Apparatus and methods for including codes in audio signals and decoding

Claim 1

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of code frequency components, comprising: means for producing the code frequency component sets, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; first masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of a first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a first masking evaluation; second masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of a second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components different from the first set thereof to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a second masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and code inclusion means for including the code frequency component sets with the audio signal.

Claim 2

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of code frequency components, comprising: means for producing the code frequency component sets, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; first masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of a first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a first masking evaluation; second masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of a second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components different from the first set thereof to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a second masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and code inclusion means for including the code frequency component sets with the audio signal.

Claim 3

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: first masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of a first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a first masking evaluation, the first masking evaluation means being operative to detect signal power of audio signal frequency components of the first set within a specified frequency range, to determine first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, to select that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of at least one code frequency component, and to determine the masking ability of the first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; second masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of a second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components different from the first set thereof to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a second masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 4

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: first masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of a first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a first masking evaluation, the first masking evaluation means being operative to detect signal power of audio signal frequency components of the first set within a specified frequency range, to determine first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, to select that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of at least one code frequency component, and to determine the masking ability of the first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; second masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of a second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components different from the first set thereof to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a second masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 5

A method for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of code frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing the code frequency component sets, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; evaluating a masking ability of a first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a first masking evaluation; evaluating a masking ability of a second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a second masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and including the code frequency component sets with the audio signal.

Claim 6

A method for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of code frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing the code frequency component sets, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; evaluating a masking ability of a first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a first masking evaluation; evaluating a masking ability of a second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a second masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and including the code frequency component sets with the audio signal.

Claim 7

A method for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising the steps of: evaluating a masking ability of a first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a first masking evaluation, by detecting signal power of audio signal frequency components of the first set within a specified frequency range, determining first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factors; evaluating a masking ability of a second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a second masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 8

A method for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising the steps of: evaluating a masking ability of a first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a first masking evaluation, by detecting signal power of audio signal frequency components of the first set within a specified frequency range, determining first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factors; evaluating a masking ability of a second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce a second masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 9

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of code frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce the code frequency components such that said components form component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters, the digital processor being further programmed to evaluate respective masking abilities of first and second sets of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce respective first and second masking evaluations, the second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components differing from the first set thereof, the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and means for including the code frequency component sets with the audio signal.

Claim 10

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of code frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce the code frequency components such that said components form component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters, the digital processor being further programmed to evaluate respective masking abilities of first and second sets of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce respective first and second masking evaluations, the second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components differing from the first set thereof, the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and means for including the code frequency component sets with the audio signal.

Claim 11

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to evaluate respective masking abilities of first and second sets of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce respective first and second masking evaluations, the second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components differing from the first set thereof, the digital processor being operative to evaluate the masking ability of the first set by detecting signal power of audio signal frequency components of the first set within a specified frequency range, detecting first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor, the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 12

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to evaluate respective masking abilities of first and second sets of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing to produce respective first and second masking evaluations, the second set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components differing from the first set thereof, the digital processor being operative to evaluate the masking ability of the first set by detecting signal power of audio signal frequency components of the first set within a specified frequency range, detecting first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the first set of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor, the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on a selected one of the first and second masking evaluations; and means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 13

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising: means for producing the code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; first masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective masking evaluation; second masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning a respective amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and for assigning a respective amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 14

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising: means for producing the code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; first masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective masking evaluation; second masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning a respective amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and for assigning a respective amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 15

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising: first masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective masking evaluation, the first masking evaluation means being operative to detect signal power of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range, to determine first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, to select that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and to determine the masking ability of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; second masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning a respective amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and for assigning a respective amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 16

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising: first masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective masking evaluation, the first masking evaluation means being operative to detect signal power of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range, to determine first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, to select that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and to determine the masking ability of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; second masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning a respective amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and for assigning a respective amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 17

A method for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising the steps of: producing the code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective marking evaluation; evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective marking evaluation; assigning a respective amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and a respective amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective marking evaluation; and including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 18

A method for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising the steps of: producing the code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective marking evaluation; evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective marking evaluation; assigning a respective amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and a respective amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective marking evaluation; and including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 19

A method for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising the steps of: evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective masking evaluation, by detecting signal power of audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range, determining first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency based on the selected masking factor; evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; assigning a respective amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and a respective amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and including the plurality of the code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 20

A method for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising the steps of: evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective masking evaluation, by detecting signal power of audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range, determining first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency based on the selected masking factor; evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; assigning a respective amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and a respective amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and including the plurality of the code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 21

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to evaluate a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective masking evaluation and to evaluate a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; the digital processor being further programmed to produce the code as a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; the digital processor being further programmed to assign a corresponding amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and to assign a corresponding amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and means for including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 22

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second frequency different from the first frequency, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to evaluate a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing to produce a first respective masking evaluation and to evaluate a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; the digital processor being further programmed to produce the code as a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; the digital processor being further programmed to assign a corresponding amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and to assign a corresponding amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and means for including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 23

