Satellite charging method, satellite charging function, charging function and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a satellite charging method, a satellite charging function, a charging function and a storage medium, and the method comprises the steps: determining satellite charging information related to a terminal; sending the satellite charging information to a charging function CHF; and receiving a charging data response message sent by the CHF. According to the embodiment of the invention, the service charging related to the satellite can be realized when the terminal is accessed through the satellite.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a satellite billing method, a satellite billing function, a billing function and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] As a new type of mobile communication network architecture, satellite-ground fusion communication network is becoming a global research hotspot. 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) related projects have studied the scenarios and architectures of 5G and satellite fusion, as well as the potential problems of corresponding mobility management, paging, etc., and have conducted preliminary research on satellite access billing in satellite-ground fusion networks.

[0003] With the deployment of the 5G core network based on the service-based architecture (SBA), the billing system has also evolved into a converged charging system (CCS), which integrates online and offline billing functions and adopts a service-based architecture to provide a unified interface to the outside world. The rapid development of the 5G industry and the in-depth advancement of standardization work require solving the problem of satellite access billing in the converged billing system.

[0004] Figure 1-2 A related art service-based converged billing architecture is provided, which includes logical billing functions and an interface Bx between these functions and a billing domain (BD). A network element in which a charging trigger function (CTF) is embedded, such as a session management function (SMF), generates a charging event to a charging function (CHF) to implement converged billing for data connections. For example, Figure 3 As shown, in the related art, CTF generates charging events towards CHF for converged convergent charging processing (including online and offline). The generation of charging data record (CDR) is performed by CHF as charging data function (CDF) and transferred to charging gateway function (CGF). Finally, CGF creates CDR files and forwards them to BD.

[0005] 5G functional modules and billing architecture are based on service-oriented interfaces. In the prior art, regardless of satellite access in transparent mode or regeneration mode, when a satellite service customer (such as UE, IoT device, broadband vehicle or fixed terminal, etc.) accesses, CTF cannot recognize that this billing event is based on satellite access, which will cause losses to the satellite mobile network operator or satellite service provider. Summary of the invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a satellite billing method, a satellite billing function, a billing function and a storage medium, which are used to implement satellite-related service billing when a terminal is accessed via a satellite.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite billing method, which is applied to a satellite billing function, and is characterized by comprising:

[0008] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0009] sending said satellite charging information to a charging function CHF;

[0010] Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0011] Optionally, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0012] The satellite access type of the terminal;

[0013] Terminal location information;

[0014] Tracking area identification TAC information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network NTN;

[0015] Satellite related parameters;

[0016] Resource usage information;

[0017] Business duration;

[0018] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0019] Optionally, the determining of satellite billing information related to the terminal includes:

[0020] Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, the wireless access type, and the terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0021] Optionally, the determining of satellite billing information related to the terminal includes:

[0022] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or the PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0023] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF, or a session management function SMF;

[0024] or,

[0025] The satellite charging function is a charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

[0026] Optionally, the determining of satellite billing information related to the terminal includes:

[0027] Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite;

[0028] In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

[0029] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF;

[0030] or,

[0031] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

[0032] Optionally, the determining of satellite billing information related to the terminal includes:

[0033] When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

[0034] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF;

[0035] or,

[0036] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

[0037] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite billing method, which is applied to a billing function CHF, including:

[0038] Receiving satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function;

[0039] Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0040] A charging data response message is sent to the satellite charging function.

[0041] Optionally, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0042] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0043] Terminal location information;

[0044] Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal;

[0045] Satellite related parameters;

[0046] Resource usage information;

[0047] Business duration;

[0048] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0049] Optionally, creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes:

[0050] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0051] Optionally, creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes:

[0052] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0053] Optionally, the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating sending a short message based on a satellite;

[0054] The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes:

[0055] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

[0056] Optionally, the satellite billing information further includes: relevant information of the PDU session;

[0057] The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes:

[0058] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

[0059] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite billing function, including: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0060] A memory storing a computer program; a transceiver transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0061] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0062] sending said satellite charging information to a charging function CHF;

[0063] Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0064] Optionally, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0065] The satellite access type of the terminal;

[0066] Terminal location information;

[0067] Tracking area identification TAC information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network NTN;

