Audio Decoder Digital Clock Estimation Without Codec
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio signal decoding methods require a codec to extract the audio clock signal, leading to increased costs and limitations in signal processing without a clock signal.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for decoding audio signals using a processor that digitally estimates a clock signal independent of the audio signal, allowing for encoding without a codec, by identifying pulses and calculating a sampling frequency to generate output signals like HDMI, and utilizing a separate clock source for decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a codec is used to extract the audio clock signal, then the audio signal can be decoded, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary function (clock signal extraction and decoding) from the codec, implementing it as a separate digital signal processing module. This allows the system to perform audio decoding without requiring a full codec, thereby reducing cost while maintaining the essential decoding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor is designed to handle multiple functions: it processes audio signals, extracts clock signals, and performs decoding operations. By making the processor multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for dedicated codec hardware, reducing overall device complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If a codec is used to extract the audio clock signal, then the audio signal can be decoded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the clock extraction and decoding functions from the codec, implementing them as independent digital signal processing operations. This modular approach reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for complex codec hardware while preserving the essential decoding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional hardware-based codec system with a software/digital signal processing approach. By using digital methods to extract clock signals and decode audio, the system reduces mechanical and hardware complexity while maintaining functional reliability.
3Device complexity
If the audio clock signal is not extracted, then the codec can be avoided, but the audio signal cannot be decoded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital signal processing step that extracts the clock signal from the audio data stream without requiring a full codec. This intermediary process enables decoding to proceed by providing the necessary timing information in a simplified manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hardware-based clock extraction mechanism of traditional codecs with a digital signal processing approach. This substitution allows clock signal recovery without the need for complex hardware, enabling decoding while maintaining low device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for decoding an audio signal. In one embodiment, a first pulse is identified with a predetermined relative duration with respect to a second pulse. A sampling frequency is then calculated based on such identification. In another embodiment, an audio signal is decoded utilizing a threshold. In still yet another embodiment, a decoder is provided for decoding an audio signal utilizing a clock that is independent of the audio signal.