Terminal Sound Decoding Using Segmented Monaural and Extended Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound signal decoding techniques for terminal apparatuses connected to communication networks with different priority levels face challenges in achieving high sound quality without significantly increasing delay time, leading to discomfort during conversations.
Innovation Solution
A method for a terminal apparatus connected to a high-priority and a lower-priority communication line, where a monaural code from the high-priority line and an extended code from the lower-priority line are used to generate decoded digital sound signals, with the extended code being the closest in frame number or the most recent for other frames, to maintain high sound quality with minimal delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the time limit is set to obtain high sound quality in many frames, then the sound quality is improved, but the delay time becomes so long that discomfort occurs during conversation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sound signal decoding into two independent paths: a high-priority path for monaural codes that enables immediate decoding, and a low-priority path for extended codes that provides quality enhancement. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low delay by decoding monaural codes immediately while optionally enhancing quality with extended codes without increasing the critical time limit for conversation comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively decoding only the monaural code when time is critical (setting time limit to 0), and only decoding both monaural and extended codes when quality is prioritized. This partial decoding strategy allows the system to achieve acceptable sound quality for conversation while avoiding excessive delay that would cause discomfort.
2Loss of time
If the time limit is set to 0 to prevent discomfort during conversation, then the delay time is minimized, but the percentage of frames for which high-priority packets have arrived within the time limit becomes very small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the code transmission into essential monaural codes that can be decoded immediately with time limit 0, and optional extended codes that enhance quality. This segmentation enables the system to maintain minimal delay for conversation comfort while still achieving high sound quality in many frames by incorporating extended codes when time permits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-decoding monaural codes immediately upon reception, preparing the basic sound signal before extended codes arrive. This preliminary decoding ensures that even when time limit is 0, the system can provide immediate acceptable quality, and then enhance further when extended codes become available without increasing delay.
3Manufacturing precision
If extended codes are transmitted on the lower-priority network, then high sound quality can be achieved, but the delay time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encoding into monaural codes transmitted on the high-priority network and extended codes transmitted on the low-priority network. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high sound quality by combining both code types while minimizing delay, since the critical monaural codes arrive quickly on the high-priority network and extended codes provide quality enhancement without significantly increasing the time limit.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique according to which it is possible to obtain a decoded sound signal of high sound quality without significantly increasing the delay time compared to a configuration in which only a decoded sound signal of the minimum necessary sound quality is obtained. In a terminal apparatus connected to a first communication line and a second communication line with a lower priority level therethan, sound signals of multiple channels are obtained and output based on a monaural code included in a first code string input from the first communication line and an extended code included in a second code string with the closest frame number to that of the monaural code among extended codes included in the second code string input from the second communication line.