Multiple zone audio system
First Claim
1. Apparatus for controlling multiple program signals in an audio system comprising,a central unit at a central location having a plurality of program source inputs for receiving a corresponding plurality of audio input signals,said central unit having at least two central unit outputs for receiving selected ones of the audio signals applied to said program source inputs,said central unit having at least two central unit selectors for independently selecting from said program source inputs to simultaneously deliver different selected ones of audio input signals on said program source inputs to respective ones of said central unit outputs,said central unit having a central unit controller controlling said selectors,said central unit having a central unit interface to said central unit controller having at least a source selection input and at least a general functional input corresponding to control functions associated with signals delivered to said outputs,said central unit having a central unit receiver,said central unit interface being coupled to said central unit receiver for receiving signals modulated with selection and control signals for controlling said control functions,a remote interface comprising a hand-held transmitter that radiates a carrier signal to said central unit receiver modulated with said selection and control signals so that an operator in a location remote from said central location may remotely operate said control unit selectors and said control functions.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A audio system may be monitored and controlled from one of many remote locations. The audio sources are located at a central location, however, the signals monitored at a remote location may originate from the same or a different source as the signal being monitored at the central location or any other location. The sources are selected and routed to speakers by at least two independent selectors, and the volume is controlled by associated volume controllers, either in the speakers or at the central location. Control of the system is simplified through the use of one or more radio frequency remote controls. Commands issued to the system from a remote control are verified by a verification signal added to the output signal on the appropriate output channels. To alleviate confusion, remote controls retain exclusive control over the source and output they most recently controlled. General function keys on the remote controls are used to control specific functions of the currently selected source, but may map to functions in more than one source.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. Apparatus for controlling multiple program signals in an audio system comprising,
a central unit at a central location having a plurality of program source inputs for receiving a corresponding plurality of audio input signals, said central unit having at least two central unit outputs for receiving selected ones of the audio signals applied to said program source inputs, said central unit having at least two central unit selectors for independently selecting from said program source inputs to simultaneously deliver different selected ones of audio input signals on said program source inputs to respective ones of said central unit outputs, said central unit having a central unit controller controlling said selectors, said central unit having a central unit interface to said central unit controller having at least a source selection input and at least a general functional input corresponding to control functions associated with signals delivered to said outputs, said central unit having a central unit receiver, said central unit interface being coupled to said central unit receiver for receiving signals modulated with selection and control signals for controlling said control functions, a remote interface comprising a hand-held transmitter that radiates a carrier signal to said central unit receiver modulated with said selection and control signals so that an operator in a location remote from said central location may remotely operate said control unit selectors and said control functions.
Specification