Layered Signal Encoding for Low-Bitrate Decoding Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encoding methods, such as traditional ADPCM, result in poor decoding quality when decoders support only low bit rates or receive encoded signals due to insufficient network bandwidth and poor transmission quality, leading to degraded signal quality.
Innovation Solution
An encoding method that generates an encoded signal by creating a core layer and an enhancement layer, where residuals are compared with encoding thresholds to improve signal quality, allowing for better decoding even at low bit rates by writing both layers into a bitstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional encoding methods (ADPCM) are used with added coded bits, then encoding quality is improved, but decoding quality deteriorates when decoders support only low bit rates or receive encoded signals due to insufficient network bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The encoding method divides the encoded signal into two distinct layers: a core layer that ensures basic decoding quality at low bit rates, and an enhancement layer that improves quality when bandwidth permits. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability across different network conditions while achieving high encoding quality when resources allow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the transmitted signal structure based on network conditions. The encoder always generates both core and enhancement layers, but the decoder selectively processes only the core layer when bandwidth is insufficient or the decoder supports only low bit rates, and processes both layers when conditions permit, thus maintaining optimal decoding quality under varying conditions.
2Measurement precision
If coded bits are added to improve signal quality, then encoding precision is enhanced, but network bandwidth requirements increase causing transmission issues
Solution Approach 1:
The bitstream is segmented into core layer bits and enhancement layer bits with distinct functional roles. The core layer uses a bit rate adapted to the decoder's capabilities and network conditions, while the enhancement layer contains additional quality-improving bits that are transmitted only when bandwidth permits, thus balancing signal quality against bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoding system changes the effective bit rate parameter dynamically by adjusting the proportion of core versus enhancement layer bits transmitted. When network bandwidth is sufficient, more enhancement bits are transmitted to improve quality; when bandwidth is constrained, the system relies primarily on the core layer, effectively reducing the transmitted bit rate to match network capabilities.
3Device complexity
If the decoder supports only low bit rate decoding, then device complexity is reduced, but decoding quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The encoded signal is segmented such that the core layer can be decoded by simple low-complexity decoders, while the enhancement layer provides quality improvements for more capable decoders. This segmentation enables a single encoding scheme to serve both simple and complex decoders effectively, with each decoder type achieving optimal quality for its capability level.
Solution Approach 2:
The core layer encoding is designed to be universally decodable by any decoder supporting low bit rates, while simultaneously serving as the foundation for enhanced quality when paired with the enhancement layer and more capable decoders. This multi-functionality allows the same core encoding to satisfy both simple and complex decoder requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A device relating to information processing technologies and including an encoding and decoding method configured to solve the poor decoding quality problem. The method includes: encoding each sample of an input signal to generate an encoded signal of a core layer; comparing residuals of all or a part of the samples of the input signal with encoding thresholds, where the residuals are generated by core layer encoding, and performing encoding according to comparison results to generate an encoded signal of an enhancement layer; and writing the encoded signal of the core layer and the encoded signal of the enhancement layer into a bitstream to generate an encoded signal of the input signal.