Abstract:
A method for facilitating a data session in an initiation protocol (SIP) environment is provided that includes receiving a solicitation for participation in a SIP communication session that involves a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The method also includes identifying an identity trait associated with the first endpoint. In more particular embodiments, various alternative methods may include generating a network search associated with the first endpoint that is seeking to contact the second endpoint in order to conduct the SIP communication session. The results of the network search may be displayed for the second endpoint.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates generally to communications and, more particularly, to a system and a method and for providing an enhanced caller ID feature in a session initiation protocol (SIP) environment.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The field of communications has become increasingly important in today&#39;s society. In particular, the ability to quickly and effectively interact with an individual (through any suitable communications media) presents a significant obstacle for component manufacturers, system designers, and network operators. This obstacle is made even more difficult due to the plethora of diverse communication technologies (e.g. Instant Messaging, cellular communications, simple voice sessions, etc.) that exist in the current marketplace.  
         [0003]     As new communication platforms (such as session initiation protocol (SIP), for example) become available to the consumer, new protocols need to be developed in order to optimize this emerging technology. For example, one problem often encountered by a caller in any communications environment is being unable to identify characteristics about a calling party associated with the incoming call. This inability prohibits a receiving party from adequately preparing for the call, rejecting the call in cases where receiving the call from a specific individual is not preferred, or properly anticipating the needs of the calling party. Accordingly, this deficiency in information for the receiving party presents a burden for any employee, employer, individual, or endpoint that seeks to execute a successful and productive communication session.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     From the foregoing, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a need has arisen for an improved process that provides an effective solution for participants in a communications architecture. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system and a method for providing an enhanced caller ID functionality are provided that substantially eliminate or greatly reduce disadvantages and problems associated with conventional communication strategies and protocols.  
         [0005]     According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating a data session in an initiation protocol (SIP) environment is provided that includes receiving a solicitation for participation in a SIP communication session that involves a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The method also includes identifying an identity trait associated with the first endpoint.  
         [0006]     In more particular embodiments, various alternative methods may include generating a network search associated with the first endpoint that is seeking to contact the second endpoint in order to conduct the SIP communication session. The results of the network search may be displayed for the second endpoint.  
         [0007]     In still other embodiments, the method may include querying a directory for an additional identity trait associated with the first endpoint and providing an introductory message associated with the first endpoint for the second endpoint. The introductory message comprises a selected one of a WAV file, an audio message, a video message, and a text message.  
         [0008]     Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of technical advantages. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an architecture and a process are provided that avoids time-consuming endeavors that inhibit productivity. Hence, in simplistic scenarios, the enhanced caller ID capability could allow a receiving party to: ignore the call, prioritize the call, prepare to take the call, respond to the call in some other fashion (for example using Instant Messaging), or perform any other appropriate action as determined by the receiving party. The individual, who is on the receiving end of this call, has the option to elect from any number of suitable responses. The receiving entity is knowledgeable about the incoming call and its associated calling party. This allows for the subsequent interaction between these parties to be most productive. Moreover, the applications of such an enhanced caller ID tool are virtually limitless.  
         [0009]     Also, a higher number of successful calls are completed using the enhanced caller ID feature, which vastly improves efficiency parameters (particularly in the workplace). Furthermore, such a protocol may be performed with minimal individual effort from either the sender or the receiver of the information, as the enhanced caller ID feature may be performed autonomously. This would allow high-quality data to be quickly obtained and clearly displayed in the context of any SIP session. This could further augment the communication process.  
         [0010]     In addition, such an architecture can readily be extended to conference call scenarios involving multiple requested participants. The present invention provides exceptional flexibility in its applications. Moreover, because SIP can operate as a network-based platform, simple Google searches could be executed for participants in the call. Therefore, a receiving party could be made aware of the directory information for a given individual, as well as be informed of the results from a simple search engine query. Other network queries could also be readily accommodated by the present invention.  
         [0011]     Certain embodiments of the present invention may enjoy some, all, or none of these advantages. Other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, description, and claims.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0012]     To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram illustrating a communication system that may implement an enhanced caller ID feature in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a simplified flowchart of an example operational flow of the communication system of  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a simplified example schematic illustrating an operation of the system of  FIG. 1  according to some of the teachings of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of a communication system  10  for communicating, receiving, and transmitting data in a session initiation protocol (SIP) environment. Communication system  10  includes endpoints  12   a - 12   d , a public switched telephone network (PSTN)  14 , an Internet  16 , a data network  18 , a broadband access link  20 , and a number of additional links  22  (which may include, for example, a digital subscriber line (DSL) link, a T 1  link, a fiber optic link, and a wireless link). Communication system  10  also includes a set of trunk gateways  24  and  26 , a 3rd-party application server  30 , and a Class-5 switch  32 .  
