Audio-visual quality estimation

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention presents a method and system for estimating the perceived audio-visual quality of transmitted audio-video signals, such as those used in streaming video services. The system assesses technical characteristics (such as codec type, bit rate, packet loss, and more) and combines them with audio and video content descriptors to compute overall perceptual quality—without requiring a reference (original) signal. The method can be deployed both for pre-deployment network planning and for real-time monitoring of multimedia services.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Network planning for video and audio streaming services (e.g., IPTV, VoD, mobile TV) to predict user-perceived quality.
• Live quality monitoring of broadcast or streaming media in production or operations centers.
• Service quality assurance for internet multimedia providers to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Automated decision-making or alerts in network operations when perceived quality drops below acceptable thresholds.
• Integrating into set-top boxes, clients, or monitoring tools for passive, real-time measurement of video and audio quality.
• Supporting the adaptation of streaming parameters (such as codec or bitrate) in response to network conditions to maintain perceived quality.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides accurate estimation of perceived audio-visual quality without needing access to the original signal, making it suitable for real-world, deployed services.
• Supports both network planning (design phase) and service monitoring (operation phase).
• Reduces need for high computational resources as it can leverage bit-stream analysis instead of full signal reconstruction.
• Can be adapted for various service types, content, codecs, and network conditions, making it flexible for evolving multimedia technologies.
• Sensitive to actual user experience and perceptual quality, not just technical metrics.
• Can help network operators and service providers maintain and improve customer Quality of Experience (QoE).

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a measurement system for estimating a quality of an audio-video signal. In particular, a audio-visual quality is computed, which provides a measure for the perceived quality of an audio-video signal. The apparatus and the method according to the invention preferably work without reference to the audio-video signal before transmission. Possible applications are network planning and service monitoring.