Dynamic VoIP Handoff via Annoyance Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handoff mechanisms in dual network communication devices do not effectively account for user tolerance and network-specific variations, leading to suboptimal call quality and increased network burden.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating annoyance tolerance and statistical modeling into the handoff decision algorithm, using communication link handoff logic to monitor network conditions and user feedback, allowing for intelligent handoffs between IP-based and circuit-switched networks based on call quality parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handoff threshold is set based on manufacturer or carrier default settings, then the handoff mechanism is simple to implement, but it does not account for user tolerance and network-specific variations leading to suboptimal call quality
Solution Approach 1:
The handoff threshold is made dynamic by incorporating user annoyance tolerance levels and network-specific parameters. Instead of using fixed default settings, the system continuously adapts the threshold based on real-time network conditions, user feedback, and historical data, allowing the handoff decision mechanism to respond flexibly to varying conditions while maintaining call quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where user responses to call quality are collected and used to adjust future handoff decisions. User annoyance tolerance is measured and fed back into the handoff algorithm, which then refines threshold settings based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves call quality while accounting for individual user preferences.
2Reliability
If handoff is initiated early to prevent call drops, then call reliability improves, but network burden increases due to unnecessary handoffs
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by initiating handoff only when necessary, based on calculated annoyance thresholds rather than always handing off early. By using user-specific tolerance levels and network condition analysis, the system avoids excessive handoffs that would burden the network, while still preventing call drops when truly needed, achieving the right balance between call continuity and network efficiency.
3Reliability
If handoff decisions are made frequently to adapt to changing network conditions, then call quality improves, but processing overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handoff decision algorithm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors network conditions, evaluates user annoyance tolerance, analyzes historical data, and makes handoff decisions. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single unified algorithm, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to adapt frequently to changing conditions for optimal call quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for evaluating an ongoing VoIP over WiFi call for purposes of determining when to hand it off to a circuit-switched cellular network connection. 802.11 WiFi call quality values X(i) over a sampled time period (N) of (j) samples for an ongoing telephone call over an 802.11 WiFi communication link are obtained and stored. An instantaneous annoyance value a(j) for each of the stored call quality values X(j) within sampled time period (N) is calculated. A current accumulated annoyance value A(i) by summing the instantaneous annoyance values a(j) is also calculated. The accumulated annoyance value A(i) is compared to a handoff threshold value H(i). A handoff of the telephone call from the 802.11 WiFi communication link to a circuit-switched cellular communication link is initiated when the accumulated annoyance value A(i) is greater than the handoff threshold value H(i).