Adaptive Audio Codec Selection for Wireless Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices select an audio codec based on initial network conditions, which can lead to significant degradation in audio quality when network conditions change during a communication session, impacting user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implement adaptive audio codec selection by negotiating a set of supported codecs during the communication session setup and defining audio tiers associated with different network conditions, allowing the device to switch to an appropriate codec as network conditions change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an audio codec is selected based on initial network conditions and used throughout the communication session, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but audio quality deteriorates when network conditions change during the session
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic audio codec selection by monitoring network conditions throughout the communication session and switching between pre-negotiated codecs based on current conditions. The system transitions from a static single-codec approach to a dynamic multi-codec approach, where the selected codec changes adaptively in response to network condition fluctuations, thereby maintaining audio quality consistency while managing device complexity through automated control.
2Reliability
If multiple audio codecs are negotiated and switched during a communication session to adapt to changing network conditions, then audio quality consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by negotiating and establishing a set of candidate audio codecs during the communication session setup phase, before actual communication begins. This pre-negotiation process creates a prepared list of suitable codecs that can be quickly switched to during the session without requiring complex real-time negotiation, thereby reducing the computational burden and device complexity during active communication while still enabling adaptive quality maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of audio codec selection by transitioning from a fixed parameter (single codec selected at setup) to a variable parameter (multiple codecs selected based on real-time network conditions). This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying network conditions while managing complexity through predefined codec sets and automated selection algorithms.
3Productivity
If a single audio codec is used throughout the communication session, then processing overhead is reduced, but audio quality degradation occurs when network conditions fall outside optimal range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by negotiating a set of audio codecs during session setup that can serve different network condition scenarios. Instead of relying on a single codec to handle all conditions, the system prepares multiple codecs with different characteristics (e.g., different bit rates, compression levels) that can be universally applied based on current network conditions, thereby maintaining both processing efficiency and audio quality across varying conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adaptive audio codec selection during a communication session is disclosed. The method can include negotiating a set of audio codecs for use during the communication session. The method can further include defining multiple audio tiers. Each audio tier can be associated with a network condition and can define an audio codec from the set of audio codecs for use in the associated network condition. The method can also include using a first audio codec during the wireless communication session. The method can additionally include determining a changed network condition selecting a second audio codec by determining the audio tier corresponding to the changed network condition. The method can further include, in response to the changed network condition, switching from the first audio codec to a second audio codec that is defined by an audio tier having an associated network condition corresponding to the changed network condition.