Software Audio Clock Drift Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software-based audio rendering on personal computers often fails to synchronize the audio hardware render rate with the audio sample capture rate, leading to drift and synchronization issues, especially during extended playback times, resulting in a less pleasing user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software-based audio rendering process that measures the drift rate between an external clock and the audio clock, manipulating the audio clock to achieve a second drift rate with a smaller value and opposite polarity, and synchronizing audio and video rendering times to ensure synchronized presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PC platform prioritizes versatility through software-based configuration, then adaptability to various media formats is improved, but synchronization between audio hardware render rate and audio sample capture rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously measures the drift rate between the external clock and audio clock, then manipulates the audio clock based on this measurement to achieve a second drift rate with opposite polarity, thereby correcting the synchronization error over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the audio clock parameter by manipulating it to achieve a drift rate with smaller value and opposite polarity, changing the temporal parameter to resolve the synchronization issue while maintaining system versatility
2Ease of operation
If the audio rendering component uses its own independent clock, then rendering flexibility is improved, but synchronization with video presentation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the drift between audio and video timing and uses this feedback to manipulate the audio clock, creating a corrective drift with opposite polarity that brings the audio presentation back into synchronization with video
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the audio clock dynamic by allowing it to be manipulated based on measured drift conditions, transitioning from a static independent clock to a dynamically adjustable clock that adapts to maintain synchronization
3Duration of action of moving object
If extended play time is used to leverage versatility, then consumer acceptance is improved, but cumulative drift between clocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous measurement and manipulation of audio clock based on drift rate feedback prevents cumulative drift from increasing over extended play times, correcting the synchronization error as it develops
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically measures and corrects the drift by manipulating the audio clock to achieve opposite polarity drift, creating a periodic correction cycle that prevents cumulative error over long durations
Data Source
AI summary
Software-based audio rendering is described. A particular implementation includes computer readable media configured to measure a first drift rate between an external clock and an audio clock until the drift reaches a threshold. Responsive to the drift reaching the threshold and based upon the first drift rate, the implementation manipulates the audio clock to achieve a second drift rate having a smaller value and an opposite polarity from the first drift rate.