Modified digital filtering with sample zoning

Abstract

The present invention relates broadly to a method of digitally filtering a signal, such as an audio signal, using a digital filter. The digital filter includes a plurality of neighbouring sample points broken into zones having different frequency content or frequency ranges. The zones adjacent one another may have neighbouring sample points in common. Generally each zone has at least same distinct frequencies compared with other zones. That is, the zones are roughly dependent on the frequency content. The invention in its preferred form involves combining values for two or more of the neighbouring sample points for select of the zones depending on its frequency content. The values are combined so as to provide a modified zone having substantially the same number of sample points as the select zone. The modified zones together provide a modified filter to be applied to the signal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.