Microphone module and electronic device
The microphone module with a closed top surface and inclined secondary channels addresses the limitations of existing wind noise reduction technologies by providing adaptable, cost-effective wind noise reduction for diverse devices, ensuring clear audio capture.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HARMAN INT IND INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing wind noise reduction technologies for outdoor communication and recording devices are often device-specific, complex, costly, or inadequate, failing to provide reliable audio performance under adverse conditions.
A microphone module design featuring a closed top surface and inclined secondary audio channels on the sides, combined with optional mesh or sponge layers, to minimize wind noise while preserving audio clarity.
The design effectively reduces wind noise, maintaining reliable audio performance across various devices and environments by blocking direct airflow and dispersing wind impact, enhancing sound clarity.
Smart Images
Figure CN2024144121_09072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
MICROPHONE MODULE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICETECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a microphone module and an electronic device comprising a microphone module.BACKGROUND
[0002] The demand for outdoor communication and recording devices has grown significantly in recent years, resulting from advancements in wearable technology, wireless audio solutions, and the increasing popularity of outdoor activities. Devices such as outdoor cameras, smart helmets, wireless live-streaming microphones, and drones are sometimes used in environments where users encounter high winds, rapid motion, and environmental noise, all of which degrade audio quality and impair clear communication or recording. To meet user expectations, these devices are supposed to deliver reliable audio performance even under adverse conditions, such as high-speed movement during cycling or driving, or operation in windy locations like mountain regions or coastal areas.
[0003] To address these challenges, various wind noise reduction methods have been adopted and tailored for specific devices. These include physical enclosures, mechanical barriers, and electronic noise-canceling technologies. However, such solutions often have limited applicability across different devices and must be customized for each application, increasing development complexity. Furthermore, many existing approaches either provide inadequate wind noise reduction, and some may even compromise audio quality. Others are overly complex or costly, reducing their practicality for mass production and widespread adoption.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a simple, cost-effective design that can effectively reduce wind noise while being adaptable for use in a wide range of devices.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present disclosure aims to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems in the prior art.
[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microphone module is provided. The microphone module comprises: an acoustic structure having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and one or more side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the top surface is a closed structure without any perforations or openings; a microphone unit mounted to the bottom surface of the acoustic structure; a primary audio channel formed within the acoustic structure, the primary audio channel extending longitudinally from the microphone unit toward the top surface without reaching the top surface; and a plurality of secondary audio channels in communication with the primary audio channel, the secondary audio channels being inclined toward the bottom surface, extending toward the side surfaces, and terminating at respective openings in the side surfaces.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises a device body and a microphone module is mounted to the device body.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following drawings and description. The components shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, instead, emphasis should be placed upon the principles illustrated by the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the drawings.
[0009] Figures 1A-1B are perspective views illustrating a microphone module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0010] Fig. 2A is a sectional view taken along the line 2A-2A of Fig. 1B;
[0011] Fig. 2B is a sectional view take along the line 2B-2B of Fig. 1B;
[0012] Fig. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a microphone module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0013] Fig. 4 illustrates an outdoor camera device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015] As used herein, the singular forms “a” , “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise” , “comprising” , “includes” and / or “including” , as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” and the symbol “ / ” are meant to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Additionally, while the terms first, second etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, steps or calculations, these elements, components, steps, or calculations should not be limited by these terms, rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, step or calculation from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, similarly a first calculation may be referred to as a second calculation; likewise, a first step may be referred to as a second step, all without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0016] To clarify the use in the pending claims and to hereby provide notice to the public, the phrases “at least one of , , ... and <N>” or “at least one of , , ... <N>, or combinations thereof” are defined by the Applicant in the broadest sense, superseding any other implied definitions herebefore or hereinafter unless expressly asserted by the Applicant to the contrary, to mean one or more elements selected from the group comprising A, B, ... and N, that is to say, any combination of one or more of the elements A, B, ... or N including any one element alone or in combination with one or more of the other elements which may also include, in combination, additional elements not listed.
[0017] The present disclosure provides a microphone module comprising an acoustic structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and one or more side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The top surface is a closed structure without any perforations or openings. A microphone unit is mounted to the bottom surface of the acoustic structure, and a primary audio channel is formed within the acoustic structure, extending longitudinally from the microphone unit toward the top surface but does not reach the top surface. The acoustic structure further comprises a plurality of secondary audio channels in communication with the primary audio channel. The secondary audio channels are inclined toward the bottom surface, extending toward the side surfaces and terminating at respective openings in the side surfaces.
