Abstract: A method, a computer program product, an encoder and a monitoring device for encoding an audio signal with variable bitrate, wherein: an audio signal comprising a plurality of successive audio frames is received; and for each successive audio frame of the audio signal: the audio frame is represented in a frequency domain with respect to a plurality of frequency sub-bands; the audio frame is classified in each frequency sub-band as either background or foreground using a background model specific to the frequency sub-band; each successive audio frame of the audio signal is encoded, wherein a number of bits is allocated for each frequency sub-band of the audio frame, wherein the number of bits allocated for a frequency sub-band is higher if the audio frame is classified as foreground in the frequency sub-band than if the audio frame is classified as background in the frequency sub-band.

Abstract: A method, a computer program product, an encoder and a monitoring device for encoding an audio signal with variable bitrate, wherein: an audio signal comprising a plurality of successive audio frames is received; and for each successive audio frame of the audio signal: the audio frame is represented in a frequency domain with respect to a plurality of frequency sub-bands; the audio frame is classified in each frequency sub-band as either background or foreground using a background model specific to the frequency sub-band; each successive audio frame of the audio signal is encoded, wherein a number of bits is allocated for each frequency sub-band of the audio frame, wherein the number of bits allocated for a frequency sub-band is higher if the audio frame is classified as foreground in the frequency sub-band than if the audio frame is classified as background in the frequency sub-band.

Abstract: A device for the handling of objects such as coins or similar items of different object types has a transport path with a plurality of separating stations for the objects. Each separating station is associated with an object type and is capable of assuming an activated position for separating a passing object, and a deactivated position, in which a passing object is not separated but continues past the separating station in question. The device has a sensor for detecting said object and for determining its object type, and a controller, which controls the separating stations by selective activation/deactivation depending on determined object types. The controller determines that a first train of objects has been detected, records information about an object type for said first train, determines that a second train of objects has been detected and records information about an object type for said second train.