Audio Data Code Embedding via Sympathetic Frequency Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding codes in audio data are detectable by the human auditory system and interfere with the media, making it difficult to track the origin and usage of digital content without compromising sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines specific areas in audio data to place a code with a sympathetic relationship to the original data, making it imperceptible to the human ear by using a coding strategy that formats the code to harmonize with the audio characteristics, allowing for robust and discrete code placement and extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a code is embedded in audio data using known steganography methods, then the code can be placed within the media data, but the human auditory system can detect the added signal due to the wide dynamic range and acute sensitivity of human hearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing code digits in specific frequency regions where the human ear is less sensitive. The system analyzes the audio spectrum and identifies frequency bands with lower perceptual sensitivity, then embeds code digits primarily in those regions. This allows code embedding while minimizing detectability by the human auditory system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the amplitude parameter of code digits based on the local audio characteristics. The amplitude of each code digit is adjusted to be proportional to the local signal strength in its frequency region, ensuring that code digits are imperceptible when the original audio is audible, and vice versa. This dynamic parameter adjustment makes the embedded code imperceptible to human hearing.
2Loss of information
If a code is embedded in audio data using noise encapsulation or least significant bit modification, then the code can be placed within the media data, but the coding becomes perceptible to professional music producers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the amplitude parameter of code digits based on the local audio signal strength. The amplitude of each code digit is set to be a small fraction (e.g., 10-20%) of the local signal amplitude, ensuring that code digits are always below the perceptual threshold for professional listeners while remaining detectable by automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic embedding strategy where the characteristics of code digits (amplitude, frequency placement) are continuously adapted to match the local audio environment. This dynamic approach ensures that code digits blend seamlessly with the audio content across varying signal levels and frequency distributions, making them imperceptible to professional ears.
3Loss of information
If a code is embedded in audio data using classical signal processing approaches, then the code can be placed within the media data, but the code interferes with the original media data and is detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the code into multiple individual digits and distributes them across different frequency regions of the audio spectrum. Each digit is placed in a separate frequency band where it can be imperceptibly embedded. This segmentation prevents any single code digit from creating noticeable interference while collectively conveying the complete code information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from time-domain code embedding to frequency-domain embedding. By placing code digits in the frequency spectrum rather than directly in the time signal, the system exploits the frequency dimension to hide code information. This dimensional change allows code embedding that is imperceptible to human hearing while minimizing interference with the audio content.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention resides in a method of placing a code, having a plurality of digits, in original data having media data including audio data, such as a music video, piece of music or music track, to produce coded data. The method determining an area of original data where a digit of the code can be placed to inhibit detection using a placement criteria. A coding strategy determines at least one of the format or location of a digit of the code in coded data. The or each digit of the code has a melodic or sympathetic relationship with a characteristic, such as an audio characteristic, of the corresponding original data in the at the location in which it is placed. Digits are added to the original data and outputting coded data. Similarly, the invention resides in a method for decoding and devices and systems for implementing said methods.