Audio Sniffer Module Bypasses Application Processor for VoIP

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Packet-switched voice calling technologies, such as VoIP, place a significant burden on the application processor of wireless communication devices, leading to reduced battery lifetime and increased latency due to the need for the processor to handle and process voice packets, which affects power consumption and call quality.

Innovation Solution

An audio sniffer module is implemented outside the application processor, capable of determining whether an IP packet contains an audio frame and processing it without forwarding it to the application processor, thereby bypassing the processor for audio packets and reducing the load on the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If packet-switched voice calling technologies (VoIP) are implemented, then voice calling functionality is enabled, but battery lifetime is reduced and latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice calling functionalityVSAvoidbattery lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the audio packet processing function from the application processor and creates a separate audio packet processing path. This dedicated path includes an audio packet processor that can handle audio packets independently without burdening the application processor, thereby reducing power consumption and extending battery lifetime while maintaining VoIP functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the packet processing path into two distinct paths: a general data path handled by the application processor and a dedicated audio packet path handled by the audio packet processor. This segmentation allows audio packets to be processed separately and efficiently, reducing the computational burden on the application processor and lowering power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If packet-switched voice calling technologies (VoIP) are implemented, then voice calling functionality is enabled, but latency within the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice calling functionalityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting audio packet processing from the application processor's general-purpose processing path and creating a dedicated audio packet processing path, the patent eliminates the queuing and scheduling delays that would occur in a shared processing environment. This dedicated path processes audio packets with higher priority and lower latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The segmentation of processing paths creates a specialized audio processing channel that operates independently from general data processing. This dedicated channel reduces latency by avoiding contention with other data traffic and enabling direct, streamlined processing of audio packets from receipt to delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the application processor handles all IP packets, then protocol stack processing is centralized, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol stack processingVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protocol stack processing responsibilities by creating a dedicated audio packet processor that handles audio-specific protocol processing (UDP, RTP, IP headers for audio packets). This segmentation offloads continuous audio packet processing from the application processor, allowing it to enter low-power states while a simpler audio processing path handles audio traffic, thereby reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the audio packet processing function from the application processor and implements it in a separate, dedicated audio packet processor. This extraction creates a specialized processing path that consumes less power for audio-specific tasks, while the application processor can reduce its activity and power consumption accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2533489B1Improving quality of service, battery lifetime, and latency in wireless communication devices
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • EP2533489B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2533489B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2533489B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments for processing media over Internet Protocol (IP) packets in a wireless device are provided. Embodiments enable downlink and uplink media over IP flows within the wireless device that reduce the load on the application processor (AP) of the wireless device. In an embodiment, media over IP flows bypass the AP entirely allowing the AP to enter a power saving mode during media over IP sessions. This results in increased battery lifetime and reduced power consumption of the wireless device. In addition, the media over IP session quality is improved by the reduced latency resulting from bypassing the AP.