Audio Sample Rate Conversion With Dynamic Channel Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio processing systems for Blu-ray and HD-DVD technologies face challenges in efficiently converting sample rates of various audio formats to a common rate, which is necessary for reducing complexity and enabling the combination of different audio formats, while also supporting high-quality playback and channel mixing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for sample rate conversion that dynamically reconfigures to convert the sample rate of multiple audio channels, using a flexible audio mixing and muxing block with sample rate converters, arbitrating between requests to prioritize higher-priority channels, and supporting high-quality sample rate conversion with noise suppression and linear interpolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a system converts sample rates of multiple audio channels using separate dedicated converters, then each channel can be processed independently with high quality, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single sample rate converter that can dynamically reconfigure to process different audio channels with different sample rates. The converter is designed to handle multiple conversion tasks sequentially, making one device perform the work of multiple dedicated converters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining audio quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the sample rate converter can change its conversion parameters on-the-fly based on which audio channel needs processing. The arbitration mechanism dynamically selects which channel to process next, allowing the single converter to adapt to different conversion requirements without being fixed to a specific channel or rate
2Productivity
If the system processes all audio channels simultaneously, then all channels receive timely processing, but the device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic arbitration where the system cycles through different audio channels in a structured sequence. The arbitration mechanism periodically selects which channel to process next based on priority and buffer status, creating a rhythmic processing pattern that ensures all channels receive attention over time without requiring simultaneous complex processing
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processing system is segmented into multiple priority levels and channels, with the arbitration mechanism dividing processing time among them. By segmenting the processing task into discrete channel-specific operations that occur sequentially rather than simultaneously, the system maintains high productivity while reducing the complexity burden at any given moment
3Reliability
If the system prioritizes high-priority audio channels, then critical channels receive processing attention, but lower-priority channels may experience delays
Solution Approach 1:
The arbitration mechanism applies different quality levels of service to different channels based on their priority. High-priority channels receive immediate processing attention with minimal delay, while lower-priority channels are processed when resources are available. This local differentiation in processing quality ensures critical audio channels maintain reliability while accepting that non-critical channels may experience variable delays
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for performing sample rate conversion is provided. The method may include configuring a system to convert a sample rate of a first audio channel of a plurality of audio channels to produce a first audio stream of samples. The system may be dynamically reconfigured to convert a sample rate of a second of the plurality of audio channels to produce a second audio stream of samples, wherein the first and second audio streams are output from the system at the same time. The method may further include arbitrating between request for additional data from the first and second audio stream of samples, where processing of the first channel is suspended when the request corresponds to a second channel that is of higher priority.