Patent Publication Number: US-11647328-B2

Title: Array microphone module and system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/594,927, filed on Oct. 7, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/880,151, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,440,469, filed on Jan. 25, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/451,480, filed on Jan. 27, 2017. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application generally relates to an array microphone module and systems therefore. In particular, this application relates to an array microphone module that is capable of being connected with other like array microphone modules to create a configurable system of modular array microphone modules. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conferencing environments, such as conference rooms, boardrooms, video conferencing applications, and the like, can involve the use of microphones for capturing sound from various audio sources active in such environments. Such audio sources may include humans speaking, for example. The captured sound may be disseminated to a local audience in the environment through amplified speakers (for sound reinforcement), or to others remote from the environment (such as via a telecast and/or a webcast). 
     Traditional microphones typically have fixed polar patterns and few manually selectable settings. To capture sound in a conferencing environment, many traditional microphones are often used at once to capture the audio sources within the environment. However, traditional microphones tend to capture unwanted audio as well, such as room noise, echoes, and other undesirable audio elements. The capturing of these unwanted noises is exacerbated by the use of many microphones. 
     Array microphones provide benefits in that they have steerable coverage or pick up patterns, which allow the microphones to focus on the desired audio sources and reject unwanted sounds such as room noise. The ability to steer audio pick up patterns provides the benefit of being able to be less precise in microphone placement, and in this way, array microphones are more forgiving. Moreover, array microphones provide the ability to pick up multiple audio sources with one array microphone or unit, again due to the ability to steer the pickup patterns. 
     However, array microphones have certain shortcomings, including the fact that they are typically relatively larger than traditional microphones, and their fixed size often limits where they can be placed in an environment. Moreover, when larger numbers of array microphones are used, the microphone elements of one array microphone do not work in conjunction with the microphone elements of another array microphone. Systems of array microphones can often be difficult to configure properly. Also, array microphones are usually significantly more costly than traditional microphones. Given these shortcomings, array microphones are usually custom fit to their application, causing them to be primarily used in large scale, highly customized, and costly installations. 
     Accordingly, there is an opportunity for systems that address these concerns. More particularly, there is an opportunity for modular systems including an array microphone module that is easily scalable, flexible in mounting position, and self configuring to allow the system to optimally detect sounds from an audio source, e.g., a human speaker, and reject unwanted noise and reflections. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is intended to solve the above-noted problems by providing systems and methods that are designed to, among other things: (1) provide an array microphone module that is modular and scalable, and can be connected to other such modules to create array microphone systems of easily customized shapes and sizes; and (2) provide an array microphone system comprising an array processor connected to a plurality of such array microphone modules to achieve a self-configuring array microphone system with improved directional sensitivity. 
     In an embodiment, a microphone module comprises a housing, an audio bus, and a first plurality of microphones supported by the housing. Each of the first plurality of microphones is in communication with the audio bus. The microphone module further comprises a module processor in communication with the first plurality of microphones and the audio bus. The module processor is configured to detect the presence of an array processor in communication with the audio bus, detect the presence of a second microphone module in communication with the audio bus, and configure the audio bus to pass audio signals from both the first plurality of microphones and the second microphone module to the array processor. 
     In another embodiment, a modular array microphone system comprises an array processor and a microphone module. The microphone module comprises a housing, an audio bus in communication with the array processor, and a plurality of microphones supported by the housing, each of the plurality of microphones in communication with the audio bus. The microphone module further comprises a module processor in communication with the plurality of microphones and the audio bus, the module processor configured to detect the presence of the array processor connected to the audio bus, detect the presence of a second microphone module in communication with the audio bus, and configure the audio bus to pass audio from both the plurality of microphones and the second microphone module to the array processor. 
     In yet another embodiment, a modular array microphone system comprises an array processor, an audio bus, and N microphone modules, where N is at least 2. Each of the N microphone modules comprises a housing, a plurality of microphones supported by the housing, and a module processor in communication with the plurality of microphones and the audio bus. The audio bus connects the array processor and the N microphone modules such that the plurality of microphones in each of the N microphone modules is in communication with the array processor. One or more of the array processor and the module processors in the N microphone modules is configured to detect a quantity and a connection order of the N microphone modules, and configure the audio bus to route audio signals from the plurality of microphones in each of the N microphone modules to the array processor. 
     In yet another embodiment, a microphone module comprises a housing, having a length, a first end and a second end, an audio bus, and a plurality of microphones arranged along the length of the housing, each of the plurality of microphones positioned generally in a direction transverse to the length, each of the plurality of microphones in communication with the audio bus. The microphone module further comprises a module processor in communication with the plurality of microphones and the audio bus, the module processor configured to detect the presence of an array processor in communication with the audio bus, detect the presence of a second microphone module in communication with the audio bus, and configure the audio bus to pass audio from both the plurality of microphones and the second microphone module to the array processor. 
     In yet another embodiment, a microphone module comprises a housing, an audio bus, and a plurality of microphones supported by the housing, each of the plurality of microphones in communication with the audio bus. The microphone module further comprises a module processor in communication with the plurality of microphones and the audio bus, the module processor configured to detect the presence of an array processor in communication with the audio bus and configure the audio bus to pass audio signals from the plurality of microphones to the array processor, wherein the array processor creates at least one output audio stream formed from a subset of audio signals detected by the plurality of microphones, the subset based upon a position of the module in a chain of modules. 
     In yet another embodiment, a modular array microphone system comprises a first microphone module and a second microphone module. Each of the first and second microphone modules comprises a housing, having a first end, a middle portion, a second end, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, an audio bus, and a plurality of microphones supported by the housing and generally dispersed across the length of the housing, each of the plurality of microphones in communication with the audio bus, wherein the plurality of microphones includes a first cluster of microphones proximate the first end, a second cluster of microphones proximate the second end and a third cluster of microphone proximate the middle portion. 
     In yet another embodiment, a modular array microphone system comprises a first microphone module connected to a second microphone module. Each of the first and second modules comprises a housing, having a first end, a middle portion, a second end, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, an audio bus, and a plurality of microphones supported by the housing and generally dispersed across the length of the housing, each of the plurality of microphones in communication with the audio bus. The plurality of microphones includes a first cluster of microphones proximate the first end, a second cluster of microphones proximate the second end and a third cluster of microphone proximate the middle portion. The second end of the first microphone module is connected to the first end of the second microphone module at a connection point to form a composite array microphone, the composite array microphone comprising a first composite cluster, a second composite cluster and a third composite cluster. 
