Patent Abstract:
According to an embodiment, a mobile device includes wireless access circuitry configured to access a wireless communication network; a processor for executing a communication client application to conduct a packet-based call with a remote device via a channel established over the wireless communication network, the communication client application configured to monitor at least one network parameter; a hardware processing module selectively operable to implement a processing function; a software processing module selectively executable to implement said processing function; and a selection mechanism for supplying the call to one of the hardware processing module and software processing module based on the at least one monitored network parameter.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 or 365 to Great Britain Application No. GB 1115386.3, filed Sep. 6, 2011. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to processing signals during a call conducted on a mobile device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Some communication systems allow the user of a device, such as a personal computer, to conduct voice or video calls over a packet-based computer network such as the Internet. Such communication systems include voice or video over internet protocol (VoIP) systems. These systems are beneficial to the user as they are often of significantly lower cost than conventional fixed line or mobile cellular networks. This may particularly be the case for long-distance communication. To use a VoIP system, the user installs and executes client software on their device. The client software sets up the VoIP connections as well as providing other functions such as registration and authentication. In addition to voice communication, the client may also set up connections for other communication media such as instant messaging (“IM”), SMS messaging, file transfer and voicemail. 
         [0004]    With increasing mobile bandwidths, there is increasing interest in providing packet-based video calls via client applications running on mobile devices such as Internet-enabled mobile phones. These mobile devices comprise transceivers such as short-range RF transceivers operating on one or more unlicensed bands for accessing the Internet via wireless access points (e.g. of Wi-Fi access points of WLAN networks), and/or cellular transceivers operating on one or more licensed bands for accessing the Internet via a packet-based service of a cellular network such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) or HSPA (High Speed Packet Access). 
         [0005]    In a current “Smartphone”, software based encoding according to the H.264 standard is implemented, which provides good quality encoding but reduces battery life. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile device comprising: wireless access circuitry configured to access a wireless communication network; a processor for executing a communication client application to conduct a packet-based call with a remote device via a channel established over the wireless communication network, the communication client application configured to monitor at least one network parameter; a hardware processing module selectively operable to implement a processing function; a software processing module selectively executable to implement said processing function; and a selection mechanism for supplying the call to one of the hardware processing module and software processing module based on the at least one monitored network parameter. 
         [0007]    Preferably, the processing function is a codec function on one of a video or audio call. 
         [0008]    Preferably, the at least one monitored network parameter is at least one of: channel bit rate; channel end-to-end transmission delay; channel packet loss rate; and channel packet loss burstiness. 
         [0009]    The selection mechanism may be further responsive to capabilities of the remote device to select between the hardware processing module and the software processing module. Preferably, the selection mechanism comprises: a switch configured to receive an input signal; and a controller configured to receive the at least one monitored network parameter and supply a control signal to said switch, the control signal based on the at least one monitored network parameter, wherein the control signal controls the switch to output the input signal to either the hardware processing module or the software processing module to be processed. 
         [0010]    The software processing module may be implemented by code executed on the means for executing the communication client application. 
         [0011]    Preferably, monitoring the at least one network parameter is at least one of a transport layer function and an application layer function executed by the processor for executing the communication client application. 
         [0012]    The hardware processing module and the software processing module may both comprise a video encoder and a video decoder. The mobile device may further comprise means for capturing real time video data, said means supplying the input signal in the form of an unencoded video signal. Alternatively, the input signal may be an encoded video signal transmitted to the mobile device via said channel by the remote device. 
         [0013]    The hardware processing module and the software processing module may both comprise an audio encoder and an audio decoder. The mobile device may further comprise means for capturing audio data, said means supplying the input signal in the form of an unencoded audio signal. Alternatively, the input signal may be an encoded audio signal transmitted to the mobile device via said channel by the remote device. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the processing function is a security function. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the wireless communication network is the Internet. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the mobile device is one of: an Internet-enabled mobile telephone; a handheld game console; a personal digital assistant (PDA); a tablet computer; and a laptop computer. 
