New Nureva audio API supports third-party camera tracking

Nureva Inc has enabled camera tracking with accurate sound location data for third-party camera integrations.

Facilitated by the company’s Microphone Mist technology, which fills a room with thousands of virtual microphones, the sound location device API streams data that identifies where people are talking within a room to steer and switch cameras, so that remote participants can more easily follow conversations and see who is speaking.

This is ideal for larger rooms with more participants, such as a higher-education classroom or a boardroom.

Unlike typical microphone systems that depend on mapping areas to camera pre-sets, and provide only sound-source directional data or target unwanted sound sources such as air-conditioning systems, a wall speaker or even sound reflections from a window, Nureva uses virtual microphones as pick-up points to accurately locate sound sources. Microphone Mist’s advanced processing power filters out undesirable sounds that make it difficult for remote participants to follow the presenter.

Using Nureva’s API, camera companies gain easy access to accurate sound direction, location and level from the Nureva audio system being used. Sound locations are reported several times per second to enable automatic camera adjustments based on the location of the active speaker, or the need to switch focus between multiple speakers.

The sound location device API was created as part of a programme to work with leading camera companies on integrating their PTZ cameras with Nureva audio systems, to improve customers’ audio and video experience. It is available through the Nureva Developer Toolkit at no additional cost to customers.

Integrations are under way with camera companies such as AVer and Lumens. Earlier this year, cloud-based monitoring of any USB-connected third-party camera was added to the Nureva Console, making it easy for IT staff to remotely monitor cameras and ensure they are functioning properly in meeting rooms and classrooms.

Nancy Knowlton, Nureva’s chief executive, said: “The use of Microphone Mist technology to enable camera tracking is a breakthrough that opens up many exciting possibilities for the capture and use of sound location data. We’re excited to work with leading camera manufacturers to enable this functionality and deliver the kind of integrated audio and video experience that customers are asking for.”