Audio Signal Encoding Using Frequency-Domain Pitch Period Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio encoding techniques, such as TCX (transform coded excitation), do not efficiently account for variations in amplitude of frequency-domain sample strings based on periodicity, leading to decreased encoding efficiency when encoding sample strings with widely varying amplitudes together.

Innovation Solution

An encoding method that determines a frequency-domain pitch period by selecting from candidates including a converted interval and its integer multiples, using a frequency-domain pitch period code to identify the pitch period, allowing for efficient encoding and decoding of sample strings with small amplitude variations based on pitch periods in the frequency domain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If TCX encoding mode is used to encode DFT coefficients, then encoding can be performed at low bit rates, but encoding efficiency decreases when sample strings with widely varying amplitudes are encoded together

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit rateVSAvoidencoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the frequency-domain sample string into multiple segments based on amplitude characteristics. Samples are rearranged and segmented into groups with similar amplitude variations, allowing each segment to be encoded separately with optimized parameters, thereby improving overall encoding efficiency while maintaining low bit rate operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of encoding parameters based on the amplitude characteristics of sample strings. The encoder adapts the encoding method and parameters according to the actual amplitude variations in different segments, transforming a static encoding process into a dynamic one that optimizes efficiency for each segment's specific characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If sample strings with widely varying amplitudes are encoded together using fixed encoding criteria, then processing is simplified, but encoding efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding process complexityVSAvoidencoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sample string into multiple amplitude-based groups, allowing different encoding criteria to be applied to each segment. This segmentation enables the system to handle varying amplitudes effectively without requiring overly complex processing, as each segment can be encoded with appropriate simplified rules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different encoding criteria to different segments of the sample string based on their local amplitude characteristics. Each segment receives tailored encoding treatment appropriate to its specific amplitude variation pattern, improving efficiency without requiring complex global processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If frequency-domain pitch period is determined by exhaustive search, then accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepitch period detection accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing by converting the time-domain pitch period into a frequency-domain pitch period candidate using a fixed conversion relationship. This preliminary action narrows down the search space for pitch period detection, allowing accurate determination without exhaustive search through all possible periods, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simplified model or template of the expected pitch period pattern to guide the detection process. By copying the structural characteristics of pitch periods into the detection algorithm, the system can accurately identify pitch periods without requiring complex exhaustive analysis of all possible patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3576089B1Encoding of an audio signal
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP
  • EP3576089B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3576089B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3576089B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to a time-domain pitch period L corresponding to a time-domain pitch period code of an audio signal in a given time period is obtained as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain pitch period T is chosen from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, and a frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1 is obtained. The frequency-domain pitch period code is output so that a decoding side can identify the frequency-domain pitch period T.