         [0017]    According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of conducting a packet based call with a remote device via a channel established over a wireless communication network, the method comprising: executing a communication client application to conduct the call and monitor at least one network parameter; and selectively supplying the call to one of a hardware processing module operable to implement a processing function, or a software processing module executable to implement said processing function, based on the at least one monitored network parameter. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the method further comprises supplying the at least one monitored network parameter to a selection mechanism configured to supply the call to the hardware processing module or the software processing module. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the method further comprises receiving an input signal at a switch of the selection mechanism; receiving the at least one monitored network parameter at a controller of the selection mechanism; and supplying a control signal from said controller to said switch, the control signal based on the at least one monitored network parameter, wherein the control signal controls the switch to output the input signal to either the hardware processing module or the software processing module to be processed. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the method further comprises executing a logical analysis of multiple network parameters. 
         [0021]    The controller may control said switch to output the input signal to the hardware processing module to be processed, when: the channel bit rate is greater than, or equal to, a predetermined bit rate threshold, and the channel end-to-end transmission delay is less than a predetermined delay threshold, and the channel packet loss rate is less than a predetermined packet loss rate threshold. 
         [0022]    The controller may control said switch to output the input signal to the software processing module to be processed, when the channel bit rate is less than the predetermined bit rate threshold. 
         [0023]    The controller may control said switch to output the input signal to the software processing module to be processed, when the channel end-to-end transmission delay is greater than, or equal to, the predetermined delay threshold. 
         [0024]    The controller may control said switch to output the input signal to the software processing module to be processed, when the channel packet loss rate is greater than, or equal to, the predetermined packet loss rate threshold. 
         [0025]    The method may further comprise receiving a user input to select a configuration mode, said configuration mode corresponding to a set of constant threshold values, wherein the controller controls said switch using said set of constant threshold values. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the method further comprises: monitoring a power supply level of a power supply; and adjusting the operation of the selection mechanism based on the power supply level. The thresholds may be varied according to the power supply level of the power supply. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the controller controls said switch using a first set of constant threshold values when the power supply level of the power supply indicates that the mobile device is connected to an external power source. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the controller controls said switch using a second set of constant threshold values when the power supply level of the power supply is greater than, or equal to, a predetermined power supply threshold, and the controller controls said switch using a third set of constant threshold values when the power supply level of the power supply is less than the predetermined power supply threshold. 
         [0029]    According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and comprising code configured so as when executed on a mobile device to perform any of the method steps described hereinabove. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how it may be put into effect, reference is now made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a communication system, 
           [0032]      FIG. 2   a  is a schematic representation of a known mobile terminal, 
           [0033]      FIG. 2   b  is a schematic block diagram of a known mobile terminal, 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the invention, 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of a signal processing module, 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of a protocol stack, 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  illustrates a method of determining whether to implement a software codec or a hardware codec, 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  illustrates a method of determining parameters for use in the method of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a communication system  100  comprising a packet-based network  101  such as the Internet, and a mobile cellular network  103 . The mobile cellular network  103  comprises a plurality of base stations  104  (sometimes referred to as node Bs in 3GPP terminology). Each base station  104  is arranged to serve a corresponding cell of the cellular network  103 . Further, the packet-switched network  101  comprises a plurality of wireless access points  106  such as Wi-Fi access points for accessing the Internet. These may be the access points of one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs). 
         [0040]    A plurality of user terminals  102  are arranged to communicate over the networks  101  and/or  103 . At least one of the user terminals  102  comprises a mobile device such as an Internet-enabled mobile phone, and others of the user terminals  102  may comprise for example desktop or laptop PCs. 
         [0041]    An example mobile device  102   a  is shown schematically in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b . The mobile device  102   a  comprises a processing apparatus in the form of one or more processor units (CPUs)  211  coupled to a memory  213  storing a communication client application. The processor  211  is also coupled to: a microphone  202 , a speaker  203 , camera  205 , a power supply  206 , one or more RF transceivers  207 , a keypad  209 , and a display  212 . 
