Dynamic Codec Selection in Communication Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in maintaining optimal voice transmission quality due to codec mismatches, which can occur during network disruptions, requiring a reliable method to dynamically switch codecs and ensure seamless communication sessions.

Innovation Solution

A communication node system comprising a communication module, network monitor, and determiner that detects network events, selects an optimal codec from a catalog of available codecs, and generates messages to switch codecs dynamically, ensuring compatibility and quality across different network environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a predetermined codec is selected for a communication session, then the initial transmission quality is optimized, but the system cannot adapt to network disruptions that alter routing paths and cause codec mismatches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication session continuityVSAvoidcodec adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic codec selection by enabling communication nodes to switch between multiple codecs based on real-time network conditions. The system maintains a list of alternative codecs and can dynamically transition from a first codec to a second codec when network disruptions occur, transforming the static codec selection into a dynamic adaptive process that responds to changing network environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the codec parameter in response to network events. When a network disruption is detected that alters the routing path, the communication node modifies the codec parameter by selecting an alternative codec from its list, allowing the transmission parameters to adapt to the new network conditions and prevent codec mismatches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system monitors network events and dynamically switches codecs, then adaptability to network disruptions is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecodec switching capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring communication nodes with a list of alternative codecs before network disruptions occur. This advance preparation allows the system to quickly switch codecs when needed without requiring complex real-time analysis or decision-making infrastructure, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a pre-configured codec list that mediates between the communication session and the network conditions. This intermediary structure simplifies the switching process by providing a ready-made set of alternatives, reducing the complexity of real-time codec selection while improving adaptability to network events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple codecs are maintained in a catalog for dynamic selection, then the ability to handle diverse network conditions is improved, but the initial setup and management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork condition coverageVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a codec catalog that serves multiple functions: it provides alternative codecs for different network conditions, acts as a backup mechanism for failure scenarios, and enables dynamic adaptation without requiring separate configuration systems. This multi-functional approach consolidates the complexity into a single universal structure that handles diverse network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10212198B1Communication node, system, and method for optimized dynamic codec selection
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 SANGOMA US INC
  • US10212198B1 patent drawing
  • US10212198B1 patent drawing
  • US10212198B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed towards a communication node, a system, and a method for dynamically switching a first codec to a second codec for a communication session. The communication node, to implement the method, can be operably connected to communication endpoints, a codec database, at least one second communication node, and a destination node. The communication node monitors the network within which the communication session originates to detect if a network event has occurred, and if detected, obtain the catalog of available and supported codecs. The communication node then selects a second codec from the catalog of available and supported codecs to replace the first codec, based at least in part on a prioritization of the catalog of available and supported codecs, the network event, a session type, a session criteria, and predetermined routing information for the communication session. Thereafter, the first communication node generates a network message, which directs at least one second communication node to switch from the first codec to the second codec, and transmits the communication session with the network message thereto. The at least one second communication node, upon receiving, replaces the first codec with the second codec by a modification of at least one signaling protocol. If the destination node is unable to accept the communication session using the second codec, the at least one second communication node can generate a network message to direct an at least one third communication node to replace the second codec with the first codec before delivery.