技术领域technical field
本发明涉及隐私保护，尤其是通信中的隐私保护。The present invention relates to privacy protection, especially privacy protection in communication.
背景技术Background technique
一些通信系统允许设备（诸如个人计算机）的用户跨基于分组的计算机网络（诸如因特网）进行通信。这些通信系统包括网际协议语音（VoIP）系统。这些系统对用户是有好处的，因为它们通常比常规的固定线路或移动网络具有显著更低的成本。对于长距离通信可能尤其如此。为了使用VoIP系统，用户在他们的设备上安装和执行客户端软件。该客户端软件提供VoIP连接以及诸如注册和认证等其他功能。除了语音通信，客户端还可提供其他通信媒介，诸如视频呼叫、即时消息收发（IM）、SMS消息收发、文件传输和语音邮件。Some communication systems allow users of devices, such as personal computers, to communicate across a packet-based computer network, such as the Internet. These communication systems include Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. These systems are beneficial to users because they are usually significantly lower costs than conventional fixed line or mobile networks. This may be especially true for long-distance communications. To use a VoIP system, users install and execute client software on their devices. The client software provides VoIP connectivity and other functions such as registration and authentication. In addition to voice communication, the client may also provide other communication mediums, such as video calling, instant messaging (IM), SMS messaging, file transfer, and voicemail.
用于基于分组的通信的一种类型的通信系统使用对等（P2P）拓扑结构。为了启用对对等系统的访问，用户必须在他们的计算机上执行P2P软件提供方提供的P2P客户端软件，并向P2P系统注册以获得数字证书。接下来呼叫或其他通信可被建立并在P2P系统的用户之间路由，而不再进一步使用设置中的服务器。取而代之的，客户端从在P2P系统内其他终端用户的计算机上的P2P客户端软件中分布的信息中查找所需要的IP地址，并且呼叫方的P2P客户端软件随后与被呼叫方的P2P客户端软件交换证书。One type of communication system for packet-based communication uses a peer-to-peer (P2P) topology. In order to enable access to the peer-to-peer system, users must execute the P2P client software provided by the P2P software provider on their computers, and register with the P2P system to obtain a digital certificate. Calls or other communications can then be established and routed between users of the P2P system without further use of the servers in the setup. Instead, the client looks up the required IP address from information distributed in the P2P client software on the computers of other end users within the P2P system, and the calling party's P2P client software then communicates with the called party's P2P client software. Software Exchange Certificate.
还可使用利用集中式呼叫设置和/或授权（例如经由服务器）的非P2P系统来实现VoIP或其他基于分组的通信。在这种情况下，在用户的计算机上安装和执行的客户端是访问服务器的应用，使得呼叫信令可由服务器来处理。在某些情形中，与P2P拓扑结构相比，基于服务器的体系结构可能越来越合乎需要。VoIP or other packet-based communications may also be implemented using non-P2P systems that utilize centralized call setup and/or authorization (eg, via a server). In this case, the client installed and executed on the user's computer is an application that accesses the server so that call signaling can be handled by the server. In certain situations, server-based architectures may be increasingly desirable compared to P2P topologies.
无论使用何种体系结构或拓扑结构，都存在将这些基于分组的通信系统集成到其他伙伴通信系统或“伙伴平台”（例如将VoIP系统集成到社交联网站点）的日益增长的需求。然而，虽然用户可能只看到这作为访问VoIP通信等的新的用户界面，但是实际上，在使底层系统体系结构适于适应伙伴关系中涉及许多技术挑战。一个这样的挑战是当两个系统的用户库（user-base）要被合并时确保适度的隐私。一般来说，基于分组的通信内部的隐私在其他情形中也可能是一个问题。Regardless of the architecture or topology used, there is a growing need to integrate these packet-based communication systems into other partner communication systems or "partner platforms" (such as integrating VoIP systems into social networking sites). However, while users may only see this as a new user interface to access VoIP communications, etc., in reality, there are many technical challenges involved in adapting the underlying system architecture to accommodate partnerships. One such challenge is ensuring modest privacy when the user-bases of two systems are to be merged. In general, privacy within packet-based communications may also be an issue in other situations.
发明内容Contents of the invention
根据一个或多个实施例，提供了通信装置，该通信装置包括耦合到基于分组的网络（诸如因特网）的一个或多个终端。该装置被安装有第一用户的通信客户端应用的第一实例以及该第一用户的通信客户端应用的第二实例。例如，通信客户端可以是VoIP客户端和/或IM客户端。通信客户端应用被配置成当被执行时使第一用户能够利用在基于分组的网络上实现的第一通信系统，来与其他用户通信。通信装置还包括控制器，该控制器被耦合到基于分组的网络并被安排成为客户端的第一和第二实例中的每个维护单独的隐私设置。例如，隐私设置可确定其他用户是否能与第一用户联系。作为另一示例，隐私设置可确定关于第一用户的哪些信息是其他用户可获得的。According to one or more embodiments, there is provided a communication device comprising one or more terminals coupled to a packet-based network, such as the Internet. The device is installed with a first instance of a first user's communication client application and a second instance of the first user's communication client application. For example, a communication client may be a VoIP client and/or an IM client. The communication client application is configured to, when executed, enable a first user to communicate with other users using a first communication system implemented over a packet-based network. The communication device also includes a controller coupled to the packet-based network and arranged to maintain separate privacy settings for each of the first and second instances of the client. For example, privacy settings can determine whether other users can contact the first user. As another example, a privacy setting may determine what information about a first user is available to other users.
控制器因此依赖于第一和第二实例中的哪个是活动的，来控制第一用户相对于第一通信系统内其他用户的隐私。The controller thus controls the privacy of the first user relative to other users within the first communication system depending on which of the first and second instances is active.
提供本发明内容以便以简化形式介绍将在以下具体实施方式中进一步描述的一些概念。本发明内容并不旨在标识所要求保护主题的关键特征或必要特征，也不旨在用于限制所要求保护主题的范围。所要求保护的主题也不限于解决背景技术部分中指出的任何或所有缺点的实现。This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Nor is the claimed subject matter limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background section.
附图简述Brief description of the drawings
为了更好的理解本发明并示出可如何有效地实施本发明，作为示例，将参考所附附图，其中：For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be effectively practiced, reference is made by way of example to the appended drawings in which:
图1是基于分组的网络（诸如因特网）的示意性表示；Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a packet-based network such as the Internet;
图2a是安装有web-客户端应用和VoIP客户端应用的用户终端的示意性框图；Figure 2a is a schematic block diagram of a user terminal installed with a web-client application and a VoIP client application;
图2b是托管社交联网站点和VoIP客户端应用的伙伴服务器的示意性框图；Figure 2b is a schematic block diagram of a partner server hosting a social networking site and a VoIP client application;
图2c是图1的网络的一部分的示意性表示；Figure 2c is a schematic representation of a portion of the network of Figure 1;
图3是在用户终端上查看的VoIP客户端应用用户界面的示意性表示；Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a VoIP client application user interface viewed on a user terminal;
图4a是在用户终端上通过web客户端应用查看的伙伴系统用户界面的示意性表示；Figure 4a is a schematic representation of a buddy system user interface viewed through a web client application on a user terminal;
图4b是在用户终端上通过web客户端应用查看的伙伴系统用户界面的又一个表示；Figure 4b is yet another representation of a buddy system user interface viewed through a web client application on a user terminal;
图4c是在用户终端上通过web客户端应用查看的伙伴系统用户界面的又一个表示；Figure 4c is yet another representation of a buddy system user interface viewed through a web client application on a user terminal;
图5是经由VoIP客户端应用的用户界面访问时隐私设置控件的示意性表示。Figure 5 is a schematic representation of privacy settings controls when accessed via a user interface of a VoIP client application.
具体实施方式detailed description
图1是基于分组的网络（诸如因特网）的示意性图示，该基于分组的网络包括多个互连的元件，诸如被标记为102、104、105和106的那些。每个网络元件与因特网108的其余元件相互耦合，并被配置成通过发送和接收网际协议（IP）分组形式的数据来在因特网上与其他这些元件传递数据。每个元件还具有将其定位在因特网内的相关联的IP地址。图1中显式示出的元件有：多个终端用户终端（end-user terminal）102（A）到102（E），诸如台式或膝上型PC、或启用因特网的移动电话；用于实现VoIP通信系统的一个或多个VoIP提供方服务器104；一个或多个web服务器105；以及连接到另一类型的网络109（诸如到传统的公共交换电话网络（PSTN）或其他电路交换网络、和/或到移动蜂窝网络）的网关106。然而，当然应当理解，比那些显式示出的多得多的元件组成了因特网。这通过通信云108来在图1中示意性地表示，该通信云108将包括许多其他终端用户终端、服务器和网关、以及因特网服务提供方（ISP）的路由器和因特网主干路由器。FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a packet-based network, such as the Internet, comprising a number of interconnected elements, such as those labeled 102 , 104 , 105 and 106 . Each network element is coupled to the remaining elements of the Internet 108 and is configured to communicate data with the other elements on the Internet by sending and receiving data in the form of Internet Protocol (IP) packets. Each element also has an associated IP address that locates it within the Internet. The elements explicitly shown in FIG. 1 are: a plurality of end-user terminals (end-user terminals) 102(A) to 102(E), such as desktop or laptop PCs, or Internet-enabled mobile phones; One or more VoIP provider servers 104 of the VoIP communication system; one or more web servers 105; and connected to another type of network 109 (such as to a traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN) or other circuit switched network, and and/or gateway 106 to the mobile cellular network). However, it should of course be understood that many more elements than those explicitly shown make up the Internet. This is represented schematically in Figure 1 by a communications cloud 108 which will include many other end user terminals, servers and gateways, as well as routers of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Internet backbone routers.
