Charging method and apparatus, and device and non-transitory readable storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a charging method and apparatus, and a device and a non-transitory readable storage medium. The charging method comprises: when a charging trigger condition is satisfied, acquiring charging information for a satellite-related operation; and sending a charging data request to a second network element, wherein the charging data request carries the charging information.

Description

A charging method, device, equipment and non-transitory readable storage medium

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411265623.1, filed on September 10, 2024, entitled "A charging method, device, equipment and non-transitory readable storage medium", the whole content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a charging method, device, equipment and non-transitory readable storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the vision of providing ubiquitous communication for users, in remote areas, disaster areas, deserts and other areas where it is not easy to deploy base stations and / or gateway stations and other equipment, information interaction can be realized through satellites. Specifically, deploying base stations and part of core network elements on satellites can reduce the cost requirements of deploying base stations on the ground; however, due to the limited deployment of gateway stations, when the satellite is in the air, it may not be able to connect to the gateway station in time, so data may not be immediately transmitted back to the core network; for terminals with low data delay requirements, data can be stored on the satellite, and then transmitted to the ground after the satellite is connected to the gateway station, that is, the data storage and forwarding operation is performed on the satellite. In addition, related technologies also involve terminal access and other operations through satellites; and the access, storage and forwarding operations through satellites usually need to be charged to meet the needs of satellite operators, but related technologies cannot support the charging of the above operations.

[0004] Therefore, related technologies cannot support the charging of storage and forwarding satellite operations, satellite access and other processes; that is, related technologies cannot support the charging of satellite-related operations. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a charging method, device, equipment and non-transitory readable storage medium to solve the problem that related technologies cannot support the charging of satellite-related operations.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides a charging method applied to a first network element, comprising:

[0007] In the case of meeting the charging trigger condition, charging information for satellite-related operations is obtained;

[0008] A charging data request is sent to a second network element, and the charging information is carried in the charging data request.

[0009] In some embodiments, the satellite-related operation comprises at least one of store-and-forward satellite operation, attach access via satellite, terminal initiation via satellite, and terminal reception via satellite.

[0010] In some embodiments, the charging trigger condition comprises at least one of:

[0011] Attach procedure completion of store-and-forward satellite operation initiated by the terminal;

[0012] MO event of store-and-forward satellite operation initiated by the terminal;

[0013] MT event of store-and-forward satellite operation received by the terminal;

[0014] Attach procedure completion of satellite access initiated by the terminal;

[0015] MO event via satellite;

[0016] MT event via satellite;

[0017] SMS message for MO via store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0018] SMS message for MT via store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0019] Store-and-forward satellite operation registration completion;

[0020] Store-and-forward satellite operation data transmission completion;

[0021] MO event of UP CIoT service via store-and-forward satellite operation initiated by the terminal;

[0022] MT event of UP CIoT service via store-and-forward satellite operation initiated by the terminal.

[0023] In some embodiments, the store-and-forward satellite operation registration completion is a charging trigger condition in attach procedure and / or in Internet of Things application scenario;

[0024] And / or, the store-and-forward satellite operation data transmission completion is a charging trigger condition in Internet of Things application scenario.

[0025] In some embodiments, the charging information comprises at least one of:

[0026] Wireless access type;

[0027] Satellite access indication;

[0028] Store-and-forward indication;

[0029] Satellite information, used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information comprises at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0030] Satellite store-and-forward information, used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite store-and-forward information comprises at least one of a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0031] In some embodiments, further comprising:

[0032] Receiving the charging data response sent by the second network element.

[0033] In some embodiments, the acquiring the charging information for the satellite-related operation comprises:

[0034] Receiving reference data sent by the on-satellite network element; or determining reference data to be sent to the on-satellite network element.

[0035] According to the reference data, acquiring the charging information for the satellite-related operation.

[0036] In some embodiments, the reference data is traffic data transmitted by the on-satellite network element.

[0037] The present disclosure further provides a charging method, applied to a second network element, comprising:

[0038] Receiving a charging data request sent by a first network element; the charging data request carries charging information for a satellite-related operation.

[0039] According to the charging data request, creating a charging data record.

[0040] In some embodiments, the satellite-related operation comprises at least one of a store-and-forward satellite operation, attachment access via a satellite, terminal initiation via a satellite, and terminal reception via a satellite.

[0041] In some embodiments, the charging information comprises at least one of:

[0042] A radio access type;

[0043] A satellite access indication;

[0044] A store-and-forward indication;

[0045] Satellite information, used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information comprises at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0046] The satellite store-and-forward information is used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of store-and-forward satellite operation, and the satellite store-and-forward information includes at least one of a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0047] In some embodiments, the charging data record includes at least one of:

[0048] A satellite access indication;

[0049] A store-and-forward indication;

[0050] Satellite information used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of store-and-forward satellite operation, and the satellite information includes at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0052] Sending a charging data response to the first network element.

[0053] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a charging device, which is a first network element, and includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor.

[0054] The memory is configured to store a computer program; the transceiver is configured to transceive data under control of the processor; and the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0055] In a case where a charging trigger condition is met, obtaining charging information for a satellite-related operation;

[0056] Sending, by the transceiver, a charging data request to a second network element, the charging data request carrying the charging information.

[0057] In some embodiments, the satellite-related operation includes at least one of a store-and-forward satellite operation, satellite access initiated by a terminal, terminal initiation by a satellite, and terminal reception by a satellite.

[0058] In some embodiments, the charging trigger condition includes at least one of:

[0059] Completion of an attachment process of a store-and-forward satellite operation initiated by a terminal;

[0060] A terminal initiation MO event of a store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0061] A terminal reception MT event of a store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0062] Completion of an attachment process of satellite access initiated by a terminal;

[0063] MO event via satellite;

[0064] MT event via satellite;

[0065] MO short message service (SMS) message via store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0066] MT SMS message via store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0067] Store-and-forward satellite operation registration complete;

[0068] Store-and-forward satellite operation data transfer complete;

[0069] MO event of a terminal-initiated UP CIoT service via store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0070] MT event of a terminal-initiated UP CIoT service via store-and-forward satellite operation.

[0071] In some embodiments, the store-and-forward satellite operation registration complete is a charging trigger condition in an attach procedure and / or an Internet of Things (IoT) application scenario;

[0072] And / or, the store-and-forward satellite operation data transfer complete is a charging trigger condition in an IoT application scenario.

[0073] In some embodiments, the charging information includes at least one of the following:

[0074] A radio access type;

[0075] A satellite access indication;

[0076] A store-and-forward indication;

[0077] Satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information includes at least one of the following: a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length;

[0078] Satellite store-and-forward information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite store-and-forward information includes at least one of the following: a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0079] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0080] receiving, by the transceiver, a charging data response sent by the second network element.

