Networked sound masking system

Abstract

A sound masking system for shaping the ambient noise level in a physical environment. The sound masking system comprises a networked and distributed system having a number of master units coupled together and to a control unit. One or more of the master units may include satellite sound masking units which function to reproduce the sound masking signal generated by the master sound masking unit. Each of the master units is addressable over the network by the control unit enabling the control unit to program the contour, spectral band, and gain characteristics of the sound masking output signal. The system may also include a remote control unit which provides the capability to tune and adjust each master sound masking unit in situ without requiring physical access through the ceiling installation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sound masking system for controlling the ambient noise level in a physical environment, said sound masking system comprising:
 (a) a communication network spanning at least a portion of said physical environment;   (b) a plurality of sound masking units, some of said sound masking units including a sound masking component for generating a sound masking output signal and said sound masking units including a communication interface for coupling said sound masking units to said communication network for receiving control signals over said communication network;   (c) a control unit, said control unit having a communication interface for coupling said control unit to said communication network for transmitting control signals over said communication network to said sound masking units, and said control signals including signals for selectively controlling the operation of said sound masking units.