TAI Indicator for Optimal Codec Path Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication network protocols lack the ability to accurately determine the optimal selection of codecs on a call-by-call basis, leading to suboptimal speech quality and increased transcoding stages, which degrade voice quality and consume excessive bandwidth.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a Total Accumulated Impairment (TAI) indicator is used to provide individual impairment values for each supported coding scheme, allowing nodes to select the path with the least impairment and optimize codec placement along the connection, thereby minimizing transcoding stages and improving speech quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coding schemes are used along a connection to accommodate different network capabilities, then network adaptability is improved, but the number of transcoding stages increases which degrades speech quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidspeech quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing impairment values for different coding schemes before connection establishment. The TAI indicator is computed in advance based on network conditions and coding scheme characteristics, allowing nodes to make informed codec selection decisions without requiring real-time transcoding trials or complex runtime calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where nodes exchange TAI indicator information during connection setup and modification procedures. This feedback loop allows each node to receive impairment data from previous nodes in the call path and use it to select optimal coding schemes, dynamically adjusting codec choices based on accumulated impairment information from the connection path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If more transcoding stages are deployed to support multiple coding schemes, then network flexibility is improved, but speech quality degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidspeech quality degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically deploying multiple transcoding stages with a computational approach using TAI indicators. Instead of relying on multiple physical transcoders being activated, the system uses pre-computed impairment data to virtually select optimal coding paths, substituting physical transcoding infrastructure with information-based decision making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If codec selection is made without individual impairment values, then protocol complexity is reduced, but bandwidth consumption increases due to suboptimal codec choices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol complexityVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the overall connection quality assessment into individual impairment components for each coding scheme. The TAI indicator is segmented into separate impairment values that can be independently calculated and exchanged between nodes, allowing for granular codec selection without requiring complex overall optimization algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by introducing the TAI indicator as a new parameter that carries individual impairment values for different coding schemes. This parameter transformation enables nodes to make bandwidth-efficient codec selections by using pre-computed impairment data, changing the decision-making process from guesswork to data-driven selection without significantly increasing protocol complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8817617B2Individual codec pathway impairment indicator for use in a communication

Publication Date: 2014.08.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A system and method control a setup of a connection in a communication network including a set of nodes, such as Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) and Media Gateways (MGWs). In one example, a speech connection is established between MGWs subject to the control of the MSCs, which can selectively activate or deactivate codecs along the connection. The codecs potentially affect connection quality by differing amounts. A Total Accumulated Impairment (TAI) element is forwarded between the MSCs and updated by the MSCs that include individual partially accumulated impairment values corresponding to the supported codec candidates. Each individual indicator value provides information representative of the expected accumulated impairment along a candidate connection path leading up to, and including, the corresponding codec. By providing information pertaining to the expected accumulated impairment along each candidate connection path, the MSCs can determine an optimum sequence of codecs to minimize the overall connection impairment.