Foldable Device Audio Input Arrangement for 360-Degree Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable electronic devices with dual microphones can only capture audio along one axis, such as up/down or left/right, and are unable to achieve 360-degree audio recording, limiting their capability for surround audio capture both in unfolded and folded states.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a plurality of audio input devices strategically positioned within a foldable housing structure, including a first and second housing structure connected by a hinge, with audio input devices oriented to capture audio from multiple directions, enabling surround audio capture even in a folded state through the use of multiple microphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual microphones are used for stereo audio capture, then left/right or up/down stereo sound capture is possible, but audio capture for 360-degree surround recording is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D stereo capture (left/right or up/down) to 3D surround capture by adding microphones at different spatial positions and orientations. Specifically, it uses microphones at front, rear, left, and right positions to capture audio from multiple dimensions, enabling 360-degree surround sound recording capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio capture system is divided into multiple independent microphone units positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right). Each microphone captures audio from its specific direction, and the system processes these segmented audio signals separately before combining them to create a complete surround sound field.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphones are added for 360-degree audio recording, then surround audio capture becomes possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple microphones are designed to serve multiple functions: they can capture surround audio when the device is unfolded, and continue to provide audio capture functionality when folded. The system adaptively selects and processes appropriate microphones based on the device's folded or unfolded state, making the microphone array universally functional across different device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which microphones are active and how audio signals are processed based on the device's physical state. When unfolded, all microphones work together for full surround capture; when folded, the system selectively uses microphones that remain exposed and adjusts the audio processing algorithm accordingly to maintain effective surround audio capture.
3Measurement precision
If microphones are positioned for optimal surround capture in unfolded state, then 360-degree audio recording is achieved, but audio capture performance degrades when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple microphones at positions that will remain exposed or accessible in both folded and unfolded states. By anticipating the folded state configuration, the design ensures that sufficient microphones remain functional for surround audio capture even when the device is folded, maintaining audio capture accuracy across different device states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on device state: when folded, it adjusts which microphones are activated, modifies signal processing algorithms, and reconfigures the audio capture pattern to accommodate the changed physical configuration. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains audio capture precision despite the folded state limiting microphone accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus may include: a foldable housing which includes a hinge structure that can switch the foldable housing between a folding state or an unfolding state, a first housing structure that is connected to the hinge structure and includes a first face oriented in a first direction and a second face oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a second housing structure that is connected to the hinge structure, includes a third face oriented in a third direction and a fourth face oriented in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and comes into contact with the first housing structure by pivoting about the hinge structure; a first display which extends from the first face to the third face and forms the first face and the third face; a second display which forms at least a portion of the fourth face; and at least one audio input device which is disposed on at least one of the second face or the fourth face.