Switching System For Plurality Of Audio Input

Abstract

Through an electrical switching circuit, electrical signals are transmitted from a source of background sound to a first speaker system. Upon activation of a phonograph, a first relay is activated causing operation of the switching circuit resulting in non-transmission of the background sound and transmission of the phonograph sound to the first speaker system and a second speaker system. A third and fourth source of sound capable of producing electrical signals, when caused to be transmitted through the switching circuit, causes activation of a second relay and deactivation of the first relay. This results in transmission of only the third or fourth source of sound to both the first and second speaker systems. The fourth source of sound is capable of overriding the third source of sound.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of this invention relates to an electrical circuit sound communication system and more specifically to an electrical circuit for a plurality of different sources of sound wherein certain sources have priority over certain other sources of sound.

In public gathering places such as restaurants, nightclubs, and the like, it is common to locate within the public place a communications system. Such communications systems normally provide two main sources of sound. The first source is music and the second source is a public address system. Within the past few years it has been common in restaurants and nightclubs to employ several separate sources of music to be played within the place at different times. For example, such a place may have facilities for piping in background music from an outside source, and may also be capable of supplying its own background music. Also, the place could have a coin operated phonograph which is commonly referred to as a jukebox. Also, such a place may have other means of entertainment such as a piano player, guitar player, stage, etc.

In the past it has been common to employ separate electrical circuits for each source of sound. For example, the background music would be supplied to a first speaker system, the jukebox music being supplied to a second speaker system, the entertainment music being supplied to a third speaker system, and the public address system being supplied to a fourth speaker system. There was no connection between each of the speaker systems and circuits therefore. If it was desired to operate the jukebox and the background music was being played, manual deactivation of the background switching circuitry was necessary. Also, if desired was d to provide entertainment music, and either the background music or the jukebox music was being provided, it was necessary to effect manual deactivation of either the background music or the jukebox music. If it was desired by the management to make an announcement to the customers over the public address system, and either the background music, the jukebox music or the entertainment music was playing, it was necessary for the management to effect deactivation of the electrical circuitry for the appropriate music that was being transmitted.

Besides the inherent disadvantage of the inconvenience of having to effect manual activation and deactivation of the separate sound systems, there is also a substantial amount of unnecessary duplication of electrical structure within each system. For example, the speakers would be employed within each system. Further, much of the switching circuitry was duplicated within each system.

The aforedescribed sound communication system within a given establishment always has the same priority. For example, background music would only be supplied when either the jukebox, the entertainment, or the public address system was not operating. When the jukebox was playing thebackground music would not be necessary. Upon providing entertainment music, both the jukebox and the background music would not be desirable. A public address system would demand the highest priority in being capable of being transmitted over any other source of sound.

With this priority in mind, the present invention comprises a communications system which interconnects such sources of sound wherein the desired priority arrangement between the sources of sound is automatically established upon initiation of a source of sound of a higher priority than the previous source of sound.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The circuitry of this invention imposes the use of a first set of switching circuits operated by a first relay and a second set of switching circuits operated by a second relay. Under normal conditions, sound from a background source is supplied through the first set of switching circuits and the second set of switching circuits to a first speaker assembly. Upon activation of a coin operated phonograph, the first relay is activated which correspondingly activates the first set of switching circuits. As a result, the transmission of the sound from the background source is deactivated, with the sound from the phonograph being transmitted to the first speaker system and a second speaker system. Upon activation of a third source of sound, as from a piano or the like, deactivation of the first relay occurs and activation of the second relay occurs. As a result, non-transmission of both the background source and the phonograph source occurs with the entertainment source being transmitted through an amplifier system to both the first speaker system and the second speaker system. A fourth source of sound, as from a public address system, is capable of accomplishing identical non-transmission of the background source of sound and the phonograph source of sound. Also, the fourth source of sound is transmitted through the amplifier system and, with the entertainment source of sound being transmitted, the fourth source of sound is transmitted at a much higher gain through the amplifier system than the entertainment source of sound. Therefore, the fourth source of sound is predominant over the entertainment source of sound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The FIGURE is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of the electrical switching circuit of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

There is to be transmitted through the circuit 10 of this invention, a first source of sound 12, a second source of sound 14, a third source of sound 16, and a fourth source of sound 18. The first source of sound 12 is depicted as being background music which may be provided either externally of or internally within the establishment or place wherein the circuit 10 of this invention is to be located. The second source of sound 14 is depicted as a phonograph which is to be coin operated by a mechanism (not shown). The third source 16 of sound is to be supplied directly into microphone 20 and is to represent entertainment such as a piano, voice, music, or the like. The fourth source 18 of sound is to normally comprise a public address system. Although it is envisioned that this particular arrangement of sources of sound be normally employed in combination with the circuit 10 of this invention, it is to be considered within the scope of this invention to employ other sources of sound or a different arrangement of the sources. For example, to illustrate such a different arrangement (even though unlikely), it may be desirable to have the background source of sound at a higher priority than the phonograph source of sound.

The first source 12 is connected to conductor 24 and ground conductor 26. Conductor 24 is connected to the fixed side of movable tap 28 of the switch 30. Tap 28 is normally located in the closed position connecting conductors 24 and 32. Conductor 32 is split at its free end thereof to conductors 34 and 36. Conductor 34 is connected to the first terminal 38 of switch 40 with conductor 36 being connected to the first terminal of switch 44. It is to be noted that switches 40 and 44 are located within a first set 46 of switches while switch 30 is located within a second set 48 of switches.

Movable tap 50 of switch 40 normally connects conductors 34 and 52. Movable tap 54 normally connects conductors 36 and 56. Conductor 52 is electrically connected to a speaker 58 with conductor 56 being connected to speaker 60. Speakers 58 and 60 are to comprise a first speaker system 62. Each of the speakers 58 and 60 are electrically connected to the ground line 26.

Also connected to ground line 26 is a second source of sound 14 which is to comprise the phonograph. The phonograph 14 upon being actuated by means of a coin closes switch 64. Switch 64 is located within conductor 66 which is connected between ground line 68 and a fixed terminal end of movable tap 70 of switch 72. Movable tap 70 is normally in the closed position connecting conductors 66 and 74. Conductor 74 is connected to a first relay 76. Conductor 78 connects together first relay 76 and second relay 80. Conductor 82 connects together conductor 78 and alternating current source of power 84. Source 84 is also connected to ground conductor 68.

The produced electrical signals from phonograph 14 are to be transmitted over conductors 86, 88, 90 and 92. Conductor 86 is connected to the second terminal 94 of the switch 44. Conductor 88 is connected to the second terminal 96 of the switch 40. Conductor 90 is connected to the second terminal 98 of the switch 102. Conductor 92 is connected to the second terminal 100 of the switch 104. Switches 102 and 104 are also located within the first set of switches 46. The first set of switches 46 are to be simultaneously actuatable by means of first relay 76. Switch 102 includes a movable tap 106 which normally connects together conductors 108 and 110. Switch 104 includes a movable tap 112 which normally connects together conductors 114 and 116. Conductor 110 is connected to speaker 118 with conductor 116 being connected to speaker 120.

Speakers 118 and 120 are connected through conductor 122 to ground conductor 26. Conductor 108 is connected to conductor 114 which is connected to the fixed terminal of movable tap 124 of the switch 126. Tap 124 is normally maintained in the open position as shown in the drawing. Conductor 128 connects the closed terminal of switch 126 to conductor 130. Conductor 130 is connected between conductor 32 and the closed terminal 132 of the switch 134. Movable tap 136 of switch 134 normally connects conductor 138 to the open side of switch 134.

Switch 140 includes movable tap 142 which normally connects conductors 144 and 146. Conductors 144 and 146 are connected to the phonograph mechanism control motor (not shown) which is employed to effect operation of the phonograph 14. Switches 30, 126, 72, 134 and 140 are located within the second set 48 of switches and are to be simultaneously actuated by means of second relay 80.

Conductor 138 is connected to amplifier 148. Amplifier 148 is connected through conductor 150 to ground. Conductors 152, 154, 156 and 158 are connected to the amplifier 148. Conductor 152 is connected to movable tap 160 of double throw switch 162. Movable tap 160 is in the normally open position and when in the closed position connects together conductors 152 and 164. Conductor 164 is connected to microphone 20. Conductor 154 is connected between amplifier 148 and microphone 20.

Movable tap 166 of double throw switch 162 is also in the normally open position. With tap 166 in the closed position, ground conductor 68 and conductor 168 are to be connected together with conductor 168 being connected to second relay 80.

Conductor 156 is connected to the fixed terminal of double throw switch 170 with a movable tap 172 being normally located in the open position. With the movable tap 172 in a closed position, conductor 156 is connected to conductor 174 and hence to microphone 22. Conductor 158 is also connected to microphone 22. Movable tap 176 of double throw switch 170 is also normally located in the open position. With the tap 176 in the closed position, conductors 178 and 180 are connected. Conductor 178 is connected to conductor 168 with conductor 180 being connected to ground conductor 68.

