Binaural Audio Recording via Integrated Protective Case
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones and tablets typically record audio in monophonic format due to the limitations of built-in microphones, resulting in less than ideal audio quality for recordings.
Innovation Solution
Headphones with embedded microphones connected to a protective mobile device case containing an audio and video codec, along with an optional battery, enable high-quality binaural audio recording and playback, simulating the user's audio experience while acting as a protective case and additional power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If built-in microphones are used for audio recording, then device portability is maintained, but audio recording quality deteriorates to monophonic format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the protective case: binaural recording microphones, audio/video codec processing, battery power supply, and device protection all merge into a single integrated unit. This resolves the contradiction by providing high-quality binaural audio recording without requiring separate external equipment, maintaining portability while improving audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the mobile device, provides binaural audio recording capability, supplies additional power through integrated battery, and performs audio/video encoding. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high-quality audio recording while maintaining device portability and eliminating the need for multiple separate accessories.
2Measurement precision
If external microphones are used to improve audio quality, then audio recording quality improves, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring separate external microphones and accessories, the patent merges all necessary components (microphones, codec, battery) into the protective case itself. This integration resolves the contradiction by providing high-quality binaural audio recording capability without increasing system complexity, as everything is unified in a single protective accessory.
3Measurement precision
If high-quality binaural recording components are integrated, then audio recording quality improves, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case is designed to perform multiple functions (protection, binaural recording, power supply, audio/video encoding) simultaneously, which justifies its larger size compared to standard cases. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into one integrated unit, providing high-quality audio recording without requiring additional separate equipment that would increase overall system volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable binaural recording and playback device includes headphones with embedded outside facing microphones attached to a dongle with embedded stereo microphone preamplifier or audio codec containing a microphone preamplifier, analog to digital converter/digital to analog converter (or digital signal processor), allowing for the recording and playback of high quality binaural audio by connecting the dongle digitally to a mobile phone or electronics device, or via an analog cable to a camera or device with an analog microphone input.