Session Manager for Media Type-Based Communication Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently directing multimedia communication sessions to appropriate devices within a group sharing a common registration identity, particularly in modifying ongoing sessions and handling different media types.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that set device direction policies based on media types, allowing for the routing of communication sessions or messages to preferred devices within a group, enabling per-session or per-message redirection and modification of media types, using a network entity like an application server to manage preferences and redirect communications accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are registered with a common identity in SIP-based communication systems, then users can access communication services across multiple devices, but the system lacks the capability to intelligently route different media types to appropriate devices, resulting in inefficient session direction and user control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the session management function by introducing a separate session manager component that handles routing decisions independently from device registration and communication service delivery. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple devices with a common identity while introducing intelligent media type-based routing without overwhelming complexity in the core SIP infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The session manager acts as an intermediary component between the SIP communication system and multiple registered devices. It receives session requests, determines the appropriate target device based on media type analysis and user preferences, and routes communications accordingly. This intermediary approach enables intelligent routing while maintaining compatibility with existing SIP protocols and infrastructure.
2Reliability
If separate SIP dialogs are used for each media type communication, then precise device direction is achieved, but charging costs increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The session manager provides multi-functional capability by handling routing decisions for multiple media types within a single unified framework. It can analyze different media types (audio, video, text), consult user preferences, and route appropriate media to suitable devices without requiring separate SIP dialogs for each media type. This universal approach maintains routing accuracy while improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of media types and user preferences before establishing communication sessions. The session manager pre-determines the appropriate target device based on the media type and stored user preferences, allowing for efficient single-dialog routing decisions rather than requiring multiple sequential dialogs for each media type negotiation.
3Ease of operation
If users have fine-grained control over session routing preferences, then communication is directed to the most appropriate device, but the system requires complex preference management mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
User preferences for media type-based routing are established in advance and stored in the session manager. When a session request arrives, the session manager consults these pre-configured preferences to automatically determine the appropriate target device. This preliminary setup approach allows users to exercise fine-grained control over routing behavior without requiring complex real-time decision-making or intricate preference management during active communications.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, and an associated method, for directing communications of a communication session to a selected communication device, or devices, of a group of commonly-registered devices. A device-direction policy is created and stored at a network entity. The policy identifies preferred devices to which communications of a communication session are to be provided. A SIP Invite, or other communication-session initiation message, is provided to the network entity. The network entity detects the message, accesses the policy, and forwards on the message in accordance with the policy.