Billing methods, billing systems and user equipment

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a billing method, a billing system, and user equipment, and pertains to the field of communication technology. The billing method of this disclosure includes: a first user equipment and a second user equipment performing ranging / sidelink positioning user equipment discovery; collecting usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment; wherein the first user equipment and the second user equipment are user equipment with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities; and the usage information is related to the use of ranging / sidelink positioning services. The first user equipment sends its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to a billing triggering function, triggering billing for ranging / sidelink positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a billing method, a billing system, and user equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In existing 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) specifications, ranging refers to the process of determining the distance between two or more UEs (User Equipment) and / or the direction between one UE and another via the PC5 interface. Sidelink Positioning involves acquiring absolute position, relative position, or ranging information via the PC5 interface. Ranging-based services and sidelink positioning can be widely applied in commercial, V2X (Vehicle to everything), and public safety services.

[0003] Ranging / Sidelink Positioning UE discovery is used to discover ranging / sidelink positioning UEs on the PC5 interface to execute subsequent ranging / positioning procedures. Ranging / sidelink positioning UEs include UEs with V2X capabilities. Because the ranging / sidelink positioning UE discovery process uses the NR (New Radio) band, billing for this service is required. However, there is currently no relevant billing scheme. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the technical problems this disclosure aims to solve is: how to implement billing for the discovery process of ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment for user equipment with V2X capabilities.

[0005] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a billing method is provided, comprising: a first user equipment and a second user equipment performing ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery, collecting usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment, wherein the first user equipment and the second user equipment are user equipment with vehicle-to-everything V2X capability, and the usage information is related to the use of ranging / sidechain positioning services; the first user equipment sends the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment to a billing triggering function to trigger billing for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first user equipment and the second user equipment performing ranging / sidechain location user equipment discovery includes: the first user equipment and the second equipment establishing a layer 2 link for V2X communication based on a PC5 reference point.

[0007] In some embodiments, establishing a Layer 2 link for V2X communication between the first user equipment and the second device based on a PC5 reference point includes: the first user equipment sending a direct communication request message to the second user equipment; and the first user equipment receiving a direct communication acceptance message sent by the second user equipment, wherein the direct communication acceptance message includes usage information of the second user equipment.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first user equipment sending its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function includes: the first user equipment sending its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function when it determines that the reporting criteria are met and the first user equipment has a network connection.

[0009] In some embodiments, the billing method further includes: when the first user equipment has no network connection, the first user equipment stores the usage information of the second user equipment in the secure environment of the first user equipment.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first user equipment sending its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function includes: the first user equipment sending a usage information reporting message to the billing trigger function in the network function, wherein the usage information reporting message includes: the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the billing triggering function includes a billing data forwarding function and a billing information collection function. The billing data forwarding function is located in the network function, and the billing information collection function is located in the first user equipment. The first user equipment sending its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing triggering function includes: the billing information collection function in the first user equipment sending a usage information reporting message to the billing data forwarding function in the network function, wherein the usage information reporting message includes: the billing information of the first user equipment and the billing information of the second user equipment.

[0012] In some embodiments, the network function is an access mobility management function or a gateway mobility location center.

[0013] In some embodiments, the information used includes: user equipment information.

[0014] According to some other embodiments of this disclosure, a user equipment is provided, comprising: a collection module, configured to perform ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery with a second user equipment, and collect usage information of a first user equipment and a second user equipment, wherein the first user equipment and the second user equipment are user equipment with proximity communication capabilities, and the usage information is related to the use of ranging / sidechain positioning services; and a sending module, configured to send the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment to a billing triggering function, triggering billing for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0015] According to further embodiments of this disclosure, a user equipment is provided, including: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor for storing instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a billing method as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0016] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the program, when executed by a processor, implements the billing method of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0017] According to some other embodiments of this disclosure, a billing system is provided, comprising: a user equipment of any of the foregoing embodiments serving as a first user equipment; and a second user equipment configured to perform ranging / sidechain location user equipment discovery with the first user equipment and send usage information of the second user equipment to the first user equipment.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second user equipment is used to establish a Layer 2 link for V2X communication with the first user equipment based on a PC5 reference point.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second user equipment is configured to receive a direct communication request message sent by the first user equipment and send a direct communication acceptance message to the first user equipment, wherein the direct communication acceptance message includes usage information of the second user equipment.

