Audio Wake Circuit Activation Using Dual Clock Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
User devices such as computers and smartphones face challenges in managing power consumption effectively, particularly in switching between power modes based on audio inputs, as existing methods often require continuous activation of more power-consuming clock generators even when lower power modes are sufficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-step approach using a less power-consuming first clock generator for energy detection and a more power-consuming second clock generator for pattern matching, allowing the user device to activate main circuits only when an audio input exceeds a predetermined energy threshold and matches a specific pattern, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a more power-consuming clock generator is continuously activated for accurate pattern matching, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energy level detection using a low-power clock generator before activating the high-power clock generator for pattern matching. This preliminary action filters out insufficient audio inputs, ensuring the precise pattern matching circuit only processes potentially valid wake words, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two clock generators based on operational needs. A low-power clock generator handles initial energy detection, and only when energy threshold is exceeded does the system activate a high-power clock generator for pattern matching. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching power consumption to actual processing requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a less power-consuming clock generator is used continuously, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing function is segmented into two distinct stages: energy detection using a low-power clock generator, and pattern matching using a high-power clock generator. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate at appropriate power levels for its specific task, preventing the high-power circuit from running continuously while ensuring accuracy is maintained when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-power energy detection circuit acts as an intermediary between the audio input and the high-power pattern matching circuit. It filters and pre-processes signals, activating the precise pattern matching circuit only when necessary, thus mediating between power consumption and measurement precision requirements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple circuits are continuously activated for comprehensive audio processing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing system is divided into separate functional circuits: an energy detection circuit and a pattern matching circuit. Each circuit is independently controllable, allowing the system to activate only the necessary circuit based on input conditions. This segmentation maintains comprehensive processing capability while reducing the complexity of continuous full-system activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of circuits based on detected conditions. The low-power energy detection circuit operates continuously or periodically to monitor audio input, and only triggers the higher-power pattern matching circuit when energy thresholds are exceeded. This periodic rather than continuous activation reduces operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include an apparatus that has a first clock generator and a second clock generator. The first clock generator is configured to drive a first circuit, causing the first circuit to (i) receive a signal corresponding to an audio input, and (ii) determine whether an energy level of the signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. The second clock generator is activated when the first circuit determines that the energy level of the signal exceeds the predetermined threshold. The second clock generator is configured to drive a second circuit, causing the second circuit to determine whether the signal matches a predetermined pattern. A third circuit is activated when the second circuit determines that the signal matches the predetermined pattern.