     These and other embodiments, and various permutations and aspects, will become apparent and be more fully understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which set forth illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a microphone module according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  1 B  is top view of the microphone module of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  1 C  is a front view of the microphone module of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  1 D  is an end view of the microphone module of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram of the microphone module of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a schematic view of a single microphone module of the present invention depicting the spacing of the microphones within the module; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a schematic view of two connected microphone modules of the present invention depicting the spacing of the microphones within the modules; 
         FIG.  3 C  is a schematic view of three connected microphone modules of the present invention depicting the spacing of the microphones within the modules; 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram of a system of the present invention including a control module and three microphone modules; 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of the system of  FIG.  4   , depicting a system including a control module and three microphone modules; 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the system of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a front view of an example implementation of a system of microphone modules according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a top view of a system of microphone modules according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the system forms directional beams for picking up audio within an environment; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the system of  FIG.  8 A , having an alternative beam formation geometry; 
         FIG.  8 C  is a top view of yet another alternative embodiment of the system of  FIG.  8 A , having another alternative beam formation geometry; and 
         FIG.  9    is a top view of a system of microphone modules according to an embodiment of the present invention deployed in a conference room environment and surface mounted on the top surface of a conference table. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more particular embodiments of the invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. 
     It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing numbers, such as, for example, in cases where such labeling facilitates a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. Such labeling and drawing practices do not necessarily implicate an underlying substantive purpose. As stated above, the specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the invention as taught herein and understood to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     With respect to the exemplary systems, components and architecture described and illustrated herein, it should also be understood that the embodiments may be embodied by, or employed in, numerous configurations and components, including one or more systems, hardware, software, or firmware configurations or components, or any combination thereof, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, while the drawings illustrate exemplary systems including components for one or more of the embodiments contemplated herein, it should be understood that with respect to each embodiment, one or more components may not be present or necessary in the system. 
     Turning to  FIG.  1   , an exemplary embodiment of a microphone module  100  for detecting sound from an external acoustic source according to the present invention is depicted, which may be any frequency of sound pressure, including, for example, an audio source. The microphone module  100  generally comprises an elongated housing  110  having a first end  112  and a second end  114 . The microphone module  100  generally has a length (L) extending from the first end  112  to the second end  114 . A plurality of microphones  120  arranged in an array  122  are supported by the housing  110  of the module  100 . In an embodiment, the microphones  120  are mounted inside of and supported by the housing  110 , but in alternative embodiments, the microphones  120  may be mounted on the exterior of the housing  110 , partially within and partially outside of the housing  110 , or in other manners such that the microphones  120  are structurally supported by the housing  110 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , a quantity of twenty-five (25) microphones  120  are arranged in an array  122  and mounted within the housing  110 . To permit the microphones  120  of the module  100  to receive sound, one or more apertures  116  are formed into the housing  110  to allow sound to pass through the housing  110 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  1 A , a single slot-shaped aperture  116  is formed into the housing  110  of the module  100 , and is optionally covered in a porous screen, as shown, to protect the microphones  120  and other internal components of the module  100 . In other embodiments, greater numbers of apertures  116  may be formed in the housing  110  to permit sound from external sound sources to reach the microphones  120  supported by the housing  110  of the module  100 . The apertures  116  may take on various forms, including slots, slits, perforations, holes, and other arrangements of openings in the housing  110 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , the microphones  120  are generally arranged in a linear fashion, forming a linear array  122  positioned along the length (L) of the microphone module  100 . While the microphones  120  are generally positioned along the length (L) of the module  100 , they need not be positioned along a straight line, and can be positioned in various configurations throughout the housing  110  of the module  100 . In an embodiment, the microphones  120  are generally positioned transverse to the length (L), and may be positioned proximate the aperture  116  in the housing  110  to detect sounds from external sources outside of the module  100 . The microphones  120  need not be parallel to one another, but in an embodiment, are preferably positioned transverse to the length (L) of the housing  110 . 
     The microphones  120  may be directional microphones, which are positioned in a certain orientation with respect to the aperture  116  to detect an audio source outside of the housing  110 . Alternatively, the microphones  120  may be non-directional, or omni-directional microphones, which need not be positioned in a particular manner relative to the aperture  116  or housing  110 , so long as acoustic waves can penetrate the housing  110  via the aperture  116  and reach the microphones  120 . In other embodiments, other arrays  122  comprising alternative geometric arrangements of microphones  120  may be utilized. For example, the array  122  may comprise microphones  120  arranged in circular or rectangular configurations, or having nested concentric rings of microphones  120  across a plane. The length of the housing  110  need not be the largest dimension of the module  100 , but rather can be any dimension of the module  100  along which the microphones  120  are positioned. Thus, in alternative embodiments, the layout and arrangement of the microphones  120  may be any variety of patterns, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional arrangements of microphones  120  within the housing  110 . These arrangements can include arced, circular, square, rectangular, cross-shaped, intersecting, parallel or other shaped arrangements of microphones  120 . 
     The microphone module  100  includes a module processor  140  and an audio bus  150 , both of which are positioned within the housing  110  of the microphone module  100  in the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  1 A . The audio bus  150  serves to receive audio signals from the plurality of microphones  120  and to carry or transmit such audio signals along the bus  150  to other connected devices. In this way, the audio bus  150  is in communication with the plurality of microphones  120 . The audio bus  150  may comprise a plurality of bus channels  152  (see  FIG.  2   ) which carry the audio signals of the audio bus  150  as described herein. The module processor  140  is a local on-board processor which is in communication with the plurality of microphones  120  and the audio bus  150 . The module processor  140  performs a variety of functions in enabling communications among the various components of the microphone module  100 , as described herein. 
     The microphone module  100  may further include one or more connectors  130 , supported by the housing  110  of the module  100 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the microphone module  100  includes a first connector  132  proximate the first end  112  of the housing  110  and a second connector  134  proximate the second end  114  of the housing  110 . The connectors  132 ,  134  are in electrical communication with the audio bus  150  such that when external devices are connected to the connectors  132 ,  134 , audio signals carried by the audio bus  150  may be transmitted to and received from such external devices (not shown). 
     In various embodiments, the connectors  130  may be both mechanical and electrical connection devices, as described herein. For example, the connectors  130  may both mechanically connect one module  100  to another module  200  (for example, as described with reference to  FIG.  5   ). At the same time, the connectors  130  complete electrical connections between connected modules  100 , 200 , as described in greater detail herein. The connectors  130  may take on a variety of different electrical interfaces, including for example, digital parallel/serial interfaces, analog parallel/serial interfaces, and other wired interfaces. Moreover, the connectors  130  may be wireless interfaces or connection points whereby electrical signals are transmitted to and received from connected external devices wirelessly. In such case, the wireless connectors  130  may be contained completely within the housing  110  of the microphone module  100  rather than being visible on the exterior of the housing  110  as depicted in  FIG.  1   . 
