Audio Sample Rate Conversion With Adaptive Converter Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio sample rate converter systems require substantial computational resources, which can lead to audio distortion, especially in systems with limited processing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A controller that identifies the sample rate of an audio signal and selects an appropriate converter to efficiently convert it to a predetermined output sample rate, using a combination of interpolator and low-pass filter modules to minimize computational resources while maintaining audio quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If straight implementation of decimation and interpolation is used, then sample rate conversion is achieved, but computational resources required are substantial

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample rate conversion efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sample rate conversion process into multiple stages, where each stage performs a portion of the required decimation or interpolation. This divides the computationally intensive operation into smaller, more manageable tasks that can be executed with less processing power at each step, thereby reducing the overall computational burden while maintaining conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic selection of conversion paths and parameters based on the specific sample rate conversion requirements. By adapting the conversion strategy to the particular input and output sample rates, the system optimizes computational resource usage for each conversion task, avoiding unnecessary computations while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If complex multi-stage structures are used to reduce computational resources, then processing requirements are lowered, but audio distortion is induced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational resourcesVSAvoidaudio distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary filtering and preprocessing steps before the main decimation or interpolation operations. This preliminary action prepares the audio signal in a way that reduces the risk of distortion during subsequent processing stages, allowing the system to use simpler, less computationally intensive structures while maintaining audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary processing stages that act as mediators between the input and output signals. These intermediary stages include carefully designed filters and buffer mechanisms that prevent distortion from propagating through the conversion process, enabling the use of computationally efficient structures without compromising audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If limited processing resources are available, then system complexity must be reduced, but audio quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter structure complexityVSAvoidaudio quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing qualities to different parts of the conversion process based on their specific requirements. Critical stages that have the greatest impact on audio quality receive more sophisticated processing, while less critical stages use simpler methods. This localized approach to quality management maintains overall audio quality while reducing total system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts processing parameters such as filter order, buffer size, and processing precision based on the available computational resources and the specific conversion task. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system maintains acceptable audio quality while optimizing for the available processing power, thereby reducing device complexity without significant quality loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8467891B2Method and system for efficient optimization of audio sampling rate conversion
Publication Date: 2013.06.18 KIDDE FIRE PROTECTION LLC
  • US8467891B2 patent drawing
  • US8467891B2 patent drawing
  • US8467891B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A controller for outputting audio having a predetermined output sample rate. The controller is programmed to receive an audio signal having a first sample rate, identify the first sample rate of the audio signal, select a converter based on the identification of the first sample rate, and convert the sample rate of the received audio signal to the predetermined output sample rate.