Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus. In the method, a first media function entity receives first information, and on the basis of an indication of the first information, performs first media negotiation on the basis of second media negotiation, the second media negotiation comprising negotiation of a plurality of media channels. Subsequently, the first media function entity determines a first media channel from the plurality of media channels, and sends a request of the first media negotiation to a first communication apparatus to request re-negotiation of the first media channel. Thus, during the first media negotiation, it is unnecessary to negotiate media channels other than the first media channel among the plurality of media channels, thereby reducing the complexity of the first media negotiation process and improving the media negotiation efficiency.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510102028.4, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 20, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IPS) network, a terminal can establish a session connection with one or more other terminals besides itself. For example, a session connection can include audio calls, video calls, etc. During the process of establishing a session connection, the terminals determine the media information used for the session connection through end-to-end media negotiation. Taking an audio call session connection as an example, the media information of this session connection can include the codec information required for the audio call.

[0004] In the scenario of establishing a session connection between the aforementioned terminals, multiple media negotiation processes are involved. Currently, the negotiation methods used in these multiple media negotiation processes are complex and inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that, during multiple media negotiations, can perform media negotiations on a portion of multiple media channels, thereby reducing the complexity of media negotiations and improving their efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first media functional entity. Here, the first media functional entity can refer to the first media functional entity itself, or to a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system within the first media functional entity that implements the method.

[0008] The method includes: receiving first information, the first information instructing a first media negotiation, the first media negotiation being conducted based on a second media negotiation, the second media negotiation including negotiation of multiple media channels; sending a request for the first media negotiation to a first communication device, the request for the first media negotiation being used to request renegotiation of a first media channel, the first media channel belonging to multiple media channels.

[0009] Based on the solution provided in the first aspect above, the first media functional entity conducts first media negotiation according to the instructions of the first information, building upon the second media negotiation. Since the second media negotiation process involves negotiation of multiple media channels, it indicates that negotiation of multiple media channels has already been completed before the first media negotiation. Therefore, conducting the first media negotiation on this basis allows for a request to renegotiate the first media channel among the multiple media channels. Other media channels besides the first media channel can reuse the results of the second media negotiation, thereby reducing the complexity of the first media negotiation and improving its efficiency.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the request for first media negotiation includes a proposal for a second media channel, which is a media channel renegotiated from the first media channel. The proposal includes media information from the second media channel that differs from the media information from the first media channel.

[0011] Based on the aforementioned possible implementation methods, the request for first media negotiation is used to renegotiate the first media channel to obtain a second media channel. Therefore, the request for first media negotiation can carry proposal information for the second media channel to initiate renegotiation of the first media channel. This proposal information includes media information that differs between the second and first media channels. This reduces data transmission overhead during the renegotiation process, thereby improving the efficiency of media negotiation.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the media information of the second media channel also includes the media information of the first media channel.

[0013] Based on the aforementioned possible implementation methods, the media information in the second media channel can be based on the media information in the first media channel, with some additional media information added. In other words, the media information in the first media channel and the media information in the second media channel are partially identical. In this way, the request for first media negotiation can carry the added media information, thereby reducing data transmission overhead during the renegotiation process and improving the efficiency of media negotiation.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the request for first media negotiation also includes first instruction information, which instructs the media information of the second media channel to be the same as the media information in the first media channel.

[0015] Based on the aforementioned possible implementation methods, the first media functional entity instructs the second media channel to use the first instruction information to access the same media information as the first media channel. In other words, during the renegotiation of the first media channel, the media information indicated by the first instruction information can reuse the result of the second media channel negotiation without requiring further renegotiation. This improves the efficiency of renegotiation of the first media channel.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the multiple media channels include one or more of the following: a media channel between a first media function entity and a first terminal, wherein the first terminal is the called terminal; a media channel between the first media function entity and a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the calling terminal; or, a media channel between the first media function entity and the second media function entity, wherein the second media function entity is the media function entity corresponding to the second terminal.

[0017] Based on the aforementioned possible implementation methods, the multiple media channels include the media channel between the first media function entity and the calling terminal, the media channel between the first media function entity and the called terminal, and the media channel between the first media function entity and the second media function entity. In this way, the first media function entity can renegotiate some of the multiple media channels, improving the efficiency of media negotiation.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first information includes business information corresponding to the first media negotiation, and the business information includes one or more of the following: media type, or media codec type; the method further includes determining the first media channel to be renegotiated based on the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation; and / or determining the media channels other than the first media channel among the multiple media channels not to be negotiated.

[0019] Based on the aforementioned possible implementation methods, after receiving the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation, the first media function entity determines which media channels among multiple media channels will be renegotiated and which will not, according to the media type and / or media codec type carried in the business information. This reduces the complexity of the first media negotiation and improves its efficiency.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the service corresponding to the first media negotiation is a one-way video service or a ringback tone service, and the service corresponding to the second media negotiation is an audio service. The first media channel includes the media channel between the first media function entity and the second terminal. The first media function entity is the media function entity corresponding to the first terminal, and the second terminal is the calling terminal.

[0021] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first media function entity performs media negotiation for one-way video service or ringback tone service on the basis of audio service. Since the one-way video service or ringback tone service is played to the calling terminal and not to the called terminal, the first media function entity can renegotiate the media channel between itself and the calling terminal, that is, the media channel between the first terminal, but does not renegotiate other media channels except the media channel between the first media function entity and the first terminal, thereby reducing the complexity of media negotiation and improving the efficiency of media negotiation.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a first media negotiation response from a first communication device, the first media negotiation response including response information of a second media channel, the response information including media information of the second media channel, and media information different from the media information of the first media channel.

[0023] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first media function entity receives the response information of the second media channel carried in the first media negotiation response. The response information of the second media channel corresponds to the proposal information of the second media channel; if it includes media information that differs between the second and first media channels, it indicates that the renegotiation of the first media channel is complete. This reduces the complexity of media negotiation and improves its efficiency.

[0024] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first communication device. Here, the first communication device can refer to the first communication device itself, or to a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system within the first communication device that implements the method.

[0025] The method includes: receiving a request for a first media negotiation from a first media functional entity, the first media negotiation being conducted on the basis of a second media negotiation, the second media negotiation including the negotiation of multiple media channels; the request for the first media negotiation being used to request a renegotiation of a first media channel, the first media channel belonging to multiple media channels.

[0026] Based on the solution provided in the second aspect above, after receiving the request for first media negotiation, the first communication device performs first media negotiation based on the second media negotiation. Since the second media negotiation process includes negotiation of multiple media channels, it indicates that negotiation of multiple media channels has been completed before the first media negotiation. Therefore, the first communication device renegotiates the first media channel among the multiple media channels according to the request for first media negotiation. Other media channels among the multiple media negotiation channels, excluding the first media channel, can reuse the results of the second media negotiation, which can reduce the complexity of the first media negotiation and thus improve the efficiency of the first media negotiation.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the request for first media negotiation includes a proposal for a second media channel, which is a media channel renegotiated from the first media channel. The proposal includes media information from the second media channel that differs from the media information from the first media channel.

[0028] Based on the aforementioned possible implementation methods, the request for first media negotiation is used to renegotiate the first media channel to obtain a second media channel. Therefore, the request for first media negotiation can carry proposal information for the second media channel to initiate renegotiation of the first media channel. This proposal information includes media information that differs between the second and first media channels. This reduces data transmission overhead during the renegotiation process, thereby improving the efficiency of media negotiation.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the media information of the second media channel also includes the media information of the first media channel.

[0030] Based on the aforementioned possible implementation methods, the media information in the second media channel can be based on the media information in the first media channel, with some additional media information added. In other words, the media information in the first media channel is partially identical to that in the second media channel. This allows the request for first media negotiation to carry the added media information, reducing data transmission overhead during the renegotiation process and improving the efficiency of media negotiation.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the request for first media negotiation also includes first instruction information, which instructs media information of a second media channel that is the same as the media information in the first media channel.

[0032] Based on the aforementioned possible implementation methods, the first communication device determines, through the first instruction information, that the media information in the second media channel is identical to the media information in the first media channel. In other words, during the renegotiation of the first media channel, the media information indicated by the first instruction information can reuse the result of the second media channel negotiation without requiring renegotiation. This improves the efficiency of renegotiation of the first media channel.

[0033] Based on the aforementioned possible implementation methods, the multiple media channels include the media channel between the first media function entity and the calling terminal, the media channel between the first media function entity and the called terminal, and the media channel between the first media function entity and the second media function entity. In this way, the first media function entity can renegotiate some of the multiple media channels, improving the efficiency of media negotiation.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first information includes business information corresponding to the first media negotiation, and the business information includes one or more of the following: media type, or media codec type; the method further includes determining the first media channel to be renegotiated based on the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation; and / or determining the media channels other than the first media channel among the multiple media channels not to be negotiated.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first media negotiation response to a first media function entity, the first media negotiation response including response information of a second media channel, the response information including media information of the second media channel, and media information different from the media information of the first media channel.

[0036] Based on the above possible implementations, the first communication device sends a response from the second media channel via a first media negotiation response. The response from the second media channel corresponds to the proposal information of the second media channel and includes media information that differs between the second and first media channels. This indicates that the renegotiation of the first media channel is complete. This reduces the complexity of media negotiation and improves its efficiency.

[0037] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. The communication device can be a first media function entity as described in the first aspect. The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the method described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The interface module, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module may consist of an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the interface module to receive first information, the first information indicating a first media negotiation, which is based on a second media negotiation, the second media negotiation including the negotiation of multiple media channels; the processing module is also configured to control the interface module to send a request for the first media negotiation to the first communication device, the request for the first media negotiation being used to request renegotiation of the first media channel, the first media channel belonging to multiple media channels.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the request for first media negotiation includes a proposal for a second media channel, which is a media channel renegotiated from the first media channel. The proposal includes media information from the second media channel that differs from the media information from the first media channel.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the media information of the second media channel also includes the media information of the first media channel.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the request for first media negotiation also includes first instruction information, which instructs the media information of the second media channel to be the same as the media information in the first media channel.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the multiple media channels include one or more of the following: a media channel between a first media function entity and a first terminal, wherein the first terminal is the called terminal; a media channel between the first media function entity and a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the calling terminal; or, a media channel between the first media function entity and the second media function entity, wherein the second media function entity is the media function entity corresponding to the second terminal.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first information includes business information corresponding to the first media negotiation, and the business information includes one or more of the following: media type or media codec type; the processing module is further configured to determine the first media channel to be renegotiated based on the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation; and / or to determine the media channels other than the first media channel among the multiple media channels that are not to be negotiated.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the service corresponding to the first media negotiation is a one-way video service or a ringback tone service, and the service corresponding to the second media negotiation is an audio service. The first media channel includes the media channel between the first media function entity and the second terminal. The first media function entity is the media function entity corresponding to the first terminal, and the second terminal is the calling terminal.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the interface module to receive a first media negotiation response from the first communication device. The first media negotiation response includes response information from a second media channel, which includes media information from the second media channel that is different from the media information from the first media channel.