[0020] In some embodiments, the billing system further includes a billing triggering function, which is used to receive usage information of the first user equipment and usage information of the second user equipment, and trigger billing for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the billing triggering function is used to send a billing data request message to the billing function, wherein the billing data request message includes usage information of the first user equipment and usage information of the second user equipment, triggering the billing function to bill the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0022] In some embodiments, the billing data request message further includes at least one of the following: Serving Public Land Mobile Network ID, Application Layer ID, Ranging / Sidechain Location Application Identifier, Application Layer Group ID, Service Type, Ranging / Sidechain Location Event Type, PC5 Radio Technology, Coverage Information, User Location Information, Radio Resource Indicator, and Usage Information Container.

[0023] In some embodiments, the billing system further includes: a billing function for recording billing data of ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment, generated based on the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment, and for billing the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0024] In some embodiments, the billing triggering function is used to receive a usage information reporting message sent by the first user equipment and trigger billing for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment. The usage information reporting message includes: billing information of the first user equipment and billing information of the second user equipment.

[0025] In some embodiments, the billing triggering function includes a billing data forwarding function and a billing information collection function. The billing data forwarding function is located in the network function, and the billing information collection function is located in the first user equipment. The billing information collection function in the first user equipment is used to send a usage information reporting message to the billing data forwarding function in the network function. The usage information reporting message includes: billing information of the first user equipment and billing information of the second user equipment. The billing data forwarding function in the network function is used to receive the usage information reporting message and trigger billing for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0026] In this disclosure, the first user equipment and the second user equipment are user equipment with V2X capabilities. The first and second user equipments perform a ranging / sidelink positioning user equipment discovery process, collecting usage information from both user equipments. This usage information is then sent to a billing trigger function, triggering billing for the ranging / sidelink positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first and second user equipments. This disclosure provides a billing scheme applicable to the discovery of ranging / sidelink positioning user equipment with V2X capabilities. By accurately collecting and reporting the practical information of each user equipment during the ranging / sidelink positioning user equipment discovery process, accurate billing can be achieved.

[0027] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a billing method according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the signaling flow of a billing method according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the network architecture of some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a billing method according to further embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a user equipment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a user equipment according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a user equipment according to further embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a billing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0038] This disclosure provides a discovery and billing scheme between ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment with V2X capability, which is described below in conjunction with the following... Figures 1-4 Describe it.

[0039] Figure 1 Flowcharts illustrating some embodiments of the billing method disclosed herein. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the method of this embodiment includes steps S102 to S104.

[0040] In step S102, the first user equipment and the second user equipment perform ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery, and collect usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first user equipment and the second user equipment are V2X-capable user equipment (UE), and the usage message is information related to using ranging / sidechain positioning services.

[0042] In some embodiments, ranging / sidechain location user equipment discovery for V2X-enabled user equipment includes: establishing a Layer-2 link for V2X communication over a PC5 reference point. The first user equipment establishes a Layer-2 link for V2X communication with the second device based on the PC5 reference point, and collects usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first user equipment sends a direct communication request message to the second user equipment; the first user equipment receives a direct communication acceptance message sent by the second user equipment, wherein the direct communication acceptance message includes usage information of the second user equipment.

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, UE1, UE2, UE3, and UE4 are vehicular network (V2X) UEs with Ranging / Sidelink Positioning (SL) capabilities. UE1 (the initiating UE) initiates discovery with UE2 / UE3 / UE4 on the PC5 interface. UE1 (as the first UE) sends a Direct Communication Request message, which can be sent via PC5 unicast or PC5 broadcast. The target Layer 2 ID used for the Direct Communication Request can be either a unicast Layer 2 ID or a broadcast Layer 2 ID. The V2X service information in the Direct Communication Request message declares the "Ranging / Sidelink Positioning" service. Upon receiving a Direct Communication Request claiming the "Ranging / Sidelink Positioning" service, UE2 / UE3 / UE4 sends a Direct Communication Accept message to UE1. The Direct Communication Accept message may contain RSPP (Ranging / SL Positioning Protocol) metadata information. UE1 collects and reports the ranging / sidelink positioning discovery usage information.

