DSD Signal Switching by Pre-Interpolation Across Sampling Rates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for switching between DSD signals with different sampling frequencies, such as those described in PTL 1, require conversion to PCM signals and crossfading, which are burdensome for embedded CPUs and result in signal processing delays, and cannot handle delta-sigma modulated signals directly.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing apparatus and method that includes an acquisition section and an interpolation section, which acquires and pre-interpolates digital audio signals to match the sampling frequency with the operating clock of a delta-sigma demodulator, allowing direct switching between DSD signals without conversion to PCM.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conversion to PCM signal and crossfading is performed for switching between DSD signals, then switching between different sampling frequencies is achieved, but processing burden increases and delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching capability between different sampling frequenciesVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the necessary interpolation operation from the complex PCM conversion and crossfading process. By keeping the DSD signal in its delta-sigma modulated form and applying only pre-interpolation to adjust sampling frequency, the solution removes unnecessary conversion steps while maintaining switching capability between different DSD sampling frequencies (64DSD, 128DSD, 256DSD).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs pre-interpolation on the DSD signal before delta-sigma demodulation to adjust the sampling frequency to match the operating clock. This preliminary adjustment eliminates the need for complex real-time conversion and crossfading operations during playback, reducing processing burden and delays while enabling smooth switching between different sampling frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If PCM conversion and crossfading are used for DSD signal switching, then switching is achieved, but processing time increases due to burdensome operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal switching capabilityVSAvoidsignal processing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential pre-interpolation step from the complex PCM conversion and crossfading process. By maintaining the DSD signal in its native delta-sigma modulated form and applying only sampling frequency adjustment through pre-interpolation, the solution eliminates time-consuming conversion operations while preserving switching capability between different DSD sampling frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pre-interpolation to create a time-stretched or time-compressed version of the DSD signal that matches the target sampling frequency. This copying approach with temporal adjustment allows direct switching between different DSD signals without requiring complex real-time conversion and crossfading operations, thereby reducing processing delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex conversion processes are applied to DSD signals, then switching between sampling frequencies is possible, but the configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-frequency signal handlingVSAvoidsignal processing configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the necessary pre-interpolation function from the complex chain of PCM conversion, crossfading, and delta-sigma modulation. By keeping the DSD signal in its native form and applying only sampling frequency adjustment through pre-interpolation before demodulation, the solution achieves multi-frequency signal handling with a simplified configuration that requires fewer processing stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs pre-interpolation in advance to adjust the sampling frequency of the DSD signal to match the operating clock of the delta-sigma demodulator. This preliminary frequency adjustment eliminates the need for complex real-time conversion configurations during signal switching, thereby simplifying the overall system configuration while maintaining adaptability to different sampling frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3309781B1Signal processing device, signal processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3309781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3309781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3309781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present technology relates to a signal processing apparatus, a signal processing method, and a program that permit switching between a plurality of DSD signals having different sampling frequencies using a simple configuration. An acquisition section acquires a digital audio signal having a given sampling frequency selected from among the plurality of digital audio signals acquired by delta-sigma modulating an audio signal at a plurality of sampling frequencies. An interpolation section subjects the acquired digital audio signal to a pre-interpolation process when the sampling frequency of the acquired digital audio signal is lower than an operating clock of a delta-sigma demodulator. The present technology is applicable, for example, to a signal processing apparatus.