[0047] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect. This communication device can be the first communication device described in the second aspect. The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the method described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The interface module, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module may consist of an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0049] In one possible implementation, a processing module is used to control the interface module to receive a request for a first media negotiation from a first media function entity. The first media negotiation is based on a second media negotiation, which includes negotiation of multiple media channels. The request for the first media negotiation is used to request renegotiation of a first media channel, which belongs to multiple media channels.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the request for first media negotiation includes a proposal for a second media channel, which is a media channel renegotiated from the first media channel. The proposal includes media information from the second media channel that differs from the media information from the first media channel.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the media information of the second media channel also includes the media information of the first media channel.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the request for first media negotiation also includes first instruction information, which instructs media information of a second media channel that is the same as the media information in the first media channel.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the interface module to send a first media negotiation response to the first media function entity. The first media negotiation response includes response information of the second media channel, which includes media information of the second media channel that is different from the media information of the first media channel.

[0054] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by means of logic circuitry. The communication device may be a first media function entity as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a first communication device as described in the second aspect. Optionally, the number of processors may be one or more.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together; or, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0059] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit being configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor being configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a first media function entity as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a first communication device as described in the second aspect. Optionally, the number of processors may be one or more.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0061] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0062] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0063] A ninth aspect provides a communication system comprising at least one of the following: a first media function entity for performing the method described in the first aspect, and a first communication device for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0064] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspects three through nine can be found in the technical effects of any one of aspects one through two or different possible implementations of any one of aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0065] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of the Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the real-time communication network architecture provided in this application;

[0068] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the interaction between the SDP offerer and the SDP answerer provided in this application.

[0069] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the end-to-end media negotiation method provided in this application.

[0070] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the end-to-end media negotiation method provided in this application (II).

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0072] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application;

[0073] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0074] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the media channel in the communication method provided in this application;

[0075] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the second communication method provided in this application;

[0076] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the communication method provided in this application (Part 3);

[0077] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0078] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0079] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0080] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0081] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0083] 1. Terminal

[0084] The terminal in this application is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal can also be called a terminal device, which can be user equipment (terminal), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to users. Specifically, the terminal includes handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, vehicle-mounted devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), or computing devices. Exemplarily, the terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminals can also be virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless modems, point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in intelligent transportation, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, vehicle-mounted terminals, roadside units (RSUs) with terminal functions, or flying equipment (e.g., intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Terminals can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, a terminal can be a device that acts as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0085] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. For example, wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also devices that achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include devices that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0086] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0087] The terminal in this application can be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX) built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit, or T-BOX. The terminal can also be a complete vehicle device. Therefore, this application can be applied to vehicle networking, such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X), long-term evolution vehicle (LTE-V), and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V).

[0088] 2. IMS Network

[0089] The IMS network described in this application is an open system that carries various multimedia services to users based on the Internet Protocol (IP). For example, the IMS network may include one or more of the following entities: a proxy-call session control function (P-CSCF) entity, an interrogating-call session control function (I-CSCF) entity, a serving-call session control function (S-CSCF) entity, a multimedia telephony application server (MMTelAS), or an IMS-access media gateway (IMS-AGW). It should be understood that the above entities can be deployed independently on various physical devices, or some of the above entities can be deployed on the same physical device; this application does not impose specific limitations.

[0090] In an IMS network, the P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF, MMTel AS, and DCSF entities are control plane or signaling plane entities used to handle operations related to session control, such as creating or updating sessions. The IMS-AGW and TrGW are media plane entities used to handle media-related operations, such as media negotiation or transmitting media streams. The session described in this application (such as the first session in the following embodiments) refers to a logical connection between terminals, and this session can pass through one or more media plane entities. This session can be used to transmit media streams between terminals. The media stream described in this application refers to media data generated by the terminal, such as one or more of audio data, video data, text data, or image data. The functions of each entity are briefly described below.

[0091] The P-CSCF entity is located in the visited network and is the entry point for users to access the IMS network. It is mainly responsible for forwarding signaling between users and the home network.

[0092] The I-CSCF entity is located in the home network and serves as the unified entry point for the home network. It is primarily responsible for allocating or querying S-CSCFs that provide services to users.

[0093] The S-CSCF entity is also located in the home network and is the central node of the IMS network, mainly responsible for user registration, authentication, sessions, routing, and service triggering.

[0094] MMTel AS is used to provide multimedia services, such as multimedia conferencing, call waiting, or call hold.

[0095] The Value-Added Services AS is used to provide value-added services such as ringback tones, while the New Calls AS is used to provide new services based on DCSF triggering, such as screen lighting and one-way video services.

[0096] The Data Channel Signaling Function (DCSF) is used to manage DC media channels and DC service triggering, and provides a northbound interface for service calls.

[0097] The IMS network is illustrated below using Figure 1 as an example. It should be understood that Figure 1 is merely an example of an IMS network. In specific applications, the IMS network can take other forms. For example, the IMS network may include more or fewer entities than shown in Figure 1, or one or more entities in Figure 1 may be replaced with other entities that have similar functions, without limitation.

[0098] The IMS network shown in Figure 1 includes terminals, P-CSCF entities, I / S-CSCF entities, MMTEL AS, New Call AS, Value-Added Services AS, and Unified Media Function (UMF) entities. The I / S-CSCF entity comprises both I-CSCF and S-CSCF. It should be understood that the I / S-CSCF entity in this application is an abbreviation for both the I-CSCF entity and the S-CSCF entity, but does not imply that the I-CSCF entity and the S-CSCF entity are the same physical device. In practical applications, the I-CSCF and S-CSCF can be deployed independently on different physical devices or on the same physical device, without restriction. This is a unified explanation here and will not be repeated later.

[0099] 3. Real-time communication network

[0100] The real-time communication network described in this application can also provide users with various multimedia services. Compared with the IMS network, the real-time communication network has a simpler network architecture, so it can provide multimedia services to users more promptly. For example, the real-time communication network may include one or more of the following entities: a unified session control function (UCF) entity or a unified media function entity. It should be understood that the above entities can be deployed independently on various physical devices, or some of the above entities can be deployed on the same physical device; this application does not impose specific limitations.

[0101] In real-time communication networks, the UCF entity is a control plane or signaling plane entity used to handle session control-related operations, such as creating or updating sessions. The UMF entity is a media plane entity used to handle media-related operations, such as media negotiation or media stream transmission. The UCF entity can implement session access or session connection control. Optionally, the UCF entity can also provide signaling interoperability with other IP networks. The UMF entity can implement media processing functions such as media negotiation and media forwarding. Optionally, the UMF entity can also provide media interoperability with other IP networks. Furthermore, in real-time communication networks, the UCF entity can assign a UMF entity to the nearest terminal based on its location.

[0102] In real-time communication networks, messages between terminals and the network can be based on real-time communication protocols such as User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Quick UDP Internet Connection (QUIC), WebSocket, or Web Transport, or they can be Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages, without restriction. Messages between entities (or network functions) within the network can be based on protocols such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

[0103] The following uses Figure 2 as an example to illustrate a real-time communication network. It should be understood that Figure 2 is only an example of a real-time communication network. In specific applications, real-time communication networks can take other forms. For example, a real-time communication network may include more or fewer entities than shown in Figure 2, or one or more entities in Figure 2 may be replaced with other entities that have similar functions, without limitation.

[0104] The real-time communication network shown in Figure 2 includes a UMF entity, a UCF entity, an AS (Service Agent), and terminals. The AS provides various real-time communication network services, including ringback tones, screen illumination, one-way video services, and basic call hold-up. The unified control function (UCF) entity implements session access and call setup control. The UMF implements media processing capabilities such as media negotiation, media access, and media forwarding, providing media-related capabilities to each service AS.

[0105] 4. SIP

[0106] The SIP described in this application is an application-layer control protocol for multimedia communication over IP networks, proposed and researched by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). SIP can be used to create, modify, or terminate session processes involving one or more participants. Furthermore, SIP can support one or more signaling functions for multimedia communication. For example, SIP signaling can be used to determine the location of terminals participating in the communication, i.e., for user location. And / or, SIP signaling can be used for user communication capability negotiation to determine the media type and / or parameters of the communication. And / or, SIP signaling can be used to determine user willingness to interact, such as determining whether a called user intends to participate in a communication. And / or, SIP signaling can be used to establish a call, such as instructing the called terminal to ring, or determining the session parameters of the calling and called terminals. And / or, SIP signaling can be used for call management, such as call forwarding, terminating calls, modifying session parameters, or invoking services.

[0107] In this application, SIP signaling communication can be used between control plane entities (or signaling plane entities).

[0108] 5. SDP

[0109] The SDP described in this application is an application-layer protocol used to describe multimedia sessions. SDP is also a text-based protocol. SIP can use SDP to complete media negotiation between the calling party and the called party. The party initiating the media negotiation can be called the SDP offerer, and the party responding to the media negotiation can be called the SDP answerer.

[0110] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the SDP offeror can send an SDP offer to the SDP answerer. Upon receiving the SDP offer, the SDP answerer can send an SDP response to the SDP offeror. The SDP offer may carry information about the SDP offeror's ability to transmit and receive media, as well as the address information of the media being transmitted and received. The SDP answer carries information about the SDP answerer's response to the SDP offeror. This information can be determined by the SDP answerer based on its own ability to transmit and receive media, its own media address information, and the information in the SDP offer. Taking the negotiation of audio and video media information between the SDP offeror and SDP answerer as an example, the information carried in the SDP offer can be shown in Table 1, and the information carried in the SDP answer can be shown in Table 2. In Table 1, “c=INIP4 192.168.0.1” represents the IP address of the SDP offerer; “m=audio 49170RTP / AVP 0 18” indicates that the audio media port of the SDP offerer is “49170”, and the supported audio codec formats are RTP / AVP 0 (specifically PCMU / 8000) and RTP / AVP 18 (specifically G729 / 8000); “m=video 51372RTP / AVP 31 32” indicates that the video media port of the SDP offerer is “51372”, and the supported video codec formats are RTP / AVP 31 and RTP / AVP 32. In Table 2, “c=INIP4 192.168.0.3” represents the IP address of the SDP answerer; “m=audio 49172RTP / AVP 0” indicates that the audio media port of the SDP answerer is “49172”, and the audio codec format of the SDP answerer’s response is RTP / AVP 0; “m=video 51372RTP / AVP 31” indicates that the video media port of the SDP answerer is “51372”, and the video codec format of the SDP answerer’s response is RTP / AVP 31.

