Mute Command Audio Processing Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile communication devices face increased power consumption due to multimedia processing, particularly during audio or video decoding, which can rapidly drain battery life, necessitating improved decoding technologies for energy conservation.

Innovation Solution

A mobile communication device incorporates a mute command monitor and an operating condition monitor to interrupt audio processing components when a mute condition is activated, reducing power consumption by halting processing and maintaining a low power mode, while tracking the processing state to resume playback seamlessly without delay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If audio or video decoding processing is performed continuously, then decoding performance is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of audio processing components based on real-time detection of mute commands. When a mute command is detected, the system transitions components from an active processing state to a low-power state, and vice versa when the mute command is cleared. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction by making power consumption adaptive to actual usage needs rather than continuously high.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors its own operational state and power consumption patterns, detecting mute commands and autonomously transitioning components to low-power modes without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism enables the system to optimize its own power efficiency while maintaining decoding performance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If audio processing components are interrupted during mute mode to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but audio playback may be delayed when unmuted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidaudio playback delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by tracking the processing state and position of audio data even when components are in low-power mode. When a mute command is detected, the system pauses processing but maintains awareness of the current processing state. When the mute command is cleared, this preliminary tracking information enables rapid resumption without significant delay, resolving the contradiction between power savings and playback timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the state of audio processing components and the presence of mute commands. This feedback loop enables the system to make real-time decisions about when to transition components between active and low-power states, ensuring that power consumption is optimized while maintaining audio playback continuity and minimizing delays when unmuted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2604024B1System and method to interrupt a component of a mobile communication device responsive to a mute command
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2604024B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2604024B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2604024B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method to interrupt a component of a mobile communication device based on a mute command and a monitored operating condition is disclosed. In another particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a mute command at a mobile communication device while the mobile communication device is performing audio content processing. The method also includes monitoring an operating condition of the mobile communication device in response to receiving the mute command. The method includes determining whether to interrupt a component used to perform the audio content processing based on the monitored operating condition.