Multi-Line Multi-Device Capability Discovery via IMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks typically restrict users to a single line or number, limiting the ability to use multiple lines on multiple devices and share lines efficiently, and lack mechanisms for transparent device capability discovery across disparate devices and users.
Innovation Solution
The system and method enable multi-line, multi-device (MLMD) technology that allows users to access and use multiple lines on one or more devices, with transparent device capability discovery, using an IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem (IMS) architecture and Session-Initiation-Protocol (SIP) to facilitate line sharing and device capability advertisement, reducing dependency on existing network functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single line is associated with a UE in traditional communication networks, then network simplicity and management ease are maintained, but the ability to use multiple lines on multiple devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional single-line association into multiple independent line associations. Each line can be independently registered and managed on different devices through the IMS architecture, allowing users to have multiple lines across multiple devices while maintaining manageable network complexity through structured registration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single UE to handle multiple lines and multiple users simultaneously. The system allows a device to register multiple lines, share lines across different devices, and discover capabilities of multiple devices, making the communication system universally applicable to various usage scenarios
2Loss of information
If over-the-top applications provide second line capability on a device, then line sharing is enabled, but device capability discovery across multiple devices remains unsupported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs publish their capability information to the network, and other UEs can subscribe to receive this information. The system provides feedback loops for capability advertisement, subscription, and notification, enabling transparent discovery of device capabilities without user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service capability discovery where UEs automatically publish their capabilities to the network and can autonomously subscribe to capabilities of other devices. The capability discovery process occurs automatically without requiring manual configuration or user awareness, making it transparent and easeful to operate
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lines are shared across multiple devices, then line sharing functionality is enhanced, but the mechanism for transparent capability discovery is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the IMS network as an intermediary that mediates capability discovery between multiple devices. Instead of direct device-to-device discovery, UEs publish capabilities to the network, which then distributes this information to subscribed devices, simplifying the discovery process while supporting enhanced line sharing across multiple devices
Data Source
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AI summary
Communication systems and methods suitable for use with multiple lines associated with one or more devices are disclosed. Exemplary systems and methods provide multi-line, multi-device device capability discovery that allow capability discovery of devices with shared lines.