Hybrid Network Call Handover Audio Disruption Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for voice call continuity in hybrid telecommunications networks fail to effectively manage audio disruptions during handovers between different connections, leading to user dissatisfaction and premature call termination.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device configured to implement varying mitigations based on the duration of audio disruptions, including passive measures like background noise for short disruptions, active audio tones and GUI indications for longer disruptions, and disconnecting the call with post-call options for irrecoverable disruptions, while also providing audio mitigations for the remote party.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If call handover is implemented to maintain voice call continuity, then call reliability is improved, but audio disruption occurs during the handover process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces audio mitigation mechanisms as intermediaries between the call handover process and the user experience. These mechanisms include playing background music or comfort sounds during handover, providing visual indicators on the display screen, and implementing network-side mitigation techniques. These intermediaries mask the harmful audio disruption and maintain user perception of continuous call quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful audio disruption during handover into a beneficial experience by overlaying pleasant background music or comfort sounds during the disruption period. The harm of audio interruption is transformed into an acceptable or even pleasing auditory experience, reducing user annoyance and maintaining call continuity perception.
2Ease of operation
If audio mitigation is applied during handover, then user experience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements audio mitigation mechanisms that serve multiple functions: they mask audio disruption, provide user feedback about handover status, and maintain call continuity perception. The same mitigation infrastructure handles various scenarios (different types of audio disruption, user preferences, network conditions) through a unified approach, reducing the need for separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring mitigation strategies and preparing mitigation content (background music, comfort sounds) before handover occurs. The system proactively implements mitigation measures as handover is detected, rather than reacting to audio disruption after it occurs, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during the actual disruption.
3Reliability
If handover is triggered based on connection quality degradation, then call quality is maintained, but unnecessary handovers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor both connection quality metrics and user experience indicators during handover. The system adjusts handover decisions based on real-time feedback about actual audio disruption impact and user response, preventing unnecessary handovers while maintaining quality when truly needed. The feedback loop includes monitoring user reactions to audio mitigation and adjusting handover thresholds accordingly.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device capable of connecting to a hybrid telecommunications network using different connection types is configured to implement various mitigations to audio disruptions that may occur during the performance of a call handover between connections. Negligible audio disruptions that do not impact the conversation between parties to the call are not mitigated at all, while relatively short audio disruptions are mitigated in a passive manner by playing background white noise or comfort sounds on the mobile device. Relatively longer duration disruptions are dealt with using more active mitigations in which audio tones are played and the mobile device's graphical user interface (GUI) is configured to indicate to the user that a handover is in progress. Audio disruptions which are irrecoverable are handled by disconnecting the call and providing options through the GUI to either call the other party back, send a message, or set a callback reminder.