Stereo Decoded Sound Refinement Using Monaural Upmixed Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cases where communication is performed by terminals connected to two lines with different priorities, or where monaural and stereo encoding/decoding methods are used independently, the information from the monaural code is not utilized in obtaining the stereo decoded sound signal, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A sound signal purification method that utilizes monaural and stereo decoded signals to improve the stereo decoded sound signal by estimating a common signal, upmixing, and applying channel-specific weights to enhance the decoded sound signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent monaural and stereo decoding methods are used, then decoding flexibility is improved, but information utilization efficiency deteriorates because monaural code information is not used in stereo signal reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the independent monaural and stereo decoding processes by introducing a purification unit that combines monaural decoded signal and stereo decoded signal. The purification unit processes both signals together to generate a purified stereo decoded signal, thereby utilizing the monaural code information that would otherwise be wasted in independent decoding scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoding system is designed with multi-functionality where the purification unit can operate in different modes. When only stereo code is available, it processes only the stereo decoded signal. When both monaural and stereo codes are available, it processes both signals to generate a purified output. This universal approach allows the system to adapt to different transmission conditions while maximizing information utilization.
2Reliability
If scalable encoding with priority-based packet transmission is used, then transmission reliability is improved, but decoding complexity increases due to multiple code types and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The decoding system is segmented into distinct functional units: a monaural decoding unit that processes monaural codes, a stereo decoding unit that processes stereo codes, and a purification unit that combines and refines the outputs. This segmentation allows each unit to handle specific tasks independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and easier to implement while maintaining high reliability through priority-based packet processing.
3Ease of operation
If monaural code information is discarded in stereo decoding, then decoding simplicity is maintained, but sound quality deteriorates due to loss of useful information
Solution Approach 1:
The purification unit acts as an intermediary between the monaural and stereo decoding units. It receives both the monaural decoded signal and the stereo decoded signal, processes them together, and outputs a purified stereo decoded signal. This intermediary component enables the system to maintain simplicity in individual decoding paths while achieving enhanced sound quality through the integration and refinement of both signal types.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a technology that improves, in a case where there is a sound signal obtained from a different code that is different from a code from which a decoded sound signal is obtained and that is derived from the same sound signal, the decoded sound signal by using the sound signal obtained from the different code. A signal (hereinafter, referred to as an upmixed common signal) obtained by upmixing a decoded sound common signal obtained by downmixing a decoded sound signal of each channel is subjected to signal purification using a signal (hereinafter, referred to as an upmixed monaural decoded sound signal) obtained by upmixing a monaural decoded sound signal to thereby generate a purified upmixed signal, and in each channel, the upmixed common signal is subtracted from the decoded sound signal and the purified upmixed signal is added thereto, to thereby generate a purified decoded sound signal.