Dual-Lens Camera Microphone Layout for 360-Degree Audio Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-lens image capture devices often record insufficient audio for the rear-facing lens, particularly when the user is narrating the scene, leading to inadequate audio capture for spherical image creation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a microphone array with specific configurations, including a first microphone facing the same direction as a first image sensor and a second microphone facing a perpendicular direction, along with a third microphone in an equilateral triangular configuration, to generate stereo or 360-degree audio capture patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single microphone is used for forward-facing audio capture, then the audio is sufficient for the forward-facing lens, but the audio is insufficient for the rear-facing lens when the user is narrating the scene
Solution Approach 1:
The audio capture system is segmented into multiple independent microphone units positioned at different locations and orientations. The first microphone captures forward-facing audio while the second microphone captures rear-facing audio, allowing each microphone to specialize in capturing audio for its corresponding lens without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-point audio capture to a multi-dimensional audio capture system. By adding spatial distribution of microphones in different orientations (forward-facing and rear-facing), the system achieves comprehensive 360-degree audio coverage that matches the dual-lens visual capture capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphones are added to achieve 360-degree audio capture, then audio coverage for both lenses is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second microphone is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it captures rear-facing audio for the rear lens, provides stereo separation when combined with the first microphone, and enables 360-degree spatial audio capture. This universal design reduces the need for additional specialized components
Data Source
AI summary
Microphones are disposed on different surfaces of an image capture device to generate different microphone capture patterns. A microphone with one or more microphone elements is disposed on a first surface of the image capture device. The one or more microphone elements are arranged in a triangular configuration. A second microphone with at least two microphone elements is disposed on a second surface of the image capture device. The at least two microphone elements are disposed on the second surface of the image capture device in a vertical configuration.