此处描述的各实施例可结合任何合适的硬件、软件、固件或其组合来实现。在至少某些实例中，各实施例可被实现为在计算机可读存储介质上存储的计算机可读指令的形式。如此处所使用的，“计算机可读存储介质”旨在指全部法定形式的存储介质。由此，“计算机可读存储介质”不旨在覆盖非法定主题，诸如载波或信号本身。The various embodiments described herein may be implemented in conjunction with any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof. In at least some instances, various embodiments can be implemented in the form of computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium. As used herein, "computer-readable storage media" is intended to refer to all legal forms of storage media. Thus, "computer-readable storage medium" is not intended to cover non-statutory subject matter, such as carrier waves or signals per se.
多个终端用户终端102中的每个被安装有通信客户端应用形式的通信软件。在各实施例中，通信客户端应用包括VoIP客户端应用，并且将描述与VoIP客户端有关的示例实施例，但是应当理解，此处阐述的想法还可应用于具有替换或附加通信功能（诸如IM聊天消息收发或文件传输）的客户端应用。Each of the plurality of end-user terminals 102 is installed with communication software in the form of a communication client application. In various embodiments, the communication client application comprises a VoIP client application, and example embodiments will be described in relation to a VoIP client, but it should be understood that the ideas set forth herein are also applicable to applications having alternative or additional communication functions, such as client application for IM chat messaging or file transfer).
当被执行时，VoIP客户端应用允许终端用户终端102使用基于服务器的设置或P2P呼叫设置（或更一般的连接设置）中的任一个，来经由因特网建立与其他这些终端用户终端102的双向通信通道。VoIP客户端应用还可直接地或经由提供用户是否有空的状态的服务器104来彼此共享在场信息。每个用户的在场信息可由用户自己来至少部分地定义。VoIP客户端应用还可从VoIP提供方的服务器104中检索一些附加信息，诸如提供用户联系人的姓名和用户ID的联系人列表、“化身”，该化身是用户选择在VoIP系统内表示他们自己的图像。When executed, the VoIP client application allows an end-user terminal 102 to establish two-way communication with other such end-user terminals 102 via the Internet using either a server-based setup or a P2P call setup (or more generally a connection setup). aisle. VoIP client applications may also share presence information with each other directly or via the server 104 which provides user availability status. Presence information for each user may be defined at least in part by the user himself. The VoIP client application can also retrieve some additional information from the VoIP provider's server 104, such as a contact list providing the names and user IDs of the user's contacts, an "avatar" that the user chooses to represent themselves within the VoIP system Image.
终端用户终端102中的每一个还被安装有文档-浏览器客户端软件，在各实施例中以web浏览器的形式。当被执行时，该软件允许用户终端102从耦合到因特网108的web服务器检索网页形势的信息以及任何有关的数据，并在用户的控制下在他们的屏幕上显示这些信息。web浏览器还可使用户能够从他们的终端102向web服务器提交数据，该web服务器可例如存储信息以供其他网络元件（诸如用户终端102）访问，和/或对所提交的数据进行操作以生成响应或向其他网络元件发送消息。Each of the end-user terminals 102 is also installed with document-browser client software, in various embodiments in the form of a web browser. When executed, the software allows the user terminal 102 to retrieve web site information and any related data from a web server coupled to the Internet 108 and display this information on their screen under the user's control. The web browser can also enable users to submit data from their terminal 102 to a web server, which can, for example, store information for access by other network elements, such as user terminal 102, and/or act on the submitted data to Generate responses or send messages to other network elements.
根据各实施例，这些web服务器包括一个或多个伙伴服务器105，该一个或多个伙伴服务器105运行经由用户终端102的web浏览器可以访问的伙伴通信系统。该伙伴通信系统结合VoIP通信系统来提供附加通信介质。例如，伙伴服务器可以托管网页加相关数据形式的社交联网站点以及数据处理软件，在这种情形中，附加介质可包括对结合VoIP所提供的静态或交互式用户简档的记录、VoIP（或IM）通信系统所提供的视频呼叫和/或IM。在各实施例中，伙伴系统是VoIP系统的伙伴，因为它的前端或用户界面也提供对VoIP系统的访问。这可通过利用在伙伴服务器105中的一个或多个处安装的VoIP客户端应用的替换实例来实现，用户可经由伙伴站点代替使用在他们本地用户终端102上安装的本地VoIP客户端来访问伙伴服务器。下面参考图2b和2c更详细地讨论它的示例实现。According to various embodiments, these web servers include one or more partner servers 105 running a partner communication system accessible via the web browser of the user terminal 102 . The partner communication system provides an additional communication medium in conjunction with a VoIP communication system. For example, a partner server may host a social networking site in the form of web pages plus associated data, as well as data processing software, in which case additional media may include recording of static or interactive user profiles provided in conjunction with VoIP, VoIP (or IM ) video calling and/or IM provided by the communication system. In various embodiments, the buddy system is a buddy of the VoIP system in that its front end or user interface also provides access to the VoIP system. This can be achieved by utilizing an alternate instance of the VoIP client application installed at one or more of the partner servers 105, and users can access the partner via the partner site instead of using a local VoIP client installed on their local user terminal 102. server. An example implementation of this is discussed in more detail below with reference to Figures 2b and 2c.
还可存在在一个或多个网关106处安装的VoIP客户端应用，该一个或多个网关106耦合到因特网108以及一个或多个其他网络109（诸如PSTN网络和/或移动蜂窝网络）这二者。这允许在终端用户终端102上运行的VoIP客户端应用与普通的路线电话和/或移动电话分别通信，即使那些电话本身不运行VoIP客户端应用并且不直接耦合到因特网。在那种情况下，终端102上的VoIP客户端应用使用基于服务器或P2P的呼叫设置来通过因特网与网关106上的VoIP客户端应用建立连接，并向网关106提供电话号码，网关106使用该电话号码通过相应的其他网络来建立与电话的连接。或在另一方向上，电话用户可使用在VoIP系统内标识该用户的号码拨号到网关106，并且网关106将通过因特网与该用户的终端102建立连接。在任一情形中，可由此经由因特网和PSTN或移动蜂窝网络来建立双向的通信通道。There may also be a VoIP client application installed at one or more gateways 106 coupled to both the Internet 108 and one or more other networks 109 such as a PSTN network and/or a mobile cellular network. By. This allows a VoIP client application running on the end-user terminal 102 to communicate separately with ordinary landline phones and/or mobile phones, even if those phones do not themselves run VoIP client applications and are not directly coupled to the Internet. In that case, the VoIP client application on the terminal 102 uses a server-based or P2P call setup to establish a connection with the VoIP client application on the gateway 106 over the Internet and provides the gateway 106 with a phone number, which the gateway 106 uses The number establishes the connection to the phone through the corresponding other network. Or in the other direction, a telephone user can dial to the gateway 106 using a number that identifies the user within the VoIP system, and the gateway 106 will establish a connection with the user's terminal 102 via the Internet. In either case, a two-way communication channel can thus be established via the Internet and the PSTN or mobile cellular network.
图2a的示意性框图示出终端用户终端102的示例，它被配置成担任在因特网上运行的VoIP系统的终端。终端102包括可操作地耦合到以下各项的处理器或CPU200：诸如连接到因特网108的调制解调器的网络接口202，诸如硬盘驱动器或闪存的非易失性存储设备204，以及诸如随机访问存储器（RAM）206的易失性存储设备。终端102还包括例如键盘210、鼠标208、话筒216和摄像头218形式的一个或多个用户输入设备，每个输入设备可操作地耦合到CPU200。终端102还包括例如显示屏幕208、扬声器214形式的一个或多个用户输出设备，每个输出设备同样可操作地耦合到CPU200。The schematic block diagram of Fig. 2a shows an example of an end-user terminal 102 configured to act as a terminal of a VoIP system operating on the Internet. Terminal 102 includes a processor or CPU 200 operably coupled to a network interface 202 such as a modem connected to the Internet 108, a non-volatile storage device 204 such as a hard drive or flash memory, and a device such as random access memory (RAM ) 206 of the volatile storage device. Terminal 102 also includes one or more user input devices, such as in the form of keyboard 210 , mouse 208 , microphone 216 and camera 218 , each input device operably coupled to CPU 200 . Terminal 102 also includes one or more user output devices, eg in the form of display screen 208 , speaker 214 , each output device also operatively coupled to CPU 200 .
