Optimized Audio Error Concealment for Generalized G.723X coded

Abstract

ABSTRACT Optimized Audio Error Concealment for Generalized G.723X coded This invention presents an optimized audio error concealment technique specifically developed for G.723X coded audio systems, which are widely utilized in low-bitrate voice and multimedia communication. G.723X codecs, while efficient, are highly vulnerable to packet loss and transmission errors, which can cause significant audio degradation. The proposed technique addresses these challenges by combining advanced packet loss concealment (PLC) mechanisms with predictive coding and interpolation strategies to reconstruct missing or corrupted audio frames. By intelligently leveraging temporal and spectral characteristics of the audio signal, the method achieves high-quality reconstruction with minimal perceptual distortion. The concealment method integrates both time-domain and frequency-domain processing to recover lost segments. In the time domain, the algorithm utilizes temporal redundancy between adjacent frames to predict lost packets, while in the frequency domain, spectral analysis aids in refining audio details and preserving high-frequency components. Adaptive smoothing and dynamic frame reconstruction techniques are employed to ensure continuity in speech patterns, reducing artifacts and maintaining natural audio flow. This combination of processes significantly enhances audio quality, delivering a seamless listening experience even in environments with high packet loss rates. Moreover, the technique is optimized for real-time applications, with reduced computational complexity to enable deployment in latency-sensitive environments such as VoIP, teleconferencing, and multimedia streaming. Extensive testing and performance evaluations show that this method outperforms traditional error concealment techniques by providing clearer audio, lower latency, and robust resistance to packet loss. The invention offers a promising solution for enhancing audio communication reliability over networks with fluctuating bandwidth and high error rates, paving the way for improved real-time audio experiences in modern communication systems.

Specification

Description:Optimized Audio Error Concealment for Generalized G.723X coded
This invention relates to audio signal processing, particularly to error concealment techniques for generalized G.723X coded audio systems, enhancing audio quality under conditions of packet loss and transmission errors, and improving performance in real-time applications such as VoIP and multimedia communication.

BACKGROUND
[0001] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0002] The demand for efficient, low-bitrate audio coding systems has risen with the rapid expansion of real-time multimedia applications, such as voice-over-IP (VoIP), teleconferencing, and streaming services. These applications require codecs that can transmit audio clearly and efficiently over networks with limited bandwidth and often unpredictable stability. G.723X is one such codec widely used in low-bitrate communication, offering effective compression that allows for the transmission of audio with relatively low data rates. However, this efficiency comes at the cost of increased sensitivity to packet loss and transmission errors, which can substantially degrade audio quality and disrupt the listening experience.
[0003] In packet-switched networks, packet loss occurs frequently due to fluctuating network conditions, causing gaps in the transmitted audio stream. When these gaps are not addressed, the audio quality suffers, with potential dropouts, distortions, and artifacts that are particularly noticeable in speech. Traditional error concealment methods often fail to adequately reconstruct lost frames in G.723X-coded systems, leading to degraded voice clarity and unpleasant distortions. The limitations of these conventional techniques are especially pronounced under high packet loss conditions, highlighting the need for more robust, adaptive approaches that can handle various network challenges without excessive computational overhead.
[0004] The G.723X codec, due to its compressed nature, is particularly susceptible to these issues, as packet loss can result in complete loss of audio data within a frame. In this context, error concealment techniques must be able to predict and replace missing data in a way that minimizes the perceptual impact on the listener. Standard interpolation techniques, while commonly used, often fail to capture the complexity of audio signals, resulting in suboptimal reconstruction. Thus, there is a pressing need for an advanced error concealment solution that combines time-domain and frequency-domain techniques to better address the inherent weaknesses of G.723X in high-loss environments.
[0005] One of the primary challenges in error concealment for low-bitrate audio codecs is balancing quality and computational efficiency. Real-time applications demand low-latency solutions, as delays in audio reconstruction can disrupt the flow of communication. This requires a technique that not only effectively reconstructs lost packets but does so with minimal computational requirements. Many existing methods, while effective in improving audio quality, may add excessive processing overhead, making them unsuitable for real-time applications where resources are limited. An ideal solution, therefore, must deliver high-quality audio recovery while maintaining low computational complexity.
[0006] To address these challenges, this invention proposes an optimized error concealment technique tailored specifically for G.723X coded systems. By combining predictive coding, interpolation, and spectral analysis, this technique can estimate and reconstruct missing audio frames with high accuracy. The integration of adaptive smoothing and dynamic frame reconstruction further enhances continuity in speech patterns, effectively reducing abrupt artifacts and distortions. The method's design ensures compatibility with real-time applications, offering a robust and scalable solution for reliable audio transmission over variable and error-prone networks. This invention thus provides a valuable advancement in audio error concealment, enabling clearer, more reliable communication across a wide range of modern digital platforms.
[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.



OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an advanced error concealment method specifically designed for G.723X coded audio systems, addressing issues related to packet loss and transmission errors in low-bitrate audio applications.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to reduce perceptual distortions in audio quality by leveraging both temporal and spectral audio characteristics. The method aims to reconstruct lost or corrupted audio frames seamlessly, ensuring a natural and high-quality listening experience for the user.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to optimize computational complexity, enabling the error concealment technique to be applied in real-time applications like VoIP and teleconferencing without adding significant processing overhead or latency.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to improve the reliability and robustness of audio transmission over networks with fluctuating bandwidth and high error rates. The method is designed to handle varying degrees of packet loss effectively, ensuring clear communication even under challenging network conditions.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to surpass traditional error concealment techniques by delivering enhanced speech clarity, lower latency, and improved resistance to packet loss, setting a new standard for audio quality in low-bitrate, packet-switched networks.

SUMMARY
[0001] The present invention presents optimized audio error concealment for generalized G.723X coded.
[0002] This invention introduces an optimized error concealment technique tailored for G.723X coded audio, commonly used in low-bitrate communication systems such as VoIP and multimedia streaming. G.723X codecs are highly susceptible to packet loss, leading to degraded audio quality, particularly in fluctuating network conditions. The proposed solution leverages both temporal and spectral audio characteristics to reconstruct missing or corrupted audio frames, integrating predictive coding and interpolation techniques to deliver smooth and natural audio playback. By intelligently processing audio in both the time and frequency domains, this method ensures minimal perceptual distortion, preserving the clarity and continuity of speech.
[0003] The invention is optimized for real-time applications, minimizing computational overhead to maintain low latency and high efficiency in resource-constrained environments. Performance evaluations demonstrate that this method significantly outperforms traditional error concealment techniques, providing enhanced audio quality and resilience to packet loss. This advanced approach offers a robust, scalable solution for improving audio reliability across networks with variable bandwidth and high error rates, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience in modern digital communication platforms.
[0004] One should appreciate that although the present disclosure has been explained with respect to a defined set of functional modules, any other module or set of modules can be added/deleted/modified/combined and any such changes in architecture/construction of the proposed method are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. Each module can also be fragmented into one or more functional sub-modules, all of which also completely within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0005] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the analysis of the present disclosure.
[0015] Figure 1: Optimized Audio Error Concealment for Generalized G.723X coded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0017] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0018] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.
[0019] various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0020] The present invention focuses on developing an optimized error concealment technique for G.723X coded audio, a codec widely used in low-bitrate communication applications such as voice-over-IP (VoIP), teleconferencing, and multimedia streaming. The G.723X codec achieves effective audio compression but is highly vulnerable to packet loss due to its compressed nature, resulting in degraded audio quality and disrupted listening experiences. This invention introduces an advanced method that integrates both time-domain and frequency-domain processing to reconstruct lost or corrupted audio frames, addressing the weaknesses of conventional error concealment methods which often fail to deliver smooth and clear audio under high packet loss conditions.
[0021] At the core of this technique is a combination of predictive coding and interpolation, which are applied to the audio signal to fill in missing segments effectively. In the time domain, the method utilizes temporal redundancy between adjacent audio frames, allowing it to predict missing audio data based on preceding and succeeding frames. This prediction is further refined through adaptive smoothing, which reduces abrupt artifacts and provides continuity, ensuring that the reconstructed audio maintains a natural flow. Additionally, in the frequency domain, spectral analysis is used to capture high-frequency details, ensuring that the reconstructed frames retain the richness and clarity of the original audio.
