Method and apparatus for controlling encoding of a digital video signal according to monitored parameters of a radio frequency communication signal

Abstract

Method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a video codec designed for encoding video data suitable for radio transmission between a network and a mobile station. The invention is particularly applicable where the transmission errors are unpredictable, and entails monitoring one or more parameters of the received or transmitted signal and providing a feedback signal based on the monitored signal, the feedback signal controlling the encoding parameters in the algorithm of the video codec.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of operating a digital video codec for providing encoded video data for radio communication between a portable radio communication apparatus and a radio communication network, the method comprising monitoring at least one criterion of the radio communication signal and providing a signal responsive to said at least one monitored criterion for controlling at least one output parameter of the digital video codec.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein one of said at least one monitored criteria is received signal quality.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein one of said at least one monitored criteria is received signal strength.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein one of said at least one monitored criteria is transmission power.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the portable radio communication apparatus monitors the at least one monitored criterion.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein during transmission of the radio communication signal by the radio communication network, the portable radio communication apparatus monitors received signal quality and/or received signal strength.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein during transmission of the radio communication signal by the portable radio communication apparatus, the portable radio communication apparatus monitors transmission power.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the at least one output parameters is intra-refresh data.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the at least one output parameters is start codes.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the signal responsive to said at least one monitored criteria is a feedback signal provided using H.245 control protocol.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus for controlling the operation of a digital video codec arranged to provide encoded video data for radio communication between a portable radio communication apparatus and a radio communication network, the apparatus comprising means for monitoring at least one criterion of the radio communication signal and feedback means for providing a signal responsive to said at least one monitored criterion for controlling at least one output parameter of the digital video codec.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein one of said at least one monitored criteria is received signal quality.  
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to claims  11 , wherein one of said at least one monitored criteria is received signal strength.  
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein one of said at least one monitored criteria is transmission power.  
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the monitoring means is included in the portable radio communication apparatus.  
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein during transmission of the radio communication signal by the radio communication network, the portable radio communication apparatus monitors received signal quality and/or received signal strength.  
     
     
         17 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein during transmission of the radio communication signal by the portable radio communication apparatus, the portable radio communication apparatus monitors transmission power.  
     
     
         18 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein one of the at least one output parameters is intra-refresh data.  
     
     
         19 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein one of the at least one output parameters is start codes.  
     
     
         20 . A digital video codec arranged to provide encoded video data for radio communication between a portable radio communication apparatus and a radio communication network, the video codec being operable to modify at least one coding parameter of the algorithm for encoding the video data in response to feedback signals associated with at least one monitored criterion of the radio communication signal.  
     
     
         21 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the signal responsive to said at least one monitored criteria is a feedback signal provided using H.245 control protocol.