         [0042]    The one or more transceivers  207  enable the mobile device  102   a  to access the one or more networks  101  and/or  103 . For example, mobile device  102   a  may comprise a cellular wireless transceiver for accessing the mobile cellular network  103  via the base stations  104 , and/or a wired or wireless modem for accessing the Internet  101 . In the case of a wireless modem, this typically comprises a short-range wireless transceiver (e.g. Wi-Fi) for accessing the Internet  101  via the wireless access points  106 . 
         [0043]    Access to the Internet  101  may also be achieved by other means such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) or HSPA (High Speed Packet Access). At a higher level of the cellular hierarchy, the cellular network  103  comprises a plurality of cellular controller stations  105  each coupled to a plurality of the base stations  104 . The controller stations  105  are coupled to a traditional circuit-switched portion of the mobile cellular network  103  but also to the Internet  101 . The controller stations  105  are thus arranged to allow access to packet-based communications via the base stations  104 , including access to the Internet  101 . The controller stations  105  may be referred to for example as Base Station Controllers (BSCs) in GSM/EDGE terminology or Radio Network Controllers (RNCs) in USTM or HSPA terminology. 
         [0044]    The memory  213  may comprise a non-volatile memory such as an electronic erasable and programmable memory (EEPROM, or “flash” memory) coupled to the processor  211 . The memory stores communications code arranged to be executed on the processor, and configured so as when executed to engage in communications over the Internet  101  and/or cellular network  103 . The communications code preferably comprises a communication client application for performing communications such as voice or video calls with other user terminals  102  over the Internet  101 , via a short-range wireless transceiver  207  and wireless access points  106 , and/or via a cellular wireless transceiver  207 , base stations  104  and controller stations  105  of the cellular network  103  as discussed above. However, one or more of the user terminals  102  involved could alternatively communicate via a wired modem, e.g. in the case of a call between a mobile terminal and a desktop PC. 
         [0045]    In this manner, a mobile device  102   a  is arranged to establish a call with another, remote terminal  102   b  via the Internet  101  (or other packet-based network). In the example shown the remote terminal  102   b  is a desktop computer, but in other embodiments could be another mobile device. 
         [0046]    Particularly, if the video calling feature is enabled by the user, the call comprises a live video call between the mobile device  102   a  and  102   b . The video call comprises an exchange of signals captured in real-time by the devices  102   a  and  102   b , transmitted in the form of IP packets via the Internet  101 . 
         [0047]    The exchanged signals may comprise both incoming and outgoing video signals, although alternatively the video call need not be bidirectional and could comprise video transmitted in only one direction from only one of the user devices  102 . 
         [0048]    The exchanged signals may comprise a “raw” (unencoded) outgoing video signal captured by the camera  205  of the mobile device  102   a , converted to a digital signal by analogue to digital converter (ADC)  215  and encoded by the client at block  217 . 
         [0049]    When executed the encoder  217  encodes the video signal so as to compress it into a lower bitrate stream, and outputs the encoded signal for transmission via the transceiver  207  and network  101 , 103  to the remote device  102   b.    
         [0050]    The exchanged signals may comprise an incoming encoded video signal from the remote terminal  102   b  that is decoded by the client application on the mobile device  102   a  at the decoder  219 . The decoded video signal may then be converted to an analogue signal using digital to analogue converter (DAC)  221  and output to the display  212 . 
         [0051]    The exchanged signals may also comprise an incoming encoded audio signal from the remote device  102   b  for output via the speaker  203  on the mobile device  102   a , and/or an outgoing “raw” (unencoded) audio signal captured by the microphone  202  on the mobile device  102   a  for transmission to the remote device  102   b . A generic term that may be used to refer to an encoder and/or decoder is a codec. 
         [0052]    A mobile device  102   a  according to the invention is shown schematically in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0053]    The mobile device  102   a  shown in  FIG. 3  comprises a signal processing module  320  which includes a CPU  311  (for implementing a software codec and carrying out other signal processing functions) and a hardware codec. The hardware codec may be implemented on a dedicated chip or may be physically located on the same die as the CPU  311 . 
