SIP File Transfer via Intermediary Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring files during SIP voice calls require both parties to have access to their computers and involve time-consuming and error-prone processes, especially when initiating and verifying file transfers without direct computer access.
Innovation Solution
A communications system with audio devices connected to SIP endpoints and a File Transfer Application Agent (FTAA) system that allows file transfers between SIP endpoints without requiring direct access to computers, using a unique Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) for audio communications and file transfer agents, enabling seamless file transfers during voice calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both parties access their computers to initiate and verify file transfers, then transfer reliability is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that mediates between the two parties during file transfers. This intermediary handles the complex computer access requirements and verification processes, allowing parties to initiate transfers through simple telephone calls without directly accessing their computers, thus maintaining reliability while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the file transfer process into distinct phases: initiation through telephone call, execution by intermediary system, and verification through automated means. This segmentation allows each party to perform simple actions (making calls) while the complex computer access and verification tasks are handled separately by the intermediary system
2Reliability
If both parties must access their computers during file transfer, then transfer security is improved, but accessibility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary system acts as a secure gateway that maintains security requirements while enabling accessibility. It manages computer access controls and authentication protocols, allowing parties to initiate transfers from any location via telephone without needing direct computer access, thus preserving security while improving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service file transfers where parties can initiate transfers autonomously through telephone calls without requiring computer access or technical knowledge. The intermediary system automatically handles authentication, transfer execution, and verification, making the service accessible to anyone with a telephone
3Ease of operation
If manual computer access is required for file transfers, then transfer control is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing secure connections, pre-authenticating parties, and pre-configuring transfer parameters. When a party initiates a transfer via telephone, the bulk of the time-consuming computer access and setup work has already been done, allowing rapid transfer execution
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary system handles time-consuming tasks such as computer access management, authentication, and transfer execution automatically. Parties only need to place telephone calls to initiate and verify transfers, reducing their time investment from potentially lengthy computer operations to simple verbal commands
4Measurement precision
If IP addresses must be entered manually for file transfers, then transfer precision is improved, but error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retrieves and validates IP addresses through the intermediary system without requiring manual input from parties. The intermediary system handles address resolution, validation, and routing automatically, eliminating input errors while maintaining precise address specification
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary system acts as an address resolution service that translates simple telephone call identifiers into precise IP addresses and routing information. Parties don't need to manually enter or verify IP addresses; the intermediary system handles this automatically, ensuring accuracy without requiring complex input from users
Data Source
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AI summary
A communications system and method of transferring data over the communications system. The system includes audio communications devices (telephones and/or, soft phones) connected to Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) endpoints (102,104) with multiple line capabilities and a unique Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) associated with audio communications that has the form x@y.z. A file transfer agent system (110,112) running a File Transfer Application Agent (FTAA) application is also connected at each of SIP endpoints (102,104), and has a unique URI that has the form ft.x@y.z. Parties conducting a phone conversation at SIP endpoints (102,104) can initiate file transfers between the file transfer agent system from respective audio communications devices without otherwise accessing the file transfer agent system.