[0045] The first user equipment can directly collect its own usage information. In some embodiments, the usage information includes: user equipment information. For example, the user equipment information includes at least one of: User Info ID, User Equipment Identity, and the Role of the User Equipment in Ranging / Sidelink Positioning. The usage information may also include at least one of: Discovery type and RSPP (Ranging / SL Positioning Protocol) metadata information.

[0046] For example, the User Information ID is configured for sidelink positioning UE discovery based on HPLMN (Home Public Land Mobile Network) policies, or assigned via a ranging / sidelink positioning application server. For example, the UE identity is the identity of a mobile user using ranging / sidelink positioning functionality, such as SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier). For example, the UE's role in ranging / sidelink positioning includes: Target UE, SL Reference UE, SL Positioning Server UE, Located UE, and Client UE. For example, the discovery type indicates the ranging / sidelink positioning service in direct UE discovery. For example, RSPP metadata information includes: the role of the Announcing UE, the role of the Discoverer UE, the role to be discovered, or the role of the Response UE. RSPP metadata information can include the UE's role in ranging / sidelink positioning.

[0047] In step S104, the first user equipment sends its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function to trigger billing for the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0048] In some embodiments, if the first user equipment determines that the reporting criteria are met and the first user equipment has a network connection, it sends the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function.

[0049] For example, reporting criteria include: reporting every N locations or every time interval T.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the first user equipment (BUE) is without network connectivity, the usage information of the second user equipment is stored in the secure environment of the first BUE. When the first BUE regains network connectivity (returns to NR coverage), the usage information of both the first and second BUEs is sent to the billing trigger function.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first user equipment sends a usage information reporting message to the billing triggering function in the network function, wherein the usage information reporting message includes: usage information of the first user equipment and usage information of the second user equipment.

[0052] The first user equipment creates a usage information reporting message based on the pre-configuration, the usage information of the first user equipment, and the usage information of the second user equipment, and sends the usage information reporting message to the charging trigger function (CTF).

[0053] In some embodiments, the billing triggering function includes an Accounting Data Forwarding (ADF) function and an Accounting Metrics Collection (AMC) function, wherein the Accounting Data Forwarding function is configured in a Network Function (NF) and the Accounting Metrics Collection function is configured in a first user equipment.

[0054] For example, the network function is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or the Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC).

[0055] In some embodiments, the billing information collection function in the first user equipment sends a usage information reporting message to the billing data forwarding function in the network function, wherein the usage information reporting message includes: billing information of the first user equipment and billing information of the second user equipment.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, CTF includes AMC and ADF, which can be set in the UE and NF respectively. Furthermore, Figure 3 In this context, CGF stands for Charging Gateway Function, CHF for Charging Function, and BillingDomain for Billing Domain. Nchf, Ga, and Bpr are different interfaces.

[0057] The method described in the above embodiments does not involve network elements in the process of ranging / sidechain location user equipment discovery, and the user equipment involved in the discovery may be outside the network coverage. Therefore, it can be billed using the PEC (Post Event Charging) method.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the first user equipment and the second user equipment are user equipment with V2X capabilities. The first user equipment and the second user equipment perform a ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery process, collecting usage information from both user equipment. This usage information is then sent to a billing trigger function, triggering billing for the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first and second user equipment. The above embodiments provide a billing scheme suitable for discovering ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment with V2X capabilities. By accurately collecting and reporting the practical information of each user equipment during the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery process, accurate billing can be achieved.

[0059] The following is combined Figure 4 Some other embodiments of the billing method disclosed herein are described.

[0060] Figure 4 Flowcharts for other embodiments of the billing method disclosed herein. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the method of this embodiment includes steps S402 to S412.

[0061] In step S402, the first user equipment establishes a Layer 2 link for V2X communication with the second device based on the PC5 reference point, and collects usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0062] For details, please refer to the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0063] In step S404, the first user equipment determines whether it meets the reporting criteria and has a network connection. If so, step S406 is executed.

[0064] In step S406, the first user equipment sends a usage information reporting message to the billing trigger function in the network function.

[0065] The first user equipment (AMC) generates a usage information reporting message based on the configuration and sends it to the CTF (ADF). The usage information reporting message includes the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment.

[0066] In step S408, the billing trigger function is used to send a billing data request message to the charging function (CHF).

