Concurrent Audio Mode Processing via Hardware Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices were limited to using only one hardware-based audio signal processing mode at a time, failing to utilize audio hardware resources fully and not meeting the diverse signal processing needs of different applications, such as VoIP and music playback, which often require different processing modes concurrently.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a computing device with multiple hardware audio signal processing modes capable of parallel execution, where the operating system or audio stack manages audio streams to connect them with appropriate processing modes based on signal types, allowing concurrent processing of different audio streams with different modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single hardware-based audio signal processing mode is used for all audio streams, then the operating system can manage audio processing simply, but the audio hardware resources are not fully utilized and different applications cannot have their specific processing needs met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments audio processing by creating separate audio paths, each capable of being assigned to different hardware-based signal processing modes. The audio stack divides audio streams into distinct paths that can be independently configured and routed to appropriate processing modes based on application requirements, enabling concurrent multi-mode processing while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio stack is designed as a universal management layer that can handle multiple audio processing modes concurrently. It provides a unified interface for managing diverse audio streams and dynamically routes them to appropriate hardware processing modes, making the system capable of serving multiple application types (VoIP, music, gaming, etc.) with their specific processing requirements through a single multi-functional audio management architecture.
2Productivity
If audio hardware is configured with multiple signal processing modes, then resource utilization can be improved, but the operating system cannot currently manage concurrent execution of different modes
Solution Approach 1:
The audio stack implements self-service mechanisms by automatically analyzing audio stream characteristics and dynamically assigning appropriate hardware processing modes without requiring manual configuration. The system monitors audio path usage and autonomously manages the routing of different audio streams to optimal processing modes, enabling full hardware resource utilization while maintaining operational simplicity for users and developers.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processing system is designed to be dynamic, allowing real-time switching and assignment of different hardware processing modes to various audio paths based on current application needs. The audio stack continuously adapts the configuration of audio processing modes, enabling concurrent execution and optimal resource utilization while responding to changing application requirements without system reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If different audio applications require different signal processing modes concurrently, then application-specific processing quality can be achieved, but latency may be introduced by noise reduction processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different signal processing modes to different audio paths based on their specific requirements. Noise reduction processing is applied locally only to audio streams that require it (such as music playback), while other streams (such as VoIP) receive different processing treatments. This selective application of processing quality optimizes audio quality for each application type while minimizing unnecessary processing latency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include devices and processes for concurrently processing different audio streams with different hardware-based audio processing modes. A computing device for such embodiments may have multiple hardware audio signal processing modes capable of parallel execution. An operating system or audio stack thereof may manage audio paths or streams for audio sources producing respective types of audio signals. Which of the audio paths or streams will be connected with which of the hardware audio signal processing modes may be determined according to the types of the audio signals. A first hardware audio signal processing mode may be processing a first type of audio signal of a first audio path or stream while concurrently a second hardware audio signal processing mode processes a second type of audio signal of a second audio path or stream.