Audio Data Encoding via Notch Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data communication methods in audio channels lack efficient and reliable techniques for encoding and decoding data, particularly in ensuring data integrity and playback without human perception of modifications.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining notch attributes such as frequency, time position, time duration, and attenuation level for notch-filtering in audio channels to encode data, and decoding this data by analyzing the modified audio channel for notch attributes, using processors and audio transducers for playback and registration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If notch-filtering is applied to encode data in audio channels, then data communication capability is improved, but audio quality and human perception fidelity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication capabilityVSAvoidaudio quality degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the frequency position, Q-factor, and depth of notch filters to encode data while maintaining audio quality. The notch filters are positioned in frequency regions that are less perceptible to human hearing, and their parameters are optimized to minimize audible distortion while still encoding data effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses local quality by applying notch filtering only at specific frequency locations and time positions rather than across the entire audio spectrum. This allows data to be encoded in localized frequency-time regions that are least perceptible to humans, preserving overall audio quality while enabling data communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If multiple notch attributes (frequency, time position, duration, attenuation) are used for encoding, then data encoding capacity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata encoding capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data encoding into multiple independent attributes (frequency position, time position, duration, attenuation level), where each attribute can independently represent data. This segmentation allows for increased encoding capacity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular processing of each attribute type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by using a single notch filter mechanism that can encode multiple bits of data through variations in its parameters (frequency, time, duration, attenuation). This universal approach allows one component to perform multiple encoding functions, increasing data capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If notch filtering is applied to encode data, then data can be embedded in audio, but detection and decoding difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata embedding capabilityVSAvoidnotch detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the encoded audio is analyzed to detect the presence and characteristics of notch filters. The decoding process uses feedback from the audio signal itself to identify modified regions, determine notch parameters, and retrieve embedded data, making the detection process adaptive and robust.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a set of candidate frequency positions for notch filters before encoding. This allows the decoding process to efficiently search through a limited set of predefined positions rather than analyzing the entire frequency spectrum, significantly reducing detection complexity while maintaining encoding capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables effective encoding and decoding of data in audio channels without altering the human perception of the audio, ensuring data integrity and facilitating data retrieval through notch filtering and validation features.

Implementation Method 1

modifying the source audio channel to create a modified audio channel by applying notch-filtering for each of the set of notches having the at least one notch attribute to the audio channel to encode the data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNotch filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS20220406322A1Method and system for encoding and decoding data in audio

Publication Date: 2022.12.22 SOUNDPAYS INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for encoding and decoding data in an audio channel are provided. At least one notch attribute for each of a set of notches to be applied to a source audio channel corresponding to data to be encoded is determined. The data is encoded by applying notch-filtering to the source audio channel to create a modified audio channel having the set of notches having the at least one notch attribute. The notches in the modified audio channel are then analyzed to determine at least one characteristic of each of the notches, and data is then decoded from the at least one characteristic of each of the notches.