[0067] The Charging Data Request [Event] message includes usage information for both the first and second user equipment. In some embodiments, the Charging Data Request message further includes at least one of the following: Serving PLMN ID, Application Layer ID, Ranging / SL Positioning Application Identifier, Application Layer Group ID, Service type, Ranging / Sidelinkpositioning Event Type, PC5 Radio Technology, Coverage Info, User Location Information, Radio Resources Indicator, and Usage Data Container. One or more of this information may be collected by the first user equipment or by a network function (or CTF). If collected by the first user equipment, it can be sent to the CTF as usage information via an information reporting message.

[0068] For example, the Serving PLMN ID can be the PLMN ID of the Serving PLMN that signals the carrier frequency; the Application Layer ID can be an identifier that identifies the UE with ranging / sidelink positioning enabled in the context of a specific application; the Ranging / Sidelink Positioning Application Identifier can be a globally unique identifier that identifies a specific ranging / sidelink positioning application, which can be mapped to a V2X service type or ProSe identifier; the Application Layer Group ID is used to indicate the ranging / sidelink positioning group to which the user equipment belongs; and the Service Model is used to indicate the type of V2X service, indicating "Ranging / Sidelink" during Layer-2 link establishment. The "Positioning" service includes: Ranging / Sidelink Positioning Event Types to indicate events that trigger billing message delivery, such as direct communication responses; PC5 Radio Technology to indicate the PC5 radio technology used for ranging / sidelink positioning user equipment discovery; Coverage Information to indicate coverage status (i.e., whether the UE is served by NG-RAN) and the time when the coverage status changed to its current state; User Location Information to indicate the location of the user equipment; Radio Resource Indicators to indicate whether radio resources provided or configured by the operator are used for ranging / sidelink positioning for device discovery; and Usage Information Containers to store information associated with triggering conditions (e.g., out of coverage, back to coverage, etc.) on a specific ranging / sidelink positioning service.

[0069] In step S410, the billing function generates a charging data record (CDR) of ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment based on the usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0070] In step S412, the billing function returns a charging data response message (Charging Data Response[Event]) to the charging trigger function in the network function.

[0071] The method described above provides a billing scheme for the discovery of ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment with V2X capabilities. By accurately collecting and reporting practical information of each user equipment during the discovery process by the first user equipment, accurate billing can be achieved.

[0072] This disclosure also provides a user equipment, which is described below in conjunction with... Figure 5 Describe it.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of some embodiments of the user equipment disclosed herein. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the user equipment 50 in this embodiment includes: a collection module 510 and a transmission module 520. The user equipment 50 can serve as a first user equipment.

[0074] The collection module 510 is used to perform ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery with the second user equipment, and to collect usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment. The first user equipment and the second user equipment are user equipment with V2X capability, and the usage information is related to the use of ranging / sidechain positioning services.

[0075] In some embodiments, the collection module 510 is used to establish a Layer 2 link for V2X communication with the second device based on the PC5 reference point.

[0076] In some embodiments, the collection module 510 is configured to send a direct communication request message to the second user equipment and receive a direct communication acceptance message sent by the second user equipment, wherein the direct communication acceptance message includes usage information of the second user equipment.

[0077] The sending module 520 is used to send the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function to trigger billing for the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0078] In some embodiments, the sending module 520 is configured to send the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function when it is determined that the reporting criteria are met and the first user equipment has a network connection.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first user equipment further includes a storage module 530, configured to store the usage information of the second user equipment in a secure environment of the first user equipment when the first user equipment is not connected to the network.

[0080] In some embodiments, the sending module 520 is used to send a usage information reporting message to the billing trigger function in the network function, wherein the usage information reporting message includes: usage information of the first user equipment and usage information of the second user equipment.

[0081] In some embodiments, the billing triggering function includes a billing data forwarding function and a billing information collection function. The billing data forwarding function is located in the network function, and the billing information collection function is located in the first user equipment. The billing information collection function includes a collection module 510 and a sending module 520. The sending module 520 is used to send a usage information reporting message to the billing data forwarding function in the network function. The usage information reporting message includes: billing information of the first user equipment and billing information of the second user equipment.

[0082] In some embodiments, the network function is an access mobility management function or a gateway mobility location center.

[0083] In some embodiments, the information used includes: user equipment information.

