A new dimension-based framework model for the quality of speech communication services

Abstract

In this paper, we identify quality dimensions which are relevant for speech communication services, such as mobile telephony or Voice-over-IP. These include dimensions perceived when listening to degraded speech, talking against echoes, double-talk capabilities, interacting with delay, conversing over channels with time-varying characteristics, and service-related dimensions experienced during speech connection set-up and maintenance. For each dimension, we review subjective evaluation metrics and instrumental quality prediction models. We group these dimensions in a framework model which is able to diagnostically assess speech communication services, and may be used for monitoring and maintenance.