Abstract: The invention relates to methods for encoding/decoding a digitized sound signal which is transmitted over a packet switched network in such a way that diversity is provided. Each sound segment of the digitized sound signal is encoded into at least two different segment descriptions, i.e. into different representations of the sound signal segment. The segment descriptions differ from each other in that they provide different quantization values for a digital sound signal sample. The different segment descriptions are transmitted in separate data packets over the network at different points of time.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for detecting speech activity for a signal is disclosed. In one step, a plurality of features is extracted from the signal. An active speech probability density function (PDF) of the plurality of features is modeled, and an inactive speech PDF of the plurality of features is modeled. The active and inactive speech PDFs are adapted to respond to changes in the signal over time. The signal is probability-based classifyied based, at least in part, on the plurality of features. Speech in the signal is distinguished based, at least in part, upon the probability-based classification.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for encoding/decoding of a digital signal which is transmitted over a packet switched network. Prediction samples are generated at the transmitting and receiving end. The digital signal is lossless encoded at the transmitting end, and lossless decoded at the receiving end, based on the quantizations of generated prediction samples. During encoding, the generated prediction samples are quantized separately from the quantization of the digital samples. The predictions are used in the index domain in the form of quantized indices during encoding/decoding of the digital signal.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for increasing quality of an enhanced output signal to approximate an undistorted sound signal is disclosed. In one step, a distorted input signal is received that includes an embedded corrupting signal. The embedded corrupting signal is statistically related to the undistorted sound signal. An enhancement signal is determined by finding a difference between the distorted input signal and the enhanced output signal. The enhancement signal attempts to offset the affect of the embedded corrupting signal. Based at least in part upon analyzing the enhancement signal, the enhanced output signal is produced.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for processing an audio media stream that originates from a packet communication network is disclosed. In one step, packets are received as they arrive from the packet communication network. The packets are part of the audio media stream. A playout buffer in a media playout device is monitored. It is determined that the playout buffer is filled below a threshold. A portion of the audio media stream is retrieved when the playout buffer is filled below the threshold. The portion is stored in the playout buffer of the media playout device.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for detecting speech activity for a signal is disclosed. In one step, a plurality of features is extracted from the signal. An active speech probability density function (PDF) of the plurality of features is modeled, and an inactive speech PDF of the plurality of features is modeled. The active and inactive speech PDFs are adapted to respond to changes in the signal over time. The signal is probability-based classifyied based, at least in part, on the plurality of features. Speech in the signal is distinguished based, at least in part, upon the probability-based classification.