[0111] Table 1

[0112] Table 2

[0113] Based on the aforementioned media negotiation, the SDP offeror can determine that the audio data sent to the SDP answerer is encoded using "PCMU / 8000", and that the destination address of this audio data is 192.168.0.3, and the destination port is 49172. The received audio data from the SDP answerer is decoded using "PCMU / 8000". The SDP offeror can also determine that the video data sent to the SDP answerer is encoded using "H261 / 90000", and that the destination address of this video data is 192.168.0.3, and the destination port is 51372. The received video data from the SDP answerer is decoded using "H261 / 90000".

[0114] Based on the aforementioned media negotiation, the SDP answerer can determine that the audio data sent to the SDP offerer is encoded using "PCMU / 8000", and that the destination address of this audio data is 192.168.0.1, and the destination port is 49170. The received audio data from the SDP offerer is decoded using "PCMU / 8000". Similarly, the SDP answerer can determine that the video data sent to the SDP offerer is encoded using "H261 / 90000", and that the destination address of this video data is 192.168.0.1, and the destination port is 51372. The received video data from the SDP offerer is decoded using "H261 / 90000".

[0115] In traditional media negotiation processes, media negotiation requires a full end-to-end negotiation process. However, this process involves numerous steps and lengthy procedures, and in scenarios with nested business logic, signaling conflicts can easily occur during media renegotiation.

[0116] In one example, as shown in Figure 4, a communication method provided in this application can be applied to a media negotiation process between a first terminal and a second terminal. The communication method may include the following steps:

[0117] S401: The first terminal sends a first invitation request to the P-CSCF entity. Correspondingly, the P-CSCF entity receives the first invitation request from the first terminal.

[0118] S402: The P-CSCF entity sends a first session creation request to the IMS-AGW. Correspondingly, the IMS-AGW receives the first session creation request from the P-CSCF entity.

[0119] S403: IMS-AGW sends a first session creation response to the P-CSCF entity. Correspondingly, the P-CSCF entity receives the first session creation response from IMS-AGW.

[0120] S404: The P-CSCF entity sends a second invitation request to the P-CSCF entity. Correspondingly, the P-CSCF entity receives the second invitation request from the P-CSCF entity.

[0121] S405: The P-CSCF entity sends a second session creation request to the IMS-AGW. Correspondingly, the IMS-AGW receives the second session creation request from the P-CSCF entity.

[0122] S406: IMS-AGW sends a second session creation response to the P-CSCF entity. Correspondingly, the P-CSCF entity receives the second session creation response from IMS-AGW.

[0123] S407: The P-CSCF entity sends a third invitation request to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the third invitation request from the P-CSCF entity.

[0124] S408: The second terminal sends a response to the P-CSCF entity regarding the third invitation request. Correspondingly, the P-CSCF entity receives the response to the third invitation request from the second terminal.

[0125] S409: The P-CSCF entity sends a first session update request to the IMS-AGW. Correspondingly, the IMS-AGW entity receives the first session update request from the P-CSCF entity.

[0126] S410: The P-CSCF entity sends a response to the second invitation request to the P-CSCF entity. Correspondingly, the P-CSCF entity receives a response from the P-CSCF entity to the second invitation request.

[0127] S411: The P-CSCF entity sends a second session update request to the IMS-AGW. Correspondingly, the IMS-AGW receives the second session update request from the P-CSCF entity.

[0128] S412: The P-CSCF entity sends a response to the first invitation request to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives a response to the first invitation request from the P-CSCF entity.

[0129] S413: The first terminal sends a media negotiation request 1 to the IMS-AGW based on the first address information. Correspondingly, the IMS-AGW receives the media negotiation request 1 from the first terminal.

[0130] S414: IMS-AGW sends Media Negotiation Request 2 to IMS-AGW based on the third address information. Correspondingly, IMS-AGW receives Media Negotiation Request 2 from IMS-AGW.

[0131] S415: IMS-AGW sends a media negotiation request 3 to the second terminal based on the address information of the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the media negotiation request 3 from IMS-AGW.

[0132] S416: The second terminal sends a media negotiation response 3 to the IMS-AGW based on the fourth address information. Correspondingly, the IMS-AGW receives the media negotiation response 3 from the second terminal.

[0133] S417: IMS-AGW sends Media Negotiation Response 2 to IMS-AGW based on the second address information. Correspondingly, IMS-AGW receives Media Negotiation Response 2 from IMS-AGW.

[0134] S418: IMS-AGW sends Media Negotiation Response 1 to the first terminal based on the address information of the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives Media Negotiation Response 1 from IMS-AGW.

[0135] S419: The first terminal, IMS-AGW, IMS-AGW and the second terminal transmit audio media streams based on the media negotiation results.

[0136] Understandably, the aforementioned media negotiation process involved end-to-end full media negotiation between the first and second terminals. This process was lengthy and involved numerous steps, resulting in low efficiency.

[0137] In another example, as shown in Figure 5, a communication method provided in this application can be applied to a media negotiation process between a first terminal and a second terminal. This communication method may include the following steps:

[0138] S501: A call is established between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a ringback tone is played on the first terminal.

[0139] S502: The second terminal sends a call request response (e.g., 200 OK) to the MT Ringback Tone AS. Correspondingly, the MT Ringback Tone AS receives the call request response from the second terminal.

[0140] S503: The MT Ringback Tone AS sends a call reply request to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the call reply request from the MT Ringback Tone AS.

[0141] S504: The MT Ringback Tone AS sends a call update request to the second terminal and obtains the second terminal's SDP. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the call update request from the MT Ringback Tone AS.

[0142] S505: The second terminal sends a call request response to the MT Ringback Tone AS. Correspondingly, the MT Ringback Tone AS receives the call request response from the second terminal.

[0143] S506: The MT Ringback Tone AS sends a media negotiation request to the MT Call AS. Correspondingly, the MT Call AS receives the media negotiation request from the MT Ringback Tone AS.

[0144] S507: The MT Call AS sends a media negotiation request to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the media negotiation request from the MT Call AS.

[0145] S508: The first terminal sends a response message to the MT Call AS. Correspondingly, the MT Call AS receives the response message from the first terminal.

[0146] S509: The MT Call AS sends a response message to the MT Ringback Tone AS. Correspondingly, the MT Ringback Tone AS receives the response message from the MT Call AS.

[0147] S510: The MT Ringback Tone AS forwards the call request response to the MT Call AS. Correspondingly, the MT Call AS receives the call request response from the MT Ringback Tone AS.

[0148] S511: The MT Call AS sends a call reply request to the MT Ringback Tone AS. Correspondingly, the MT Ringback Tone AS receives the call reply request from the MT Call AS.

[0149] S512: The MT Ringback Tone AS sends a call update request to the second terminal to obtain the second terminal's SDP. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the call update request from the MT Ringback Tone AS.

[0150] S513: The MT Call AS sends an update call request to the MT Ringback Tone AS to obtain the SDP of the second terminal. Correspondingly, the MT Ringback Tone AS receives the update call request from the MT Call AS.

[0151] S514: The MT Ringback Tone AS sends a call reply request to the second terminal and obtains the second terminal's SDP. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the call reply request from the MT Ringback Tone AS.

[0152] Understandably, during the aforementioned media negotiation process, due to the end-to-end full media negotiation between the first and second terminals, there is a large amount of signaling. When the arrival order of the signaling changes, signaling conflicts are prone to occur during the media negotiation process. For example, if the MT ringback tone AS sends an update call request to the second terminal in S512, but this is executed before the MT ringback tone AS sends a reply call request to the second terminal in S514, a signaling conflict will occur, leading to a decrease in the efficiency of media negotiation.

[0153] Based on this, this application provides a communication method and apparatus. In the process of the first media negotiation based on the second media negotiation, the first media channel, which includes multiple media channels in the second media negotiation, can be renegotiated to reduce the complexity of the first media negotiation process and improve the efficiency of media negotiation.

[0154] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0155] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a long-term evolution (LTE) system, a 5th generation (5G) communication system, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) related communication system, a communication system evolving after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. 5G can also be referred to as new radio (NR). The method provided in this application is described below using the communication system 60 shown in Figure 6 as an example. Figure 6 is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0156] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 60 provided in this application. In Figure 6, the communication system 60 includes a media function entity 601, a communication device 602 communicatively connected to the media function entity 601, and a service server 603 communicatively connected to the media function entity 601. The media function entity can be used to handle media plane functions during a call, such as media negotiation and / or transmitting media streams. For example, the media function entity can be deployed on an IMS-AGW, TrGW, or UMF entity, without any limitation.

[0157] Optionally, the communication system 60 also includes a control function entity (not shown in Figure 6), which can be used to handle control plane functions or signaling plane functions during a call, such as performing session control. For example, the control function entity can be deployed in a terminal, a P-CSCF entity, an IBCF entity, or a UCF entity, without any limitation herein.

[0158] It is understood that the communication system 60 shown in Figure 6 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 60 may also include other devices, and the number of control function entities and media function entities can be determined according to specific needs without limitation.

[0159] Optionally, the entities in Figure 6 of this application (such as media function entity 601, communication device 602, or business server 603, etc.) may also be referred to as communication devices or communication equipment. They may be general-purpose devices or special-purpose devices, and this application does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0160] Optionally, the functions of each entity in Figure 6 of this application (such as media function entity 601, communication device 602, or service server 603, etc.) can be implemented by one device, multiple devices, or one or more functional modules within a device. This application does not impose specific limitations on this. It is understood that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0161] In practical implementation, each entity in FIG6 of this application (e.g., media function entity 601, communication device 602, or service server 603, etc.) can adopt the composition structure shown in FIG7, or include the components shown in FIG7. FIG7 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. The communication device 70 includes at least one processor 701 and at least one communication interface 704 for implementing the method provided in this application. The communication device 70 may also include a communication line 702 and a memory 703.

[0162] The processor 701 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program of the present application.

[0163] Communication line 702 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components, such as a bus.

[0164] Communication interface 704 is used for communicating with other devices or communication networks. Communication interface 704 can be any transceiver-like device, such as an Ethernet interface, a radio access network (RAN) interface, a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, a transceiver, pins, a bus, interface circuits, or transceiver circuits, etc.

[0165] The memory 703 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be coupled to the processor 701 via communication line 702. The memory 703 may also be integrated with the processor 701. The memory provided in this application is generally non-volatile.

