Encoding Device for Processing an Input Signal and Decoding Device for Processing an Encoded Signal

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a system and method for efficiently encoding and decoding audio (especially speech) signals in a distributed setting, such as wireless sensor networks or the Internet of Things (IoT). The core idea is to apply perceptual weighting based on audio characteristics (how humans perceive sound), quantize the weighted spectrum using random projections and a sign function (1-bit quantization), and transmit the data without explicitly sending the perceptual model. At the receiver, the perceptual model is reconstructed (blindly estimated) from the received data without extra side information, allowing effective decoding with low transmitter complexity and efficient bandwidth use.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Distributed microphone networks for teleconferencing, smart homes, or security surveillance.
• IoT devices or wireless acoustic sensor nodes capturing and transmitting audio signals with minimal power and bandwidth requirements.
• Multi-microphone arrangements in cars, gaming, augmented reality, or virtual reality applications.
• Recording and streaming of live events, concerts, or performances with multiple distributed microphones.
• Voice capture and transmission in smart devices, wearables, or assistive devices for healthcare and elderly monitoring.
• Secure audio communication where privacy is important, by leveraging random projection-based encryption.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces the need for explicit transmission of perceptual models, saving bandwidth and power.
• Enables simple, low-complexity encoders suitable for resource-constrained sensor nodes (e.g., IoT devices).
• Minimizes redundant or over-coded information when multiple sensors encode the same source, increasing efficiency.
• Provides near-optimal coding efficiency with 1-bit quantization and random projections.
• Allows scalable, flexible deployment in systems with variable numbers of nodes or devices.
• Supports secure signal transmission since data is unintelligible without knowledge of the random matrix/seed.
• Maintains audio quality by employing perceptual models aligned with human hearing, even with low bitrates.
• Allows for iterative, blind reconstruction of the encoding model at the receiver, reducing required coordination between nodes.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for processing an input signal, having a perceptual weighter and a quantizer. The perceptual weighter has a model provider and a model applicator. The model provider provides a perceptual weighted model based on the input signal. The model applicator provides a perceptually weighted spectrum by applying the perceptual weighted model to a spectrum based on the input signal. The quantizer is configured to quantize the perceptually weighted spectrum and for providing a bitstream. The quantizer has a random matrix applicator and a sign function calculator. The random matrix applicator is configured for applying a random matrix to the perceptually weighted spectrum in order to provide a transformed spectrum. The sign function calculator is configured for calculating a sign function of components of the transformed spectrum in order to provide the bitstream. The invention further refers to an apparatus for processing an encoded signal and to corresponding methods.