[0081] In some embodiments, the obtaining charging information for satellite-related operations includes:

[0082] receive, by the transceiver, reference data transmitted by the on-board network element of the satellite; or determine reference data transmitted to the on-board network element of the satellite;

[0083] According to the reference data, obtain charging information for satellite-related operations.

[0084] In some embodiments, the reference data is traffic data transmitted by the on-board network element.

[0085] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a charging device, which is a second network element, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0086] The memory is configured to store a computer program; the transceiver is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0087] receive, by the transceiver, a charging data request transmitted by the first network element; the charging data request carries charging information of satellite-related operations;

[0088] According to the charging data request, create a charging data record.

[0089] In some embodiments, the satellite-related operations include at least one of store-and-forward satellite operations, attachment access through a satellite, terminal initiation through a satellite, and terminal reception through a satellite.

[0090] In some embodiments, the charging information includes at least one of:

[0091] a radio access type;

[0092] a satellite access indication;

[0093] a store-and-forward indication;

[0094] satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of store-and-forward satellite operations; the satellite information includes at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length;

[0095] satellite store-and-forward information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of store-and-forward satellite operations; the satellite store-and-forward information includes at least one of a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0096] In some embodiments, the charging data record includes at least one of:

[0097] a satellite access indication;

[0098] a store-and-forward indication;

[0099] Satellite information, used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information comprises at least one of satellite identification, stored data volume and stored time length.

[0100] In some embodiments, the operations further comprise:

[0101] sending, by the transceiver, a charging data response to the first network element.

[0102] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a charging apparatus applied to a first network element, comprising:

[0103] a first obtaining unit, configured to obtain charging information for satellite-related operation in a case where a charging trigger condition is met;

[0104] a first sending unit, configured to send a charging data request to a second network element, the charging data request carrying the charging information.

[0105] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a charging apparatus applied to a second network element, comprising:

[0106] a second receiving unit, configured to receive a charging data request sent by a first network element; the charging data request carrying charging information of satellite-related operation;

[0107] a first processing unit, configured to create a charging data record according to the charging data request.

[0108] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a non-transitory readable storage medium, which stores a program for causing a processor to execute the charging method on the side of the first network element or the second network element.

[0109] The above technical solutions of the present disclosure have the following beneficial effects:

[0110] In the above scheme, the charging method can support charging for satellite-related operation by obtaining charging information for satellite-related operation in a case where a charging trigger condition is met, and sending a charging data request to a second network element, the charging data request carrying the charging information, thereby solving the problem that satellite-related operation cannot be charged in the related art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0111] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0112] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a satellite store-and-forward scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0113] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a mobility management entity split architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0114] Fig. 4(a) is a schematic diagram of a 4G charging architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0115] Fig. 4(b) is a schematic diagram of an MME split charging architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0116] Fig. 4(c) is a schematic diagram of a charging architecture in which all core network elements are deployed on a satellite according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0117] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an application charging architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0118] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a 5G charging architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0119] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a charging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0120] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a charging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0121] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a charging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0122] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0123] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0124] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a charging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0125] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a charging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it.

[0128] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "multiple" means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0129] It is explained that the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the disclosure can be applied to various systems. For example, the applicable systems 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, an LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, an LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, a Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) system, a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), a Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) system, a 5th-Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) system and an evolved communication system thereof, a 6G (6th-Generation) system, and the like. The various systems all include terminal devices and network devices. The system can also include a core network part, such as an Evolved Packet System (EPS), a 5G System (5GS), and the like.

[0130] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of the disclosure can be applied. The wireless communication system includes terminal devices (which can be simply referred to as terminals) and network devices.

[0131] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can refer to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity for a user, a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, etc. In different systems, the name of the terminal device can also be different, for example, in the 5G system or the 6G system, the terminal device can be called user equipment (User Equipment, UE). The wireless terminal device can be a USB storage device, other personal computer memory devices and a dongle, and can also communicate with one or more core networks (Core Network, CN) through a radio access network (Radio Access Network, RAN). The wireless terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or called "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device, for example, it can be a portable, pocket, handheld, computer built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device, which exchanges language and / or data with the radio access network. For example, personal communication service (Personal Communication Service, PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (Session Initiated Protocol, SIP) phones, wireless local loop (Wireless Local Loop, WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (Personal Digital Assistant, PDA), personal computers, tablet computers, machine type communication (Machine-type Communication, MTC) terminal devices, etc. The wireless terminal device can also be called a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, and a wireless access device and a router / modem that meet the limitations of the present definition, etc. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited.

[0132] The network device related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be a base station, which can include a plurality of cells serving terminals. According to different application scenarios, the base station can also be referred to as an access point, or can be a device in an access network that communicates with wireless terminal devices through one or more sectors over an air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to exchange received air frames and Internet Protocol (IP) packets as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, which can include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the management of the properties of the air interface. For example, the network device related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be a network device (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), or a network device (NodeB) in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), or an evolved network device (evolutional Node B, eNB or e-NodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, or a 5G base station (the next Generation Node B, gNB) in a next generation system, or a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, a network test device, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some network structures, the network device can include a centralized unit (CU) node and a distributed unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit can also be geographically separated.

[0133] The network device and the terminal device can each use one or more antennas for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transmission, which can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). According to the form and number of root antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be two-dimensional MIMO (2D-MIMO), three-dimensional MIMO (3D-MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), or massive-MIMO, or can be diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission, etc.

[0134] The following first introduces the content related to the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0135] (I) A scenario in which data needs to be stored and forwarded on a satellite

[0136] In the current demand research, some research institutions may need to study the living habits and movement trajectories of animals; some departments need to make timely warnings to reduce or avoid the occurrence of disasters, such as detection of submarine cables; and for Internet of Things (IOT) devices deployed on animals or equipment, due to the special or remote geographical location of these places, there is no communication base station, and thus satellite communication is needed for data transmission. Specifically, since these scenarios do not have high requirements for latency, and the deployment of a gateway station is not necessarily required in these places, the data can be first uploaded to the satellite and stored on the satellite (the satellite can have a base station or core network element), and then the data can be forwarded when the satellite can access the gateway station, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0137] (II) Mobility Management Entity (MME) split architecture

[0138] In order to support the scenarios described above, the base station or part of the core network element needs to be deployed on the satellite; currently, the MME split architecture has been adopted for this feature, as shown in FIG. 3 (example of MME split architecture for storage and forwarding operation), in which:

[0139] For MME split architecture, Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRAN) and Mobility Management Entity-Non-terrestrial, i.e. on-board MME (MME-NT) are deployed on satellite; ground MME, HSS (Home Subscriber Server) and other core network elements are on ground. Regarding Attach and / or MO (Mobile Originated) procedure, the following operations can be included:

[0140] 1. Satellite base station broadcasts support for Store and forward (S&F) operation;

[0141] 2. UE initiates Attach or Tracking Area Update (TAU) request, carrying (information of) support for S&F operation;

[0142] 3. On-board MME (i.e. MME-NT) rejects the UE request, carrying rejection reason and a timer for UE to initiate next time; in some embodiments, a list of satellite identities (IDs) accessible by UE is also carried;

[0143] 4. Within the waiting time, UE can try other Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or ground network access;

[0144] 5. When feeder link is available, on-board MME forwards the stored UE request to ground MME, and ground MME performs authentication and authorization procedure to HSS;

[0145] 6. When service link is available, UE initiates re-registration request to the serviceable satellite with authentication information, completes registration, and sends uplink (UL) data and / or short message service (SMS).

