In-Call Service Initiation via SIP INFO Control Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for initiating in-call applications in telecommunication networks, such as voice commands and DTMF tones, are limited by issues like audibility to the remote party, incorrect capture, and inability to use during call holds, and require routing through the Media Resource Function, restricting functionality and availability.
Innovation Solution
Establishing an end-to-end control channel for exchanging SIP messages between entities to set up dedicated communication channels, allowing for the initiation and control of in-call services without affecting the primary SIP session, using offer and acceptance data to configure and store addresses for communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice commands are used to initiate in-call services, then the user can trigger services during a call, but the remote party can hear the command and the user plane must be routed through the Media Resource Function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the service initiation function from the user plane media path and places it in the control plane signaling path. SIP INFO messages carry service initiation commands independently of the media stream, eliminating the requirement for user plane routing through MRF and preventing remote party from hearing initiation commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIP INFO message acts as an intermediary carrier for service initiation commands. Instead of using voice commands or DTMF tones that travel through the media path, the patent uses SIP INFO messages to transport service control information separately, mediating between user input and service execution without involving the media stream.
2Ease of operation
If DTMF tones are used to initiate in-call services, then the user can trigger services, but the tone can be heard by the remote party and only 16 standardized tones are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic DTMF tone mechanism with an electronic SIP INFO message mechanism. Instead of using audio frequencies that are limited to 16 standardized tones and can be heard by the remote party, the system uses structured SIP messages that can carry arbitrary service commands without audio limitations or remote party awareness.
3Ease of operation
If the user plane is routed through the Media Resource Function to capture voice commands, then service initiation is possible, but the system cannot capture commands when the call is on hold since there is no user plane data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service initiation function from the media path and places it in the control plane. SIP INFO messages travel through the signaling path independently of user plane media transmission, allowing service commands to be captured and processed regardless of whether the call is active, on hold, or in any other state where user plane transmission may be suspended.
4Ease of operation
If HTTP is used to establish a separate data channel for in-call application server communication, then a data connection can be established, but the http session must be correlated by the application server with the service logic processing instance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the service initiation signaling with the existing SIP call control signaling. SIP INFO messages are integrated into the SIP protocol stack and follow the same routing and processing paths as other SIP messages, eliminating the need for separate HTTP data channels and complex session correlation logic between HTTP sessions and service processing instances.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method, by an initiating entity (100, 200, 210), to initiate the set up of one or more communication channels for exchange of information between the initiating entity and one or more responding entities (100, 200, 210). The method comprises the following steps: A first message is transmitted on an end-to-end control channel between a first entity (100) and a second entity. The first message comprises as a destination address a second entity address, wherein offer data is added to the transmitted first message. The offer data indicates that the initiating entity (100, 200, 210) is configured to support one or more communication channels and the offer data comprise an address at which the initiating entity is configured to receive the information. Then, a second message is received on the end-to-end control channel, the second message comprising as destination address an address of the first entity. The second message further comprises acceptance data in response to the offer data and the acceptance data indicates that a responding entity has accepted the set up of a communication channel and the acceptance data comprises an address at which the responding entity is configured to receive the information. Further, the address is stored at which the responding entity is configured to receive the information.