Jitter Buffer With Prototype Heads For Dynamic Latency Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jitter buffering systems in VoIP and similar real-time media streaming systems face challenges in maintaining low latency and high intelligibility due to packet loss and out-of-order arrival of media packets, often resulting in gaps or stutterings in the media stream, as they rely on pre-determined target latency settings that may not accurately reflect actual network conditions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a jitter buffer data structure with multiple prototype heads, each with a predetermined latency, and a processor to determine conversational quality based on predicted listening quality and delay, allowing the selection of the prototype head with the highest quality for adjusting the playback head to optimize media playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-determined target latency settings are used in conventional jitter buffering systems, then the system configuration is simple, but the system cannot accurately adapt to actual network conditions resulting in perceptible gaps or stutterings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple prototype heads with different predetermined latencies (e.g., 20ms, 40ms, 60ms) that can be dynamically selected based on actual network conditions. The system transitions from a static single playback head to a dynamic multi-head architecture where the playback head is adjusted in real-time to match the most appropriate latency setting, enabling adaptation without requiring complex algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the latency parameter by selecting from multiple predefined prototype heads with different latency values. Instead of continuously adjusting latency or using complex adaptive algorithms, the system discreteely switches between predetermined latency parameters (e.g., 20ms, 40ms, 60ms) based on measured network conditions, simplifying the adaptation mechanism while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multiple prototype heads with different latencies are implemented, then adaptability to network conditions improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jitter buffer is segmented into multiple independent prototype heads, each handling a specific latency range. This segmentation allows the system to independently manage different latency scenarios without requiring complex inter-dependent control mechanisms. Each prototype head can be简单地 activated or deactivated based on network conditions, reducing the overall control complexity despite the increased structural elements.
3Measurement precision
If dynamic adjustment of playback head is implemented based on conversational quality, then media playback quality improves, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors network conditions and measures conversational quality metrics, then uses this feedback to select the most appropriate prototype head. The feedback loop compares actual performance against the available prototype options and adjusts the playback head selection accordingly, enabling precise quality measurement without requiring overly complex processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and apparatus operative to process packets of media received from a network including a receiver unit operative, a jitter buffer data structure and a playback head defining a point in the jitter buffer data structure from which the ordered queue of packets are to be played back, and at least one prototype head. Each prototype head having a predetermined latency assigned thereto and defining a point in the jitter buffer data structure from which the ordered queue of packets is being played back containing said latency a processor operable to determine a measure of conversational quality associated with the ordered queue of packets being played back by each prototype head. Also described is a head selector operable to compare the measures of conversational quality associated with the ordered queue of packets being played back by each prototype head to select the prototype head with the highest measure of conversational quality and a playback unit coupled to the playback head.