Apparatus and Method for Encoding an Audio Signal Using a Compensation Value

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This invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for encoding audio signals, especially under low-bitrate conditions. The system encodes lower-frequency (core) audio data with high fidelity, while higher-frequency components are reconstructed using parametric coding supported by a compensation value. The compensation is calculated by analyzing the spectral characteristics of both frequency bands and adjusting parameters to minimize perceptual artifacts (like unwanted noise or loss of tonality), thus maintaining better audio quality even at low bitrates.

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

• Streaming high-quality music over bandwidth-limited networks.
• Voice and multimedia transmission in mobile telephony (e.g., VoIP, 3GPP/EVS codecs).
• Storing audio on devices with limited storage space (e.g., portable media players, embedded systems).
• Broadcasting digital audio radio or television with constrained transmission capacity.
• Video conferencing platforms seeking clear, natural sound at low bitrates.
• Implementing efficient audio codecs in hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved perceptual audio quality at low bitrates by reducing annoying artifacts such as unnatural noise and tonality mismatches.
• Enables more efficient bandwidth usage for streaming and storing audio.
• Maintains a better balance between different types of audio artifacts for a more natural listening experience.
• Increases flexibility and applicability in a variety of audio coding standards and bandwidth extension frameworks.
• Reduces the occurrence of abrupt or unpleasant transitions in audio caused by mismatches between source and target frequency bands.
• Supports both hardware and software implementations, including computer programs and digital devices.

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Patent Abstract

An apparatus for encoding an audio signal, comprises: a core encoder for core encoding first audio data in a first spectral band; a parametric coder for parametrically coding second audio data in a second spectral band being different from the first spectral band, wherein the parametric coder comprises: an analyzer for analyzing first audio data in the first spectral band to obtain a first analysis result and for analyzing second audio data in the second spectral band to obtain a second analysis result; a compensator for calculating a compensation value using the first analysis result and the second analysis result; and a parameter calculated for calculating a parameter from the second audio data in the second spectral band using the compensation value.