Audio Data Embedding Using Relative Frequency Amplitudes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in reliably embedding and reconstructing binary data into analog signals, particularly audio signals, due to varying amplitudes and the need for minimal perceptual impact, without being affected by compression.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a pair of frequencies with differing amplitudes to represent binary states, ensuring amplitude relationships are modified to embed data efficiently, and employs redundancy and checksums for reliable reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If binary data is embedded into analog audio signals using amplitude modulation, then the data can be stored in the audio file, but the embedding may be affected by varying amplitude levels and compression, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for data embedding from absolute amplitude to relative amplitude relationships between frequency pairs. By comparing amplitudes of two frequencies rather than using absolute amplitude values, the system becomes invariant to overall amplitude scaling and compression, significantly improving reliability while maintaining implementation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by using pairs of frequencies where one frequency serves as a reference and the other carries the data bit information. This asymmetric relationship (reference frequency vs. data frequency) creates a robust encoding scheme where the relative amplitude comparison provides reliable data retrieval regardless of absolute amplitude variations
2Reliability
If frequency pairs are used to represent binary states, then embedding reliability improves, but the impact on audio quality and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the amplitude relationship between frequency pairs and adjusts the modulation depth accordingly. This feedback ensures that data embedding remains within perceptual thresholds while maintaining reliable reconstruction, as the system adapts to the audio signal's characteristics in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic amplitude modulation where the modulation depth and frequency selection adapt to the local characteristics of the audio signal. By dynamically adjusting embedding parameters based on signal analysis, the system minimizes perceptual impact while maintaining reconstruction reliability across varying audio content
3Productivity
If amplitude relationships are modified to embed data, then embedding efficiency increases, but error correction and integrity checking become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary error correction codes and integrity checking mechanisms during the data embedding phase. By pre-encoding the data with redundancy bits and checksums before modulation, the system enables efficient error detection and correction during playback without requiring complex real-time processing, thus maintaining high embedding efficiency while simplifying error handling
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method of embedding binary data into an analog signal. For each of a plurality of time slots, one of a first binary state and a second binary state is embedded into the analog signal using a pair of frequencies comprising first and second frequencies of a frequency spectrum of the analog signal. For a given time slot, if the first binary state is to be embedded into the analog signal, it is ensured that an amplitude of the first frequency is greater than an amplitude of the second frequency. And if the second binary state is to be embedded into the analog signal, it is ensured that the amplitude of the second frequency is greater than the amplitude of the first frequency. The disclosure further relates to a method of reconstructing binary data that is embedded into an analog signal, and to corresponding apparatus, computer programs, and computer-readable storage media.