     The connectors  130  permit the microphone module  100  to be connected to one or more other microphone modules in serial or “daisy-chained” fashion, with one module&#39;s end being connected to the next module, as explained herein. This connectivity supports the ability of the audio bus  150  to carry audio from both the microphones  120  on board of the microphone module  100  as well as audio from any other microphone modules downstream of the module  100  and connected to the module  100  via the connectors  130 . Similarly, the connectors  130  allow the audio bus  150  to transmit audio signals upstream to any other devices (such as another microphone module) connected via the connectors. 
     In an embodiment, the module processor  140  is a field-programmable gate array, or FPGA device. However, in other embodiments, the module processor  140  may take on various other forms of processors capable of controlling inputs and outputs to the module  100  and controlling the audio bus  150 . For example, the module processor  140  could be one of many appropriate microprocessors (MPU) and/or microcontrollers (MCU). The module processor  140  could further comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a customized hardware ASIC such as a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The module processor  140  could further comprise a series of digital/analog bus multiplexers/switches to re-configure how inputs and outputs to the module  100  are connected. 
     The microphones  120  in the module  100  may be any suitable type of transducer that can detect the sound from an audio source and convert the sound to an electrical audio signal. In a preferred embodiment, the microphones  120  are micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) microphones. In other embodiments, the microphones  120  may be condenser microphones, balanced armature microphones, electret microphones, dynamic microphones, and/or other types of microphones. 
     In certain embodiments, the microphone module  100  may be able to achieve better performance across the voice frequency range through the use of MEMS microphones. MEMS microphones can be very low cost and very small sized, which allows a large number of microphones  120  to be placed in close proximity in a single microphone array. Thus, given the very small sizes of available MEMS microphones, larger numbers of microphones  120  can be included in the module  100 , and such greater microphone density provides improved rejection of vibrational noise, as compared to existing arrays. Moreover, the microphone density of the array can permit varying beam width control, whereas existing arrays are limited to a fixed beam width. In yet other embodiments, the microphone module  100  can be implemented using alternate transduction schemes (e.g., condenser, balanced armature, etc.), provided the microphone density is maintained. 
     Further, by using MEMS microphones  120  in the array in the module  100 , processing of audio signals may be conducted more easily and efficiently. Specifically, because some MEMS microphones produce audio signals in a digital format, the module processor  140  need not include analog-to-digital conversion/modulation technologies, which reduces the amount of processing required to mix the audio signals captured by the microphones  120 . In addition, the microphone array may be inherently more capable of rejecting vibrational noise due to the fact that MEMS microphones are good pressure transducers but poor mechanical transducers, and have good radio frequency immunity compared to other microphone technologies. 
     In an embodiment, the microphones  120  can be coupled to, or included on, a substrate  154  mounted within the housing  110  of the module  100 . In the case of MEMS microphones, the substrate  154  may be one or more printed circuit boards (also referred to herein as “microphone PCB”). For example, in  FIG.  1   , the microphones  120  are surface mounted to the microphone PCB  154  and included in a single plane. In other embodiments, for example, where the microphones  120  are condenser microphones, the substrate  154  may be made of carbon-fiber, or other suitable material. 
     The other components of the module  100  may also be supported by or formed within the substrate or PCB  154 . For example, the module processor  140  may be supported by the PCB, and placed in electrical communication with the microphones  120 , the audio bus  150  and the connectors  130  via electrical paths formed in the PCB  154 . The audio bus  150 , and the various bus channels  152  comprising the audio bus  150  may also be formed partially or entirely within or upon the PCB  154 . Moreover, the connectors  130  may be supported by the PCB  154 , or may be integrally formed within or upon the PCB  154 . 
     For example, as seen in  FIG.  1   , the first connector  132  at the first end  112  of the module  100  may comprise an electrical connector comprising a plurality of electrical pads  133 . Similarly, the second connector  134  at the second end  114  of the module  100  may comprise an electrical connector comprising a plurality of electrical contacts  135 . As is described in reference to  FIG.  5   , when the first end  212  of a second module  200  is inserted into and coupled with the second end  114  of a first module  100 , such that their connectors  232 ,  134  are connected, the electrical pads (not shown) of the second module  200  come into electrical contact with the electrical contacts  135  of the first module  100 , completing the electrical connection between the two modules  100 , 200 . The electrical pads of the second module  200  may be similar to the electrical pads  133  of the first module  100 . In an embodiment, either or both of the electrical pads  133  and contacts  135  may be formed into the PCB, such as the first connector  132  in  FIG.  1   . 
     In an embodiment, the audio bus  150  comprises a time division multiplex bus (or TDM bus). The TDM bus has a plurality of audio channels  152 , which in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2    is eight audio channels  152 . In alternative embodiments, greater or fewer audio channels  152  may be provided on the audio bus  150 , depending on the quantity of microphones  120  provided in the module  100 , and the applications in which the module  100  is contemplated to be used. 
     Using time division multiplexing, as is known, allows for transmitting and receiving independent signals over a common signal path. In TDM, a plurality of audio signals, or bit streams are transferred appearing simultaneously as sub-channels in one communication channel, but are physically taking turns on the communication channel. Thus, by using a TDM bus as the audio bus  150 , the audio bus  150  can have fewer audio channels  152  than the number of audio inputs. For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the TDM audio bus  150  has eight audio channels  152 , which are in communication with twenty-five (25) microphones  120 , as well as any downstream audio from any additional microphone modules connected via the connectors  130 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the TDM bus  150  has eight audio channels  152  each of which can carry up to twenty-one (21) microphone signals per channel, for a total of up to 168 microphones, allowing as many as six (6) microphone modules  100  to be serially connected or “daisy-chained” together and connected to a single continuous audio bus. In other embodiments, depending on the number of microphones  120  present on the module  100 , and the configuration of the TDM bus  150 , even more modules  100  can be serially connected to one another. 
     A block diagram of the microphone module  100  of  FIG.  1    is depicted in  FIG.  2   . As described with reference to  FIG.  1   , the module  100  includes a housing  110  in which the various components of the module  100  are housed. A plurality of microphones  120   a - y  in the module are in communication with a module processor  140 , and an audio bus  150 . The audio bus  150  is in communication with a pair of connectors  130 , which allow the modules  100  to be daisy-chained together in serial, end-to-end fashion. The audio bus  150  comprises a plurality of audio channels  152  over which audio signals from the microphones  120  of the module  100 , as well as audio signals received from any downstream connected modules via the connectors  132 , 134  is transmitted. 
