Patent ID: 6856954
Filing Date: 2005-02-15
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A flexible variable rate vocoder for use in a network to process signals, the vocoder having a plurality of output rates and a plurality of service classes the vocoder comprising: a rate determination module configured to select a target average data rate based on at least one network parameter and at least one external parameter, wherein one of the at leant one network parameter is indicative of an available network capacity; and a rate implementation module configured to select between the plurality of output rates for coding outgoing frames of the signals to achieve an average output rate for the outgoing frames, as determined over a predetermined time period, wherein the average output rate is approximately equal to the target average data rate; wherein the plurality of service classes comprise a premium class, a standard class and an economy class, and wherein the network has a plurality of users, each user of the plurality of users having a desired service class from the plurality of service classes and wherein if the network cannot accommodate a service demand by one of the plurality of users, the target average data rates associated with the standard class and the economy class are reduced to accommodate the service demand and the target average data rate associated with the premium class is maintained, and wherein the service demand is determined based on the desired service class of the one uses and wherein relative percentages of the plurality of output rates are adjusted to achieve the average output rate that is approximately equal to the target average data rate.