Real-Time Packet Loss Concealment via Signal Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet-switched networks face challenges in handling real-time communications due to packet loss and corruption, which leads to audible issues like abrupt silence or repetition, especially in environments without dedicated digital signal processors.
Innovation Solution
A processing device that receives and attenuates packets by decrementing segment numbers to specify lower signal values, introducing repetition copies and gradually fading out signals during packet loss periods, reducing computational complexity and audible effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If packet loss concealment algorithms are applied to cover up lost packets, then audible effects of packet loss are reduced, but computing requirements increase and dedicated digital signal processors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple repetition of previously received packets instead of complex concealment algorithms. When packet loss is detected, the receiver simply repeats the last correctly received packet multiple times, creating a temporary mask for the lost data without requiring sophisticated processing or dedicated hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of packet repetition count based on the duration of packet loss. Instead of using fixed concealment methods, the system adapts the number of repetition packets dynamically, allowing effective concealment with variable computational effort depending on the severity of packet loss
2Reliability
If complex packet loss concealment algorithms are used, then error concealment performance is improved, but hardware design with dedicated digital signal processors is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates copies of previously received packets to conceal lost data. Instead of using complex algorithms, the system simply duplicates existing packet data and inserts these copies into the stream where packets are missing, achieving reliable error concealment through simple copying operations that can be implemented in general-purpose processors
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to reconstruct or estimate lost packet content through complex algorithms, the patent inverts the approach by repeating known good data. This simple inversion strategy achieves effective concealment without requiring sophisticated hardware or algorithms
3Adaptability or versatility
If packets are transmitted through packet-switched networks, then network flexibility is improved, but packet loss and corruption occur leading to audible issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for packet loss by having the receiver ready to insert repetition packets when loss is detected. This beforehand preparation involves monitoring packet sequences and having concealment ready, cushioning against the harmful effects of packet loss without requiring complex real-time processing when loss occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A processing device and method for processing packets of encoded real-time data to perform a gradual fade-out and fade-in of a signal. Upon detecting the beginning of a packet loss period, a last correctly received packet is repeated with gradually increased attenuation to slowly fade out, for example, an audio signal. At the end of the packet loss period, the device slowly fades in the signal by attenuating the first or a number of packets received following the loss period. The method may be performed with low complexity by decrementing segment numbers of samples of data packets such as in a lookup operation.