[0166] The memory 703 stores computer execution instructions related to the scheme provided in this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 701. The processor 701 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 703 to implement the method provided in this application. Alternatively, in this application, the processor 701 may execute the processing-related functions of the method provided below, and the communication interface 704 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks; this application does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0167] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in this application may also be referred to as application code, and this application does not specifically limit them.

[0168] The coupling in this application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules.

[0169] As one embodiment, processor 701 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG7.

[0170] As one embodiment, the communication device 70 may include multiple processors, such as processor 701 and processor 707 in FIG. 7. Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0171] As one embodiment, the communication device 70 may further include an output device 705 and / or an input device 706. The output device 705 is coupled to the processor 701 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 705 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 706 is coupled to the processor 701 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 706 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0172] It is understood that the composition shown in Figure 7 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 7, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0173] The method provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The entities or entities in the following embodiments may include the components shown in FIG7, which will not be elaborated upon further.

[0174] It is understood that in this application, the first media functional entity and the first communication device can perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application can also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps can be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in this application.

[0175] It is understood that the methods described below in this application use media function entities (such as the first UMF) and control function entities (such as the first UCF) as examples to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution entities of the interaction. For example, the media function entity in the method provided in the following embodiments of this application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the media function entity in implementing the method, or it may be a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the media function entity; the control function entity in the method provided below in this application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the control function entity in implementing the method, or it may be a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the control function entity.

[0176] One possible implementation, as shown in Figure 8, is a communication method provided in this application. This communication method may include the following steps:

[0177] S800: The first server sends first information to the first media function entity. Correspondingly, the first media function entity receives the first information from the first server.

[0178] In this application, the first media function entity may be the media function entity 601 in the communication system 60 shown in Figure 6, and the first server may be the service server 603 in the communication system 60 shown in Figure 6.

[0179] The first information instructs the first media functional entity to conduct the first media negotiation, which is based on the second media negotiation.

[0180] Understandably, the first media negotiation is conducted after the second media negotiation has been completed. In other words, the second media negotiation can be understood as the media negotiation conducted to achieve basic business operations, while the first media negotiation can be understood as the media negotiation conducted to achieve new business operations. Therefore, if the result of the second media negotiation cannot meet the needs of the new business operations, the first media functional entity can conduct the first media negotiation based on the second media negotiation to meet the needs of the new business operations.

[0181] For example, the basic service can be an audio service or a data transmission service, and the new service can be a ringback tone service added on top of the audio service or a one-way video service added on top of the audio service. The basic service and the new service can also be other services that can be superimposed, without any limitation here.

[0182] Understandably, the first server is the server corresponding to the newly added service, and the first media function entity can receive first information from one or more first servers. For example, the first server can be one or more of the following: a ringback tone service server or a one-way video service server.

[0183] One possible design is that the first information includes business information corresponding to the first media negotiation, and the business information includes one or more of the following: media type or media codec type.

[0184] It is understandable that the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation can also be understood as the business information corresponding to the new service. After receiving the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation, the first media function entity can determine the media type, media codec type, and other media attribute information of the new service based on the business information, without any limitations. For example, the media type may include one or more of the following: audio and video. Among them, the media codec type corresponding to audio may include one or more of the following: adaptive multi-rate (AMR) coding, adaptive multi-rate-wideband (AMR-WB) coding, and enhanced voice services (EVS) coding. The media codec type corresponding to video may include one or more of the following: advanced video coding (AVC), high efficiency video coding (HEVC), and Alliance for Open Media Video 1 (AV1) coding.

[0185] S801: The first media function entity sends a request for first media negotiation to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the request for first media negotiation from the first media function entity.

[0186] Optionally, the second media negotiation includes negotiations on multiple media channels, and the request for the first media negotiation is used to request renegotiation of the first media channel, which belongs to multiple media channels.

[0187] Understandably, the second media negotiation involves negotiation of multiple media channels. That is, during the second media negotiation process, the first media function entity negotiates with multiple media channels between different communication devices to obtain the result of the second media negotiation. Since the first media negotiation is based on the second media negotiation, the first media function entity can determine the first media channel from the multiple media channels for renegotiation based on the result of the second media negotiation. However, the second media negotiation result corresponding to the first media channel is not applicable to new services. Therefore, the first media function entity chooses to renegotiate the first media channel from the multiple media channels and sends a first media negotiation request to the first communication device corresponding to the first media channel.

[0188] One possible design is that the first media function entity determines to renegotiate the first media channel based on the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation; and / or determines not to negotiate media channels other than the first media channel among multiple media channels.

[0189] Understandably, the first media function entity determines the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation by receiving the first information, and obtains the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation. The business information corresponding to the second media negotiation may be stored by the first media function entity during the second media negotiation process, or it may be received from other nodes; no restrictions are placed here.

[0190] Optionally, the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation includes business information corresponding to multiple media channels, and the business information corresponding to these multiple media channels may be the same or different. The business information corresponding to the second media negotiation includes business information corresponding to multiple media channels, and the business information corresponding to these multiple media channels may be the same or different.

[0191] Understandably, after obtaining the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation, the first media function entity compares the business information corresponding to each media channel among the multiple media channels, selects the media channel whose business information corresponding to the first media negotiation is different from that corresponding to the second media negotiation as the first media channel for renegotiation, and determines the media channel whose business information corresponding to the first media negotiation is the same as that corresponding to the second media negotiation as the media channel that does not need to be renegotiation.

[0192] One possible design includes multiple media channels comprising one or more of the following: a media channel between a first media function entity and a first terminal, wherein the first terminal is the called terminal; a media channel between the first media function entity and a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the calling terminal; or, a media channel between the first media function entity and the second media function entity, wherein the second media function entity is the media function entity corresponding to the second terminal.

[0193] Understandably, the first media function entity can compare the business information corresponding to the aforementioned multiple media channels to determine the first media channel to be renegotiated. The first media channel can be one or more of the multiple media channels.

[0194] Optionally, referring to Figure 9, multiple media channels are shown for the first media function entity to conduct second media negotiation. These multiple media channels are media channels between different first communication devices. The first communication device may include a first terminal, a second terminal, and a second media function entity. The media channel between the first media function entity and the second terminal is media channel a, the media channel between the first media function entity and the first terminal is media channel b, and the media channel between the first media function entity and the second media function entity is media channel c.

[0195] In some examples, for the first media channel, if the media type is audio and the media encoding / decoding type is AMR in the service information corresponding to the first media negotiation, and the media type is video and the media encoding / decoding type is AVC in the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation, it means that the service information of the media channels are different. Therefore, the first media channel can be renegotiated as the first media channel to meet the needs of the service corresponding to the first media negotiation.

[0196] In other examples, for the second media channel, if the media type is audio and the media encoding / decoding type is AMR in the service information corresponding to the first media negotiation, and the media type is audio and the media encoding / decoding type is AMR in the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation, it means that the service information of the media channel is the same. Therefore, the second media channel does not need to be renegotiated, and the result of the first media negotiation can be reused.

[0197] One possible design is that the request for first media negotiation includes a proposal message for a second media channel, which is a media channel renegotiated from the first media channel. The proposal message includes media information for the second media channel that differs from the media information in the first media channel.

[0198] Understandably, the request for first media negotiation is used to renegotiate the first media channel to obtain a second media channel. The proposed information for the second media channel includes media information that differs from the first media channel, but does not include media information that is the same as the first media channel. In other words, during the renegotiation of the first media channel, the request for first media negotiation can instruct the negotiation of media information added to the second media channel relative to the first media channel, or it can instruct the negotiation of media information changed in the second media channel relative to the first media channel, in order to reduce data transmission overhead.

[0199] Optionally, the media information in the second media channel may also include the media information in the first media channel.

[0200] Understandably, when there is partial overlap between the media information in the first media channel and the media information in the second media channel, the request for first media negotiation will no longer carry all the media information. Instead, it will carry media information from the second media channel that differs from the media information in the first media channel. For example, the media information may include media type information and / or media attribute information. Accordingly, the request for first media negotiation may not carry media information that is identical to the media information in the first media channel. For this unchanged portion of the media information, the media information in the second media channel can reuse the media information from the first media channel.

[0201] One possible design is that the request for first media negotiation also includes first instruction information, which instructs the media information of the second media channel to be the same as the media information in the first media channel.

[0202] Understandably, during the renegotiation of the first media channel, the media information indicated by the first instruction can reuse the results of the second media negotiation without renegotiation, thereby improving the efficiency of the renegotiation of the first media channel.

[0203] Optionally, the first indication information can be carried in the control message header field to indicate to the first communication device that the media information of the second media channel is the same as the media information of the first media channel. That is, the first indication information can be carried in the control message header field to indicate to the first communication device that the media information of the second media channel and the media information of the first media channel are reusable media information.

[0204] For example, the first media negotiation request may include the following information: m = audio 11418 RTP / AVP 98 A = unchanged

[0205] Here, "unchanged" indicates that the media information in the above m lines (i.e., m = audio 11418 RTP / AVP 98) has not changed. In other words, the media information in the above m lines is the same in both the first media channel and the second media channel, so there is no need to renegotiate and the result of the second media negotiation can be directly reused.

[0206] Optionally, the first instruction information may also indicate additional media information in the second media channel compared to the media information in the first media channel, that is, media information that needs to be renegotiated.

[0207] One possible example is that the first media negotiation request carries additional media information, and the control message header field can be set to the following format: X-media-negotiation:Incremental

[0208] In this context, Incremental is used to characterize the SDP that needs to be renegotiated during the negotiation of the first media channel.

[0209] Understandably, the first media negotiation request included changed media information and newly added media information, which was negotiated and completed during the second media negotiation process. In other words, the media information that will not be changed this time is not included in the SDP.

[0210] Another possible example is that the first media negotiation request carries the full media information, and the control message header field can also be set to the following format:

[0211] X-media-negotiation:All

[0212] Among them, ALL is used to represent the renegotiation of all media information in the first media channel.

[0213] S802: The first communication device sends a first media negotiation response to the first media function entity. Correspondingly, the first media function entity receives the first media negotiation response from the first communication device.

[0214] The first media consultation response includes the response information from the second media channel, which includes media information from the second media channel that differs from the media information from the first media channel.

[0215] Understandably, the response information of the second media channel corresponds to the proposal information of the second media channel, including media information that differs from that of the first media channel. In other words, during the renegotiation of the first media channel, the first communication device and the first media function entity renegotiate the media information that differs from that of the first media channel, while reusing media information that is the same in both the second and first media channels. This avoids repeated negotiation of identical media information and improves the efficiency of media negotiation. Specifically, the media information in the proposal information is the media information allocated to the second media channel by the first media function entity, and the media information in the response information is the media information allocated to the second media channel by the first communication device.