存储设备204存储软件，软件至少包括操作系统（OS）220、web浏览器221形式的文档-浏览器客户端应用、以及VoIP客户端应用222形式的基于分组的通信软件。在启动或重置终端102时，操作系统软件220被自动地加载到RAM206，并从那里通过由CPU200执行来运行。一旦运行，操作系统220随后可通过将应用（诸如web客户端应用221和VoIP客户端应用222）加载到RAM206中并在CPU200上执行它们，来运行该应用。为了在图2中示意性地表示这一点，操作系统220、web客户端应用221和VoIP客户端应用222被示为处于CPU200内部。The storage device 204 stores software including at least an operating system (OS) 220 , a document-browser client application in the form of a web browser 221 , and packet-based communication software in the form of a VoIP client application 222 . Operating system software 220 is automatically loaded into RAM 206 when terminal 102 is started or reset, and executed from there by being executed by CPU 200 . Once running, operating system 220 may then run applications such as web client application 221 and VoIP client application 222 by loading the applications into RAM 206 and executing them on CPU 200 . To represent this schematically in FIG. 2 , an operating system 220 , a web client application 221 and a VoIP client application 222 are shown inside the CPU 200 .
VoIP客户端应用222包括“栈（stack）”，该栈具有三个基本层：输入和输出（I/O）层224、客户端引擎层226和用户界面（UI）层228。每层负责具体的功能。由于每个连续层通常与两个相邻层（或者在顶层的情形中是一个层）通信，因此它们被认为是被安排到图2a所示的栈中。web客户端应用221和VoIP客户端应用222被称为在操作系统220“之上”运行。这意味着在多任务的环境中，它们由操作系统220来调度以供执行；并且，从输入设备202、216和218到web客户端应用221和VoIP客户端应用222最低（I/O）层224的输入、以及从web客户端应用221和VoIP客户端应用222的I/O层224到输出设备202、208和214的输出，可经由操作系统220的合适的驱动器和/或API来仲裁。VoIP client application 222 includes a "stack" with three basic layers: input and output (I/O) layer 224 , client engine layer 226 , and user interface (UI) layer 228 . Each layer is responsible for a specific function. Since each successive layer typically communicates with two adjacent layers (or one layer in the case of the top layer), they are said to be arranged into a stack as shown in Figure 2a. The web client application 221 and the VoIP client application 222 are said to run “on top” of the operating system 220 . This means that they are scheduled for execution by the operating system 220 in a multitasking environment; and, from the input devices 202, 216 and 218 to the lowest (I/O) layer Input to 224, and output from I/O layer 224 of web client application 221 and VoIP client application 222 to output devices 202, 208, and 214 may be arbitrated via appropriate drivers and/or APIs of operating system 220.
VoIP客户端应用的I/O层224包括音频和/或视频编解码器，该编解码器接收传入的已编码流并对其进行解码以按需输出到扬声器214和/或显示器208，并且该编解码器从话筒216和/或摄像头218接收未经编码的音频和/或视频数据，对其进行编码以便将其作为流传输到VoIP系统的其他终端用户终端102。I/O层224还可包括用于在网络的终端102之间信令控制信息的控制信令协议。The I/O layer 224 of the VoIP client application includes an audio and/or video codec that receives an incoming encoded stream and decodes it for output to speaker 214 and/or display 208 as needed, and The codec receives unencoded audio and/or video data from the microphone 216 and/or camera 218, encodes it for transmission as a stream to other end-user terminals 102 of the VoIP system. I/O layer 224 may also include a control signaling protocol for signaling control information between terminals 102 of the network.
客户机引擎226随后像上面讨论的那样处理VoIP系统的连接管理功能，诸如通过基于服务器或P2P地址查找和认证来建立呼叫或其他连接。客户端引擎也可负责VoIP系统的其他辅助功能，诸如向VoIP系统服务器104提供用户的最新的联系人列表和/或化身图像，或从VoIP服务器104检索用户的最新的联系人列表并检索其他用户的最新的化身图像。此外，客户端引擎可经由公共API从用户其他客户端的联系人列表中检索在场信息，并且相对地向在线的那些其他客户端提供它自己的在场信息。经由公共API在客户端之间直接交换在场信息是一种选择，但是替换地，可经由诸如服务器104等中间节点来交换在场信息。The client engine 226 then handles the connection management functions of the VoIP system as discussed above, such as establishing calls or other connections through server or P2P address lookup and authentication. The client engine may also be responsible for other auxiliary functions of the VoIP system, such as providing the VoIP system server 104 with the user's latest contact list and/or avatar image, or retrieving the user's latest contact list from the VoIP server 104 and retrieving other users latest avatar image. In addition, the client engine can retrieve presence information from the contact lists of the user's other clients via the public API, and provide its own presence information to those other clients that are online in turn. Exchanging presence information directly between clients via a public API is one option, but alternatively, presence information may be exchanged via an intermediate node such as server 104 .
UI层228负责经由显示器208向用户呈现已解码的视频，用于如何在显示器208上安排所呈现的输出以及用户控件（诸如按钮和菜单），以及用于经由所呈现的控件从用户接收输入。The UI layer 228 is responsible for presenting the decoded video to the user via the display 208, for how to arrange the presented output and user controls (such as buttons and menus) on the display 208, and for receiving input from the user via the presented controls.
图3示意性地示出了当VoIP客户端应用222打开以供用户查看时将在显示器208上向用户呈现的示例用户界面228。在该示例中，用户界面228是在第一用户终端102（A）上运行的VoIP客户端应用222的用户界面。用户界面被划分成多个面板。第一面板302显示用户自己的简档的一些细节，在该示例中有用户的姓名“Joe Everyman”、化身图像和“情绪消息”。这些细节可被存储在VoIP系统的服务器104处，并可由客户端引擎226从VoIP系统的服务器104检索，以便使VoIP系统的其他用户可以获得。化身图像是用户选择用来向其他用户表示他们自己的图像（不必是他们自己的照片）。情绪消息是简短的用户定义的陈述，它可用于任何目的，但通常用于表达用户正感觉如何、关于用户生活中近期事件的新闻、或者可能影响用户是否有空的任何即将到来的计划（因此在某些情形中，情绪消息可被认为是一种类型的在场信息）。当其他用户在他们自己的客户端中查看Joe的简档时，这些细节将经由VoIP服务器104对他们可见，反之亦然，其他用户的细节将是Joe的客户端可获得的（如果他们在彼此的联系人列表中）。FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example user interface 228 that would be presented to a user on display 208 when VoIP client application 222 is open for viewing by the user. In this example, the user interface 228 is a user interface of a VoIP client application 222 running on the first user terminal 102(A). The user interface is divided into panels. The first panel 302 displays some details of the user's own profile, in this example the user's name "Joe Everyman", an avatar image and a "mood message". These details may be stored at the VoIP system server 104 and may be retrieved by the client engine 226 from the VoIP system server 104 to make available to other users of the VoIP system. An avatar image is an image (not necessarily a photo of themselves) that a user chooses to represent themselves to other users. Sentiment messages are short user-defined statements that can be used for any purpose, but are typically used to convey how the user is feeling, news about recent events in the user's life, or any upcoming plans that might affect the user's availability (thus In some cases, emotional messages may be considered a type of presence information). When other users view Joe's profile in their own client, these details will be visible to them via the VoIP server 104, and vice versa, other user's details will be available to Joe's client (if they are on each other in your contact list).
用户界面228的第二面板304显示用户的朋友或同事的联系人列表，这些朋友或同事是VoIP网络的其他用户。联系人列表的入口可以是来自用户的有条件的或相互的协议。联系人列表可被存储在VoIP系统的服务器104处，并可由客户端引擎226从VoIP系统的服务器104检索，使得在不同终端上使用VoIP客户端应用的不同实例的用户可获得同一列表。在场信息还被显示在每个联系人附近的面板中。在场信息表示有空状态，该有空状态可包括对用户是否在线、以及是否可以是部分地用户定义的的指示。例如，在场状态可以是：用户已离线（x）；用户在线并已选择被示为有空（√），或用户在线但已选择被示为没空（-）。A second panel 304 of the user interface 228 displays a contact list of the user's friends or colleagues who are other users of the VoIP network. Entry to the contact list may be conditional or mutual agreement from the user. The contact list can be stored at the server 104 of the VoIP system and can be retrieved from the server 104 of the VoIP system by the client engine 226 so that users using different instances of the VoIP client application on different terminals can obtain the same list. Presence information is also displayed in a panel adjacent to each contact. Presence information represents availability status, which may include an indication of whether a user is online or not, and may be partially user-defined. For example, the presence status can be: the user is offline (x); the user is online and has chosen to be shown as available (√), or the user is online but has chosen to be shown as not available (-).
用户界面228的第三面板306显示从联系人列表中选择的用户的简档，在该情形中是“Stephen Madeup”，另一用户终端102（B）的用户。所显示的简档包括Stephen的姓名、化身图像和情绪消息，以及Stephen可能已向VoIP服务器104提供的其他细节，诸如当前位置、本地时间、性别和出生日期（DOB）。这些简档细节由客户机引擎226从VoIP服务器104中检索。The third panel 306 of the user interface 228 displays the profile of the user selected from the contact list, in this case "Stephen Madeup", the user of the other user terminal 102(B). The displayed profile includes Stephen's name, avatar image and mood message, as well as other details Stephen may have provided to the VoIP server 104, such as current location, local time, gender and date of birth (DOB). These profile details are retrieved from the VoIP server 104 by the client engine 226 .
