Dynamic Processing Module Selection for Mobile Video Calls

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption during video calls, as software-based encoding methods like H.264 provide good quality but reduce battery life, while hardware codecs conserve power but may not perform well in all network conditions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device with a selection mechanism that switches between hardware and software processing modules based on network parameters such as bit rate, transmission delay, and packet loss rate, prioritizing hardware codecs for better conditions and software codecs for worse conditions, with adaptive threshold settings based on power supply levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If software-based encoding (H.264) is used, then call quality is improved, but battery life deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall qualityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between hardware and software processing modules based on real-time network conditions and power supply status. The selection mechanism continuously monitors network parameters (bit rate, delay, packet loss) and power levels, then dynamically selects the appropriate processing mode to optimize both call quality and battery consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the processing mode (hardware vs software) based on varying network conditions and power supply levels. When network conditions are good and power is充足, software processing is selected for superior quality. When battery is low or network conditions are poor, hardware processing is selected to conserve energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If hardware codec is used, then battery life is improved, but call quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidcall quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between hardware and software processing based on real-time assessment of network conditions and power supply status. The selection mechanism evaluates current conditions and transitions between processing modes to ensure call quality is maintained when using hardware codec, or to utilize hardware codec only when conditions favor energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operational parameters are changed by selecting different processing modes based on network and power conditions. The system adjusts the processing mode parameter to use hardware codec when battery is low and network conditions permit, and switches to software codec when higher quality is needed and power is充足.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If software processing module is used, then adaptability to network conditions is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to network conditionsVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism that adapts the processing mode based on real-time network conditions and power supply status. The system continuously monitors parameters such as bit rate, delay, and packet loss, then dynamically selects software or hardware processing to optimize both adaptability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing mode parameter based on network and power conditions. Software processing is selected when adaptability to varying network conditions is prioritized and power is充足, while hardware processing is selected when power conservation is critical and network conditions are stable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Use of energy by moving object

If hardware processing module is used, then power consumption is reduced, but flexibility in handling varying network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidflexibility in handling network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between hardware and software processing modules based on real-time network conditions and power supply status. The selection mechanism monitors network parameters and power levels, then dynamically selects the appropriate processing mode to balance power consumption with adaptability to network variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The processing mode parameter is changed based on network and power conditions. Hardware processing is selected when power consumption needs to be reduced and network conditions are favorable, while software processing is selected when greater flexibility is needed to handle varying network conditions and power is充足.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2740291B1Selection of signal processing module depending on network conditions
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2740291B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2740291B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2740291B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A mobile device, method and computer program product for conducting a packet-based call with a report device via a channel established over a wireless communication network. The mobile device comprising: wireless access circuitry configured to access the wireless communication network; means for executing a communication client application to conduct the packet-based call with the remote device via the channel established over the wireless communication network, the communication client application configured to monitor at least one network parameter; a hardware processing module selectively operable to implement a processing function; a software processing module selectively executable to implement said processing function; and a selection mechanism for supplying the call to one of the hardware processing module and software processing module based on at least one monitored network parameter.