to the right channel ground terminal 36 . The right speaker 42 connects to the output connector block 28 via a two conductor right speaker line 48 as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0089] System Operation

[0090] FIG. 5A is a schematic block diagram of the powered volume control described above. FIG. 5B shows corresponding relative signal voltage levels which occur during typical operation of this preferred embodiment. To operate the system, the audio source 6 (in this case a tape output) and the power supply 16 must first be energized, thereby enabling the power supply to provide current to the signal conditioner 14 and the volume control 20 . The audio source 6 provides an audio signal at a voltage level commonly known as “tape out” level. The tape out level is a common output voltage level in the audio industry and most audio equipment is capable of producing a signal at a tape out level. The level of the signal from the audio source 6 is approximately 1 volt AC as shown at section 182 of the signal voltage graph 180 . Note that the graph 180 shows the relative, not actual voltage level, of the audio signal at each section within the system.

[0091] From the audio signal source 6 , the signal travels via a right channel line 8 and a left channel line 10 to the input of the signal conditioner 14 . Alternatively, the system could be configured in a mono-channel configuration thereby providing an identical audio signal on both the right and left channel or a single channel having greater power. Advantageously, the input of the signal conditioner 14 presents a high input impedance, generally greater than about 1 kΩs, which prevents the signal conditioner from distorting the output of the audio source 6 and excessively loading the audio source output voltage. More preferably, the input impedance of the signal conditioner 14 is between about 1 kΩ and 100 kΩs and most preferably greater than about 1000 kΩ. Upon entering the signal conditioner 14 , the signal passes through the variable resistor RP 2 ( FIG. 3 ) which generally creates a voltage drop in the signal to about 0.5 VDC as shown at section 184 . The variable resistor RP 2 is selectably controllable to alter the degree of attenuation in the signal shown at section 184 . Adjusting the resistance of RP 2 adjusts the amplitude of the signal. Thus, an operator may adjust the level of the audio signal at node 184 controlling the right and left channel variable resistors or other adjustment device, such as a potentiometer, variable resistor, rheostat, trimpot, or digital resistor network. Such control advantageously provides means to prevent the volume control 20 from receiving a signal from the signal conditioner 14 which would damage the volume control or the speakers.

[0092] The signal next enters the amplifier 102 . The gain of the amplifiers of the signal conditioner 14 and the volume control 20 are generally constant and thus the power of the signal exiting the amplifier is determined by the magnitude of the signal entering the amplifier.

[0093] The amplified audio signal is shown in FIG. 5B as an amplified signal at section 186 . Upon exiting the amplifier, the amplified signal is provided at terminal 24 on the signal output block 100 . The signal exiting the signal conditioner 14 is fairly robust and advantageously is prepared for transmission at the higher voltage amplitude which aids the signal in resisting interference and provides sufficient magnitude for transmission to a distant volume control 20 . Preferably, the amplitude of the output signal from the amplifier 102 swings in the range from about plus/minus 4 to 5 volts in reference to ground, although other biasing ranges may be suitable such as ±1-3 volts or up to ±30-50 volts or more. Because the output voltage of the signal conditioner at section 186 is fairly robust, the millivoltage noise it may pick up creates less overall distortion than a signal at a tape out voltage level which may swing less than about ±1 volt. Thus, the present invention creates a conditioned audio input signal which, because of its increased magnitude, is more resistant to the effects of noise and provides a more robust signal to facilitate transmission over extended distances. Further, the low output impedance of the signal conditioner 14 allows for more voltage to be dropped across devices connected thereto, such as the volume control 20 . The signal conditioner has output impedance of less than about 100Ω, more preferably less than about 1Ω, even more preferably less than about 0.01Ω, and most preferably less than about 0.001Ω. Four conductors or wires, which carry the right and left channel signals, ground, and power, link the signal conditioner 14 to each of one or more volume controls 20 . The amplitude of the amplified audio signal between the signal conditioner 14 and the volume control 20 is shown at section 188 on the relative signal graph 180 .

