GRACEFUL DEGRADATION FOR VOICE COMMUNICATION SERVICES OVER WIRED AND WIRELESS NETWORKS
First Claim
1. A method for extending the usable range and/or capacity of a network, comprising:
- receiving voice media generated while using the communication device, the communication device configured to be connected to the network through a network connection between the network and the communication device;
encoding the voice media to generate a full bit rate representation of the media generated while using the communication device;
storing the full bit rate representation of the voice media generated while using the communication device;
ascertaining if the usable bit rate on the network connection falls below a bit rate threshold, the bit rate threshold defining a minimum bit rate throughput sufficient for maintaining near real-time communication;
transmitting the voice media generated using the communication device from storage when the ascertained usable bit rate is below the bit rate threshold, the voice media being transmitted at a bit rate below the bit rate threshold, thereby effectively extending the usable range and/or capacity of the network connection for voice communication when the ascertained usable bit rate falls below the bit rate threshold;
receiving voice media over the network connection;
storing the voice media received over the network connection; and
providing the ability to render the voice media received over the network connection when the voice media received over the network connection is of sufficient completeness that it will be decipherable when rendered.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for gracefully extending the range and/or capacity of voice communication systems is disclosed. The method involves the persistent storage of voice media on a communication device. When the usable bit rate on the network is poor and below that necessary for conducting a live conversation, voice media is transmitted and received by the communication device at the available usable bit rate on the network. Although latency may be introduced, the persistent storage of both transmitted and received media of a conversation provides the ability to extend the useful range of wireless networks beyond what is required for live conversations. In addition, the capacity and robustness in not being affected by external interferences for both wired and wireless communications is improved.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for extending the usable range and/or capacity of a network, comprising:
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receiving voice media generated while using the communication device, the communication device configured to be connected to the network through a network connection between the network and the communication device; encoding the voice media to generate a full bit rate representation of the media generated while using the communication device; storing the full bit rate representation of the voice media generated while using the communication device; ascertaining if the usable bit rate on the network connection falls below a bit rate threshold, the bit rate threshold defining a minimum bit rate throughput sufficient for maintaining near real-time communication; transmitting the voice media generated using the communication device from storage when the ascertained usable bit rate is below the bit rate threshold, the voice media being transmitted at a bit rate below the bit rate threshold, thereby effectively extending the usable range and/or capacity of the network connection for voice communication when the ascertained usable bit rate falls below the bit rate threshold; receiving voice media over the network connection; storing the voice media received over the network connection; and providing the ability to render the voice media received over the network connection when the voice media received over the network connection is of sufficient completeness that it will be decipherable when rendered. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification