Microphone Capsule Assembly for Switchable Recording Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microphone technologies require complex setups and equipment to achieve multiple recording patterns, and later technologies using a 4-in-1 microphone assembly are inefficient with multiple microphones and audio codec ICs.
Innovation Solution
A 3-in-1 microphone assembly with a microphone array comprising first, second, and third microphones, and a mixer with an analog switch assembly and amplifier assembly to mix recording signals for cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional patterns, eliminating the need for multiple microphones and audio codec ICs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If four microphones are used to realize four recording patterns, then all recording patterns can be achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single microphone assembly that can perform multiple recording patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, bidirectional) through software-controlled signal processing rather than requiring separate physical microphones for each pattern. The three microphones work together in different configurations to achieve all four patterns, making the system universal and multi-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of four separate microphones into a three-microphone assembly by combining their signals through an audio codec and processor. The signal processing unit combines and processes the outputs of three microphones to simulate the effect of four microphones, thereby reducing component count while maintaining functional equivalence.
2Device complexity
If three microphones are used instead of four, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to realize all four recording patterns may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter space by using digital signal processing to manipulate the audio signals from three microphones. By adjusting processing parameters such as phase, amplitude, and time delay in the audio codec and processor, the system can synthesize four distinct recording patterns from only three physical microphones, effectively changing the functional parameters rather than relying solely on physical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary - the audio codec and processor - that acts as a mediator between the three microphones and the desired four recording patterns. This intermediary performs signal processing operations including combining, separating, phase-inverting, and mixing signals to create the equivalent effect of four microphones, thereby bridging the gap between reduced hardware and full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphones are used to achieve different recording patterns, then recording flexibility is improved, but the resource requirements and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The three-microphone assembly is designed to be universal, capable of performing all four recording patterns through software control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate microphones for each pattern, reducing the quantity of components while maintaining full recording flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of four microphones into three by combining their signal processing paths. The audio codec and processor merge the signals from three microphones in different ways to produce four distinct recording patterns, thereby reducing the total number of microphones required while preserving all desired functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone assembly includes a microphone array and a mixer. The microphone array includes first, second, and third microphones. The mixer includes an analog switch assembly and an amplifier assembly configured to mix recording signals of the microphones in different manners to realize different recording patterns of the microphone array. The different recording patterns realizable by the microphone array may include the cardioid pattern, the omnidirectional pattern, the stereo pattern, and the bidirectional pattern.