[0094] The volume control 20 connects to each conductor from the signal conditioner 14 . The volume control 20 displays a high input impedance which thereby allows a plurality of volume controls to be connected to a single signal conditioner 14 without overloading. The input impedance of the volume control 20 is preferably greater than about 1 kΩ, more preferably between about 1 kΩ and 1000 kΩ and most preferably greater than about 1000 kΩ. The input impedance of the particular preferred embodiment described herein is about 100 kΩ. This is a significant advantage over prior art systems which are limited in the number of additional speakers that can be connected to a single amplifier because each additional speaker, having an impedance of anywhere from 4 to 8 Ωs, would combine in parallel thereby incrementally loading the amplifier with a lower and lower impedance. Advantageously, a single signal conditioner 14 , in conjunction with adequate power from one or more power supplies 16 , can serve up to a hundred or more powered volume controls 20 . Additional power sources may be provided as needed, to supply additional volume controls. Such power sources may be separated or may be incorporated in the powered volume control(s), as desired.

[0095] The signal at section 188 enters the volume control 20 through terminals 50 , 52 , 54 , 56 at section 190 . This signal is attenuated by attenuator 120 which decreases the amplitude of the incoming signal at section 192 to about 1 volt thereby insuring that the amplifier 103 of the volume control 20 is not driven into clipping mode or does not suffer permanent damage. The attenuated signal at section 192 is provided across the variable resistor RP 4 having resistance selectably controlled by the user of the volume control 20 . The operation of the volume control allows the operator to adjust the position of variable resistor RP 4 to alter the resistance presented to the incoming signal which in turn controls the signal presented to the volume control amplifiers at section 194 and the sound volume provided by the speakers 42 , 44 .

[0096] After the magnitude of the incoming signal is adjusted to a relative voltage of about 0.5 volts (depending on the desired voltage output level) at section 194 , the signal enters the amplification circuitry of the volume control 20 , shown in FIG. 4C . The volume control 20 has an amplifier 103 to increase the magnitude and/or power of the signal provided to the right channel output terminal 54 . From the right channel output terminal 54 the right channel signal travels to the right speaker 42 . From the left channel output terminal 56 the left channel signal travels to the left speaker 44 . As shown in the circuitry ( FIG. 5A ) and the shaded section 196 ( FIG. 5B ), the power of the signal at the output terminal 54 may be adjusted using the variable resistor knob 88 ( FIG. 2 ) to control the volume at the speaker 42 . Since the volume is user adjustable, the signal voltage may swing from 0 volts to about +/−11 volts, referenced to ground. Of course, using different circuitry and biasing voltages, the output voltage may range from 0 volts to +/−50 volts. Further, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art, the voltage output of the volume control 20 is also a function of the resistance of the load attached thereto.

[0097] Advantageously, the volume control 20 displays a low output impedance thereby making the volume control 20 appear as a substantially ideal power source to each speaker. The volume control 20 preferably has an output impedance of less than about 100Ω, more preferably less than about 1Ω and even more preferably less than about 0.01Ω and most preferably less than 0.001Ω. It is contemplated that a number of various speaker types could be used with this system and although this preferred embodiment discloses connecting a single pair, modifications could easily be made to the circuitry disclosed herein to facilitate connecting additional speakers, if desired.

[0098] The amplification levels of the signal conditioner 14 and the volume control 20 , determined by the variable resistors RP 2 , RP 4 , are preferably adjusted by a user so that the signal conditioner provides the volume control with a signal magnitude such that when the volume control variable resistor RP 4 is set for maximum amplification (volume) the volume control amplifier 103 is safely below power levels which could result in clipping and distortion or damage to the volume control or speakers. The signal conditioner 14 thus sets the maximum level and prevents the volume control from being improperly adjusted to provide distorted audio output or causing damaging electrical or mechanical overload.

[0099] Preferably, the volume control 20 provides 7.5 watts per channel RMS at 0.2% THD with a frequency response of 20 Hz-20 KHz. The volume control 20 may accept a signal input at line level, at the adjustable level from the signal conditioner 14 , or at a higher magnitude, if an attenuator is incorporated, from the output of a power amplifier.