[0216] One possible design is that the first media negotiation corresponds to a one-way video service and / or a ringback tone service, the second media negotiation corresponds to an audio service, and the first media channel includes a media channel between a first media function entity and a second terminal. The first media function entity is the media function entity corresponding to the first terminal, and the second terminal is the calling terminal.

[0217] Understandably, the first media function entity conducts media negotiation for one-way video service and / or ringback tone service on the basis of audio service. Since the one-way video service and / or ringback tone service are played to the calling terminal and not to the called terminal, the first media function entity can renegotiate the media channel with the calling terminal, that is, the first terminal, but does not renegotiate other media channels except for the media channel between the first media function entity and the first terminal.

[0218] To better understand the method provided in this application, the complete process of the method provided in this application is described below in conjunction with a specific application scenario.

[0219] In some embodiments, in one possible implementation of the method shown in FIG8, before the first media function entity performs the first media negotiation, the first media function entity has already performed an end-to-end second media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal, and saves the result of the second media negotiation, as well as the address information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0220] One possible implementation, as shown in Figure 10, illustrates a communication method where a first media function entity (UMF) is used as the first terminal and a first communication device is used as the second terminal. The first UMF first assists in a second media negotiation between the first and second terminals, where the first terminal is the called terminal and the second terminal is the calling terminal. Then, a first media negotiation is performed based on the second media negotiation. The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0221] S1001: The first terminal and the second terminal complete the audio session connection through the first UCF, the first UMF, the second UMF, and the second UCF, and exchange address information for media negotiation.

[0222] Among them, the first UCF is the UCF corresponding to the first terminal, the first UMF is the UMF corresponding to the first terminal, the second UMF is the UMF corresponding to the second terminal, and the second UCF is the UCF corresponding to the second terminal.

[0223] S1002: The second terminal sends a second media negotiation request to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the media negotiation request from the second terminal.

[0224] S1003: The second UMF sends a second media negotiation request to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the media negotiation request from the second UMF.

[0225] S1004: The first UMF sends a second media negotiation request to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the media negotiation request from the first UMF.

[0226] S1005: The first terminal sends a second media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the media negotiation response from the first terminal.

[0227] S1006: The first UMF sends a second media negotiation response to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the media negotiation response from the first UMF.

[0228] S1007: The second UMF sends a second media negotiation response to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the media negotiation response from the second UMF.

[0229] Optionally, during the second media negotiation process between the first terminal and the second terminal, the second media negotiation request and the second media negotiation response carry media information related to the audio service in order to complete the end-to-end media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0230] For example, during the second media negotiation process, the media information carried in the SDP of the second media negotiation request sent by the first UMF to the second UMF may include the following information: v=0 o=as 43 45INIP4 10.108.27.22 s=call c=IN IP4 10.193.190.2 t=0 0 m=audio 11418RTP / AVP 98 a=rtpmap:98AMR-WB / 16000 a=fmtp:98mode-change-capability=2;max-red=0 a=ptime:20 a=maxptime:240 a=sendrecv

[0231] Understandably, after executing S1002-S1007, the second media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal is completed. During the second media negotiation process, the first UMF saves the corresponding service information, address information, and media information. Based on this, the first UMF can perform the first media negotiation.

[0232] For example, as shown in Figure 10, taking the first media negotiation as an example where the service is a one-way video service, the communication method may further include the following steps:

[0233] S1008: The first terminal sends an off-hook instruction to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the off-hook instruction from the first terminal.

[0234] Optionally, the first UCF sends an off-hook instruction to the one-way video service AS. Correspondingly, the one-way video service AS receives the off-hook instruction from the first UCF.

[0235] S1009: The one-way video service AS sends the first information to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first information from the one-way video service AS.

[0236] Optionally, the first information may instruct the first UMF to add a unidirectional video media channel to the second terminal.

[0237] S1010: The first media channel for the first UMF to determine renegotiation.

[0238] Understandably, the first UMF determines the first media channel that needs to be renegotiated among multiple media channels based on the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation.

[0239] Optionally, since the one-way video service is a value-added service for the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation remains unchanged between the first UMF and the first terminal; it is still an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the first terminal does not need to be renegotiated. However, between the first UMF and the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation changes from an audio service to a one-way video service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal needs to be renegotiated, and a one-way video channel can be added between the first UMF and the second terminal.

[0240] Optionally, since the media information related to the audio channel between the first UMF and the second terminal did not change during the first media negotiation process, the request for the first media negotiation can be made to renegotiate the first media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal by carrying the newly added media information of the one-way video service.

[0241] S1011: The first UMF sends a request for first media negotiation to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the request for first media negotiation from the first UMF.

[0242] Optionally, the first UMF can send a first media negotiation request to the second terminal via the second UMF. For example, the first UMF first sends a first media negotiation request to the second UMF. Accordingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation request from the first UMF. Then, the second UMF sends the first media negotiation request to the second terminal. Accordingly, the second terminal receives the first media negotiation request from the second UMF.

[0243] For example, during the first media negotiation process, the request for the first media negotiation sent by the first UMF to the second UMF carries an SDP. The SDP includes media information corresponding to the newly added one-way video service, but does not include the same audio media information as the second media negotiation. For example, an SDP might include the following information: v=0 o=as 43 45INIP4 10.108.27.22 s=call c=IN IP4 10.193.190.2 t=0 0 m=video 60010RTP / AVP 113 114 34 a=rtpmap:113H264 / 90000 a=fmtp:113profile-level-id=42C016;packetization-mode=1;sar-understood=16;sar-supported=1;sprop-parameter-sets=Z0KAFuRAkFtANoUJqA==,aM44gA== a=rtpmap:114H264 / 90000 a=fmtp:114profile-level-id=42C016;packetization-mode=0;sar-understood=16;sar-supported=1;sprop-parameter-sets=Z0KAFuRAkFtANoUJqA==,aM44gA== a=rtpmap:34H263 / 90000 a=fmtp:34profile=0;level=10 a=framesize:34 480-640 a=sendonly

[0244] Optionally, the request for first media negotiation may also carry first instruction information. On the one hand, the first instruction information can be added to the control message header with X-media-negotiation:Incremental to indicate that the request for first media negotiation is to renegotiate the first media channel through incremental media negotiation.

[0245] On the other hand, the first indication information can be added to the SDP message to identify unchanged media information as follows: m = audio 11418RTP / AVP 98 a = unchanged

[0246] S1012: The second terminal sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal.

[0247] Optionally, the second terminal can send a first media negotiation response to the first UMF via the second UMF.

[0248] For example, the second terminal first sends a first media negotiation response to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal. Then, the second UMF sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second UMF.

[0249] S1013: The first UMF completes the renegotiation of the first media channel corresponding to the one-way video service.

[0250] Understandably, once the first UMF completes the renegotiation of the first media channel corresponding to the one-way video service, it indicates that the one-way video service media channel has been successfully established. Then, the one-way video service AS can transmit media to the second terminal and play one-way video on the second terminal.

[0251] S1014: The first UMF sends a successful media channel modification report to the one-way video service AS. Correspondingly, the one-way video service AS receives the successful media channel modification report from the first UMF.

[0252] S1015: The first UMF and the second terminal transmit and play media information corresponding to the one-way video service.

[0253] Understandably, the first UMF establishes an audio service based on the second media negotiation, and then conducts a first media negotiation on the basis of the audio service to add a one-way video service for the second terminal, ultimately realizing the business requirement of combining audio service and one-way video service.

[0254] In some embodiments, in one possible implementation of the method shown in FIG8, before the first media function entity performs the first media negotiation, the first media function entity has already performed an end-to-end second media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal, and saves the result of the second media negotiation, as well as the address information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0255] One possible implementation, as shown in Figure 11, illustrates a communication method in which a first UMF first assists in a second media negotiation between a first terminal and a second terminal, and then performs a first media negotiation based on the second media negotiation. Taking the services corresponding to the first media negotiation as one-way video service and ringback tone service, and the service corresponding to the second media negotiation as audio service, as an example, the method specifically includes the following steps:

[0256] S1101: The first terminal and the second terminal complete the audio session connection through the first UCF and the first UMF, and exchange address information for media negotiation.

[0257] S1102: The second terminal sends a second media negotiation request to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the media negotiation request from the second terminal.

[0258] Optionally, the second terminal can send a second media negotiation request to the first UMF via the second UMF.

[0259] For example, the second terminal first sends a second media negotiation request to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the media negotiation request from the second terminal. Then, the second UMF sends a second media negotiation request to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the media negotiation request from the second UMF.

[0260] S1103: The first UMF sends a second media negotiation request to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the media negotiation request from the first UMF.

[0261] S1104: The first terminal sends a second media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the media negotiation response from the first terminal.

[0262] S1105: The first UMF sends a second media negotiation response to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the media negotiation response from the first UMF.

[0263] Optionally, the first UMF can send a second media negotiation response to the second terminal via the second UMF. For example, the first UMF first sends a second media negotiation response to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the media negotiation response from the first UMF. Then, the second UMF sends a second media negotiation response to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the media negotiation response from the first UMF.

[0264] Optionally, during the second media negotiation process between the first terminal and the second terminal, the second media negotiation request and the second media negotiation response carry media information related to the audio service in order to complete the end-to-end media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0265] For example, during the second media negotiation process, the media information carried in the SDP sent by the first UMF to the second terminal can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 above, which describes the media information carried in the SDP in the second media negotiation request sent by the first UMF to the second UMF. It will not be repeated here.

[0266] Understandably, after executing S1102-S1105, the second media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal is completed. During the second media negotiation process, the first UMF saves the service information, address information, and media information corresponding to the second media negotiation. Based on this, the first UMF can perform the first media negotiation.

[0267] For example, as shown in Figure 11, taking the services corresponding to the first media negotiation as one-way video service and ringback tone service as an example, both the one-way video service and the ringback tone service use the first UMF to implement the first media negotiation. The communication method may also include the following steps:

[0268] S1106: The first terminal sends an off-hook instruction to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the off-hook instruction from the first terminal.

[0269] S1107: The first UCF sends an off-hook instruction to the ringback tone service AS. Correspondingly, the ringback tone service AS receives the off-hook instruction from the first UCF.

[0270] S1108: The ringback tone service AS sends the first information to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first information from the ringback tone service AS.

[0271] Optionally, the first information may instruct the first UMF to add an audio media channel for the second terminal.

[0272] S1109: The first media channel for the first UMF to determine renegotiation.

[0273] Understandably, the first UMF determines the first media channel that needs to be renegotiated among multiple media channels based on the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation.

