Micro-speaker audio power reproduction system and method with reduced energy use and thermal protection using micro-speaker electro-acoustic response and human hearing thresholds

A method of reducing power consumed in providing an acoustic output from a micro-speaker, the method comprising:

• receiving audio information;
• filtering the audio information with an estimated response simulating a frequency response of the micro-speaker and an acoustic path from the micro-speaker to a listener;
• comparing the filtered audio information with a frequency-dependent threshold of hearing;
• removing portions of the audio information that have an amplitude below the frequency-dependent threshold of hearing;
• and
• providing current to the micro-speaker from an audio power output circuit according to a result of the removing, whereby the audio power output circuit does not expend power reproducing portions of the audio information that would not be perceived by the listener.

A computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage device that is not a signal or wave, the computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions for reducing power consumed in providing an acoustic output from a micro-speaker, the program instructions comprising:

• program instructions for receiving audio information;
• program instructions for filtering the audio information with a response simulating a frequency response of the micro-speaker and an acoustic path from the micro-speaker to a listener;
• program instructions for comparing the filtered audio information with a frequency-dependent threshold of hearing;
• program instructions for removing portions of the audio information that have an amplitude below the frequency-dependent threshold of hearing;
• and
• program instructions for generating output values for providing to an audio power output circuit according to a result of the removing, whereby the audio power output circuit does not expend power reproducing portions of the audio information that would not be perceived by the listener.

An integrated circuit, comprising:

• an input for an audio source providing audio information;
• an audio power output circuit for providing current to a micro-speaker according to the audio information, wherein the micro-speaker has a resonant frequency such that substantial content of the audio information lies below the resonant frequency;
• and
• a processing subsystem that receives the audio information and generates an output signal provided to an input of the audio power output circuit, wherein the processing subsystem filters the audio information with an estimated response simulating a frequency response of the micro-speaker and an acoustic path from the micro-speaker to a listener, and compares the filtered audio information with a frequency-dependent threshold of hearing, and removes portions of the audio information that have an amplitude below the frequency-dependent threshold of hearing, whereby the audio power output circuit does not expend power reproducing portions of the audio information that would not be perceived by the listener.