Session Transfer Server for Seamless Multi-Terminal Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for multi-terminal sessions often disconnect existing sessions to set up conferences, leading to a deteriorated user experience due to treating each terminal of a multi-terminal user as a single entity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a Session Transfer Server (STS) that sets up connections between each terminal of a multi-terminal user and the STS, and between the STS and a peer user, allowing terminals to switch or add without notifying the peer user, thus maintaining session continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional GRUU-based multi-terminal session method is used, then routing to specific terminals can be ensured, but session continuity is broken when terminals switch or add
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Session Transfer Server (STS) as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple terminals and the peer user. The STS maintains the session context and forwards media streams, allowing terminals to switch or add without breaking the session. The STS acts as a B2BUA (Back-to-Back User Agent), managing session state and routing media flows between terminals and the peer user, thereby ensuring session continuity during terminal transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the session management function by separating control plane (signaling) and user plane (media stream) operations. The STS handles control plane operations for session management while maintaining independent media stream paths. This segmentation allows individual terminals to be added or removed without affecting the overall session state, as the STS manages each terminal's media flow independently while maintaining the persistent session context.
2Device complexity
If each terminal is treated as a single entity in conventional methods, then routing simplicity is maintained, but terminal switching requires session disconnection and conference setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the Session Transfer Server and pre-configuring session context before terminal switching occurs. The STS is set up in advance to handle multiple terminals, and session state is maintained in readiness. When a terminal needs to switch or add, the pre-configured STS can immediately handle the transition without requiring new session setup, thereby reducing session setup time and avoiding the need for conference creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The Session Transfer Server is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple functions: initial session establishment, terminal switching, terminal addition, and media stream routing. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate session management mechanisms, reducing overall session management complexity while enabling seamless terminal transitions without time loss.
3Reliability
If GRUU is supported by all routing entities, then correct routing to specific terminals is ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Session Transfer Server acts as an intermediary that centralizes the GRUU-based routing logic. Instead of requiring all routing entities in the network to support and process GRUU parameters, the STS alone handles GRUU interpretation and routing decisions. This concentrates the complexity in a single component while keeping other network elements simple, maintaining routing accuracy without widespread system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a multi-terminal session, and a communication system and related devices thereof are disclosed according to the present invention. Accordingly, the user experience is improved. The method of the present invention includes setting up a connection between each terminal of a multi-terminal user and a session transfer server; setting up a connection between the session transfer server and a peer user; conducting a session between each terminal of the multi-terminal user and the peer user via the session transfer server.