[0146] In the figure 3, the SMS-GMSC / IWMSC / SMS Router represents a Short Message Service-Gateway Mobile Switching Center (SMS-GMSC) and / or a Short Message Service-Interworking Mobile Switching Center (SMS-IWMSC) and / or a SMS Router; the IWF-SCEF / SCEF represents an Interworking Function-Service Capability Exposure Function (IWF-SCEF) and / or a Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF); the SGW represents a Serving GateWay; the PGW represents a Packet Data Network GateWay; the DN / CIoT services represent a Data Network (DN) and / or Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) services; the PCRF represents a Policy and Charging Rules Function; and the Uu, S6a, SGd, S11, T6a / T6a, T8, S5 / S8, SG and Gx represent corresponding interfaces.

[0147] In addition, regarding the 4G core network (EPC) architecture: the eNB and all core network network elements are deployed on the satellite, and a proxy for application layer transmission can also be deployed on the satellite, and the related process can include the following operations:

[0148] 1. The satellite base station broadcasts support for S&F operation;

[0149] 2. The UE initiates an Attach or TAU request, carrying information supporting S&F operation;

[0150] 3. The on-satellite MME accepts the UE request based on on-satellite subscription information, etc., and sends uplink data;

[0151] 4. If the on-board MME cannot accept at this time, the on-board MME will carry the next re-accessable Timer and S&F monitoring list in the sent Attach Reject message; wherein the S&F monitoring list is determined by the network;

[0152] 5. For Mobile Termination (MT) traffic, the UE needs to attach to the network first, and then receive the downlink data.

[0153] (Three) Regarding 4G billing;

[0154] In the 4G network, the billing requests generated by different network elements (NEs) have different characteristics and purposes. These network elements include MME, SGW, PGW, etc. The following are some examples of billing requests generated by main network elements:

[0155] 1. MME:

[0156] (1) Main function: handle user signaling and mobility management.

[0157] (2) Billing information for:

[0158] Signaling-related events: MME generates billing records related to user session control and signaling, such as billing records for events such as Attach, Detach, Location Update, etc.

[0159] Session management: including the establishment, modification and release of the session; the billing records of these events are crucial for understanding user activity and network resource usage.

[0160] 2. SGW:

[0161] (1) Main function: responsible for routing and forwarding user data packets.

[0162] (2) Billing information includes:

[0163] Data traffic records: the billing request generated by SGW mainly involves the transmission volume of user data, including detailed records of uplink and downlink traffic.

[0164] Intermediate network element information: as an intermediate network element connecting eNB and PGW, SGW records detailed information of data forwarding, providing intermediate data of network usage.

[0165] 3. PGW:

[0166] (1) Main functions: providing IP address allocation, Quality of Service (QoS) policy enforcement, charging information collection, etc.

[0167] (2) Charging information includes:

[0168] Detailed data records: PGW is the main point of charging information generation, recording detailed information of each user session, including traffic usage, session duration, service type, etc.

[0169] Online charging: PGW interacts with the Online Charging System (OCS) to process user charging requests in real time, ensuring sufficient balance before continuing to provide services.

[0170] Offline charging: Generate Offline Charging Data Records (CDRs) for post-billing and bill generation.

[0171] Currently, only SMS over MME (SMS based on MME) is available in the 4G charging protocol, and there is no MME charging after registration is completed; specifically, the charging architecture can be as shown in Figure 4(a), involving the following network elements:

[0172] PCN: Packet switched Core network Node, i.e. packet switching core network node, such as: Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN), Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), SGW, PGW and / or Traffic Detection Function (TDF);

[0173] CTF: Charging Trigger Function, i.e. charging trigger function;

[0174] CDF: Charging Data Function, i.e. charging data function;

[0175] CGF: Charging Gateway Function, i.e. charging gateway function;

[0176] In addition, G a , B p and R fCDF / CGF represents that CDF and CGF can be combined or CDF can be transmitted to CGF, which is not limited here; BS represents Base Station, base station; PSDomain represents Packet Switch Domain, packet switching domain; Billing Domain represents billing domain.

[0177] (IV) Application charging, the related architecture can be as shown in Figure 5 (Overall PCC logical architecture (non-roaming) when SPR is used), and specific reference can be made to the current related content, which will not be repeated here. Among them, SPR represents Subscription Profile Repository, user subscription database; PCC represents Policy Control and Charging, policy control and charging; RCAF represents RAN (Radio Access Network) Congestion Awareness Function, radio access network congestion awareness function; AF represents Application Function, application function; SCEF represents Service Capability Exposure Function, service capability exposure function; PFDF represents Packet Flow Description Function, packet flow description function; TSSF represents Traffic Steering Support Function, traffic steering support function; BBERF represents Bearer Binding and Event Reporting Function, bearer binding and event reporting function; PCEF represents Policy and Charging Enforcement Function, policy and charging enforcement unit; Gateway represents gateway; TDF represents Traffic Detection Function, traffic detection function; OFCS represents Offline Charging System, offline charging system; Sp, Np, Rx, Nt, Nu, Sy, Gxx, Gx, Sd, St, Gw, Gwn, Gy, Gyn, Gz, Gzn represent corresponding interfaces.

[0178] (V) 5G charging;

[0179] 1. Service-based architecture: 5G uses a service-based architecture (SBA), where core network components are designed as independent network functions (NFs) that can communicate with each other through service-based interfaces (SBIs).

[0180] 2. Unified charging framework: 5G introduces a unified data management and charging function (UDM) and a unified charging system (UCS), which can handle more complex and diverse charging requirements.

[0181] Specifically, the 5G charging architecture can be as shown in FIG. 6, where CN Domain represents Core Network Domain, Service element represents Service element, Sub-system represents Sub-system, CTF represents Charging Trigger Function, CDF represents Charging Data Function, CGF represents Charging Gateway Function, and Billing Domain represents Billing Domain. In addition, R f , G a , and B x represent corresponding interfaces.

