Parallel Audio Post-Processing for Real-Time Channel Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital audio data output devices face challenges in processing digital audio data in real time without significant delay, especially when multiple devices request different channel modes and volume settings, leading to increased processing operations and potential delays in outputting processed data.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a digital audio data output device with two post-processors that process digital audio data in parallel, each equipped with a mixer unit and a volume control unit, allowing for on-the-fly processing and volume adjustment, reducing the need for large buffer memory and minimizing time delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single DSP core processes digital audio data for multiple devices with different channel modes and volume settings, then the device can serve multiple transmission requests, but the processing time increases and real-time output cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single DSP core into multiple independent post-processors (first post-processor, second post-processor, etc.), where each post-processor is dedicated to handling specific transmission requests. This segmentation allows parallel processing of digital audio data for multiple devices simultaneously, eliminating the sequential processing bottleneck and achieving real-time output while maintaining adaptability to different channel modes and volume settings.
2Reliability
If digital audio data is processed sequentially by a single processor, then processing operations can be completed, but the processing speed decreases and cannot meet real-time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the processing function into multiple parallel post-processors that operate simultaneously. Each post-processor independently completes processing operations for its assigned transmission requests, enabling parallel execution of processing tasks. This increases overall processing speed and meets real-time requirements while ensuring reliable processing completion for all digital audio data.
3Quantity of substance
If extensive buffer memory is used to store digital audio data for processing, then all data can be processed, but the memory requirements increase and processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the buffer memory into multiple smaller buffers, with each buffer associated with a specific post-processor. This allows each post-processor to access only the data it needs from its dedicated buffer, reducing the total memory capacity required compared to a single large buffer. Additionally, parallel access to multiple buffers eliminates the sequential access delays inherent in a single buffer system, achieving real-time processing with reduced memory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension sequential processing model to a multi-dimension parallel processing model. Multiple post-processors operate simultaneously in parallel dimensions, each accessing its own buffer and processing data independently. This dimensional change enables concurrent data retrieval and processing, eliminating the time required to sequentially access and process data from a single large buffer.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital audio data output device having first and second post-processors that process received digital audio data in parallel. Each processor includes a mixer unit that processes received digital audio data on the fly in response to a channel mode control signal, and a volume control unit that adjusts volume level of output of the mixer unit on the fly in response to a volume level control signal. Each mixer unit includes first and second buffers that can respectively store first and second channel data, a calculator that calculates mix data from the outputs of the buffers, a third buffer that stores the mix data, and an output unit. The output unit selects and outputs one of the received digital audio data, the output of the first buffer, the output of the second buffer, the mix data, and output of the third buffer, as the output of the mixer unit.