Integrated Camera and Microphone Assembly for Voice Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voice tracking apparatuses fail to effectively obtain and selectively beamform voice signals from sound sources during video conferences, as they only turn the camera towards the sound source without intensively tracking the location or matching the image with the sound source direction.
Innovation Solution
A voice tracking apparatus and control method that includes an image capturing unit, a voice input unit, a sound source tracking unit, and a control unit, which tracks the sound source using techniques like time difference of arrival, turns the image capturing unit towards the sound source, and performs beamforming using Delay-Sum beamforming to intensively capture the voice signal and match the image with the sound source direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is turned toward the sound source, then the image of the sound source is captured, but the voice signal is not effectively obtained or selectively captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera unit and voice input unit (microphones) into an integrated assembly that moves together as a single entity. When the camera turns toward the sound source, the microphones simultaneously orient toward the same direction, ensuring both visual and auditory tracking are synchronized and effective
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sound source location detection to control the turning of both the camera and voice input unit. The detected sound source position provides continuous feedback that adjusts the orientation of the integrated camera-voice unit, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accurate tracking
2Ease of operation
If only the camera is turned toward the sound source, then the image is captured, but the voice signal cannot be beamformed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The camera unit and voice input unit are merged into a single movable assembly, ensuring they maintain fixed relative positions. This integration allows the voice input unit to automatically inherit the directional information from the camera's orientation, enabling effective beamforming without complex independent control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated camera-voice unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: visual capture, sound source detection, and directional voice recording. By making the voice input unit part of the same assembly that captures images, the system achieves multi-functionality with a unified tracking mechanism
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
Effectively tracks the sound source location to obtain the voice signal and performs beamforming, ensuring clear and selective capture of the voice signal, allowing for focused attention on the speaker during video conferences.
Implementation Method 1
a voice input unit (120) mounted on the image capturing unit (110) and receiving a voice signal generated from the outside
Implementation Method 2
a control unit (170) beamforming the voice signal of the tracked sound source according to the turning of the image capturing unit (110)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a voice tracking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: tracking a sound source of a voice signal generated from the outside; turning an image capturing unit of the voice tracking apparatus toward the location of the tracked sound source; and beamforming the voice signal of the sound source through a voice input unit mounted on the image capturing unit.