[0274] Optionally, since the ringback tone service is a value-added service for the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation remains unchanged between the first UMF and the first terminal; it is still an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the first terminal does not need to be renegotiated. However, between the first UMF and the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation changes from an audio service to a ringback tone service. The media information related to the ringback tone service received by the first UMF is only sent to the second terminal. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal needs to be renegotiated.

[0275] For example, since the media information related to the audio channel between the first UMF and the second terminal did not change during the first media negotiation, the request for the first media negotiation can be made to renegotiate the first media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal by carrying the media information added by the ringback tone service.

[0276] S1110: The first UMF sends a request for first media negotiation to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the request for first media negotiation from the first UMF.

[0277] Optionally, the first UMF can send a first media negotiation request to the second terminal via the second UMF. For example, the first UMF first sends a first media negotiation request to the second UMF. Accordingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation request from the first UMF. Then, the second UMF sends the first media negotiation request to the second terminal. Accordingly, the second terminal receives the first media negotiation request from the second UMF.

[0278] For example, the first UMF sends a first media negotiation request to the second terminal, which carries an SDP. The media information included in the SDP can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 above, which describes the media information carried in the SDP in the second media negotiation request sent by the first UMF to the second UMF. It will not be repeated here.

[0279] S1111: The second terminal sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal.

[0280] Optionally, the second terminal can send a first media negotiation response to the first UMF via the second UMF.

[0281] For example, the second terminal first sends a first media negotiation response to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal. Then, the second UMF sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second UMF.

[0282] S1112: The first UMF sends a successful media channel modification report to the ringback tone service AS. Correspondingly, the ringback tone service AS receives the successful media channel modification report from the first UMF.

[0283] S1113: The ringback tone service AS sends a notification to the first UCF to continue. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the notification to continue from the ringback tone service AS.

[0284] Understandably, the AS of the ringback tone service sends a notification to the first UCF to continue, instructing UCF2 to continue the call, and sends the media information corresponding to the ringback tone service to the second terminal, which then plays the ringback tone.

[0285] S1114: The first UMF and the second terminal complete the transmission and playback of media information corresponding to the ringback tone service.

[0286] Understandably, the first UMF establishes an audio service based on the second media negotiation, and then performs a first media negotiation on top of the audio service to add a ringback tone service for the second terminal, ultimately realizing the service requirement of combining the media transmission corresponding to the audio service and the ringback tone service. On this basis, the first UMF can also add a one-way video service for the second terminal. As shown in Figure 11, this communication method also includes the following steps:

[0287] S1115: The first terminal sends an off-hook instruction to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the off-hook instruction from the first terminal.

[0288] S1116: The first UCF sends an off-hook instruction to the ringback tone service AS. Correspondingly, the ringback tone service AS receives the off-hook instruction from the first UCF.

[0289] S1117: The first UCF sends an off-hook instruction to the one-way video service AS. Correspondingly, the one-way video service AS receives the off-hook instruction from the first UCF.

[0290] S1118: The ringback tone service AS sends a stop audio instruction to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the stop audio instruction from the ringback tone service AS.

[0291] S1119: The first media channel for the first UMF to determine renegotiation.

[0292] Understandably, the first UMF determines the first media channel that needs to be renegotiated among multiple media channels based on the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation.

[0293] Optionally, since the ringback tone service is a value-added service for the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation remains unchanged between the first UMF and the first terminal; it is still an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the first terminal does not need to be renegotiated. However, the media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal changes from a ringback tone service to an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal needs to be renegotiated.

[0294] For example, since the media information related to the audio channel between the first UMF and the second terminal does not change during the first media negotiation process, the request for the first media negotiation can renegotiate the first media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal by carrying different media information for the ringback tone service and the audio service, so that the communication between the first UMF and the second terminal can be restored from the ringback tone service to the audio service.

[0295] S1120: The first UMF sends a request for first media negotiation to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the request for first media negotiation from the first UMF.

[0296] The request for first media negotiation is used to request renegotiation of the first media channel to restore the audio media channel between the second terminal and the first UMF.

[0297] Optionally, the first UMF can send a request for first media negotiation to the second terminal via the second UMF.

[0298] For example, the first UMF first sends a first media negotiation request to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation request from the first UMF. Then, the second UMF sends the first media negotiation request to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the first media negotiation request from the second UMF.

[0299] S1121: The second terminal sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal.

[0300] Optionally, the second terminal can send a first media negotiation response to the first UMF via the second UMF.

[0301] For example, the second terminal first sends a first media negotiation response to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal. Then, the second UMF sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second UMF.

[0302] S1122: The first UMF sends a stop audio success response to the ringback tone service AS. Correspondingly, the ringback tone service AS receives the stop audio success response from the first UMF.

[0303] S1123: The ringback tone service AS sends a notification to the first UCF to continue. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the notification to continue from the ringback tone service AS.

[0304] S1124: The one-way video service AS sends the first information to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first information from the one-way video service AS.

[0305] Optionally, the first information may instruct the first UMF to add a unidirectional video media channel to the second terminal.

[0306] S1125: The first media channel for the first UMF to determine renegotiation.

[0307] Understandably, the first UMF determines the first media channel that needs to be renegotiated among multiple media channels based on the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation.

[0308] Optionally, since the one-way video service is a value-added service for the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation remains unchanged between the first UMF and the first terminal; it is still an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the first terminal does not need to be renegotiated. However, between the first UMF and the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation changes from an audio service to a one-way video service. The media information related to the one-way video service received by the first UMF is only sent to the second terminal. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal needs to be renegotiated.

[0309] For example, since the media information related to the audio channel between the first UMF and the second terminal did not change during the first media negotiation process, the request for the first media negotiation can be made to renegotiate the first media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal by carrying the newly added media information of the one-way video service.

[0310] S1126: The first UMF sends a request for first media negotiation to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the request for first media negotiation from the first UMF.

[0311] The request for first media negotiation is used to renegotiate the first media channel and establish a one-way video channel with the second terminal.

[0312] Optionally, the first UMF can send a first media negotiation request to the second terminal via the second UMF. For example, the first UMF first sends a first media negotiation request to the second UMF. Accordingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation request from the first UMF. Then, the second UMF sends the first media negotiation request to the second terminal. Accordingly, the second terminal receives the first media negotiation request from the second UMF.

[0313] For example, during the first media negotiation process, the media information carried in the SDP sent by the first UMF to the second terminal can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 above, which describes the media information carried in the SDP in the first media negotiation request sent by the first UMF to the second UMF. It will not be repeated here.

[0314] S1127: The second terminal sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal.

[0315] Optionally, the second terminal can send a first media negotiation response to the first UMF via the second UMF.

[0316] For example, the second terminal first sends a first media negotiation response to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal. Then, the second UMF sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second UMF.

[0317] S1128: The first UMF sends a successful media channel modification report to the one-way video service AS. Correspondingly, the one-way video service AS receives the successful media channel modification report from the first UMF.

[0318] S1129: The one-way video service AS sends a notification to the first UCF to continue. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the notification to continue from the one-way video service AS.

[0319] S1130: Instruction of the first UCF integrated ringback tone service AS and one-way video service AS, determining the call method between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0320] S1131: The first UMF and the second terminal transmit and play media information corresponding to the one-way video service.

[0321] One possible design is that if the first message sent by the unidirectional video service AS in S1124 arrives at the first UMF before the stop audio indication sent by the ringback tone service AS in S1118, or if the two messages arrive at the first UMF within a preset time interval, then the first UMF can send the media information to be renegotiated in both services through the same first media negotiation request. For example, by executing S1124, the first UMF sends the first media negotiation request to the second terminal. Accordingly, the first UMF and the second terminal do not need to execute S1120-S1121 separately, thus saving transmission overhead.

[0322] In some embodiments, in one possible implementation of the method shown in FIG8, before the first media function entity performs the first media negotiation, the first media function entity has already performed an end-to-end second media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal, and saves the result of the second media negotiation, as well as the address information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0323] One possible implementation, as shown in Figure 12, provides a communication method applicable to an IMS network. This method combines P / I / S-CSCF, MMTEL AS, and DCSF to implement the functions of the first UCF in the embodiment shown in Figure 11. In other words, P / I / S-CSCF, MMTEL AS, and DCSF can replace the first UCF in the scheme shown in Figure 11 of the aforementioned embodiments. Therefore, the steps included in this communication method can be found in the description of the relevant steps in Figure 11 of the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0324] One possible implementation, as shown in Figure 13, provides a communication method. Taking the services corresponding to the first media negotiation as one-way video service and ringback tone service as an example, the one-way video service uses a first UMF to implement the first media negotiation, and the ringback tone service uses a ringback tone media function entity to implement the first media negotiation. A communication connection is established between the first media function entity and the ringback tone media function entity. This communication method may include the following steps:

[0325] S1301: The first terminal and the second terminal complete the audio session connection through the first UCF and the first UMF, and exchange address information for media negotiation.

[0326] S1302: The second terminal sends a second media negotiation request to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the media negotiation request from the second terminal.

[0327] S1303: The first UMF sends a second media negotiation request to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the media negotiation request from the first UMF.

[0328] S1304: The first terminal sends a second media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the media negotiation response from the first terminal.

[0329] S1305: The first UMF sends a second media negotiation response to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the media negotiation response from the first UMF.

[0330] Optionally, the situations of S1301-S1305 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of S1101-S1105 in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0331] Understandably, after executing S1102-S1105, the second media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal is completed. During the second media negotiation process, the first UMF saves the service information, address information, and media information corresponding to the second media negotiation. Based on this, the first UMF can perform the first media negotiation.

[0332] For example, as shown in Figure 13, taking the services corresponding to the first media negotiation as one-way video service and ringback tone service as an example, both the one-way video service and the ringback tone service use the first UMF to implement the first media negotiation. The communication method may also include the following steps:

[0333] S1306: The first terminal sends an off-hook instruction to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the off-hook instruction from the first terminal.

[0334] S1307: The first UCF sends an off-hook instruction to the ringback tone service AS. Correspondingly, the ringback tone service AS receives the off-hook instruction from the first UCF.

[0335] Optionally, the off-hook instruction carries information specifying the media channel to be changed when the AS subscription rings, as well as address information for UMF media negotiation between the first and second terminals.

[0336] Understandably, when the ringback tone service uses the ringback tone media function entity to implement the first media negotiation, the first UMF can transfer media control to the ringback tone media function entity. The first UMF transfers media control to the media entity by using the information carried in the off-hook instruction, which specifies the media channel to be changed based on the AS subscription ringback event, and the address information of the UMF media negotiation on both the first terminal and the second terminal. The ringback tone media function entity then implements the first media negotiation related to the ringback tone service.

