TEO - Ready to go into Orbit!

are we on are own OR are we on our own?
"System architecture for audio signal processing in headsets AMI Semiconductor Canada Company In this paper we present the architecture of the BelaSigna 200 audio processing system, a DSP system optimized for audio applications in ultra low-power environments such as headsets.
2. Current headset technology
A headset without an embedded DSP typically has a very limited set of features. While these non-DSP solutions have their merits in some applications, they are generally not as flexible or capable compared to their digital counterparts. In addition, non-DSP solutions are more difficult to customize to a particular user, and provide limited means to change or upgrade functionality. In some cases, digital signal processing makes possible some functionality which was previously impossible. For example,the cancellation of acoustic echo (caused by the leakage of the sound from the headset’s speaker into the microphone) through adaptive estimation and subtraction of the echo signal makes it possible to design headsets which are less constrained in terms of their mechanical design, thus enabling smaller, more portable, and more aesthetically appealing headsets.
3. The audio processing system in headsets
d. Group delay
The digital processing performed between the inputs and outputs is dependent on the requirements of the particular application. However, an important constraint in many applications is that the delay through the system must be low enough that the user does not perceive it as distracting or intolerable. This is particularly important when synchronization is expected between audio and video. Even in an audio-only telephone conversation, too much delay which can cause echo leads to rapid user fatigue. If acoustic echo is present on the headset, a long delay through the system makes this echo noticeable at the other end of the telephone link. The audio processing system’s architecture is particularly well-suited for processing audio with little impact in terms of delay
5. Algorithm performance
As described in this paper, signal processing in headsets may be used for at least three major purposes: improving audio signal quality at each end of the communication link for better user experience, protecting the headset user against potentially damaging signals, and allowing CD quality audio to be played on a headset despite the limited bandwidth of the wireless link. In many cases, such as audibility enhancement, algorithm performance is mostly subjective. Field tests have shown that enhancing audibility as a function of the ambient noise can significantly increase intelligibility in varying noise conditions. Evaluating the quality of signal received in audio streaming mode is also subjective, but certain conditions must be satisfied by the codec in order to be certified for use in the Bluetooth environment. For example, the Bluetooth standard specifies the acceptable margin error for signals that are encoded and then decoded by the codecs. The streaming audio algorithm described in the previous section satisfies these requirements. In the case of the limiter, the algorithm is judged by its ability to limit the level of the input to a certain loudness and by the speed in which it can react to impulsive signals. One type of algorithm for which objective results can be measured is noise reduction. ...Future directions may include the design of the next-generation audio processing system and architecture. We expect to make many improvements based on experience gained from past headset development, possibly including improvements in word-length, enhanced flexibility, and improved PCM interfacings. We expect the outcome to be an improved audio processing system with greater flexibility and capability in terms of signal processing and interfacing with external modules".

Mobile DSP headset reference designs with ASP, cd quality audio,noise cancellation,linked to video sync, in tiny form factors all WE HOPE NOW handed to us on a plate from our partner at bs200 dspfactory/amis – no wonder we are feeling we can make a serious go at this now?