Efficient buffer allocation for current and predicted active speakers in voice conferencing systems

摘要

A method and computer program product allows for the efficient allocation of buffers (e.g., first-in first-out (FIFO) queues) for current and predicted active speakers in voice conferencing systems. The method and computer program product, implemented by a server hosting an audio conference for a plurality of speakers, minimizes the loss of audio data for speakers as they switch from “non-active” to “active” status. This is accomplished by employing a set of active speaker buffers and a set of predicted active speaker buffers. The predicted active speaker buffers maintain a collection of the most recent x packets or m milliseconds of “non-active” speaker audio data, and transfer a portion of the data from the predicted active speaker buffers to the active speaker buffers as speakers become “active” speakers. The x packets or m milliseconds of stored “non-active” speaker audio data can be used only up to a pre-determined jitter buffer fill-level in order to avoid introducing additional audio packet delivery delay to participants of the conference.