Audio Signal Processing Using Sample Rate Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio processing systems lack an effective method to distinguish between audio signals intended for video content and audio-only signals, leading to inadequate processing and reproduction quality, as they rely on device type, metadata, or user designation, which can be inaccurate.

Innovation Solution

A method and audio system that determine the sample rate of digital bitstreams to differentiate between audio for video and audio-only signals, processing them differently by extracting dialogue and music channels and radiating them using distinct radiation patterns, with circuitry to handle sample rates of 48m kHz and 44.1m kHz, where m is an integer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing audio processing systems use device type, metadata, or user designation to distinguish audio signals, then the processing can be implemented, but the accuracy of differentiation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of audio signal differentiationVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses sample rate as a distinguishing parameter to differentiate between audio for video and audio-only signals. By detecting whether the sample rate is 48m kHz (indicating audio for video) or 44.1m kHz (indicating audio-only), the system achieves accurate signal classification without requiring complex device type detection, metadata parsing, or user input processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If audio signals are processed with the same method regardless of type, then the processing is simple, but the audio reproduction quality is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio reproduction qualityVSAvoidprocessing method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing methods to different types of audio signals based on their sample rate. Audio for video signals (48m kHz) receive processing optimized for video synchronization and dialogue extraction, while audio-only signals (44.1m kHz) receive processing optimized for music and general audio reproduction. This localized processing approach ensures each signal type receives the most appropriate treatment for high-quality reproduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the audio processing into distinct paths based on signal type detection. One path handles audio for video signals with dialogue channel extraction and synchronization processing, while another path handles audio-only signals with music-optimized processing. This segmentation allows each processing path to be specialized and optimized for its specific signal type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If dialogue channel extraction is applied to all audio signals, then dialogue clarity is improved, but music quality deteriorates due to inappropriate processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedialogue reproduction qualityVSAvoidprocessing adaptability to different audio types
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the processing approach based on the detected signal type. When audio for video is detected (48m kHz sample rate), dialogue channel extraction is activated to enhance speech clarity. When audio-only is detected (44.1m kHz sample rate), the system switches to music-optimized processing that preserves musical quality. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal processing for each audio type without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2633704B1Audio signal processing
Publication Date: 2014.08.27 BOSE CORP
  • EP2633704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2633704B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2633704B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and apparatus for determining if there is a stream of video signals corresponding with a stream of audio signals. If the sample rate of a digital bitstream including is determined. If the sample rate is 48m kHz (where m is an integer), it is determined that there are video signals corresponding to the audio signals. If the sample rate is 44.1m kHz (where m is an integer), it is determined that there are no video signals corresponding to the audio signals.