RTP CMR Field Adaptation Signaling for VoIP

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current VoIP systems face challenges in providing responsive and robust adaptation of real-time signals due to limitations in feedback mechanisms, particularly with the AVP profile, which restricts the frequency and type of adaptation requests, leading to suboptimal performance under variable network conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method for signaling adaptation requests for frame aggregation and redundancy within the RTP protocol, utilizing reserved CMR codes and an extended CMR field to enable more extensive adaptation options, allowing for real-time adjustments and improved robustness in VoIP communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If RTCP-based feedback is used for adaptation requests, then the feedback channel is established, but the adaptation frequency is limited and packet loss affects responsiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation responsivenessVSAvoidfeedback robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces RTP packets as an intermediary carrier for adaptation requests, replacing the direct RTCP feedback mechanism. By embedding adaptation requests within the existing RTP media stream rather than relying on separate RTCP packets, the system achieves more reliable and responsive adaptation signaling that is less susceptible to packet loss and network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If AVP profile is used for RTP transport, then the protocol is standardized, but adaptation request frequency and type are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation optionsVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the CMR field within RTP packets multi-functional by extending its usage beyond traditional codec mode requests. By defining new CMR code values to represent frame aggregation and redundancy requests, the existing CMR mechanism serves multiple adaptation purposes, increasing versatility without requiring a completely new protocol structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the CMR field functionality by introducing new parameter values (code values) that represent different adaptation requests. This parameter extension allows the system to signal frame aggregation, redundancy, and other adaptation types using the existing CMR field infrastructure, avoiding the need for additional protocol elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If frame aggregation and redundancy are requested, then adaptability improves, but bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding adaptabilityVSAvoidbandwidth usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic adaptation of encoding parameters through real-time requests signaled via extended CMR fields. The system can adjust frame aggregation levels and redundancy amounts based on current network conditions, allowing the bandwidth consumption to be optimized dynamically rather than being fixed, thus balancing adaptability with efficient resource usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3692696B1Signalling of a request to adapt a voice-over-ip communication session
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 ORANGE SA
  • EP3692696B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3692696B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3692696B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The present invention pertains to a method for signalling an adaptation request to adapt the coding/decoding of real-time signals of a real-time communication session, from a receiver device to a sender device. The method is such that the adaptation request relates to a demand for aggregation and/or redundancy of frames, that it is generated according to the existence of a signalling parameter arising from the phase of negotiation of 10 codecs used during the initialization of the communication session and in that it is transported via a real-time protocol of RTP type. The invention also pertains to a receiver device implementing the method described as well as to a terminal comprising this device.