Audio Channel Conversion Switching for Low-Latency External Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face processing delays and high CPU load when converting 2-channel audio to N-channel audio, and may terminate conversion upon connecting an external device with different channel support, leading to increased audio output delay.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device employs an audio processing unit on an application processor to convert M-channel audio streams to N-channel streams, with the ability to detect external device connections and adjust accordingly, avoiding CPU-heavy operations and reducing delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the CPU performs audio channel conversion operations, then the audio conversion can be completed, but the CPU load increases and processing delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio processing function into a separate audio processing unit within the application processor, independent from the CPU. This segmentation allows the CPU to handle other tasks while the dedicated audio processing unit handles channel conversion, eliminating CPU load and processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an audio processing unit as an intermediary component between the audio source and output devices. This intermediary handles the channel conversion operations, freeing the CPU from these tasks and enabling simultaneous processing of multiple operations without delay.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the N-channel audio conversion operation is terminated when an external device is connected, then the audio output can be adapted to the external device, but the delay time increases due to termination and resetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability in the audio processing unit that can adjust the channel conversion operation in real-time based on external device connection status. The unit can seamlessly switch between converted and unconverted audio streams without termination and resetting, maintaining adaptability while minimizing delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processing unit is pre-configured with the capability to handle both converted and unconverted audio streams, and can switch between modes in advance upon detecting external device connection, avoiding the need for termination and resetting operations that cause delays.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: an Application Processor (AP) including a CPU; and an audio processing unit configured to: receive an audio stream of M channels from the CPU, convert the M-channel audio stream into an N-channel audio stream, the N-channel being different from the M-channel, output the N-channel audio stream through an output device. The audio processing unit is further configured to: detect a connection with the external electronic device through an audio output interface; determine whether to stop the converting the M-channel audio stream into the N-channel audio stream, based on information received from the CPU; and transmit, via the audio output interface, the M-channel audio stream to the external electronic device in response to the determination of stopping the converting the M-channel audio stream into the N-channel audio stream.