SIST-V ETSI/EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1:2016

ETSI GUIDE
Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality (STQ);
Speech Quality performance
in the presence of background noise;
Part 3: Background noise transmission -
Objective test methods
2 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)

Reference
REG/STQ-229
Keywords
noise, QoS, quality, speech
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3 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights . 5
Foreword . 5
Modal verbs terminology . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 References . 6
2.1 Normative references . 6
2.2 Informative references . 7
3 Symbols and abbreviations . 8
3.1 Symbols . 8
3.2 Abbreviations . 8
4 Speech signals to be used . 9
5 Selection of the data within the scope of the wideband objective model: Experts evaluation . 10
5.1 Selection process . 10
5.2 Results . 10
5.3 French database . 11
6 Description of the wideband objective test method . 11
6.1 Introduction . 11
6.2 Speech sample preparation and nomenclature . 12
6.2.1 Speech sample preparation . 12
6.2.2 Nomenclature . 14
6.3 Additional Training data . 15
6.4 Principles of Relative Approach and Δ Relative Approach . 15
6.5 Objective N-MOS. 19
6.5.1 Introduction. 19
6.5.2 Description of N-MOS algorithm . 19
6.5.3 Comparing subjective and objective N-MOS results . 22
6.6 Objective S-MOS . 23
6.6.1 Introduction. 23
6.6.2 Description of S-MOS Algorithm . 24
6.6.3 Comparing Subjective and Objective S-MOS Results . 27
6.7 Objective G-MOS. 28
6.7.1 Description of G-MOS Algorithm . 28
6.7.2 Comparing subjective and objective G-MOS results . 29
7 Validation of the Wideband Objective Test Method . 30
7.1 Introduction . 30
7.2 ETSI EG 202 396-2 Database Results Analysis . 32
7.2.1 Comparing subjective and objective N-MOS results . 32
7.2.2 Comparing subjective and objective S-MOS results . 32
7.2.3 Comparing Subjective and Objective G-MOS Results . 33
7.3 Orange Validation Database results Analysed . 34
7.3.0 Introduction. 34
7.3.1 Comparing subjective and objective N-MOS results . 34
7.3.2 Comparing subjective and objective S-MOS results . 35
7.3.3 Comparing Subjective and Objective G-MOS Results . 35
8 Objective Model for Narrowband Applications . 36
8.0 Introduction . 36
8.1 File pre-processing . 36
8.2 Adaptation of the Calculations . 37
8.3 Prediction results . 38
Annex A: Detailed post evaluation of listening test results . 40
Annex B: Results of PESQ and TOSQA2001 - Analysis of ETSI EG 202 396-2 database . 43
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4 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
Annex C: Comparison of objective MOS versus auditory MOS for the complete STF 294
database . 50
Annex D: Comparison of objective MOS versus auditory MOS for rejected conditions . 52
Annex E: Void . 54
Annex F: Detailed STF 294 subjective and objective validation test results . 55
Annex G: Void . 58
Annex H: Extension of the Speech Quality Test Method to Narrowband: Adaptation,
Training and Validation . 59
Annex I: Void . 61
Annex J: Summary of Czech samples not used for model training . 62
J.0 Introduction . 62
J.1 Selection process - Czech database . 62
J.2 General differences between the databases . 64
J.3 Comparison of the objective method results for Czech and French samples . 67
J.4 Czech conditions results analysis . 72
J.4.1 Comparing subjective and objective N-MOS results . 72
J.4.2 Comparing subjective and objective S-MOS results . 72
J.4.3 Comparing Subjective and Objective G-MOS Results. 73
J.5 Language Dependent Robustness of G-MOS. 74
J.6 Regression Coefficients for Czech data . 75
J.7 Post selection . 76
Annex K: Relative Approach Non-Linear Transformation . 80
Annex L: Bibliography . 81
History . 82

