Waveform coding method

Signal processing apparatus, including

• input means for receiving an input signal;
• coding means for coding said input signal to produce a plurality of successive waveform shape descriptors indicative of said input signal;
• and
• comparing means for comparing successive pairs of corresponding shape descriptors to produce a succession of output signals indicative of differences between said successive pairs and thereby characteristic of said input signal
• wherein said coding means performs TESPAR coding and successive waveform shape descriptors correspond to duration, shape and amplitude symbols for successive time periods of said input signal.

A method of processing input signals, comprising the steps of

• coding input signals to produce a plurality of successive waveform shape descriptors indicative of said input signal;
• and
• comparing successive pairs of corresponding shape descriptors to produce a succession of output signals indicative of differences between said successive pairs thereby characteristic of said input signal
• wherein said step of coding input signals includes performing TESPAR coding, such that successive waveform shape descriptors correspond to duration, shape and amplitude symbols for successive time periods of said input signal.

A computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions executable by a computer such that, when executing said instructions, a computer will perform the steps of processing input signals by

• coding input signals to produce a plurality of successive waveform shape descriptors indicative of said input signal;
• and
• comparing successive pairs of corresponding shape descriptors to produce a succession of output signals indicative of differences between said successive pairs thereby characteristic of said input signal,
• and such that when executing said instructions said step of coding input signals includes performing TESPAR coding, such that successive waveform shape descriptors correspond to duration, shape and amplitude symbols for successive time periods of said input signal.