Methods and apparatus for improving the quality of speech signals

Abstract

Methods and apparatus to extend the bandwidth of a speech communication to yield a perceived higher quality speech communication for an enhanced user experience. In one aspect of the invention, for example, methods and apparatus can be used to extend the bandwidth of a speech communication beyond a band-limited region defined by the lowest limit and highest limit of the frequency spectrum by which such speech communication is otherwise characterized absent such bandwidth extension. In another aspect of the invention, for example, methods and apparatus can be used to substitute for corrupt, missing or lost components of a given speech communication, or to otherwise enhance the perceived quality of a speech communication, by extending the speech communication to include one or more artificially created points within the region defined by the lowest limit and highest limit of the frequency spectrum by which such speech communication is characterized. The result is a speech communication that is perceived to be of higher quality. The various aspects of the present invention can be applied, for example, to network devices or to end-terminal devices.