ETSI
5 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
Intellectual Property Rights
IPRs essential or potentially essential to the present document may have been declared to ETSI. The information
pertaining to these essential IPRs, if any, is publicly available for ETSI members and non-members, and can be found
in ETSI SR 000 314: "Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); Essential, or potentially Essential, IPRs notified to ETSI in
respect of ETSI standards", which is available from the ETSI Secretariat. Latest updates are available on the ETSI Web
server (http://ipr.etsi.org).
Pursuant to the ETSI IPR Policy, no investigation, including IPR searches, has been carried out by ETSI. No guarantee
can be given as to the existence of other IPRs not referenced in ETSI SR 000 314 (or the updates on the ETSI Web
server) which are, or may be, or may become, essential to the present document.
Foreword
This ETSI Guide (EG) has been produced by ETSI Technical Committee Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality
(STQ).
The present document is a deliverable of ETSI Specialized Task Force (STF) 294 entitled: "Improving the quality of
eEurope wideband speech applications by developing a performance testing and evaluation methodology for
background noise transmission".
The present document is part 3 of a multi-part deliverable covering Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality
(STQ); Speech Quality performance in the presence of background noise, as identified below:
Part 1: "Background noise simulation technique and background noise database";
Part 2: "Background noise transmission - Network simulation - Subjective test database and results";
Part 3: "Background noise transmission - Objective test methods".
Modal verbs terminology
In the present document "shall", "shall not", "should", "should not", "may", "need not", "will", "will not", "can" and
"cannot" are to be interpreted as described in clause 3.2 of the ETSI Drafting Rules (Verbal forms for the expression of
provisions).
"must" and "must not" are NOT allowed in ETSI deliverables except when used in direct citation.
ETSI
6 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
1 Scope
The present document aims to identify and define testing methodologies which can be used to objectively evaluate the
performance of narrowband and wideband terminals and systems for speech communication in the presence of
background noise.
Background noise is a problem in mostly all situations and conditions and need to be taken into account in both,
terminals and networks. The present document provides information about the testing methods applicable to objectively
evaluate the speech quality in the presence of background noise. The present document includes:
• The description of the experts post evaluation process chosen to select the subjective test data being within the
scope of the objective methods.
• The results of the performance evaluation of the currently existing methods described in Recommendations
ITU-T P.862 [i.16] and P.862.1 [i.17] and in TOSQA2001 [i.19] which is chosen for the evaluation of
terminals in the framework of ETSI VoIP speech quality test events [i.8], [i.9], [i.10] and [i.11].
• The method which is applicable to objectively determine the different parameters influencing the speech
quality in the presence of background noise taking into account:
- the speech quality;
- the background noise transmission quality;
- the overall quality.
• The present document is to be used in conjunction with:
- ETSI ES 202 396-1 [i.1] which describes a recording and reproduction setup for realistic simulation of
background noise scenarios in lab-type environments for the performance evaluation of terminals and
communication systems.
- ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2] which describes the simulation of network impairments and how to simulate
realistic transmission network scenarios and which contains the methodology and results of the
subjective scoring for the data forming the basis of the present document.
- French speech sentences as defined in Recommendation ITU-T P.501 [i.13] for wideband and English
speech sentences as defined in Recommendation ITU-T P.501 [i.13] for narrowband.
2 References
2.1 Normative references
References are either specific (identified by date of publication and/or edition number or version number) or
non-specific. For specific references, only the cited version applies. For non-specific references, the latest version of the
reference document (including any amendments) applies.
Referenced documents which are not found to be publicly available in the expected location might be found at
http://docbox.etsi.org/Reference.
NOTE: While any hyperlinks included in this clause were valid at the time of publication, ETSI cannot guarantee
their long term validity.
The following referenced documents are necessary for the application of the present document.
Not applicable.
ETSI
7 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
2.2 Informative references
References are either specific (identified by date of publication and/or edition number or version number) or
non-specific. For specific references, only the cited version applies. For non-specific references, the latest version of the
reference document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE: While any hyperlinks included in this clause were valid at the time of publication, ETSI cannot guarantee
their long term validity.
The following referenced documents are not necessary for the application of the present document but they assist the
user with regard to a particular subject area.
[i.1] ETSI ES 202 396-1: "Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality (STQ); Speech quality
performance in the presence of background noise; Part 1: Background noise simulation technique
and background noise database".
[i.2] ETSI EG 202 396-2: "Speech Processing, Transmission and Quality Aspects (STQ); Speech
Quality performance in the presence of background noise; Part 2: Background Noise Transmission
- Network Simulation - Subjective Test Database and Results".
[i.3] Recommendation ITU-T P.835: "Subjective test methodology for evaluating speech
communication systems that include noise suppression algorithm".
[i.4] Recommendation ITU-T P.800: "Methods for subjective determination of transmission quality".
[i.5] Recommendation ITU-T P.831: "Subjective performance evaluation of network echo cancellers".
[i.6] Genuit, K.: "Objective Evaluation of Acoustic Quality Based on a Relative Approach",
InterNoise '96, Liverpool, UK.
[i.7] Recommendation ITU-T SG 12 Contribution 34: "Evaluation of the quality of background noise
transmission using the "Relative Approach"".
nd
[i.8] ETSI 2 Speech Quality Test Event: "Anonymized Test Report", ETSI Plugtests, HEAD
acoustics, T-Systems Nova.
NOTE: Available at: http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/OurServices/Plugtests/History.aspx. Also available as ETSI
TR 102 648-3.
rd
[i.9] ETSI 3 Speech Quality Test Event: "Anonymized Test Report "IP Gateways".
NOTE: Available at: http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/OurServices/Plugtests/History.aspx.
rd
[i.10] ETSI 3 Speech Quality Test Event: "Anonymized Test Report "IP Phones".
th
[i.11] ETSI 4 Speech Quality Test Event: "Anonymized Test Report "IP Gateways and IP Phones".
NOTE: Available at: http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/OurServices/Plugtests/History.aspx.
[i.12] F. Kettler, H.W. Gierlich, F. Rosenberger: "Application of the Relative Approach to Optimize
Packet Loss Concealment Implementations", DAGA, March 2003, Aachen, Germany.
[i.13] Recommendation ITU-T P.501: "Test Signals for Use in Telephonometry".
[i.14] R. Sottek, K. Genuit: "Models of Signal Processing in human hearing", International Journal of
Electronics and Communications (AEÜ) volume 59, 2005, p. 157-165.
NOTE: Available at: http://www.elsevier.de/aeue.
[i.15] SAE International - Document 2005-01-2513: "Tools and Methods for Product Sound Design of
Vehicles" R. Sottek, W. Krebber, G. Stanley.
[i.16] Recommendation ITU-T P.862: "Perceptual evaluation of speech quality (PESQ): An objective
method for end-to-end speech quality assessment of narrowband telephone networks and speech
codecs".
ETSI
8 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
[i.17] Recommendation ITU-T P.862.1: "Mapping function for transforming P.862 raw result scores to
MOS-LQO".
[i.18] Recommendation ITU-T P.862.2: "Wideband extension to Recommendation P.862 for the
assessment of wideband telephone networks and speech codecs".
[i.19] Recommendation ITU-T SG 12 Contribution 19: "Results of objective speech quality assessment
of wideband speech using the Advanced TOSQA2001".
[i.20] Recommendation ITU-T G.722: "7 kHz audio-coding within 64 kbit/s".
[i.21] Recommendation ITU-T G.722.2: "Wideband coding of speech at around 16 kbit/s using Adaptive
Multi-Rate Wideband (AMR-WB)".
[i.22] Recommendation ITU-T P.56: "Objective measurement of active speech level".
[i.23] Recommendation ITU-T P.57: "Artificial ears".
[i.24] M. Spiegel: "Theory and problems of statistics", McGraw Hill, 1998.
[i.25] Void.
[i.26] M. Kendall: "Rank correlation methods", Charles Griffin & Company Limited, 1948.
[i.27] Sottek, R.: "Modelle zur Signalverarbeitung im menschlichen Gehör", PHD thesis RWTH Aachen,
1993.
[i.28] Recommendation ITU-T P.830: "Subjective performance assessment of telephone-band and
wideband digital codecs".
[i.29] Void.
[i.30] ANSI S1.1-1986 (ASA 65-1986): "Specifications for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave-Band
Analog and Digital Filters", 1993.
[i.31] Recommendation ITU-T G.160 Appendix II, Amendment 2: "Voice enhancement devices:
Revised Appendix II - Objective measures for the characterization of the basic functioning of
noise reduction algorithms".
[i.32] ETSI TS 103 106: "Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality (STQ); Speech quality
performance in the presence of background noise: Background noise transmission for mobile
terminals-objective test methods".
[i.33] Hastie, T.; Tibshirani, R.; Friedman, J.: "The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining,
Inference, and Prediction", New York: Springer-Verlag, 2001.
3 Symbols and abbreviations
3.1 Symbols
For the purposes of the present document, the following symbols apply:
σ Variance
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of the present document, the following abbreviations apply:
AMR Adaptive MultiRate
ASL Active Speech Level
NOTE: According to Recommendation ITU-T P.56 [i.22].
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9 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
BGN BackGround Noise
CDF Cumulative Density Function
dB SPL Sound Pressure Level re 20 µPa in dB