[0068] Satellite related parameters;

[0069] Resource usage information;

[0070] Business duration;

[0071] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0072] Optionally, the processor further reads a computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0073] Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, the wireless access type, and the terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0074] Optionally, the processor further reads a computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0075] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or the PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0076] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF, or a session management function SMF;

[0077] or,

[0078] The satellite charging function is a charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

[0079] Optionally, the processor further reads a computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0080] Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite;

[0081] In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

[0082] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF;

[0083] or,

[0084] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

[0085] Optionally, the processor further reads a computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0086] When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

[0087] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF;

[0088] or,

[0089] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

[0090] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a billing function, including: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0091] A memory storing a computer program; a transceiver transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0092] Receiving satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function;

[0093] Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0094] A charging data response message is sent to the satellite charging function.

[0095] Optionally, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0096] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0097] Terminal location information;

[0098] Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal;

[0099] Satellite related parameters;

[0100] Resource usage information;

[0101] Business duration;

[0102] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0103] Optionally, the processor further reads a computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0104] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0105] Optionally, the processor further reads a computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0106] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0107] Optionally, the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating sending a short message based on a satellite;

[0108] Optionally, the processor further reads a computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0109] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

[0110] Optionally, the satellite billing information further includes: relevant information of the PDU session;

[0111] Optionally, the processor further reads a computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0112] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

[0113] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite billing device, which is applied to a satellite billing function, including:

[0114] A first determining unit, configured to determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0115] A first sending unit, configured to send the satellite billing information to a billing function CHF;

[0116] The first receiving unit is used to receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0117] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite billing device, which is applied to a billing function, including:

[0118] A first receiving unit, configured to receive satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function;

[0119] A first processing unit, configured to create or update a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0120] The first sending unit is used to send a billing data response message to the satellite billing function.

[0121] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a processor-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps in the method described above are implemented.

[0122] In an embodiment of the present application, the satellite billing function collects relevant billing information when the terminal is accessed via a satellite, obtains terminal-related satellite billing information and sends it to the CHF, so that the CHF can implement satellite-related service billing based on the terminal-related satellite billing information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0123] Figure 1-2 It is a schematic diagram of a converged billing architecture based on a service-oriented interface in related technologies;

[0124] Figure 3 An example diagram of a fusion billing process for related technologies;

[0125] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of a satellite billing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0126] Figure 5 It is another flowchart of the satellite billing method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0127] Figure 6 to Figure 10 are several example flow charts of the satellite billing method provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0128] Fig.11 This is a structural diagram of the satellite billing function provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0129] Fig.12 This is a structural diagram of the billing function provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0130] Fig.13 is a structural diagram of a satellite billing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0131] Fig.14 This is another structural diagram of the satellite billing device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0132] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0133] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0134] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0135] In order to solve the terminal access and data service problems under dynamic beam hopping and realize the configuration of beam hopping resources, the embodiment of the present application proposes a satellite billing method, which can realize the flexible configuration of beam hopping resources in the 5G-based satellite communication scenario, improve the efficiency of beam scheduling and management, and thus provide support for improving resource utilization and system communication capacity.

[0136] The present application embodiment provides a satellite billing method, which can implement satellite-related service billing when a terminal accesses via a satellite. Figure 4 A flow chart of the above method when applied to a satellite charging function is provided, wherein the satellite charging function may be a charging trigger function (CTF), which may be independently deployed in a core network or in one or more core network elements, for example, in an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a short message service function (SMSF). The satellite charging function may also be a charging enablement function (CEF) in the related art, which may generally use management services or services disclosed by network functions.

[0137] As shown in Figure 4, the method includes:

[0138] Step 401, determining satellite billing information related to the terminal.

[0139] Here, the satellite billing function can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal when the terminal accesses the network via a satellite. The terminal can specifically be a user equipment (UE), an Internet of Things device, a broadband vehicle-mounted or fixed terminal, etc. Based on different billing requirements, the satellite billing information related to the terminal can be determined, which can specifically include at least one of the following:

[0140] (1) The satellite access type of the terminal. For example, according to the orbital altitude of the satellite accessed by the terminal, it can be divided into low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite and other satellites (OTHERSAT). For example, the AMF can determine the type of radio access technology (RAT) where the terminal resides based on the global RAN node ID associated with the N2 interface and the tracking area indicated by the NG-RAN. The AMF determines the RAT type of the new radio (NR) satellite access, namely NR (LEO), NR (MEO), NR (GEO) and NR (OTHERSAT). When the terminal accesses the NR using satellite access, the type of satellite access NR, namely the satellite access type, will be displayed on the N2 interface.

