Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and computer program product allows for the efficient allocation of buffers (e.g., first-in first-out (FIFO) queues) for current and predicted active speakers in voice conferencing systems. The method and computer program product, implemented by a server hosting an audio conference for a plurality of speakers, minimizes the loss of audio data for speakers as they switch from 'non-active' to 'active' status. This is accomplished by employing a set of active speaker buffers and a set of predicted active speaker buffers. The predicted active speaker buffers maintain a collection of the most recent x packets or m milliseconds of 'non-active' speaker audio data, and transfer a portion of the data from the predicted active speaker buffers to the active speaker buffers as speakers become 'active' speakers. The x packets or m milliseconds of stored 'non-active' speaker audio data can be used only up to a pre-determined jitter buffer fill-level in order to avoid introducing additional audio packet delivery delay to participants of the conference.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim