Media Server Caller Identification via SIP Image Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems fail to effectively identify the calling/called party without additional software and hardware, limiting user recognition when caller information is not stored on the recipient's terminal.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that registers and transmits image data of the calling party through a media server, allowing display on the called party's terminal using SIP protocols, enabling identification without additional hardware or software, and allowing registration of different avatars or images based on call conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If phone number is transmitted to recipient terminal during ringing signal, then recipient can see caller information, but recipient cannot identify caller if phone number is not recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media server as an intermediary component between the calling and called terminals. The media server stores image data of users and retrieves/transmits this data during call setup, enabling caller identification without requiring complex processing at the terminal devices. This resolves the contradiction by adding a centralized service rather than complicating the terminal systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image data (photos, avatars) as visual copies of the caller to enable identification. Instead of relying solely on text-based phone numbers that recipients may not recognize, the system transmits and displays visual representations of the caller, making identification intuitive and effective without increasing terminal complexity.
2Loss of information
If caller name and avatar/image are stored in recipient terminal, then caller can be identified, but recipient cannot identify caller when this information is not stored
Solution Approach 1:
The media server provides a universal service that works for all callers and recipients in the system. Instead of requiring each terminal to maintain separate databases of contact information, the media server centrally manages and provides image data for any caller, making the system adaptable to any calling scenario without requiring pre-stored information on recipient terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing image data of users in the media server before actual calls occur. This allows the system to quickly retrieve and transmit appropriate caller images during call setup, enabling identification without requiring recipients to have pre-stored information about specific callers.
3Loss of information
If image data is transmitted through additional software and hardware, then caller identification is improved, but manufacturing and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing media server infrastructure (already present for audio/visual media transmission) as an intermediary for image data transmission during calls. By reusing this existing component rather than introducing dedicated hardware or software modules at terminal level, the system achieves caller identification functionality without increasing manufacturing or operating costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The media server performs multiple functions: it handles audio/visual media transmission and also provides caller identification by storing and transmitting caller images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems, reducing overall system complexity and costs while maintaining effective caller identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and communication system is provided to identify a calling/called party when the call is being set up but before the call is answered. In the method, a first terminal and a second terminal are respectively provided with opposing terminal's image data before the call is answered. The image data of the first and second terminals can be registered in a media server disposed between the first and second terminals, and the image data can be transmitted between the first terminal and the media server and between the second terminal and the media server in accordance with an SIP protocol.