[0100] Optional High Power Volume Control

[0101] In an alternative embodiment, the volume control 20 can be configured to output 15 watts per channel. Although the overall configuration and operation of this alternative preferred embodiment are generally the same as for the lower power version of the volume control described above, some salient differences exist and are described herein.

[0102] Two primary electrical hardware differences exist between the low power 7.5 watt version described above and the 15 watt high power version. To achieve 15 watts of power amplification, another circuit board, called a slave board, is utilized having generally similar circuitry as in the main board. When the slave board is added to the system of the low power volume control, it may be necessary to fit the system within a double gang or multi-gang box instead of a single gang box. Alternatively, the high power version or the low power version could be configured to fit within enclosures of various sizes and shapes, including single gang wall boxes. Again, while the preferred embodiment described herein may be contained within or mounted to a wall, other mounting configurations and locations exist and may be used while still enjoying the benefits and advantages at the present invention as herein disclosed.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 6 A, the connector blocks 28 , 30 , 32 are identical to the 15 watt embodiment shown in FIG. 4C . Connected to the input terminal 54 is the attenuator 120 which in turn connects to the jumper 124 having ribbon cable 126 leading to the input jumper 128 . The 10 kΩ variable resistor RP 4 connects to the input jumper 128 . However, the output of the variable resistor RP 4 in the high power embodiment is different from the circuitry of the 7.5 watt low power embodiment in that it links to a master board to slave board jumper 140 . A ribbon wire connects to the jumper 140 thereby carrying the signal via ribbon cable to the slave board input 144 on the slave board 142 ( FIG. 6B ).

[0104] FIG. 6B illustrates the preferred componentry and configuration of the slave board 142 . From the slave board input 144 the signal enters circuitry that is generally identical to the circuitry of the 7.5 watt embodiment and the circuitry of the main board. To accomplish the additional power amplification, two LM 1875 amplifiers are utilized per channel instead of one. Thus the slave board contains two LM 1875 amplifiers and the master board contains two LM 1875 amplifiers. To further achieve increased amplification, the output of the first slave amplifier 150 is fed into the negative input A 2 of the second slave amplifier 152 through a 22 kΩ resistor R 54 . In addition, the positive input terminal A 1 of the second slave amplifier 152 is simply connected to ground through a 0.1 uF capacitor C 15 . The output of the second slave amplifier 152 eventually connects to the negative terminal 156 of the slave board signal output 154 . Conversely, the output of the first slave amplifier 150 eventually leads to the slave board positive output terminal. The slave board 142 achieves double amplification by operating the second slave amplifier 152 as an inverting amplifier whereby the output of the second slave amplifier is amplified and inverted in relation to the amplified output of the first slave amplifier 150 .

[0105] The slave board receives power via the ribbon cable at the slave board power terminal 160 . Further, ground is provided via the ribbon cable at the slave board ground terminal 162 to facilitate slave board operation. The slave board output terminal block 154 connects via ribbon cable to the slave master jumper 170 located on the master board 141 . This connection provides the right channel output from the slave board 142 to the speaker connector block 28 . Also provided to the speaker connector block is the output from the left channel amplifier pair located on the master board 141 . As shown in FIG. 6 A, the master board 141 is generally identical in operation to the slave board 142 . The output of the first and second master board amplifiers connect to the speaker connector block. The signal to the speakers 42 , 44 is not referenced to ground, but between an amplified input signal and an amplified inverted input signal. The volume control 20 provides 7.5 watts per channel RMS at 0.2% THD with frequency response of 20-20 KHz. The volume control 20 may accept signal input at line level or at speaker level.

[0106] In yet another embodiment, the 7.5 watt configuration and the higher power 15 watt configuration may selectively be configured in a single or mono-channel bridged amplifier configuration, thereby providing increased power amplification to a single channel. The mono-channel amplifier is configured by connecting the positive lead on the signal input to one channel of the amplifier and the negative lead on the signal input to the other channel of the amplifier. Thus the output is the amplified difference between the negative input and the positive input.

