PTZ Camera Speaker Tracking Using Microphone Array Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PTZ camera systems require manual pre-configuration and specialized hardware for sound source tracking, which is time-consuming and costly, limiting their applicability to dynamic and real-time speaker tracking.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a PTZ camera and a microphone array to automatically calculate and adjust the camera's capturing direction based on sound source coordinates, eliminating the need for pre-setting and specialized hardware by employing a computing device to process images and control camera movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pre-configuration of seat directions is used, then the PTZ camera can track speakers, but the setup time increases significantly as the number of seats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the PTZ camera to automatically identify and track speakers without manual pre-configuration. The camera independently processes audio signals from the microphone array, detects sound source locations, and adjusts its orientation autonomously, eliminating the need for manual seat direction setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical configuration process with an automated system that uses audio signal processing and image recognition. Instead of manually setting camera directions for each seat, the system uses the microphone array to detect sound sources and automatically calculates the required camera orientation, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control
2Reliability
If a sound source tracking camera with integrated microphone array is used, then real-time speaker tracking is achieved, but the hardware requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the audio detection function (microphone array) from the video capture function (PTZ camera), with each component performing its specialized function independently. The microphone array focuses solely on detecting sound source locations, while the PTZ camera focuses on capturing video, and a computing device coordinates their operations, dividing the overall tracking task into independent functional modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the PTZ camera universal by enabling it to work with standalone microphone arrays rather than requiring integration with specific specialized tracking cameras. The system can accommodate different PTZ camera models and microphone array configurations, allowing each component to be selected independently based on specific needs rather than requiring a proprietary integrated system
3Measurement precision
If specialized sound source tracking hardware is used, then tracking accuracy is improved, but the system becomes less adaptable to regular PTZ cameras and microphone arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal platform that works with standard PTZ cameras and microphone arrays by using generic communication interfaces and standardized signal processing algorithms. The computing device acts as an adapter that translates between the microphone array's audio data and the PTZ camera's control protocols, enabling compatibility across different equipment models without requiring specialized tracking hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A method for capturing a sound source includes: capturing a space where a microphone array is located to generate an image by a camera, wherein the microphone array is configured to receive a sound generated by the sound source and generate a sound source coordinate of the sound source relative to the microphone array; searching for a sub-image belonging to the microphone array within the images by a computing device connected to the camera; calculating a microphone coordinate of the microphone array relative to the camera by the computing device according to the sub-image; calculating a required control parameter by the computing device at least according to the sound source coordinate and the microphone coordinate; adjusting a capturing direction by the camera to capture the sound source at least according to the required control parameter.