{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854080","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854080","title":"Speakerphone configuration for conferencing","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-12-06T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04M","H04M","H04M"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a speakerphone configuration for audio and/or video conferencing that includes a cavity underneath the speakerphone where cable ports are arranged. The arrangement of the cable ports are such that when a power plug is installed in the speakerphone, a telecommunication port is blocked, and vice versa. In addition, the port arrangement allows cables to attach to opposite walls in the cavity such that cables run parallel to each other within the cavity. The disclosed speakerphone may be daisy-chained together and function as a single unit. Therefore a speakerphone according to the disclosure may function as either a master unit, a mid unit, or an end unit in a string of speakerphones depending on how the speakerphone is wired. The port arrangement in the cavity increases ease for setup and daisy-chaining of multiple speakerphone units."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent addresses the problem of cable clutter and complex setup procedures in audio and video conferencing environments. The core innovation lies in a speakerphone design featuring a cavity underneath the device, strategically arranging cable ports to prevent simultaneous use of power and telecommunication plugs. This arrangement ensures that cables run parallel to each other within the cavity, simplifying the daisy-chaining process and reducing clutter. The system is designed to function as either a master, mid, or end unit in a string of speakerphones, depending on the wiring configuration, providing flexibility in deployment. \n\nTraditional speakerphone setups often involve a tangled mess of cables, making troubleshooting and reconfiguration a difficult task. This patent aims to solve this problem by providing a streamlined and organized cable management system. By preventing conflicts between power and telecommunication plugs, the system reduces the risk of electrical issues and simplifies the connection process. The parallel cable arrangement further enhances accessibility and reduces clutter, improving the overall aesthetics of the conference room.\n\nThe business value of this innovation lies in its ability to save time and resources by simplifying the setup and management of speakerphone systems. IT support staff can quickly deploy and maintain these systems, reducing downtime and improving overall productivity. Furthermore, the ability to easily daisy-chain multiple units allows for scalable solutions that can adapt to the changing needs of an organization. This technology has the potential to significantly impact the conferencing industry by providing a more efficient and user-friendly experience.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial, as businesses increasingly rely on remote collaboration and video conferencing. The demand for streamlined and efficient conferencing solutions is growing, and this patent offers a compelling solution to a common problem. By reducing cable clutter and simplifying setup procedures, the Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent can improve the overall conferencing experience and enhance productivity.","layman_explanation":"The Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent addresses a common problem in modern offices: the mess and complexity of setting up speakerphones for conference calls. Imagine a conference room with multiple speakerphones, each requiring power and a connection to the phone system. The traditional setup often results in a tangle of cables, making it difficult to troubleshoot issues and creating an unprofessional appearance. This patent offers a solution by redesigning the speakerphone to make cable management easier and more efficient.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nThe primary problem this patent solves is the clutter and confusion associated with connecting multiple cables to speakerphones in a conference setting. Existing solutions often involve messy cable arrangements, which can lead to accidental disconnections, difficulty in troubleshooting, and an unprofessional appearance. The Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent aims to simplify the setup process and improve the overall user experience.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\n\nThe core idea behind this patent is to create a dedicated space within the speakerphone for managing cables. This is achieved through a cavity underneath the device, where the cable ports are strategically arranged. The key innovation is that the design prevents the simultaneous use of power and telecommunication plugs. In other words, when a power plug is installed, the telecommunication port is blocked, and vice versa. This eliminates the possibility of accidentally connecting the wrong cables and simplifies the setup process. Additionally, the port arrangement allows cables to attach to opposite walls in the cavity, ensuring that cables run parallel to each other. This reduces clutter and makes it easier to trace and manage the cables.\n\nThink of it like a well-organized toolbox. Instead of having all your tools jumbled together, each tool has its designated spot. The Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent does the same for cables, providing a structured and organized environment for managing connections. This makes it easier to identify and connect the correct cables, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall efficiency of the setup process.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis patent matters because it addresses a real-world problem that affects businesses of all sizes. By simplifying the setup and management of speakerphone systems, companies can save time and resources. IT support staff can quickly deploy and maintain these systems, reducing downtime and improving overall productivity. Furthermore, the ability to easily daisy-chain multiple units allows for scalable solutions that can adapt to the changing needs of an organization. From a business perspective, this translates into cost savings, improved efficiency, and a more professional image. The market impact is significant, as the demand for streamlined and efficient conferencing solutions continues to grow.