Integrated Audio Video Sensor Merging Signal Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio/video sensing systems are bulky, costly, and lack synchronization due to independent mechanical and electronic structures of audio and video sensors, leading to inefficient use of space and high noise content.
Innovation Solution
An integrated audio/video sensor is developed using a multi-chip module (MCM) or system on a chip (SOC) technology, combining an image-receiving module, a sound-receiving module, and a signal-transforming module, which includes an image-sensing chip, audio amplifier, and audio/video processing chip, allowing for simultaneous synchronization of image and sound signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If audio sensor and video sensor are formed separately, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device occupies more space and has higher production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the audio sensor and video sensor into a single integrated sensor unit. The audio sensing element (diaphragm with back plate) and video sensing element (lens with image sensor) are merged into one device, sharing common structural components and housing, thereby reducing the overall space occupation while maintaining the functional optimization of each sensing module
2Reliability
If audio sensor and video sensor are formed separately, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensor structure allows for consolidated manufacturing processes. Common components such as the housing, mounting structures, and peripheral circuits are manufactured as integrated units rather than separate assemblies, reducing the number of manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and quality control checkpoints, thereby lowering production cost
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor design employs universal structural elements that serve multiple functions. For example, the housing provides both mechanical support and acoustic isolation; the mounting structure secures both audio and video components; the peripheral circuits handle signals from both sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the manufacturing process
3Ease of manufacture
If audio sensor and video sensor are assembled together for convenience, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the images and sounds are not synchronous due to circuit compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The audio and video sensing elements are merged at the structural level with shared mounting structures and housing. The peripheral circuits are also integrated to process both audio and video signals within the same circuit board, ensuring synchronized signal processing and eliminating timing discrepancies that would arise from separate assembly
4Device complexity
If audio sensor and video sensor are assembled together for convenience, then the device structure is simpler, but a lot of space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The audio sensing elements are nested within the video sensor housing structure. The diaphragm and back plate are positioned within the same housing that contains the lens and image sensor, with the audio components occupying the space behind or around the video sensing elements, thereby eliminating wasted space while maintaining structural simplicity
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
The integrated solution significantly reduces space occupation, lowers production costs, and enables synchronous collection of video and audio signals, improving compatibility and reducing noise and distortion.
Implementation Method 1
The image-sensing chip 110 transforms the received light into image signals
Implementation Method 2
The condenser microphone 400 receives and amplifies sound
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated audio/video sensor is provided. The integrated sensor comprises an image-receiving module for sensing a light of an image, a sound-receiving module for sensing a sound and a signal-transforming module for integrating image and sound signals into an audio/video signal. The integrated sensor integrates image and sound together simultaneously and synchronously. Furthermore, the integrated sensor can be connected directly to an image-processing system. The integrated sensor not only provides excellent synchronization of audio and video signals, but also reduces the size and cost of producing the integrated sensor as well.