On-Hold Messaging for Off-Network VoIP Calls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication systems face challenges in conveying an on-hold status between callers when one user is on a traditional PSTN or cellular voice channel and the other is using a VoIP app over a data channel, as the mobile carrier does not recognize the VoIP user's call status, leading to priority issues and inability to alert the first caller that the second caller has put them on hold.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to receive signaling messages from the second communication device when a call interruption occurs, disconnecting the second caller and connecting a third party to establish a secondary communication between the first and third devices, using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Session Description Protocol (SDP) to manage call sessions and media paths, ensuring the first caller is alerted and media is appropriately routed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a VoIP user receives an incoming voice call during a VoIP call, then the voice call takes priority and the other side is effectively put on hold, but the first caller cannot be alerted that the second caller has put them on hold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a messaging system as an intermediary between the VoIP caller and the voice channel caller. When the VoIP user receives an incoming call and is put on hold, the system automatically sends a message through the messaging application to notify the first caller of their on-hold status. This intermediary messaging layer bridges the information gap between different communication protocols and networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile carrier does not recognize the VoIP user's call status, then the carrier cannot manage call priority properly, but introducing a new messaging system increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing multi-functionality of smartphone devices by utilizing both the voice channel capabilities and data channel messaging capabilities of the same device. The messaging application serves multiple purposes: it acts as a notification system for call status, a communication bridge between different network types, and an information relay service. This approach avoids adding dedicated hardware while achieving cross-network communication adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first caller is on PSTN or cellular voice channel and the second caller uses VoIP app, then the carriers cannot recognize each other's call status, but establishing separate communication protocols increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the messaging application as an intermediary layer that translates and bridges information between the voice channel network and the data channel network. Instead of requiring direct protocol compatibility between PSTN/cellular and VoIP systems, the messaging app serves as a mediator that receives status information from the VoIP side and conveys it to the voice channel side, and vice versa. This approach achieves mixed network compatibility without requiring complex dual protocol support in the device firmware.
Data Source
AI summary
An Off Net scenario may occur during primary communications between a first and second caller, in which the second caller is connected to a network over a data channel and receives a second call over a voice channel resulting in an interruption of the primary communications between the original callers. In the Off Net scenario, a message indicating the original communication has been interrupted is received by a carrier. The carrier substitutes another communication device in place of the second caller's communication device to establish a secondary communication between the first caller's communication device and the third communication device. The secondary communication may inform the first caller of the interruption of the primary communication and may provide options regarding the primary communication to the first caller.