     Turning to  FIG.  3 A , a preferred arrangement of microphones  120  in a linear array  122  for use within a microphone module  100  is depicted. The linear array  122  comprises twenty-five (25) microphones  120   a - y , which are spaced from one another in the geometry depicted in  FIG.  3 A . In this embodiment, the microphones  120   a - y  are positioned generally along the length (L) of the array. In some embodiments, the microphones  120   a - y  are spaced and positioned along the array  122  in a harmonic nesting fashion to support directional sensitivity to audio of varying frequency bands. Using harmonic nesting techniques, the microphones  120   a - y  can be used to cover a specific frequency bands within a range of operating frequencies. Harmonic nesting is more fully described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/701,376 filed Apr. 30, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,565,493, assigned to Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc., which is hereby incorporated in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a group of five microphones  120   a - e  are positioned in close proximity to one another near a first end  122   a  of the array  122  to form a first cluster  124  of microphones  120 . Similarly, a second group of five microphones  120   u - y  are positioned in close proximity to one another near a second end  122   b  of the array  122  to form a second cluster  126  of microphones  120 . In similar fashion, a third cluster  128  of microphones  120  is formed by a group of nine microphones  120   i - q  positioned in close proximity to one another near a center  122   c  of the array  122 . This arrangement of clusters  124 ,  126 ,  128  near the ends  122   a,b  and center  122   c  of the array  122  supports the ability of the microphone module  100  to be “modular”—or connectable in series or daisy-chained fashion with other like microphone modules to form a microphone array of varying or selectable length, as explained herein. 
     The clusters  124 ,  126 ,  128  support the ability of the microphone module  100  to form steerable microphone beams so as to use the microphones  120  of the module  100  to transmit desired directional audio and reject undesired audio outside of the microphone beams. Specifically, depending on the frequency range of the audio which is sought to be captured by a microphone array  122 , it is beneficial to have a cluster  128  at the center  122   c  of the array  122 . However, if the module  100  were to only include a cluster  128  at the center  122   c  of the array  122 , but not at the ends  122   a,b  of the array  122 , difficulties would arise when connecting the modules  100  in serial fashion as contemplated herein. 
     For example, a system of two connected modules  100 ,  200  is depicted in  FIG.  3 B . The module  200  may be similar to the module  100 , and include a first end  212 , a second end  214 , and a plurality of microphones  220   a - y . When the two modules  100 , 200  are connected or daisy-chained in serial linear fashion as shown in  FIG.  3 B , a composite linear array  122 , 222  is formed by the arrays  122 , 222  of the pair of connected modules  100 , 200 . Since each array  122 ,  222 , includes clusters  124 , 126 , 224 , 226  located on the physical ends of the arrays  122 , 222 , when the arrays  122 , 222  are combined (through the unification of the two modules  100 , 200 ), the unified array  122 , 222  maintains a collection of clusters  124 , 226  at the ends of the system. Moreover, a combined cluster  126 , 224  remains in the middle of the combined arrays  122 , 222 , thereby maintaining a cluster of microphones  120  in the center of the combined array  122 , 222 . Therefore, the inclusion of clusters  124 , 126  at the ends of the module  100  as well as a cluster  128  in the middle of the module  100  supports daisy chaining the modules  100 , 200  together while maintaining a high level of performance. 
     The location of the clusters is further demonstrated in a system having three modules, as seen in the system depicted in  FIG.  3 C . In  FIG.  3 C , a composite array  122 , 222 , 322  is formed by serial connection of three microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 . The module  300  may be similar to the modules  100 , 200 , and include a housing  310 , a first end  312 , a second end  314 , and a plurality of microphones  320   a - y . In such a configuration, the cluster  228  of microphones  220  in the center  222   c  of the array  222  of the second module  200  would also lie in the overall center of the composite array  122 , 222 , 322  formed by the three modules  100 , 200 , 300 . This would be the case for any system having an odd number of modules formed in linear fashion. The module  300  may include other clusters  324 ,  326 ,  328 . The module  300  may also include a first connector  332  and a second connector  334 . 
     Since the microphone module  100  is designed to be used in systems of varying numbers of modules, it is important that the module  100  be configured to support connectivity of any number of modules as described above—that is, having a cluster  128  of microphones  120  in the center  122   c  of the array  122  (as well as end clusters on the array  122 ) regardless of whether odd or even numbers of modules  100  are serially connected or daisy chained in linear fashion. In an embodiment, this is accomplished by the inclusion of the first and second clusters  124 , 126  at the first and second ends  122   a , 122   b  of the array  122 . These end clusters  124 , 126  come together to form a cluster at the center of a composite array formed from even numbered quantities of modules  100 . 
     For example, returning to  FIG.  3 B , two microphone modules  100 , 200  are connected together in serial fashion to form a composite linear array  122 , 222 . By positioning the first and second modules  100 , 200  in physical proximity to one another, the second end  114  of the housing  110  of the first module  100  is proximate the first end  212  of the housing  210  of the second module  200 . In this way, the housings  110 , 210  effectively form a single system of microphones  120 , 220 , formed by the sets of microphones  120 , 220  of the individual modules  100 , 200  forming the system. This further results in the second end  122   b  of the array  122  of the first module  100  being adjacent to the first end  222   a  of the array  222  of the second module  200 , effectively forming a single, linear composite array  122 , 222  comprising the two arrays  122 , 222  of the two modules  100 , 200 . The inclusion of the end clusters  124 , 126 , 224 , 226  on the arrays  122 , 222  of the modules  100 , 200  ensures that a cluster of microphones  120 , 220  is formed when two modules  100 , 200  are connected in this fashion. Specifically, as seen in  FIG.  3 B , the second cluster  126  of microphones  120  on the first module  100  is proximate the first cluster  224  of microphones  220  of the second module  200 , such that the composite array  122 , 222  now includes a center cluster of microphones  120 , 220  formed by these two clusters  126 , 224 . Similarly, in any system including an even number of modules  100  connected together in serial, linear fashion, the system will always include a cluster of microphones  120  in the center of the composite array  122 , 222  formed by the modules  100 , 200  in the system. 
     Turning to  FIG.  4   , a block diagram of an embodiment of a modular array microphone system  50  is depicted. The system  50  includes one or more microphone modules  100 , such as the modules  100 , 200 , 300  described in reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   . In the embodiment shown, the system  50  includes three microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 . The system  50  further includes an array processor  60  which is in communication with the modules  100 , 200 , 300  of the system  50 . The array processor  60  acts to control the system  50 , and works in conjunction with the module processors  140 ,  240 ,  340  of the connected modules  100 , 200 , 300 . 
