SIP Device Digit Collection via Network-Activated Tones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modifying communication service settings in a SIP environment are flawed, leading to user dissatisfaction due to delays in digit detection and potential loss of digits during the setup process, as they require waiting for media stream setup or rely on SIP devices to understand complex tone and digit sequences.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving a code from a SIP device, determining the communication service, and transmitting function-activating SIP messages to the device to play tones and collect digits, allowing users to enter service data without waiting for media stream setup, and processing the data to modify settings, with logic kept on the switch to simplify updates and avoid device upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ETSI-style services use media stream setup to play announcements and collect digits, then communication service settings can be modified with user feedback, but digits may be lost during the setup window and users must wait until announcement starts before dialing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the SIP device activate the tone playing and digit collection functions immediately upon receiving the function-activating SIP message, before the media stream is fully set up. This allows the device to be ready to collect digits as soon as the user starts dialing, eliminating the waiting period and preventing digit loss during setup.
2Productivity
If SIP devices are made to understand complex tone and digit sequences to collect digits, then digit collection can occur without media stream setup, but device complexity increases and upgrades are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by having the network element (switch or feature server) send function-activating SIP messages that instruct the SIP device to activate specific functions. This mediator approach allows the SIP device to simply follow instructions from the network rather than independently understanding complex tone and digit sequences, reducing device complexity while maintaining fast digit collection.
3Productivity
If communication service logic is implemented on SIP devices, then digit collection can start immediately, but updates require device upgrades and user reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication service logic from the SIP devices and places it on the network element (switch or feature server). The network element sends function-activating SIP messages to control the SIP device behavior. This extraction allows service updates to be performed on the network side without requiring SIP device upgrades or user reconfiguration, while still enabling immediate digit collection functionality.
4Ease of operation
If users dial complete telephone numbers at once, then service activation is simple, but user experience is poor due to lack of feedback and potential digit loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the SIP device play tones (such as stutter dial tones) to the user during the digit collection process. This provides real-time feedback to the user that their digits are being collected and the system is responding, improving the user experience while maintaining the simplicity of the operation. The tone playing is activated automatically through the function-activating SIP message without requiring additional user input.
Data Source
AI summary
Measures for modifying settings of communication services for Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) devices in a telecommunications network are provided. A code-containing SIP message comprising a code entered by a user of a SIP device is received from the SIP device. The code identifies a communication service. The communication service that the code relates to is determined on the basis of the received code. A function-activating SIP message comprising data specifying one or more characteristics of at least one function to be activated by the SIP device in a data collection operation is transmitted to the SIP device. A completed data-containing SIP message comprising communication service data entered by the user of the SIP device is received from the SIP device. The communication service data is processed in accordance with the identified communication service.