[0182] In addition, considering that due to limited device resources on satellites, each user equipment or terminal (UE) or each application may use multiple satellites to implement storage operations, the amount of storage data and the duration of storage data on different satellites need to be charged; in addition, for storage and forwarding satellite operations, the conditions for triggering charges are different when operators charge users; and there is no separate MME charging in the 4G charging protocol, which leads to the inability to charge satellites when the UE attaches to the network in the storage and forwarding mode; in addition, the UE cannot be charged when accessing the core network through the satellite; these situations cannot meet the needs of satellite operators; therefore, a scheme for charging storage and forwarding satellite operations and the like can be proposed.

[0183] Based on the above, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a charging method, device, equipment and non-transitory readable storage medium to solve the problem that the related art cannot support the charging of satellite-related operations. The method, device, equipment and non-transitory readable storage medium are based on the same application concept. Since the principles of the method, device, equipment and non-transitory readable storage medium for solving the problem are similar, the implementation of the method, device, equipment and non-transitory readable storage medium can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be described here.

[0184] The charging method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is applied to a first network element, as shown in FIG. 7, and includes the following steps:

[0185] Step 71: In the case of meeting the charging trigger condition, obtaining charging information for satellite-related operations.

[0186] Step 72: Sending a charging data request to a second network element, wherein the charging data request carries the charging information.

[0187] The first network element and / or the second network element can be an on-board network element or a ground network element, which is not limited here. In addition, when the charging network element is deployed on a satellite, it is necessary to determine that the feeder link between the satellite and the ground is in a connected state before sending the charging data request to the second network element; that is, step 72 can include: in the case that the charging network element is deployed on a satellite and the feeder link is in a connected state, sending a charging data request to the second network element, but it is not limited to this.

[0188] The charging method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can support charging for satellite-related operations by obtaining charging information for satellite-related operations in the case of meeting the charging trigger condition; sending a charging data request to a second network element, wherein the charging data request carries the charging information; thereby solving the problem that the related art cannot support the charging of satellite-related operations.

[0189] The satellite-related operations include at least one of store-and-forward satellite operations, attachment access through a satellite, terminal initiation through a satellite, and terminal reception through a satellite. In this way, charging can be supported for satellite-related processes such as store-and-forward or access.

[0190] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging trigger condition comprises at least one of the following: completion of an attachment procedure initiated by the terminal through the store-and-forward satellite operation; a terminal-initiated MO event through the store-and-forward satellite operation; a terminal-received MT event through the store-and-forward satellite operation; completion of an attachment procedure initiated by the terminal through satellite access; an MO event through the satellite; an MT event through the satellite; a MO short message service (SMS) message through the store-and-forward satellite operation; an MT SMS message through the store-and-forward satellite operation; completion of a store-and-forward satellite operation registration; completion of a store-and-forward satellite operation data transmission; a terminal-initiated MO event of a UP CIoT service through the store-and-forward satellite operation; and a terminal-initiated MT event of a UP CIoT service through the store-and-forward satellite operation. In this way, charging for satellite-related operations in multiple scenarios and multiple architectures can be supported.

[0191] The completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation registration is a charging trigger condition in an attachment procedure and / or an Internet of Things (IoT) application scenario, and / or the completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation data transmission is a charging trigger condition in an IoT application scenario. In this way, the scenarios to which some charging trigger conditions can be applied are specified, but this is not a limitation.

[0192] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging information comprises at least one of the following: a radio access type; a satellite access indication; a store-and-forward indication; satellite information indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information comprising at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data volume, and a stored time length; and satellite store-and-forward information indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite store-and-forward information comprising at least one of a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data volume, and a stored time length. In this way, the second network element can accurately create charging data records.

[0193] Further, the charging method further comprises: receiving a charging data response sent by the second network element. In this way, the first network element can learn whether the charging data request is processed.

[0194] The method for obtaining the charging information for the satellite-related operation comprises: receiving reference data sent by a satellite network element; or determining reference data to be sent to the satellite network element; and obtaining the charging information for the satellite-related operation according to the reference data. In this way, multiple ways of obtaining related data to determine the charging information are supported. The reference data can be traffic data transmitted by the satellite network element, but this is not a limitation.

[0195] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a charging method applied to a second network element, as shown in FIG. 8, comprising the following steps:

[0196] Step 81: receiving a charging data request sent by the first network element; the charging data request carries charging information of the satellite-related operation;

[0197] Step 82: creating a charging data record according to the charging data request.

[0198] The charging method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can support charging for the satellite-related operation by receiving a charging data request sent by the first network element; the charging data request carries charging information of the satellite-related operation; and creating a charging data record according to the charging data request, thereby solving the problem that the satellite-related operation cannot be charged in the related art.

[0199] The satellite-related operation includes at least one of the following: store-and-forward satellite operation, attachment access through the satellite, terminal initiation through the satellite, and terminal reception through the satellite. In this way, charging can be supported for the satellite-related processes such as store-and-forward or access.

[0200] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging information includes at least one of the following: wireless access type; satellite access indication; store-and-forward indication; satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information includes at least one of the following: satellite identifier, stored data volume, and stored time length; satellite store-and-forward information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite store-and-forward information includes at least one of the following: satellite store-and-forward indication, satellite identifier, stored data volume, and stored time length. In this way, the second network element can accurately create the charging data record.

[0201] The charging data record includes at least one of the following: satellite access indication; store-and-forward indication; satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information includes at least one of the following: satellite identifier, stored data volume, and stored time length. In this way, the related charging can be accurately performed.

[0202] Further, the charging method further includes: sending a charging data response to the first network element. In this way, the first network element can learn whether the charging data request is processed.

[0203] In the above description, the related content between the first network element side and the second network element side can be mutually referred to, and repeated parts will not be described again.

[0204] The charging method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0205] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the disclosure provides a charging method, which can be specifically implemented as a charging scheme of a store-and-forward feature. In an embodiment of the scheme, a 4G network element is exemplarily used, and a 5G network element or the like can be equally replaced, such as replacing MME with AMF, replacing SGW with SMF, and the like, which are not limited herein. In addition, the scheme mainly involves the following charging events (corresponding to the charging trigger conditions described above):

[0206] 1. A charging event triggering charging of a store-and-forward satellite operation, which can specifically include:

[0207] Completion of an attachment process or completion of a registration process initiated by a UE through a store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0208] An MO (terminal-initiated) event initiated by a UE through a store-and-forward satellite operation; corresponding to the terminal-initiated MO event through a store-and-forward satellite operation described above;

[0209] An MT (terminal-terminated) event received by a UE through a store-and-forward satellite operation; corresponding to the terminal-received MT event through a store-and-forward satellite operation described above.

[0210] 2. A charging event triggering satellite charging, which can specifically include:

[0211] Completion of an attachment process initiated by a UE through satellite access;

[0212] An MO event initiated by a UE through a satellite; corresponding to the MO event through a satellite described above;

[0213] An MT event received by a UE through a satellite; corresponding to the MT event through a satellite described above. The scheme will be specifically exemplified below.

