Sample-Level VoIP Multiplexing for Reduced Processing Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VoIP audio stream multiplexing technologies do not efficiently support conferencing applications due to excessive processing overhead and the need for separate encoding and decoding of each channel, which limits scalability and increases bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
Multiplexing VoIP signals at the sample level before encoding, combining them into a common signal with a single header per packet, allowing for conferencing without de-multiplexing and reducing processing overhead, and enabling selective playback of all or subset signals with minimal packet overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate encoding and decoding is performed for each channel in traditional VoIP multiplexing, then each channel can be independently processed, but processing overhead increases and scalability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual channel encodings into a single joint encoding process. Instead of encoding each channel separately through individual codecs, the system combines multiple audio channels into a single multiplexed stream that undergoes one encoding operation, thereby reducing processing overhead while maintaining the ability to independently decode and playback individual channels or the combined conference mix.
2Quantity of substance
If RTP multiplexing is used to combine packet data flows, then bandwidth usage is reduced and network administration is simplified, but conferencing capability is not provided and excessive processing overhead remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by creating separate encoding paths: one path for individual channel encoding that can be selectively decoded for private listening, and another path for joint conference mix encoding that provides conferencing capability. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously support both individual channel access and group conferencing functions within the same multiplexed transmission framework.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple headers are used for each individual signal packet, then each signal can be independently identified, but packet overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual packet headers into a single unified header structure for the multiplexed stream. Instead of requiring separate RTP headers for each individual channel packet, the system uses one header for the combined multiplexed stream that contains identification information for all included channels, thereby reducing packet overhead while maintaining the ability to identify and separately process individual channels when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems that provide the ability to playback multiple VoIP audio streams simultaneously with a single RTP session and further provides the ability to conference all streams together prior to transmission. More specifically, the present invention focuses on the transport layer and sample-based multiplexing employed to provide this capability.