[0018] This closed design of the top surface of the acoustic structure prevents direct airflow from entering the acoustic structure through the top surface. The sound signals can only enter the acoustic structure through the opening in the side surfaces and reach the microphone unit via the secondary audio channels and the primary audio channel. By combining the closed design of the top surface with the openings (and audio channels) in the side surface, the acoustic structure reduces the effect of wind noise, allowing the microphone unit to capture sound signals with enhanced clarity. The inclined configuration of the secondary audio channel toward the bottom surface further effectively reduces wind noise while preserving the integrity of the desired audio signals.
[0019] In one or more embodiments, the microphone module further comprises a mesh layer, such as a woven fabric mesh, disposed between the microphone unit and the primary audio channel. Alternatively or additionally, the primary audio channel may include porous material, such as sponge, arranged therein.
[0020] With these arrangements, airflow or sound entering through the secondary audio channels must first pass through the mesh layer and / or the sponge before reaching the microphone unit. This design provides an additional buffer to the airflow caused by incoming wind and helps disperse the airflow, further reducing its impact on the microphone unit. By dampening and dispersing airflow, the microphone module effectively minimizes wind noise, thereby enhancing the clarity and quality of the audio signals captured by the microphone unit.
[0021] In one or more embodiments, the provides an electronic device comprising a device body and a microphone module mounted to the device body, wherein at least one of the side surfaces of the acoustic structure remains open while the remaining side surfaces are covered or sealed by the device body.
[0022] The applicant found that the microphone module can continue to function properly even when a portion or some of the side surfaces and / or their corresponding openings on the acoustic structure are covered or sealed, as long as at least one or some side surfaces and / or their corresponding openings remain open. This design provides the microphone module with a high degree of adaptability.
[0023] Figures 1A-1B are perspective views illustrating a microphone module 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The microphone module 100 comprises an acoustic structure 110 and a microphone unit 120. The acoustic structure 110 has a generally cubic shape and comprises a top surface 112, a bottom surface 116 opposite to the top surface 112, and four side surfaces 114 extending between the top surface 112 and the bottom surface 116. For ease of description, the direction extending from the top surface 112 to the bottom surface 116 may be referred to as a longitudinal direction. On each side surface 114, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be referred to as a lateral direction, and the direction extending outward from an axis passing through the center of the top and bottom surfaces to (a lateral center of) each side surface may be referred to as a radial direction.
[0024] The top surface 112 is a closed structure, having no perforations or holes therein. The microphone unit 120 is positioned at a substantially central location of the bottom surface 116. Each of the four side surfaces 114 is provided with three openings 142a, 144a, and 146a, arranged along the longitudinal direction and positioned at the lateral center of the respective side surface.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the acoustic structure 110 is shown in a cubic shape. According to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure, the acoustic structure 110 may adopt alternative shapes, such as a cuboid shape, a prismatic column shape, or a polyhedral column shape. In one or more still other embodiments, the acoustic structure 110 may adopt any other suitable shape, provided it comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and one or more side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces. Preferably, the side surfaces extend perpendicularly between the top surface and the bottom surface to maintain structural symmetry and ensure optimal performance of the microphone module.
[0026] Fig. 2A is a sectional view taken along the line 2A-2A of Fig. 1B, and Fig. 2B is a sectional view take along the line 2B-2B of Fig. 1B. As shown, the acoustic structure 110 comprises a microphone chamber 116a which is recessed from the bottom surface 116. The microphone chamber 116a is configured to receive the microphone unit 120 and has a shape and size corresponding to those of the microphone unit 120, such that when the microphone unit 120 is installed in the microphone chamber 116a, it is substantially flush with the bottom surface 116 of acoustic structure 110. This configuration provides a smooth and aesthetically pleasing appearance for the microphone module 100, while also facilitating the integration of the microphone module 100 into an electronic device.
[0027] The acoustic structure 110 is formed with a primary audio channel 130 therein, which extends from and is in communication with the microphone chamber 116a and thereby acoustically coupled to the microphone unit 120 installed therein. The primary audio channel 130 extends longitudinally from the microphone chamber 116a toward the top surface 112 but terminates at a point spaced apart from the top surface 112. This termination of the primary audio channel 130 prevents direct airflow from the top surface 112 into the primary audio channel 130, which helps to reduce wind noise interference.
[0028] In addition, the acoustic structure 110 is further provided with secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146, which are in communication with the primary audio channel 130 and extend toward each of the four side surfaces 114. Specifically, there are three secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146 extending from the primary audio channel 130 toward each side surface 114. The three secondary audio channels associated with each side surface 114 terminate at corresponding openings 142a, 144a, and 146a formed on the respective side surface 114.
[0029] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2A-2B, each of the three secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146 associated with each side surface 114 is inclined toward the bottom surface 116 along an arcuate path. As a result, the acoustic structure 110 forms audio pathways that start from the three openings 142a, 144a, and 146a on each of the four side surfaces 114, extending through the respective secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146, and further extending through the primary audio channel 130 to the microphone unit 120.
[0030] During use, the microphone module 100 is normally oriented such that the top surface 112 of the acoustic structure 110 faces the incoming wind direction. As the top surface 112 is a closed structure without any perforations or openings, and all secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146 have openings formed in the side surfaces 114, this effectively blocks direct airflow from entering the primary and secondary audio channels 130, 142, 144, 146, thereby preventing wind from directly impacting the microphone unit 120. Additionally, each of the secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146 associated with the side surfaces 114 is inclined a toward the bottom surface 116. This inclined design of the secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146 further prevents the incoming wind directed toward the top surface from directly impacting the microphone unit 120. Additionally, this structure also reduces turbulence, thereby further minimizing wind noise.
[0031] As shown, the acoustic structure 110 has a simple and compact design, which allows for easy integration into various electronic devices, even in space-constrained applications. By combining the closed design of the top surface 112 with the inclination of the secondary audio channels, the acoustic structure 110 minimizes the effect of wind noise, allowing the microphone unit 120 to capture sound signals with enhanced clarity. This configuration ensures that even in high-wind environments, the microphone module 100 maintains reliable audio performance, effectively reducing wind noise while preserving the integrity of the desired audio signals.
[0032] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a mesh layer, such as a woven fabric mesh, may be disposed between the microphone unit 120 and the primary audio channel 130. In one or more other embodiments, materials such as sponge or similar porous structures may be arranged within the primary audio channel 130. With these arrangements, airflow or sound entering through the secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146 must first pass through the mesh layer and / or the sponge before reaching the microphone unit 120. This design provides an additional buffer to the airflow caused by incoming wind and helps disperse the airflow, further reducing its impact on the microphone unit 120. By dampening and dispersing airflow, the microphone module 100 effectively minimizes wind noise, thereby enhancing the clarity and quality of the audio signals captured by the microphone unit 120.
[0033] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the microphone module 100 is a cubic shape with a side length of approximately 10 mm. The diameter of the primary audio channel 130 may be approximately 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or within a range of 3-5 mm. The diameter of the secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146 may be approximately 1-2 mm, with a spacing of approximately 1-2 mm between adjacent secondary audio channels. The inclination angle of the secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146 toward the bottom surface 116 may range from 10 to 60 degrees, 10 to 40 degrees, or 10 to 30 degrees. The above dimensions and angles are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure, these dimensions or angles can adopt any suitable values based on specific design requirements or applications.
[0034] Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the wind noise reduction performance of the microphone module 100, which was configured according to the dimensions and parameters described in the preceding paragraph. Specifically, the microphone module had a cubic acoustic structure with a side length of approximately 10 mm. Each side surface was associated with three openings.
[0035] The tests were conducted under a wind speed of 5 m / s, and five different conditions were tested: (1) without using the microphone module, (2) using the microphone module with only one opening on a single side surface left uncovered, (3) using the microphone module with all openings on three side surfaces sealed and only three openings on one side surface left uncovered, (4) using the microphone module with one opening on each of three different side surfaces left uncovered, and (5) using the microphone module with all three openings on each of three different side surfaces left uncovered.
[0036] The results of the tests are as follows:
[0037] In condition (1) , without the microphone module, the measure wind noise level was considered as the reference value and recorded as 0 dB.
[0038] In condition (2) , with only one opening on a single side surface uncovered, the wind noise level was reduced to -3 dB.
[0039] In condition (3) , with all openings on three side surfaces sealed and only three openings on one side surface left uncovered, the wind noise level was further reduced to -6 dB.
[0040] In condition (4) , with one opening on each of three side surfaces uncovered, the wind noise level was reduced to -8 dB.
[0041] In condition (5) , with all three openings on each of three side surfaces left uncovered, the wind noise level remained at -8 dB.
[0042] These results demonstrate the significant wind noise reduction capabilities of the microphone module under various configurations. Notably, the microphone module maintained effective noise reduction performance even when most of the openings were sealed, illustrating its adaptability. The best performance was achieved when multiple (3) side surfaces, each with at least one opening, were left uncovered.
[0043] Fig. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a microphone module 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The microphone module 200 comprises an acoustic structure 210 and a microphone unit 220. The acoustic structure 210 has a generally cubic shape and comprises a top surface 212, a bottom surface 216 opposite to the top surface 212, and four side surfaces 214 extending between the top surface 212 and the bottom surface 216.
[0044] The acoustic structure 210 is provided with a primary audio channel 230 extending longitudinally from the microphone unit 220 toward the top surface 212. In addition, the acoustic structure 210 is further provided with secondary audio channels 242, 244, and 246, which are in communication with the primary audio channel 230 and extend toward each of the four side surfaces 214. The key difference between the microphone module 200 illustrated in Fig. 3 and the microphone module 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 –Fig. 2B lies in the inclination paths of the secondary audio channels. Specifically, the secondary audio channels 242, 244, and 246 in the microphone module 200 are inclined along straight-line paths toward the bottom surface 216, whereas the secondary audio channels 142, 144, and 146 in the microphone module 100 are inclined along arcuate or curved paths toward the bottom surface 116. Apart from this distinction, the overall structure and design of the microphone module 200 in Fig. 3 are similar to those of the microphone module 100 in Figs. 1-2B. Therefore, the description provided above with reference to the microphone module 100 may apply to the microphone module 200, and vice versa.
[0045] In the microphone module disclosed herein, the acoustic structure adopts a cubic configuration with a closed, perforation-free top surface, and three secondary audio channels are provided in each side surface to establish acoustic communication to the microphone unit. The applicant found that the microphone module can continue to function properly even when a portion or some of the side surfaces or their corresponding openings on the acoustic structure are covered or sealed, as long as at least one or some side surfaces or their corresponding openings remain open. This design provides the microphone module with a high degree of adaptability.
[0046] Specifically, when the microphone module is integrated into a specific electronic device, it can tolerate partial coverage of its side surfaces by the structural components of the electronic device. For example, one, two, or even three side surfaces of the acoustic structure may be covered by the electronic device’s structure, while the microphone module remains operational as long as the remaining side surfaces are left open. In other usage scenarios, some of the openings in a single side surface may be covered or sealed, while the remaining opening (s) on that side surface remain open, and the microphone module can still function properly. This flexibility allows the microphone module to be incorporated into a wide variety of electronic devices and operate reliably under different configurations, making it suitable for various applications.
[0047] Fig. 4 illustrates an outdoor camera device 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The outdoor camera device 10 comprises a device body 12 and a microphone module 14 mounted to the device body 12. The microphone module 14 is of a cubic shape and comprises a top surface 14a, a bottom surface (not shown) opposite to the top surface 14a, and four side surfaces 14b extending between the top and bottom surfaces. As shown, three of the side surfaces of the microphone module 14 are covered or sealed by structures of the device body 12, leaving only one side surface 14b open. In this arrangement, the microphone module 14 remains fully operational.
[0048] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the microphone module 14 in the outdoor camera device 10 of Fig. 4 may utilize the microphone module 100 shown in Figs. 1-2B or the microphone module 200 shown in Fig. 3. The outdoor camera device 10 shown in Fig. 4 is exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the microphone module described herein can be integrated into any suitable electronic device, such as smart helmets, wireless live-streaming microphones, or drones, etc. This adaptability ensures that the microphone module can meet the specific design and operational requirements of a wide range of devices used in various environments.
[0049] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the present disclosure can be implemented as follows.
[0050] Item 1: A microphone module, comprising: an acoustic structure having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and one or more side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the top surface is a closed structure without any perforations or openings; a microphone unit mounted to the bottom surface of the acoustic structure; a primary audio channel formed within the acoustic structure, the primary audio channel extending longitudinally from the microphone unit toward the top surface without reaching the top surface; and a plurality of secondary audio channels in communication with the primary audio channel, the secondary audio channels being inclined toward the bottom surface, extending toward the side surfaces, and terminating at respective openings in the side surfaces.