DB Data Base
DUT Device Under Test
EFR Enhance Full Rate
FR Full Rate
G-MOS Global MOS
NOTE: MOS related to the overall sample.
GSM Global System for Mobile Communication
HATS Head And Torso Simulator
IP Internet Protocol
IRS Intermediate Reference System
ITU International Telecommunication Union
ITU-T Telecom Standardization Body of ITU
MMSE Minimum Mean Square Error
MOS Mean Opinion Score
MOS-LQSN Mean Opinion Score - Listening Quality Subjective Noise
MRP Mouth Reference Point
NB NarrowBand
NI Network I conditions
NII Network II conditions
NIII Network III conditions
N-MOS Noise MOS
NOTE: MOS related to the noise transmission only.
NR Noise Reduction
NR (filter) Noise Reduction (filter)
NSA Noise Suppression Algorithm
PESQ Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality
PLC Packet Loss Concealment
RCV ReCeiVe
RMS Root Mean Square
RMSE Random Mean Square Error
S-MOS Speech MOS
NOTE: MOS related to the speech signal only.
SND Sending Direction
SNR Signal to Noise Ratio
SQTE Speech Quality Test Event
SPL Sound Pressure Level
STD STandard Deviation
STF Specialized Task Force
TMOS TOSQA Mean Opinion Score
TOR Terms Of Reference
VAD Voice Activity Detection
VoIP Voice over IP
WB WideBand
4 Speech signals to be used
As with any objective model, the prediction of speech quality depends on the conditions under which the model was
tested and validated (see clauses 6.1 and 8). This dependency also applies to the speech material used in conjunction
with the objective model.
The wideband version of the model uses French speech sentences. The near end speech signal (clean speech signal)
consists of 8 sentences of speech (2 male and 2 female talkers, 2 sentences each). Appropriate speech samples can be
taken from Recommendation ITU-T P.501 [i.13].
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10 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
The narrowband version of the model uses English speech sentences. The near end speech signal (clean speech signal)
consists of 8 sentences of speech (2 male and 2 female talkers, 2 sentences each). Appropriate speech samples can be
taken from Recommendation ITU-T P.501 [i.13].
5 Selection of the data within the scope of the
wideband objective model: Experts evaluation
5.1 Selection process
The aim of the selection process was to identify those data in the databases described in ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2] which
are consistent with the scope of the objective models to be studied within the present document.
The experts were selected on the based on the definition found in e.g. Recommendation ITU-T P.831 [i.5]: experts are
experienced in subjective testing. Experts are able to describe an auditory event in detail and are able to separate
different events based on specific impairments. They are able to describe their subjective impressions in detail. They
have a background in technical implementations of noise reduction systems and transmission impairments and do have
detailed knowledge of the influence of particular implementations on subjective quality.
Their task was to select the relevant conditions within the scope of the model to be developed. Therefore they had to
verify the consistency of the data with respect to the following selection criteria:
1) Artefacts others than the ones which should have been produced by the signal processing described in ETSI
EG 202 396-2 [i.2] e.g. due to the additional amplification required in order to provide a listening level of
79 dB SPL.
2) Inconsistencies within one condition due to the selection of the individual speech samples from the database
for subjective evaluation.
3) Inconsistencies within one condition due to statistical variation of the signal processing described in ETSI
EG 202 396-2 [i.2] leading to non consistent judgements within this condition.
4) Inconsistencies due to Recommendation ITU-T P.56 [i.22] level adjustment process chosen for the complete
files including the background noise.
As a result of the experts listening test a set of data was selected which is used for the development of the objective
model.
In the selection process five expert listeners (non-native French speakers) were involved. Their task was not to produce
new judgements, but to check all the samples in the database with respect to the possible artefacts described above.
A playback system with calibrated headphones was used for the test. The headphones used were Sennheiser HD 600
connected to the HEAD acoustics playback system PEQ V. The equalization provided by the headphone manufacturer
was used since this was the one used in the auditory French test setup.
All samples could be heard by the experts as often as required in order to get final agreement about the applicability of
the data within the terms of reference of the model. There was no limitation in comparing samples to the ones
previously heard.
5.2 Results
In general it could be observed that the 4 seconds sample size chosen in the experiment according to Recommendation
ITU-T P.835 [i.3] lead to a more difficult task even for expert listeners, especially in the case of non-stationary
background noises. It is more difficult to identify the nature of the noise itself and then identify in addition possible
impairments introduced by the signal processing or by the network impairments. It is very likely that some
comparatively high standard deviations seen in the data are caused by these effects.
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5.3 French database
In general the French database is in line with the ToR except network condition NII. In network condition NII 1 %
packet loss was chosen which is too low for the conditions to be evaluated. Due to the inhomogeneously distributed
packet losses there are conditions where no packet loss is audible up to conditions where 5 out of 6 samples show
packet loss. Furthermore the packet loss may occur during speech as well as during the noise periods. The impact of the
different packet losses is not controlled with respect to their occurrence due to the statistical nature of the packet loss
distribution, even within a set of 6 samples used for evaluating one condition. Since packet loss is clearly audible under
NIII conditions (3 % packet loss) and much better distributed amongst the different samples the NII conditions are not
used within the scope of the objective method. They are either covered by the NI condition (0 % packet loss) or by the
NIII conditions. This results in 144 NII conditions which are not retained for the development of the model.
From the 288 NI and NIII conditions 28 conditions are not retained. The main reasons therefore are:
• Not consistent signal levels due to the amplification process.
• Insufficient S/N, speech almost inaudible.
The individual reasons for the samples of these conditions being not retained can be found in table A.1.
In total 260 out of 432 conditions are used as the reference for the objective model. In other words, 60,2 % of the data
can be used for the model. The distribution of the ratings is between 1,2 and 4,96 MOS for S-/N-/G-MOS.
6 Description of the wideband objective test method
6.1 Introduction
The present objective test method is developed in order to calculate objective MOS for speech, noise and the overall
quality of a transmitted signal containing speech and background noise, designated N-MOS, S-MOS and G-MOS in the
following.
The new model is based on an aurally-adequate analysis in order to best cover the listener's perception based on the
previously carried out listening test ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2].
The wideband objective model is applicable for:
• wideband handset and wideband hands-free devices (in sending direction);
• noisy environments (stationary or non-stationary noise);
• different noise reduction algorithms;
• AMR Recommendation ITU-T G.722.2 [i.21] and Recommendation ITU-T G.722 [i.20] wideband coders;
• VoIP networks introducing packet loss.
NOTE 1: For the NIII conditions jitter was introduced. Finally jitter was observed for less than 2 % of the selected
conditions. The jitter consideration of the new objective method could therefore not be validated on an
appropriate amount of data. Quality impairments typically introduced by different strategies of packet
loss concealment and different adaptive jitter buffer control mechanisms were not considered in the
listening test database and therefore also not in the objective method.
NOTE 2: The method is not applicable for such background situations where speech intelligibility is the major
issue.
Due to the special sample generation process the new method is only applicable for electrically recorded signals. The
quality of terminals can therefore only be determined in sending direction.
The method was developed by attaching importance to a high reliability. The results of the listening test (selected
conditions, see clause 5) were best modelled. Furthermore mechanisms were implemented to provide high robustness
also for other than the present samples.
The sample preparation and nomenclatures for the new method are described in clause 6.2.
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12 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
The calculation of N-MOS, S-MOS and G-MOS is described in detail in clauses 6.5 to 6.7.
6.2 Speech sample preparation and nomenclature
6.2.1 Speech sample preparation
Based on the data selected in clause 5 an objective model is developed in order to determine:
• the Noise-MOS (N-MOS);
• the Speech-MOS (S-MOS); and
• the "Global"-MOS (G-MOS), the overall quality including speech and background noise.
Different input signals can be accessed during the recording process and subsequently can be used for the calculation of
N-MOS, S-MOS and G-MOS. Beside the signals used in the listening test ("processed signal"), two additional signals
are used as a priori knowledge for the calculation:
1) The "clean speech" signal, which was played back via the artificial mouth at the beginning of the sample
generation process.
2) The "unprocessed signal", which was recorded close to the microphone position of the simulated handset
device / hands-free telephone (see figure 6.1 and ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2]). Note that no real phone /
hands-free device was used. Phones and handsfree devices were simulated by a free-field microphone and an
offline simulation for filtering, VAD, noise reduction, etc.
Both signals are used in order to determine the degradation of speech and background noise due to the signal processing
as the listeners did during the listening tests.
The sample generation process is shown in figure 6.1.
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13 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)