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\n\nLooking ahead, the Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent could pave the way for more advanced audio system designs. Future applications could include wireless connectivity, intelligent cable management, and automated configuration. As businesses continue to rely on remote collaboration, technologies like this will become increasingly important in ensuring seamless and productive communication. The market adoption timeline is likely to be driven by the increasing demand for user-friendly and efficient conferencing solutions. Investment in this technology could yield significant returns, as it addresses a clear need in the market and offers a compelling value proposition.","technical_analysis":"The Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent presents a unique solution to the problem of cable management in audio conferencing systems. The technical architecture of this innovation centers around a specially designed cavity located underneath the speakerphone unit. This cavity serves as a central hub for all cable connections, providing a structured and organized environment for cable routing and management. The key implementation detail lies in the arrangement of cable ports within this cavity. The design prevents simultaneous use of power and telecommunication plugs, effectively eliminating potential electrical conflicts and simplifying the connection process for users. \n\nThe algorithm governing the functionality of this system is relatively straightforward. When a power plug is inserted into its designated port, a mechanical or electrical interlock mechanism is triggered, blocking access to the telecommunication port. Conversely, when a telecommunication plug is inserted, the power port is blocked. This simple yet effective algorithm ensures that only one type of connection can be active at any given time, preventing potential damage to the system and simplifying the user experience. The integration patterns for this technology are also noteworthy. The system is designed to be easily daisy-chained with other speakerphone units, allowing for scalable audio conferencing solutions that can accommodate a wide range of room sizes and configurations.\n\nFrom a performance perspective, the Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent offers several advantages. The streamlined cable management system reduces the risk of signal interference and improves the overall audio quality of the conferencing system. The simplified setup procedure reduces the time and effort required to configure the system, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. The code-level implications of this technology are primarily related to the design of the interlock mechanism and the implementation of the daisy-chaining protocol. These components must be carefully engineered to ensure reliable and consistent performance across a wide range of operating conditions. The system also introduces implications for network configurations, ensuring stable and reliable communication between daisy-chained units.\n\nFurthermore, the system's design promotes a clean and organized appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the conference room. This can be particularly important for companies that frequently host clients or partners, as it reflects positively on their brand image. The Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent offers a practical and innovative solution to a common problem in audio conferencing systems. Its technical architecture, implementation details, and performance characteristics make it a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes. The potential for power-over-ethernet (PoE) integration could further streamline cable management and simplify the installation process.","business_analysis":"The Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent presents a significant market opportunity within the audio and video conferencing industry. The increasing reliance on remote collaboration and virtual meetings has created a growing demand for streamlined and efficient conferencing solutions. This patent addresses a key pain point for businesses of all sizes: the challenges associated with cable clutter and complex setup procedures in traditional speakerphone systems. The market opportunity size for this technology is substantial, as it has the potential to impact a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, finance, and technology.\n\nThe competitive advantages offered by this patent are compelling. The streamlined cable management system, simplified setup procedure, and scalable design provide a clear differentiation from existing speakerphone solutions. The ability to prevent conflicts between power and telecommunication plugs, along with the parallel cable arrangement within the cavity, reduces the risk of electrical issues and improves the overall reliability of the system. This can translate into significant cost savings for businesses by reducing downtime and minimizing the need for IT support.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is substantial. The patent could be licensed to speakerphone manufacturers, integrated into existing conferencing systems, or used as the basis for a new line of speakerphone products. The business model could involve a combination of upfront licensing fees and recurring revenue from maintenance and support services. The strategic positioning of this technology is also favorable. By focusing on simplicity, efficiency, and user experience, the Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent can appeal to a broad range of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises. The system's scalable design allows it to be easily adapted to meet the specific needs of different organizations.\n\nThe ROI projections for this technology are promising. The reduced setup time, decreased IT support costs, and improved user experience can lead to significant productivity gains for businesses. These gains can be quantified in terms of reduced labor costs, increased meeting efficiency, and improved communication effectiveness. The potential for increased adoption of video conferencing can also contribute to the ROI by fostering better collaboration and innovation within the organization. The Speakerphone Configuration for Conferencing patent represents a valuable investment opportunity with the potential to generate significant returns for investors. The focus on ease of use and scalability makes it a compelling solution for organizations seeking to enhance their communication capabilities.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Speakerphone configuration for conferencing","description":"Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a speakerphone configuration for audio and/or video conferencing that includes a cavity underneath the speakerphone where cable ports are arranged. The arra","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854080","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854080","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Speakerphone configuration for conferencing\" (US-9854080). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854080","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854080","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854080","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T07:43:11.405Z"}