Neck-Worn Camera Audio Layout for Consistent Binaural Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable cameras struggle to achieve binaural recording effects due to variations in the distance between microphones and ears, as conventional microphone placement can disrupt the realistic sound sensation typically provided by binaural recording.
Innovation Solution
An image capture apparatus worn on the neck with strategically positioned microphones (first, second, third, and fourth microphones) and a sound processing unit that generates directional sound signals for each ear, ensuring effective binaural recording regardless of microphone placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the microphone is disposed at a position distant from the ears of the user due to a form for wearing the microphone or physical differences of users, then the wearable camera can be worn without the microphone being conspicuous, but the effects of binaural recording cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sound collection function into four separate microphones positioned at different locations on the mount portion. This segmentation allows the system to collect sound from multiple spatial positions, enabling the sound processing unit to synthesize binaural effects through signal processing even when the microphones are positioned away from the ears for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sound processing unit as an intermediary that processes the sound signals collected by the four microphones. This intermediary component synthesizes the multi-position sound signals to create virtual binaural effects, compensating for the physical distance between the microphones and the user's ears while maintaining recording reliability.
2Reliability
If four microphones are provided on the mount portion at different positions, then binaural recording effects can be achieved irrespective of distance changes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four microphones serve multiple functions: they collectively capture sound from different spatial positions, enable binaural recording effects, and provide robustness against position variations. This multi-functionality justifies the increased component count by achieving reliable binaural recording regardless of wear position or user anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound processing unit automatically processes the raw sound signals from the four microphones to generate binaural output without requiring manual adjustment or calibration. The system self-adjusts to different wear positions and user anatomies through its processing algorithm, reducing the operational complexity despite the increased hardware configuration.
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 solution enables consistent binaural recording by adjusting sound signals based on the user's neck configuration, providing a realistic sound experience regardless of microphone positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a first microphone and a second microphone being provided at positions for collecting sound on a left side of the user
Implementation Method 2
a third microphone and a fourth microphone being provided at positions for collecting sound on a right side of the user
Implementation Method 3
a sound processing unit that generates a first sound signal having a directivity for the left ear of the user, based on sound signals obtained by the first microphone and the second microphone
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture apparatus that is wearable on a neck of a user, comprises first to fourth microphones provided on the mount portion, and a sound processing unit. The first and second microphones are provided at positions for collecting sound on a left side of the user who is wearing the image capture apparatus. The third and fourth microphones are provided at positions for collecting sound on a right side of the user who is wearing the image capture apparatus. The sound processing unit generates a first sound signal having a directivity for the left ear of the user, based on sound signals obtained by the first and second microphones, and generates a second sound signal having a directivity for the right ear of the user, based on sound signals obtained by the third and fourth microphones.