Terminal Codec Mode Selection Using Network Characteristics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current codec mode selection in VoIP calls is independent of the network situation, leading to inappropriate codec mode selection and increased processing load on both the network and terminal, without considering the end-to-end communication situation.

Innovation Solution

A method where terminals determine the communication path situation and select an appropriate codec mode using information about the wireless access network characteristics, without increasing processing load on the network or terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If codec mode selection is performed independently of network situation, then codec mode can be selected without considering communication path quality, but inappropriate codec mode is selected and communication reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecodec mode selection simplicityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal performs preliminary determination of communication path situation (wireless access network type, transmission path type, end-to-end communication situation) before codec mode selection. This preliminary action enables the terminal to select an appropriate codec mode in advance based on the determined communication characteristics, ensuring reliable communication from the initial stage without increasing processing load during actual communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal autonomously determines communication path situation using its own capabilities (wireless access network type determination unit, transmission path type determination unit) and selects codec mode based on this self-determined information. The terminal serves itself by using internally available information (characteristics of wireless access network it is connected to) rather than relying on network-side control or complex external negotiations, thereby improving reliability without adding network processing load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If codec mode selection considers end-to-end communication situation, then communication reliability is improved, but processing load on terminal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidterminal processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential elements needed for codec mode selection: wireless access network type, transmission path type, and basic end-to-end communication situation. By taking out only these necessary characteristics rather than analyzing the entire communication situation, the terminal can make informed codec mode decisions without excessive processing load. The terminal extracts and uses only the relevant features available from its current connection state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal uses lightweight, easily obtainable information about the wireless access network (network type, connection characteristics) that is already available or can be obtained with minimal processing. Rather than implementing complex, resource-intensive analysis mechanisms, the patent uses simple determination units that leverage existing terminal capabilities to gather necessary information at low cost and minimal processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If codec mode selection increases network processing, then more accurate codec mode can be selected, but network processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecodec mode selection accuracyVSAvoidnetwork processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal independently determines communication path situation and selects codec mode using its own capabilities and available information about the wireless access network. This self-service approach eliminates the need for network-side processing or control for codec mode selection, thereby maintaining accurate codec mode selection while avoiding any increase in network processing load. The terminal handles the entire selection process autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses characteristics of the wireless access network (network type, transmission path type) as an intermediary to bridge the terminal's local decision-making with the overall communication quality. Instead of requiring direct network involvement in codec mode selection, the wireless access network characteristics serve as a mediator that provides the terminal with sufficient information to make accurate selections independently, thus reducing network processing requirements while maintaining selection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3554127B1Terminal and coding mode selection method
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP3554127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3554127B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3554127B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a terminal capable of determining the status of a communications and selecting an appropriate codec mode without applying a load to either a network or terminals, by using information held by the terminal as negotiation information. A UE (100) sends to a partner the codec mode selected from a plurality of candidate codec modes notified by the partner, when communications commence. The UE (100) comprises: a wireless receiver (600) that receives a first information relating to the characteristics of a network to which the partner is currently connected; an information comparison unit (606) that compares the first information and a second information relating to the characteristics of the network that the UE is currently connected to, and decides the communications format; and a mode determination unit (608) that selects the codec mode to be used, from among the candidates and based on the decided communications format.