Wireless Audio Capture Device Orientation and Pitch Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile device platforms face practical challenges in capturing and processing audiovisual performances due to limited computational resources and communication bandwidth, which hinders the delivery of compelling user experiences for applications like karaoke-style vocal music.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a portable computing device as a wirelessly coupled audio capture interface with orientation detection and pitch correction, allowing for real-time vocal audio capture and transmission to a display device-connected computing platform, where it can be mixed with other audiovisual content and rendered with synchronized video, using technologies like Bonjour for networking and accelerometer/gyroscope for orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable computing device is held in a generally right-side-up orientation for audio capture, then the device is easy to hold and operate, but the microphone is not optimally positioned toward the user's mouth, reducing audio capture quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional orientation by detecting when the device is held upside-down and displaying orientation indicators that guide the user to rotate the device 180 degrees. This inversion principle transforms the problematic upside-down holding position into the correct orientation for optimal microphone positioning toward the user's mouth, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of holding and audio capture quality
2Measurement precision
If pitch correction processing is applied to captured vocal audio, then audio quality and user experience are improved, but computational resources and processing time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pitch correction processing as an optional feature that can be applied selectively to captured vocal audio. The system provides pitch correction capabilities but allows for selective application based on user needs and available computational resources, rather than applying full processing to all audio streams continuously. This partial action approach maintains audio quality when needed while conserving computational resources
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vocalists contribute performances simultaneously, then collaborative social interaction and entertainment value are enhanced, but network bandwidth and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio capture and processing functions across multiple portable computing devices, with each device independently capturing audio from its user and transmitting to a central system. This segmentation allows multiple vocalists to contribute simultaneously without overwhelming any single device's computational resources, while the central system coordinates the mixing and synchronization of multiple audio streams, thereby managing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate generally to systems comprising a display device, a display device-coupled computing platform, a mobile device in communication with the computing platform, and a content server in which methods and techniques of capture and/or processing of audiovisual performances are described and, in particular, description of techniques suitable for use in connection with display device connected computing platforms for rendering vocal performance captured by a handheld computing device.