Hybrid RTP Payload Framing for Header Overhead and Codec Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for introducing new speech codecs into telecommunication systems face interoperability issues with legacy equipment, leading to increased costs and potential speech quality degradation, particularly in scenarios where frame aggregation is used, and there is a need for an efficient RTP payload format that minimizes overhead while maintaining compatibility with legacy codecs like AMR-WB.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for defining a payload format that selectively uses a payload header based on codec modes and bit rates, allowing for efficient header-less packetization in certain cases while ensuring unique identification of codec modes and bit rates, and using spare bits for additional signaling information, thereby avoiding ambiguities and supporting frame aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a payload header is always included in RTP packets for new codec modes, then codec mode and bit rate identification is reliable, but overhead increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of payload header presence from static (always included) to dynamic (conditionally included). The header is only present when necessary for identification, based on whether the codec mode is interoperable with legacy equipment. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the identification mechanism to the specific codec mode being transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload format dynamically adapts its structure based on the codec mode. For interoperable modes, the format mimics legacy AMR-WB without a header. For non-interoperable modes, a header is added. This dynamic structural change allows the system to optimize overhead while maintaining reliable identification when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy codec support is maintained for interoperability, then compatibility with legacy equipment is ensured, but device complexity and implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary interoperable codec modes from the full EVS codec and integrates them into the payload format. Not all EVS modes need to be supported for interoperability - only specific modes that match legacy AMR-WB characteristics. This selective extraction reduces implementation complexity while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The RTP payload format is designed to be universal by accommodating both legacy AMR-WB modes and new EVS modes within a single standardized format. The same payload structure can carry different codec modes, eliminating the need for separate handling mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transcoders are deployed for codec translation, then interoperability between new and legacy equipment is achieved, but network investment and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized RTP payload format acts as an intermediary that enables direct communication between EVS and AMR-WB equipment without requiring transcoder intermediaries. By defining a common payload structure that both codec types can use, the patent eliminates the need for translation equipment while maintaining interoperability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If capability exchange between terminals is implemented, then appropriate codec selection is enabled, but additional signaling overhead and call setup time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs capability exchange and codec mode selection as a preliminary action during terminal initialization, before actual call setup. Terminals pre-negotiate and agree on supported codec modes and the payload format to use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated capability exchange during each call setup, reducing signaling overhead and call establishment time.
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.