[0214] Embodiment 1: Attachment process;

[0215] In the MME split architecture, for the attachment process, multiple satellites can be required to participate in the store-and-forward attachment process. Therefore, the ground MME needs to know which satellites and / or which satellite access type the UE accesses the core network through in the attachment process. Therefore, the ground MME needs to record and identify the satellites participating in the store-and-forward, and perform charging recording based on this information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the following operations are involved:

[0216] 1. The UE sends an attachment request (Attach Request) to an onboard base station (Onboard eNB);

[0217] 2. The onboard eNB sends an Attach Request to the onboard MME (CTF); wherein the onboard MME (CTF) means the onboard MME which is provided with the CTF.

[0218] 3-21. UE registration procedure, involving the operations of the UE, the onboard eNB, the onboard MME (CTF), the Ground MME (CTF), the SGW (CTF), and the PGW (CTF), etc. related network elements, which can be found in Step 3-21 of figure 5.3.2.1-1 TS 23.401, and will not be repeated here; wherein the Ground MME (CTF) means the Ground MME which is provided with the CTF; the SGW (CTF) means the SGW which is provided with the CTF, and the PGW (CTF) means the PGW which is provided with the CTF.

[0219] 22. The onboard eNB sends an Attach Complete message to the Ground MME (CTF).

[0220] 22ch-a. The Ground MME (CTF) sends a Charging Data Request to the CDF / CGF; corresponding to the above sending the Charging Data Request to the second network element; wherein the CDF / CGF means that the CDF and the CGF can be combined, or the CDF can be transmitted to the CGF, which is not limited here.

[0221] 22ch-b. The CDF / CGF performs Create CDR; corresponding to the above creating the CDR according to the Charging Data Request.

[0222] 22ch-c. The CDF / CGF sends a Charging Data Response to the Ground MME (CTF); corresponding to the above sending the Charging Data Response to the first network element.

[0223] 23-26. Data transmission procedure, involving the operations of the UE, the onboard eNB, the onboard MME (CTF), the Ground MME (CTF), the SGW (CTF), and the PGW (CTF), etc. related network elements, which can be found in Step 23-26 of figure 5.3.2.1-1 TS 23.401, and will not be repeated here.

[0224] In particular, the ground MME performs the above 22ch-a when it receives one or more of the following charging trigger events:

[0225] UE initiated store-and-forward satellite operation registration completion; corresponding to the above charging trigger condition includes store-and-forward satellite operation registration completion.

[0226] In 22ch-a, the ground MME (corresponding to the above first network element) sends a charging data request to the CDF / CGF (corresponding to the above second network element), and the Charging Data Request (charging data request) can contain one or more of the following parameters (corresponding to the above charging information carried in the charging data request):

[0227] In 22ch-b, the charging data record (MME-CDR) can contain one or more of the following parameters:

[0228] In 22ch-c, the CDF / CGF returns a charging data response (Charging Data Response) to the MME.

[0229] In this description, the embodiment can support the collection of charging messages and support subsequent charging operations, such as: CGF forwarding CDR to billing domain (Billing Domain, BD), etc., which are not limited here.

[0230] Among them, embodiment 1 can be applied to the architecture shown in figure 4(b) and / or figure 4(c), but is not limited thereto.

[0231] Embodiment 2, UE initiated MO or MT procedure;

[0232] When the data on the satellite is stored and forwarded, the data is stored on the satellite MME; wherein how much data is stored, how long data is stored, etc. need to be counted for billing record. In particular:

[0233] (1) For MO: the charging method can be that the ground MME counts the size of the data sent from each satellite MME (corresponding to the above reference data sent by the satellite network element; according to the reference data, the charging information for satellite related operation is obtained), and sends it to the CDF / CGF according to the table;

[0234] Or if the data on the ground is stored in the SGW, the SGW sends this charging data record to the CDF / CGF.

[0235] (2) For MT: the charging manner can be that the ground MME sends the data transmitted by each satellite MME to the CDF / CGF for size statistics (corresponding to the above-mentioned determination of the reference data transmitted to the satellite network element; according to the reference data, the charging information for satellite-related operations is obtained), and the table is sent to the CDF / CGF;

[0236] In addition, for MO and / or MT: the storage time can be provided by a (4G / 5G system) network element (not limited to a specific network element) or an operation administration and maintenance (OAM), or calculated by a ground network element (not limited to a specific network element) according to different ephemeris information of each satellite and UE location information, which is not limited here.

[0237] Therefore, the ground MME or SGW (corresponding to the above-mentioned first network element) sends a charging data request to the CDF / CGF (corresponding to the above-mentioned second network element), and the request collects one or more of the following parameters (corresponding to the above-mentioned charging information carried in the charging data request):

[0238] The satellite information (1..max) in the above table can represent the satellite information of the satellite corresponding to the satellite index 1..max, but is not limited thereto.

[0239] Correspondingly, the MME-CDR (i.e. the CDR created by the MME) or the SGW-CDR (i.e. the CDR created by the SGW) can include one or more of the following parameters:

[0240] Thereafter, the CDF / CGF can send a charging data response to the ground MME or SGW; corresponding to the above-mentioned sending of the charging data response to the first network element.

[0241] Among them, the embodiment 2 can be applicable to the architecture shown in FIG. 4(b) and / or FIG. 4(c), but is not limited thereto.

[0242] Embodiment 3: SMS over MME charging;

[0243] Considering that the store-and-forward satellite operation supports the transmission of the short message service (SMS), the charging of the SMS over MME charging in the 4G charging needs to be enhanced. Based on this, 1. two charging events can be added for SMS charging:

[0244] (1) SMS message over store-and-forward satellite operation (MO direction); corresponding to the above SMS message over store-and-forward satellite operation for MO;

[0245] (2) SMS message over store-and-forward satellite operation (MT direction); corresponding to the above SMS message over store-and-forward satellite operation for MT.

[0246] Correspondingly, the Service Information of SMS over MME charging (the information is contained in the charging data request sent by the ground MME (CTF) to the CDF) can contain one or more of the following parameters:

[0247] Alternatively, 2. The following two charging events can be added for ground MME charging:

[0248] SMS message over store-and-forward satellite operation (MO direction); corresponding to the above SMS message over store-and-forward satellite operation for MO;

[0249] SMS message over store-and-forward satellite operation (MT direction); corresponding to the above SMS message over store-and-forward satellite operation for MT.

[0250] Correspondingly, the charging data request sent by the ground MME (CTF) to the CDF can contain one or more of the following parameters:

[0251] Wherein, the above ground MME (CTF) can correspond to the first network element, and the CDF can correspond to the second network element.

