Audio Frame Loss Concealment Using Adaptive Phase and Spectrum Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional frame loss concealment methods in audio communication systems suffer from audible signal discontinuities and quality impairments due to parameter freezing and extrapolation techniques, particularly in cases of audio signals with varying properties or burst errors, leading to tonal artifacts.

Innovation Solution

A method for frame loss concealment that adjusts the phase and spectrum magnitude of substitution frames based on sinusoidal analysis and detection of signal properties, such as energy changes and harmonic structure, to improve signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If parameter freezing and extrapolation techniques are used for frame loss concealment, then the concealment process is simple and computationally efficient, but audible signal discontinuities and tonal artifacts occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcealment process complexityVSAvoidaudible signal discontinuities

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the phase and spectrum magnitude of substitution frames based on sinusoidal analysis of the audio signal. Instead of using fixed freezing/extrapolation parameters, the system adapts parameters dynamically according to the detected signal properties (energy changes, harmonic structure), thereby reducing audible discontinuities while maintaining computational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamics by making the concealment parameters adaptive rather than static. The system continuously monitors audio signal properties and adjusts the substitution frame generation process in real-time, allowing the concealment method to respond to varying audio characteristics and reduce artifacts dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional frame loss concealment methods are applied, then the implementation is straightforward and compatible with existing codecs, but quality impairments and tonal artifacts occur in cases of varying audio properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing codecsVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains compatibility with existing codecs while improving signal quality by introducing adaptive parameter adjustments. The system preserves the basic framework of conventional concealment methods but enhances them with sinusoidal analysis and dynamic parameter modification, achieving both compatibility and improved quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback by detecting audio signal properties (energy changes, harmonic structure) and using this information to adjust the concealment process. This closed-loop approach allows the system to adapt to varying audio characteristics and minimize quality impairments while remaining compatible with existing codec structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If parameter repetition techniques are used for frame loss concealment, then the method is codec-specific and straightforward to implement, but it is not easily applicable for other codecs with different structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidapplicability across different codecs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by formulating the concealment method in terms of general audio signal properties (sinusoidal components, energy changes, harmonic structure) rather than codec-specific parameters. This allows the same fundamental approach to be applied across different codecs while maintaining implementation simplicity through standardized signal analysis techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12579988B2Method and apparatus for controlling audio frame loss concealment

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is a method and an apparatus thereof for controlling a concealment method for a lost audio frame of a received audio signal. A method for a decoder of concealing a lost audio frame comprises detecting in a property of the previously received and reconstructed audio signal, or in a statistical property of observed frame losses, a condition for which the substitution of a lost frame provides relatively reduced quality. In case such a condition is detected, the concealment method is modified by selectively adjusting a phase or a spectrum magnitude of a substitution frame spectrum.