18628982. IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS HAVING MICROPHONES simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
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IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS HAVING MICROPHONES
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IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS HAVING MICROPHONES - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18628982 titled 'IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS HAVING MICROPHONES
The abstract describes an image pickup apparatus with three microphone units arranged efficiently in space. The apparatus includes a lens barrel with an optical axis, a first microphone unit to the left of the optical axis, a second microphone unit to the right, and a third microphone unit between them. The lower end positions of the first and second microphone units are lower than the upper end position of the lens barrel, while the lower end position of the third microphone unit is higher.
- Three microphone units arranged with high space efficiency
- Lens barrel with an optical axis
- First microphone unit to the left of the optical axis
- Second microphone unit to the right of the optical axis
- Third microphone unit between the first and second units
- Lower end positions of first and second units lower than upper end position of lens barrel
- Lower end position of third unit higher than upper end position of lens barrel
Potential Applications: - Video recording devices - Surveillance systems - Video conferencing equipment
Problems Solved: - Efficient use of space in image pickup devices - Enhanced audio capture in conjunction with video recording
Benefits: - Improved audio quality in video recordings - Compact design for portable devices
Commercial Applications: Title: Compact Image Pickup Apparatus for Enhanced Audio Capture This technology can be used in compact video cameras, smartphones, and other portable devices to improve audio quality in video recordings. The market implications include increased demand for high-quality audiovisual equipment in consumer electronics.
Questions about Image Pickup Apparatus: 1. How does the arrangement of the microphone units contribute to space efficiency? The arrangement ensures that the microphone units do not obstruct the optical axis of the lens barrel, allowing for compact design without compromising audio quality.
2. What are the potential applications of this image pickup apparatus beyond video recording devices? The technology can also be utilized in security cameras, baby monitors, and other surveillance systems to enhance audio capture alongside video footage.
Original Abstract Submitted
An image pickup apparatus in which three microphone units are arranged with high space efficiency. The image pickup apparatus comprises a lens barrel having an optical axis, a first microphone unit disposed to a left of the optical axis in a left-right direction when viewed from an optical axis direction, a second microphone unit disposed to a right of the optical axis in the left-right direction, and a third microphone unit disposed between the first microphone unit and the second microphone unit in the left-right direction, wherein when viewed from the optical axis direction, a lower end position of the first microphone unit and a lower end position of the second microphone unit are lower than an upper end position of the lens barrel and a lower end position of the third microphone unit is higher than the upper end position of the lens barrel.