[0141] (2) Terminal location information: The terminal location information includes at least one of the following: the current location of the terminal, the PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0142] (3) Tracking Area Identifier (TAC) information of the terminal’s NTN.

[0143] (4) Satellite related parameters, for example, the satellite related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbit altitude, orbit plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country. The ephemeris information may specifically include at least one of the following information:

[0144] -Semi-major axis;

[0145] - Eccentricity;

[0146] -Argument of periapsis;

[0147] - Longitude of ascending node;

[0148] - Orbital intersection angle (Inclination);

[0149] -Mean anomaly at epoch time.

[0150] (5) Resource usage information, such as the amount of service data sent and received by the terminal;

[0151] (6) Service duration, which may specifically be the time interval from when the terminal establishes a PDU session to when the PDU session is released.

[0152] Optionally, the terminal-related satellite billing information may also include more billing auxiliary information, such as a QoSFlow usage report, which may specifically include at least one of the following information: QoS flow identifier (QFI), QoS flow start time, end time, uplink traffic, downlink traffic, etc.

[0153] Step 402: Send the satellite billing information to a billing function (CHF).

[0154] Here, the satellite charging function sends the satellite charging information to the CHF so that the CHF can create or update a charging data record (CDR) based on the satellite charging information, thereby realizing satellite-related service charging. Specifically, the satellite charging function can send the satellite charging information to the CHF through the Hchf interface, and the satellite charging information can be carried in a charging data request message.

[0155] Step 403: Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0156] Here, after creating or updating the CDR, the CHF may send a charging data response (ChargingData Response) message to the satellite charging function. The message is used to indicate that the CHF has created or updated the CDR. The message may carry the result of the CHF processing the CTF request.

[0157] Through the above steps, the embodiment of the present application collects relevant billing information through the satellite billing function when the terminal is accessed via a satellite, obtains the terminal-related satellite billing information and sends it to the CHF, so that the CHF can implement satellite-related service billing based on the terminal-related satellite billing information.

[0158] Based on different billing requirements, the satellite billing function can collect satellite billing information related to the terminal. The following example illustrates this.

[0159] For example, if it is necessary to charge the terminal for accessing the network via satellite, the satellite billing function can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal when it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via satellite. Specifically, the satellite billing function can determine whether the terminal accesses the network via satellite based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag bit (the satellite access indication flag bit is a flag bit used to indicate whether the terminal accesses the network via satellite), the wireless access type, and the terminal location information. When it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via satellite, the satellite billing information related to the terminal can be determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal. The satellite billing information may include information such as resource usage information and / or service duration, and may also include other auxiliary billing information. In this example, the satellite billing function may be a billing trigger function (CTF), which may be deployed in AMF, so that CTF can directly obtain the satellite billing information from AMF; or, the satellite billing function may be a billing enabling function (CEF), and the CEF determines the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with AMF and / or operation maintenance management (OAM).

[0160] For another example, when the terminal is accessed via satellite, if the location report needs to be charged, the satellite billing function can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal based on the terminal location information and / or the terminal's presence reporting area (PRA) information, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA. The terminal location information may include at least one of the following: the current location of the terminal, the PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA. In this example, the satellite billing function may be a CTF deployed in the AMF, so that the CTF can directly obtain the satellite billing information from the AMF; or, the satellite billing function may be a CEF, and the CEF can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or OAM. The satellite billing function may also be a CTF deployed in the SMF or SMSF.

[0161] For another example, when the terminal accesses via satellite, if the short message service (SMS) needs to be charged, the satellite billing function can determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is based on satellite transmission. For example, when the terminal uses the short message service when accessing the network via satellite, it can be determined that the short message sent by the terminal is based on satellite transmission. In the case where the short message sent by the terminal is based on satellite transmission, the satellite billing function determines the satellite billing information related to the terminal, and the satellite billing information also includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on satellite. In this example, the satellite billing function can be a CTF deployed in a short message service function entity (Short Message Service Function, SMSF), so that the CTF can directly obtain the satellite billing information from the SMSF; or, the satellite billing function can be a CEF, and the CEF can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the SMSF and / or OAM.

