Perceptual segmentation and component selection for sinusoidal representations of audio

This paper presents two fundamental enhancements in a hybrid audio signal model consisting of sinusoidal, transient, and noise (STN) components. The first enhancement involves a novel application of a perceptual metric for optimal time segmentation for the analysis of transients. In particular, Moore and Glasberg´s model of partial loudness is modified for use with general signals and then integrated into a novel time segmentation scheme. The second, and perhaps more significant STN enhancement is concerned with a new methodology for ranking and selection of the most perceptually relevant sinusoids. A systematic procedure is developed for the selection of a compact set of sinusoids and comparative results are given to demonstrate the merit of this method.