Session Transfer via Intermediary Server Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring active media sessions across multiple devices associated with the same user, such as call forwarding and session handover, are complex, disruptive, and require significant user intervention or infrastructure support, especially when multiple devices are involved.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunication messaging system that enables seamless switching of active sessions between IP-based devices using a server with a mapping table, allowing users to maintain sessions across multiple devices without disrupting the remote party, by utilizing SIP URI, SIPS URI, TEL URI, GRUU, or private numbering plan addressing, and storing session history for display on the new device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If call forwarding is used to transfer sessions between multiple devices, then the user can maintain contact across devices, but the system complexity increases and requires reprogramming each telephone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that centralizes the session management functionality. Instead of requiring call forwarding capabilities on each individual telephone device, the server acts as a mediator that receives session transfer requests, manages the mapping between user identifiers and device addresses, and coordinates the session handover process. This eliminates the need for complex distributed call forwarding logic across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides universal session management capabilities that work across different device types and communication protocols. By implementing a unified addressing system (SIP URI, SIPS URI, TEL URI, GRUU) and centralized mapping table, the system enables session transfer between diverse devices (mobile phones, fixed telephones, PDAs, computers) without requiring device-specific implementations of call forwarding logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If call forwarding is configured to handle multiple devices, then session transfer is enabled, but the calling party must remain on the line for a significant period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the mapping table with associations between user identifiers and multiple device addresses before session transfer is needed. When a user registers their devices with the server, the mapping relationships are established in advance. During session transfer, the server can immediately retrieve the target device address from the pre-existing mapping table, eliminating the need for the calling party to remain on hold while the system searches for or configures the forwarding destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server provides status information about session transfer progress to both the calling and called parties. This includes notifying when the session is being transferred, when it has been successfully transferred, and providing intermediate status updates, thereby reducing the uncertainty and perceived waiting time for users involved in the session transfer process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If call forwarding is implemented on individual telephones, then session transfer is possible, but each telephone must have call forwarding capabilities and be reprogrammed each time
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a centralized intermediary that manages all session transfer configurations and mappings. Users interact with the server through simple registration processes where they provide their user identifier and device addresses. The server then maintains the mapping table and handles all session transfer logic centrally, eliminating the need for users to configure or reprogram individual telephone devices each time they want to enable session transfer to new devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where users can automatically register their devices and update their device inventory without requiring manual configuration of each device or intervention from service providers. The server automatically maintains the mapping table based on user registrations, and session transfers can be initiated automatically or through simple user commands without complex configuration procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If session termination and reestablishment is used to move sessions between devices, then the user can switch devices, but the session continuity is disrupted and the remote party is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements session continuity by maintaining the session state and media stream routing through the server during device transitions. When a user wants to transfer a session to a different device, the server updates the mapping in the mapping table and redirects the media stream to the new device address without terminating the session. The remote party experiences no disruption because the session identifier and routing logic are maintained by the server, ensuring continuous and seamless session delivery across device changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for facilitating transfer of an active session from a first device to a second device associated with the same user. A network server is configured to enable the switching or swapping of an active session from one device to another device, where both devices are associated with a common user address. The switching or swapping is implemented with no or minimal effect on the active session or awareness of the remote party. The device switch may be performed in relation to any active session, including VoIP, video conferencing, or other media sessions.