[0162] For another example, when a terminal accesses via satellite, if the terminal's Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session needs to be billed, the satellite billing function can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal when it detects that the terminal initiates a PDU session through NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session needs to be billed, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session. In this example, the satellite billing function can be a CTF deployed in a Session Management Function (SMF), so that the CTF can directly obtain the satellite billing information from the SMF; or, the satellite billing function can be a CEF, and the CEF can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the SMF and / or OAM.

[0163] Please refer to Figure 5 The satellite billing method provided in the embodiment of the present application, when applied to CHF, includes:

[0164] Step 501, receiving satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function.

[0165] Here, the CHF may receive a charging data request message sent by the satellite charging function, and obtain the satellite charging information from the message. Specifically, the satellite charging information may include at least one of the following:

[0166] (1) Satellite access type of the terminal;

[0167] (2) Terminal location information;

[0168] (3) Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal;

[0169] (4) Satellite related parameters;

[0170] (5) Resource usage information;

[0171] (6) Business duration;

[0172] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country. The terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0173] Step 502: Create or update a CDR according to the satellite billing information.

[0174] Here, in step 502, the CHF creates or updates the CDR according to the information included in the satellite billing information.

[0175] For example, when the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, the CHF creates a CDR according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal. Optionally, when the satellite billing information also includes billing auxiliary information, the CHF may also create a CDR according to the billing auxiliary information to achieve more accurate accounting and billing.

[0176] For another example, when the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a billing event of a location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0177] For another example, the satellite charging information may further include: indication information for indicating that a short message is sent based on a satellite. In this case, when the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent based on a satellite, the CHF creates a CDR for a charging event of the terminal sending a short message via a satellite.

[0178] For another example, the satellite billing information may further include: relevant information of the PDU session. At this time, if the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite billing information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, the CHF creates or updates a CDR for the PDU session.

[0179] In an embodiment of the present application, the CHF may determine whether the terminal accesses the network via a satellite based on one or more of the satellite access type of the terminal, the terminal location information, the TAC information of the NTN of the terminal, satellite-related parameters, and other information in the satellite billing information. For example, when the satellite access type of the terminal is LEO, MEO, GEO, or OTHERSAT, it may be determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite.

[0180] Step 503: Send a billing data response message to the satellite billing function.

[0181] Here, the CHF may send a Charging Data Response message to the satellite charging function to indicate that the CDR has been created or updated.

[0182] To help better understand the above embodiment, the specific implementation of the embodiment of the present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in different billing scenarios through the interaction between functional entities.

[0183] Example 1: Mobility and connectivity charging

[0184] Please refer to Figure 6 , CTF is deployed on AMF. This example includes:

[0185] In step 601-step 603, the UE accesses the New Radio (NR) system through the NTN and sends a registration message to the network.

[0186] Step 604: The UE initiates a registration process, for details, please refer to the relevant technology.

[0187] Step 605: After the UE successfully registers, the AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the UE.

[0188] Step 606, optionally, the CTF may need to obtain satellite-related parameters from an OAM or Unified Data Management (UDM) entity.

[0189] Specifically, the satellite-related parameters include: one or more of: satellite name (name), satellite directory number (norad id), orbit altitude, orbit plane, ephemeris information, destination (destination), country (owner) and the like.

[0190] Step 607, the AMF (CTF) determines that the access is initiated via satellite based on one or more of the information such as the satellite access indication flag of the terminal (for example, the AMF generates and saves the flag based on the access information of the terminal), the radio access type RAT (such as "NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", "NR(OTHERSAT)", etc.), and the location information of the UE, and the charging trigger function CTF collects the satellite billing information and sends the satellite billing information to the CHF through a charging data request message.

[0191] Satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0192] - Satellite access type: such as RAT ("NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", "NR(OTHERSAT)", etc.