     In an embodiment, such as the one shown in  FIG.  4   , the system includes a control module  62 , which may be a separate piece of hardware from the microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  in the system  50 . The control module  62  comprises a housing  64  which contains the components of the control module  62 . The array processor  60  may be a component of the control module  62  and located within the control module housing  64 . The control module  62  may include a connector  66  for placing the control module  62  in electrical connection with the other components of the system  50 , such as the microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 , for example through the use of an appropriate cable connection. 
     In alternative embodiments, such as the embodiment shown and described with reference to  FIG.  6   , the array processor  60  may be on board of one or more of the microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 , such that a separate control module  62  is unnecessary. In such embodiments, each microphone module  100 , 200 , 300  may include an array processor  60 , such that when the modules  100 , 200 , 300  are interconnected as described herein, the on board array processors  60  will be in communication with one another via the audio bus  150 , or other electrical connections between the modules  100 , 200 , 300 . Once interconnected, one or more of the array processors  60  of the system  50  may perform the system control and processing functions as described herein with reference to the array processor  60 . 
     In an embodiment, a plurality of modules  100 , 200 , 300  may be connected in serial fashion via their respective connectors  130 , 230 , 330 , and in turn, connected to the array processor  60 , via the connector  66  on the control module  62 , as seen in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . More specifically, an electrical connection is made from the connector  66  of the control module  62  to the first connector  132  of the first microphone module  100 . To “daisy chain” or serially connect the second microphone module  200 , an electrical connection is made from the second connector  134  of the first module  100  to the first connector  232  of the second module  200 . Similarly, a third microphone module  300  can be added to the chain by completing an electrical connection from the second connector  234  of the second microphone module  200  to the first connector  332  of the third module  300 . The system  50  can be increased to include additional microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  connected in similar manner using the available connections  130 , 230 , 330  on the modules  100 , 200 , 300 . 
     Once connected, the array processor  60  controls the system  50  by interacting with the audio bus  150 , 250 , 350  passing through the connected microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 . The audio buses  250 ,  350  may be similar to audio bus  150  and may comprise a plurality of bus channels  252 ,  352 , respectively, which carry the audio signals of the audio buses  250 ,  350 . In this way, the array processor  60  acts as a master controller of the system  50 . The module processors  140 ,  240 , 340  support the system  50  by relaying information to and from the array processor  60 , and assisting in configuring the system  50  operationally. Once connected, the audio busses  150 ,  250 , 350  of the various modules  100 , 200 , 300  work in concert to form a composite audio bus for the system  50 . 
     For example, in an embodiment such as the one shown in  FIG.  4   , once the system  50  components are connected and powered up, the module processors  140 , 240 , 340  work in conjunction with the array processor  60  to determine and identify the connected components in the system  50 . In an embodiment, the system  50  self detects, realizes, and shares information about the connected components of the system—including the quantity and connection order of the microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  in the system  50 . Thus, each module processor  140 , 240 , 340  can determine what is connected to the module  100 , 200 , 300  on which it resides, and the interconnected modules  100 , 200 , 300  can share that connection information with one another, and with the array processor  60 . 
     In an embodiment, depicted in  FIG.  4   , for example, the module processors  140 , 240 , 340  can determine the connection configuration of the microphone module  100 , 200 , 300  on which the processor  140 , 240 , 340  resides. In the embodiment shown, each microphone module  100 , 200 , 300  will be detected as being one of five available connection configurations. For example, if the first microphone module  100  was not connected to either a control module  62  or array processor  60 , nor was it connected to any other microphone modules  200 , 300 , its module processor  140  could detect that the microphone module  100  was in a “Stand Alone” configuration—and the module  100  could be placed in operation in such a configuration. If the microphone module  100  was connected to a control module  62 , but not to any other microphone modules  200 , 300 , the module processor  140  could detect that it was in a “Single Block with Array Processor” configuration, comprising a system  50  of just an array processor  60  and one connected module  100 . 
     If the microphone module  100  was connected to a control module  62 , and at least one other microphone module  200 , 300 , the module processor  140  could detect that it was in a “First Block” configuration (signifying that the module  100  was the first in chain of a plurality of modules  100 , 200 , 300  connected to the control module  62 ). If a microphone module  200  was neither the first nor the last module  100 , 300  in a chain of modules  100 , 200 , 300  connected to a control module  62 , the module processor  240  would detect that the microphone module  200  was in a “Middle Block” configuration. Finally, if a microphone module  300  was the last module  300  in a chain of modules  100 , 200 , 300  connected to a control module  62 , the module processor  340  would detect that the microphone module  300  was in a “Last Block” configuration. Thus, the self-detection capabilities of the system  50  allow each module  100 , 200 , 300  in the system to determine which of the five configurations it is in (Stand Alone, Single Block with Array Processor, First Block, Middle Block, or Last Block), and to share such configuration information with the other modules  100 , 200 , 300  of the system  50 , as well as the array processor  60 , to configure the system  50 . 
     Through interactions between one or more of the array processor  60  and the microphone module processors  140 , 240 , 340 , the system  50  is intelligent so as to sense and determine its configuration. For example, in the three module system depicted in  FIG.  4   , after the self detection processes executes and completes as described above, the array processor  60  and each of the module processors  140 , 240 , 340  will know the quantity of connected microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  (in this case three), and a connection order of the connected microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  (in this case, the first module  100  is connected first, the second module  200  is connected second, and the third module  300  is connected third). One or more of the processors  60 , 140 , 240 , 340  will configure the modules  100 , 200 , 300  so that the system  50  places the first module  100  in “First Block” mode or configuration, places the second module  200  in a “Middle Block” mode, and places the third module  300  in a “Last Block” mode. 
     These configuration steps set up the system  50  to work in a unified manner, and allow the module processors  140 , 240 , 340  to configure each module  100 , 200 , 300  to properly populate the audio bus  150 , 250 , 350  with audio signals from both the on board microphones  120 , 220 , 320  of the modules  100 , 200 , 300  as well as any audio from downstream modules  200 , 300 . For example, the third module  300 , being in “Last Block” mode, knows that it is not going to receive any audio signals from any downstream modules, since no additional modules are connected to it. Therefore, the system  50  configures the audio bus  350  so as to populate the audio bus  350  with audio signals from its onboard microphones  320 . The second module  200 , being in “Middle Block” mode, knows that it is receiving audio signals from one or more downstream modules (in this case the third module  300 ). Therefore, the system  50  configures the audio bus  250  so as to populate the audio bus  250  with audio signals from both its onboard microphones  220  as well as audio signals from connected downstream modules, such as the third module  300 . Similarly, the first module  100 , being in “First Block” mode, knows that it is receiving audio signals from one or more downstream modules (in this case the second and third modules  200 , 300 ). Therefore, the system  50  configures the audio bus  150  so as to populate the audio bus  150  with audio signals from both the onboard microphones  120  as well as audio signals from connected downstream modules, such as the second and third modules  200 , 300 . 