         [0017]     Endpoint  12   a  represents a residential location, which consists of a computer  40  and several telephones  42 . Telephones  42  may be an Internet protocol (IP) telephone or a standard telephone that is operable to interface with computer  40  such that one or more capabilities of SIP are enabled through telephone  42 . Accordingly, two types of telephones are illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Endpoint  12   b  represents a small business entity, which consists of a local area network (LAN), a router, several computers  40 , and several telephones  42 . Endpoint  12   c  represents a medium business entity, which consists of a LAN, router, a private branch exchange (PBX) or key system, several computers  40 , and several telephones  42 . Endpoint  12   d  is a large business entity, which consists of a LAN, a router, a switch, a line gateway, several computers  40 , and several telephones  42 .  
         [0018]     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, communication system  10  offers a new caller ID technology service that allows for an effective identification (and enhanced data-retrieval mechanism) to facilitate an optimal call session for a receiving party. In the traditional telephony environment, the caller ID is provided by text information with the caller&#39;s telephone number and/or the actual name of the calling entity. With the integration of SIP into a VoIP solution, alternative information (associated with the caller) may be provided to the called party using IP-based technology.  
         [0019]     When a caller has placed a call, the called party&#39;s device (e.g. an IP telephone) can invoke a web browser and/or a presence-enabled SIP client in order to provide unique information about the caller. SIP, as a technology platform enables this in two ways. First, this is enabled by allowing web links to be included in the actual call set-up message (e.g. an Invite) so that a directory can be queried to determine any supplemental information about the caller, which is subsequently provided to the called party. Using the corporate directory as an example, the called party may be informed of the caller&#39;s position in the organization, the caller&#39;s method of contact other than phone number (e.g., Instant Message, alias, etc.), and the identify of the caller (e.g. via a picture of the caller and even an optional voice or video greeting from the caller).  
         [0020]     Second, the SIP technology supports a presence capability to query for the caller&#39;s presence. This would provide a presence availability status for the caller, location information, device information, as well as any personal presence status that the caller wishes to communicate to the called party. Hence, communication system  10  builds on the traditional caller ID capabilities and extends it to provide enhanced information to the called party. This can be achieved using VoIP, specifically SIP in particular embodiments. SIP allows for the indication that the enhanced information is available and, further offers a mechanism to collect the information. In the context of presence-unique information, the SIP technology provides specific information to the called party. Communication system  10  offers unique and diverse protocols to inform the called party of caller information, to collect caller information, and to display caller information. In order to further explain and detail these operations and others, a number of additional examples are provided herein in this document and discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 2-3 .  
         [0021]     Endpoints  12   a - d  are SIP-compatible elements that include hardware and/or software that is operable to receive and to transmit data (directly or indirectly) and to implement the enhanced caller ID feature as outlined herein. Note that the term “endpoint” encompasses a myriad of potential devices and infrastructure that may benefit from the operations of communication system  10 . Endpoints  12   a - d  may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a standard telephone (which may be coupled to a personal computer) an IP telephone, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a mobile telephone, or any other suitable device or element (or any appropriate combination of these elements) that is operable to receive data or information. Each endpoint may also include suitable network equipment and appropriate infrastructure (e.g., switches, routers, LANs, gateways, etc.) to facilitate a SIP session.  FIG. 1  illustrates only one set of example devices that may be used within communication system  10 . The present invention is replete with numerous alternatives that could be used to facilitate the operations of communication system  10 .  
         [0022]     Note that the term “endpoint” may also encompass a “persona.” Entities that participate in call each generally have a persona. The persona represents an aggregation of the various devices and/or logical addresses that can be used by a person to communicate with another. For example, the persona of an employee named Denise could be represented by her phone number, her fully qualified domain name, her e-mail address, and/or the IP address port of her Instant Messaging application on her personal computer. Any number of these variables (or others) could be used to reflect Denise&#39;s persona.  
         [0023]     It should also be noted that the internal structure of endpoints  12   a - d  are malleable and can be readily changed, modified, rearranged, or reconfigured in order to achieve their intended operations as they pertain to the enhanced caller ID function. As identified supra, software and/or hardware may reside in endpoints  12   a - d  in order to achieve the teachings of the enhanced caller ID feature of the present invention. However, due to their flexibility, these elements may alternatively be equipped with (or include) any suitable component, device, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), processor, microprocessor, algorithm, read-only memory (ROM) element, random access memory (RAM) element, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other suitable element or object that is operable to facilitate the operations thereof. Considerable flexibility is provided by the structure of endpoints  12   a - d  in the context of communication system  10  and, accordingly, it should be construed as such.  