[0107] Series/Daisy Chain Configuration

[0108] As shown in FIG. 7 , the output connector block 30 of each volume control 20 preferably provides terminals to connect an additional volume control in an alternative embodiment known as a daisy chain arrangement. Advantageously, each volume control 20 provides an output connector block 30 thereby facilitating connection to the input of another volume control 20 via a four conductor line 70 . Connecting the system in this manner aids installation by reducing the number of four conductor wires which must be installed in areas away from the audio source 6 . In essence, a single four conductor connector line 70 links each volume control 20 . The connector line 70 connects the output connector block 32 of one volume control to the input connector block 30 on the next volume control.

[0109] In the preferred embodiment, the power supply 16 is able to power from about 1 to 6 volume controls 20 , and more preferably, about four. Consequently, in this preferred embodiment, a supplemental power supply 16 a may be used to supply additional volume controls with power. The supplemental power supply 16 a connects at the power input of every fifth volume control 20 . Of course, those persons skilled in the art will realize that other configurations are possible wherein greater or less than four volume controls may be powered by a single power supply 16 . Alternatively, each volume control may contain its own power supply circuitry connected, for example, to a suitable 120 voltage AC source.

[0110] Optional Embodiments and Modifications

[0111] Many optional embodiments and modifications are possible to provide enhanced operation or functionality in a powered volume control or distributed audio system as disclosed herein. For example, in one optional embodiment (not shown) an additional component, known as an attenuator, may be integrated in the path of the right and left channel between a power amplifier and the signal conditioner 14 or a volume control 20 . Including an attenuator facilitates connection to a power amplifier (not shown) whereby the high power signal from the power amplifier is reduced by about 30 dB. The additional attenuator, such as an OP-3 available from Sonance, Inc. of San Clemente, Calif. provides a 30 dB reduction in signal strength thereby preventing overloading signal conditioner 14 or volume control 20 . Attenuators of this nature are known to those skilled in the art and, accordingly, the internal circuitry thereof are not described in detail herein.

[0112] It is also contemplated that the signal conditioner 14 or volume control 20 could connect to a powered speaker. The powered speaker contains additional amplification circuitry to further increase the amount of power provided to a speaker.

[0113] It is also contemplated that the conductors of any of the preferred embodiments described above may comprise fiber optic cable or a combination of optical and electrical conductors. Optical transmission has the advantage of immunity to electrical interference and decreased power loss as compared to common electrical conductors. Alternatively, the audio signal could be transmitted to each volume control 20 via radio or other EMF waves thereby further aiding installation.

[0114] The various embodiments described herein are also not limited to rotary or slide controls for volume of one of many associated speakers. A wide variety of other controls may also be used, such as up/down push buttons operating an electronic control, infrared control via a hand held remote infrared transmitter, digital resistive network, or an electronic capacitive touch panel. The rotary or slide potentiometer could also easily be replaced with a digital push button or numeric keypad which could be linked to a digital display to provide a visual volume level display. Such a system would have the advantage of presetting the volume to a certain level prior to an event or period. Mastering of multiple “slave” volume controls may also be accomplished using circuit techniques to provide mastered control of numerous volume controls, as desired.

[0115] Optionally, the powered volume controls for multi-speaker systems described herein may be configured to provide individual treble, bass and balance adjustments. These may be provided by simple filter networks which modify the frequency characteristics of the signal presented to the speakers. Balance adjustment may be provided by a dual variable resistor or a single variable resistor configured to distribute power between a right and left channel. Treble, bass and balance controls are known by those of ordinary skill in the art and accordingly are not discussed in great detail herein.

[0116] In yet another optional embodiment the volume control 20 may be configured to provide for integral source selection control thereby allowing an operator in a remote location to choose between a number of different audio sources. For example, a remote tuner could preferably be used to select a number of modulated or digitally multiplexed signals provided on one of the four lines presented to the volume control 20 . Thus, based on the selection, various music channels could be selected, or in the case of a building wide announcement, the entire sound system could be used to provide alternate audio output to each different speaker or speaker pair in the building or area. It is also envisioned that an on/off switch could be utilized on the signal conditioner 14 , or the volume control 20 .