[0084] The user equipment in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by various computing devices or computer systems, as described below. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 Describe it.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of some embodiments of the user equipment disclosed herein. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the user equipment 60 of this embodiment includes a memory 610 and a processor 620 coupled to the memory 610. The processor 620 is configured to execute the billing method in any of the embodiments of this disclosure based on instructions stored in the memory 610.

[0086] The memory 610 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, a database, and other programs.

[0087] Figure 7 These are structural diagrams of other embodiments of the user equipment disclosed herein. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the user equipment 70 in this embodiment includes a memory 710 and a processor 720, which are similar to the memory 610 and processor 620, respectively. It may also include an input / output interface 730, a network interface 740, a storage interface 750, etc. These interfaces 730, 740, 750, and the memory 710 and processor 720 can be connected, for example, via a bus 760. The input / output interface 730 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, mouse, keyboard, and touchscreen. The network interface 740 provides a connection interface for various networked devices, such as connecting to a database server or cloud storage server. The storage interface 750 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives.

[0088] This disclosure also provides a billing system, which is described below in conjunction with... Figure 8 Describe it.

[0089] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of some embodiments of the billing system disclosed herein. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the billing system 8 of this embodiment includes: user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 as a first user equipment, and a second user equipment 82.

[0090] The second user equipment 82 is used to perform ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery with the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and send the usage information of the second user equipment 82 to the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70.

[0091] In some embodiments, the second user equipment 82 is used to establish a Layer 2 link for V2X communication with the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 based on the PC5 reference point.

[0092] In some embodiments, the second user equipment 82 is configured to receive a direct communication request message sent by the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and send a direct communication acceptance message to the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70, wherein the direct communication acceptance message includes usage information of the second user equipment 82.

[0093] In some embodiments, the billing system 80 further includes a billing triggering function 84 for receiving usage information of the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and the second user equipment 82, and triggering billing for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and the second user equipment 82.

[0094] In some embodiments, the billing trigger function 84 is used to send a billing data request message to the billing function, wherein the billing data request message includes usage information of the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and usage information of the second user equipment 82, triggering the billing function to bill the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and the second user equipment 82.

[0095] In some embodiments, the billing data request message further includes at least one of the following: Serving Public Land Mobile Network ID, Application Layer ID, Ranging / Sidechain Location Application Identifier, Application Layer Group ID, Service Type, Ranging / Sidechain Location Event Type, PC5 Radio Technology, Coverage Information, User Location Information, Radio Resource Indicator, and Usage Information Container.

[0096] In some embodiments, the billing trigger function 84 is used to receive a usage information reporting message sent by the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70, and trigger billing for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and the second user equipment 82. The usage information reporting message includes: billing information of the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and billing information of the second user equipment 82.

[0097] In some embodiments, the billing system 8 further includes: a billing function 86, for recording billing data of ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and the second user equipment 82 generated based on the usage information of the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and the second user equipment 82, and for billing the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and the second user equipment 82.

[0098] The billing trigger function 84 includes a billing data forwarding function and a billing information collection function. The billing data forwarding function is set in the network function, and the billing information collection function is set in the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70. The billing information collection function in the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 is used to send a usage information reporting message to the billing data forwarding function in the network function. The usage information reporting message includes: the billing information of the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and the billing information of the second user equipment 82. The billing data forwarding function in the network function is used to receive the usage information reporting message and trigger billing for the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment 50 / 60 / 70 and the second user equipment 82.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0100] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create a machine for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0101] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0102] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0103] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A billing method, comprising: The first user equipment and the second user equipment perform ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery, and collect usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment. The first user equipment and the second user equipment establish a layer 2 link for V2X communication based on the PC5 reference point. The first user equipment and the second user equipment are user equipment with vehicle-to-everything V2X capability. The usage information is related to the use of ranging / sidechain positioning services. The first user equipment sends its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function to trigger billing for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment. Specifically, if the first user equipment has a network connection and the reporting criteria are met, it sends its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function. If the first user equipment does not have a network connection, it stores the usage information of the second user equipment in the first user equipment's security environment. If the first user equipment restores its network connection, it sends its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function. The establishment of a Layer 2 link for V2X communication between the first user equipment and the second user equipment based on the PC5 reference point includes: the first user equipment sending a direct communication request message to the second user equipment, the first user equipment receiving a direct communication acceptance message sent by the second user equipment, and the direct communication acceptance message including the usage information of the second user equipment.