用户界面228的第四面板308随后显示与所选联系人有关的通信控件，诸如允许建立语音或视频呼叫的按钮、以及用于输入聊天消息的窗口。任何传入的聊天消息和聊天历史也将在该面板中显示，并且可通过将文件拖放到聊天窗口中来建立文件传输。A fourth panel 308 of the user interface 228 then displays communication controls related to the selected contact, such as buttons allowing voice or video calls to be established, and windows for entering chat messages. Any incoming chat messages and chat history will also be displayed in this panel, and file transfers can be established by dragging and dropping files into the chat window.
伙伴服务器105的示意性表示现在在图2b中示出。伙伴服务器105包括可操作地耦合到以下各项的处理器或CPU250：诸如连接到因特网108的调制解调器的网络接口252，非易失性存储设备254，以及诸如随机访问存储器（RAM）256的易失性存储器设备。还可存在用于服务器105的一个或多个用户输入或输出设备，但这些未被示出。A schematic representation of a partner server 105 is now shown in Fig. 2b. The partner server 105 includes a processor or CPU 250 operably coupled to a network interface 252 such as a modem connected to the Internet 108, a non-volatile storage device 254, and a volatile memory device such as random access memory (RAM) 256. Sexual memory devices. There may also be one or more user input or output devices for server 105, but these are not shown.
存储设备254存储软件，软件至少包括操作系统（OS）270、例如社交联网站点形式的伙伴软件271、以及VoIP客户端应用222’的与在用户终端102上安装的“主”或“本地”实例222相类似的替换“伙伴”实例。伙伴软件271和伙伴VoIP客户端实例222’二者都运行在OS270上。伙伴软件271通过例如通过因特网108向用户终端102提供社交联网页面和相关数据并从那些用户终端102接收、处理相关数据和请求，来提供伙伴通信系统的核心功能。社交联网网页为伙伴通信系统提供前端或用户界面，并且在各实施例中，该伙伴用户界面还包括一个或多个控件，该一个或多个控件可（例如经由OS270）控制VoIP客户端应用222’的伙伴实例，并由此经由伙伴通信系统的前端代替经由在用户的本地用户终端102上运行的主实例222，来提供对VoIP通信系统的替换访问方式。注意，虽然不排除可从客户端222’的UI层提供一些UI元件的可能性，但是如果伙伴的前端要提供用户界面，则客户端222’的伙伴实例不必具有UI层。The storage device 254 stores software including at least an operating system (OS) 270, companion software 271, for example in the form of a social networking site, and a "main" or "local" instance of a VoIP client application 222' that is installed on the user terminal 102 222 similar replacement "partner" instance. Both the partner software 271 and the partner VoIP client instance 222' run on the OS 270. The buddy software 271 provides the core functionality of the buddy communication system by providing social networking pages and related data to user terminals 102 and receiving and processing related data and requests from those user terminals 102 , eg, through the Internet 108 . The social networking webpage provides a front end or user interface for the buddy communication system, and in various embodiments, the buddy user interface also includes one or more controls that can control the VoIP client application 222 (eg, via the OS 270 ) ', and thereby provide alternative access to the VoIP communication system via the front end of the partner communication system instead of via the master instance 222 running on the user's local user terminal 102 . Note that the buddy instance of the client 222' does not have to have a UI layer if the buddy's front end is to provide a user interface, although it does not rule out the possibility that some UI elements may be provided from the UI layer of the client 222'.
在另一安排中，作为对在伙伴服务器105实现的VoIP客户端222’的伙伴实例的替换（或补充），用户可将VoIP客户端的两个或更多个不同的实例安装在两个或更多个不同的相应终端用户终端102上，例如，VoIP客户端的一个实例被安装在诸如用户自己的家庭计算机或移动电话等个人终端上，VoIP客户端的另一个实例被安装在工作终端上，诸如由用户雇主分配给他或她的工作膝上型计算机或智能电话。例如，不同终端102上多个实例中的至少一个（例如被安装在个人终端上的实例）可被配置成启用经由伙伴服务器105上的伙伴联网软件271来访问VoIP通信系统，作为例如经由社交联网站点（以及允许常规的访问方式）的替换的访问方式；而其他实例中的至少一个（诸如工作终端上的实例）可以不旨在经由伙伴系统来访问VoIP或其他通信系统（或者由于用户阻止这样做，或者由于针对基于工作的实例，该功能不被提供或被禁用）。In another arrangement, instead of (or in addition to) a buddy instance of the VoIP client 222' implemented at the buddy server 105, a user may install two or more different instances of the VoIP client on two or more On a plurality of different corresponding end-user terminals 102, for example, one instance of the VoIP client is installed on a personal terminal such as the user's own home computer or mobile phone, another instance of the VoIP client is installed on a work terminal, such as by A work laptop or smartphone assigned to the user by his or her employer. For example, at least one of the multiple instances on different terminals 102 (for example, an instance installed on a personal terminal) may be configured to enable access to the VoIP communication system via the partner networking software 271 on the partner server 105 as, for example, via social networking Alternative means of access to the site (and allow normal means of access); while at least one of the other instances (such as the instance on a work terminal) may not be intended to access VoIP or other communication systems via a partner system (or because the user prevents such do, or the feature is not available or disabled for work-based instances).
在作为上述任一或二者的替换或补充的又一安排中，用户可将VoIP客户端的两个不同的实例安装在同一终端用户终端102上。在此情形中，用户可使VoIP客户端的一个实例位于用户终端102上，该实例被配置成启用经由伙伴服务器105上的伙伴联网软件271（例如，经由社交联网站点）来访问VoIP通信系统，而同一用户终端102上的另一实例被配置成经由常规方式来访问VoIP通信系统，即在没有伙伴105参与的情况下直接经由VoIP提供方的服务器104和/或P2P技术。在一些实施例中，两个实例中的一个或两个可被排他性地设置或配置成允许按照它们相应的方式来访问VoIP通信系统，即，一个允许仅经由伙伴系统105来访问VoIP，和/或一个允许在没有伙伴105的参与下仅直接经由VoIP提供方的服务器104或P2P来访问VoIP。然而，在替换的实施例中，每个实例可能够允许经由这两种方式的访问，并由用户出于不同目的在同一终端上简单地维护。In yet another arrangement as an alternative or in addition to either or both of the above, the user may install two different instances of the VoIP client on the same end-user terminal 102 . In this case, the user may have an instance of the VoIP client located on the user terminal 102 configured to enable access to the VoIP communication system via the partner networking software 271 on the partner server 105 (e.g., via a social networking site), while Another instance on the same user terminal 102 is configured to access the VoIP communication system via conventional means, ie directly via the VoIP provider's server 104 and/or P2P technology without the participation of the partner 105 . In some embodiments, one or both of the two instances may be exclusively set or configured to allow access to the VoIP communication system in their respective manners, i.e. one allows access to VoIP via the partner system 105 only, and/or Or one that allows access to VoIP directly via the VoIP provider's server 104 or P2P only, without the participation of a partner 105 . However, in an alternative embodiment, each instance may be able to allow access via both means and be maintained simply by the user on the same terminal for different purposes.
包括第一终端102（A）的用户以及另一终端102（E）的用户的情形被示意性地示出在图2c中图2c还示出了同一用户具有各自安装有该用户的VoIP客户端应用的单独实例222和222”的两个不同终端102（A）和102（F）的可能性，以及用户具有在同一用户终端102（A）上安装的VoIP客户端的两个不同实例222和222”’的可能性。A situation comprising a user of a first terminal 102(A) and a user of another terminal 102(E) is schematically shown in Fig. 2c Fig. 2c also shows that the same user has a VoIP client respectively installed therein possibility of two different terminals 102(A) and 102(F) of separate instances 222 and 222" of the application, and that the user has two different instances of the VoIP client 222 and 222 installed on the same user terminal 102(A) "'possibility.
