Audio Processing Management in Converged Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public safety communication devices face challenges in managing audio processing in multi-microphone environments, particularly when different audio features and applications operate concurrently, leading to interference issues such as echo and unintended transmission of audio signals.
Innovation Solution
A portable communication device architecture utilizing two processors, two transceivers, and two codecs, with dynamic interface control and keyword-based interprocessor communication to enable parallel microphone sharing, allowing user selection of audio paths and minimizing interference through echo cancellation and flexible task management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio features and applications operate concurrently in a multi-processor environment, then audio processing capability and functionality are improved, but audio interference and processing management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio processing system into multiple independent processors (e.g., application processor and baseband processor), each handling specific audio features and applications. This segmentation allows concurrent audio processing while isolating interference between different audio streams, as each processor manages its own audio tasks independently without conflicting with others.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio features and applications operate concurrently, then audio functionality is improved, but audio interference such as echo and unintended transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio manager as an intermediary component that coordinates between multiple processors and audio features. The audio manager receives audio data from different sources, manages audio routing, and controls audio processing parameters to prevent interference such as echo and unintended transmission. This intermediary layer ensures proper isolation and coordination of concurrent audio streams.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic interface control and keyword-based interprocessor communication are implemented, then user control over audio paths is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements keyword-based interprocessor communication where the system automatically routes audio based on recognized keywords without requiring complex user configuration. When a user speaks a predefined keyword, the system self-adjusts audio paths and processor assignments, providing intuitive control while minimizing the burden of system complexity on the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved audio processing management in a portable converged communication device is provided. A default mode of audio processing is provided where audio input to a microphone is routed and processed simultaneously to a plurality of different processors in parallel. The default mode is suspended in response to a keyword input to a microphone. The keyword is recognized by a speech recognition engine (ASR). The keyword enables audio processing through one of the plurality of processors while selectively suspending other audio processing through the other processors.