The operation of the circuit of this invention is as follows: The circuit as shown in the drawing is in the position what is denoted as the normal position, wherein the background source 12 of sound is being conducted from conductor 24, through switch 30 to conductor 32, through conductors 34 and 36 in the respective switches 40 and 44, to conductors 52 and 56 respectively. As a result, the electrical signals representing the background source 12 are caused to activate speakers 58 and 60, respectively, of the first speaker system 62.

Upon a person activating the phonograph 14 by the required coin or coins, switch 64 is caused to move from the open position to the closed position connecting conductors 66 and 68. As a result, a complete electrical circuit results from source 84, through conductors 82 and 78, first relay 76, conductor 74, switch 72, to conductor 66. As a result, first relay 76 is activated causing simultaneous activation of the first set 46 of switches 40, 44, 104 and 102. Additionally, movable tap 50 of switch 40 no longer connects conductors 56 and 36 but now connects conductors 56 and 86. Therefore, the background source of music 12 is no longer being transmitted to speakers 58 and 60. Instead, music from the phonograph 14 is being transmitted to speakers 58 and 60. Further, relay 76 also causes movable taps 112 and 106 of the respective switches 104 and 102 to connect, respectively, conductors 116 and 92 and conductors 110 and 90. Thereupon, phonograph music is also being transmitted to speakers 118 and 120 of the second speaker system 121. It is envisioned by Applicant that the second speaker system 121 will probably be located within the phonograph structure itself with the first speaker system 62 being located within other areas of the establishment. Further, although only two (in number) of individual speakers are employed within each of the speaker systems 62 and 121, it is to be within the scope of this invention to employ any number of individual speakers.

If it is then desired to activate the entertainment source 16 of sound to within the microphone 20, double throw switch 162 is then actuated causing connection of conductors 152 to 164 and conductors 168 and 68. As a result of the connection of conductors 68 and 168, a closed electrical circuit is established about second relay 80, which activates such, causing actuation of switches 30, 126, 72, 134 and 140 of the second set of switches 48. Because switch 72 is then located in the open position, first relay 76 is deactivated causing movement of the first set of switches 46 back to the position shown in the drawing. It is to be noted that if only the background source 12 of music was playing and the phonograph had not been activated, upon initiation of the third source 16, deactivation of relay 76 would not occur as such would already be in the deactivated state. Switch 140 is also moved to the open position which serves to deactivate phonograph 14. It is to be noted that if the phonograph 14 has been activated and switch 64 is closed, such will remain closed with the result that the phonograph 14 is placed in a dormant position causing deactivation of the phonograph mechanism control motor. Upon deactivation of relay 80 and again closing of switch 140, the phonograph 14 will just resume playing.

Activation of second relay 80 also opens switch 30 which assures non-transmission of the background source 12, if such is being transmitted to the first speaker system 62. Relay 80 also causes closing of switches 126 and 134, which effects transmission of the electrical signals from the entertainment source 16 through amplifier 148, conductors 138, 130, 128, 114 and 108. From conductors 114 and 108 the signal is transmitted through switches 104 and 102, respectively, to respective conductors 116 and 110, and finally to the respective speakers 120 and 118 of the second speaker system 121. Also, because conductor 130 is connected to conductor 32, the signal representing the entertainment sound is transmitted through switches 40 and 44 to speakers 58 and 60 of the first speaker system 62. As a result, the entertainment music is transmitted to both the first and second speaker systems 62 and 121, respectively, in the same manner in which the phonograph music was transmitted.

Let it be assumed that the management of the establishment desires to make a public address through microphone 22. Switch 170 is actuated causing closing of movable taps 176 and 172. Closing of movable tap 176 connects conductors 178 and 180, which results in activation of second relay 80 and deactivation of first relay 76 in the same manner as the closing of movable tap 166 of switch 162. Closing of movable tap 172 causes an electrical signal to be transmitted from the microphone 22 to the amplifier 148. From amplifier 148 the electrical signal is transmitted in a similar manner as was the entertainment electrical signal (as previously described) to both the first speaker system 62 and the second speaker system 12. It is to be noted that the gain is preestablished within the amplifier 148 so that the entertainment sound source 16, if being transmitted, is not able to be transmitted during transmission of the public address sound 18. This is for the obvious reason that the public address 18 should take priority over the entertainment sound source 16 so that the customers in the establishment may be informed of emergency situations, phone calls, and the like.

