Audio Signal Processing Mode Switching for Standby Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio codecs on personal computers struggle to output audio signals when the system is in a standby or shutdown state, limiting their functionality and power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus with dual processors and audio codecs that switch between processing modes based on the operating system's state, ensuring continuous audio output from secondary inputs even when the primary processor is in a limited state, using a power supply to maintain audio codec functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the audio codec outputs audio signals from multiple inputs during normal operation, then audio functionality is improved, but power consumption increases when the system is in standby or shutdown state
Solution Approach 1:
The audio codec dynamically switches between two operating modes based on the host system's state: in normal operation mode, it processes and outputs audio signals from multiple inputs (CPU, line input, microphone); in power-saving mode, it stops processing CPU audio signals and outputs only line input signals. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain audio functionality when needed while reducing power consumption during standby or shutdown states.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the audio codec stops processing when the CPU is limited, then power consumption is reduced, but audio output capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing functionality is segmented into two independent pathways: one for CPU-generated audio signals and another for line input signals. During power-saving mode, the CPU audio processing pathway is stopped to reduce power consumption, while the line input audio processing pathway continues to operate, ensuring that audio output capability is maintained for external audio sources even when the host system is in standby or shutdown state.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided to improve audio processing. The apparatus includes a processor configured to execute a process based on an operating system (OS), and an audio signal processing part to support inputs of a first audio signal which is associated with the OS and a second audio signal which is inputted via a second input unit that is different from the first input unit. The audio signal processing part has a first processing mode and a second processing mode in which the audio signal processing part outputs an audio signal based only on the second audio signal. The apparatus also includes a setting part configured to set the audio signal processing part to the first processing mode when the process based on the OS is executed by the processor and to the second processing mode when the process based on the OS is at least partially limited.