[0337] S1308: The ringback tone service AS sends the first message to the ringback tone media function entity. Correspondingly, the ringback tone media function entity receives the first message from the ringback tone service AS.

[0338] Optionally, the first message may instruct the ringback tone media function entity to add an audio media channel for the second terminal.

[0339] S1309: The entity responsible for the ringback tone media function has determined the first media channel for renegotiation.

[0340] Understandably, the ringback tone media function entity determines the first media channel to be renegotiated among multiple media channels based on the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation.

[0341] Optionally, since the ringback tone service is a value-added service for the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation remains unchanged between the ringback tone media function entity and the first terminal; it is still an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the ringback tone media function entity and the first terminal does not need to be renegotiated. However, between the ringback tone media function entity and the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation changes from audio service to ringback tone service. The ringback tone media function entity receives media information related to the ringback tone service and only sends it to the second terminal. Therefore, the media channel between the ringback tone media function entity and the second terminal needs to be renegotiated.

[0342] For example, since the media information related to the audio channel between the ringback tone media function entity and the second terminal has not changed during the first media negotiation process, the request for the first media negotiation can be made to renegotiate the first media channel between the ringback tone media function entity and the second terminal by carrying the media information added by the ringback tone service.

[0343] S1310: The ringback tone media function entity sends a request for first media negotiation to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the request for first media negotiation from the ringback tone media function entity.

[0344] Optionally, the ringback tone media function entity can send a first media negotiation request to the second terminal via the second UMF. For example, the ringback tone media function entity first sends a first media negotiation request to the second UMF. Accordingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation request from the ringback tone media function entity. Then, the second UMF sends the first media negotiation request to the second terminal. Accordingly, the second terminal receives the first media negotiation request from the second UMF.

[0345] For example, the ringback tone media function entity sends a first media negotiation request to the second terminal, which carries an SDP. The media information included in the SDP can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 above, which describes the media information carried in the SDP in the second media negotiation request sent by the first UMF to the second UMF. It will not be repeated here.

[0346] S1311: The second terminal sends a first media negotiation response to the ringback tone media function entity. Correspondingly, the ringback tone media function entity receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal.

[0347] Optionally, the second terminal can send a first media negotiation response to the ringback tone media function entity via the second UMF.

[0348] For example, the second terminal first sends a first media negotiation response to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal. Then, the second UMF sends the first media negotiation response to the ringback tone media function entity. Correspondingly, the ringback tone media function entity receives the first media negotiation response from the second UMF.

[0349] S1312: The ringback tone media function entity sends a successful media channel modification report to the ringback tone service AS. Correspondingly, the ringback tone service AS receives the successful media channel modification report from the ringback tone media function entity.

[0350] S1313: The ringback tone service AS sends a notification to the first UCF to continue. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the notification to continue from the ringback tone service AS.

[0351] Understandably, the AS of the ringback tone service sends a notification to the first UCF to continue, instructing UCF2 to continue the call, and sends the media information corresponding to the ringback tone service to the second terminal, which then plays the ringback tone.

[0352] S1314: The ringback tone media function entity and the second terminal complete the transmission and playback of media information corresponding to the ringback tone service.

[0353] Understandably, the first UMF establishes an audio service based on the second media negotiation, and then performs a first media negotiation on top of the audio service to add a ringback tone service for the second terminal, ultimately realizing the service requirement of combining the media transmission corresponding to the audio service and the ringback tone service. On this basis, the first UMF can also add a one-way video service for the second terminal. As shown in Figure 13, this communication method also includes the following steps:

[0354] S1315: The first terminal sends an off-hook instruction to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the off-hook instruction from the first terminal.

[0355] S1316: The first UCF sends an off-hook instruction to the ringback tone service AS. Correspondingly, the ringback tone service AS receives the off-hook instruction from the first UCF.

[0356] S1317: The first UCF sends an off-hook instruction to the one-way video service AS. Correspondingly, the one-way video service AS receives the off-hook instruction from the first UCF.

[0357] S1318: The ringback tone service AS sends a stop audio instruction to the ringback tone media function entity. Correspondingly, the ringback tone media function entity receives the stop audio instruction from the ringback tone service AS.

[0358] S1319: The ringback tone media function entity restores the media information to the first UMF.

[0359] S1320: The first media channel for the first UMF to determine renegotiation.

[0360] Understandably, the first UMF determines the first media channel that needs to be renegotiated among multiple media channels based on the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation.

[0361] Optionally, since the ringback tone service is a value-added service for the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation remains unchanged between the first UMF and the first terminal; it is still an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the first terminal does not need to be renegotiated. However, the media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal changes from a ringback tone service to an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal needs to be renegotiated.

[0362] For example, since the media information related to the audio channel between the first UMF and the second terminal does not change during the first media negotiation process, the request for the first media negotiation can renegotiate the first media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal by carrying different media information for the ringback tone service and the audio service, so that the communication between the first UMF and the second terminal can be restored from the ringback tone service to the audio service.

[0363] S1321: The first UMF sends a request for first media negotiation to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the request for first media negotiation from the first UMF.

[0364] The request for first media negotiation is used to request renegotiation of the first media channel to restore the audio media channel between the second terminal and the first UMF.

[0365] Optionally, the first UMF can send a request for first media negotiation to the second terminal via the second UMF.

[0366] For example, the first UMF first sends a first media negotiation request to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation request from the first UMF. Then, the second UMF sends the first media negotiation request to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the first media negotiation request from the second UMF.

[0367] S1322: The second terminal sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal.

[0368] Optionally, the second terminal can send a first media negotiation response to the first UMF via the second UMF.

[0369] For example, the second terminal first sends a first media negotiation response to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal. Then, the second UMF sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second UMF.

[0370] S1323: The first UMF sends a media recovery success message to the ringback tone media function entity. Correspondingly, the ringback tone media function entity receives the media recovery success message from the first UMF.

[0371] S1324: The ringback tone media function entity sends a stop audio success response to the ringback tone service AS. Correspondingly, the ringback tone service AS receives the stop audio success response from the ringback tone media function entity.

[0372] S1325: The ringback tone service AS sends a notification to the first UCF to continue. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the notification to continue from the ringback tone service AS.

[0373] S1326: The one-way video service AS sends the first information to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first information from the one-way video service AS.

[0374] Optionally, the first information may instruct the first UMF to add a video media channel for the second terminal.

[0375] S1327: The first media channel for the first UMF to determine renegotiation.

[0376] Understandably, the first UMF determines the first media channel that needs to be renegotiated among multiple media channels based on the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation.

[0377] Optionally, since the one-way video service is a value-added service for the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation remains unchanged between the first UMF and the first terminal; it is still an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the first terminal does not need to be renegotiated. However, between the first UMF and the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation changes from an audio service to a one-way video service. The media information related to the one-way video service received by the first UMF is only sent to the second terminal. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal needs to be renegotiated.

[0378] For example, since the media information related to the audio channel between the first UMF and the second terminal did not change during the first media negotiation process, the request for the first media negotiation can be made to renegotiate the first media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal by carrying the newly added media information of the one-way video service.

[0379] S1328: The first UMF sends a request for first media negotiation to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the request for first media negotiation from the first UMF.

[0380] The request for first media negotiation is used to renegotiate the first media channel and establish a one-way video channel with the second terminal.

[0381] Optionally, the first UMF can send a first media negotiation request to the second terminal via the second UMF. For example, the first UMF first sends a first media negotiation request to the second UMF. Accordingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation request from the first UMF. Then, the second UMF sends the first media negotiation request to the second terminal. Accordingly, the second terminal receives the first media negotiation request from the second UMF.

[0382] For example, during the first media negotiation process, the media information carried in the SDP sent by the first UMF to the second terminal can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 above, which describes the media information carried in the SDP in the first media negotiation request sent by the first UMF to the second UMF. It will not be repeated here.

[0383] S1329: The second terminal sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal.

[0384] Optionally, the second terminal can send a first media negotiation response to the first UMF via the second UMF.

[0385] For example, the second terminal first sends a first media negotiation response to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second terminal. Then, the second UMF sends a first media negotiation response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first media negotiation response from the second UMF.

[0386] S1330: The first UMF sends a successful media channel modification report to the one-way video service AS. Correspondingly, the one-way video service AS receives the successful media channel modification report from the first UMF.

[0387] S1331: The one-way video service AS sends a notification to the first UCF to continue. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the notification to continue from the one-way video service AS.

[0388] S1332: Instruction of the first UCF integrated ringback tone service AS and one-way video service AS, determining the call method between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0389] S1333: One-way transmission and playback of media information corresponding to video services between the first UMF and the second terminal.

[0390] In some embodiments, in one possible implementation of the method shown in FIG8, before the first media function entity performs the first media negotiation, the first media function entity has already performed an end-to-end second media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal, and saves the result of the second media negotiation, as well as the address information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0391] One possible implementation, as shown in Figure 14, illustrates a communication method in which a first UMF first assists in a second media negotiation between a first terminal and a second terminal, and then performs a first media negotiation based on the second media negotiation. Taking the service corresponding to the first media negotiation as a one-way video service and the service corresponding to the second media negotiation as an audio service as an example, the method specifically includes the following steps:

[0392] S1401: The second terminal sends a session connection request to the second UCF. Correspondingly, the second UCF receives the session connection request from the second terminal.

[0393] The session connection request carries media information corresponding to the second media negotiation request. In other words, during the session connection process between the first terminal and the second terminal, the session connection request can carry the media information corresponding to the second media negotiation request, allowing the session connection and the second media negotiation to proceed simultaneously.

[0394] S1402: The second UCF sends a media support request to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the media support request from the second UCF.

[0395] S1403: The second UMF sends a media support response to the second UCF. Correspondingly, the second UCF receives a media support response from the second UMF.

[0396] S1404: The second UCF sends a session connection request to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the session connection request from the second UCF.

[0397] S1405: The first UCF sends a media anchor request to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the media anchor request from the first UCF.

[0398] S1406: The first UMF sends a media anchor response to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the media anchor response from the first UMF.

[0399] S1407: The first UCF sends a session connection request to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the session connection request from the first UCF.

[0400] S1408: The first terminal sends a session connection response to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the session connection response from the first terminal.

[0401] S1409: The first UCF sends a media update request to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the media update request from the first UCF.

[0402] S1410: The first UMF sends a media update response to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the media update response from the first UMF.

[0403] S1411: The first UCF sends a session connection response to the second UCF. Correspondingly, the second UCF receives the session connection response from the first UCF.

[0404] S1412: The second UCF sends a media update request to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the media update request from the second UCF.