作为上述操作的示例，考虑第一终端102（A）的用户访问社交联网站点的页面的情形，该社交联网站点包括关于其他用户的简档和其他信息。响应于检测到这一点，伙伴软件271可查阅查找表，该查找表将VoIP系统的ID映射到标识了伙伴系统的用户的标识符。查找表可被存储在VoIP提供方的服务器104或伙伴服务器105上如果发现匹配，那意味着在伙伴系统的站点上正被查看的用户的简档也是VoIP系统的用户，并且在检测到这一匹配时，伙伴软件271可向在终端102（A）上正被查看的页面中插入相关联的控件，诸如可点击的调用图标或IM聊天栏。或者，该功能可利用web浏览器221、客户端222的本地实例和/或在二者（未示出）之间仲裁的工具栏应用来在用户终端102（A）本地地实现，同样，如果本地地实现，则查找可使用在用户终端102（A）上存储的本地查找表而非在服务器104或105上远程存储的查找表来执行，该本地查找表列出了VoIP和伙伴系统这两者的用户都已知的联系人。As an example of the above-described operations, consider a situation where a user of the first terminal 102(A) accesses a page of a social networking site that includes profiles and other information about other users. In response to detecting this, the buddy software 271 may consult a lookup table that maps the ID of the VoIP system to an identifier that identifies the user of the buddy system. A lookup table can be stored on the VoIP provider's server 104 or partner server 105. If a match is found, that means the profile of the user being viewed on the partner system's site is also a user of the VoIP system, and upon detection of this When matched, the companion software 271 may insert an associated control, such as a clickable call icon or an IM chat bar, into the page being viewed on the terminal 102(A). Alternatively, this functionality may be implemented locally at the user terminal 102(A) using a local instance of the web browser 221, the client 222, and/or a toolbar application arbitrating between the two (not shown), again if If implemented locally, the lookup can be performed using a local lookup table stored on the user terminal 102(A) instead of a lookup table stored remotely on the server 104 or 105, which lists both VoIP and partner systems. Contacts known to either user.
图4a是显示示例社交联网站点的web浏览器221的用户界面的示意性图示，其中与伙伴系统内用户终端102（E）的示例用户“Sally Fictitious”的简档相关联地插入集成的VoIP（和/或IM）控件402。Figure 4a is a schematic illustration showing a user interface of a web browser 221 of an example social networking site with integrated VoIP inserted in association with the profile of the example user "Sally Fictitious" of the user terminal 102(E) within the buddy system (and/or IM) controls 402 .
第一用户终端102（A）的用户随后可与已插入的控件402交互，以发起与匹配用户（在该示例中是用户终端102（E）的用户）的通信连接，诸如VoIP呼叫、视频呼叫或IM聊天会话。因此，这提供了经由在伙伴服务器105上运行的伙伴实例222’而不使用在发起用户的用户终端102（A）上运行的本地实例222的对VoIP（或IM）通信系统的替换访问方式。出于方便，发起用户在此可被称为呼叫用户或呼叫方，向其发起通信的用户可被称为被呼叫用户或被呼叫方，但是应当理解，旨在覆盖除语音或视频呼叫以外的其它类型的通信，例如IM消息、语音邮件或文件传输。The user of the first user terminal 102(A) can then interact with the inserted control 402 to initiate a communication connection with a matching user (in this example the user of the user terminal 102(E)), such as a VoIP call, video call or IM chat sessions. Thus, this provides an alternative way of accessing the VoIP (or IM) communication system via the partner instance 222' running on the partner server 105 instead of using the local instance 222 running on the originating user's user terminal 102(A). For convenience, the originating user may be referred to herein as the calling user or calling party, and the user to whom communications are initiated may be referred to as the called user or called party, but it should be understood that it is intended to cover calls other than voice or video calls Other types of communication, such as IM messages, voice mail, or file transfers.
响应于用户交互，在呼叫方的终端102上运行的浏览器221通过因特网108向伙伴软件271发出信号。信号包括VoIP用户ID和VoIP系统的任何其他相关的用户证书。响应于接收该信号，伙伴软件271（例如经由OS270）将证书传递给伙伴实例222’，并控制它通过因特网108与适当的被呼叫方的VoIP客户端建立通信连接。这可以通过例如为以此方式发起通信的每个呼叫方启动客户端应用的新实例222’，或通过提供客户端的能处理多个呼叫用户的特殊伙伴实例222’，或实际通过这两种技术的组合，来实现。在能处理多个用户的伙伴实例222’的情形中，用户证书可用于在该实例内创建不同的用户会话或实体。In response to the user interaction, the browser 221 running on the calling party's terminal 102 sends a signal to the partner software 271 over the Internet 108 . The signal includes the VoIP user ID and any other relevant user credentials for the VoIP system. In response to receiving this signal, the buddy software 271 (eg, via the OS 270) passes the credentials to the buddy instance 222' and directs it to establish a communication connection via the Internet 108 with the appropriate called party's VoIP client. This can be done, for example, by launching a new instance of the client application 222' for each caller that initiates a communication in this way, or by providing a special buddy instance 222' of the client that can handle multiple calling users, or indeed both. combination to achieve. In the case of a buddy instance 222' that can handle multiple users, user credentials can be used to create different user sessions or entities within that instance.
或者，响应于用户交互，在呼叫方的终端102上运行的浏览器221向在用户终端102之一上运行的VoIP客户端实例222”或222”’中的一个发出信号，该用户终端102之一被配置成经由伙伴系统105来访问VoIP，并且VoIP客户端实例222”或222”’通过因特网108向伙伴软件271发出信号。Alternatively, in response to user interaction, the browser 221 running on the calling party's terminal 102 sends a signal to one of the VoIP client instances 222" or 222"' running on one of the user terminals 102 that one of the user terminals 102 One is configured to access VoIP via the partner system 105, and the VoIP client instance 222″ or 222″′ signals the partner software 271 over the Internet 108.
从其它角度考虑该情形，诸如Sally等其他用户可发起与第一终端102（A）的第一用户（Joe）的通信，或者通过在她自己的用户终端102（E）上运行VoIP客户端应用的她自己的本地实例，或者通过访问伙伴服务器105上的VoIP客户端的伙伴实例并将该实例与她自己的用户证书一起提供。即使其他用户不是VoIP系统的注册用户，也可允许他们通过创建临时的或伙伴专用的VoIP用户证书（例如至少是VoIP系统的用户ID和任何其他所需的证书，诸如认证证书和/或口令）使用伙伴服务器105上的伙伴实例来访问VoIP系统。Considering the situation from another point of view, another user such as Sally may initiate a communication with the first user (Joe) of the first terminal 102(A), or by running a VoIP client application on her own user terminal 102(E) either by accessing the partner instance of the VoIP client on the partner server 105 and provisioning that instance with her own user credentials. Allow other users even if they are not registered users of the VoIP system by creating temporary or partner-specific VoIP user credentials (e.g. at least a VoIP system user ID and any other required credentials such as authentication credentials and/or passwords) The VoIP system is accessed using a buddy instance on the buddy server 105 .
如所提到的，第一用户Joe可能拥有客户端应用的多个实例可供使用，并且可在任意的某个时间运行它们中的任一个。例如，用户可拥有在家庭用户终端102（A）上安装的主实例222、在伙伴服务器105上托管的伙伴实例222’、工作用户终端102（F）上的另一个本地实例222”、和/或在与主实例相同的用户终端102（A）上安装的另一实例。依赖于用户在任意的某个时间正在使用哪个实例，即哪个被正在执行，将向适当的终端102（A）、105或102（F）上的实例分别递送来自任何其他用户的建立VoIP通信连接的任意请求。当前使用的实例也可被认为是“活动的”实例。将请求递送到适当的目的地可通过例如使活动的实例更新分布式地址查找方案的适当节点处的查找地址来实现。如果在任意的某个时间多个实例正在被执行，则可提供规则以确定哪一个优先且被认为是“活动的”。例如，在活动窗口中运行的任意一个，或者仅未在后台或系统托盘中运行的任意一个。As mentioned, a first user, Joe, may have multiple instances of the client application available for use, and may run any of them at any arbitrary time. For example, a user may have a master instance 222 installed on a home user terminal 102(A), a buddy instance 222' hosted on a buddy server 105, another local instance 222" on a work user terminal 102(F), and/or or another instance installed on the same user terminal 102(A) as the main instance.Depending on which instance the user is using at any given time, ie which one is being executed, the appropriate terminal 102(A), The instance on 105 or 102(F) respectively delivers any request from any other user to establish a VoIP communication connection. The instance currently in use can also be considered an "active" instance. Delivery of the request to the appropriate destination can be done by, for example, This is achieved by having an active instance update the lookup address at the appropriate node of the distributed address lookup scheme. If multiple instances are being executed at any given time, rules can be provided to determine which takes precedence and is considered "active" ". For example, either running in the active window, or just not running in the background or system tray.
注意，当一个或多个用户正在使用伙伴服务器105上的伙伴实例来访问VoIP通信系统，那不意味着实际的媒体流必须经由伙伴服务器105来路由（虽然不排除那种可能性）。相反，参与主要用于发起呼叫或连接设置，并且一旦在诸如102（A）和102（E）等两个用户终端之间建立了连接，则实际的语音或视频等可以跨因特网108在它们之间直接路由。Note that when one or more users are accessing the VoIP communication system using a buddy instance on the buddy server 105, that does not mean that the actual media stream must be routed via the buddy server 105 (although that possibility is not excluded). Instead, participation is primarily used to initiate a call or connection setup, and once a connection is established between two user terminals such as 102(A) and 102(E), the actual voice or video etc. direct routing.
