Harmonic Transposition Filter Banks for Low-Complexity HFR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing harmonic transposition methods for high frequency reconstruction in audio coding systems require multiple filter banks for different transposition orders, leading to increased computational complexity and inefficiency, especially when upsampling is needed.

Innovation Solution

The method involves sharing a common analysis and synthesis filter bank pair among multiple harmonic transposers, utilizing nonlinear processing to map subband signals across different transposition orders, and employing advanced nonlinear processing techniques to reduce the number of required filter banks and simplify the transposition process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple filter banks are used for different transposition orders, then the audio quality and bandwidth synthesis are improved, but the computational complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal filter bank structure that can perform multiple transposition operations (T=2, T=3, T=4) by reconfiguring the same hardware resources. The filter bank is designed to be multi-functional, where the same filters and processing units can be reused across different transposition orders through time-multiplexing and parameter reconfiguration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated filter banks for each transposition order.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where transposition stages are organized hierarchically. The output of one transposition stage becomes the input for the next stage, with T=2 transposition feeding into T=3, which feeds into T=4. This nesting allows shared resources and progressive bandwidth expansion, reducing overall computational complexity compared to independent parallel processing of all transposition orders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filter banks are used for different transposition orders, then the required bandwidth of the high band signal is synthesized, but the resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth synthesisVSAvoidresource requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The filter bank is designed as a universal resource that can be dynamically reconfigured to support multiple transposition orders. The same filter bank infrastructure serves T=2, T=3, and T=4 operations by adjusting operational parameters and timing, significantly reducing the quantity of hardware resources needed compared to having dedicated filter banks for each transposition order.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple transposition operations into a unified processing pipeline. Instead of having separate independent filter bank systems for each transposition order, the operations are combined into a single integrated system where resources are shared and coordinated, reducing overall resource consumption while maintaining the ability to synthesize the required high band signal bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If upsampling is added to convert core signal to output sampling rate, then the sampling rate conversion is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling rate conversionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upsampling function is merged with the existing filter bank structure used for transposition operations. The same filter bank that performs frequency domain transposition also handles the sampling rate conversion by operating as an upsampler when needed. This integration eliminates the need for a separate dedicated upsampling module, reducing device complexity while achieving the required sampling rate conversion from the core signal to the final output rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4293669B1Efficient combined harmonic transposition
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 DOLBY INTERNATIONAL AB
  • EP4293669B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4293669B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4293669B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present document relates to audio coding systems which make use of a harmonic transposition method for high frequency reconstruction (HFR), and to digital effect processors, e.g. so-called exciters, where generation of harmonic distortion adds brightness to the processed signal. In particular, a system configured to generate a high frequency component of a signal from a low frequency component of the signal is described. The system may comprise an analysis filter bank (501) configured to provide a set of analysis subband signals from the low frequency component of the signal; wherein the set of analysis subband signals comprises at least two analysis subband signals; wherein the analysis filter bank (501) has a frequency resolution of Δf. The system further comprises a nonlinear processing unit (502) configured to determine a set of synthesis subband signals from the set of analysis subband signals using a transposition order P; wherein the set of synthesis subband signals comprises a portion of the set of analysis subband signals phase shifted by an amount derived from the transposition order P; and a synthesis filter bank (504) configured to generate the high frequency component of the signal from the set of synthesis subband signals; wherein the synthesis filter bank (504) has a frequency resolution of FΔf; with F being a resolution factor, with F ≥ 1; wherein the transposition order Pis different from the resolution factorF.