         [0054]    The signal processing module  320  is coupled to the same devices that are present in the known mobile device described above with reference to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b . That is, the signal processing module  320  is coupled to a memory  313  storing a communication client application. The signal processing module  320  is also coupled to: a microphone  302 , a speaker  303 , camera  305 , a power supply  306 , one or more RF transceivers  307 , a keypad  309 , and a display  312 . 
         [0055]    The signal processing module  320  is further coupled to a power supply level monitoring block  308  that monitors power supply  306 . The power supply level monitoring block  308  can take the form of an analogue to digital converter which reads the voltage level of the power supply  306  and converts this to digital data that can be read by the signal processing module  320 . 
         [0056]    The signal processing module  320  will now be discussed in more detail with reference to  FIG. 4 . The signal processing module  320  may be used to encode an input signal for transmission over the network  101 , 103  to remote device  102   b  during a voice or video call. 
         [0057]    An input signal is supplied on line  402  to an encoder switch  404 . In operation the input signal may be an audio signal output from microphone  302  and/or the input signal may be a real-time video signal captured by camera  305 . 
         [0058]    The encoder switch  404  also receives a control signal  412  from control block  430 . The encoder switch  404  operates to output the received input signal on either line  406  to a hardware codec  405 , or on line  408  to a software codec  410  in dependence on control signal  412 . The selected one of the hardware codec  405  and software codec  410  provides an encoded output signal on line  414 . The encoded output signal  414  may be supplied to the network interface  207  for transmission over the network  101 , 103  to remote device  102   b.    
         [0059]    Although shown as a separate block for explanatory purposes, as indicated by the dashed lines, the software codec  410  is implemented by executing program code on the CPU  311  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). The hardware codec  405  is implemented using dedicated circuitry. 
         [0060]    A hardware codec uses less power than a software codec, and thus can extend battery life. However a software codec can provide a better quality result in some situations and can be more easily updated. The described embodiments allow the optimum codec to be selected depending on the circumstances through the action of control block  430 . The control block  430  is implemented by executing code on the CPU  311 , this code may be stored in memory  313  or in a separate memory not shown in  FIG. 3 . Control block  430  receives monitored network parameters including bit rate  442 , transmission delay  444 , packet loss rate  446 , and the capabilities  448  of remote device  102   b , and based on these monitored network parameters outputs control signal  412  to control the encoder switch  404 . The capabilities  448  of the remote device  102   b  may include for example the screen resolution of the remote device  102   b  or the CPU capabilities of the remote device  102   b . As conveyed by the dashed line, parameters  442 - 448  are monitored by executing the communication client application on the CPU  311 . A description of how the control block  430  generates control signal  412  is provided below with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0061]    The signal processing module  320  may also be used to decode an input signal for output to the user  108   a  of the mobile device  102   a  during a voice or video call. 
         [0062]    An input signal is supplied on line  422  to a decoder switch  424 . In operation the input signal may be an encoded audio signal and/or an encoded video signal that is received over the network  101 , 103  from the remote device  102   b.    
         [0063]    The decoder switch  424  also receives a control signal  432  from control block  430 . A description of how the control block  430  generates control signal  432  is provided below with reference to  FIG. 6 . The decoder switch  424  operates to output the received input signal on either line  426  to the hardware codec  405 , or on line  428  to the software codec  410  in dependence on control signal  432 . The selected one of the hardware codec  405  and software codec  410  provides a decoded output signal on line  434 . The decoded output signal  434  may be converted to an analogue signal that may be output by the speaker  203  or the display  212 . 
         [0064]    It will be appreciated that the hardware codec  405  and the software codec  410  can be either a video codec comprising a video encoder and/or a video decoder, or can be an audio codec comprising an audio encoder and/or an audio decoder. The encoders and decoders can be switched independently of each other using encoder switch  404  and decoder switch  424 . 