NOTE 1: Calibrated for each file with B&K HATS (3.3 ears) to 79 dB SPL ASL (Recommendation ITU-T P.56 [i.22]).
NOTE 2: Once calibrated: -26 dBoV resulting to 79 dB SPL measured with a type 3.2 ear (Recommendation ITU-T P.57 [i.23]), 5N application force.

Figure 6.1: Sample generation process, indicating "clean speech", "unprocessed speech" and "processed speech"
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14 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
The processed signal consists of the unprocessed signal after being processed via noise reduction algorithms, voice
coder, network simulation, etc. This signal was subjectively rated in the previously carried out listening test (see ETSI
EG 202 396-2 [i.2] and figure 6.1).
In order to calculate S-MOS, N-MOS and G-MOS, all three signals are required for each sample. The a priori signals
(clean speech and unprocessed) were extracted for each processed signal used in the listening tests.
The following preparation steps are required to be carried out for all three files:
1) The clean and unprocessed speech signals were shortened to 4 seconds in order to match the length of the
processed signal in the listening tests.
2) The signals were time-aligned. This was achieved after pre-processing followed by a cross-correlation
analysis.
NOTE: For samples with an instationary background noise or including packet loss and jitter it should be ensured
that the cross-correlation analyses lead to non-ambiguous results. E.g. by applying further processing
algorithms in order to better separate between speech and noise parts.
For some of the following calculations, the information about speech and noise-only parts is needed. After the time
alignment between the three signals as described above, the clean speech signal is segmented into frames and classified
according to Recommendation ITU-T G.160 [i.31]. The signal parts classified as silence are assumed as background
noise sections for unprocessed and processed signal. All other frames are assumed as active speech.
The signals are expected to be in a 48 kHz, 16 bit wave format. The clean speech signals are expected to have an Active
Speech Level (ASL, see Recommendation ITU-T P.56 [i.22]) of -4,7 dBPa at the mouth reference point (MRP). For the
unprocessed signal the ASL has to remain unchanged compared to the recording close to the phone's microphone. This
ensures that the influence of phone position and test room is fully obtained. The processed French signals had an ASL
of 79 dB SPL similar to the listening test.
6.2.2 Nomenclature
In order to provide a consistent nomenclature within the present document, the relevant terms are briefly described
below.
The combination of speech sequences, a background noise, a phone type and simulation (filtering, NR level and
aggressiveness), a speech codec and a network scenario leads to one condition in the terms of the present document and
ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2].
Each condition was generated by processing the clean speech file containing eight sentences per language via the
corresponding scenario, see figure 6.2.

Figure 6.2: Nomenclature (file, condition, sentence)
For the listening tests different parts of the resulting processed files were used. Six of the French sentences per
condition were chosen and assessed by 4 persons each. The resulting auditory S-/N-/G-MOS per sentence were
averaged to the condition MOS.
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15 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
The consecutively described algorithms calculate the S-/N-/G-MOS sentence-wise. For the French database the MOS
scores for one condition were calculated based on 6 sentences. Beside the processed signal p(k) also the a priori signals
(clean speech c(k) and unprocessed u(k)) are necessary (see figure 6.1). The bundle of those three signals for one
sentence is called a sample in the following, see figure 6.3.

Figure 6.3: Nomenclature (sample)
All calculations in the following clauses 6.5 to 6.7 are always based on single sentences. The calculated objective MOS
values of one condition are averaged to one objective condition MOS value. Comparisons with subjective MOS values
are never conducted on a per-sample basis, only per-condition analyses are performed.
The present database contains 179 (French) conditions which were selected according to clause 4. Their S-/N-/G-MOS
values were known during the development phase of the model.
6.3 Additional Training data
In order to enlarge the training database regarding amount of conditions and real devices (the original work of ETSI
EG 202 396-2 [i.2] only included simulated terminals), Orange kindly provided audio files and subjective results of a
new auditory test. This new database was used for the development of ETSI TS 103 106 [i.32]. The database consists of
90 conditions with 12 sentences of 6 different talkers (3 male / 3 female), including the talkers presented in the
experiments in ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2].
The focus of this additional database concentrates on state-of-the-art mobile devices (year 2012) in handset mode. Since
the database in the original work ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2] also included many hands-free conditions, the bias between
both datasets are different. All S-/N-/G-MOS values were known during the development phase of the model.
The overall training dataset then includes 179 + 90 = 269 conditions.
6.4 Principles of Relative Approach and Δ Relative Approach
The Relative Approach [i.6] is an analysis method developed to model a major characteristic of human hearing. This
characteristic is the much stronger subjective response to distinct patterns (tones and/or relatively rapid time-varying
structure) than to slowly changing levels and loudnesses.
ETSI
16 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)

Figure 6.4: Block diagram of Relative Approach
The idea behind the Relative Approach analysis is based on the assumption that human hearing creates a continuous
reference sound (an "anchor signal") for its automatic recognition process against which it classifies tonal or temporal
pattern information moment-by-moment. It evaluates the difference between the instantaneous patterns in both time and
frequency. In evaluating the acoustic quality of a complex "patterned" signal, the absolute level or loudness is almost
without any significance. Temporal structures and spectral patterns are important factors in deciding whether a sound is
judged as annoying or disturbing (see also [i.12], [i.14], [i.15] and [i.27]).
Similar to human hearing and in contrast to other analysis methods the Relative Approach algorithm does not require
any reference signal for the calculation. Only the signal under test is analyzed. Comparable to the human experience
and expectation, the algorithm generates an "internal reference" which can be best described as a forward estimation.
The Relative Approach algorithm objectifies pattern(s) in accordance with human perception by resolving or extracting
them while largely rejecting pseudo-stationary energy. At the same time, it considers the context of the relative
difference of the "patterned" and "non-patterned" magnitudes.
Figure 6.4 shows a block diagram of the Relative Approach. The time-dependent spectral pre-processing can either be
done by a filter bank analysis according to ANSI S1.1-1986 [i.30] or a spectral analysis based on a hearing model [i.27].
Both of them result in a spectral representation versus time. All calculations described in the following are based on the
non-squared, but absolute magnitude of this spectrogram. All time-frequency bins are regarded in the physical unit [Pa]
(not [Pa]^2).
The Relative Approach takes the absolute signal level into account. Therefore, the input data is calibrated to a realistic
listening level and the physical unit of the input signals is pressure in Pascal (Pa). As input for either the filter bank or
the Hearing Model signals adjusted to 79 dB SPL can be used (e.g. according to the French listening test) or signals
with their original level after signal processing (e.g. according to the Czech listening test).
In the calculation, two regression / smoothing modes can be applied to the pre-processed signals (see figure 6.5), once
versus time or versus frequency bands.
The estimation of the current magnitude within a certain frequency band is calculated via a linear regression from a
time window of the past 200 ms (see figure 6.5a).
ETSI
17 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
The estimation of the current magnitude within a certain time slot is calculated via a linear regression from
neighbouring frequency bands (see figure 6.5b); 8 frequency bands above and 8 below are used for this calculation. For
each time slot, this principle results into a sliding window of 17 frequency bands, including the current one.