图4b示出了在Sally的用户终端102（E）上查看的伙伴系统的用户界面的示意性示例。如果第一用户Joe是VoIP系统和伙伴系统这二者的用户，则她能够在伙伴系统内查看Joe的简档（例如，他的社交联网简档，不必与VoIP系统内的他的简档相同），并被呈现利用伙伴服务器105上的伙伴实例向Joe的终端102（A）或102（F）发起的控制通信。伙伴系统用户界面还可包括允许用户搜索伙伴系统的其他用户的控件404，例如，按VoIP系统的用户ID来搜索，或者按诸如可能影响用户是否愿意取得联系的共同的兴趣、目标或者地点等其他信息来搜索。Fig. 4b shows a schematic example of a user interface of the buddy system viewed on Sally's user terminal 102(E). If the first user Joe is a user of both the VoIP system and the buddy system, she can view Joe's profile within the buddy system (e.g., his social networking profile, not necessarily the same as his profile within the VoIP system ), and is presented with a control communication initiated to Joe's terminal 102(A) or 102(F) using a buddy instance on buddy server 105 . The buddy system user interface may also include a control 404 that allows the user to search for other users of the buddy system, e.g., by user ID of the VoIP system, or by other common interests, goals, or locations, such as common interests, goals, or locations that may affect a user's willingness to get in touch. information to search.
对于诸如VoIP系统的通信系统，用户通常仅在其他用户是认识的或可信时才接受他们作为联系人。然而，发明人已经认识到对于某些伙伴系统，用户可能还没有可信的联系人圈子。例如，如果伙伴系统是社交联网或约会站点，则使用伙伴系统的整个计划可以是与陌生人见面，但是同时，用户可在这样做时要求比现有VoIP系统更加严格的隐私设置。因此期望提供即使在将VoIP系统与伙伴系统相集成时也可维护合适隐私的机制。For communication systems such as VoIP systems, users typically accept other users as contacts only if they are known or trusted. However, the inventors have recognized that with some buddy systems, users may not yet have a circle of trusted contacts. For example, if the buddy system is a social networking or dating site, the entire plan for using the buddy system may be to meet strangers, but at the same time, users may require more stringent privacy settings than existing VoIP systems in doing so. It is therefore desirable to provide mechanisms that maintain appropriate privacy even when integrating VoIP systems with partner systems.
在另一示例中，一些伙伴系统可能比其他系统更可信。例如，在常规的社交网络中，用户可能仅接受认识的联系人作为朋友，在这种情况下，将该伙伴系统的联系人集成到VoIP客户端中而无需额外的隐私是可以接受的；但是，一些其它类型的社交网络（诸如为约会设计的那些社交网络）可能不那么被用户信任，并因此需要更加严格的隐私设置。In another example, some buddy systems may be more trusted than others. For example, in a conventional social network, a user may only accept contacts as friends who they know, in which case it is acceptable to integrate the contacts of this buddy system into a VoIP client without additional privacy; but However, some other types of social networks (such as those designed for dating) may be less trusted by users and thus require more stringent privacy settings.
其中隐私可能是一个问题的伙伴系统的其他示例可包括提供已分类广告或个人广告的站点、公共论坛、或者其中用户不想要允许与在非商业环境中提供的相同级别亲密性的与商业有关的系统。Other examples of buddy systems where privacy may be an issue may include sites that offer classified or personal ads, public forums, or business-related sites where users do not want to allow the same level of intimacy that is offered in a non-commercial setting. system.
此外，无论伙伴系统的问题是什么，用户可能依赖于在家中还是在工作、或者在家中还是使用移动终端在外走动而需要不同级别的隐私。Furthermore, whatever the issue with the buddy system, users may require different levels of privacy depending on whether they are at home or at work, or at home or on the move using a mobile terminal.
为了解决上述问题，各实施例提供同一用户客户端应用的多个不同实例，并且依赖于同一用户客户端应用的不同实例中的哪个当前是活动的，来维护不同的隐私设置。因此，用户能够依赖于他或她正在操作的环境或情况来维护不同级别的隐私。例如，如果经由客户端222’的伙伴实例在线，则用户可能期望比经由主实例222在线时更大程度的隐私，或者如果在工作用户终端上在线，则用户可能期望比在家庭用户终端上在线时更大程度的隐私。To address the above issues, embodiments provide multiple different instances of the same user client application and maintain different privacy settings depending on which of the different instances of the same user client application is currently active. Thus, a user is able to maintain varying levels of privacy depending on the environment or situation in which he or she is operating. For example, if online via a buddy instance of client 222', the user may desire a greater degree of privacy than if online via the master instance 222, or if online on a work user terminal, than on a home user terminal. a greater degree of privacy.
注意，不同的实例具体是指同一用户的实例。即使在实例之一是在伙伴服务器105上运行的伙伴实例的情况下，那么当这样操作时，伙伴实例仍可被称为同一用户的客户端应用的实例，因为它已经用该用户的ID和潜在的其他此类证书来实例化，以便能够表示该用户或者代表该用户在发起和接受通信连接中行动。但是，在用户终端102（A）和102（E）上安装的通信客户端不是同一客户端的不同实例，因为它们表示或代表不同用户来行动。给定用户的客户端的实例可被认为是通过用户ID或类似信息来表征。Note that different instances specifically refer to instances of the same user. Even in the case where one of the instances is a buddy instance running on buddy server 105, then when doing so, the buddy instance can still be referred to as an instance of the same user's client application because it has been identified with the user's ID and Potentially other such credentials can be instantiated to be able to represent the user or act on behalf of the user in initiating and accepting communication connections. However, the communication clients installed on user terminals 102(A) and 102(E) are not different instances of the same client since they represent or act on behalf of different users. An instance of a client for a given user may be considered to be characterized by a user ID or similar information.
图5中示意性地示出了VoIP客户端的用于控制隐私设置的示例用户界面。可在不同实施例或其他隐私设置中提供这些隐私设置中的任一个或全部。An example user interface of a VoIP client for controlling privacy settings is schematically shown in FIG. 5 . Any or all of these privacy settings may be provided in different embodiments or other privacy settings.
在一个实施例中，不同实例的不同隐私设置可各自被存储在相应终端的存储设备处，例如，在相应实例的终端102（A）、102（F）和105处存储的单独的隐私设置。然而，该实施例在运行特定实例时可仅允许控制该实例的隐私设置，例如，如果用户正在使用家庭用户终端102（A）并且工作终端105（F）被关闭，则用户要远程地控制工作实例的隐私设置也许是不可能的。In one embodiment, different privacy settings of different instances may each be stored at a storage device of a corresponding terminal, eg, separate privacy settings stored at terminals 102(A), 102(F) and 105 of a corresponding instance. However, this embodiment may only allow control of the privacy settings of a particular instance when running that instance, for example, if the user is using the home user terminal 102(A) and the work terminal 105(F) is turned off, the user wants to remotely control the work Instance privacy settings may not be possible.
相反，在各实施例中，用户实例中的一些或全部的隐私设置被存储在服务器上，诸如VoIP提供方的服务器104。无论此时正在使用的实例是哪个，这可允许经由因特网108远程地控制全部实例的隐私设置，例如，客户端用户界面可以是可操作的以便为每个实例或每个类型的实例打开诸如图5中的单独的窗口，或者同一窗口可包括用于每个实例或每个类型的实例的单独的控件。Instead, in various embodiments, some or all of the privacy settings in a user instance are stored on a server, such as the VoIP provider's server 104 . Regardless of which instance is being used at the time, this may allow remote control of the privacy settings of all instances via the Internet 108, for example, the client user interface may be operable to open, for each instance or each type of instance, an example such as 5, or the same window may include separate controls for each instance or instance of each type.
再参考图2c，为了实现该实施例，除了用户ID以外，可向给定用户的通信客户端的每个实例提供此处被称为“令牌”的附加标识符或参数。令牌在不同类型的客户端实例或不同分组的客户端实例之间相区分，或者甚至用以标识给定用户的多个实例中的各个客户端实例。例如，令牌可以标识该实例是伙伴实例还是VoIP客户端的常规“主”实例。或者，令牌可包括标识给定用户的那些实例中的特定实例的标识符，在该情形中，用户ID和令牌ID在一起的组合在所讨论的通信系统中将是唯一的。当用户在对应的终端102或105上运行他的或她的客户端的特定实例时，该实例经由因特网108向VoIP提供方的服务器104传输它的令牌和用户ID（或者如果使令牌ID本身是唯一的，则只需要传输令牌ID）。响应于接收到这些，VoIP服务器104被配置成随后为该用户在存储于该服务器处的查找表199中查找令牌，并因此检索发出请求实例的相关隐私设置。VoIP提供方的服务器104随后向对应终端102或105上的该实例返回所需要的隐私设置。Referring again to FIG. 2c, to implement this embodiment, in addition to the user ID, each instance of a communication client for a given user may be provided with an additional identifier or parameter referred to herein as a "token". Tokens distinguish between different types of client instances or different groupings of client instances, or even identify individual client instances among multiple instances for a given user. For example, the token may identify whether the instance is a partner instance or a regular "master" instance of a VoIP client. Alternatively, the token may include an identifier identifying a particular one of those instances of a given user, in which case the combination of the user ID and the token ID together would be unique within the communication system in question. When a user runs a specific instance of his or her client on the corresponding terminal 102 or 105, the instance transmits its token and user ID (or the token ID itself if the token ID itself is unique, only the token ID needs to be transmitted). In response to receiving these, the VoIP server 104 is configured to then look up the token for that user in a lookup table 199 stored at the server, and thus retrieve the relevant privacy settings for the requesting instance. The VoIP provider's server 104 then returns the required privacy settings to that instance on the corresponding terminal 102 or 105 .
