Microphone Directivity Setting for Visual Sound Collection Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video conference systems lack the ability for users to easily set and recognize the sound collection target range, as they are configured to match the sound collection range with the camera image, leading to unintended inclusion of non-participant speakers.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a camera to detect specific objects, obtain their position information, and set a sound collection target range with changeable directivity based on this information, allowing users to visually adjust and recognize the sound collection area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the sound collection range is matched with the camera image range, then the system automatically determines the collection area, but users cannot optionally set the sound collection target range nor recognize it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual indicator (light or display element) as an intermediary between the sound collection apparatus and the user. This indicator visually marks the sound collection target range, allowing users to recognize and understand the collection area while the system maintains automatic determination capabilities. The visual indicator serves as a mediator that translates the invisible sound collection range into visible information for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to optionally set the sound collection target range themselves by placing specific objects (such as markers or reference items) in the desired collection area. The apparatus automatically detects these objects and adjusts the sound collection range accordingly, enabling users to service their own needs without requiring complex manual configuration or technical expertise.
2Reliability
If the sound collection range is set to include all participants, then no speaker is excluded, but non-participant speakers are also recognized as participants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the sound collection space to have different properties. Instead of a uniform sound collection range, the system creates a localized sound collection target range focused on specific areas where actual participants are located. This is achieved by using visual indicators to mark the precise collection area and by allowing users to place objects to define local collection zones, thereby excluding non-participants while including all intended participants.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound collection target range is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system can automatically adjust the collection range based on detected objects and participant positions, and users can dynamically modify the range by placing or moving reference objects. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different meeting scenarios and accurately distinguish participants from non-participants in various spatial configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A sound collection setting method detects a specific object from an image captured by a camera, obtains position information of the specific object in the image, and sets a sound collection target range of a microphone by changing directivity of the microphone, based on the position information.