Figure 6.5: Regression modes of Relative Approach:
a) versus time, b) versus frequency
Another calculation method is the non-linear transformation according to the hearing model of Sottek [i.27]. No further
hearing threshold or other spectral weighting is used. Due to
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2016
.DNRYRVWSUHQRVDJRYRUDLQYHþSUHGVWDYQLKYVHELQ674=PRJOMLYRVWNDNRYRVWL
JRYRUDYSULVRWQRVWLãXPDR]DGMDGHO3UHQRVãXPDR]DGMD2EMHNWLYQH
SUHVNXVQHPHWRGH
Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality (STQ) - Speech Quality performance in the
presence of background noise - Part 3: Background noise transmission - Objective test
methods
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1
ICS:
33.040.35 Telefonska omrežja Telephone networks
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

ETSI GUIDE
Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality (STQ);
Speech Quality performance
in the presence of background noise;
Part 3: Background noise transmission -
Objective test methods
2 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)

Reference
REG/STQ-229
Keywords
noise, QoS, quality, speech
ETSI
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ETSI
3 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights . 5
Foreword . 5
Modal verbs terminology . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 References . 6
2.1 Normative references . 6
2.2 Informative references . 7
3 Symbols and abbreviations . 8
3.1 Symbols . 8
3.2 Abbreviations . 8
4 Speech signals to be used . 9
5 Selection of the data within the scope of the wideband objective model: Experts evaluation . 10
5.1 Selection process . 10
5.2 Results . 10
5.3 French database . 11
6 Description of the wideband objective test method . 11
6.1 Introduction . 11
6.2 Speech sample preparation and nomenclature . 12
6.2.1 Speech sample preparation . 12
6.2.2 Nomenclature . 14
6.3 Additional Training data . 15
6.4 Principles of Relative Approach and Δ Relative Approach . 15
6.5 Objective N-MOS. 19
6.5.1 Introduction. 19
6.5.2 Description of N-MOS algorithm . 19
6.5.3 Comparing subjective and objective N-MOS results . 22
6.6 Objective S-MOS . 23
6.6.1 Introduction. 23
6.6.2 Description of S-MOS Algorithm . 24
6.6.3 Comparing Subjective and Objective S-MOS Results . 27
6.7 Objective G-MOS. 28
6.7.1 Description of G-MOS Algorithm . 28
6.7.2 Comparing subjective and objective G-MOS results . 29
7 Validation of the Wideband Objective Test Method . 30
7.1 Introduction . 30
7.2 ETSI EG 202 396-2 Database Results Analysis . 32
7.2.1 Comparing subjective and objective N-MOS results . 32
7.2.2 Comparing subjective and objective S-MOS results . 32
7.2.3 Comparing Subjective and Objective G-MOS Results . 33
7.3 Orange Validation Database results Analysed . 34
7.3.0 Introduction. 34
7.3.1 Comparing subjective and objective N-MOS results . 34
7.3.2 Comparing subjective and objective S-MOS results . 35
7.3.3 Comparing Subjective and Objective G-MOS Results . 35
8 Objective Model for Narrowband Applications . 36
8.0 Introduction . 36
8.1 File pre-processing . 36
8.2 Adaptation of the Calculations . 37
8.3 Prediction results . 38
Annex A: Detailed post evaluation of listening test results . 40
Annex B: Results of PESQ and TOSQA2001 - Analysis of ETSI EG 202 396-2 database . 43
ETSI
4 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
Annex C: Comparison of objective MOS versus auditory MOS for the complete STF 294
database . 50
Annex D: Comparison of objective MOS versus auditory MOS for rejected conditions . 52
Annex E: Void . 54
Annex F: Detailed STF 294 subjective and objective validation test results . 55
Annex G: Void . 58
Annex H: Extension of the Speech Quality Test Method to Narrowband: Adaptation,
Training and Validation . 59
Annex I: Void . 61
Annex J: Summary of Czech samples not used for model training . 62
J.0 Introduction . 62
J.1 Selection process - Czech database . 62
J.2 General differences between the databases . 64
J.3 Comparison of the objective method results for Czech and French samples . 67
J.4 Czech conditions results analysis . 72
J.4.1 Comparing subjective and objective N-MOS results . 72
J.4.2 Comparing subjective and objective S-MOS results . 72
J.4.3 Comparing Subjective and Objective G-MOS Results. 73
J.5 Language Dependent Robustness of G-MOS. 74
J.6 Regression Coefficients for Czech data . 75
J.7 Post selection . 76
Annex K: Relative Approach Non-Linear Transformation . 80
Annex L: Bibliography . 81
History . 82

