Wearable Binaural Camera Audio Layout for Vibration Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing devices worn on the body, such as wearable cameras and binaural recording microphones, hinder the user's experience and shooting quality due to noise interference and the inability to focus on both the activity and recording simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with an annular member around the neck, featuring strategically positioned microphones for environmental sounds and vibration noise reduction, along with a CPU for processing sound signals to enhance recording quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microphones are arranged in the camera casing to enable binaural recording, then realistic sound recording is achieved, but noise from clothes rustling and body vibration is input to the microphones, impairing sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microphone system into two distinct groups: noise detection microphones (first and second microphones) positioned inside the camera casing to capture vibration noise, and sound recording microphones (third and fourth microphones) positioned to capture environmental sounds. This segmentation allows independent processing of noise and sound signals, enabling effective noise removal while preserving sound quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the noise detection function from the sound recording function by using separate microphones. The first and second microphones are specifically dedicated to detecting noise components, which are then removed from the sound signals captured by the third and fourth microphones through signal processing. This extraction isolates the harmful noise from the useful sound recording.
2Measurement precision
If conventional binaural recording microphones embedded in head-shaped models are used, then binaural sound recording is achieved, but it requires holding the model which prevents concentration on experience and shooting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single wearable camera device: image capture, binaural sound recording, and noise detection. The camera can be worn on the body without requiring separate head-shaped microphone models, combining the convenience of wearable technology with professional-grade binaural recording capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to hold or wear additional equipment.
3Measurement precision
If earphones with noise-cancelling microphones are used for binaural recording, then noise reduction is achieved, but the ears are plugged making it difficult to hear ambient sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the camera body as an intermediary structure that houses noise detection microphones to capture vibration noise from the body. Instead of using earphones that block the ear canal, the system detects noise through the camera casing and removes it digitally, allowing the user's ears to remain open and hear ambient sounds naturally while still achieving noise reduction in the recording.
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 apparatus allows users to engage in activities while capturing high-quality binaural recordings by effectively reducing noise interference, enabling simultaneous experience and shooting.
Implementation Method 1
a first microphone that is arranged in the annular member at a position on a right side of the user and obtains environmental sounds; a second microphone that is arranged in the annular member at a position on a left side of the user and obtains environmental sounds
Implementation Method 2
a third microphone that is arranged in the annular member in the vicinity of the first microphone and obtains a noise due to vibration of the image capturing apparatus; a fourth microphone that is arranged in the annular member in the vicinity of the second microphone and obtains a noise due to vibration of the image capturing apparatus
Implementation Method 3
the sound processing unit executing processing for reducing a noise in the right-channel sound signal and a noise in the left-channel sound signal by using a sound signal output from the third microphone and a sound signal output from the fourth microphone
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus that can be worn by a user includes an image capturing circuit, a first microphone that is arranged on a right side of the user and obtains environmental sounds, a second microphone that is arranged on a left side of the user and obtains environmental sounds, a third microphone that is arranged in the vicinity of the first microphone and obtains a noise, a fourth microphone that is arranged in the vicinity of the second microphone and obtains a noise, and a sound processing unit configured to generate right-channel and left-channel sound signals obtained by the first and second microphones, and the sound processing unit executes processing for reducing a noise in the right-channel and the left-channel sound signals by using sound signals output from the third and fourth microphones.