Camera Microphone Drainage Channels for Water Signal Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio capture systems in cameras designed for use in and out of water face challenges with signal distortion due to water transitions, particularly during activities like surfing or swimming, where microphones struggle to maintain natural sound quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera system with multiple microphones, including an enhanced microphone with drainage features to quickly drain water and a reference microphone to mitigate splashing water impacts, along with a processor to determine correlation metrics between audio signals from both microphones to select the optimal signal for output based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single microphone is used in a camera designed for both water and non-water environments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the audio quality deteriorates due to signal distortion from water splashing and inability to drain water quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The audio capture system is segmented into multiple independent microphone units: a first microphone positioned to capture ambient audio, a second microphone positioned to capture splashing impulses, and a third microphone integrated with drainage features. This segmentation allows each microphone to specialize in capturing specific audio characteristics, enabling the system to selectively use or combine signals based on environmental conditions rather than using a single general-purpose microphone.
Solution Approach 2:
Different microphones are positioned at different locations within the camera housing with different functional characteristics. The first microphone is positioned for general ambient capture, the second is positioned to specifically capture splashing impulses, and the third is integrated with drainage features for optimal performance in water environments. This local differentiation allows the system to select the most appropriate microphone based on the specific environmental condition.
2Productivity
If water drainage features are integrated into the microphone recess, then water drainage speed is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional drainage components and channels
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage features are merged with the microphone recess structure itself rather than being separate components. The recess is designed with integrated drainage channels and openings that allow water to drain quickly from the microphone area. This merging approach provides effective water drainage functionality while minimizing additional complexity by incorporating the drainage system into the existing housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channels and openings act as intermediary structures that facilitate water removal from the microphone recess. These intermediary elements provide a pathway for water to exit the recess area, preventing water accumulation that would distort audio signals, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Reliability
If multiple microphones with different positions and functions are used, then the ability to mitigate splashing noise and drain water is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera housing and microphone assembly are designed to serve multiple functions: the housing provides structural support, contains integrated drainage channels for water removal, positions multiple microphones for different audio capture purposes, and protects the microphones from direct water exposure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby easing manufacturing while improving audio capture reliability across different environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channels and openings are pre-integrated into the microphone recess structure during manufacturing, establishing water drainage pathways before the camera is used. This preliminary integration of drainage functionality ensures that water can be quickly removed from the microphone area when needed, improving audio reliability without requiring complex assembly steps or additional manufacturing processes.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the first microphone is positioned within a recess on the interior facing portion of the face, then protection from direct water exposure is improved, but the audio signal strength may be reduced due to the recess structure
Solution Approach 1:
The first microphone is nested within the recess structure of the camera housing, which provides protection from direct water exposure. The recess acts as a protective cavity that shields the microphone while still allowing it to capture ambient audio signals. This nesting arrangement balances protection with audio capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple microphones that capture different aspects of the audio environment. The first microphone in the recess captures ambient audio, while the second microphone captures splashing impulses. By having these complementary copies of audio capture functionality at different positions, the system can reconstruct a complete and accurate audio signal even though individual microphones are positioned in protective configurations that might individually reduce signal strength.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces signal distortion by quickly draining water from the enhanced microphone and using the reference microphone to manage splashing water noise, ensuring improved audio quality both in and out of water environments.
Implementation Method 1
a lower drain below the first microphone that includes an opening in the camera housing. The lower drain may be configured to allow water that collects in the recess to drain
Implementation Method 2
an upper drain above the first microphone that includes an opening in the camera housing. The upper drain may be configured to allow air to enter the recess as the water drains
Data Source
AI summary
A camera includes a first microphone, a second microphone, one or more drains, and a processor. The processor determines a correlation metric between portions of audio signals obtained from the first and second microphones. The one or more drains drain water away from the first microphone, the second microphone, or both. The camera includes a memory to store the portions of the audio signals as portions of an output audio signal.