ENCODING AND DECODING OF AN AUDIO SIGNAL

摘要

An encoder comprises a processor (301) which divides an input audio signal into a plurality of frames. A first encoder unit (303) generates, for each frame, first encoding data and a residual signal and a second encoder unit (305) encodes the residual signal to generate second encoding data. A combine processor (307) generates output encoded data comprising at least the first encoding data and the second encoding data. At least one of the first encoder unit (303) and the second encoder unit (305) employs a gradual frame transition extending into a neighboring frame. The encoder includes a processor (313) which determines a time interval of each frame corresponding to the gradual frame transition and a processor (311) for delaying the inclusion in the output encoded data of at least some second encoding data for the time interval to a subsequent frame. A complementary decoder is also provided. The invention may provide improved framing and reduced delay for cascaded coder/decoder arrangements.