DE102006039169A1 - Method for offering a voice mail service in a peer-to-peer network (P2P) - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for offering a voice mail service in a peer-to-peer network (P2P), wherein it is checked by means of a search algorithm whether a called subscriber is registered in the peer-to-peer network (P2P) or not (11, 21). If the called subscriber is logged on, first the IP address of this subscriber in the peer-to-peer network (P2P) is determined (21). If the voice mail service has been activated for this subscriber, an announcement (ANS1) is played to a caller locally by the peer (B) of the called subscriber (12). The caller can then record a message (AUF1) locally (13). The called party is then shown this process locally on a display (GUI) (14). If the called subscriber is not registered in the peer-to-peer network (P2P), then it is first checked whether the voice mail service is activated for this subscriber (21). Then, an e-mail address of this subscriber is determined (21) and played by that peer (A) in the peer-to-peer network (P2P) an announcement (ANS2), from which also the search algorithm has been performed (22) , Then, the call is recorded (23) on behalf of this peer (A) and the recorded message (AUF2) is sent as an e-mail message to the e-mail address of the called party (24). The main aspect of the proposed solution according to the invention is that for the voice mail service in the peer-to-peer network (P2P) existing ...

Description

Technical area

The The invention relates to a method for offering a voice mail service in a peer-to-peer network.

State of the art

Under the term peer-to-peer, abbreviated P2P or P-to-P, becomes common an equal relationship of units involved in a communication - such as of computers used by subscribers for communication become - understood. Peer-to-peer can therefore also be used as a synonym for communication to be seen among equals. As a peer, one becomes involved in communication involved unit - e.g. a computer or the participant from whom used this computer is called.

Peer-to-peer networks are therefore networks without central access control, in which e.g. all Computers are equal or all participants are equal act. In a peer-to-peer network, therefore, each unit can (e.g., computers, etc.) both services are required, as well as other participants. The units or calculator can be used by the participants as workstations, but also take over tasks in the network.

The Contrary to a peer-to-peer principle is the so-called client-server system, where on the one hand there is a so-called server, from which Services are offered, and on the other hand so-called clients, from which the offered services are used. In the peer-to-peer network is this role distribution for the canceled participating units (e.g., calculator). In contrast to a client-server system a connection in a peer-to-peer network directly between the computers two participants without interposing a network server.

Of the Waiver of central server leads to a reduction of network traffic, enabled simple way the decentralized storage of large amounts of data and increases the reliability of the network. The disadvantage of peer-to-peer networks is in addition to the high demands to the performance of the units involved (e.g., computer, etc.) often also seen the low security, since accesses on a peer-to-peer network based communication through a lack of centralized management difficult to control and monitor can be.

Peer-to-peer networks can for different Purposes are used. They will be especially for one Exchange of information and / or data, such as File exchanges for music or Video files, games, etc. used. But peer-to-peer networks are also used for services such as. Instant messaging with which participants are using in real time Communicate to other participants via short text messages (chat), used. Furthermore, peer-to-peer networks are also used for so-called grid computing - as is e.g. gladly used in biotechnology or computer engineering organizations Is used. Grid computing can also be called "distributed computing" where unused CPU power and / or free space of others Computer is used in the peer-to-peer network when computer-intensive computer processes required are.

since Recently, peer-to-peer networks are also used for so-called IP telephony or Voice-over-IP, including phoning over one Communication network is understood according to Internet standards. The peer-to-peer network makes calls from computer to computer allows this being for example independent from servers such as so-called proxy servers or security programs like e.g. so-called firewalls can be performed in routers.

at Exchange of information or services or in use From Voice-over-IP, the peer-to-peer network forms a so-called "closed" communication network. This means that the services such as Voice-over-IP, etc. only from currently active participants in the peer-to-peer network can be. A participant is said to be active if it is in the peer-to-peer network is logged in. Each participant in the peer-to-peer network will be as well as so-called assigned resources such as IP address, e-mail address or other information such as information displayed by the which services or features of the peer-to-peer network used or activated by the participant. These resources can e.g. also be summarized in a so-called user profile.

In the case of resources, a distinction can be made between so-called dynamic and so-called static resources. Dynamic resources are only available if a participant is actually logged in to the peer-to-peer network. Such a dynamic resource is, for example, the IP address via which the peer or the computer of a subscriber can be addressed. Static resources such as the E-mail address of a subscriber are always available for the peer-to-peer network, even if the subscriber is not logged in or his computer is switched off.

