Apparatus, Method and Computer Programm for Avoiding Clipping Artefacts

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

This invention describes an audio encoding system and method that automatically detects and prevents audio clipping artifacts during the encoding process. By encoding a segment, decoding it internally, and checking for clipping, the system can re-encode the segment with modified parameters if clipping is detected, thus ensuring the encoded audio does not generate undesirable clipping distortion when decoded by standard audio players.

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

• Professional music production and mastering to ensure high-quality, clip-free distribution files.
• Streaming services (e.g., internet radio, music platforms) providing audio that avoids distortion for end-users regardless of playback equipment.
• Audio archiving and digital preservation to maintain audio fidelity for future playback.
• Consumer sound recording devices to deliver consistent audio quality in compressed formats.
• Broadcasting systems ensuring reliable, artifact-free delivery of encoded audio content.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automatic detection and mitigation of audio clipping without requiring manual intervention.
• Preserves audio quality by selectively adjusting encoding only when necessary and only for affected segments.
• Provides higher consistency across playback devices, since no special decoder-side processing is needed.
• Compatible with existing decoder infrastructures, enabling immediate deployment without upgrading client devices.
• Reduces audible artifacts like clicks and distortions, enhancing the listener's experience.
• Improves efficiency in professional workflows by eliminating repeated manual checks and corrections.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

An audio encoding apparatus comprises an encoder for encoding a time segment of an input audio signal to be encoded to obtain a corresponding encoded signal segment. The audio encoding apparatus further comprises a decoder for decoding the encoded signal segment to obtain a re-decoded signal segment. A clipping detector is provided for analyzing the re-decoded signal segment with respect to at least one of an actual signal clipping or an perceptible signal clipping and for generating a corresponding clipping alert. The encoder is further configured to again encode the time segment of the audio signal with at least one modified encoding parameter resulting in a reduced clipping probability in response to the clipping alert.