Subband Prediction in Critically Sampled Filterbanks With Lower Aliasing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio source coding systems face challenges in efficiently encoding subband predictors at low bit rates while minimizing noise shaping artifacts and aliasing effects, particularly in critically sampled filterbanks used for high-quality audio coding.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a model-based prediction method in the subband domain using signal models to describe subband predictors, which allows for compact parameterization and reduces computational complexity, and employing cross-subband predictor terms to minimize aliasing artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If subband prediction is used in critically sampled filterbanks, then audio coding quality is improved, but aliasing artifacts appear in the output signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio coding qualityVSAvoidaliasing artifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful aliasing artifacts into beneficial information by using them for noise shaping. The prediction error signal, which contains aliasing artifacts, is deliberately shaped to place quantization noise in less perceptible frequency regions, thereby improving perceived audio quality while maintaining bit efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the prediction error signal by applying noise shaping filters that modify the spectral distribution of quantization noise. This allows control over where aliasing artifacts appear in the frequency spectrum, moving them to less perceptible regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If backwards adaptive prediction scheme is used to encode subband predictors, then bit rate is reduced, but prediction accuracy degrades at low bit rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit rateVSAvoidprediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate parametric representation that bridges the gap between encoder and decoder. Instead of directly transmitting predictor coefficients or relying solely on backwards adaptation, the system uses compact parametric models (such as sinusoidal models or autoregressive models) to describe the prediction process, allowing accurate reconstruction at low bit rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If long term prediction is implemented by converting time domain delay to subband predictor, then alias artifacts are avoided, but computational complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealias artifactsVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of time-domain delay conversion with filterbank operations with a more efficient parametric approach. By using parametric models that directly operate in the subband domain, the system avoids the computationally intensive conversion process while achieving similar or better performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If subband prediction is applied, then noise shaping control is improved within subbands, but aliasing artifacts appear in the final output signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise shaping controlVSAvoidaliasing artifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the limitation of subband prediction by introducing cross-subband prediction terms. This adds a new dimension to the prediction process, allowing the system to control noise shaping not only within individual subbands but also across subband boundaries, thereby reducing aliasing artifacts in the reconstructed signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4372602B1Model based prediction in a critically sampled filterbank
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 DOLBY INTERNATIONAL AB
  • EP4372602B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4372602B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4372602B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6a

AI summary

The present document relates to audio source coding systems. In particular, the present document relates to audio source coding systems which make use of linear prediction in combination with a filterbank. A method for estimating a first sample (615) of a first subband signal in a first subband of an audio signal is described. The first subband signal of the audio signal is determined using an analysis filterbank (612) comprising a plurality of analysis filters which provide a plurality of subband signals in a plurality of subbands from the audio signal, respectively. The method comprises determining a model parameter (613) of a signal model; determining a prediction coefficient to be applied to a previous sample (614) of a first decoded subband signals derived from the first subband signal, based on the signal model, based on the model parameter (613) and based on the analysis filterbank (612); wherein a time slot of the previous sample (614) is prior to a time slot of the first sample (615); and determining an estimate of the first sample (615) by applying the prediction coefficient to the previous sample (614).