Audio Stream Channel Conversion for Mismatched Device Capabilities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telephone communication systems often involve devices with mismatched audio capabilities, where one device may only support monophonic streams, limiting the use of stereophonic properties during calls, especially when communicating between VoIP and traditional networks.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines the audio capabilities of connected devices and networks, and converts audio streams as needed to match the receiving device's capabilities, potentially enhancing the audio experience by adding channels or using sound spatialization techniques like binaural filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If audio stream transfer is performed between devices with mismatched audio capabilities (e.g., stereophonic to monophonic), then compatibility is improved, but the audio quality and channel utilization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidaudio quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the audio stream parameters (number of channels) based on the capabilities of the receiving device. When a stereophonic device communicates with a monophonic device, the system converts the two-channel audio stream into a single-channel stream, thereby adapting the parameter to match the receiver's capability while maintaining compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The audio stream configuration is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system determines the audio capabilities of the receiving device in real-time and adjusts the number of channels in the audio stream accordingly, allowing the same system to serve both stereophonic and monophonic devices effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If audio stream conversion is performed to match receiving device capabilities, then device utilization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice utilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary component (audio conversion means) that acts as a mediator between the audio stream source and the receiving device. This intermediary automatically determines the receiver's capabilities and performs appropriate conversion, shielding the user from the complexity while enabling broad device utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio conversion system operates autonomously by automatically detecting the receiving device's audio capabilities and performing the necessary channel conversion without requiring manual user intervention or complex configuration, thereby managing complexity internally while maintaining simplicity for the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2064900B1Method for transferring an audio stream between a plurality of terminals
Publication Date: 2013.08.28 ORANGE SA
  • EP2064900B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2064900B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for transferring an audio stream between at least two terminals, said method comprising the following steps: a step of communicating a first device with a second device, and a step of transferring an audio flow from the first device to the second device. The method is characterised in that it further comprises the following steps: a determining step during which it is noted that the first device, or a first network to which the first device is connected, or a second network to which the second device is connected, is suitable for producing or transferring an audio stream comprising N channels, and the second device comprises an electroacoustic transducer for receiving an audio stream comprising P channels; and a conversion step during which an audio stream emitted by the first device or transmitted by the first network or transmitted by the second network is converted into an audio flow comprising P channels. The invention also relates to an associated transfer system. The invention can be used in telephony or videotelephony on IP networks.