Efficient audio coding using signal properties

Abstract

An audio encoder comprising optimizing means ET OPT adapted to generate an optimized encoding template OET based on properties PV of an input audio signal IN, such as in form of a property vector. The optimized encoding template OET is being optimized with respect to a predetermined encoding efficiency criterion. Encoding means ENC then generates an encoded audio signal OUT in accordance with the optimized encoding template OET. The audio encoder may comprise analyzing means AN adapted to generate the set of input signal properties PV based of the input signal IN. In a preferred embodiment the optimizing means ET OPT is adapted to estimate a resulting distortion associated with an encoding template. The optimizing means ET OPT may further be able to estimate bit rate associated with an encoding template. In one embodiment the optimizing means ET OPT is adapted to optimize a bit rate distribution to a number of sub-encoders based on the input signal properties (PV). In another embodiment, the optimizing means ET OPT is adapted to up-front decide on an adaptive segmentation based on the input signal properties (PV). The encoders according to the invention are advantageous in that complex processes of a plurality of encodings prior to deciding upon an optimized encoding template OET can be avoided since the optimal encoding template OET is found based on input signal properties (PV).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to efficient, high-quality coding of audio signals. More specifically, the invention relates to a class of audio codecs that are adapted to an input signal, that is, have multiple codecs to be optimized in order to obtain an optimal coded signal with respect to rate-distortion criteria. set up. The present invention provides an audio encoder and a method of optimizing audio encoder settings. Background technique [0002] A key problem in encoding is to find the most efficient representation for each input signal. Since audio signals can exhibit a wide range of characteristics, and different encoding methods are most effective for different signal characteristics, it is desirable to use flexible codecs, ie codecs that combine different encoding methods. For example, an audio signal is split and encoded into a sinusoidal part and a rest. Typically, tonal signals are encoded using a specific encoding method for signals co...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However US2004 / 0006644 does not disclose any method for optimizing encoder settings

[0005] In summary, the prior art does not satisfactorily address how to determine the optimal encoder settings or which encoding method best encodes which part of the input signal

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