In Communication networks, such as Computer networks, telephone networks, mobile networks, etc. there is the possibility a participant e.g. Leave voice or text messages, even if this is not accessible or active in the network. In a computer network can For example, so-called e-mails or electronic mails to participants to be shipped. This data - usually text messages - from a Subscriber sent to another. The addressing takes place by means of a so-called e-mail address. The text message is then sent in a so-called mailbox of the subscriber, to which the text message has been sent, deposited - regardless of whether the subscriber's computer has e.g. is currently on or Not. To receive, send, save or forward from Electronic messages are commonly found in computer networks central server - so called e-mail or Mailserver used.

is for example, a subscriber to a telephone network or mobile network unreachable, a voice message can be recorded for this subscriber which can then be intercepted by him later. this function can be like for private landline connections usual by its own terminal - one so-called answering machines can be provided or can already as a so-called answering machine function in a corresponding terminal (e.g., a telephone, etc.). This feature will work though also in communication networks - like e.g. in telephone systems (e.g., PABX, etc.) or mobile networks centrally as a feature in the form of a so-called voice mail service or mailbox service offered.

"Voice mail service" is another Designation for a kind of electronic mailbox or an answering machine in the telephone network, on which voice messages recorded for a subscriber, cached in the telephone or mobile network and later from Participants over his terminal can be retrieved. For the execution of the voice mail service is usually on the telephone or mobile network a central system - a so-called voice mail system - used, from which the voice messages are managed.

In A peer-to-peer network can do it for different services - especially but for Services such as Voice over IP or IP telephony will be important to notify a subscriber even then if it is not currently active in the peer-to-peer network, the subscriber's computer is switched off or the subscriber is off other reasons (e.g., attendee is busy or answer not, disturbance in Network, etc.) is unreachable.

Around this accessibility - in particular in the context of voice-over-IP or IP telephony - to achieve can be a functionality how the voice mail service is offered in the peer-to-peer network. There are For example, it is possible to integrate a voice mail system into the peer-to-peer network. This solution points However, the disadvantage that a voice mail system is a central System represents which usually is provided on a central server. Thereby can for the voice mail service the so-called file-sharing concept (i.e., sharing of files, information and services between equals Computer) of the peer-to-peer network not be applied.

In addition, at this solution for the voice mail service additionally to the actual service also appropriate facilities (e.g., servers, computers, etc.) are set up and operated. This creates additional Costs, since in peer-to-peer networks usually only services - e.g. in Form of software, data, files, etc. are provided, but not the facilities (e.g., computers, etc.) on which these Services should then expire.

Presentation of the invention

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, a method through which a voice mail service without the use of a central Systems offered in a peer-to-peer network can be.

The solution of this object is achieved by a method for offering a voice mail service in a peer-to-peer network, wherein it is first checked by means of a search algorithm, whether a called party in the peer-to-peer network or not logged. In the case that the called party is logged in, an IP address of this subscriber is first determined. If it is then determined that the voice mail service has been activated for this subscriber, then an announcement is played to a caller locally by the peer of the called subscriber and then a call of the caller is recorded as a message locally at the peer of the called subscriber. The called party of the peer-to-peer network is then displayed locally on a display device that a message has been recorded. In the other case, that of If a called party is not logged on to the peer-to-peer network, it will first check if the voice mail service is activated for that party and then get an e-mail address from the called party. Then the announcement from which the search algorithm has been carried out is played by that peer in the peer-to-peer network. From this peer of the peer-to-peer network then a message from the caller is recorded as a proxy and this message then sent as an e-mail message to the e-mail address of the called party.

Of the Main aspect of the invention proposed solution is that for the voice mail service in the peer-to-peer network no own central system is necessary, but already existing ones Computers and systems are used and thus no - often costly - additional Facilities (e.g., central server, etc.) provided by the provider and / or operate. Also the resources available in the peer-to-peer network (e.g., IP address, e-mail address) the participant can in an advantageous way for the voice mail service - if necessary in slightly expanded form (e.g., by an entry through which whether or not a subscriber activates the voice mail service has been used) become.