[0252] The CDF receives any of the above tables to create an SMS-MO-CDR (i.e. SMS CDR for MO) or an SMS-MT-CDR (i.e. SMS CDR for MT); corresponding to the above creating a charging data record according to the charging data request; the SMS-MO-CDR / SMS-MT-CDR can contain one or more of the following parameters:

[0253] Thereafter, the CDF can send a charging data response to the ground MME (CTF); corresponding to the above sending a charging data response to the first network element.

[0254] Wherein, the embodiment 3 can be applied to the architecture shown in Fig. 4(b), but is not limited thereto.

[0255] Embodiment 4: EPC on-board (4G core network (EPC) on satellite);

[0256] For the architecture of core network network elements such as eNB, MME, SGW, PGW, HSS, enhanced service mobile location center (E-SMLC) and / or short message service center (SMSC) on satellite, if the charging network element is also on satellite and the feeder link is connected, the charging trigger event can include the following:

[0257] The attachment procedure initiated by the UE through the store-and-forward satellite operation is completed; corresponding to the above-mentioned attachment procedure initiated by the terminal through the store-and-forward satellite operation is completed;

[0258] MO event initiated by the UE through the store-and-forward satellite operation; corresponding to the above-mentioned MO event initiated by the terminal through the store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0259] MT event received by the UE through the store-and-forward satellite operation; corresponding to the above-mentioned MT event received by the terminal through the store-and-forward satellite operation;

[0260] Correspondingly, if the charging network element (CTF) is on satellite, the charging data request is sent after the feeder link is connected; corresponding to the above-mentioned case that the charging network element is deployed on satellite and the feeder link is in a connected state, the charging data request is sent to the second network element;

[0261] If the charging network element (CTF) is not on satellite, the charging data request is sent directly; which can correspond to the case that the charging network element is not deployed on satellite, the charging data request is sent to the second network element.

[0262] In addition, 1. For cellular internet of things (CIoT) data, (1) if the data is stored in the MME, the above-mentioned charging trigger event can be added in the charging trigger condition of the MME, and the related operation of the MME-CDR can be added, which is the same as the related operation of the MME-CDR in Embodiment 2, and one or more of the following charging parameters are collected:

[0263] (2) If the data is stored in the SGW, the related operation of the SGW-CDR can be added, which is the same as the related operation of the SGW-CDR in Embodiment 2, and one or more of the parameters shown in the above table can be added in the SGW-CDR, which will not be repeated here;

[0264] 2. For SMS data, the SMS over MME charging mode can be adopted, one or more of the parameters shown in the above table can be added in the SMS over MME related list, which can be implemented as in Embodiment 3; which will not be repeated here.

[0265] In this embodiment 4, the architecture shown in Fig. 4(c) can be applied, but is not limited thereto.

[0266] Embodiment 5: Charging for Internet of Things (IoT) application;

[0267] 1. The following charging events are added for charging per application:

[0268] Storage and forwarding satellite operation registration completion;

[0269] Storage and forwarding satellite operation data transmission completion;

[0270] 2. The following charging events are added for charging per TDF session:

[0271] Storage and forwarding satellite operation registration completion;

[0272] Storage and forwarding satellite operation data transmission completion.

[0273] Based on the above, for the charging trigger event from the TDF, the events of storage and forwarding satellite operation registration completion and storage and forwarding satellite operation data transmission completion are added.

[0274] The TDF-CDR charging information (i.e. the charging information obtained by the TDF for the CDR) can include one or more of the following charging parameters:

[0275] One or more of the parameters shown in the above table can be carried in the charging data request initiated by the CTF in the TDF, which will not be limited here.

[0276] Correspondingly, the CDF in the TDF will create a CDR after receiving the charging data request, and then send a charging data response to the CTF in the TDF; which corresponds to the above sending a charging data response to the first network element.

[0277] In this embodiment 5, the architecture shown in Fig. 4(b) and / or Fig. 4(c) can be applied, but is not limited thereto.

[0278] It is explained that the related contents of the above various embodiments can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0279] From the above, the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure mainly relates to:

[0280] 1. A charging method, comprising triggering charging for store-and-forward satellite operation based on a charging trigger condition by a charging trigger device (CTF).

[0281] 2. Based on 1, the charging trigger condition of the CTF (i.e., the charging event triggering charging) comprises one or more of the following: completion of a store-and-forward attachment process (corresponding to the above-mentioned completion of the attachment process initiated by the UE through store-and-forward satellite operation), MO / MT event using store-and-forward (corresponding to the above-mentioned MO event initiated by the UE through store-and-forward satellite operation, MT event received by the UE through store-and-forward satellite operation), etc.

[0282] 3. Based on 2, one or more of the following charging parameters can be included in the charging data request: radio access type (RAT type), satellite access indication, store-and-forward indication, satellite information (which can include satellite ID, stored data volume, and / or storage duration).

[0283] In summary, based on the present scheme, charging for satellite store-and-forward data operation and the like can be realized; specifically, even if store-and-forward operation and the like are performed through multiple satellites, the use of each satellite can also be clearly charged.

[0284] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a charging device, which is a first network element, as shown in FIG. 10, comprising a memory 101, a transceiver 102, and a processor 103:

[0285] The memory 101 is configured to store a computer program; the transceiver 102 is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor 103; and the processor 103 is configured to read the computer program in the memory 101 and perform the following operations:

[0286] When a charging trigger condition is met, obtaining charging information for satellite-related operation;

[0287] Sending a charging data request to a second network element through the transceiver 102, wherein the charging data request carries the charging information.

[0288] The charging device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can support charging for satellite-related operation by obtaining charging information for satellite-related operation when a charging trigger condition is met, and sending a charging data request to a second network element, wherein the charging data request carries the charging information, thereby solving the problem that satellite-related operation cannot be charged in the related art.

[0289] Specifically, the transceiver 102 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 103.

[0290] In FIG. 10, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges, and various circuitry linking the various components, such as one or more processors represented by the processor 103 and the memory represented by the memory 101. The bus architecture can also link various other circuitry, such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuitry, all of which are well known in the art, and therefore, not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 102 can be multiple elements, i.e., including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium, including a wireless channel, a wired channel, optical cable, etc. The processor 103 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 101 can store data used by the processor 103 in executing operations.

[0291] The processor 103 can 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), and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0292] The satellite-related operation includes at least one of a store-and-forward satellite operation, satellite-based attachment access, terminal initiation via the satellite, and terminal reception via the satellite.

[0293] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging trigger condition includes at least one of the following: completion of an attachment process of a store-and-forward satellite operation initiated by a terminal; a terminal-initiated MO event via a store-and-forward satellite operation; a terminal-received MT event via a store-and-forward satellite operation; completion of an attachment process of satellite access initiated by a terminal; a MO event via a satellite; a MT event via a satellite; a MO short message service (SMS) message via a store-and-forward satellite operation; a MT SMS message via a store-and-forward satellite operation; completion of a store-and-forward satellite operation registration; completion of a store-and-forward satellite operation data transmission; a terminal-initiated MO event of a UP CIoT service via a store-and-forward satellite operation; and a terminal-initiated MT event of a UP CIoT service via a store-and-forward satellite operation.

