Communication Device Audio Timing Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices experience delays in audio data transmission, leading to interruptions and glitches during speech calls due to mismatches in timing between audio and network processing, which existing synchronization techniques struggle to fully address.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating event reports for received encoded audio frames to determine network communication processing times, adjusting the timing of decoded audio output based on these reports to compensate for timing drift and delivery delays, ensuring synchronized audio playback with the network frame timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If audio frames are transmitted and received at fixed rates with standard synchronization techniques, then timing reference stability is maintained, but end-to-end delay increases and audio glitches occur due to timing drift between modem and audio processing circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the audio processing circuit receives timing information from the modem circuit about actual frame delivery times. This feedback allows the audio processing circuit to dynamically adjust its frame delivery timing to match actual network conditions, reducing end-to-end delay while preventing audio glitches by compensating for timing drift between the two circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by having the modem circuit report timing information to the audio processing circuit in advance of audio frame delivery. This allows the audio processing circuit to pre-calculate optimal delivery times and synchronize its operations before potential timing mismatches occur, thereby reducing delays while maintaining synchronization reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If timing references for modem and audio circuits are kept separate for independent processing, then processing flexibility is maintained, but timing drift occurs causing audio glitches and interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where timing information acts as a mediator between the modem circuit and audio processing circuit. The modem circuit provides timing references to the audio processing circuit without forcing a unified timing reference, allowing both circuits to maintain their independent processing flexibility while the timing information intermediary ensures they stay synchronized, preventing audio glitches and maintaining continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for coordinating audio data processing and network communication processing in a communication device are disclosed. An exemplary method begins with demodulating a series of received communication frames, using a network communication processing circuit, to produce received encoded audio frames. An event report for each of one or more of the received encoded audio frames is generated, the event report indicating a network communication circuit processing time associated with the corresponding received encoded audio frames. The received encoded audio frames are decoded, using an audio data processing circuit, and the decoded audio is output to an audio circuit. The timing of the outputting of the decoded audio is adjusted, based on the generated event reports.