[0193] -UE location information and NTN Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) information, such as:

[0194] servingPLMN PLMNIdentity,

[0195] tACListInNRNTN TACListInNRNTN,

[0196] uELocationDerivedTACInNRNTN TAC

[0197] - the satellite related parameters in step 606;

[0198] Step 608: CHF generates a charging report (CDR) based on the received satellite charging information.

[0199] Step 609: CHF reports a charging data response message to AMF. Example 2: Satellite position report charging (Post Event Charging)

[0200] Please refer to Figure 7 , CTF is also deployed on AMF. This example specifically includes:

[0201] Step 701, a new N2 connection is established between the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) and AMF, location reporting charging is activated in the AMF charging profile, and there may be a status reporting area list. The "terminal status" in the status area list PRA describes whether the terminal enters or leaves the PRA.

[0202] In step 702, the AMF sends a Location Reporting Control to the NG-RAN according to the startup procedure described in the related art, indicating that the location change of the UE or the reporting area where the UE exists needs to be reported.

[0203] Step 703: AMF receives the location report sent by NG-RAN, which includes the current location of the UE and the potential PRA area. When the UE uses NR satellite access, the cell and TAI reported by NG-RAN refer to the fixed cell and fixed TA of the UE's geographical location.

[0204] Step 704: If location reporting charging is activated in step 701, the AMF (CTF) determines that the access is initiated by satellite based on one or more of the information such as the satellite access indication flag of the terminal (for example, the AMF generates and saves the flag based on the access information of the terminal), the radio access type RAT (such as "NR (LEO)", "NR (MEO)", "NR (GEO)", "NR (OTHERSAT)", etc.), and the location information of the UE, and the AMF (CTF) collects the satellite-related information about the charging event.

[0205] Optionally, CTF may need to obtain satellite-related parameters from OAM or UDM. Satellite-related parameters include: satellite name (name), satellite directory number (norad id), orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination (destination), country (owner) and other information or more.

[0206] AMF (CTF) sends a Charging Data Request message to CHF, which contains the current UE location and the initial status in the subscribed PRA (Presence Reporting Area).

[0207] Step 705, CHF creates a CDR for this location report.

[0208] Step 706: CHF confirms the creation of the CDR by sending a Charging Data Response message to AMF.

[0209] Step 707, according to the AMF standard provided in step 702, a change in the UE location or presence status reporting area occurs.

[0210] Step 708: AMF receives the updated location report sent by NG-RAN.

[0211] Step 709, the AMF sends a Charging Data Request message to the CHF, which includes the new UE location, the PRA identifier, and an indication of whether the UE is inside or outside the status reporting area (if any).

[0212] In step 710, the CHF creates a CDR for the updated location report.

[0213] Step 711, CHF confirms by sending a Charging Data Response to AMF.

[0214] Example 3: Satellite short message service billing

[0215] Please refer to Figure 8 , CTF is deployed on AMF. In this example, the interaction between SMSF and CHF is actually the interaction between SMSF (CTF) and CHF. This example specifically includes:

[0216] Step 801, the initialization process between the UE and the SMSM, can be referred to the relevant technology and will not be repeated in this example.

[0217] Step 802: The SMSF receives a short message (SMS Submit) message sent by the UE.

[0218] Step 803: The SMSF determines whether the short message is sent via satellite by at least one of the following indication information:

[0219] a) Short Message Service Type (SMServiceType): The short message service type adds an indication bit for short messages to be sent via satellite (VAS4SMS_SHORT_MESSAGE_NTN). Through this indication bit, it can be determined that the short message is sent based on the satellite.

[0220] b) Satellite access type: e.g. RAT ("NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", "NR(OTHERSAT)", etc.

[0221] c) UE location information and NTN Tracking Area Identifier information:

[0222] servingPLMN PLMNIdentity,

[0223] tACListInNRNTN TACListInNRNTN,

[0224] uELocationDerivedTACInNRNTN TAC

[0225] d) Satellite parameters obtained from OAM (refer to the above example);

[0226] For the received calling (MO) short message, the SMSF sends a charging data request message (Charging Data Request [Event]) to the CHF. The relevant parameters of the charging data request message also include the information of whether the short message determined above belongs to the satellite.

[0227] Step 804: CHF creates a call record (CDR) for the short message.