         [0065]    In order to describe how parameters  442 - 448  are monitored, reference is now made to  FIG. 5 . As will be familiar to a person skilled in the art, the basic mechanism by which user devices can communicate over a network such as the Internet can be considered as a protocol stack (embodied in the software running on each user device). There are a number of different protocol stacks depending on the communication type, but one is shown in  FIG. 5  as representative. 
         [0066]    In this stack, the lowest layer is the link layer  516  which is responsible for conveying bits over an RF link between devices  102   a  and  102   b . The link layer  316  is responsible for conveying RF traffic in the form of (typically encoded) bits, modulated onto a carrier frequency. 
         [0067]    The internet layer  514  is the packet protocol responsible for immediate packet routing. Those skilled in the art will understand that a packet of data comprises both a header portion and a payload. The header comprises the internetwork address (e.g. IP address) of the destination user device, and the payload comprises the actual user data desired by the communication client application to be transmitted. When a routing node receives a packet, its IP layer software examines the IP address and determines the next adjacent routing node to which to route the packet (or end-user terminal device if the destination device is adjacent). 
         [0068]    The transport layer  512  adds additional header information wrapped on top of the IP header to provide services such as port numbering, congestion control and acknowledgement of packet receipt. 
         [0069]    Finally, the application layer  510  relates to the user information to be included in the packet payload, e.g. audio or video content of a voice or video call, or user text for an IM message. A client application is free to include any content it wishes in the payload as appropriate to the application in question. 
         [0070]    The communication client application executed on processor  311  may operate on the transport layer  512  to monitor the end to end transmission delay  444  and the packet loss rate  446 . The communication client application may monitor transmission delay using time stamps. Packet loss may be determined using gaps in sequence number of the packets. It will be appreciated that other methods for monitoring this information may be used, for example using network equipment on lower layers. These parameters can be used by the communication client application on the application layer  510  to estimate the available network bandwidth that can be used for the audio/video streams. Furthermore, the communication client application may receive information on the capabilities  448  of the remote device  102   b , this may be received in response to a request by the mobile device  102   a  or as part of the establishment of a call conducted over the link later. 
         [0071]    The communication client application supplies the monitored parameters  442 - 448  to the control block  430 , the control block may then evaluate the monitored parameters  442 - 448  to determine whether to implement the hardware codec  405  or the software codec  410  to process the input signals  402 , 422 . 
         [0072]    The inventors have developed logic that the control block  430  implements when determining whether to implement the hardware codec  405  or the software codec  410 . The logic used when an input signal must be encoded for transmission is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In constructing the logic, the inventors have assumed the following: Firstly, when processing real-time video signals the hardware codec  405  is able to process the input at higher resolutions than the software codec  410  due to constraints of the CPU  311  on which the software codec  410  is implemented. 
         [0073]    Secondly, the software codec  410  is easier to update and therefore likely to have more technically advanced features than the hardware codec  405 , therefore it is likely to perform better than the hardware codec  405  in low bit-rate, long delay and high packet loss conditions. 
         [0074]    Finally, the hardware codec  405  consumes less power from the power supply  306  than the software codec  410 . 
         [0075]    At step  602 , the control block  430  receives the monitored parameters  442 - 448 . 
         [0076]    At step  604 , the control block  430  determines if the bit rate  442  is greater than, or equal to, a predetermined threshold A. If the bit rate  442  is less than A, at step  614  the control block  430  outputs a control signal  412  that controls the encoder switch  404  to supply the input on line  402  to the software codec  410 . The predetermined threshold A should be tuned to the actual hardware codec implementation. One example is 500 kbps. 
         [0077]    If it is determined at step  604  that the bit rate  442  is greater than or equal to A the control block  430  proceeds to step  606  where it determines whether the end to end transmission delay  444  is greater than, or equal to, a predetermined threshold B. If the delay  444  is greater than or equal to B, then the control block  430  proceeds to step  614  and operates as described above. Again the predetermined threshold B should be tuned to the actual hardware codec implementation. In one example scenario, a 500 ms end to end delay may be required and if the hardware codec  405  needs 400 ms in order to encode the input on line  402 , then the network delay should be less than 100 ms, therefore in this example the threshold value B would be selected to be 100 ms. 