ETSI
5 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
Intellectual Property Rights
IPRs essential or potentially essential to the present document may have been declared to ETSI. The information
pertaining to these essential IPRs, if any, is publicly available for ETSI members and non-members, and can be found
in ETSI SR 000 314: "Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); Essential, or potentially Essential, IPRs notified to ETSI in
respect of ETSI standards", which is available from the ETSI Secretariat. Latest updates are available on the ETSI Web
server (http://ipr.etsi.org).
Pursuant to the ETSI IPR Policy, no investigation, including IPR searches, has been carried out by ETSI. No guarantee
can be given as to the existence of other IPRs not referenced in ETSI SR 000 314 (or the updates on the ETSI Web
server) which are, or may be, or may become, essential to the present document.
Foreword
This ETSI Guide (EG) has been produced by ETSI Technical Committee Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality
(STQ).
The present document is a deliverable of ETSI Specialized Task Force (STF) 294 entitled: "Improving the quality of
eEurope wideband speech applications by developing a performance testing and evaluation methodology for
background noise transmission".
The present document is part 3 of a multi-part deliverable covering Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality
(STQ); Speech Quality performance in the presence of background noise, as identified below:
Part 1: "Background noise simulation technique and background noise database";
Part 2: "Background noise transmission - Network simulation - Subjective test database and results";
Part 3: "Background noise transmission - Objective test methods".
Modal verbs terminology
In the present document "shall", "shall not", "should", "should not", "may", "need not", "will", "will not", "can" and
"cannot" are to be interpreted as described in clause 3.2 of the ETSI Drafting Rules (Verbal forms for the expression of
provisions).
"must" and "must not" are NOT allowed in ETSI deliverables except when used in direct citation.
ETSI
6 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
1 Scope
The present document aims to identify and define testing methodologies which can be used to objectively evaluate the
performance of narrowband and wideband terminals and systems for speech communication in the presence of
background noise.
Background noise is a problem in mostly all situations and conditions and need to be taken into account in both,
terminals and networks. The present document provides information about the testing methods applicable to objectively
evaluate the speech quality in the presence of background noise. The present document includes:
• The description of the experts post evaluation process chosen to select the subjective test data being within the
scope of the objective methods.
• The results of the performance evaluation of the currently existing methods described in Recommendations
ITU-T P.862 [i.16] and P.862.1 [i.17] and in TOSQA2001 [i.19] which is chosen for the evaluation of
terminals in the framework of ETSI VoIP speech quality test events [i.8], [i.9], [i.10] and [i.11].
• The method which is applicable to objectively determine the different parameters influencing the speech
quality in the presence of background noise taking into account:
- the speech quality;
- the background noise transmission quality;
- the overall quality.
• The present document is to be used in conjunction with:
- ETSI ES 202 396-1 [i.1] which describes a recording and reproduction setup for realistic simulation of
background noise scenarios in lab-type environments for the performance evaluation of terminals and
communication systems.
- ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2] which describes the simulation of network impairments and how to simulate
realistic transmission network scenarios and which contains the methodology and results of the
subjective scoring for the data forming the basis of the present document.
- French speech sentences as defined in Recommendation ITU-T P.501 [i.13] for wideband and English
speech sentences as defined in Recommendation ITU-T P.501 [i.13] for narrowband.
2 References
2.1 Normative references
References are either specific (identified by date of publication and/or edition number or version number) or
non-specific. For specific references, only the cited version applies. For non-specific references, the latest version of the
reference document (including any amendments) applies.
Referenced documents which are not found to be publicly available in the expected location might be found at
http://docbox.etsi.org/Reference.
NOTE: While any hyperlinks included in this clause were valid at the time of publication, ETSI cannot guarantee
their long term validity.
The following referenced documents are necessary for the application of the present document.
Not applicable.
ETSI
7 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
2.2 Informative references
References are either specific (identified by date of publication and/or edition number or version number) or
non-specific. For specific references, only the cited version applies. For non-specific references, the latest version of the
reference document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE: While any hyperlinks included in this clause were valid at the time of publication, ETSI cannot guarantee
their long term validity.
The following referenced documents are not necessary for the application of the present document but they assist the
user with regard to a particular subject area.
[i.1] ETSI ES 202 396-1: "Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality (STQ); Speech quality
performance in the presence of background noise; Part 1: Background noise simulation technique
and background noise database".
[i.2] ETSI EG 202 396-2: "Speech Processing, Transmission and Quality Aspects (STQ); Speech
Quality performance in the presence of background noise; Part 2: Background Noise Transmission
- Network Simulation - Subjective Test Database and Results".
[i.3] Recommendation ITU-T P.835: "Subjective test methodology for evaluating speech
communication systems that include noise suppression algorithm".
[i.4] Recommendation ITU-T P.800: "Methods for subjective determination of transmission quality".
[i.5] Recommendation ITU-T P.831: "Subjective performance evaluation of network echo cancellers".
[i.6] Genuit, K.: "Objective Evaluation of Acoustic Quality Based on a Relative Approach",
InterNoise '96, Liverpool, UK.
[i.7] Recommendation ITU-T SG 12 Contribution 34: "Evaluation of the quality of background noise
transmission using the "Relative Approach"".
nd
[i.8] ETSI 2 Speech Quality Test Event: "Anonymized Test Report", ETSI Plugtests, HEAD
acoustics, T-Systems Nova.
NOTE: Available at: http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/OurServices/Plugtests/History.aspx. Also available as ETSI
TR 102 648-3.
rd
[i.9] ETSI 3 Speech Quality Test Event: "Anonymized Test Report "IP Gateways".
NOTE: Available at: http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/OurServices/Plugtests/History.aspx.
rd
[i.10] ETSI 3 Speech Quality Test Event: "Anonymized Test Report "IP Phones".
th
[i.11] ETSI 4 Speech Quality Test Event: "Anonymized Test Report "IP Gateways and IP Phones".
NOTE: Available at: http://www.etsi.org/WebSite/OurServices/Plugtests/History.aspx.
[i.12] F. Kettler, H.W. Gierlich, F. Rosenberger: "Application of the Relative Approach to Optimize
Packet Loss Concealment Implementations", DAGA, March 2003, Aachen, Germany.
[i.13] Recommendation ITU-T P.501: "Test Signals for Use in Telephonometry".
[i.14] R. Sottek, K. Genuit: "Models of Signal Processing in human hearing", International Journal of
Electronics and Communications (AEÜ) volume 59, 2005, p. 157-165.
NOTE: Available at: http://www.elsevier.de/aeue.
[i.15] SAE International - Document 2005-01-2513: "Tools and Methods for Product Sound Design of
Vehicles" R. Sottek, W. Krebber, G. Stanley.
[i.16] Recommendation ITU-T P.862: "Perceptual evaluation of speech quality (PESQ): An objective
method for end-to-end speech quality assessment of narrowband telephone networks and speech
codecs".
ETSI
8 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
[i.17] Recommendation ITU-T P.862.1: "Mapping function for transforming P.862 raw result scores to
MOS-LQO".
[i.18] Recommendation ITU-T P.862.2: "Wideband extension to Recommendation P.862 for the
assessment of wideband telephone networks and speech codecs".
[i.19] Recommendation ITU-T SG 12 Contribution 19: "Results of objective speech quality assessment
of wideband speech using the Advanced TOSQA2001".
[i.20] Recommendation ITU-T G.722: "7 kHz audio-coding within 64 kbit/s".
[i.21] Recommendation ITU-T G.722.2: "Wideband coding of speech at around 16 kbit/s using Adaptive
Multi-Rate Wideband (AMR-WB)".
[i.22] Recommendation ITU-T P.56: "Objective measurement of active speech level".
[i.23] Recommendation ITU-T P.57: "Artificial ears".
[i.24] M. Spiegel: "Theory and problems of statistics", McGraw Hill, 1998.
[i.25] Void.
[i.26] M. Kendall: "Rank correlation methods", Charles Griffin & Company Limited, 1948.
[i.27] Sottek, R.: "Modelle zur Signalverarbeitung im menschlichen Gehör", PHD thesis RWTH Aachen,
1993.
[i.28] Recommendation ITU-T P.830: "Subjective performance assessment of telephone-band and
wideband digital codecs".
[i.29] Void.
[i.30] ANSI S1.1-1986 (ASA 65-1986): "Specifications for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave-Band
Analog and Digital Filters", 1993.
[i.31] Recommendation ITU-T G.160 Appendix II, Amendment 2: "Voice enhancement devices:
Revised Appendix II - Objective measures for the characterization of the basic functioning of
noise reduction algorithms".
[i.32] ETSI TS 103 106: "Speech and multimedia Transmission Quality (STQ); Speech quality
performance in the presence of background noise: Background noise transmission for mobile
terminals-objective test methods".
[i.33] Hastie, T.; Tibshirani, R.; Friedman, J.: "The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining,
Inference, and Prediction", New York: Springer-Verlag, 2001.
3 Symbols and abbreviations
3.1 Symbols
For the purposes of the present document, the following symbols apply:
σ Variance
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of the present document, the following abbreviations apply:
AMR Adaptive MultiRate
ASL Active Speech Level
NOTE: According to Recommendation ITU-T P.56 [i.22].
ETSI
9 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
BGN BackGround Noise
CDF Cumulative Density Function