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second code frequency different from the first frequency, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first respective masking evaluation by evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing, wherein the digital processor is programmed to evaluate the masking ability of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components by detecting signal power of audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range, determining first and second masking factors with respect to the code frequency component having the first frequency on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factors; the digital processor being further programmed to evaluate a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; the digital processor being further programmed to assign a corresponding amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and to assign a corresponding amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and means for including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 24

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, the plurality of code frequency components including a first code frequency component having a first frequency and a second code frequency component having a second code frequency different from the first frequency, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first respective masking evaluation by evaluating a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the first frequency to human hearing, wherein the digital processor is programmed to evaluate the masking ability of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components by detecting signal power of audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range, determining first and second masking factors with respect to the code frequency component having the first frequency on the conditions that the signal power is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factors; the digital processor being further programmed to evaluate a masking ability of at least one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask a code frequency component having the second frequency to human hearing to produce a second respective masking evaluation; the digital processor being further programmed to assign a corresponding amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first respective masking evaluation and to assign a corresponding amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second respective masking evaluation; and means for including the plurality of code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 25

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein the code comprises a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components comprising: means for producing the code frequency component sets, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the code frequency component sets with the audio signal.

Claim 26

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein the code comprises a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components comprising: means for producing the code frequency component sets, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the code frequency component sets with the audio signal.

Claim 27

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing signal power of a first substantially single one of the plurality of the audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation, the masking evaluation means being operative to determine first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power represented by the first tonal signal is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, to select that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and to determine the masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of the audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 28

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing signal power of a first substantially single one of the plurality of the audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation, the masking evaluation means being operative to determine first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power represented by the first tonal signal is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, to select that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and to determine the masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of the audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 29

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal, wherein said masking evaluation means is operative to produce said first masking evaluation only when said at least one code frequency component is within a critical band of said first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components.

Claim 30

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal, wherein said masking evaluation means is operative to produce said first masking evaluation only when said at least one code frequency component is within a critical band of said first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components.

Claim 31

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein said code includes a plurality of code frequency components, comprising: tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation and based on a number of the code frequency components within a critical band of the at least one code frequency component; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 32

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein said code includes a plurality of code frequency components, comprising: tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation and based on a number of the code frequency components within a critical band of the at least one code frequency component; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 33

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and a second tonal signal representing a second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; said masking evaluation means being operative to evaluate an ability of said second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the second tonal signal to produce a second masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first and second masking evaluations; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 34

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: tonal signal producing means for producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and a second tonal signal representing a second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; masking evaluation means for evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; said masking evaluation means being operative to evaluate an ability of said second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the second tonal signal to produce a second masking evaluation; amplitude assigning means for assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first and second masking evaluations; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 36

A method for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein the code comprises a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing the code frequency component sets, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 37

A method for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein the code comprises a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing the code frequency component sets, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 38

A method for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing a first tonal signal representing signal power of a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation, by determining first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power represented by the first tonal signal is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 39

A method for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing a first tonal signal representing signal power of a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation, by determining first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power represented by the first tonal signal is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of the at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 40

A method for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal, wherein the step of evaluating a masking ability occurs only when said at least one code frequency component is within a critical band of said first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components.

Claim 41

A method for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal, wherein the step of evaluating a masking ability occurs only when said at least one code frequency component is within a critical band of said first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components.

Claim 42

A method for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein said code includes a plurality of code frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation and based on a number of the code frequency components within a critical band of the at least one code frequency component; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 43

A method for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein said code includes a plurality of code frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation and based on a number of the code frequency components within a critical band of the at least one code frequency component; and including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 44

A method for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and a second tonal signal representing a second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; evaluating a masking ability of said second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the second tonal signal to produce a second masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first and second masking evaluations; and including the at least one frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 45

A method for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising the steps of: producing a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and a second tonal signal representing a second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; evaluating a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; evaluating a masking ability of said second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the second tonal signal to produce a second masking evaluation; assigning an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first and second masking evaluations; and including the at least one frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 47

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce the code as a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component set representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency components, the code frequency component cluster spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component cluster having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component cluster; the digital processor being further programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; the apparatus further comprising code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 48

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce the code as a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component set representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency components, the code frequency component cluster spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component cluster having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, and wherein the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster is smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component cluster; the digital processor being further programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation; the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; the apparatus further comprising code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 49

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing signal power of a first substantially single one of the plurality of the audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range, the digital processor being further programmed to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation, by determining first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power represented by the first tonal signal is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; the apparatus further comprising code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 50

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing signal power of a first substantially single one of the plurality of the audio signal frequency components within a specified frequency range, the digital processor being further programmed to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation, by determining first and second masking factors on the conditions that the signal power represented by the first tonal signal is at each of first and second frequencies, respectively, within the specified frequency range, the second frequency being different than the first frequency, selecting that one of the first and second masking factors which represents a smaller amplitude of at least one code frequency component, and determining the masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components based on the selected masking factor; the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; the apparatus further comprising code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 51

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation wherein the digital processor is programmed to produce said first masking evaluation only when said at least one code frequency component is within a critical band of said first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components, the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 52