[0228] Step 805, CHF confirms by sending a charging data response [Event] to the SMSF.

[0229] Step 806: The SMSF returns a short message submission answer (SMS Submit Answer), and gives a corresponding result: whether the SMSF successfully receives the short message (SMS).

[0230] Step 807, forwarding the SMS according to the applicable process, which will not be described in detail here.

[0231] Example 4: Satellite data service billing

[0232] Please refer to Fig. 9 In this example, CTF is deployed in SMF. This example includes:

[0233] Step 901, the UE initiates a PDU session connection process through the NTN. For details, please refer to the relevant technology and will not be described again here.

[0234] Step 902: When a PDU session or a service data flow in a PDU session needs to be charged, the CTF determines that this is a data flow accessed by a satellite and collects satellite-related charging information.

[0235] Step 903, optionally, CTF may need to obtain satellite related parameters from OAM or UDM. Satellite related parameters include: satellite name (name), satellite directory number (norad id), orbit altitude, orbit plane, ephemeris information, destination (destination), country (owner) and other information or one or more.

[0236] Step 904, the SMF (CTF) determines that the access is initiated by satellite according to one or more of the information such as the satellite access indication flag bit of the terminal, the radio access type RAT (such as "NR (LEO)", "NR (MEO)", "NR (GEO)", "NR (OTHERSAT)", etc.), and the location information of the UE, and the charging trigger function CTF collects the satellite charging information and sends the satellite charging information to the CHF through a charging request message (Charging Data Request);

[0237] Satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0238] - Satellite access type: RAT ("NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", "NR(OTHERSAT)");

[0239] -UE location information and NTN Tracking Area Identifier information:

[0240] servingPLMN PLMNIdentity,

[0241] tACListInNRNTN TACListInNRNTN,

[0242] uELocationDerivedTACInNRNTN TAC

[0243] - Satellite related parameters in step 903;

[0244] Step 905: CHF opens the charging bill (Open CDR) and performs charging.

[0245] Step 906: CHF sends a Charging Data Response to SMF.

[0246] Step 907: AMF sends a message to SMF: SM Request with PDU Session Update Requst (N2SM information, requesting PDU session update.

[0247] Step 908-Step 910, CTF sends a charging data request message to CHF, and CHF updates CDR.

[0248] Step 911, SMF sends a message to AMF: SM Request with PDU session Update Response to AMF, indicating that the PDU session has been updated.

[0249] Example 5: Satellite data service billing initiated by CEF

[0250] According to the architecture defined by the relevant technologies, CEF can use both management services and services exposed by network functions, such as Fig.10 As shown, in this example 5, the CTF in example 1 is replaced by CEF. The specific steps of example 5 are similar to those of example 1, except that CEF can obtain the required information from AMF and OAM, and CEF sends the charging request message of the satellite service to CHF. This will not be repeated here.

[0251] The technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applicable to a variety of systems, especially 5G systems. For example, the applicable system can be a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) general packet radio service (GPRS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, a LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, an advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system, a 5G new air interface (NR) system, etc. These various systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The system may also include a core network part, such as an evolved packet system (EPS), a 5G system (5GS), etc.

[0252] The terminal device involved in the embodiment of the present application may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with a wireless connection function, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be called a user equipment (UE). A wireless terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device may be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or a "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges language and / or data with a wireless access network. For example, personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other devices. The wireless terminal device may also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal device, an access terminal device, a user terminal device, a user agent, and a user device, but is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0253] The network side device involved in the embodiment of the present application may be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services for the terminal. Depending on the specific application scenario, the base station may also be called an access point, or may be a device in the access network that communicates with the wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device may be used to interchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, and serve as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, wherein the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device may also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a network device (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in the Global System for Mobile communications (Global System for Mobile communications, GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA), or a network device (NodeB) in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), or an evolutionary network device (evolutional Node B, eNB or e-NodeB) in the long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in the 5G network architecture (next generation system), or a home evolved Node B (Home evolved Node B, HeNB), a relay node, a home base station (femto), a pico base station (pico), etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In some network structures, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU) node and a distributed unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be arranged geographically separately.

[0254] The network side device and the terminal device can each use one or more antennas for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be single user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the form and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO or massive-MIMO, or it can be diversity transmission, precoded transmission or beamforming transmission, etc.

