Client-Controlled Dynamic Call Forwarding via SIP Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signaling mechanisms in IP-based client-server telecommunications, such as SIP, are inadequate for client-side control of call processing rules, especially when client deployments are more frequent than server deployments, and do not allow clients to specify proxy behavior for call routing.
Innovation Solution
A client-side signaling mechanism that enables clients to create and transmit call routing rules to the call server using SIP protocol messages, allowing the server to halt current processing and apply client-side rules for call routing, without requiring changes to the server infrastructure or additional client-like functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If server-side call processing rules are used, then call routing is controlled centrally on the server, but clients cannot dynamically control or modify call routing behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the client acts as a mediator that can inject its own call processing rules into the server-side signaling flow. The client generates SIP responses that contain call forwarding rules, which are then processed by the server as if they originated from the server itself. This allows the client to control call routing without requiring direct modifications to the server infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the server push call processing rules to the client (traditional server-side control), the patent inverts the control flow by allowing the client to push its own rules back to the server through SIP responses. The server then applies these client-generated rules to control call routing, effectively reversing the traditional direction of control in client-server architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If client software is updated frequently to add new features, then clients can use new intelligent call handling features, but existing server infrastructure cannot understand or apply these new rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs copying by having the client generate SIP response messages that replicate the format and structure of traditional server-generated call forwarding rules. Instead of requiring the server to understand new client-specific rule formats, the client copies the established SIP signaling format, allowing existing server infrastructure to process and apply these rules without any modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SIP signaling mechanism universal by enabling it to carry both traditional server-generated rules and client-generated rules using the same message format. The server infrastructure maintains its existing universal ability to process SIP call forwarding rules, while the client gains the capability to generate these rules, making the system multi-functional without sacrificing compatibility.
3Ease of operation
If the server processes all call routing rules, then centralized control is maintained, but the server cannot apply rules that it does not understand without client assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the client to autonomously generate and inject its own call processing rules into the server-side signaling flow. Instead of requiring the server to understand and process complex client-specific rule formats, or requiring continuous server-client negotiation, the client independently creates rules in the standard SIP format and the server automatically processes them, making the client self-sufficient in controlling its own call routing.
Data Source
AI summary
A client-side signaling mechanism that allows a client to control how a telephone call is handled on a call server. The client user can create call routing rules on the client device using a client control component that manages session protocol messages. Once created, the call routing rule(s) created on the client are transmitted to the call server where a call routing component of the call server processes the rule(s) for a call related to the client. When the server receives the rule(s) and determines that the rule(s) are related to an existing call (incoming or currently in-process), the server halts current normal server rules processing for that call and executes the client-created rule(s). In one example, SIP session messages are employed for client control of server-side call forwarding.