Microphone Audio Mixing Interface for Noisy Recording Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio recording technologies in portable devices lack the ability to effectively assist users in identifying and improving audio quality, especially in noisy environments or when the sound source is distant, due to the lack of visual feedback and control over microphone settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine audio sources, generate visual representations of these sources, and process audio signals based on user interaction with these representations, allowing for selection, filtering, and amplification of audio signals from internal or external microphones, including wireless and physical couplings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used to capture acoustic waves, then audio quality can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio capture function into multiple independent microphone units that can be selectively activated. Each microphone is treated as a separate capture element, allowing the system to segment the audio input source and process signals from different microphones independently through beamforming techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal audio processing system that can handle signals from multiple microphone types (integral and external) through a unified beamforming algorithm. The system is designed to work with various microphone configurations and external audio devices, making the audio capture capability multi-functional and adaptable to different scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If external microphones are used to improve audio quality in noisy environments, then audio capture capability is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of user control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms that display real-time audio quality metrics and microphone selection status to the user. This feedback loop allows users to see the impact of their microphone selections and adjust settings accordingly, making the operation intuitive and easy to understand without requiring technical audio knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs audio processing tasks such as beamforming and noise reduction without requiring manual user intervention. Once the user selects the desired microphone and basic parameters, the system self-adjusts the audio capture parameters and processing algorithms to optimize audio quality, reducing the operational burden on the user.
3Device complexity
If integral microphones are used for audio recording, then device simplicity is maintained, but audio quality deteriorates in noisy or distant sound source environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces external microphones as intermediary devices that bridge the gap between the integral microphone limitations and the need for high-quality audio capture in challenging environments. These external microphones act as mediators, capturing audio signals from greater distances and with better noise rejection, while the system maintains simplicity by providing automatic integration with the existing integral microphone setup.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus or method to allow a user to control an audio processing operation of an internal and/or external microphone(s). The method includes providing a configurable user interface which enables mixing of audio signals through interaction with the user interface. The audio signals may be captured with internal or external microphones.