dB SPL Sound Pressure Level re 20 µPa in dB
DB Data Base
DUT Device Under Test
EFR Enhance Full Rate
FR Full Rate
G-MOS Global MOS
NOTE: MOS related to the overall sample.
GSM Global System for Mobile Communication
HATS Head And Torso Simulator
IP Internet Protocol
IRS Intermediate Reference System
ITU International Telecommunication Union
ITU-T Telecom Standardization Body of ITU
MMSE Minimum Mean Square Error
MOS Mean Opinion Score
MOS-LQSN Mean Opinion Score - Listening Quality Subjective Noise
MRP Mouth Reference Point
NB NarrowBand
NI Network I conditions
NII Network II conditions
NIII Network III conditions
N-MOS Noise MOS
NOTE: MOS related to the noise transmission only.
NR Noise Reduction
NR (filter) Noise Reduction (filter)
NSA Noise Suppression Algorithm
PESQ Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality
PLC Packet Loss Concealment
RCV ReCeiVe
RMS Root Mean Square
RMSE Random Mean Square Error
S-MOS Speech MOS
NOTE: MOS related to the speech signal only.
SND Sending Direction
SNR Signal to Noise Ratio
SQTE Speech Quality Test Event
SPL Sound Pressure Level
STD STandard Deviation
STF Specialized Task Force
TMOS TOSQA Mean Opinion Score
TOR Terms Of Reference
VAD Voice Activity Detection
VoIP Voice over IP
WB WideBand
4 Speech signals to be used
As with any objective model, the prediction of speech quality depends on the conditions under which the model was
tested and validated (see clauses 6.1 and 8). This dependency also applies to the speech material used in conjunction
with the objective model.
The wideband version of the model uses French speech sentences. The near end speech signal (clean speech signal)
consists of 8 sentences of speech (2 male and 2 female talkers, 2 sentences each). Appropriate speech samples can be
taken from Recommendation ITU-T P.501 [i.13].
ETSI
10 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
The narrowband version of the model uses English speech sentences. The near end speech signal (clean speech signal)
consists of 8 sentences of speech (2 male and 2 female talkers, 2 sentences each). Appropriate speech samples can be
taken from Recommendation ITU-T P.501 [i.13].
5 Selection of the data within the scope of the
wideband objective model: Experts evaluation
5.1 Selection process
The aim of the selection process was to identify those data in the databases described in ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2] which
are consistent with the scope of the objective models to be studied within the present document.
The experts were selected on the based on the definition found in e.g. Recommendation ITU-T P.831 [i.5]: experts are
experienced in subjective testing. Experts are able to describe an auditory event in detail and are able to separate
different events based on specific impairments. They are able to describe their subjective impressions in detail. They
have a background in technical implementations of noise reduction systems and transmission impairments and do have
detailed knowledge of the influence of particular implementations on subjective quality.
Their task was to select the relevant conditions within the scope of the model to be developed. Therefore they had to
verify the consistency of the data with respect to the following selection criteria:
1) Artefacts others than the ones which should have been produced by the signal processing described in ETSI
EG 202 396-2 [i.2] e.g. due to the additional amplification required in order to provide a listening level of
79 dB SPL.
2) Inconsistencies within one condition due to the selection of the individual speech samples from the database
for subjective evaluation.
3) Inconsistencies within one condition due to statistical variation of the signal processing described in ETSI
EG 202 396-2 [i.2] leading to non consistent judgements within this condition.
4) Inconsistencies due to Recommendation ITU-T P.56 [i.22] level adjustment process chosen for the complete
files including the background noise.
As a result of the experts listening test a set of data was selected which is used for the development of the objective
model.
In the selection process five expert listeners (non-native French speakers) were involved. Their task was not to produce
new judgements, but to check all the samples in the database with respect to the possible artefacts described above.
A playback system with calibrated headphones was used for the test. The headphones used were Sennheiser HD 600
connected to the HEAD acoustics playback system PEQ V. The equalization provided by the headphone manufacturer
was used since this was the one used in the auditory French test setup.
All samples could be heard by the experts as often as required in order to get final agreement about the applicability of
the data within the terms of reference of the model. There was no limitation in comparing samples to the ones
previously heard.
5.2 Results
In general it could be observed that the 4 seconds sample size chosen in the experiment according to Recommendation
ITU-T P.835 [i.3] lead to a more difficult task even for expert listeners, especially in the case of non-stationary
background noises. It is more difficult to identify the nature of the noise itself and then identify in addition possible
impairments introduced by the signal processing or by the network impairments. It is very likely that some
comparatively high standard deviations seen in the data are caused by these effects.
ETSI
11 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
5.3 French database
In general the French database is in line with the ToR except network condition NII. In network condition NII 1 %
packet loss was chosen which is too low for the conditions to be evaluated. Due to the inhomogeneously distributed
packet losses there are conditions where no packet loss is audible up to conditions where 5 out of 6 samples show
packet loss. Furthermore the packet loss may occur during speech as well as during the noise periods. The impact of the
different packet losses is not controlled with respect to their occurrence due to the statistical nature of the packet loss
distribution, even within a set of 6 samples used for evaluating one condition. Since packet loss is clearly audible under
NIII conditions (3 % packet loss) and much better distributed amongst the different samples the NII conditions are not
used within the scope of the objective method. They are either covered by the NI condition (0 % packet loss) or by the
NIII conditions. This results in 144 NII conditions which are not retained for the development of the model.
From the 288 NI and NIII conditions 28 conditions are not retained. The main reasons therefore are:
• Not consistent signal levels due to the amplification process.
• Insufficient S/N, speech almost inaudible.
The individual reasons for the samples of these conditions being not retained can be found in table A.1.
In total 260 out of 432 conditions are used as the reference for the objective model. In other words, 60,2 % of the data
can be used for the model. The distribution of the ratings is between 1,2 and 4,96 MOS for S-/N-/G-MOS.
6 Description of the wideband objective test method
6.1 Introduction
The present objective test method is developed in order to calculate objective MOS for speech, noise and the overall
quality of a transmitted signal containing speech and background noise, designated N-MOS, S-MOS and G-MOS in the
following.
The new model is based on an aurally-adequate analysis in order to best cover the listener's perception based on the
previously carried out listening test ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2].
The wideband objective model is applicable for:
• wideband handset and wideband hands-free devices (in sending direction);
• noisy environments (stationary or non-stationary noise);
• different noise reduction algorithms;
• AMR Recommendation ITU-T G.722.2 [i.21] and Recommendation ITU-T G.722 [i.20] wideband coders;
• VoIP networks introducing packet loss.
NOTE 1: For the NIII conditions jitter was introduced. Finally jitter was observed for less than 2 % of the selected
conditions. The jitter consideration of the new objective method could therefore not be validated on an
appropriate amount of data. Quality impairments typically introduced by different strategies of packet
loss concealment and different adaptive jitter buffer control mechanisms were not considered in the
listening test database and therefore also not in the objective method.
NOTE 2: The method is not applicable for such background situations where speech intelligibility is the major
issue.
Due to the special sample generation process the new method is only applicable for electrically recorded signals. The
quality of terminals can therefore only be determined in sending direction.
The method was developed by attaching importance to a high reliability. The results of the listening test (selected
conditions, see clause 5) were best modelled. Furthermore mechanisms were implemented to provide high robustness
also for other than the present samples.
The sample preparation and nomenclatures for the new method are described in clause 6.2.
ETSI
12 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
The calculation of N-MOS, S-MOS and G-MOS is described in detail in clauses 6.5 to 6.7.
6.2 Speech sample preparation and nomenclature
6.2.1 Speech sample preparation
Based on the data selected in clause 5 an objective model is developed in order to determine:
• the Noise-MOS (N-MOS);
• the Speech-MOS (S-MOS); and
• the "Global"-MOS (G-MOS), the overall quality including speech and background noise.
Different input signals can be accessed during the recording process and subsequently can be used for the calculation of
N-MOS, S-MOS and G-MOS. Beside the signals used in the listening test ("processed signal"), two additional signals
are used as a priori knowledge for the calculation:
1) The "clean speech" signal, which was played back via the artificial mouth at the beginning of the sample
generation process.
2) The "unprocessed signal", which was recorded close to the microphone position of the simulated handset
device / hands-free telephone (see figure 6.1 and ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2]). Note that no real phone /
hands-free device was used. Phones and handsfree devices were simulated by a free-field microphone and an
offline simulation for filtering, VAD, noise reduction, etc.
Both signals are used in order to determine the degradation of speech and background noise due to the signal processing
as the listeners did during the listening tests.
The sample generation process is shown in figure 6.1.
ETSI
13 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)

