Bypassing Transcoding Operations in Mobile Communication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication network configuration results in speech quality degradation due to double transcoding in mobile-to-mobile calls, and existing methods for bypassing transcoding operations are inefficient, leading to delayed call setup and potential signal distortions.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed to initiate the bypassing of transcoding operations by exchanging information about encoding formats and capabilities between communication terminals, allowing for a change in encoding formats before transcoding operations are bypassed, enabling an optimal configuration that improves speech quality and reduces bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transcoding operations are performed in series by first and second transcoders, then speech signals can be transmitted between mobile terminals using different encoding formats, but speech quality degradation occurs due to double transcoding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes one of the transcoding operations from the series by implementing Tandem Free Operation (TFO), which allows the encoded speech signal to pass directly through the network without being decoded and re-encoded, thereby eliminating speech quality degradation while maintaining format adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the traditional approach where encoded signals are decoded by transcoders and re-encoded, the patent inverts the process by having the encoded signal transmitted directly through the network infrastructure without transcoding, thus preserving speech quality while achieving format compatibility
2Manufacturing precision
If Tandem Free Operation is implemented to bypass transcoding, then speech quality improves and bandwidth is saved, but call set-up time increases due to negotiation overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs TFO capability negotiation and encoding format selection during the call set-up phase before actual speech transmission begins, allowing the system to pre-configure the optimal transmission mode and avoid delays during active communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network infrastructure receives information about the mobile terminal's encoding capabilities and actively selects the appropriate transmission mode (TFO or traditional transcoding), enabling dynamic optimization of speech quality without excessive negotiation overhead
3Productivity
If encoding format information is exchanged between transcoders before bypassing, then optimal encoding format can be selected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transcoder infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to handle both traditional transcoding operations and TFO bypass operations, allowing a single network element to serve multiple purposes and reduce overall system complexity despite the added negotiation capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for initiating the bypassing of a pair of transcoding operations that are performed in series by a first transcoder arranged together with a first communication terminal on a local side of a communication network and by a second transcoder arranged together with a second communication terminal on a distant side of the communication network are described. The method includes receiving from the distant side information about an encoding format currently in use on the distant side and about encoding capabilities of the distant side and transmitting to the distant side information about an encoding format currently in use on the local side and about encoding capabilities of the local side to enable on one or on both sides a change of the encoding format currently in use prior to initiating the bypassing of the transcoding operations.