RTP Payload Header Switching for Multi-Mode Codec Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for introducing new speech codecs into telecommunication systems face interoperability issues with legacy equipment, leading to increased costs and undesirable speech quality degradations, particularly in limited resource applications and scenarios like multi-party conferencing or hand-over scenarios, where traditional transcoding or capability exchange methods are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for defining an efficient RTP payload format that selectively uses a header-less or header-full format based on codec modes and bit rates, ensuring unambiguous decoding and allowing for frame aggregation while transmitting necessary signaling information, such as CMRs, to support interoperability with legacy equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transcoders are provisioned in media gateways to translate between new and old coding formats, then interoperability between new and legacy equipment is achieved, but network investment and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential signaling information (codec mode and bit rate identification) from the payload data and places it in a compact header format. This eliminates the need for complex transcoder equipment by enabling direct decoding at the receiver end through efficient in-band signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compact payload header as an intermediary element that carries codec mode and bit rate information. This header acts as a mediator between the encoded speech data and the decoder, enabling legacy equipment to handle new codec formats without requiring complex transcoding infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transcoders are provisioned in media gateways to translate between new and old coding formats, then interoperability between new and legacy equipment is achieved, but speech quality degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits codec identification information directly in the payload header, eliminating the need for transcoders that degrade speech quality. The receiver can directly decode the speech data using the identified codec parameters without intermediate conversion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capability exchange between terminals is implemented prior to speech connection, then interoperability is achieved, but the method is not always possible in scenarios like multi-party conferencing or hand-over scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of speech data using the new EVS codec, with codec mode and bit rate information embedded in the payload header. This preliminary action enables direct playback at the receiver without requiring prior capability exchange or terminal negotiation, making it feasible in multi-party conferencing and hand-over scenarios.
4Adaptability or versatility
If support for complete set of new and legacy codecs is provided in terminals, then interoperability is achieved, but implementation and technology licensing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential codec identification information (mode and bit rate) into a compact header, enabling terminals to support new EVS codec modes without implementing complete legacy codec stacks. The receiver uses the header information to select appropriate decoding parameters, reducing implementation complexity and licensing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is a method and an apparatus thereof for formatting a payload for transmission of multi-mode speech/audio codec data. The method comprises deciding whether a header-less or a header-full payload format is used for transmission of a coded frame. The decision is based on a codec mode and a required functionality. The payload data is packetized with or without the payload header depending on the decision.