NOTE 1: Calibrated for each file with B&K HATS (3.3 ears) to 79 dB SPL ASL (Recommendation ITU-T P.56 [i.22]).
NOTE 2: Once calibrated: -26 dBoV resulting to 79 dB SPL measured with a type 3.2 ear (Recommendation ITU-T P.57 [i.23]), 5N application force.

Figure 6.1: Sample generation process, indicating "clean speech", "unprocessed speech" and "processed speech"
ETSI
14 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
The processed signal consists of the unprocessed signal after being processed via noise reduction algorithms, voice
coder, network simulation, etc. This signal was subjectively rated in the previously carried out listening test (see ETSI
EG 202 396-2 [i.2] and figure 6.1).
In order to calculate S-MOS, N-MOS and G-MOS, all three signals are required for each sample. The a priori signals
(clean speech and unprocessed) were extracted for each processed signal used in the listening tests.
The following preparation steps are required to be carried out for all three files:
1) The clean and unprocessed speech signals were shortened to 4 seconds in order to match the length of the
processed signal in the listening tests.
2) The signals were time-aligned. This was achieved after pre-processing followed by a cross-correlation
analysis.
NOTE: For samples with an instationary background noise or including packet loss and jitter it should be ensured
that the cross-correlation analyses lead to non-ambiguous results. E.g. by applying further processing
algorithms in order to better separate between speech and noise parts.
For some of the following calculations, the information about speech and noise-only parts is needed. After the time
alignment between the three signals as described above, the clean speech signal is segmented into frames and classified
according to Recommendation ITU-T G.160 [i.31]. The signal parts classified as silence are assumed as background
noise sections for unprocessed and processed signal. All other frames are assumed as active speech.
The signals are expected to be in a 48 kHz, 16 bit wave format. The clean speech signals are expected to have an Active
Speech Level (ASL, see Recommendation ITU-T P.56 [i.22]) of -4,7 dBPa at the mouth reference point (MRP). For the
unprocessed signal the ASL has to remain unchanged compared to the recording close to the phone's microphone. This
ensures that the influence of phone position and test room is fully obtained. The processed French signals had an ASL
of 79 dB SPL similar to the listening test.
6.2.2 Nomenclature
In order to provide a consistent nomenclature within the present document, the relevant terms are briefly described
below.
The combination of speech sequences, a background noise, a phone type and simulation (filtering, NR level and
aggressiveness), a speech codec and a network scenario leads to one condition in the terms of the present document and
ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2].
Each condition was generated by processing the clean speech file containing eight sentences per language via the
corresponding scenario, see figure 6.2.

Figure 6.2: Nomenclature (file, condition, sentence)
For the listening tests different parts of the resulting processed files were used. Six of the French sentences per
condition were chosen and assessed by 4 persons each. The resulting auditory S-/N-/G-MOS per sentence were
averaged to the condition MOS.
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15 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)
The consecutively described algorithms calculate the S-/N-/G-MOS sentence-wise. For the French database the MOS
scores for one condition were calculated based on 6 sentences. Beside the processed signal p(k) also the a priori signals
(clean speech c(k) and unprocessed u(k)) are necessary (see figure 6.1). The bundle of those three signals for one
sentence is called a sample in the following, see figure 6.3.

Figure 6.3: Nomenclature (sample)
All calculations in the following clauses 6.5 to 6.7 are always based on single sentences. The calculated objective MOS
values of one condition are averaged to one objective condition MOS value. Comparisons with subjective MOS values
are never conducted on a per-sample basis, only per-condition analyses are performed.
The present database contains 179 (French) conditions which were selected according to clause 4. Their S-/N-/G-MOS
values were known during the development phase of the model.
6.3 Additional Training data
In order to enlarge the training database regarding amount of conditions and real devices (the original work of ETSI
EG 202 396-2 [i.2] only included simulated terminals), Orange kindly provided audio files and subjective results of a
new auditory test. This new database was used for the development of ETSI TS 103 106 [i.32]. The database consists of
90 conditions with 12 sentences of 6 different talkers (3 male / 3 female), including the talkers presented in the
experiments in ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2].
The focus of this additional database concentrates on state-of-the-art mobile devices (year 2012) in handset mode. Since
the database in the original work ETSI EG 202 396-2 [i.2] also included many hands-free conditions, the bias between
both datasets are different. All S-/N-/G-MOS values were known during the development phase of the model.
The overall training dataset then includes 179 + 90 = 269 conditions.
6.4 Principles of Relative Approach and Δ Relative Approach
The Relative Approach [i.6] is an analysis method developed to model a major characteristic of human hearing. This
characteristic is the much stronger subjective response to distinct patterns (tones and/or relatively rapid time-varying
structure) than to slowly changing levels and loudnesses.
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16 ETSI EG 202 396-3 V1.5.1 (2015-10)

Figure 6.4: Block diagram of Relative Approach
The idea behind the Relative Approach analysis is based on the assumption that human hearing creates a continuous
reference sound (an "anchor signal") for its automatic recognition process against which it classifies tonal or temporal
pattern information moment-by-moment. It evaluates the difference between the instantaneous patterns in both time and
frequency. In evaluating the acoustic quality of a complex "patterned" signal, the absolute level or loudness is almost
without any significance. Temporal structures and spectral patterns are important factors in deciding whether a sound is
judged as annoying or disturbing (see also [i.12], [i.14], [i.15] and [i.27]).
Similar to human hearing and in contrast to other analysis methods the Relative Approach algorithm does not require
any reference signal for the calculation. Only the signal under test is analyzed. Comparable to the human experience
and expectation, the algorithm generates an "internal reference" which can be best described as a forward estimation.
The Relative Approach algorithm objectifies pattern(s) in accordance with human perception by resolving or extracting
them while largely rejecting pseudo-stationary energy. At the same time, it considers the context of the relative
difference of the "patterned" and "non-patterned" magnitudes.
Figure 6.4 shows a block diagram of the Relative Approach. The time-dependent spectral pre-processing can either be
done by a filter bank analysis according to ANSI S1.1-1986 [i.30] or a spectral analysis based on a hearing model [i.27].
Both of them result in a spectral representation versus time. All calculations described in the following are based on the
non-squared, but absolute magnitude of this spectrogram. All time-frequency bins are regarded in the physical unit [Pa]
(not [Pa]^2).
The Relative Appr
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