在各实施例中，隐私设置允许第一用户至少能够通过依赖于第一用户当前正在使用的实例（例如通过语音、视频或IM消息），来确定其他用户与他们联系所借助的通信媒体。例如，参考图4c，Sally可能已经使用搜索工具404来确定她与Joe拥有某些共同的兴趣，并因此希望联系他以建议社交约会。然而，Joe可能关心的是在他正使用伙伴系统而不是主VoIP客户端实例222时联系他的用户可能不那么可信，或者可能希望保持一定的距离直到更为熟悉，并且因此可能期望在这样的环境中保持更大程度的隐私。在那种情况下，他可设置他的隐私设置，使得当他使用伙伴实例222’、222”或222”’在线时，只能通过例如IM聊天消息联系他；但是当他使用主实例222在线时，还可通过视频或语音呼叫联系他。因此，如果Sally在伙伴社交联网站点的环境中与Joe见面，她只能通过在作为插入的VoIP控件402的一部分提供的聊天栏中出现的IM聊天消息与他联系，如图4c所示。如果她尝试发起语音呼叫，那么伙伴实例222’、222”或222”’将基于它已检索的该实例的隐私设置，来拒绝连接设置请求。In various embodiments, privacy settings allow a first user to determine the communication medium through which other users contact them, at least by relying on the instance the first user is currently using (eg, via voice, video, or IM messaging). For example, referring to Figure 4c, Sally may have used the search tool 404 to determine that she shares some common interests with Joe, and therefore wishes to contact him to suggest a social date. However, Joe may be concerned that users contacting him while he is using a buddy system rather than the main VoIP client instance 222 may not be as trustworthy, or may wish to keep a certain distance until more familiar, and thus may expect to Maintain a greater degree of privacy in the environment. In that case, he can set his privacy settings so that when he is online using the buddy instance 222', 222" or 222"', he can only be contacted by e.g. IM chat messages; but when he is online using the master instance 222 , he can also be reached via video or voice call. Thus, if Sally meets Joe in the context of a buddy social networking site, she can only contact him via an IM chat message that appears in the chat bar provided as part of the inserted VoIP control 402, as shown in Figure 4c. If she tries to initiate a voice call, the buddy instance 222', 222" or 222"' will deny the connection setup request based on the instance's privacy settings it has retrieved.
当然，如果Sally知道Joe的VoIP通信系统的用户ID，则她将仍然能够在他经由主实例222在线时通过语音或视频呼叫联系他。然而，依赖于该实施例，该ID可在伙伴系统的环境中向她隐藏，至少直到Joe决定共享这些细节。Of course, if Sally knew the user ID of Joe's VoIP communication system, she would still be able to contact him via voice or video call while he was online via the master instance 222 . However, depending on the embodiment, this ID may be hidden from her in the context of the buddy system, at least until Joe decides to share these details.
在另一示例中，隐私设置可允许用户依赖于实例而启用或禁用他们是否能被联系。In another example, privacy settings may allow users to enable or disable whether they can be contacted depending on the instance.
在又一示例中，隐私设置可允许用户依赖于他正在使用的实例来控制他看起来如何。例如，用户可能不想要其他用户在他使用伙伴实例（例如如果使用约会站点托管的实例）时看到他的在场状态或他的VoIP系统简档的某些部分。在限制在场信息的情形中，如果它在用户终端102的各客户端之间直接共享，则如上所述，活动实例222’、222”或222”’可从VoIP提供方的服务器104中检索隐私设置，并且实例222’、222”或222”’随后基于那些隐私设置，以与如上所述拒绝请求连接设置相类似的方式阻止或忽略来自其他客户端的对在场信息的请求。然而，在限制VoIP简档信息公开的情形中（不必与所维护的关于伙伴系统的简档，例如社交联网简档，相同），该信息可在VoIP服务器104处被集中地维护。在那种情形中，活动实例222’、222”或222”’可向VoIP服务器104发送消息，以将某些简档信息标记为可以访问或禁止访问。In yet another example, privacy settings may allow a user to control how he looks depending on the instance he is using. For example, a user may not want other users to see his presence status or certain parts of his VoIP system profile while he is using a buddy instance (eg, if using an instance hosted by a dating site). In the case of restricted presence information, if it is shared directly between the various clients of the user terminal 102, the activity instance 222', 222" or 222"' may retrieve the privacy information from the VoIP provider's server 104 as described above. settings, and the instance 222', 222" or 222"' then based on those privacy settings, blocks or ignores requests for presence information from other clients in a manner similar to the deny request connection settings described above. However, in cases where disclosure of VoIP profile information is restricted (not necessarily the same as profiles maintained about partner systems, such as social networking profiles), this information can be maintained centrally at the VoIP server 104 . In that case, the campaign instance 222', 222" or 222"' may send a message to the VoIP server 104 to mark certain profile information as accessible or prohibited.
在另一实施例中，用户的VoIP联系人列表可被分割成两个或更多个不同的分组，并且可以为那些不同分组中的每一个维护不同的隐私设置。再次参考图2c，可在VoIP提供方的服务器104处维护VoIP联系人列表198（与伙伴联系人列表相反，该伙伴联系人列表可能只是部分一致）。当用户客户端的特定实例在终端102或105上运行时，它经由因特网108从P2P服务器104检索联系人列表，并且当联系人被更新时，客户端实例将已更新的联系人信息经由因特网108上传到VoIP服务器104。通过类似的方式，在终端102或105上运行的客户端实例还可从VoIP服务器104检索哪些联系人位于哪些分组中的指示并检索不同分组的隐私设置，并且可向P2P服务器104发送消息，以更新那些用户位于哪些分组中以及更新那些分组的隐私设置。In another embodiment, a user's VoIP contact list may be segmented into two or more different groups, and different privacy settings may be maintained for each of those different groups. Referring again to FIG. 2c, a VoIP contact list 198 may be maintained at the VoIP provider's server 104 (as opposed to a partner contact list, which may only partially agree). When a specific instance of the user client runs on the terminal 102 or 105, it retrieves the contact list from the P2P server 104 via the Internet 108, and when the contact is updated, the client instance uploads the updated contact information via the Internet 108 to the VoIP server 104 . In a similar manner, the client instance running on the terminal 102 or 105 can also retrieve from the VoIP server 104 an indication of which contacts are in which groups and retrieve the privacy settings of the different groups, and can send a message to the P2P server 104 to Update which groups those users are in and update the privacy settings for those groups.
在各实施例中，只有一个VoIP联系人列表198需要在VoIP提供方的服务器104处维护，并且不同的联系人分组可通过将标记或参数与列表内的每个联系人相关联来实现，该列表将相应的联系人指定成被分配到分组中的特定的一个，例如X或Y。In various embodiments, only one VoIP contact list 198 needs to be maintained at the VoIP provider's server 104, and different contact groupings can be achieved by associating a flag or parameter with each contact in the list, which The list designates the corresponding contact as being assigned to a particular one of the groups, eg X or Y.
在特定的实施例中，第一用户的联系人分组可至少部分地依赖于第一次遇见联系人的环境来自动地确定。In particular embodiments, the first user's grouping of contacts may be determined automatically based at least in part on the circumstances in which the contact was first encountered.
例如，可依赖于在第一次遇见联系人时他使用的实例来自动地确定联系人的初始分组。如果第一用户从在VoIP系统内被接受作为联系人的另一个用户（与伙伴系统内的联系人相反）接收请求，并且该请求是从在伙伴服务器105上运行的伙伴实例接收的，如果被接受，则第一用户的客户端可将该联系人自动地置于具有更加严格的隐私设置（例如，只能通过IM聊天而不是语音或视频呼叫来联系第一用户）的分组X中。但是如果请求是从在用户终端102上运行的主实例接收的，则它可被自动地置于不那么严格的分组Y中。发起请求的实例的类型可通过令牌来确定，该令牌可与联系人请求一同传输。For example, the initial grouping of a contact can be automatically determined depending on the instance he used when he first met the contact. If the first user receives a request from another user accepted as a contact within the VoIP system (as opposed to a contact within the buddy system), and the request is received from a buddy instance running on the buddy server 105, if Accept, then the first user's client can automatically place the contact in group X with stricter privacy settings (eg, the first user can only be contacted via IM chat rather than voice or video calls). But if the request is received from the master instance running on the user terminal 102, it can be automatically placed in the less strict group Y. The type of instance making the request can be identified by a token that can be passed along with the contact request.
从另一个角度来看，如果第一用户在另一个用户正在使用（例如，在伙伴服务器105上运行的）伙伴实例时请求成为该另一个用户的联系人，则该另一个用户可被自动地置于更加严格的分组X中。但是，如果第一用户在另一个用户正在用户终端102上运行主实例时请求成为该另一个用户的联系人，则该另一个用户可被自动地置于不那么严格的分组Y中。另一个用户正在使用的实例的类型可根据响应于来自第一用户的联系人请求而检索到的令牌来确定。Viewed from another perspective, if a first user requests to become a contact of another user while the other user is using a buddy instance (e.g., running on buddy server 105), the other user may be automatically Placed in the more restrictive group X. However, if the first user requests to be contacted by another user while the other user is running the main instance on the user terminal 102, the other user may be automatically placed in the less strict grouping Y. The type of instance another user is using may be determined from a token retrieved in response to a contact request from the first user.