2. The billing method according to claim 1, wherein, The first user equipment sends its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing trigger function, including: The first user equipment sends a usage information reporting message to the billing trigger function in the network function, wherein the usage information reporting message includes: the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment.

3. The billing method according to claim 1, wherein, The billing triggering function includes a billing data forwarding function and a billing information collection function. The billing data forwarding function is located in the network function, and the billing information collection function is located in the first user equipment. The first user equipment sends its usage information and the usage information of the second user equipment to the billing triggering function, including: The billing information collection function in the first user equipment sends a usage information reporting message to the billing data forwarding function in the network function, wherein the usage information reporting message includes: the billing information of the first user equipment and the billing information of the second user equipment.

4. The billing method according to claim 2, wherein, The network function is access to mobility management functions or a gateway mobile location center.

5. The billing method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The usage information includes: user equipment information.

6. A user equipment, as a first user equipment, comprising: The collection module is used to perform ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery with the second user equipment, collect usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment, wherein it establishes a Layer 2 link for V2X communication with the second user equipment based on the PC5 reference point, wherein it sends a direct communication request message to the second user equipment and receives a direct communication acceptance message sent by the second user equipment, wherein the direct communication acceptance message includes usage information of the second user equipment, wherein the first user equipment and the second user equipment are user equipment with vehicle-to-other-device V2X capability, and the usage information is related to the use of ranging / sidechain positioning services; The sending module is used to send the usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment to the billing triggering function to trigger billing for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment. Specifically, if the reporting criteria are met, and the first user equipment has a network connection, the usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment are sent to the billing triggering function. If the first user equipment does not have a network connection, the usage information of the second user equipment is stored in the security environment of the first user equipment. If the first user equipment restores its network connection, the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment are sent to the billing triggering function.

7. A user equipment, as a first user equipment, comprising: processor; as well as A memory coupled to the processor is used to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the billing method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

8. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein, When executed by a processor, the program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

9. A billing system, comprising: The user equipment as the first user equipment as described in claim 6 or 7; as well as The second user equipment is used to perform ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery with the first user equipment and send the usage information of the second user equipment to the first user equipment. It establishes a Layer 2 link for V2X communication with the first user equipment based on the PC5 reference point. It receives a direct communication request message sent by the first user equipment and sends a direct communication acceptance message to the first user equipment. The direct communication acceptance message includes the usage information of the second user equipment.

10. The billing system according to claim 9, further comprising: The billing trigger function is used to receive usage information from the first user equipment and the second user equipment, and trigger the network to bill for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

11. The billing system according to claim 10, wherein, The billing trigger function is used to send a billing data request message to the billing function. The billing data request message includes the usage information of the first user equipment and the usage information of the second user equipment, triggering the billing function to bill the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

12. The billing system according to claim 11, wherein, The billing data request message further includes at least one of the following: Serving Public Land Mobile Network ID, Application Layer ID, Ranging / Sidechain Positioning Application Identifier, Application Layer Group ID, Service Type, Ranging / Sidechain Positioning Event Type, PC5 Radio Technology, Coverage Information, User Location Information, Radio Resource Indicator, and Usage Information Container.

13. The billing system according to claim 11, further comprising: The billing function is used to record billing data for ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment, generated based on the usage information of the first user equipment and the second user equipment, and to bill the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

14. The billing system according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein, The billing trigger function is used to receive a usage information reporting message sent by the first user equipment and trigger the network to bill the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment. The usage information reporting message includes the billing information of the first user equipment and the billing information of the second user equipment.

15. The billing system according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein, The billing triggering function includes a billing data forwarding function and a billing information collection function. The billing data forwarding function is configured in the network functions, and the billing information collection function is configured in the first user equipment. The billing information collection function in the first user equipment is used to send a usage information reporting message to the billing data forwarding function in the network function, wherein the usage information reporting message includes: the billing information of the first user equipment and the billing information of the second user equipment; The billing data forwarding function in the network function is used to receive the usage information reporting message and trigger the network to bill the ranging / sidechain positioning user equipment discovery events related to the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

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