Audio Processor Sleep Scheduling for Voice Call and Wake Word
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concurrent voice call and voice activation processing in mobile devices lead to higher power consumption, reducing battery life and user experience due to audio processing components unable to enter a low-power state during calls.
Innovation Solution
Align voice call and voice activation processing operations with call timing criteria, enabling audio processors to enter a low-power state by synchronizing with modem sleep/wake cycles and selectively bypassing noise suppression during silence conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio processing components continuously monitor microphone inputs for voice activation during a voice call, then voice activation functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processor transitions between active and low-power states periodically based on call timing criteria. During active periods, full voice activation processing occurs; during low-power periods, processing is suspended. This periodic operation maintains voice activation functionality while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
2Use of energy by moving object
If audio processing components enter a low-power state during voice calls, then power consumption is reduced, but voice activation processing cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
Voice activation audio data is captured and buffered in advance during low-power periods when the audio processor is inactive. When the processor transitions to an active state, the pre-buffered data is processed without delay. This preliminary capture action ensures voice activation functionality remains responsive while allowing the processor to remain in low-power state longer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voice call and voice activation processing are performed concurrently using the same processing components, then both functions are available, but the processing components cannot enter low-power state
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing functionality is segmented into distinct processing paths: a voice call processing path and a voice activation processing path. These paths operate sequentially based on call timing criteria rather than concurrently. This segmentation allows the single audio processor to handle one function at a time, enabling it to enter low-power states when neither path is active, thereby extending low-power state duration while maintaining both processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an audio processor. The audio processor is configured to, responsive to transitioning from a low-power state to an active state during a voice call: activate a voice call processing path and a voice activation processing path; process, at the voice call processing path, voice call audio data; and process, at the voice activation processing path, voice activation audio data. The audio processor is also configured to, after processing has completed at both the voice call processing path and the voice activation processing path, transition from the active state to the low-power state.