[0051] Item 2: The microphone module according to Item 1, wherein the acoustic structure is of a cubic shape having four side surfaces.
[0052] Item 3: The microphone module according to any one of Items 1-2, wherein the secondary audio channels extend along an arcuate path or a linear path.
[0053] Item 4: The microphone module according to any one of Items 1-3, wherein each side surface is associated with three secondary audio channels, the three secondary audio channels associated with each side surface extending from the primary audio channel and terminating at three respective openings evenly spaced along the longitudinal direction in the side surface.
[0054] Item 5: The microphone module according to any one of Items 1-4, wherein the one or more side surfaces extend perpendicularly between the top surface and the bottom surface.
[0055] Item 6: The microphone module according to any one of Items 1-5, further comprising a microphone chamber recessed into the bottom surface and configured to receive the microphone unit,
[0056] wherein the microphone unit is mounted in the microphone chamber and is substantially flush with the bottom surface.
[0057] Item 7: The microphone module according to any one of Items 1-6, further comprising a mesh layer disposed between the microphone unit and the primary audio channel.
[0058] Item 8: The microphone module according to any one of Items 1-7, wherein the primary audio channel further comprises porous material, such as sponge, arranged therein.
[0059] Item 9: The microphone module according to any one of Items 1-8, wherein the inclination angle of the secondary audio channels toward the bottom surface is between 10° and 60°.
[0060] Item 10: The microphone module according to any one of Items 1-9, wherein the acoustic structure is a cubic shape having a side length of approximately 10 mm, the primary audio channel has a diameter of 3–5 mm, and the secondary audio channels has a diameter of 1–2 mm.
[0061] Item 11: An electronic device, comprising a device body and a microphone module according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the microphone module is mounted to the device body.
[0062] Item 12: The electronic device according to Item 11, wherein at least one of the side surfaces of the acoustic structure remains open while the remaining side surfaces are covered or sealed by the device body.
[0063] Item 13: The electronic device according to Item 11 or Item 12, wherein the electronic device is an outdoor camera, a smart helmet, a wireless live-streaming microphone, or a drone.
[0064] Systems and methods have been described in general terms as an aid to understanding details of the disclosure. In some instances, well-known structures, materials, and / or operations have not been specifically shown or described in detail to prevent obscuring aspects of the disclosure. In other instances, specific details have been given to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms, for example to adapt to a particular system or apparatus or situation or material or component, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except considering the attached claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1.A microphone module, comprising:an acoustic structure having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and one or more side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the top surface is a closed structure without any perforations or openings;a microphone unit mounted to the bottom surface of the acoustic structure;a primary audio channel formed within the acoustic structure, the primary audio channel extending longitudinally from the microphone unit toward the top surface without reaching the top surface; anda plurality of secondary audio channels in communication with the primary audio channel, the secondary audio channels being inclined toward the bottom surface, extending toward the side surfaces, and terminating at respective openings in the side surfaces.2.The microphone module according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic structure is of a cubic shape having four side surfaces.3.The microphone module according to claim 1, wherein the secondary audio channels extend along an arcuate path or a linear path.4.The microphone module according to claim 1, wherein each side surface is associated with three secondary audio channels, the three secondary audio channels associated with each side surface extending from the primary audio channel and terminating at three respective openings evenly spaced along the longitudinal direction in the side surface.5.The microphone module according to claim 1, wherein the one or more side surfaces extend perpendicularly between the top surface and the bottom surface.6.The microphone module according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a microphone chamber recessed into the bottom surface and configured to receive the microphone unit,wherein the microphone unit is mounted in the microphone chamber and is substantially flush with the bottom surface.7.The microphone module according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a mesh layer disposed between the microphone unit and the primary audio channel.8.The microphone module according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the primary audio channel further comprises porous material, such as sponge, arranged therein.9.The microphone module according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the inclination angle of the secondary audio channels toward the bottom surface is between 10° and 60°.10.The microphone module according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the acoustic structure is a cubic shape having a side length of approximately 10 mm, the primary audio channel has a diameter of 3–5 mm, and the secondary audio channels has a diameter of 1–2 mm.11.An electronic device, comprising a device body and a microphone module according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the microphone module is mounted to the device body.12.The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the side surfaces of the acoustic structure remains open while the remaining side surfaces are covered or sealed by the device body.13.The electronic device according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the electronic device is an outdoor camera, a smart helmet, a wireless live-streaming microphone, or a drone.