Method and system for audio distribution in installations where the use of existing wiring is preferred

• US 20060119176A1
• Filed: 11/17/2005
• Published: 06/08/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Arkados Incorporated (Iota Communications, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Arkados Incorporated (Iota Communications, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ebert, Brion, Logvinov, Oleg, Macaluso, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,683,777 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/545 Audio/video application, e.g. interphone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines

Abstract

When an audio distribution system is installed, it is normally required to wiring between the audio source or sources, and all of the speakers that are installed throughout a building or structure. The installation on this wiring is normally time consuming and difficult, and can be a large cost component of the system installation. Therefore, there is a need for an audio distribution system that makes use of, and takes a benefit from, already installed electrical power wiring, or allows a lesser number of wires to be run where new installations are necessary, through the means of upgrading the system to provide uninterrupted power to the powered speakers while maintaining the ability to control lighting fixtures powered through the same wiring infrastructure.

Claims

1. A method and system for transmitting audio signals from a source to the destination speakers using the previously installed electrical wiring and switch network;

where conventional switches are replaced with the devices generating control signals, and

where the actual action of power control to the light is performed by remotely controlled electronic switches or dimmers, and

where the same power network is used to deliver power to powered speakers that also receive the audio signal from the source through the same power lines.

2. The method of claim 1, where the powerline communication devices are utilizing modulated signal transmission techniques over the power lines.

3. The method of claim 1, where the powerline communication devices are utilizing packetized data transmission over the power lines with the use of media access protocols.

4. The method of claim 1, where the powerline communication devices are utilizing technology specified by the HomePlug Powerline Alliance.

5. The method of claim 1, where the powerline communication devices are utilizing data and/or audio compression technology to reduce the bandwidth required for signal transmission.

6. The method of claim 1, where the light control device that replaces the switch or dimmer is equipped with the transmit functionality only, and control unit or units that feed the lights is equipped with the receive functionality only.

7. The method of claim 1, where the light control device that replaces the switch or dimmer is equipped with transmit and receive functionality, and control unit or units that feed the lights is equipped with transmit and receive functionality as well, and these devices are capable of exchanging and indicating state information.

8. The method in claims 6 and 7 that uses signaling over the power line that utilizes a different frequency band than the technology that is conveying audio signals over the power lines.

9. The method in claims 6 and 7 that uses signaling over the power line that utilizes the same frequency band as the technology that is conveying audio signals over the power lines.

10. The method in claims 6 and 7 that uses signaling over the power line that utilizes the same method of conveying the control and feedback data as the technology conveying the audio signals over the power lines.

11. The system of claim 1 with a replacement device for the switch and/or dimmer that has the capability to convey the frequencies in which the audio signals are transmitted without any substantial distortion or attenuation.

12. The system of claim 1 with a control unit device that is capable of being controlled by signals generated from the device replacing the light switch and/or dimmer.

13. The control unit device in claim 12 that is built into a powered speaker.

14. The control unit device in claim 12 that is built into the light fixture.

15. The control unit device in claim 12 that is build into the power outlet.

16. The control unit device in claim 12 that is a plug-in device for common power outlets.

17. The control unit device in claim 12 that is screw-in device that installs into common light sockets.

18. The system and methods in claims 1 through 17 that are also utilized to convey video signals and content.

19. The system and methods in claims 1 through 17 that are also utilized to convey networking signals and content.

20. The system and methods in claims 1 through 17 that are also utilized to convey VoIP signals and content.