S4-260222 - AI Summary

CR on correction to animation samples transport

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Summary of 3GPP CR on Correction to Animation Samples Transport

Document Information

  • Specification: TS 26.264 v19.1.0
  • CR Number: 0017
  • Category: F (Correction)
  • Release: Rel-19
  • Work Item: AvCall-MED
  • Source: Qualcomm Inc.

Problem Statement

The current specification incorrectly implies that avatar animation samples should be carried on the metadata data channel, which is defined as text-only UTF-8 JSON. However, ARF (Avatar Representation Format) animation samples are binary data. This mismatch creates several issues:

  • Requires base64 encapsulation for binary data in text channel
  • Introduces additional latency
  • Creates interoperability problems
  • Risk of incompatible proprietary workarounds and fragmentation

Technical Changes

1. Metadata Data Channel Clarification (Clause 6.2)

Added clarification:
- Explicit NOTE stating that the metadata data channel (sub-protocol "3gpp-ar-metadata") is text-only and not intended for transport of binary data such as avatar animation samples
- Explicit statement that the metadata data channel shall not be used to transport ARF avatar animation samples

2. New Avatar Animation Data Channel (Clause 6.3.2)

Major addition - dedicated binary transport channel:

Channel Characteristics

  • Sub-protocol identifier: "3gpp-ar-animation"
  • Purpose: Binary transport for ARF avatar animation samples (clause 8 of TS 26.565)
  • Separation: Distinct from metadata data channel
  • Content restriction: Shall only carry avatar animation samples

Transport Parameters

  • Transmission order: In-order
  • Reliability: Should be reliable by default
  • Partial reliability: May negotiate using data-channel parameters (max-time or max-retr) when supported by both endpoints
  • SDP signaling: Included in dcmap attribute

Message Format

  • Each message contains exactly one ARF animation sample
  • No compression scheme defined for animation samples

Example SDP

a=dcmap:2 label="avatar-anim-1" subprotocol="3gpp-ar-animation" ordered max-time=150

3. Removed Content (Clause 6.3.2)

Deleted specifications:
- Previous avatar animation message format using metadata channel (Table 6.3-1)
- Message type "urn:3gpp:avatar:v1:animation"
- Subtype field for different animation types (facial, joint, landmark, audio, video)
- Payload object structure for animation samples in JSON format

Retained control messages:
- Stopped message (urn:3gpp:avatar:v1:animation:control:stopped) - Table 6.3-2
- Resumed message (urn:3gpp:avatar:v1:animation:resumed) - Table 6.3-3
- These control messages continue to use the metadata data channel

Impact

Requirements for AR-MTSI Clients/MF

  • Shall support exchange of avatar animation data over the new Avatar Animation Data Channel
  • Shall establish or accept Avatar Animation Data Channel for animation sample exchange
  • Shall support ARF sample formats per clause 8 of TS 26.565

Consequences if Not Approved

  • Incompatible implementations using workarounds (text/base64, proprietary channels)
  • Fragmentation of implementations
  • Interoperability failures between vendors

Summary

This CR introduces a fundamental architectural correction by separating binary avatar animation sample transport from text-based metadata transport. It defines a new dedicated data channel with appropriate binary transport characteristics, preventing the need for inefficient text encoding of binary data and ensuring proper interoperability for avatar animation in AR-MTSI calls.

Document Information
Source:
Qualcomm Inc.
Type:
CR
Original Document:
View on 3GPP
Title: CR on correction to animation samples transport
Agenda item: 10.4
Agenda item description: Release 19 and earlier matters
Doc type: CR
Secretary remarks: Source modified on 2/3/2026. Original source : Qualcomm Atheros, Inc.
Release: Rel-19
Specification: 26.264
Version: 19.1.0
Related WIs: AvCall-MED
CR number: 17.0
CR category: F
Clauses affected: 6.2, 6.3.2
CN: True
CR: 17.0
ME: True
Spec: 26.264
Contact: Imed Bouazizi
Uploaded: 2026-02-03T21:49:01.353000
Contact ID: 84417
Revised to: S4-260433
TDoc Status: revised
Clauses Affected: 6.2, 6.3.2
Reservation date: 03/02/2026 19:44:24
Secretary Remarks: Source modified on 2/3/2026. Original source : Qualcomm Atheros, Inc.
Agenda item sort order: 51