It is beneficial when the e-mail message with the recorded Message is provided with a special identifier because of marking those e-mail messages, which contain a recorded message, recognized immediately, filtered out and can be displayed specifically. These are advantageously simple and already existing Mechanisms used - like For example, a specific marker or entry in the title or subject line of the corresponding e-mail message.

to solution The task is also useful if when the called party logs in to the peer-to-peer network, all e-mail messages of that participant are tested for the specific marking, and that e-mail messages with the special marking locally on the display device be displayed by the subscriber, because thereby the subscriber on these special e-mail messages, in which recorded messages are present, directly alert is done. From the participant can then in a simple way e.g. edited these messages immediately or bugged which may miss important information become.

It It is also recommended that the e-mail messages by date and Time sorted output, since this way recognized immediately How long the recorded messages are already in an e-mail box the called party has been stored.

It is also beneficial when recording messages from an e-mail system, which includes an e-mail box of the called party downloaded and then play locally. Especially for downloading e-mail messages from an e-mail system to a local one Computers of the called party can already use existing mechanisms and protocols (e.g., POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, etc.).

Brief description of the drawing

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to two figures which show, by way of example, the sequence of the method according to the invention for offering a voice mail service in a peer-to-peer network shown schematically. It is in 1 illustrated by way of example of the procedure, in the event that a called party is logged. 2 schematically shows the flow of the inventive method when the called party is not logged in the peer-to-peer network.

Embodiment of the invention

In 1 schematically a peer-to-peer network P2P is shown, which includes, by way of example, a first peer A and a second peer B. In the present example, a first subscriber, of which the first peer A is used, uses a second subscriber, of which the second peer B is used and which is registered or active in the peer-to-peer network P2P, by means of IP addresses. Telephony in peer-to-peer network P2P contacted. In the case of peer B, an exemplary display device GUI is additionally shown, which is either connected to a computer belonging to the peer B or can be a component of this computer.

In a first process step 11 a call is established in the peer-to-peer network P2P and, by means of a search algorithm, detects that the called second subscriber or his peer B is registered in the peer-to-peer network P2P. It is in the first step 11 an IP address of the called second party or the peer B and determined the calling first participant or the peer A provided for a structure of the call.

For performing the search algorithm as well as for determining the IP address from resources available in the peer-to-peer network P2P in the first process step 11 It does not matter which concrete structure of a peer-to-peer network P2P is used.

So may be in a centralized (hybrid) architecture of the peer-to-peer network P2P, where information or information is stored on one or more servers Data about the participants, e.g. Resources or user profiles be managed, the run of the search algorithm and the determination the IP address of a Participant only on this server or these servers.

at a second category of peer-to-peer networks P2P, the decentralized (pure) peer-to-peer networks P2P, which are based on any centralized Is omitted, the search algorithm is performed throughout the peer-to-peer network P2P to determine if a particular subscriber is logged in or Not.

A third category of architecture of peer-to-peer networks P2P, the so-called super-peer-to-peer networks represents a hybrid of the form two other network forms. In this architecture form so-called super-peers associated with "clients" clusters, being the super-peer information and / or data (e.g., resources, etc.) of the attached "clients." In this architecture it is therefore useful, if e.g. especially the super-peer from Search algorithm will be used to determine if a particular Subscriber is logged in or not, or for example the Determine the IP address of a subscriber.

After an exemplary call setup to a called second subscriber or peer B in the first method step 11 in which it has also been determined that the called second subscriber is registered in the peer-to-peer network P2P and therefore its IP address is available, in a second method step 12 the call is forwarded to peer B of the called second party based on the IP address. It will be noted that a voice mail service has been activated for the called second party since, for example, the called party can not answer a call. Therefore, an announcement ANSI is played to the calling first subscriber locally by the peer B of the called second subscriber.

In a third process step 13 In this case, a message AUF1 can be recorded locally by the calling first subscriber locally at the peer B of the called second subscriber. The recording of the message AUF1 is then in a fourth method step 14 the called second subscriber on the display device GUI (eg display of the computer B, etc.) is displayed. For example, the called second subscriber can be notified of the inclusion of a message in a screen window by a text message (eg "You have a new message") .This recorded message can then be intercepted by the called second subscriber.

2 schematically shows the flow of the inventive method, for the case that the called second party is not logged in the peer-to-peer network P2P or not active.

It is in 2 again, the peer-to-peer network P2P shown schematically, which includes, by way of example, the two peers A and B (eg computer, etc.). When peer B, which is again associated with the called second subscriber, an exemplary display device GUI is also shown. For example, peer A is used again by the calling first party. Additionally is in 2 also presented an e-mail system EM.