     In this way, the system  50 , across the control module  62  and connected microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 , comprises a composite audio bus formed from the audio busses  150 , 250 , 350  of the connected microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 . The composite audio bus carries all of the audio signals from the microphones  120 , 220 , 320  of the connected microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 , and passes those audio signals to the control module  62  where they can be processed and further transmitted by the array processor  60 . Thus, in embodiments, the array processor  60  is also in communication with an output channel to transmit audio received by the array processor  60  via the composite audio bus  150 , 250 , 350 . For example, the array processor  60  may be in communication with an output channel via a connection in the control module  62  that allows outbound audio to be further transmitted to an output device. For example, the output device may be one or more speakers for transmitting the sound, an audio amplifier, a telecommunications device for transmitting sound, etc. In a conferencing environment, the output channel may connect to local loudspeakers mounted in the environment for sound reinforcement. Or the output channel may connect to a teleconferencing bridge for transmitting audio to remote locations, for example, other users connected to a conference call. 
     As described herein, the modular aspect of the microphone modules  100  allow creation and configuration of various systems  50  using the modules  100  as “building blocks” for the system  50 . In this way, the system  50  uses the modules  100  to form an “array of array microphones” by using the modular nature of each of the microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  to form a customized microphone array, which depends on the number of the microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  which are connected together to form the system  50 . The array processor  60  can then use audio signals from any and all of the microphones  120 , 220 , 320  in the system to perform flexible beam forming calculations, and form steerable microphone beams as described further herein. 
     Turning to  FIG.  5   , an example embodiment of the system  50  of  FIG.  4    is depicted. As described, the three microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  are connected and daisy chained together to form a single microphone array. The first module  100  is connected to the control module  62  via an electrical cable which connects the control module connector  66  to the first connector  132  of the first module  100 . It should be understood that the electrical cable connecting the control module connector  66  and the first connector  132  need not directly connect the two connectors  66 , 132 —but rather, one or more intermediate pieces of hardware, processing units, or cabling may exist in such connection, so long as signals can pass to and from the array processor  60  and the first module  100  such that the two are in communication. 
     The second connector  134  of the first module  100  is connected to the first connector  232  of the second module. Similarly, the second connector  234  of the second module  200  is connected to the first connector  332  of the third module  300 . Thus, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  5   , the modules  100 , 200 , 300  are connected mechanically and electrically to form a single array comprised of the three interconnected modules  100 , 200 , 300 . 
     In an alternative embodiment depicted in  FIG.  6   , the various modules  100 , 200 , 300  of the system  50  may be electrically connected by various wires or cables  131 . Thus, a first cable may be used to connect the second connector  134  of the first module  100  to the first connector  232  of the second module  200 . Similarly, a second cable may be used to connect the second connector  234  of the second module  200  to the first connector  332  of the third module  300 . The use of connecting cables, as shown, provides greater flexibility in mounting the modules  100 , 200 , 300  since in this embodiment, the modules  100 , 200 , 300  are not mechanically connected to one another, but rather are only electrically connected via the cables between their respective connectors  130 , 230 , 330 . Thus, by using connecting cables of various lengths, the physical spacing of the modules  100 , 200 , 300  of the system  50  can be customized and controlled in the environment in which the system  50  is deployed. In these ways, the ability to connect or daisy chain the modules  100 , 200 , 300  allows designers and installers of such systems  50  to create custom length microphone arrays by employing different numbers of microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  connecting them in the ways described herein. 
     Additionally, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   , the array processor(s)  60  which control the system  50  may be included on board of the various modules  100 , 200 , 300  of the system  50  (as opposed to in a separate hardware control module  62  like other embodiments described herein). Thus, in  FIG.  6   , each of the microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  includes an array processor  60   a , 60   b , 60   c . Turning to the first module  100 , the array processor  60   a  is in communication with the other components of the module  100 , including the module processor  140 , the audio bus  150 , the connectors,  130 , 132 , 134 , and the microphones  120 . The other modules  200 , 300  are similarly configured. Thus, the various array processor  60   a , 60   b , 60   c  may work together to perform system level control and processing in a manner similar to the array processor  60  in  FIG.  5   . In the embodiment in  FIG.  6   , the system  50  may configure itself such that one of the array processors  60   a , 60   b , 60   c  is a “master” array processor, and controls the system level processing of the system  50 . Alternatively, a plurality, or all of the array processors  60   a , 60   b , 60   c  may handle the system level processing demands, as described herein. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the system  50  must compensate for time shifts in the various audio signals received by the array processor  50  via the composite audio bus  150 , 250 , 350 . Thus, because the various microphones  120 , 220 , 320  of the various connected microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  of a system  50  are receiving audio at the same time, but transmitting such audio to the array processor  60  over differing lengths of the audio bus  150 , 250 , 350 , the audio signals received by the microphones  120 , 220 , 320  may arrive at the array processor  60  with varying latencies and delays. Thus, the system  50  needs to account for the varying latencies of the received audio signals from the microphones  120 , 220 , 320  of the modules  100 , 200 , 300  in the system  50 . In an embodiment, the array processor  60  performs a time alignment process to synchronize the audio received from the various microphones  120 , 220 , 320  of the modules  100 , 200 , 300 . This prevents undesirable effects such as echo or noise as the array processor  60  further transmits the audio signals of the system  50  to output devices. The time alignment process, or synchronization, can be performed by the array processor  60 , on a system level. Alternatively, the time alignment process can be performed by one or more of the module processors  140 , 240 , 340  of the modules  100 , 200 , 300  of the system. Or the processors  60 , 140 , 240 , 340  may time align the audio signals by working cooperatively. In an embodiment, the system  50  may encode the audio signals with time stamp information when the audio signals are transmitted via the audio bus  150 , 250 , 350 , and use such time stamp information to time align the audio signals. 
