Efficient speech and channel effects using a modified low bit rate speech codec

(Or, the architecture behind TinySpeech for Games™)

The Solution

TSGs is a wrapper around TS that processes the encoded speech frames to add special effects. This allows the special effects to be calculated just once, and each player that decodes the speech will hear exactly the same effect. There is also the option to create more than one type of encoded speech frame, for example, a high quality frame for the players walking next to you at the power plant and a poor quality frame for the ship in orbit you are reporting to.

Using 'alien' effects, from now on referred to as speech effects, has the advantage of much lower bit rates than regular speech. Why? Since we are not trying to preserve 'normal' speech, we can use one of the very low bit rates that do not sound natural anyway.

The effects proposed for TSGs fall into two categories: speech effects and channel effects. Either or both may be used depending on the effect desired.

The speech effects can include a mix of the following:

First, just using a very low bit rate will reduce the intelligibility of the speech, and will be good enough for some uses. This slightly reduces the CPU requirement at the sender, and does not alter it at the receiver.

Second, the pitch can be altered. It can be raised, lowered, 'monotoned', altered rhythmically, etc. This does not alter the CPU requirement at the sender or receiver.

Third, the pitch can be removed. This creates a whisper like effect. This does not alter the CPU requirement at the sender or receiver.

Forth, the LPC, or LSF values can be slightly altered. The LPC values model the human voice tract, which includes the throat, mouth, and lips. This has a GREAT effect on the speech, and must be used carefully to retain intelligibility. This does not alter the CPU requirement at the sender or receiver.

Next: The Solution continued and Conclusion


Prologue and Introduction
Background
The Problem
The Solution
The Solution continued and Conclusion