VoIP Call Quality Feedback Interface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Communication systems employing VoIP face issues with call quality due to factors like data packet loss, high round trip time, CPU usage by other applications, and inadequate CPU performance, leading to frustrating experiences for users.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a client software on user terminals monitors call quality parameters and provides users with real-time feedback and instructions on how to improve call quality by controlling the user interface to display indicators and help messages, suggesting actions such as closing other applications or upgrading hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If VoIP is used for communication, then communication cost is reduced, but call quality deteriorates due to packet loss and high RTT

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication costVSAvoidcall quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the client monitors call quality parameters (packet loss, RTT, CPU usage) and provides real-time feedback to the user through the interface. This allows users to understand the relationship between system resource usage and call quality, and take corrective actions to maintain acceptable call quality while using cost-effective VoIP communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to self-diagnose and self-resolve call quality issues through the provided interface. Users can view monitoring data about their system's CPU usage, network conditions, and packet loss, and are guided to take appropriate actions (such as closing other applications or upgrading hardware) without requiring external technical support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications run on the user device, then device functionality is enhanced, but call quality deteriorates due to increased CPU usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidcall quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring component continuously tracks CPU usage by different applications during calls and provides feedback to the user interface. This enables users to see which applications are consuming excessive CPU resources and are negatively impacting call quality, allowing them to make informed decisions about which applications to close or limit during important communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system identifies and highlights the specific applications that are causing excessive CPU usage and degrading call quality. Rather than requiring users to limit all applications, the system enables targeted action on only the problematic applications, allowing users to maintain device versatility while addressing the specific cause of call quality degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If user is provided with call quality monitoring and control capabilities, then user control over call quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over call qualityVSAvoidclient software complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary user interface that sits between the complex monitoring components and the user. This interface translates complex technical parameters (packet loss, RTT, CPU usage statistics) into user-friendly visual indicators and actionable recommendations. The intermediary layer handles the complexity of data collection, analysis, and presentation, while exposing only simple, intuitive controls and information to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2014076B1User interface for handling call quality in a communication system
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 SKYPE
  • EP2014076B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2014076B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2014076B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method of controlling communication quality between one node and at least one other node in a packet switched communication system, the method comprising the steps of detecting at one of said nodes a condition that indicates that communication quality is below an acceptable threshold, automatically generating instructions based on the detected condition for a user of the at least one node, said instructions intended to provide a remedy to improve the communication quality, and receiving input from a user of the at least one node responsive to the instructions to implement the remedy and thereby improve the communication quality.