     Turning to  FIG.  7   , an alternative embodiment of a system  50  including a plurality of microphone modules  100  is depicted. In this embodiment, one or more modules  100  are connected in banks  70   a,b,c,d , with each bank  70   a,b,c,d  being connected to a central control module  62 , specifically via the connector  66  of the module  62 . It should be understood that the connector  66  may be a single electrical connector or connection point, or alternatively may comprise a plurality of connectors or connection points used to connect the various banks  70   a,b,c,d  as described herein. 
     As seen in  FIG.  7   , in a particular application in a conferencing environment, four banks  70   a,b,c,d  of microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600  are connected around the periphery of a wall mounted television  80 . The first bank  70   a  is mounted above the television  80 , and comprises six modules  100   a , 200   a , 300   a , 400   a , 500   a , 600   a , connected in a daisy chained fashion as described herein. The first module  100   a  is connected to the control module  62  as described with reference to  FIGS.  4 - 6   . Similarly, a second bank  70   b  of modules is positioned along a right edge of the television  80 . The second bank  70   b  comprises two modules  100   b , 200   b  connected in a daisy chained fashion with the first module  100   b  connected to the control module  62 . A third bank  70   c  of modules is mounted along a bottom edge of the television  80 . The third bank  70   c  comprises six modules  100   c , 200   c , 300   c , 400   c , 500   c , 600   c , with the first module  100   c  connected to the control module  62 . Finally, a fourth bank  70   d  of modules is positioned along a left edge of the television  80 . The fourth bank  70   d  comprises two microphone modules  100   d , 200   d  connected in a daisy chained fashion with the first module  100   d  connected to the control module  62 . 
     Therefore, the system  50  depicted in  FIG.  7    comprises a plurality of banks  70   a,b,c,d  connected to a central control module  62  having an array processor  60 . Each of the banks  70   a,b,c,d  comprises a plurality of modules  100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 . All of the modules  100  of the various banks  70   a,b,c,d  are under the control of the central control module  62  as described herein. Therefore, the flexibility of the system  50  is a valuable asset to designers and installers of such systems  50  in that the length of the various banks  70   a,b,c,d  can be customized with differing numbers of modules  100  in each bank  70   a,b,c,d , and any of number of banks  70   a,b,c,d  can be utilized to create systems  50  having appropriate placement of microphone arrays in a variety of environments where sound is to be captured and transmitted by the system  50 . The various arrangements of modules  100  in banks  70   a,b,c,d  as depicted in  FIG.  7    allows for highly customizable solutions to be provided in the field with quantities of a single variety of array module  100 , making such systems  50  desirable for ease of installation and design. Thus, the system  50  can be configured to comprise one chain of serially connected modules  100 , 200 , 300 —such as the system depicted in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . Or the system  50  can be configured to comprise multiple chains of serially connected modules, arranged in banks  70   a,b,c,d , such as the system  50  depicted in  FIG.  7   . 
     Systems  50  such as the one depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7    and described in relation to the other figures, may be configured, controlled and utilized to form microphone pick up patterns or “beams” to optimize directional sensitivity of the system  50 , as described herein. For example, turning to  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C , a variety of steerable beams  90   a - g  may be formed using the microphones of the various modules  100 , 200 , 300  of the system  50 . In  FIG.  8 A , such a system  50  includes three microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  connected in a daisy chained fashion as described herein. Under the control of a connected control module (not shown), the microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  may be used to form a variety of beams  90   a - g  having various shapes, sizes, and directional pick up patterns. For example, as seen in  FIG.  8 A , a first beam  90   a  may be formed by the system  50  using only the first module  100 , and extending in an oval shaped fashion in a direction transverse to the module  100 . Simultaneously, a second beam  90   b  may be formed using the second and third modules  200 , 300 , and extending in a wider oval shaped manner, also transverse to the length of the modules  200 , 300 . In this way, the control module  62  can operate the modules  100 , 200 , 300  of the system  50  independently or in concert to form a variety of beams  90   a,b . The beams can be entirely within a single module  100 , such as beam  90   a . Or alternatively the beams can be across multiple modules  200 , 300 , such as beam  90   b.    
     Turning to  FIG.  8 B , another embodiment of the system  50  of  FIG.  8 A  is depicted, in which a plurality of beams  90   c,d  are formed across a plurality of modules  100 , 200 , 300 . In this embodiment, a first beam  90   c  is formed across a first module  100  and a portion of a second module  200 . A second beam  90   d  is formed across a portion of the second module  200  and a third module  300 . Thus, the control module  62  uses three microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300  to create a pair of symmetrical beams  90   c,d  which are oval shaped pick up patterns extending from and transverse to the modules  100 , 200 , 300 . 
     In yet another embodiment depicted in  FIG.  8 C , the system  50  of  FIG.  8 A  is configured to create overlapping beams  90   f,g . In this embodiment, a first beam  90   f  is formed across a portion of a first module  100  and a portion of a second module  200 . A second beam  90   g  is formed across a portion of the second module  200  and a portion of a third module  300 . Both beams  90   f,g  are oval shaped pick up patterns extending from and transverse to the modules  100 , 200 , 300 . However, in this embodiment, the beams  90   f,g  overlap to achieve the desired pick up pattern depicted in  FIG.  8 C . 
     Therefore, the control module  62  can use the microphones  120  of the first module  100 , the microphones  220  of the second module  200  and the microphones  320  of the third module  300  to create independent beams  90   a - g  which can be created entirely on one module  100 , 200 , 300 , extend across multiple modules  100 , 200 , 300  and can be distinct and separate from one another (such as the beams  90   a - d  in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B ) or can overlap (such as the beams  90   f,g  in  FIG.  8 C ). In this way, the microphones of the various modules  100 , 200 , 300  can be used to form beams  90   a - g  of a variety of shapes, sizes, and directions. Moreover, audio signals received by a microphone  120  aboard one of the modules  100  may be utilized to form multiple beams  90   a - g . Thus, each microphone  120 ,  220 ,  320  of the system  50  can participate in forming multiple beams  90   a - g  such as the microphones  220  of the second module  200  depicted in  FIG.  8 C , which participate in forming both beams  90   f,g  shown. 
     Turning to  FIG.  9   , another application of a system  50  according to the embodiments described herein is depicted. In the depicted application, the system  50  is deployed in a conference room setting, which includes a conference table  82  and a plurality of sound sources, in this case humans talking, or “talkers”  84   a - f , positioned around the table  82 . In the configuration shown, six talkers  84   a - f  are positioned around the conference table  82 , with three talkers  84   a,b,c  on one side of the table  82  and three talkers  84   d,e,f  on the opposite side of the table  82 . A system  50  is deployed in the environment which includes six microphone modules  100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600  connected to a control module (not shown). The six modules  100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600  are connected in a daisy chained fashion to create a microphone array, which in this case is positioned on a top surface of the conference table  82 . 
