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GoogleGranted patentNetworks & wirelessInterest 6/10

Google patents video calls that change quality settings mid-conversation

This patent describes a method for video calls to automatically switch between different video compression methods while the call is active. The system monitors how well the current compression is working and changes to a different method if the performance meets a specific standard.

Why it mattersIt ensures video calls stay smooth by adjusting the technical settings in real-time without restarting the connection.

In the filing’s own words

A method for context-dependent in-call video codec switching includes receiving an indication that a far-side endpoint includes a capability to switch from an initial video codec to a secondary video codec during a call. During a call with the far-side endpoint, the method includes determining that a performance of an encoder satisfies a codec switching threshold. The codec switching threshold indicates that the performance of the encoder justifies switching from the initial video codec mid-stream of the call. During a call with the far-side endpoint, the method also includes switching from the initial video codec initially negotiated to govern the call to the secondary video codec.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A computer-implemented method executed by data processing hardware that causes the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: selecting, from a list of codecs, a first codec for communication between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, the first codec comprising an encoder; and during the communication between the first endpoint and the second endpoint: determining that the second endpoint comprises a capability to switch codecs during the communication; monitoring a performance of the encoder based on a comparison of an estimated bitrate for the communication with an actual bitrate at the encoder; determining a bitrate of the first codec during the communication based on the monitored performance; determining that the bitrate satisfies a switching threshold; and based on determining that the second endpoint comprises the capability to switch codecs during the communication and determining that the bitrate satisfies the switching threshold, switching the first codec to a second codec for the communication between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.

Facts

Company
Google (Google LLC)
Official title
Context-dependent in-call video codec switching
Patent number
US12750251B2
Application number
18796972
Filed
Aug 7, 2024
Granted
Sep 29, 2026
Inventors
5
Claims
20

Classified under

H04L 12/1822 Electricity & electronicsH04L 12/1827 Electricity & electronicsH04L 65/1086 Electricity & electronicsH04L 65/70 Electricity & electronicsH04L 65/752 Electricity & electronicsH04L 65/762 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.