Variable Block Data Compression for Audio Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data compression techniques divide signals into fixed frequency ranges, leading to suboptimal efficiency in data compression.

Innovation Solution

A data compression apparatus that converts input data into frequency domain data and generates variable blocks based on the characteristics, similarity, and bit representation of the data, allowing for dynamic compression and decompression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed frequency ranges are used for dividing signals, then the encoding process is simple, but the data compression efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata compression efficiencyVSAvoidblock generation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic block generation where the data sequence is divided into variable-length blocks based on characteristics of the frequency domain data itself. The block generation unit determines separation positions dynamically by analyzing data characteristics such as similarity between adjacent data pieces, allowing the blocking structure to adapt to the actual data content rather than using fixed frequency ranges. This resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible and adaptive to improve compression efficiency while maintaining reasonable complexity through automated characteristic-based decision making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of block separation positions from fixed to variable based on data characteristics. By using characteristics such as similarity between adjacent frequency domain data pieces to determine where to split blocks, the system optimizes the blocking structure for each specific data set. This parameter change enables better compression efficiency by adapting to data patterns while the automated characteristic analysis keeps the complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If variable blocks are generated based on data characteristics, then the compression efficiency improves, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression ratioVSAvoidblock generation processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The block generation unit performs self-service by automatically analyzing the characteristics of the frequency domain data itself to determine optimal block separation positions. The system uses intrinsic data characteristics such as similarity between adjacent data pieces to guide the blocking process, eliminating the need for external complex algorithms or manual configuration. This self-service approach achieves high compression ratios through adaptive blocking while keeping processing complexity reasonable by leveraging the data's own properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the characteristics of the frequency domain data are analyzed and fed back into the block generation process. The block generation unit continuously evaluates data characteristics such as similarity metrics and adjusts block separation positions accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize compression ratios by adapting to actual data patterns while maintaining efficient processing through automated characteristic-based decision making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If blocks are divided at fixed positions, then the encoding process is fast, but the compression performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata compression performanceVSAvoidblock generation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by analyzing and determining optimal block separation positions based on data characteristics before the actual compression encoding process. The block generation unit performs characteristic analysis and establishes the blocking structure in advance, so that the subsequent encoding process can proceed efficiently with pre-optimized block boundaries. This preliminary characterization enables both improved compression performance through adaptive blocking and maintains reasonable processing speed by completing the complex analysis work before encoding begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10229688B2Data compression apparatus, computer-readable storage medium having stored therein data compression program, data compression system, data compression method, data decompression apparatus, data compression/decompression apparatus, and data structure of compressed data
Publication Date: 2019.03.12 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • US10229688B2 patent drawing
  • US10229688B2 patent drawing
  • US10229688B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data compression/decompression apparatus, for example, acquires sampling data obtained by sampling an audio signal with a predetermined period, and converts the sampling data into frequency domain data. The data compression/decompression apparatus divides a data sequence of the converted frequency domain data into a plurality of blocks such that the number of pieces of data included in each block is variable, and compresses each block.