     The control module (not shown) has configured the system  50  to create a plurality of beams  90   h,i,j,k  for the purposes of picking up the sounds and audio created by the talkers  84   a - f . As depicted in  FIG.  9   , three high frequency beams  90   h,i,j  have been created by the system  50 , each of the beams  90   h,i,j  being a similarly sized and shaped oval pick up pattern extending transversely from the modules  100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 . The first high frequency beam  90   h  is created across the first and second modules  100 , 200 , extending in opposite directions from the modules  100 , 200  so as to create directional pick up patterns to optimally pick up audio from two talkers  84   a,d  seated across from each other proximate a left end of the conference table  82 . The second high frequency beam  90   i  is created across the third and fourth modules  300 , 400 , extending in opposite directions from the modules  300 , 400  so as to create directional pick up patterns to optimally pick up audio from two talkers  84   b,e  seated across from each other proximate a center of the conference table  82 . Similarly, the third high frequency beam  90   j  is created across the fifth and sixth modules  500 , 600 , extending in opposite directions from the modules  500 , 600  so as to create directional pick up patters to optimally pick up audio from two talkers  84   c,f  seated across from each other proximate a right end of the conference table  82 . 
     The system  50  further includes a low frequency beam  90   k , which is created across all six of the modules  100 - 600 , extending from the first module  100  to the last module  600 . Like the high frequency beams  90   h,i,j , the low frequency beam  90   k  extends in opposite directions from the modules  100 - 600  so as to create directional pick up patterns to optimally pick up low frequency components of all six of the talkers  84   a - f , seated on opposing sides of the conference table  82 . Therefore, the system  50  may create different beams  90   h,i,j,k  for different frequency ranges, using different subsets or portions of the modules  100 - 600  used to create the system. In an embodiment, low frequency audio sources are more effectively captured by physically longer arrays, such that it is optimal to use the entire length of the system of modules  100 - 600  to capture such low frequency sources. Conversely, it may be more effective to capture higher frequency audio sources by shorter arrays, such that it is optimal to use microphones across a subset of the available modules  100 - 600  to create a beam (such as beam  90   h  which is created across the first two modules  100 , 200 ). 
     In this way, the system  50  uses the microphones of the various connected modules  100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600  to create beams  90   h,i,j,k  which are configured for optimal pick up of audio in the environment. In the system  50  of  FIG.  9   , six modules  100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600  are used to create four beams  90   h,i,j,k  to capture audio signals from six talkers  84   a - f  seated around a conference table. However, given the efficient configurability of the system  50 , the control module could quickly and easily reconfigure the system  50  to create greater or fewer beams  90   h,i,j,k , or to change the shape and positioning of beams  90   h,i,j,k  to accommodate changes in the environment, without having to disconnect, move, or disturb the hardware arrangement of the modules  100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 . This flexibility is one of many advantages provided by such a system  50  using connectible microphone modules  100 . Moreover, the system  50  can move, adjust or “steer” the beams  90   h,i,j,k  such that the axis of the beams  90   h,i,j,k  is better aligned with the intended sound source so as to more optimally capture audio coming from the source. 
     As can be understood from the example embodiments described herein, various systems  50  using a plurality of modules  100 , 200 , 300 , can be created and deployed in a variety of environments. Thus, in a system  50  including “N” modules  100 , the array processor  60  may select from the available microphones  120  across the various N modules  100  in selecting audio signals to utilize for creating and forming the steerable beams  90   a - k  used by the system  50 . In an embodiment, the microphones  120  which the system  50  selects, and modules  100  upon which those microphones  120  are located are based upon the number of modules  100 , or “N”, of the system  50 . Therefore, for example, a system  50  having three modules  100  may utilize different microphones  120  across the modules to form an optimal beam to pick up directional sound from a source, than in a system  50  having six modules  100 . Therefore, in an embodiment, the array processor  60  determines the number of modules  100  available to the system  50 , or “N”, as well as the number of microphones  120 , and uses this data in beam forming as described herein. In other embodiments, other data may be collected from the system  50  and used in configuration of the number, size, and shape of the microphone beams. 
     The systems  50  described herein generally refer to pick up of audio from acoustic sources within the audible spectrum (approximately 20 Hz-20 KHz). However, the systems  50  described herein are not limited to acoustic signals within the audible spectrum and can be configured to pick up acoustic sources of varying frequencies. Therefore, as used herein, “audio sources” and “audio bus” should not be construed to be limited in any way with respect to the frequency of such signals—rather such terms are intended to include detection of all ranges of acoustic signals. Therefore, the microphones  120  of the various modules  100  and systems  50  described herein can be any variety of transducers, including transducers that are capable of detecting acoustic signals outside of the audible frequency range—for example, ultrasound waves. In manners similar to those described herein, the systems  50  and modules  100  of the present disclosure can be configured to detect such other acoustic signals and to process and transmit them in a similar manner to the audio signals described herein. 
     In various embodiments, the modules  100  themselves, including the general shape and configuration of the modules  100  and their housings  110  may take on a variety of shapes. For example, the modules  100  may be elongated and linear such as some of the embodiments shown herein. Alternatively, the modules  100  may be arced, circular, square, rectangular, cross-shaped, intersecting, parallel or other arrangements. The modules  100  may include more than two connectors on them, so that they may be mechanically connected to one another to form systems  50  of modules  100  of varying shapes, sizes and configurations. For example, the modules  100  may be connected together to extend in two dimensions (such as a cross-shaped arrangement, or rectangular arrangement of modules), or in three dimensions (such as modules connected in a cube, sphere, or other three dimensional shape). In an embodiment, a system  50  may include three dimensional configuration of modules  100  interconnected to one another so as to form an object which may be placed in an environment, for example, by suspending the system from the ceiling in a “chandelier like” fashion. 
     In alternative embodiments, it should be understood that other audio bus configurations may be utilized. For example, a system of modules may be used where the modules are mechanically interconnected to form an array of modules, without the audio being passed “upstream” through each module, but rather using a different audio signal routing. In one such embodiment, audio signals from each module in the system can be routed to a central point or hub, and then from that central point, upstream to the array processor. Such a configuration may be referred to as a “hub and spoke” configuration, or “star topology.” In other embodiments, a plurality of hubs may be used, whereby each hub collects audio signals from a plurality of connected modules, and passes the combined audio up to one or more array processors. Other configurations of audio routing are possible as well. 
     Any process descriptions or blocks in figures should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments of the invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the technology rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principle of the described technology and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the embodiments as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.