         [0078]    If it is determined at step  606  that the delay  444  is less than B the control block  430  proceeds to step  608  where it determines whether the packet loss rate  446  is greater than a predetermined threshold C. If the packet loss rate  446  is greater than C, then the control block  430  proceeds to step  614  and operates as described above. In one example scenario, the predetermined threshold C may be 0% such that the hardware codec  405  is only used when there is no packet loss 
         [0079]    If the packet loss rate  446  is less than or equal to C the control block  430  proceeds to step  610  where it determines whether the remote device capabilities  448  are greater than, or equal to, a predetermined threshold D. If the remote device capabilities  448  are less than D then the control block  430  proceeds to step  614  and operates as described above. In one example scenario, if the hardware encoder  405  is tuned for VGA resolution and higher resolutions, then at step  610  the process checks whether the CPU of the remote device  102   b  can handle VGA resolution before the hardware codec  405  is applied. 
         [0080]    While packet loss is mentioned, it will be appreciated that other measures of packet loss, such as burstiness could be used. 
         [0081]    If it is determined at step  610  that the remote device capabilities are greater than, or equal to D, at step  614 , the control block  430  outputs a control signal  412  that controls the encoder switch  404  to supply the input on line  402  to the hardware codec  405 . 
         [0082]    Thus, the hardware codec  405  is only used when the bit rate  442  is greater than or equal to A, the delay  444  is less than B, the packet loss  446  is less than or equal to C and the remote device capabilities  448  are greater than or equal to D, and if these conditions are not met the software codec  410  is used. Therefore the hardware codec  405  is used when the conditions of the network are good and the remote device  102   b  can handle the high resolution. 
         [0083]    For simplicity, in  FIG. 4  a clear separation between the hardware codec  405  and the software codec  410  is shown. However in some implementations there may not be such a clear separation, for example when a hybrid structure is used where part of the processing is run on a graphics processing unit (GPU). However in these implementations the switching algorithm discussed above with reference to  FIG. 6  still applies. 
         [0084]    It will be appreciated that, the logic implemented by control block  430  when an encoded input signal must be decoded does not take into account the remote device capabilities  448 . Therefore in the decoding process, the hardware codec  405  is used when the conditions of the network are good. That is, the hardware codec  405  is only used when the bit rate  442  is greater than or equal to A, the delay  444  is less than B, and the packet loss  446  is less than or equal C, and if these conditions are not met the software codec  410  is used. 
         [0085]    Since network parameters are constantly changing the logic used in  FIG. 6  can lead to frequent switching between the hardware codec  405  and the software codec  410 . This is undesirable as frequent codec switching results in delay (caused by the switching) and bit-rate overhead. Various different methods may be used in order to prevent frequent codec switching. For example the control block  430  may only output control signal  412 , 432  to apply a codec switch if more than X seconds has passed since the last codec switch, one example value of X is 10 seconds. In another example, the monitored parameters  442 - 448  can be averaged over a period of time Y, one example of Y is 5 seconds. In yet another example, statistical metrics may be applied to the network parameters that are monitored over a period of time Y, for example the worst values of the network parameters that are monitored over the period of time Y may be sent to the control block  430 . 
         [0086]    The predetermined thresholds A, B, C, D used in the logic shown in  FIG. 6  can be made adaptive according to the status i.e. power supply level, of the power supply  306 . As shown in  FIG. 4  the power supply level monitoring block  308  may provide the power supply level of the power supply  306  to control block  430 . How the control block uses this information to adaptively change the threshold values A, B, C, D used in  FIG. 6  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0087]    At step  702 , the control block  430  receives the power supply level of the power supply  306  from the power supply level monitoring block  308 . 
