Backward-Compatible Audio Decoding With Adaptive Highband Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The MPEG-4 AAC standard's spectral band replication (SBR) tool is not ideal for certain audio types, such as musical content with relatively low crossover frequencies, necessitating improved techniques for spectral band replication.

Innovation Solution

The method involves decoding an encoded audio bitstream, extracting high frequency reconstruction metadata, filtering the lowband audio signal, and regenerating the highband portion using the metadata, with options for spectral translation or harmonic transposition based on a flag, to form a wideband audio signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If spectral band replication (SBR) is used for high frequency reconstruction, then compression efficiency is improved, but audio quality deteriorates for certain audio types such as musical content with low crossover frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidaudio quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection between spectral translation and harmonic transposition methods based on audio content characteristics. The system adapts the HFR technique in real-time: using spectral translation for speech and high crossover frequency content, and harmonic transposition for musical content with low crossover frequencies. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing both compression efficiency and audio quality for different audio types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of HFR methodology from a fixed SBR approach to a variable approach that selects between spectral translation and harmonic transposition. By modifying the HFR parameter selection based on detected audio characteristics (crossover frequency, content type), the system achieves improved audio quality for musical content while maintaining compression efficiency benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If enhanced spectral band replication techniques are implemented, then audio quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoiddecoder complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal HFR framework that can perform both spectral translation and harmonic transposition using a single decoder architecture. The enhanced SBR tool is designed to be multi-functional, capable of adapting to different audio content types and selecting the appropriate reconstruction method. This universality reduces device complexity compared to implementing separate decoders for different HFR methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The decoder implements self-service by automatically detecting audio content characteristics and selecting the appropriate HFR method without external intervention. The system performs self-adaptation based on the detected crossover frequency and content type, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or multiple specialized decoders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If spectral translation is used for high frequency reconstruction, then processing simplicity is maintained, but audio quality deteriorates for musical content with low crossover frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidaudio quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static spectral translation method into a dynamic system that switches between spectral translation and harmonic transposition based on audio content analysis. For musical content with low crossover frequencies, the system dynamically selects harmonic transposition to maintain audio quality, while using spectral translation for simpler content types to maintain processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11626121B2Backward-compatible integration of high frequency reconstruction techniques for audio signals
Publication Date: 2023.04.11 DOLBY INTERNATIONAL AB
  • US11626121B2 patent drawing
  • US11626121B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for decoding an encoded audio bitstream is disclosed. The method includes receiving the encoded audio bitstream and decoding the audio data to generate a decoded lowband audio signal. The method further includes extracting high frequency reconstruction metadata and filtering the decoded lowband audio signal with an analysis filterbank to generate a filtered lowband audio signal. The method also includes extracting a flag indicating whether either spectral translation or harmonic transposition is to be performed on the audio data and regenerating a highband portion of the audio signal using the filtered lowband audio signal and the high frequency reconstruction metadata in accordance with the flag.