         [0024]     For purposes of teaching and discussion, it is useful to provide some overview as to the way in which the following invention operates in a SIP environment. The following foundational information may be viewed as a basis from which the present invention may be properly explained. Such information is offered earnestly for purposes of explanation only and, accordingly, should not be construed in any way to limit the broad scope of the present invention and its potential applications.  
         [0025]     There are many applications that require the creation and management of a session, where a session is considered an exchange of data between an association of participants. The implementation of these applications is complicated by the practices of participants: users may move between endpoints, they may be addressable by multiple names, and they may communicate in several different media: in many cases simultaneously. Certain protocols have been developed to carry various forms of real-time multimedia session data such as voice, video, or text messages.  
         [0026]     The SIP features of communication system  10  work in concert with these protocols by enabling endpoints (generally referred to as “user agents”) to discover one another and to agree on a characterization of a session they would like to share. For locating prospective session participants, and for other functions, SIP enables the creation of an infrastructure of network hosts (generally referred to as proxy servers) to which user agents can send registrations, invitations to sessions, and other requests. SIP is an agile, general-purpose tool for creating, modifying, and terminating sessions. SIP works independently of underlying transport protocols and without dependency on the type of session that is being established.  
         [0027]     SIP is an application-layer control protocol that can establish, modify, and terminate multimedia sessions (conferences) such as Internet telephony calls. SIP can also invite participants to already existing sessions, such as multicast conferences. Media can be added to (and removed from) an existing session. SIP transparently supports name mapping and redirection services, which supports personal mobility. End users can maintain a single externally visible identifier regardless of their network location.  
         [0028]     SIP supports five facets of establishing and terminating multimedia communications: 1) user location: determination of the end system to be used for communication; 2) user availability: determination of the willingness of the called party to engage in communications; 3) user capabilities: determination of the media and media parameters to be used; 4) session setup: “ringing” establishment of session parameters at both called and calling party locations; and 5) session management: including transfer and termination of sessions, modifying session parameters, and invoking services.  
         [0029]     A standard SIP platform does not provide services. Rather, SIP provides primitives that can be used to implement different services. For example, SIP can locate a user and deliver an opaque object to his current location. If this primitive is used to deliver a session description written in SDP, for instance, the endpoints can agree on the parameters of a session. If the same primitive is used to deliver a photo of the caller as well as the session description, a “caller ID” service can be easily implemented.  
         [0030]     SIP currently does not offer conference control services such as floor control or voting and does not prescribe how a conference is to be managed. SIP can be used to initiate a session that uses some other conference control protocol. Since SIP messages and the sessions they establish can pass through entirely different networks, SIP cannot, and does not, provide any kind of network resource reservation capabilities. Quality of service (QoS) parameters may also be accommodated by SIP (e.g., see RFC 3312).  
         [0031]     The nature of the services provided make security particularly important. To that end, SIP provides a suite of security services, which include denial-of-service prevention, authentication (both user to user and proxy to user), integrity protection, and encryption and privacy services.  
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a simplified flowchart illustrating a number of example steps associated with a method to be performed within communication system  10 . The flowchart begins at step  100 , where endpoint  12   a  initiates a SIP session. This could include simple invite messages or any other suitable protocol to establish the session. At step  102 , endpoint  12   b , which is enabled with the new enhanced caller ID function as outlined herein, autonomously displays critical information associated with an end user of endpoint  12   a  . In order to further enhance the call, endpoint  12   b  opts to generate network data associated with endpoint  12   a  at step  104 . This could include a simple network search, or a search involving a directory, or a search within a local area network (LAN) or a virtual private network (VPN). (Note that these scenarios are further detailed below with reference to  FIG. 3 .) In order to achieve the data retrieval, endpoint  12   b  initiates a browser and retrieves an appropriate uniform resource locator (URL) or any other data segment at step  106 . Endpoint  12   b  effectively reviews the data associated with endpoint  12   a  : such data augmenting the user experience for an individual associated with endpoint  12   b  . This could be executed during the call or prior to accepting this call. This is reflected by step  108 . Endpoints associated with the call may be continuously replaced or added during the SIP communication session. The call may then progress between the parties with significant knowledge having been properly provided to endpoint  12   b , as is illustrated by step  110 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram of an example schematic of communication system of  10   FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  includes Don and Denise, who are co-workers communicating with each other using IP telephones  84  and  86 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a situation in which a call is coming in from Don and destined for Denise. This is illustrated by Step 1 and a simple SIP invite, as depicted. In this example, Denise&#39;s device (IP telephone  86 ) is equipped such that it has the ability to provide the enhanced caller ID function outlined herein. This capability includes the ability to venture out into the network and to collect data. In this example, IP telephone  86  operates as an Internet browser and is capable of querying a directory  88  for selected information, as is shown in Step 2. The query pertains to Don&#39;s characteristics, which may include persona information or any other suitable data. Denise&#39;s device can then format that information appropriately such that Denise is fully informed of Don&#39;s information prior to receiving the call. This retrieved information can be suitably illustrated using a display  90 , as depicted in Step 3.  