         [0088]    At step  704 , the control block  430  determines whether a power cable is connected to the mobile device  102   a  such that power is being supplied to the power supply  206  (i.e. determines whether the power supply of the mobile device is charging). If a power cable is connected to the mobile device  102   a  such that power is being supplied to the power supply  306  power utilisation of the codec is not important, then as shown at step  708 , a first configuration is used in the process of  FIG. 6 . That is, values A 1 ,B 1 ,C 1 ,D 1  are used in the process of  FIG. 6 . This first configuration is used to bias the control block  430  to use the software codec  410  as much as possible. During a video call a switch to the hardware codec  405  will only be possible when the remote device  102   b  is capable of receiving high resolution video. As a mere example, the parameters in the first configuration may take the values A 1 =1500 kbps, B 1 =100 ms, C 1 =0%, D 1 =HD capable. 
         [0089]    If it is determined at step  704  that power is not being supplied to the power supply  306 , then at step  706  the control block  430  determines whether the power supply level of the power supply  306  is greater than, or equal to, 60% capacity. If the power supply level of the power supply  306  is greater than, or equal to, 60% capacity then as shown at step  710 , a second configuration is used in the process of  FIG. 6 . That is, values A 2 ,B 2 ,C 2 ,D 2  are used in the process of  FIG. 6 . When the power supply level of the power supply  306  is greater than, or equal to, 60% capacity the software codec  410  is still preferred in most scenarios. Therefore, during a video call the parameters in the second configuration may take the values A 2 =500 kbps, B 2 =200 ms, C 2 =1%, D 2 =QVGA capable. It will be appreciated that these values are merely examples and are not limiting in any way. 
         [0090]    If it is determined at step  706  that the power supply level of the power supply  306  is less than 60% capacity, then as shown at step  712 , a third configuration is used in the process of  FIG. 6 . This third configuration is used to bias the control block  430  to use the hardware codec  405 . That is, values A 3 ,B 3 ,C 3 ,D 3  are used in the process of  FIG. 6 . Therefore, during a video call the parameters in the second configuration may take the values A 2 =500 kbps, B 2 =200 ms, C 2 =1%, D 2 =QVGA capable. It will be appreciated that these values are merely examples and are not limiting in any way. 
         [0091]    It will be appreciated that the threshold power supply of 60% is merely an example and is not limiting in any way. Furthermore it will be appreciated that further power supply thresholds may be used in association with additional threshold value configurations. 
         [0092]    It is important to note that A,B,C,D are constant values, used to decide when the hardware codec  405  or the software codec  410  should be used, and A 1 ,A 2 ,A 3  are different constant values (as are B 1 ,B 2 ,B 3  and C 1 ,C 2 ,C 3  and D 1 ,D 2 ,D 3 ). All values can be tuned differently for different devices, different cameras, different microphones, and to suit different users (shaky video or talking head video) etc. 
         [0093]    Implementing the methods illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  enables a decision to be made whether to use the hardware codec  405  or the software codec  410  on the fly to react to changes in network and battery conditions. 
         [0094]    Priority can be given to either the hardware implemented codec  405  or the software codec  410  based on the power supply level of the power supply  306  by selecting the predetermined threshold values of A 1 ,B 1 ,C 1 ,D 1 ; A 2 ,B 2 ,C 2 ,D 2  and A 3 ,B 3 ,C 3 ,D 3 . 
         [0095]    When the power supply level of the power supply  306  is low, priority should be given to the hardware codec  405  which uses less battery, similarly when the mobile device is connected to an external power source (i.e. the mobile device is charging) priority should be given to the software codec  410 . In order to implement this prioritisation, the constant threshold values may be set as follows: 
         [0000]      A1≧A2≧A3
 
         [0000]      B3≧B2≧B1
 
         [0000]      C3≧C2≧C1
 
         [0000]      D1≧D2≧D3
 
         [0096]    Thus, taking the bit rate threshold values A 1 ,A 2 ,A 3  as an example, when the mobile device is connected to an external power source and priority should be given to the software codec  410 , the highest threshold value A 1  is used in step  604  as the software codec  410  can perform better in low bit rate channel conditions. In contrast, when the power supply level of the power supply  306  is low and priority should be given to the hardware codec  405 , the lowest threshold value A 3  is used in step  604 . 