In a fifth process step 21 becomes like the first process step 11 from a calling first subscriber via the peer A a call in the peer-to-peer network P2P to a called second subscriber or to the peer B set up. However, the search algorithm recognizes that the called second subscriber or the peer B is not registered in the peer-to-peer network P2P. For example, the peer B is not switched on and therefore no IP address of the peer B is available in the peer-to-peer network P2P.

In this fifth process step 21 However, the search algorithm finds additional information - so-called static resources - for the called second subscriber or the peer B. It will be in this process step 21 Based on the found, static resources found that the voicemail service has been activated for the called second party. Therefore, an e-mail address of the called second subscriber can be determined from the static resources.

For the execution of the search algorithm in the peer-to-peer network P2P or the determination of the static subscriber resources in this fifth method step 21 is it - as for the first process step 11 - irrelevant which concrete structure of a peer-to-peer network P2P is used.

However, the search algorithm in the fifth step 21 for example, from any computer - that is, from any peer of the Peer-to-peer network P2P. In the case of a centralized (hybrid) architecture of the peer-to-peer network P2P, it can be useful, for example, if the search algorithm runs on one of the servers. In a so-called super-peer-to-peer networks, for example, a so-called super-peer for the implementation of the search algorithm would offer.

Im in 2 For example, the search algorithm is performed by the peer A, for example, which is also assigned to the calling first subscriber. The Peer A is therefore in a sixth step 22 Representing the peer B an announcement ANS2 played to the calling first participant. In a seventh process step 23 can then be received locally on the peer A from the calling first participant a message AUF2 for the unreachable second participant.

In an eighth process step 24 then this message AUF2 is sent as an e-mail message to the e-mail address of the called second subscriber determined from the static resources available in the peer-to-peer network P2P. The message AUF2 sent as an e-mail message is then stored, for example, in an e-mail box of the called second subscriber on the e-mail system EM. When sending, the e-mail message with the recorded message AUF2 can be provided with a special identification. For example, this e-mail message can be provided with a special entry (eg "voice message from the peer-to-peer network") in the title or subject line.

In a new application of the called second subscriber is then in a ninth step 25 the e-mail box of this participant is checked for e-mail messages with this special identifier. Since e-mail messages usually have the date and time, then e-mail messages with recorded messages AUF2 can be sorted, for example, in a tenth step 26 displayed on the display device GUI to the called second party. The called second subscriber can then download the recorded messages AUF2 at a time desired by means of existing mechanisms such as POP3, IAMP4, SMTP, etc., from the e-mail system EM and listen to them.

Claims (5)

A method for offering a voice mail service in a peer-to-peer network (P2P), characterized in that - is checked by means of a search algorithm, whether a called party in the peer-to-peer network (P2P) logged or Not ( 11 . 21 ), - that in case the called party is registered ( 11 ), - first an IP address of this subscriber is determined ( 11 ) - that then it is determined that the voice mail service has been activated for this subscriber ( 11 ), - that then a caller locally from the peer (B) of the called party an announcement (ANS1) is played ( 12 ), That then the caller receives a message (AUF1) locally at the peer (B) of the called party ( 13 ), and then that a call of this message (AUF1) is displayed to the called subscriber locally on a display device (GUI) ( 14 ), Or - in the other case ( 21 ), First checks whether the voice mail service is activated for the called subscriber ( 21 ), and then an e-mail address of the called party is determined ( 21 ), That then from that peer (A) in the peer-to-peer network (P2P) the announcement (ANS2) is played, from which also the search algorithm has been performed ( 22 ), - that then from this peer (A) acting a message (AUF2) of the caller is recorded ( 23 ) and then that the recorded message (AUF2) is sent as an e-mail message to the e-mail address of the called party ( 24 ). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the e-mail message with the recorded message (AUF2) is provided with a special marking. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, when the called subscriber is registered on the peer-to-peer network (P2P), all e-mail messages of this subscriber are checked for the specific identification ( 25 ) that e-mail messages with the special identifier are displayed locally on the display device (GUI) of the subscriber ( 26 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the e-mail messages are output sorted by date and time ( 26 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized that recorded messages (AUF2) from an e-mail system (EM), which an e-mail box of the called party includes, downloaded and then play locally.