[0022] To make the solution suitable for real-time applications, the algorithm has been optimized to minimize computational complexity. This low overhead is crucial for resource-constrained environments where latency must be kept to a minimum, such as in VoIP calls or live streaming. By reducing the number of computations required for each lost packet, the method achieves real-time applicability without sacrificing audio quality, ensuring that it can be effectively deployed in devices with limited processing power. This balance of quality and efficiency makes the invention a viable choice for modern communication systems that operate over unpredictable network connections.
[0023] The framework's security features include data encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards such as GDPR, ensuring that sensitive business information is protected. With its ability to provide real-time insights and optimizations, the framework empowers e-commerce businesses to enhance their supply chain efficiency, reduce operational costs, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
[0024] Performance evaluations of the proposed method demonstrate its superiority over conventional error concealment techniques. Testing shows that this invention offers enhanced speech clarity, reduced perceptual distortions, and improved resilience to packet loss, even in high-error-rate environments. The method's ability to maintain audio quality under adverse network conditions makes it a valuable asset for any audio communication application requiring high reliability. Overall, this invention provides a sophisticated yet efficient approach to audio error concealment, setting a new standard for low-bitrate codecs used in modern, real-time digital communication platforms.
[001] Start Audio Processing (100): Initiates the system's real-time monitoring of incoming audio packets encoded with G.723X. This setup prepares the system to assess packet flow and detect potential losses as audio data is received. During this step, initial configurations are loaded, including any required codec settings and error concealment parameters. This setup is crucial to ensure smooth and effective processing throughout the audio transmission.
[002] Packet Loss Detection (101): The system monitors incoming audio packets for any missing or corrupted data. If packet loss is detected within the G.723X coded audio stream, the error concealment process is triggered.
[003] Temporal Prediction (102): The method utilizes temporal redundancy between adjacent audio frames to estimate missing segments. By analyzing the audio signal immediately before and after the lost frame, it predicts the lost data based on time-domain continuity, creating an initial reconstruction.
[004] Spectral Analysis and Frequency-Domain Processing (103): The system then applies frequency-domain processing to refine the reconstructed audio. Spectral analysis captures high-frequency details, ensuring that the predicted audio matches the spectral profile of the original, providing greater clarity and natural sound.
[005] Adaptive Smoothing and Dynamic Frame Reconstruction (104): Adaptive smoothing is applied to minimize abrupt audio fluctuations and artifacts. Dynamic frame reconstruction further adjusts interpolation levels based on the extent of packet loss, ensuring smoother audio continuity even under varying network conditions.
[006] Real-Time Optimization, Playback and Continuous Monitoring (105): The algorithm is optimized to reduce computational load, enabling it to perform the above processes quickly and efficiently. This low-latency design ensures the technique is suitable for real-time applications, maintaining quality without excessive delay. The reconstructed audio is played back seamlessly, allowing uninterrupted communication. The system continuously monitors incoming packets, repeating the process as needed to address any new packet loss, ensuring consistent audio quality throughout the session.
, Claims:I/We Claim
Claim 1: An optimized error concealment technique for G.723X coded audio systems, comprising:
• A packet loss concealment (PLC) mechanism that reconstructs lost or corrupted audio frames using both time-domain and frequency-domain processing, thereby minimizing perceptual audio distortion.
Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the PLC mechanism integrates predictive coding and interpolation techniques to estimate missing audio segments based on temporal redundancy and spectral characteristics, ensuring high-quality audio reconstruction.
Claim 3: The method of claim 2, wherein adaptive smoothing is applied to maintain continuity in speech patterns, minimizing abrupt distortions and enhancing the perceived quality of reconstructed audio.
Claim 4: The method of claim 1, further comprising computational optimizations that reduce processing complexity, making the technique suitable for real-time applications in low-latency environments.
Claim 5: The method of claim 1, wherein the technique demonstrates improved audio quality and reduced perceptual distortion under conditions of packet loss in real-time communication networks.

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