另选地或另外地，可依赖于在第一次遇见另一个用户时第一用户自己正在使用的实例来自动地确定联系人的初始分组。即，依赖于当从另一个用户接收联系人请求时或当向另一个用户发送联系人请求时第一用户正在使用的实例。因此，如果第一用户使用伙伴实例222’来请求成为另一个用户的联系人，则该另一个用户可被自动地置于更加严格的分组X中，但是，如果第一用户发送来自主实例222的联系人请求，则该联系人被置于不那么严格的分组Y中。Alternatively or additionally, the initial grouping of contacts may be automatically determined in dependence on the instance the first user himself was using when first meeting the other user. That is, depending on which instance the first user is using when receiving a contact request from another user or when sending a contact request to another user. Thus, if a first user uses the buddy instance 222' to request to be contacted by another user, the other user may be automatically placed in the stricter group X, however, if the first user sends a request from the master instance 222 , the contact is placed in the less strict group Y.
在初始自动的分组之后，第一用户可具有将用户手动地重新分配到其他分组的选项。在这个意义上，分组可以只是部分自动的。After the initial automatic grouping, the first user may have the option of manually reassigning the user to another grouping. In this sense, grouping can be only partially automatic.
为不同分组维护不同隐私设置的特征可被用作是为不同客户端实例维护不同隐私设置的特征的补充或者替换。在这两个特征被一起使用的情形中，隐私查找表199因此可包括逐个隐私设置逐个令牌的多个入口，例如每个分组X或Y有一个。The feature of maintaining different privacy settings for different groups may be used in addition to or instead of the feature of maintaining different privacy settings for different client instances. Where these two features are used together, the privacy lookup table 199 may thus include multiple entries per privacy setting per token, eg one for each group X or Y.
应当理解，上述实施例仅作为示例来描述。It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are described as examples only.
例如，虽然对等（P2P）系统已被提及作为一种可能的拓扑结构，但本发明不专用于P2P，并且可被应用到任何种类的基于分组的通信系统，诸如之前讨论过的更为集中式的VoIP系统。此外，本发明不限于在因特网上使用，而是可在任何基于分组的网络上实现。此外，虽然上面根据例如社交联网站点等示例性类型的伙伴系统进行了描述，但结合P2P、VoIP或其他这些通信系统在基于分组的网络上运行的其它类型的伙伴系统是可能的。For example, although a peer-to-peer (P2P) system has been mentioned as a possible topology, the present invention is not specific to P2P, and can be applied to any kind of packet-based communication system, such as the more Centralized VoIP system. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to use on the Internet, but may be implemented on any packet-based network. Furthermore, while described above in terms of exemplary types of buddy systems, such as social networking sites, other types of buddy systems operating over packet-based networks in conjunction with P2P, VoIP, or other such communication systems are possible.
此外，注意，此处使用的术语“应用”不必指任何特定的分立的软件单元，诸如单个程序或分开执行的程序。上面描述的作为特定应用的任何功能可包括一个或多个不同的代码部分、或可独立操作的代码部分。例如，虽然在各实施例中文档浏览器和通信客户端是可分开执行的应用，但是它们不需要必然是这样。Also, note that the term "application" as used herein does not necessarily refer to any specific discrete software unit, such as a single program or separately executed programs. Any functionality described above as a particular application may comprise one or more distinct code portions, or independently operable code portions. For example, while the document browser and communication client are separately executable applications in various embodiments, they need not necessarily be.
此外，注意，虽然上面可能已经作出对组件（诸如用户终端102的存储器或处理器、基于分组的网络的服务器104或105、或者基于分组的网络与电话网络之间的网关106）的参考，但是这些术语一般不必指单个或可分的单元，例如，存储器或存储介质或设备可包括一个或多个存储器类型，诸如闪存和硬盘驱动器等、和/或一个或多个物理上分开的存储器模块；用户终端的处理器可包括多个核或执行单元；服务器可包括可能跨网络分布的不同站点处的多个组成服务器单元；以及，网关可包括跨网络分布的多个网关单元。Also, note that while reference may have been made above to components such as the memory or processor of the user terminal 102, the server 104 or 105 of the packet-based network, or the gateway 106 between the packet-based network and the telephone network, These terms generally do not necessarily refer to a single or divisible unit, for example, a memory or storage medium or device may include one or more memory types, such as flash memory and hard drives, etc., and/or one or more physically separate memory modules; A processor of a user terminal may include multiple cores or execution units; a server may include multiple constituent server units at different sites, possibly distributed across the network; and a gateway may include multiple gateway units distributed across the network.
此外，本发明不限于使用任何特定的控制方式来维护和控制隐私设置。更一般地，控制方式可被实现为任何合适的控制的形式。在各实施例中，控制设备被实现为基于分组的网络的服务器（例如服务器104）上的合适的代码和查找表。但是如所述的，替换的控制设备可被实现为每个相应实例的不同终端上的合适的代码和单独的隐私设置的形式（例如，部分地在用户终端102上并且部分地在伙伴服务器105上实现）。在又一些实施例中，可用各个用户或伙伴终端上提供的专用硬件、或经由基于分组的网络的另一节点可访问的专用硬件来实现隐私控制设备中的一些或全部。Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the use of any particular controls for maintaining and controlling privacy settings. More generally, the control means may be implemented in any suitable form of control. In various embodiments, the control device is implemented as suitable code and look-up tables on a server (eg, server 104) of a packet-based network. But as mentioned, alternative control devices may be implemented in the form of suitable code and separate privacy settings on different terminals of each respective instance (for example, partly on the user terminal 102 and partly on the partner server 105 realized above). In yet other embodiments, some or all of the privacy control devices may be implemented with dedicated hardware provided on the respective user or partner terminal, or accessible via another node of the packet-based network.
一般而言，此处描述的任何功能可使用软件、固件、硬件（例如，固定逻辑电路）、或这些实现的组合来实现。此处使用的术语“模块”、“功能”、“组件”和“逻辑”一般表示软件、固件、硬件或其组合。在软件实现的情况下，模块、功能或逻辑表示当在处理器（例如，一个或多个CPU）上执行时执行指定任务的程序代码。程序代码可被储存在一个或多个计算机可读存储器设备中。下面所描述的技术的特征是平台无关的，意味着所述技术可以在具有各种处理器的各种商用计算平台上实现。In general, any functionality described herein may be implemented using software, firmware, hardware (eg, fixed logic circuitry), or a combination of these implementations. As used herein, the terms "module," "function," "component" and "logic" generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. In the case of a software implementation, the modules, functions or logic represent program code that performs specified tasks when executed on a processor (eg, one or more CPUs). Program code can be stored in one or more computer readable memory devices. The features of the techniques described below are platform-independent, meaning that the techniques can be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms with a variety of processors.
例如，用户终端还可包括使得用户终端的硬件执行操作的实体（如，软件），例如处理器功能块，等。例如，用户终端可包括计算机可读介质，其可被配置用于维护使得用户终端尤其是用户终端的操作系统和相关联的硬件执行操作的指令。因此，指令用于配置操作系统和相关联的硬件来执行操作，并以此方式致使操作系统和相关联的硬件变换以执行功能。可由计算机可读介质通过各种不同配置将指令提供给用户终端。For example, the user terminal may also include entities (eg, software) that cause hardware of the user terminal to perform operations, such as processor functional blocks, and the like. For example, a user terminal may include a computer-readable medium that may be configured to maintain instructions that cause the user terminal, particularly the user terminal's operating system and associated hardware, to perform operations. Thus, the instructions are used to configure the operating system and associated hardware to perform operations and in this way cause the operating system and associated hardware to transform to perform functions. Instructions may be provided to a user terminal by a computer readable medium in a variety of different configurations.
一种这样的计算机可读介质配置是信号承载介质，并因此被配置来将指令（例如，作为载波），例如通过网络，传送到计算设备。计算机可读介质还可被配置为计算机可读存储介质，因此不是信号承载介质。计算机可读存储介质的示例包括随机存取存储器（RAM）、只读存储器（ROM）、光盘、闪存、硬盘存储器、和其他可使用磁、光以及用于存储指令和其他数据的其他技术的存储器设备。One such computer-readable medium configuration is a signal bearing medium, and thus is configured to transmit instructions (eg, as a carrier wave), eg, over a network, to a computing device. Computer readable media may also be configured as computer readable storage media and thus are not signal bearing media. Examples of computer readable storage media include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), optical disks, flash memory, hard disk storage, and other memories that may use magnetic, optical, and other technologies for storing instructions and other data equipment.
尽管用结构特征和/或方法动作专用的语言描述了本主题，但可以理解，所附权利要求书中定义的主题不必限于上述具体特征或动作。更确切而言，上述具体特征和动作是作为实现权利要求的示例形式公开的。Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
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