Apparatus and Method for Audio Signal Envelope Encoding, Processing and Decoding by Splitting the Audio Signal Envelope Employing Distribution Quantization and Coding

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This invention describes an improved technique for representing, encoding, and decoding the envelope (overall shape) of audio signals by dividing the signal envelope into sections using 'splitting points' and assigning values to each section based on specific rules. The encoding and decoding is performed in a way that the energy (or another metric) in each section is nearly equal, enabling efficient digital representation. The technique replaces traditional methods (such as linear prediction and scale-factor bands) with 'distribution quantization,' resulting in smoother and more accurate envelope models that require fewer bits to transmit while maintaining audio quality.

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• Audio codecs for speech and music compression in smartphones and streaming services
• Low-bitrate communication devices, such as VoIP, walkie-talkies, and audio chat apps
• Broadcast radio and TV transmission where bandwidth is limited
• Audio archiving and digital music libraries seeking efficient storage without sacrificing quality
• Hearing aids or cochlear implants that need efficient, high-fidelity signal processing
• Adaptive streaming solutions where bandwidth may vary dynamically

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significant reduction in the number of bits needed to represent an audio signal envelope, leading to lower storage and transmission requirements
• Improved audio quality at low bitrates due to smooth and accurate envelope reconstruction
• Compatibility with both frequency and time-domain signal representations, making the invention flexible for different audio processing techniques
• Lower computational complexity compared to some traditional methods, enabling efficient device implementations
• Adaptable to both fixed and variable bitrate scenarios
• Scalable and robust envelope modeling that can handle both steady and rapidly changing (transient) signals, minimizing artifacts and instability
• Can be implemented in hardware or software, and is suitable for modern digital communication channels

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Patent Abstract

An apparatus for decoding to obtain a reconstructed audio signal envelope is provided. The apparatus comprises a signal envelope reconstructor (110) for generating the reconstructed audio signal envelope depending on one or more splitting points. Moreover, the apparatus comprises an output interface (120) for outputting the reconstructed audio signal envelope. The signal envelope reconstructor (110) is configured to generate the reconstructed audio signal envelope such that the one or more splitting points divide the reconstructed audio signal envelope into two or more audio signal envelope portions. An assignment rule defines a signal envelope portion value for each signal envelope portion of the two or more signal envelope portions depending on said signal envelope portion. Moreover, the signal envelope reconstructor (110) is configured to generate the reconstructed audio signal envelope such that, for each of the two or more signal envelope portions, an absolute value of its signal envelope portion value is greater than half of an absolute value of the signal envelope portion value of each of the other signal envelope portions.