Claims

1. Electrical circuit for reproducing sound comprising:

first means for transmitting electrical signals from a first source of sound through a first set of switches to a first speaker system, said first set of switches being located in a first position;

second means for transmitting electrical signals from a second source of sound to said first speaker system, said first set of switches being operated to a second position, upon activation of said second source of sound, causing non-transmission of first source of sound during transmission of said second source of sound;

third means for transmitting electrical signals from a third source of sound to said first speaker system, and including a second set of switches which, upon activation of said third source of sound, are operated from a first position to a second position, causing non-transmission of both said first and second sources of sound during transmission of said third source of sound;

fourth means for transmitting electrical signals from a fourth source of sound to said first speaker system, said first set of switches being operated to said second position and said second set of switches being operated to said second position, upon activation of said fourth source of sound, causing non-transmission of said second and third sources of sound during transmission of said fourth source of sound;

first relay means for effecting simultaneous operation of said first set of switches between said first and second position; and

second relay means for effecting simultaneous operation of said second set

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein:

upon activation of said second means said first relay is activated causing simultaneous operation of said first set of switches, said activation of said second means can only occur during non-transmission of said third and

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein:

said second source of sound is supplied from a coin operated phonograph.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein:

upon activation of said third means said first relay is deactivated and

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein:

upon activation of said fourth means other than when said third source of sound is being transmitted, said first relay is deactivated and said

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said third source of sound being amplified, said fourth source of sound being amplified, the amplification of said fourth source being sufficient

7. Electrical circuit for reproducing sound comprising:

first means for transmitting electrical signals from a first source of sound through a first set of switches to a first speaker system, said first set of switches being located in a first position;

second means for transmitting electrical signals from a second source of sound to said first speaker system, said first set of switches being operated to a second position, upon activation of said second source of sound, causing non-transmission of first source of sound during transmission of said second source of sound;

third means for transmitting electrical signals from a third source of sound to said first speaker system, and including a second set of switches which, upon activation of said third source of sound, are operated from a first position to a second position, causing non-transmission of both said first and second sources of sound during transmission of said third source of sound;

upon operation of said third source of sound, said first set of switches being reoperated to return to said first position;

fourth means for transmitting electrical signals from a fourth source of sound to said first speaker system, said first set of switches being operated to said second position and said second set of switches being operated to said second position, upon activation of said fourth source of sound, causing non-transmission of said second and third sources of sound

8. An electric circuit for reproducing sound comprising:

first circuit means, including first switch means, for transmitting electrical signals from a first source of sound to a speaker system, said first switch means having an on position and an off position;

second circuit means, including second switch means, for transmitting electrical signals from a second source of sound to said speaker system, said second switch means having an on position and an off position and being effective when in said on position to place said first switch means in off position and thereby to disconnect said first source of sound from said speaker system and to connect said second source of sound to said speaker system;

third circuit means, including third switch means, for transmitting electrical signals from a third source of sound to said speaker system, said third switch means having an on position and an off position and being effective when in said on position to insure disconnection of said second source of sound and said first source of sound from said speaker system, irrespective of the position of said second switch means;

whereby said second source of sound, through said second switch means, asserts priority over said first source of sound; and said third source of sound, through said third switch means, asserts priority over both said

9. Circuit in accordance with claim 8 including an addition:

fourth circuit means, including fourth switch means, for transmitting electrical signals from a fourth source of sound to said speaker system;

said fourth switch means having an on position and an off position and being effective when in said on position to insure disconnection of said second source of sound and said first source of sound from said speaker system, irrespective of the position of said second switch means;

amplifying means interposed electrically between said fourth source of sound and said speaker system and having a gain sufficiently great to make the amplitude of the sound, applied to said speaker system by said fourth source of sound substantially greater than the amplitude of the sound applied to said speaker system by said third source of sound;

whereby said fourth source of sound asserts priority over said first, said

10. Circuit in accordance with claim 9, including in addition:

a second speaker system; and

circuit means for applying sound:

1. from said second source of sound to said second speaker system whenever said second switch means is in on position,

2. from said third source of sound to said second speaker system whenever said third switch means is in on position, and

3. from said fourth source of sound to said second speaker system whenever

11. Circuit in accordance with claim 10 wherein:

said first source of sound comprises a background source of music;

said second source of sound comprises a phonograph;

said third source of sound comprises an audio-electrical transducer located adjacent to a source of audio entertainment;

said fourth source of sound comprises a public address microphone; and

said second speaker system is located physically in said phonograph.