[0255] like Fig.11 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a satellite billing function, including a processor 1100, a transceiver 1110, a memory 1120, and a program stored in the memory 1120 and executable on the processor 1100; wherein the transceiver 1110 is connected to the processor 1100 and the memory 1120 via a bus interface, wherein the processor 1100 is used to read the program in the memory and execute the following process:

[0256] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0257] sending said satellite charging information to a charging function CHF;

[0258] Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0259] The transceiver 1110 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1100 .

[0260] Among them, Fig.11 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1100 and memory represented by memory 1120. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1110 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, which may include a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and other transmission media.

[0261] The processor 1100 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1120 can store data used by the processor 1100 when performing operations.

[0262] The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0263] Optionally, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0264] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0265] Terminal location information;

[0266] Tracking area identification TAC information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network NTN;

[0267] Satellite related parameters;

[0268] Resource usage information;

[0269] Business duration;

[0270] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0271] Optionally, the processor 1100 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0272] Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, the wireless access type, and the terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0273] Optionally, the processor 1100 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0274] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or the PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0275] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF, or a session management function SMF;

[0276] or,

[0277] The satellite charging function is a charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

[0278] Optionally, the processor 1100 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0279] Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite;

[0280] In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

[0281] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF;

[0282] or,

[0283] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

[0284] Optionally, the processor 1100 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0285] When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

[0286] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF;

[0287] or,

[0288] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

[0289] At least one embodiment of the present application also provides a satellite billing function, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, each process in the method embodiment applied to the satellite billing function is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0290] like Fig.12 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a charging function CHF, including a processor 1200, a transceiver 1210, a memory 1220, and a program stored in the memory 1220 and executable on the processor 1200; wherein the transceiver 1210 is connected to the processor 1200 and the memory 1220 through a bus interface, wherein the processor 1200 is used to read the program in the memory and execute the following process:

[0291] Receiving satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function;

[0292] Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0293] A charging data response message is sent to the satellite charging function.

[0294] The transceiver 1210 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1200 .

[0295] Among them, Fig.12 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1200 and memory represented by memory 1220. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1210 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, which may include a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and other transmission media.

[0296] The processor 1200 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1220 can store data used by the processor 1200 when performing operations.

[0297] The processor 1200 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0298] Optionally, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0299] The satellite access type of the terminal;

[0300] Terminal location information;

[0301] Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal;

[0302] Satellite related parameters;

[0303] Resource usage information;

[0304] Business duration;

[0305] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0306] Optionally, the processor 1200 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0307] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0308] Optionally, the processor 1200 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0309] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0310] Optionally, the satellite billing information also includes: indication information for indicating that a short message is sent based on a satellite; the processor 1200 is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: when the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information also includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent based on a satellite, create a CDR for a billing event of sending a short message via a satellite.

[0311] Optionally, the satellite billing information further includes: relevant information of the PDU session; the processor 1200 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0312] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

[0313] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned network device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiment applied to the network device, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as the method embodiment in this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0314] At least one embodiment of the present application also provides a billing function, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, each process in the method embodiment applied to the billing function is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0315] like Fig.13 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a satellite billing device 1300, which is applied to the satellite billing function, including:

[0316] The first determining unit 1301 is used to determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0317] The first sending unit 1302 is used to send the satellite billing information to the billing function CHF;

[0318] The first receiving unit 1303 is configured to receive a charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0319] Optionally, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0320] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0321] Terminal location information;

[0322] Tracking area identification TAC information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network NTN;

[0323] Satellite related parameters;

[0324] Resource usage information;

[0325] Business duration;

[0326] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0327] Optionally, the first determining unit 1301 is further configured to:

[0328] Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, the wireless access type, and the terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0329] Optionally, the first determining unit 1301 is further configured to:

[0330] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or the PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0331] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF, or a session management function SMF;

[0332] or,

[0333] The satellite charging function is a charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

[0334] Optionally, the first determining unit 1301 is further configured to:

[0335] Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite;

[0336] In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

[0337] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF;

[0338] or,

[0339] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

[0340] Optionally, the first determining unit 1301 is further configured to:

[0341] When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

[0342] Optionally, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF;

