Abstract: The system and method of the present invention comprises a compressed domain conference bridge. The method includes maintaining full intelligibility for all users even when there are multiple simultaneous talkers. The bridge also allows a user to hear a plurality of talkers over a single channel.

Abstract: The present invention includes a smart vocoder which selects an optimal vocoder algorithm for encoding a communication. The selection is based on at least one of the following criteria: a) minimizing bandwidth required to transmit the communication; b) minimizing a cost of transmitting the communication; c) increasing the quality of the communication; d) achieving compatibility with a receiving terminal; and e) reducing latency. The selection of the optimal vocoder algorithm occurs during the call setup. The smart vocoder can select a low bit rate vocoder algorithm if bandwidth is scarce. The smart vocoder can also select a vocoder algorithm which allows the call to be routed over a low cost network. A lossless compressor can be used to compress the encoded communication signal, creating extra bandwidth for the insert of error correction bits. The smart vocoder can be incorporated into a DSP or one or more ASICs.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention comprises a hybrid dual/single talker speech synthesizer that produces a digital audio stream. The method includes decoding a compressed bit stream that contains encoded parameters. The encoded parameters describe either a single talker's voice input or encoded parameters describing two simultaneous talker's voice inputs. The dual synthesizer is able to decode such dual talker bit streams and handle transitions from dual talker to single talker modes and vice versa without introducing objectionable artifacts in the output audio.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention comprises a compressed domain conference bridge. The method includes maintaining full intelligibility for all users even when there are multiple simultaneous talkers. The bridge also allows a user to hear a plurality of talkers over a single channel.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for pseudo-tunneling voice communications over a telecommunications network to preserve the quality of the voice call and reduce degradation due to tandemming loss. The pseudo-tunneling of the present invention comprises processing and routing voice packets as data packets. A voice packet is pseudo-tunneled by setting a pseudo-tunneling flag in the voice packet. The pseudo-tunneling flag provides an indication to network devices that the voice packet should be processed and routed like a data packets. Alternatively, one or more voice packets can be encapsulated in a routing packet for routing across a packet switched data network. The routing packet is pseudo-tunneled by setting a pseudo-tunneling flag in the header of the routing packet. Pseudo-tunneled vocoder frames are not converted into PCM or any other decompressed waveform representation of the voice signal, thereby avoiding tandemming loss and preserving bandwidth.