         [0097]    As described above, the methods illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  enables the invention to automatically select the best mode of operation. In another embodiment of the invention, a user input received at the mobile device  102   a  may override the automatic decisions of the control block  430 . This user input may be received at input means at the mobile device  102   a  for example microphone  302  or keypad  309 . 
         [0098]    In this embodiment the user may select a configuration mode each corresponding to a set of predetermined threshold values. For example a “Best Performance” configuration mode may correspond to predetermined threshold values A 1 ,B 1 ,C 1 ,D 1 , a “Better Battery” configuration mode may correspond to predetermined threshold values A 2 ,B 2 ,C 2 ,D 2  and a “Best Battery” configuration mode may correspond to predetermined threshold values A 3 ,B 3 ,C 3 ,D 3 . It will be appreciated that the configuration modes may correspond to predetermined threshold values other than those described hereinabove. 
         [0099]    In one example scenario the user  108   a  of mobile device  102   a  may wish to make an important call and therefore wants a high level of call quality. The user  108   a  is able to see that the power supply level of power supply  306  is low (i.e. less than 60%) and that the power supply  306  will be able to provide power to the mobile device for a remaining length of time i.e. 30 minutes. In this scenario, the method illustrated in  FIG. 7  would automatically use the predetermined threshold values A 3 ,B 3 ,C 3 ,D 3  (see steps  706 , 712 ). However the user  108   a  may be aware that the important call will only last 20 minutes. That is, the power supply  306  has sufficient power for the duration of the call. Therefore the user  108   a  may select the “Best Performance” configuration mode to override the automatic functionality of the control block  430  and select the predetermined threshold values A 1 ,B 1 ,C 1 ,D 1  thus achieving the best call quality. 
         [0100]    In another example scenario, the user  108   a  of mobile device  102   a  may wish to make a call that will be very long in duration. The user  108   a  is able to see that the power supply level of power supply  306  is high (i.e. greater than 60%). In this scenario, the method illustrated in  FIG. 7  would automatically use the predetermined threshold values A 2 ,B 2 ,C 2 ,D 2  (see steps  706 , 710 ). The user  108   a  may select the “Best Battery” configuration mode to override the automatic functionality of the control block  430  and select the predetermined threshold values A 3 ,B 3 ,C 3 ,D 3  thus achieving the best battery performance to provide sufficient power for the length of the call. 
         [0101]    Embodiments of the present invention avoid the need for a trade off to be made during the design and manufacture process between hardware and software. In the past, during the design process of mobile device  102   a , many trade-offs needed to be made in order to achieve the best call quality, security or battery performance. A mobile device would be provided with hardware assistant chips in order to improve the battery performance of the mobile device; however the hardware implementations can become outdated and do not achieve the level of call quality that is achieved by software based implementations that may easily be updated. 
         [0102]    By allowing a live selection between software and hardware implementations, this trade-off no longer has to be made at the design stage. In addition to video codecs discussed above, the invention can be applied to audio codecs, security related functions or other battery intense functions. 
         [0103]    Whilst embodiments of the present invention have been discussed with particular reference to video and/or voice calls, it will be appreciated that applications of the present invention may extend to other mobile video usages, such as live streaming and video mail. 
         [0104]    It should be understood that the block, flow, and network diagrams may include more or fewer elements, be arranged differently, or be represented differently. It should be understood that implementation may dictate the block, flow, and network diagrams and the number of block, flow, and network diagrams illustrating the execution of embodiments of the invention. 
         [0105]    It should be understood that elements of the block, flow, and network diagrams described above may be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware. In addition, the elements of the block, flow, and network diagrams described above may be combined or divided in any manner in software, hardware, or firmware. If implemented in software, the software may be written in any language that can support the embodiments disclosed herein. The software may be stored on any form of non-transitory computer readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), flash memory, hard drive, and so forth. In operation, a general purpose or application specific processor loads and executes the software in a manner well understood in the art. 
         [0106]    While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appendant claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7