Audio Compression Format Reducing CPU Load on Solid State Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage compression techniques for solid state devices, such as flash disks, require high CPU load during playback and necessitate a decompressor or decoder, leading to latency and battery power consumption issues.
Innovation Solution
A compression/decompression scheme that reduces independent mono audio channels into fewer samples with a restricted set of additional parameters, allowing for playback without a decoder, using techniques from multi-channel compatible stereo recording, and storing these parameters in the least significant bits of audio samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional compression schemes (Mpeg 1/2, Mp3, AC3, DTS) are used for audio compression, then data storage efficiency is improved, but CPU load during playback increases and battery power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the decompression/decoding step from the playback chain entirely. By storing audio in a format that is already in the time domain and can be played directly without Fourier transforms or complex decoding, the system eliminates the CPU-intensive processing that consumes battery power, while still achieving compression through selective discarding of imperceptible frequency information
Solution Approach 2:
The audio data is prepared in advance during encoding to be self-sufficient for playback without requiring a decompressor. The encoding process creates a representation that can be directly converted to analog output, making the system self-service by eliminating the need for active CPU intervention during playback
2Quantity of substance
If traditional compression schemes are used, then data storage efficiency is improved, but playback latency increases due to decoding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the decoding step that causes latency. By storing audio in a format that requires no Fourier transforms or complex decoding operations, the system eliminates the processing delay inherent in traditional compression schemes, achieving near-real-time playback with only minimal sample buffer latency
3Adaptability or versatility
If a decompressor is used for playback, then compressed audio formats can be played, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the decompressor component from the system. By using an encoding format that stores audio in a directly playable state without requiring inverse Fourier transforms or complex decoding algorithms, the system achieves audio playback capability without needing any decompressor hardware or software
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal audio storage format that can be played directly by any solid state disk player without requiring specific decoder implementations. The format is designed to be universally compatible with simple playback devices, eliminating the need for format-specific decompression capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An encoder for compressing a plurality of independent mono audio channels into a recording and generating a restricted set of additional parameters used to master an audio track of a storage device is described. The plurality of independent mono audio channels are constructed such that the storage device can be played using solid state disk player so that in a first mode all of the plurality of independent mono audio channels are played as the recording and in a second mode the original channels are reconstructed using a higher sample rate. A corresponding decoder and an audio system comprising such encoder and decoder are also described.