Microphone Beamforming via Camera Focus Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in achieving improved microphone beamforming for enhanced audio capture while maintaining robust and reliable configurations, particularly in varying environments and usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An optimization system that communicates with the camera system to adjust microphone beamforms based on camera focus information and zoom settings, allowing for dynamic adjustment of microphone sensitivity and directionality to optimize audio capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microphone beamforming is improved for enhanced audio capture, then audio quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is made multi-functional by having it serve both its primary imaging function and a secondary function of providing focus distance information for microphone beamforming control. The optimization system integrates both camera and microphone functions, allowing the camera system to contribute to audio optimization without requiring a separate dedicated sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization system acts as an intermediary that receives focus distance information from the camera system and translates it into appropriate microphone beamforming settings. This mediator component simplifies the overall system architecture by creating a clear interface between the camera's focusing mechanism and the microphone array's beamforming control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are added for beamforming optimization, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting microphone beamforming settings based on focus distance information from the camera system. The optimization system autonomously processes the focus distance data and configures appropriate beamforming parameters without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where focus distance information from the camera system continuously informs and adjusts the microphone beamforming settings. This closed-loop approach allows the system to automatically adapt to changing recording conditions based on the distance to the subject, providing adaptability without manual input.
3Productivity
If focus distance information is used for automatic beamforming, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization system is designed as a multi-functional component that handles both image quality optimization and audio beamforming control. By consolidating these functions in a single system, the patent avoids the complexity of separate dedicated systems while achieving rapid automatic beamforming adjustments based on focus distance information.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a camera system and an optimization system. The optimization system is configured to communicate with the camera system. At least one microphone is connected to the optimization system. The optimization system is configured to adjust a beamform of the at least one microphone based, at least in part, on camera focus information of the camera system.