Resolution-Independent Dither Sample Insertion for Audio Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio receivers often lose synchronization with audio transmitters during power saving mode due to truncated dither samples caused by differences in bit resolution, leading to noise and increased re-synchronization delays.
Innovation Solution
Inserting negative value dither samples into audio data streams, independent of bit resolution, to prevent receivers from entering power saving mode and ensure correct reception, regardless of the bit resolution mismatch between transmitters and receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dither samples are transmitted during silence periods to maintain synchronization, then synchronization is maintained, but bit resolution mismatch causes truncation and loss of dither sample effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of dither sample value from positive to negative. Specifically, it transmits the two's complement representation of -1 (all bits set to 1) instead of positive dither values. This parameter change ensures that when lower-resolution receivers truncate the bits, the remaining bits still represent a valid negative dither value rather than becoming zero or losing the dither effect entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using negative dither values (two's complement of -1) instead of positive dither values. This inversion ensures that truncation at any bit resolution level preserves the negative sign and dithering functionality, as the most significant bits remain set to 1 even after truncation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If audio receivers enter power saving mode during silence, then power consumption is reduced, but synchronization is lost requiring re-acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous transmission of dither samples during silence periods, preventing audio receivers from entering power-saving modes. By maintaining the continuous stream of valid dither data (negative values that don't truncate to zero), the receiver remains active and synchronized without unnecessary wake-ups or re-synchronization events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent proactively transmits dither samples during silence periods before the receiver would otherwise enter power-saving mode. This preliminary action of maintaining data transmission prevents the synchronization loss that would occur during power-saving states.
3Reliability
If re-synchronization is performed after power saving mode, then synchronization is restored, but noise and processing delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by continuously transmitting valid dither samples during silence periods, preventing the receiver from entering power-saving mode in the first place. This avoids the need for subsequent re-synchronization operations that would generate noise and delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of silence periods (which would trigger power-saving mode and subsequent re-synchronization noise) into a benefit by transmitting continuous negative dither values. These values maintain the data stream validity, transforming silence from a harmful condition into an opportunity for continuous synchronization maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for resolution-independent dither sample insertion for audio transmissions. Audio transmitters transmit audio data streams to audio receivers. Data inactivity in the data stream triggers the audio receivers to enter power-saving/sleep modes in which synchronization with the audio transmitters is lost thus requiring time consuming resynchronization. Inactivity such as silence or zero-value data is detected in a data stream. Upon detection, a dither sample is inserted into the data stream and transmitted to the audio receiver to prevent the loss of synchronization. The dither sample may have a negative value and be formatted for resolution-independence with respect to the audio receiver.