Video Call Setup via PSTN In-Band Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Video communication systems face challenges in establishing connections between endpoints from different companies due to compatibility issues and the need for complex firewall/NAT traversal configurations, especially in enterprise settings where different call control protocols and private networks are involved.

Innovation Solution

Endpoints exchange initial credentials via in-band signaling such as DTMF or FSK, allowing video calls to be set up directly through the public IP network, eliminating the need for specialized firewall/NAT traversal techniques and utilizing the existing E.164 telephone directory for call initiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional video communication systems are used between different companies, then video calls can be established, but complex firewall/NAT traversal configurations are required and compatibility issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidfirewall/NAT traversal configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism that mediates between endpoints behind firewalls/NAT. The system uses intermediate servers or protocols to facilitate credential exchange and connection setup, avoiding the need for complex direct firewall traversal configurations while ensuring reliable connection establishment between different company networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If endpoints from different companies attempt to establish video calls, then communication between companies is enabled, but time-consuming firewall/NAT traversal configurations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-company communicationVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary credential exchange and compatibility verification before the actual video call setup. By performing authentication and capability matching in advance through automated signaling protocols, the system eliminates time-consuming manual firewall/NAT configurations during the call setup process, enabling rapid inter-company communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If compatibility verification is performed between endpoints, then video capability matching is achieved, but the discovery process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveendpoint compatibilityVSAvoiddiscovery process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based compatibility verification system where endpoints exchange capability information through standardized signaling protocols. The system provides automated feedback loops that verify video capabilities, codecs, and resolution requirements, simplifying the discovery process while ensuring precise compatibility matching between endpoints from different companies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2810431B1Video calls for external networks
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 MITEL CORP
  • EP2810431B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2810431B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2810431B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for setting up a video communication session via an Internet Protocol (IP) network between a first correspondent and a second correspondent, the method having the steps of: the first correspondent placing a call through a public switched telephone network (PSTN) to the second correspondent to establish a PSTN communication session; the first correspondent sending a compatibility request via in-band signals to determine compatibility with the first correspondent for video communication; prompting the second correspondent to accept or decline an invitation for the video communication session; exchanging setup information via the PSTN for setting up the video communication session when the second correspondent accepts the invitation, the setup information comprising attributes of each of the correspondents; and setting up the video communication session via the IP network and terminating the PSTN communication session.