[0405] S1413: The second UMF sends a media update response to the second UCF. Correspondingly, the second UCF receives the media update response from the second UMF.

[0406] S1414: The second UCF sends a session connection response to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the session connection response from the second UCF.

[0407] Understandably, after executing S1401-S1414, the second media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal is completed. During the second media negotiation process, the first UMF saves the service information, address information, and media information corresponding to the second media negotiation. Based on this, the first UMF can perform the first media negotiation.

[0408] For example, as shown in Figure 14, taking the first media negotiation as an example where the service is a one-way video service, the communication method may further include the following steps:

[0409] S1415: The first terminal sends an off-hook instruction to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the off-hook instruction from the first terminal.

[0410] Optionally, the first UCF sends an off-hook instruction to the one-way video service AS. Correspondingly, the one-way video service AS receives the off-hook instruction from the first UCF.

[0411] S1416: The one-way video service AS sends the first information to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives the first information from the one-way video service AS.

[0412] Optionally, the first information may instruct the first UMF to add a unidirectional video media channel to the second terminal.

[0413] S1417: The first media channel for the first UMF to determine renegotiation.

[0414] Understandably, the first UMF determines the first media channel that needs to be renegotiated among multiple media channels based on the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation.

[0415] Optionally, since the one-way video service is a value-added service for the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation remains unchanged between the first UMF and the first terminal; it is still an audio service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the first terminal does not need to be renegotiated. However, between the first UMF and the second terminal, the service information corresponding to the second media negotiation and the first media negotiation changes from an audio service to a one-way video service. Therefore, the media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal needs to be renegotiated, and a one-way video channel can be added between the first UMF and the second terminal.

[0416] Optionally, since the media information related to the audio channel between the first UMF and the second terminal did not change during the first media negotiation process, the request for the first media negotiation can be made to renegotiate the first media channel between the first UMF and the second terminal by carrying the newly added media information of the one-way video service.

[0417] S1418: The first UMF sends a session update request to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives the session update request from the first UMF.

[0418] The session update request carries the media information carried in the first media negotiation request. In other words, during the session update process between the first terminal and the second terminal, the session update request can carry the media information carried in the first media negotiation request, so that the session update and the first media negotiation between the first terminal and the second terminal can be carried out together.

[0419] S1419: The first UCF sends a session update request to the second UCF. Correspondingly, the second UCF receives the session update request from the first UCF.

[0420] S1420: The second UCF sends a media update request to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the media update request from the second UCF.

[0421] S1421: The second UMF sends a media update response to the second UCF. Correspondingly, the second UCF receives the media update response from the second UMF.

[0422] S1422: The second UCF sends a session update request to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the session update request from the second UCF.

[0423] S1423: The second terminal sends a session update response to the second UCF. Correspondingly, the second UCF receives the session update response from the second terminal.

[0424] S1424: The second UCF sends a media update request to the second UMF. Correspondingly, the second UMF receives the media update request from the second UCF.

[0425] S1425: The second UMF sends a media update response to the second UCF. Correspondingly, the second UCF receives the media update response from the second UMF.

[0426] S1426: The second UCF sends a session update response to the first UCF. Correspondingly, the first UCF receives a session update response from the second UCF.

[0427] S1427: The first UCF sends a session update response to the first UMF. Correspondingly, the first UMF receives a session update response from the first UCF.

[0428] S1428: The first UMF completes the renegotiation of the first media channel corresponding to the one-way video service, while the voice media remains unchanged.

[0429] S1429: The first UMF and the second terminal transmit and play media information corresponding to the one-way video service.

[0430] Understandably, the first UMF establishes an audio service based on the second media negotiation, and then conducts a first media negotiation on the basis of the audio service to add a one-way video service for the second terminal, ultimately realizing the business requirement of combining audio service and one-way video service.

[0431] One possible implementation, as shown in Figure 15, provides a communication method applicable to an IMS network. This method combines P / I / S-CSCF, MMTEL AS, and DCSF to implement the functions of the first UCF in the embodiment shown in Figure 14. In other words, P / I / S-CSCF, MMTEL AS, and DCSF can replace the first UCF in the scheme shown in Figure 14 of the aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, the steps included in this communication method can be found in the description of the relevant steps in Figure 14 of the aforementioned embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0432] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0433] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of the interaction between various entities. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be the first media function entity in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the first media function entity, or a component usable in the first media function entity; or, the communication device can be the first communication device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the first communication device, or a component usable in the first communication device. It is understood that the first media function entity, the first communication device, etc., in order to achieve the above functions, include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the unit and algorithm operations of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0434] This application can divide the first media functional entity and the first communication device into functional modules based on the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It is understood that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0435] For example, when functional modules are integrated, Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 160. The communication device 160 includes an interface module 1601 and a processing module 1602. The interface module 1601, also called an interface unit, is used to perform transmit and receive operations; for example, it can be an interface circuit, transceiver, or communication interface. The processing module 1602, also called a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmit and receive operations; for example, it can be a processing circuit or a processor.

[0436] In some embodiments, the communication device 160 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG16) for storing program instructions and data.

[0437] For example, the communication device 160 is used to implement the functions of the first media function entity. The communication device 160 is, for example, the first media function entity described in the embodiment shown in FIG8.

[0438] The processing module 1602 is used to control the interface module 1601 to receive first information. The first information indicates that a first media negotiation is to be performed. The first media negotiation is based on a second media negotiation, which includes negotiation of multiple media channels. For example, the interface module 1601 can be used to execute S800.

[0439] The processing module 1602 is also configured to control the interface module 1601 to send a first media negotiation request to the first communication device. The first media negotiation request is used to request renegotiation of the first media channel, which belongs to multiple media channels. For example, the processing module 1602 can be used to execute S801.

[0440] When used to implement the functions of the first communication device, other functions that the communication device 160 can implement can be referred to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in FIG8, which will not be elaborated further.

[0441] The processing module 1602 is used to control the interface module 1601 to receive a request for first media negotiation from the first media function entity. The first media negotiation is based on a second media negotiation, which includes negotiation of multiple media channels. The request for first media negotiation is used to request renegotiation of the first media channel, which belongs to multiple media channels. For example, the processing module 1602 can be used to execute S801.

[0442] When used to implement the functions of the first communication device, other functions that the communication device 160 can implement can be referred to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in FIG8, which will not be elaborated further.

[0443] In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 160 can take the form shown in FIG7. For example, the processor 701 in FIG7 can invoke computer execution instructions stored in memory 703 to cause the communication device 160 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0444] For example, the functions / implementation processes of the interface module 1601 and processing module 1602 in FIG16 can be implemented by the processor 701 in FIG7 calling computer execution instructions stored in memory 703. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1602 in FIG16 can be implemented by the processor 701 in FIG7 calling computer execution instructions stored in memory 703, and the functions / implementation processes of the interface module 1601 in FIG16 can be implemented by the communication interface 704 in FIG7.

[0445] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes the software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0446] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0447] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0448] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0449] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0450] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, first media functional entity, first communication device, etc.). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0451] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including at least one of the following: a first media function entity and a first communication device as described in the above embodiments.

[0452] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0453] It is understood that the term "connection" in this application can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection; furthermore, it can refer to an electrical connection or a communication connection. For example, the connection of two electrical components A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other electrical components or connection media, enabling the transmission of electrical signals between A and B; similarly, the connection of two devices A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other communication devices or communication media, enabling communication between A and B.

[0454] It is understood that the message names between entities or the names of parameters in the messages in the above embodiments of this application are just examples, and other names may be used in the specific implementation. This application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0455] It is understood that in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions like "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional entries for this item. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0456] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0457] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of this application.

[0458] It is understood that in this application, "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0459] It is understood that some optional features in this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution upon which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus provided in this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0460] It is understood that the same step or step with the same function or technical feature in this application can be referenced and learned from each other in different embodiments.

[0461] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0462] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0463] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0464] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first media functional entity, the method includes: Receive first information, the first information instructs to conduct a first media negotiation, the first media negotiation is conducted on the basis of a second media negotiation, the second media negotiation includes negotiation of multiple media channels; A first media negotiation request is sent to a first communication device. The first media negotiation request is used to request renegotiation of a first media channel, which belongs to the plurality of media channels. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first media negotiation request includes a proposal for a second media channel, which is a media channel renegotiated from the first media channel. The proposal includes media information from the second media channel that differs from the media information from the first media channel. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The media information of the second media channel also includes the media information of the first media channel. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first media negotiation request also includes a first instruction message, which indicates that the media information of the second media channel is the same as the media information of the first media channel. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The multiple media channels include one or more of the following: The media channel between the first media function entity and the first terminal, wherein the first terminal is the called terminal; The media channel between the first media function entity and the second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the calling terminal; or, The media channel between the first media function entity and the second media function entity, wherein the second media function entity is the media function entity corresponding to the second terminal. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first information includes the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation, and the business information includes one or more of the following: media type, or media codec type; The method further includes: Based on the business information corresponding to the first media negotiation and the business information corresponding to the second media negotiation, determine to renegotiate the first media channel; and / or determine not to negotiate any media channels other than the first media channel among the plurality of media channels. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The service corresponding to the first media negotiation is a one-way video service or a ringback tone service, and the service corresponding to the second media negotiation is an audio service. The first media channel includes the media channel between the first media function entity and the second terminal. The first media function entity is the media function entity corresponding to the first terminal, and the second terminal is the calling terminal. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a first media negotiation response from the first communication device. The first media negotiation response includes response information from a second media channel, which includes media information from the second media channel that is different from the media information from the first media channel. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: A request for a first media negotiation is received from a first media function entity. The first media negotiation is based on a second media negotiation, which includes negotiation of multiple media channels. The request for the first media negotiation is used to request renegotiation of a first media channel, which belongs to the multiple media channels. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first media negotiation request includes a proposal for a second media channel, which is a media channel renegotiated from the first media channel. The proposal includes media information from the second media channel that differs from the media information from the first media channel. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The media information of the second media channel also includes the media information of the first media channel. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The first media negotiation request also includes a first instruction message, which indicates media information of the second media channel that is the same as the media information of the first media channel. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The multiple media channels include one or more of the following: The media channel between the first media function entity and the first terminal, wherein the first terminal is the called terminal; The media channel between the first media function entity and the second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the calling terminal; or, The media channel between the first media function entity and the second media function entity, wherein the second media function entity is the media function entity corresponding to the second terminal. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the first media negotiation response to the first media function entity. The first media negotiation response includes response information from the second media channel. The response information includes media information from the second media channel, which is different from the media information in the first media channel. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9-14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9-14. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-8 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 9-14 to be implemented. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 9-14.

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