Audio classifier for half duplex communication

A half duplex switching device comprising:

• an input connection for receiving an input audio signal;
• classification module coupled to the input connection, the classification module provides an output which indicates a classification of the input signal based upon a density of the input signal, an energy level of the input signal, and classification data provided with the input audio signal;
• and
• a switching device coupled to the classification module, the switching device determines if the received input audio signal contains speech signals based upon the output of the classification module.

A half duplex switching device comprising:

• an input connection for receiving an input audio signal;
• classification module coupled to the input connection, the classification module provides an output which indicates a classification of the input signal based upon a density of the input signal and an energy level of the input signal;
• and
• a switching device coupled to the classification module, the switching device determines if the received input audio signal contains speech signals based upon the output of the classification module.

A method of controlling a communication receiving circuit, the method comprising:

• analyzing an input audio signal to determine a density of the input audio signal over a predetermined time period;
• analyzing the input audio signal to determine an energy level of the input audio signal;
• analyzing any classification data provided with the input audio signal;
• and
• classifying the input audio signal based upon the determined density, energy level, and any classification data provided.

The computer readable medium of claim 22 wherein determining the energy level of the method further comprises:

• determining a short-term energy level;
• determining a long-term energy level;
• and
• comparing the short-term energy level and the long-term energy level.

A computer readable medium comprising instructions to instruct a computer to perform the method comprising:

• analyzing an input audio signal to determine a density of the input audio signal over a predetermined time period;
• analyzing the input audio signal to determine an energy level of the input audio signal;
• analyzing any classification data provided with the input audio signal;
• and
• classifying the input audio signal based upon the determined density, energy level, and any classification data provided.