Audio Decoder Intermediate Sampling Rate Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio decoding methods require separate resampling of core and high-band signals at the output sampling rate, leading to prolonged signal processing times due to unnecessary sampling and resampling operations.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves decoding audio frames using intermediate sampling rates associated with their respective coding modes, where the core and high-band signals are decoded at these intermediate rates and then combined and resampled to the output sampling rate, reducing the number of sampling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If core and high-band signals are separately resampled at the output sampling rate, then decoding accuracy is maintained, but signal processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resampling process into two distinct stages: first resampling core and high-band signals separately at an intermediate sampling rate (maintaining decoding accuracy), then performing a final combined resampling at the output sampling rate. This segmentation allows post-processing to occur at the lower intermediate rate, reducing overall processing time while preserving audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate sampling rate as a mediator between the encoded sampling rate and the final output sampling rate. By performing post-processing operations at this intermediate stage rather than directly at the output rate, the system reduces computational complexity and processing time while maintaining the necessary decoding accuracy through the subsequent final resampling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If separate resampling of core and high-band signals is performed at output sampling rate, then signal quality is preserved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the resampling operation into segmented stages: intermediate resampling of core and high-band components followed by a final combined resampling. This segmentation enables post-processing to be performed at lower computational cost at the intermediate stage, while the final resampling ensures signal quality is preserved at the output rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sampling rate parameter dynamically through multiple stages - first transforming to an intermediate sampling rate for post-processing operations, then transforming to the final output sampling rate. This parameter change strategy allows computational operations to be performed at optimized rates while maintaining final signal quality requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If post-processing is performed at output sampling rate, then processing accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediate sampling rate as a mediator for post-processing operations. By performing these operations at the intermediate rate rather than the full output rate, the system maintains processing accuracy (as the intermediate rate preserves the necessary signal characteristics) while significantly reducing the processing time required for post-processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating sampling rate parameter during post-processing to an intermediate value, performs the processing operations, then transforms to the final output rate. This parameter change allows accurate processing to be completed more quickly at the intermediate rate before final conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3475945B1Audio decoding using intermediate sampling rate
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3475945B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3475945B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3475945B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for processing a signal includes receiving a first frame of an input audio bitstream at a decoder. The first frame includes at least one signal associated with a frequency range. The method also includes decoding the at least one signal to generate at least one decoded signal having an intermediate sampling rate. The intermediate sampling rate is based on coding information associated with the first frame. The method further includes generating a resampled signal based at least in part on the at least one decoded signal. The resampled signal has an output sampling rate of the decoder.