         [0034]     In this example, Don&#39;s information includes his title (VP/GM, VTG), his locale (San Jose, Calif.), his phone number 408-555-1234, and his e-mail address (don@ . . . com). Other suitable information could readily be provided in such a context. For example, Don&#39;s current sales numbers could be provided here to Denise or the customers for which he is responsible. In addition, directory  88  could include information associated with a reporting chain. Virtually any information associated with a person&#39;s identity or character traits can be provided in such an application. As used herein in this document, these parameters may be referred to generally as “identity traits” and inclusive of any number of data segments.  
         [0035]     Additionally, Denise&#39;s IP telephone  86  is intelligent enough to perform any number of additional tasks. For example, Don could set up a protocol, whereby introductory information is given to any receiving entity of his call. In this example, IP telephone  86  could fetch that information (e.g. a WAV file, a video message, or an audio message, all of which could be stored in some database, etc.) such that it could be suitably reviewed by Denise. The message could indicate: “This is Don, I am calling to review your last quarter&#39;s results and the potential for client development. Please be prepared to respond with a list of potential clients that we are seeking to engage.” Any suitable message could be provided in such a context.  
         [0036]     Other default operations for Denise&#39;s IP telephone  84  could be a simple Google (or other equivalent search engine) search for the calling party. The name or identity of the calling participant of the session can be used to explore the network (because SIP is an Internet-capable protocol) for additional data, which may be utilized in the call. Hence, Denise could easily peruse all of Don&#39;s Google results while (or before) proceeding with the call. The applications of such an enhanced caller ID tool are endless. In more basic arrangements, this enhanced caller ID capability could allow a receiving party to: ignore the call, prioritize the call, prepare to take the call, respond to the call in some other fashion (for example using IM), or any other appropriate action as determined by the receiving party. What is critical is to empower the individual, who is on the receiving end of this call, to elect between all of the options. In this sense, the receiving entity (Denise in our example) is knowledgeable about the incoming call and its associated calling party. This allows for the subsequent interaction between these parties to be most productive.  
         [0037]     In other examples, caller preferences can be used: caller preferences that are provided for in the SIP protocol. For example, when Denise calls Bob (a friend) he can see her picture, her calendar for today, etc. However, when Denise calls her boss, she would rather her boss not see her calendar for obvious reasons.  
         [0038]     Note that the benefits of the enhanced caller ID feature can be achieved by a single person or endpoint in cases where the contacting endpoint is using a standard analog telephone. The person invoking this feature can still ascertain the identity of the calling party. Hence, even in cases where Don uses a traditional telephone set-up, Denise would still be able to identify his relevant characteristics.  
         [0039]     It is important to note that the stages and steps in  FIGS. 2 through 3  illustrate only some of the possible scenarios that may be executed by, or within, the present system. Some of these stages and/or steps may be deleted or removed where appropriate, or these stages and/or steps may be modified, enhanced, or changed considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, a number of these operations have been described as being executed concurrently with, or in parallel to, one or more additional operations. However, the timing of these operations may be altered. The preceding example flows have been offered for purposes of teaching and discussion. Substantial flexibility is provided by the tendered architecture in that any suitable arrangements, chronologies, configurations, and timing mechanisms may be provided without departing from the broad scope of the present invention. Accordingly, communications capabilities, data processing features and elements, suitable infrastructure, and any other appropriate software, hardware, or data storage objects may be included within communication system  10  to effectuate the tasks and operations of the elements and activities associated with executing enhanced caller ID functions.  
         [0040]     Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that various other changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the illustrated network architecture of  FIG. 1  has only been offered for purposes of example and teaching. Suitable alternatives and substitutions are envisioned and contemplated by the present invention: such alternatives and substitutions being clearly within the broad scope of communication system  10 . For example, the use of the LAN could easily be replaced by a virtual private network (VPN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), or any other element that facilitates data propagation for endpoints  12   a - d  . Using analogous reasoning, the routers and switches illustrated by  FIG. 1  may be supplanted by bridges, gateways, or any other suitable devices that are conducive to network communications.  
         [0041]     Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications may be ascertained to one skilled in the art and it is intended that the present invention encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.