[0117] Similarly, it is contemplated that the electronics of the embodiment disclosed herein could be controlled by a computer from a central or remote location. Such a system would integrate with software which automatically controls system operation including the volume level of each volume control 20 and corresponding speaker or speakers. For example, in the quiet of morning outside entry speakers could have a low volume, but during the midday business the computer could automatically increase the volume to a louder preprogrammed volume level. To achieve such control, data ports would be provided on the signal conditioners 14 or the volume controls 20 . Connecting to the data port is a data control line from the computer or electronic control. Advantageously, the data port could comprise a serial RS-232 data port to facilitate interface with personal computers. Alternatively, the data port could comprise an infrared or RF receiver or other type of data communication equipment. Internal to the signal conditioner 14 and the volume control 20 are electronics which are integrated with the amplifier electronics to control the system as desired.

[0118] Alternatively, any of the above preferred embodiments and others deriving therefrom may be installed as a mono-channel application. Mono-channel applications are well suited for shopping centers, airports, convention centers and the like. Advantageously, a paging system incorporating the claimed invention provides for selective volume control depending upon the area, the activity in the area and the ambient noise level during a particular time. For example, a convention center may need greater paging volume in certain, more noisy areas. However, in other areas or at different times in that same area lower paging volumes may be required due to reduced noise levels. The preferred embodiments described herein provide this capability.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 , 10 and 11 , an audio distribution system is illustrated that may incorporate a plurality of volume controls 20 within an audio distribution system. Referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of volume controls 20 are illustrated, each connected to receive signals from the power supply 16 and the audio source 6 . For simplicity, the signal conditioner 14 is not illustrated. In this simplified view, the audio signal conductor is shown as a single line, as may be suitable for distribution of a single audio signal. However, as noted above, a plurality of audio signals may be communicated to each of the volume controls.

[0120] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment wherein a plurality of audio signals are communicated through the audio distribution network. Each volume control 20 is provided with an associated node 21 operative to selectively communicate audio signals from the audio signal conductors to the volume controls. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the node 21 may operate under the control of volume control 20 to communicate signals on either of the audio signal conductors 23 a , 23 b , to the associated volume control. The power supply signal may be communicated to the volume control in the same manner as described in connection with FIG. 8 .

[0121] As shown in FIG. 9 , the power supply and/or audio source may be disposed proximate the volume control(s) as most convenient to access the audio distribution network. As such, a computer derived audio signal can be input into a node in the same room as the computer, while a CD player may be connected to the network in another room, where the CD player may be more conveniently located.

[0122] FIG. 10 illustrates a digital signal format of a frame of digital data that may be communicated on one or more audio signal conductors. The frame 25 comprises a plurality of segments, including signals audio ₁ , audio ₂ , audio ₃ , audio ₄ , . . . audio _N . Each of the signals, e.g. audio ₁ , may be a separate channel of audio signal that may be selectively extracted by the node, and communicated to the associated volume control. As such, multi-channel selection may be effected at the volume control location, without the need to communicate control signals to a remote channel selector.

[0123] FIG. 11 illustrates use of the present invention in relation to a conventional token ring arrangement. A simplified illustration of a token ring 27 is provided, including a plurality of nodes 21 . Each node 21 is operative to extract the selected audio signal from the token ring and communicate the selected signal to the associated volume control 20 . Each node 21 may also function as an input device to communicate power and/or audio input through the token ring, for communication to other nodes on the token ring, and their associated volume controls. Where the audio signal is a time multiplexed signal, as shown at FIG. 10 , the node 21 includes demultiplexing circuitry to selectively extract the particular channel audio signal desired to be communicated to the associated volume control. The node 21 may also include multiplexing circuitry for communicating an input audio signal to token ring, for transport to other nodes. The token ring may be implemented as a multiconductor cable, or a plurality of multiconductor cables, some of which may communicate multiplexed audio signals, and others of which may communicate power supply signals.

[0124] As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the audio/power distribution network described herein allows the power source and/or audio source(s) to be connected to any convenient node, without having to be located at a particular base area. As such, new homes may be wired for such network usage, and the location of the power supply and audio components may be later located as convenient, at one or more node locations throughout the network.

[0125] It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the preferred embodiment and it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by a fair reading of the claims which follow.