Integrated USB Audio Module with Programmable Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of dedicated audio signal processing modules for specific products is time-consuming and expensive, requiring expertise in multiple fields and resulting in tedious and costly design processes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated audio acquisition and reproduction module in the form of an electronic component with a USB audio interface, featuring a programmable computing unit, analog/digital conversion units, and reconfigurable interfaces, allowing for versatile audio signal processing operations and connectivity with various peripherals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated audio signal processing modules are developed for each specific product, then audio signal processing capabilities are optimized for the specific application, but development time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal audio processing module that can be configured through software to perform multiple different audio processing functions. The module includes a programmable processor that can execute different algorithms for noise reduction, echo cancellation, voice recognition, and other audio processing tasks, allowing a single hardware platform to serve multiple specific applications without requiring dedicated development for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processing module employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the processing functions can be changed and updated through software programming. The module can adapt its processing algorithms and parameters in real-time based on different application requirements, enabling the same hardware to dynamically switch between different audio processing modes and functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated audio signal processing modules are developed for each specific product, then specific audio processing features are achieved, but development costs increase due to requirements for multiple technical expertise areas
Solution Approach 1:
The module provides a unified platform that integrates multiple audio processing functions into a single device. The programmable processor can be configured to implement various processing algorithms including noise reduction, echo cancellation, voice activity detection, and speech recognition, eliminating the need to develop separate dedicated modules for each function and reducing overall development costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating new hardware designs for each audio processing application, the patent uses software programming to replicate different processing functions on the same hardware platform. The programmable processor can load and execute different algorithm sets to simulate various audio processing capabilities, replacing the need for multiple physical hardware copies.
3Reliability
If dedicated audio signal processing modules are developed for each product, then specific audio processing requirements are met, but the design process becomes tedious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing module is designed with a segmented architecture that separates the complex processing functions into modular software components. The programmable processor can execute independent processing algorithms that can be selectively enabled or disabled, allowing the system to handle complex audio processing requirements through organized, manageable software modules rather than monolithic hardware designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a programmable processor as an intermediary between the audio input/output interfaces and the specific processing algorithms. This mediator can be programmed to implement different processing functions, simplifying the overall system design by providing a flexible intermediate layer that handles the complexity of audio processing without requiring complex dedicated hardware for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio acquisition and reproduction module, embodied as an electronic component including a digital interface with a universal serial bus for audio signals, called a USB audio interface. The module includes a plurality of units which may be configured by means of a control link accessible by the USB audio interface, including a programmable computing unit including at least one processor configured to implement a plurality of audio signal processing operations, at least one analog/digital conversion unit for the acquisition and reproduction of analog audio signals, at least one reconfigurable analog interface, making it possible to make connections with at least one analog audio device, and at least one reconfigurable digital interface for making connections to at least one digital audio device.