Audio Coder Compressed Domain Data Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems require significant processing to recover hidden data from audio signals, which can be resource-intensive and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The method involves passing the input audio signal through an audio coder for compression and subsequent processing of the compressed data to recover hidden data, utilizing linear prediction analysis and echo detection within specific frequency bands, reducing the need for regenerating audio samples and leveraging the audio coder's inherent encoding processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional techniques for recovering hidden data are used without audio coding, then the audio signal can be processed directly, but significant processing power and time are required to regenerate audio samples and perform data recovery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recovery efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The audio signal is pre-coded using audio coding (e.g., MP3, AAC) before data hiding, so that when recovering hidden data, the system already has a compressed representation available. This preliminary coding action eliminates the need to regenerate audio samples during data recovery, significantly reducing processing power and time requirements while maintaining data recovery accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and utilizes specific features (such as spectral coefficients, temporal patterns, or coding parameters) directly from the audio-coded representation without needing to reconstruct the full audio signal. This extraction approach focuses processing only on the necessary data elements, reducing overall computational load while preserving data recovery capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If audio samples are regenerated for data recovery, then complete audio signal processing can be performed, but the processing time and computational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recovery accuracyVSAvoiddata recovery time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of regenerating complete audio samples, the system works with a compressed representation or feature extraction from the audio-coded signal. This copying approach uses essential characteristics of the audio signal sufficient for data recovery without the computational overhead of full sample regeneration, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining adequate accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs partial processing by focusing only on the specific portions or features of the audio-coded signal that contain the hidden data, rather than processing the entire audio signal. This selective approach reduces computation time while maintaining data recovery accuracy by concentrating resources on relevant signal components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If the audio signal is processed without using audio coding, then the original signal quality is maintained, but the processing requirements become more resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing system complexityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio coding process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it compresses the audio signal for efficient storage and transmission, and it creates a structured representation that facilitates hidden data recovery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate processing stages, simplifying the overall system while improving processing efficiency

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

Solution Approach 2:

The audio-coded representation acts as an intermediary between the original audio signal and the hidden data extraction process. This intermediary form provides a computationally efficient bridge that allows data recovery without requiring full audio signal regeneration, thereby reducing system complexity and improving processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2160583B1Recovery of hidden data embedded in an audio signal and device for data hiding in the compressed domain
Publication Date: 2011.09.07 INTRASONICS S A R L
  • EP2160583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2160583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2160583B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A cellular telephone is provided for recovering hidden data that is embedded within an input acoustic signal. The telephone passes the acoustic signal through an audio coder of the telephone and then processes the compressed audio generated by the audio coder, to recover the hidden data. A similar telephone is also provided for identifying the audio signal from the compressed output of the audio coder. Various coding techniques are also described for hiding the data within the audio.