SIP Client Application Selection via Identifier Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SIP systems lack a standardized method for managing multiple applications on SIP endpoints and controlling which features are enabled, leading to inefficiencies in initiating, controlling, and releasing SIP sessions across devices with varying functionalities.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for SIP clients and servers to uniquely identify and authorize SIP applications and features, using SIP application identifiers and feature identifiers within messages, allowing for secure access and configuration of available applications and features on SIP-enabled devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If SIP endpoints support multiple SIP applications, then the functionality and versatility of the endpoint is improved, but the complexity of managing and controlling which applications and features are enabled increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the SIP application identification and feature control into distinct components: application identifiers (URI-based) and feature tags within SIP messages. This allows independent control and management of multiple applications and their features, reducing the complexity of managing bundled functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces new parameters (application identifier in URI, feature tags) to SIP message structures to enable precise control over which applications and features are activated. This parameter-based control mechanism allows flexible management without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If SIP applications are allowed to spoof application registration, then the ease of deploying applications on endpoints is improved, but the security and authorization control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment easeVSAvoidauthorization control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server validates application identifiers and feature tags against authorized configurations before enabling applications. This validation loop maintains security while allowing flexible deployment of authorized applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authorization layer between application deployment and execution. The server acts as a mediator that verifies application identifiers and controls feature access, preventing spoofing while maintaining ease of deployment for authorized applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If no standardized method exists for selecting applications and features on SIP endpoints, then the adaptability of different SIP applications is improved, but the interoperability and consistency across devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication compatibilityVSAvoidstandardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal SIP message structure with standardized application identifiers and feature tags that can be used across different SIP applications and devices. This universal structure enables consistent control mechanisms while supporting diverse application types and features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent standardizes specific parameters (application identifier in URI format, feature tag syntax) within SIP messages to ensure consistent interpretation across different devices and applications, while maintaining the ability to support varied application functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP1976217B1Methods and systems to allow multiple sip applications on a sip client enabling it to select specific applications and features on a sip server
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP1976217B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1976217B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1976217B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method is provided for a SIP client to select a SIP application and a SIP feature associated with the SIP application by sending a message to a remote SIP server that includes the identification of the SIP application and SIP feature. The message may be generated by the SIP client using SIP application configuration information stored on the SIP client. The SIP application configuration information includes information about SIP applications and associated features and where the SIP applications can be located. A further method is provided for a SIP enabled device, for example a SIP client or a SIP server, to be provided with SIP application configuration information by a configuration server. Various SIP enabled devices and a configuration server for implementing the methods are also described herein.