Neck-Worn Camera Microphone Layout for 360-Degree Sound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable cameras and ambisonic microphones become conspicuous when mounted on the body, and their size increases due to multiple microphones, compromising user experience.
Innovation Solution
An image capture apparatus with an annular case worn on the neck, featuring microphones positioned to surround the neck without increasing size, allowing inconspicuous recording and binaural sound capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphones are mounted to capture 360-degree sound, then sound recording capability is improved, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microphones are nested within the annular case structure, with each microphone positioned at a specific location on the ring. This allows multiple microphones to be integrated into the compact annular form without significantly increasing the overall volume, as they share the same spatial envelope rather than requiring separate mounting spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphones are arranged in a two-dimensional circular pattern on the annular case, with positions defined by angles (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) around the ring. This dimensional arrangement allows four microphones to capture 360-degree sound while maintaining a compact cross-sectional profile, effectively utilizing angular space rather than linear extension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphones are mounted on the body, then sound recording capability is improved, but the microphones become conspicuous
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple microphones are merged into a single annular case structure, creating a unified compact unit. The microphones are positioned at different angular locations on the ring but are enclosed within the same external housing, presenting a single inconspicuous form factor when worn on the user's body rather than appearing as separate conspicuous components.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphones are nested within the annular case, with the case structure enclosing all microphone elements. This nesting arrangement allows the microphones to be hidden within the compact ring structure, making them inconspicuous when worn on the body while still maintaining their individual directional sensing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture apparatus that includes an annular case, and is wearable on a neck of a user, comprises a main body that includes an image capture circuit, a mount portion that is connected to the main body, and first to fourth microphones. The first microphone is provided at a first position corresponding to the same direction as a shooting direction of the image capture circuit. The second microphone is provided at a second position corresponding to the opposite direction to the shooting direction. The third microphone is provided at a third position on a second line that intersects a first line that connects the first position and the second position. The fourth microphone is provided at a fourth position that is on the second line, and is opposite to the third position.