Switching network for selective product demonstration

摘要

A switching network for interconnecting selected products of different electronic groups on display for purposes of active demonstration includes a plurality of nodes. Each product on display is operatively connected to one node. Each node further includes a microcontroller. A bus operatively connects the microcontrollers together as well as the products on display. The bus allows two-way communication between the microcontrollers that supervise all network functions. Additionally, each of the nodes includes a product selector switch and cooperating relay for selectively activating an adjacent product connected to the node and an indicator lamp that when illuminated indicates that the corresponding electronic product is connected for active demonstration. The switching network also includes a switching noise suppression system, a novel circuit for operatively connecting the indicator lamp and a product selector switch of a node to a microcontroller utilizing only a single pair of conductors, an automatic volume calibration and sound pressure level limiting system and a theft detection system.