[0294] The storage and forwarding satellite operation registration completion is a charging trigger condition in the attachment process and / or in the Internet of Things application scenario, and / or the storage and forwarding satellite operation data transmission completion is a charging trigger condition in the Internet of Things application scenario.

[0295] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the charging information includes at least one of the following: a wireless access type; a satellite access indication; a storage and forwarding indication; satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the storage and forwarding satellite operation; the satellite information includes at least one of a satellite identifier, a storage data volume, and a storage time length; satellite storage and forwarding information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the storage and forwarding satellite operation; the satellite storage and forwarding information includes at least one of a satellite storage and forwarding indication, a satellite identifier, a storage data volume, and a storage time length.

[0296] Further, the operation further includes: receiving, by the transceiver, a charging data response sent by the second network element.

[0297] The obtaining of the charging information for the satellite-related operation includes: receiving, by the transceiver, reference data sent by a satellite network element; or determining reference data to be sent to the satellite network element; and obtaining the charging information for the satellite-related operation according to the reference data.

[0298] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference data is traffic data transmitted by the satellite network element.

[0299] It should be noted that the above device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can realize all the method steps realized by the first network element side method embodiment and achieve the same technical effects, and the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiment in this embodiment will not be described in detail.

[0300] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a charging device, the charging device being a second network element, as shown in FIG. 11, including a memory 111, a transceiver 112, and a processor 113:

[0301] The memory 111 is configured to store a computer program; the transceiver 112 is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor 113; and the processor 113 is configured to read the computer program in the memory 111 and perform the following operations:

[0302] receiving, by the transceiver 112, a charging data request sent by a first network element; the charging data request carrying charging information for a satellite-related operation;

[0303] According to the charging data request, a charging data record is created.

[0304] The charging device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure receives a charging data request sent by a first network element; the charging data request carries charging information of satellite-related operations; a charging data record is created according to the charging data request; and charging for satellite-related operations can be supported, thereby solving the problem that charging for satellite-related operations cannot be supported in the related art.

[0305] Specifically, the transceiver 112 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 113.

[0306] In FIG. 11, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, which link various circuits together, including the processor 113 and the memory 111, which is represented by one or more processors and memories. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits, such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and thus, are not described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 112 can be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, which provide units for communicating with various other devices over transmission media, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical cables, and the like. The processor 113 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 111 can store data used by the processor 113 when performing operations.

[0307] The processor 113 can 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 can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0308] The satellite-related operations include at least one of store-and-forward satellite operations, attachment access through a satellite, terminal initiation through a satellite, and terminal reception through a satellite.

[0309] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging information includes at least one of the following: a radio access type; a satellite access indication; a store-and-forward indication; satellite information used to indicate information of all satellites supporting store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information includes at least one of the following: a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length; and satellite store-and-forward information used to indicate information of all satellites supporting store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite store-and-forward information includes at least one of the following: a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0310] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging data record includes at least one of the following: a satellite access indication; a store-and-forward indication; satellite information used to indicate information of all satellites supporting store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information includes at least one of the following: a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0311] Further, the operations further include: sending, by the transceiver, a charging data response to the first network element.

[0312] It should be noted that the above device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can realize all the method steps realized by the second network element side method embodiments, and achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiments will not be described in detail.

[0313] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a charging device applied to a first network element, as shown in FIG. 12, which includes:

[0314] A first obtaining unit 121 is configured to obtain charging information for satellite related operation when a charging trigger condition is met.

[0315] A first sending unit 122 is configured to send a charging data request to a second network element, and the charging data request carries the charging information.

[0316] The charging device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can support charging for satellite related operation by obtaining charging information for satellite related operation when a charging trigger condition is met, sending a charging data request to a second network element, and the charging data request carrying the charging information, thereby solving the problem that satellite related operation cannot be charged in the related art.

[0317] The satellite related operation includes at least one of the following: a store-and-forward satellite operation, satellite-based attachment access, terminal initiation via satellite, and terminal reception via satellite.

[0318] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging trigger condition comprises at least one of the following: completion of an attach procedure initiated by the terminal and operated by the store-and-forward satellite; a MO event initiated by the terminal and operated by the store-and-forward satellite; a MT event received by the terminal and operated by the store-and-forward satellite; completion of an attach procedure initiated by the terminal and accessed by the satellite; a MO event by the satellite; a MT event by the satellite; a MO short message service (SMS) message by the store-and-forward satellite operation; a MT SMS message by the store-and-forward satellite operation; completion of registration of the store-and-forward satellite operation; completion of data transmission of the store-and-forward satellite operation; a MO event of the UP CIoT service initiated by the terminal and operated by the store-and-forward satellite; a MT event of the UP CIoT service initiated by the terminal and operated by the store-and-forward satellite.

[0319] The completion of the registration of the store-and-forward satellite operation is a charging trigger condition in the attach procedure and / or in the Internet of Things application scenario; and / or the completion of the data transmission of the store-and-forward satellite operation is a charging trigger condition in the Internet of Things application scenario.

[0320] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging information comprises at least one of the following: a radio access type; a satellite access indication; a store-and-forward indication; satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information comprises at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length; satellite store-and-forward information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite store-and-forward information comprises at least one of a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0321] Further, the charging device further comprises a first receiving unit configured to receive the charging data response sent by the second network element.

[0322] The method comprises the following steps: receiving reference data sent by a satellite network element; or determining reference data to be sent to the satellite network element; and acquiring charging information for satellite-related operations according to the reference data.

[0323] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the reference data is traffic data transmitted by the satellite network element.

[0324] It should be noted that the above device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can realize all the method steps realized by the first network element side method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiments will not be described in detail.

[0325] The present disclosure also provides a charging device applied to a second network element, as shown in FIG. 13, comprising:

[0326] The second receiving unit 131 is configured to receive a charging data request sent by the first network element, wherein the charging data request carries charging information of a satellite-related operation.

[0327] The first processing unit 132 is configured to create a charging data record according to the charging data request.

[0328] The charging device provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can support charging for the satellite-related operation by receiving a charging data request sent by the first network element, wherein the charging data request carries charging information of a satellite-related operation; and creating a charging data record according to the charging data request, thereby solving the problem that the satellite-related operation cannot be charged in the related art.

[0329] The satellite-related operation includes at least one of the following: a store-and-forward satellite operation, satellite-based attachment access, terminal initiation via a satellite, and terminal reception via a satellite.

