SIP Call Pickup via Network Server Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In SIP-based communications systems, there is a need for call pickup functionality that does not rely on specialized implementations within SIP telephones or peer-to-peer interoperability, as traditional call pickup features are not effectively supported in converged networks that integrate voice and data traffic.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented in a network server to provide call pickup by originating a call, alerting a second communication station, storing context information, and applying it to establish communication between the first and third communication stations upon receiving a call pickup indication, using a data communications network that includes a proxy server, location server, and context database to manage call context and user location information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional call pickup features are implemented in SIP environments, then call pickup functionality can be provided, but specialized implementations within SIP telephones or peer-to-peer interoperability are required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary component that centralizes call pickup processing. Instead of requiring specialized logic in each SIP telephone, the network server receives call pickup indications, retrieves context information from a database, and establishes the call connection. This mediator approach transfers complexity from end devices to the network infrastructure, enabling call pickup functionality without modifying telephone complexity.
2Device complexity
If call pickup is implemented without specialized SIP telephones, then device complexity is reduced, but traditional peer-to-peer interoperability mechanisms are insufficient for converged networks integrating voice and data traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The network server acts as a mediator between SIP telephones and the call processing infrastructure. It receives standard SIP messages from telephones, interprets call pickup indications, queries a context database for call state information, and manages call establishment. This intermediary layer enables traditional peer-to-peer SIP communication to support advanced services like call pickup without requiring specialized telephone hardware or software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the call pickup functionality into separate modular components: (1) SIP telephones that generate call pickup indications, (2) a network server that processes the indications and manages call state, and (3) a context database that stores call information. This segmentation allows each component to remain simple while the system as a whole provides versatile call pickup service processing suitable for converged networks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If call context information is stored and retrieved via network server, then call pickup can be implemented in converged networks, but additional network infrastructure components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The network server is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple functions: standard SIP call processing, call pickup indication reception, context database management, and call establishment. By creating a multi-functional server, the patent avoids the need for separate specialized infrastructure components for each service, reducing overall network complexity while enabling converged network support for both voice and data traffic with enhanced services.
Data Source
AI summary
A method provides call pickup in a communications network. The method includes initiating a call from a first device to a second device. The call is initiated over one or more networks, where at least one of the one or more networks includes a data network. The method further includes storing information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, receiving a message from a third device during the call initiation, where the message includes a call pickup indication, retrieving the information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, and establishing a call between the first device and the third device based on the retrieved information.