Multimedia Server Adapting Rich Call Functions for Limited Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for multimedia support in voice calls exclude communication terminals without mobile phone-side client software (MCS), preventing them from participating in rich calls with multimedia features.
Innovation Solution
A method where the multimedia server establishes a connection with terminals of limited multimedia capability using standard signals, adapts multimedia functions to the terminal's capabilities, and employs standards like ISDN, GSM, GPRS, and UMTS for data transmission, ensuring all users can participate in multimedia functions to some extent, and prioritizes voice information transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile phone-side client software (MCS) is required for rich call setup, then multimedia call functions can be properly managed and controlled, but communication terminals without MCS software are excluded from using multimedia support for voice calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multimedia server as an intermediary that handles rich call setup and management functions. The server receives standard signaling from terminals without MCS software, determines multimedia capabilities through capability messages, and manages the rich call connection accordingly. This mediator approach allows terminals with limited functionality to participate in multimedia calls while the server performs the complex coordination normally requiring client software.
Solution Approach 2:
The multimedia server is designed to handle multiple types of terminals simultaneously - both those with full MCS software and those with limited or no multimedia capability. The server adapts its behavior based on the terminal's capabilities, providing full rich call support when possible and degraded but functional service when terminals have limitations. This universal approach allows the system to serve diverse terminal types through a single infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard signaling is used to establish connections with terminals of limited multimedia capability, then more terminals can participate in rich calls, but the full range of multimedia functions cannot be utilized by these terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the scope of multimedia functions based on the terminal's reported capabilities. When a terminal without full MCS software connects using standard signaling, the server receives a capability message indicating limited functionality and adjusts the rich call setup accordingly - enabling only those multimedia functions that the terminal can support. This dynamic adaptation allows maximum participation while avoiding errors from attempting unsupported functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the capability parameters of the system based on terminal information. The server queries terminal capabilities through capability messages and modifies the operational parameters of the rich call setup process accordingly. Terminals with limited capability receive a customized service configuration that matches their abilities, while fully capable terminals receive the complete feature set. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between broad participation and full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the multimedia server manages all rich call functions centrally, then terminals with limited capability can participate, but the system complexity increases and requires additional signaling protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The multimedia server acts as a centralized intermediary that absorbs the complexity of capability management and protocol adaptation. Rather than requiring each terminal to implement complex client software, the server handles capability detection, feature negotiation, and connection management. This centralization increases server complexity but dramatically simplifies terminal requirements, allowing diverse terminals to participate without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses capability messages that copy and transmit terminal capability information to the server. The server receives these capability copies and uses them to determine appropriate service configuration. This information copying mechanism allows the server to understand terminal limitations without requiring direct communication or complex handshaking protocols, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a system for transmitting data in a telecommunications system with a multimedia server for supporting voice calls with multimedia functions. Multimedia support for voice calls on mobile phones is generally referred to as rich calling, which in particular encompasses multimedia call scenarios in which the traditional voice call is enhanced by novel multimedia content and effects. These effects can include, for example, ringtones and visual call signaling, where images, video clips, and/or animations are displayed on the mobile phone screen. Furthermore, image and/or video information can be transmitted in parallel with the voice call when using a mobile phone with a camera (see-what-I-see).When calling a participant (B) who is not capable of rich calling, a connection with multimedia accompanying information cannot be established. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for transmitting data which enables multimedia support for the communication connection, at least to a limited extent, alongside the voice call, even between participants whose communication terminals are only partially capable of rich calling. This object is achieved by adapting the scope of the multimedia functions to the possible functionality of the communication terminal that is not or only partially capable of multimedia via the multimedia server (30).