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation wherein the digital processor is programmed to produce said first masking evaluation only when said at least one code frequency component is within a critical band of said first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components, the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 53

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein said code includes a plurality of code frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation, said digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation and based on a number of the code frequency components within a critical band of the at least one code frequency component; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 54

An apparatus for including a code with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, wherein said code includes a plurality of code frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation, said digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation and based on a number of the code frequency components within a critical band of the at least one code frequency component; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 55

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and to produce a second tonal signal representing a second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; the digital processor being further programmed to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation and to evaluate an ability of said second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the second tonal signal to produce a second masking evaluation; the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first and second masking evaluations; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 56

An apparatus for including a code having at least one code frequency component with an audio signal having a plurality of audio signal frequency components, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first tonal signal representing a first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components and to produce a second tonal signal representing a second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components; the digital processor being further programmed to evaluate a masking ability of the first substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the first tonal signal to produce a first masking evaluation and to evaluate an ability of said second substantially single one of the plurality of audio signal frequency components to mask the at least one code frequency component to human hearing based on the second tonal signal to produce a second masking evaluation; the digital processor being further programmed to assign an amplitude to the at least one code frequency component based on the first and second masking evaluations; and code inclusion means for including the at least one code frequency component with the audio signal.

Claim 58

An apparatus for encoding an audio signal, comprising: means for generating a code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster being smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; and code inclusion means for combining the code with the audio signal.

Claim 59

An apparatus for encoding an audio signal, comprising: means for generating a code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster being smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; and code inclusion means for combining the code with the audio signal.

Claim 60

A method for encoding an audio signal, comprising: generating a code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster being smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; and combining the code with the audio signal.

Claim 61

A method for encoding an audio signal, comprising: generating a code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster being smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; and combining the code with the audio signal.

Claim 62

An apparatus for encoding an audio signal, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster being smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; and means for combining the code with the audio signal.

Claim 63

An apparatus for encoding an audio signal, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a code comprising a plurality of code frequency component sets, each of the code frequency component sets representing a respectively different code symbol and including a plurality of respectively different code frequency components, the code frequency components of the code frequency component sets forming component clusters spaced from one another within the frequency domain, each of the component clusters having a respective predetermined frequency range and consisting of one frequency component from each of the code frequency component sets falling within its respective predetermined frequency range, component clusters which are adjacent within the frequency domain being separated by respective frequency amounts, the predetermined frequency range of each respective component cluster being smaller than the frequency amounts separating the respective component cluster from its adjacent component clusters; and means for combining the code with the audio signal.

Claim 64

A method for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal, comprising the steps of: producing a first code frequency component; producing a second code frequency component separately from the first code frequency component; evaluating a first ability of the audio signal to mask the first code frequency component to produce a first masking evaluation; evaluating a second ability of the audio signal to mask the second code frequency component to produce a second masking evaluation; assigning a first amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; assigning a second amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second masking evaluation; and including the first and second code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 65

A method for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal, comprising the steps of: producing a first code frequency component; producing a second code frequency component separately from the first code frequency component; evaluating a first ability of the audio signal to mask the first code frequency component to produce a first masking evaluation; evaluating a second ability of the audio signal to mask the second code frequency component to produce a second masking evaluation; assigning a first amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; assigning a second amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second masking evaluation; and including the first and second code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 69

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal, comprising: means for producing a first code frequency component; means for producing a second code frequency component separately from the first code frequency component; means for evaluating a first ability of the audio signal to mask the first code frequency component to produce a first masking evaluation; means for evaluating a second ability of the audio signal to mask the second code frequency component to produce a second masking evaluation; means for assigning a first amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; means for assigning a second amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second masking evaluation; and means for including the first and second code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 70

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal, comprising: means for producing a first code frequency component; means for producing a second code frequency component separately from the first code frequency component; means for evaluating a first ability of the audio signal to mask the first code frequency component to produce a first masking evaluation; means for evaluating a second ability of the audio signal to mask the second code frequency component to produce a second masking evaluation; means for assigning a first amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation; means for assigning a second amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second masking evaluation; and means for including the first and second code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 72

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first code frequency component, to produce a second code frequency component separately from the first code frequency component, to evaluate a first ability of the audio signal to mask the first code frequency component to produce a first masking evaluation, to evaluate a second ability of the audio signal to mask the second code frequency component to produce a second masking evaluation, to assign a first amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation, and to assign a second amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second masking evaluation; and means for including the first and second code frequency components with the audio signal.

Claim 73

An apparatus for including a code having a plurality of code frequency components with an audio signal, comprising: a digital processor having an input for receiving the audio signal, the digital processor being programmed to produce a first code frequency component, to produce a second code frequency component separately from the first code frequency component, to evaluate a first ability of the audio signal to mask the first code frequency component to produce a first masking evaluation, to evaluate a second ability of the audio signal to mask the second code frequency component to produce a second masking evaluation, to assign a first amplitude to the first code frequency component based on the first masking evaluation, and to assign a second amplitude to the second code frequency component based on the second masking evaluation; and means for including the first and second code frequency components with the audio signal.