Always-on Audio Detection Immediate Acknowledgement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Always-on audio detection systems in devices experience delays in acknowledging user commands due to the need for remote server verification, leading to user frustration from repeated command issuance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow the signal processor to output an acknowledgement signal without waiting for the main processor to enter an active state, using an input transducer, signal processor, and output driver to provide immediate acknowledgement to the user upon detecting a trigger signal, while the main processor remains in an inactive state for power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the always-on audio detection system waits for remote server verification before acknowledging the trigger signal, then the reliability of command recognition is improved, but the response time deteriorates causing user frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary local verification of the trigger signal using the always-on detection system before requiring remote server confirmation. This preliminary action allows the device to provide immediate acknowledgement to the user while still performing comprehensive verification in the background, thus reducing the perceived delay without compromising reliability
2Speed
If the main processor is kept in active state to immediately process trigger signals, then the response speed is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing functions are segmented between the always-on detection system (low-power signal processor) and the main processor. The detection system continuously monitors for trigger signals with minimal power consumption, while the main processor remains in sleep mode and is only activated when a trigger is detected, thus achieving fast response without continuous high power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The main processor operates in periodic cycles, switching between active and sleep states. It remains inactive during normal operation and is periodically awakened only when the always-on detection system detects a trigger signal, optimizing the balance between response speed and power consumption
3Measurement precision
If the device transmits audio trigger and command to remote server for verification, then the accuracy of command interpretation is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The always-on detection system performs preliminary analysis and verification of the trigger signal locally before transmitting to the remote server. This preliminary action filters out false positives and prepares the data in advance, reducing the time required for remote verification while maintaining high accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for providing an acknowledgement output at an output transducer of a device in response to detection of a trigger signal. The system includes an input transducer, a signal processor, a main processor separate from the signal processor and an output driver. The signal processor monitors an input signal received at the signal processor from the input transducer and outputs an acknowledgement signal to the output driver if the received input signal corresponds to the trigger signal. The signal processor also outputs an interrupt signal to the main processor to cause the main processor to enter an active state. In this way an acknowledgement output can rapidly be provided to a user of the system, as there is no need to wait until the main processor has entered its active state and processed the trigger signal.