Wearable Audio Playback via Microcontroller for Application Processor Sleep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intelligent wearable devices face high power consumption issues due to the application processor being in a wake-up state for audio processing, which reduces standby time.
Innovation Solution
Utilize a microcontroller unit to play audio, allowing the application processor to switch to a sleep state, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the application processor processes audio data to enable audio playback, then audio playback functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases and standby time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides audio processing tasks between two processors: the application processor handles high-level audio processing and the audio processor handles low-level audio playback. This segmentation allows the application processor to enter sleep mode during audio playback, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining audio functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An audio processor is introduced as an intermediary component between the application processor and the speaker. This intermediary handles the power-intensive audio playback tasks, allowing the application processor to remain in a low-power state while audio plays through the speaker.
2Ease of operation
If the application processor remains in wake-up state for audio processing, then audio playback is enabled, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments processor responsibilities by introducing a dedicated audio processor that handles audio playback independently. This allows the application processor to transition to a simpler sleep state during audio playback, reducing operational complexity while maintaining audio playback capability through the speaker.
3Reliability
If the application processor handles all audio processing, then audio quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments audio processing responsibilities between the application processor and audio processor. The application processor maintains audio playback reliability by handling high-level processing and task management, while the audio processor handles power-intensive low-level playback operations, reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processor is designed with multi-functionality to handle various audio playback tasks independently. This universal audio processing capability allows the system to maintain reliable audio playback while the application processor remains in a low-power state, as the audio processor can handle diverse audio formats and requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a processing method, applied to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises an application processor, a microcontroller unit, and a speaker. The application processor receives a first input, wherein the first input is used to trigger the electronic device to play a first audio by using a first application. The application processor sends a first message to the microcontroller unit in response to the first input. When the microcontroller unit determines, based on the first message, that the microcontroller unit supports playing of the first audio, the microcontroller unit sends a second message to the application processor. The microcontroller unit controls the speaker to play the first audio, and the application processor switches to a sleep state, after the microcontroller unit sends the second message to the application processor.