[0343] or,

[0344] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

[0345] It should be noted that the device embodiment is a device that corresponds one-to-one to the above-mentioned method embodiment. All implementation methods in the above-mentioned method embodiment are applicable to the device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0346] It should be noted that the above device provided in the embodiment of the present application can achieve Figure 4 All the method steps implemented in the method embodiment shown can achieve the same technical effect, and the parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0347] like Fig.14 As shown, the satellite billing device 1400 of the embodiment of the present application is applied to the billing function, including:

[0348] The first receiving unit 1401 is used to receive satellite billing information sent by the satellite billing function;

[0349] The first processing unit 1402 is used to create or update a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0350] The first sending unit 1403 is configured to send a charging data response message to the satellite charging function.

[0351] Optionally, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0352] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0353] Terminal location information;

[0354] Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal;

[0355] Satellite related parameters;

[0356] Resource usage information;

[0357] Business duration;

[0358] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0359] Optionally, the first processing unit 1402 is further configured to:

[0360] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0361] Optionally, the first processing unit 1402 is further configured to:

[0362] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0363] Optionally, the satellite charging information further includes: indication information for indicating that a short message is sent based on a satellite; the first processing unit 1402 is further configured to:

[0364] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

[0365] Optionally, the satellite billing information further includes: relevant information of the PDU session; and the first processing unit 1402 is further configured to:

[0366] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

[0367] It should be noted that the above device provided in the embodiment of the present application can achieve Figure 5 All the method steps implemented in the method embodiment shown can achieve the same technical effect, and the parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0368] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0369] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or a processor (processor) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0370] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0371] The embodiment of the present application also provides a processor-readable storage medium, on which a program is stored. When the program is executed by the processor, each process of the above method embodiment is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it is not repeated here. Among them, the readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic storage (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk (MO), etc.), optical storage (such as CD, DVD, BD, HVD, etc.), and semiconductor storage (such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), solid-state drive (SSD)), etc.

[0372] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element.

[0373] Through the description of the above implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform, and of course by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, disk, CD), and includes a number of instructions for a terminal (which can be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0374] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of the present application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A satellite billing method, applied to satellite billing function, characterized in that: include: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal; sending said satellite charging information to a charging function CHF; Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network NTN; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The determining of the satellite billing information related to the terminal includes: Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, the wireless access type, and the terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The determining of the satellite billing information related to the terminal includes: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or the PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF or a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is a charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The determining of the satellite billing information related to the terminal includes: Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite; In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The determining of the satellite billing information related to the terminal includes: When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

10. A satellite charging method, applied to a charging function CHF, characterized in that: include: Receiving satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function; Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information; A charging data response message is sent to the satellite charging function.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

14. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The satellite billing information also includes: indication information for indicating sending a short message based on a satellite; The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

15. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session; The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

16. A satellite billing function, characterized in that: include: Memory, transceiver, processor: Memory, which stores computer programs; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; The processor reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal; sending said satellite charging information to a charging function CHF; Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

17. The satellite billing function as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that: The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network NTN; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

18. The satellite billing function according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, the wireless access type, and the terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

19. The satellite billing function according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or the PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

20. The satellite billing function according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF or a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is a charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

21. The satellite billing function according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite; In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

22. The satellite billing function as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

23. The satellite billing function according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

24. The satellite billing function as claimed in claim 23, characterized in that: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

25. A billing function, characterized in that: include: Memory, transceiver, processor: Memory, which stores computer programs; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; The processor reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Receiving satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function; Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information; A charging data response message is sent to the satellite charging function.

26. The billing function according to claim 25, characterized in that The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

27. The charging function according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

28. The charging function according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

29. The charging function according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that: The satellite billing information also includes: indication information for indicating sending a short message based on a satellite; The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

30. The charging function according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that: The satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session; The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

31. A satellite billing device, applied to satellite billing function, characterized in that: include: A first determining unit, configured to determine satellite billing information related to the terminal; A first sending unit, configured to send the satellite charging information to a charging function CHF; The first receiving unit is used to receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

32. A satellite billing device, used for billing functions, characterized in that: include: A first receiving unit, configured to receive satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function; A first processing unit, configured to create or update a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information; The first sending unit is used to send a billing data response message to the satellite billing function.

33. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

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