Controlling a destination terminal from an originating terminal
View Patent ↗A caller associates computer software code with a signalling protocol messages such that when the messages are received at a destination processor the computer software code is executed. For example, the messages may be improved SIP protocol messages with incorporated Java code. By selecting different computer software code for association with the messages, the caller is able to control the destination terminal. For example, to display information about the identity of the caller at the destination terminal; to modify the behaviour of the destination terminal according to the priority of the call; to take into account the configuration of the destination terminal, and to allow users to adjust this configuration from a remote location.
1. A method of remotely controlling a destination terminal from an originating terminal said destination terminal having an associated signalling protocol client and an associated processor comprising the steps of:
(i) storing computer software code in at least one signalling protocol message;
(ii) sending the signalling protocol message to the destination terminal from the originating terminal;
(iii) executing the computer software code using the processor associated with the destination terminal in order that the originating terminal controls the destination terminal.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said step (iii) of executing further comprises activating a security means at the destination terminal and executing the computer software code depending on the activated security means.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said computer software code is arranged to access information about the identity of a caller.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said computer software code is further arranged to display the identity information at the destination terminal.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said computer software code is arranged to access information about a priority level for a call associated with the signalling protocol message.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said computer software code is arranged to detect whether the destination terminal is engaged, and if so to clear the destination terminal in order that it is able to accept an incoming call associated with the signalling protocol message.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said computer software code is arranged to access information from the destination terminal about the configuration of that terminal.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said computer software code is further arranged to control the destination terminal on the basis of accessed configuration information.
9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said computer software code is arranged to modify the configuration of terminating services associated with the destination terminal.
10. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said computer software code is arranged to direct a call associated with the signalling protocol message to a voice mail system associated with a called party.
11. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said signalling protocol message is a session initiation protocol (SIP) message and wherein said computer software code is selected from: Java byte code, Java applets and mobile automated software agents.
12. A destination terminal comprising:—
(i) a signalling protocol client arranged to receive one or more signalling protocol messages sent from an originating terminal;
(ii) a processor arranged to access any computer software code stored in received signalling protocol messages in use; and wherein said processor is arranged to execute such accessed computer software code such that the destination terminal is controlled.
13. A destination terminal as claimed in claim 12 which further comprises stored security information and wherein said processor is arranged to check said security information before executing the accessed computer software code.