Signaling Proxy Ringback Media Session Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunications, existing systems for setting up ringback media sessions in VoIP calls lack efficient mechanisms to dynamically manage and customize ringback tones, especially within IMS architectures, leading to limitations in providing personalized experiences for callers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a signaling proxy, such as a CSCF, forwards call setup messages to a ringback server upon receiving replies indicating the called party is unavailable, using SIP messages like SIP 181 to initiate a ringback media session, allowing for customization based on subscriber profiles and media categories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional server-based model is used for ringback tone storage and playout, then multiple ringback tones can be supported and customization is possible, but the system complexity increases and dynamic management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ringback server as an intermediary component between the signaling proxy and the media delivery mechanism. This ringback server specifically manages ringback tone storage, selection, and delivery, thereby distributing system complexity to a dedicated component while enabling versatile customization options for different callers based on subscriber profiles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic customization of ringback tones is implemented based on subscriber profiles, then personalized caller experiences are enhanced, but the signaling complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and buffering ringback media content before the actual call proceeds. When a call is initiated and the called party is determined to be unavailable, the signaling proxy can quickly retrieve pre-selected ringback tones from the ringback server based on already-loaded subscriber profiles, avoiding real-time processing complexity during the call setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The ringback server autonomously handles the selection and delivery of appropriate ringback tones based on subscriber profile information provided in the initial signaling. Once the signaling proxy provides the subscriber identifier and availability status, the ringback server independently determines which customized ringback tone to deliver without requiring continuous signaling intervention, thereby reducing ongoing signaling complexity.
3Ease of operation
If ringback media sessions are established for unavailable called parties, then caller experience is improved, but bandwidth resources are consumed during call setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by establishing ringback media sessions only for specific conditions - namely when the called party is determined to be unavailable (busy, no answer, or diverted). The signaling proxy checks call status and selectively initiates ringback sessions only when necessary, rather than establishing them for all calls, thereby optimizing bandwidth consumption while still improving caller experience in the relevant scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for setting up a ringback media session between a calling party and a ringback server. A signaling proxy may receive a call setup message seeking to set up a call from the calling party to a called party and responsively forward the call setup message from the signaling proxy to the called party. Thereafter, the signaling proxy may receive from the called party a reply to the call setup message indicating that the call is not yet answered by the called party. In response, the signaling proxy may send a call-forwarding initiation message to the ringback server to initiate forwarding of the call to the ringback server and setup of a ringback media session between the ringback server and the calling party. That message may include a designation of particular media that the ringback server should provide to the calling party, based on subscriber profile data.