[0330] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging information includes at least one of the following: a wireless access type, a satellite access indication, a store-and-forward indication, satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation, and the satellite information including at least one of the following: a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0331] The charging data record includes at least one of the following: a satellite access indication, a store-and-forward indication, and satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation, and the satellite information including at least one of the following: a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

[0332] Further, the charging device further includes a second sending unit configured to send a charging data response to the first network element.

[0333] It should be noted that the above device provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the second network element side method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects, and therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiments will not be described in detail.

[0334] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematic, and is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, another division manner can be used. In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present disclosure can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0335] When the integrated unit is realized in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present disclosure, essentially or in other words, the part that contributes to the related art or the whole or part of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0336] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a non-transitory readable storage medium, which stores a program. The program is used to make a processor execute the charging method on the first network element side or the second network element side.

[0337] The non-transitory readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that a processor can access, including but not limited to a magnetic storage device (e.g., floppy diskette, hard disk drive, tape, magneto-optical on disk (MO), etc.), an optical storage device (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), Blu-ray disk (BD), high-definition versatile disk (HVD), etc.), and a semiconductor storage device (e.g., ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory device (NAND FLASH), solid state drive (SSD), etc.), etc.

[0338] The implementation embodiments of the charging method on the first network element side or the second network element side described above are applicable to the implementation embodiments of the non-transitory readable storage medium, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0339] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the disclosure can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the disclosure can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the disclosure can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0340] The disclosure is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and the combination of the flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer executable instructions. These computer executable instructions can be provided to a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the computer or other programmable data processing devices produce a device that implements the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0341] These processor-executable instructions can also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flow diagram one or more flows and / or the block diagram one or more blocks.

[0342] These processor-executable instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram one or more flows and / or the block diagram one or more blocks.

[0343] Further, it is noted that in the apparatus and method of the present disclosure, it is apparent that each component or each step can be decomposed and / or recombined. These decompositions and / or recombination should be considered as equivalent solutions of the present disclosure. Moreover, the steps of performing the above series of processes can naturally be executed in time sequence according to the order of description, but do not necessarily have to be executed in time sequence, and certain steps can be executed in parallel or independently of each other. It can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that all or any steps or components of the method and apparatus of the present disclosure can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof in any computing device (including processors, storage media, etc.) or network of computing devices, which can be achieved by those of ordinary skill in the art using their basic programming skills after reading the description of the present disclosure.

[0344] It should be noted that the division of the above various modules should be understood as only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, all or part of them can be integrated into one physical entity, or can be physically separated. Moreover, these modules can all be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element; can all be implemented in the form of hardware; or some modules can be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element, and some modules can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, a certain module can be a separately established processing element, or can be integrated into a certain chip of the above apparatus, and in addition, can be stored in the form of program code in the memory of the above apparatus, and called and executed by a certain processing element of the above apparatus to determine the function of the above module. The implementation of other modules is similar. Moreover, all or part of these modules can be integrated together, or can be independently implemented. The processing element described herein can be an integrated circuit having a signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above modules can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of hardware or the instruction of software in the processing element.

[0345] For example, each module, unit, subunit, or submodule can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). As another example, when a module is implemented using processing element scheduler code, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor capable of calling program code. Furthermore, these modules can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0346] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., used in this disclosure and in the claims are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this disclosure described herein may be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus. Additionally, the use of “and / or” in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, such as A and / or B and / or C, indicating seven possibilities: A alone, B alone, C alone, and both A and B, both B and C, both A and C, and A, B, and C. Similarly, the use of “at least one of A and B” in this specification and claims should be understood as “A alone, B alone, or both A and B.”

[0347] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents, this disclosure is also intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A charging method applied to a first network element, the method comprising: obtaining charging information for a satellite related operation, in a case that a charging trigger condition is met; and sending a charging data request to a second network element, the charging data request carrying the charging information. The satellite related operation comprises at least one of a store-and-forward satellite operation, an attach access via a satellite, a terminal initiation via a satellite, and a terminal reception via a satellite. The charging trigger condition comprises at least one of: a completion of an attach procedure of a store-and-forward satellite operation initiated by a terminal; 2. The charging method of claim 1, wherein, a MO event of a terminal initiated via a store-and-forward satellite operation; 3. The charging method of claim 1, wherein, an MT event of a terminal received via a store-and-forward satellite operation; a completion of an attach procedure of a satellite access initiated by a terminal; a MO event via a satellite; an MT event via a satellite; a MO of a short message service (SMS) message via a store-and-forward satellite operation; an MT of a SMS message via a store-and-forward satellite operation; a completion of a store-and-forward satellite operation registration; a completion of a store-and-forward satellite operation data transmission; a MO event of a UP CIoT service of a terminal initiated via a store-and-forward satellite operation; a MT event of a UP CIoT service of a terminal initiated via a store-and-forward satellite operation. The completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation registration is a charging trigger condition in an attach procedure and / or an Internet of Things (IoT) application scenario; and / or, the completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation data transmission is a charging trigger condition in the IoT application scenario. The charging information comprises at least one of: a radio access type; 4. The charging method of claim 3, wherein, a satellite access indication; a store-and-forward indication; 5. The charging method of claim 1, wherein, satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting a completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation, the satellite information comprising at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data volume, and a stored time length; satellite store-and-forward information for indicating information of all satellites supporting a completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation, the satellite store-and-forward information comprising at least one of a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data volume, and a stored time length. The method further comprises: receiving a charging data response sent by the second network element. The obtaining of the charging information for the satellite related operation comprises: receiving reference data sent by a satellite network element; or determining reference data to be sent to the satellite network element; 6. The billing method of claim 1, wherein, obtaining the charging information for the satellite related operation according to the reference data. The reference data is traffic data transmitted by the satellite network element.

7. The billing method of claim 1, wherein, 9. A charging method applied to a second network element, the method comprising: receiving a charging data request sent by a first network element; the charging data request carrying charging information of a satellite related operation; 8. The charging method of claim 7, wherein, creating a charging data record according to the charging data request. The satellite related operation comprises at least one of a store-and-forward satellite operation, an attach access via a satellite, a terminal initiation via a satellite, and a terminal reception via a satellite. The charging information comprises at least one of: a radio access type; a satellite access indication; a store-and-forward indication; 10. The charging method of claim 9, wherein, ​ 11. The charging method of claim 9, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ Satellite information, used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information comprises at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length; Satellite store-and-forward information, used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite store-and-forward information comprises at least one of a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

12. The charging method of claim 9, wherein, The charging data record comprises at least one of: A satellite access indication; A store-and-forward indication; Satellite information, used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information comprises at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

13. The charging method of claim 9, wherein, Further comprising: Sending, to the first network element, a charging data response.

14. A charging device, the charging device being a first network element, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: a memory for storing the computer program; The transceiver is configured to transceive data under control of the processor; The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: In a case where a charging trigger condition is met, obtaining charging information for a satellite-related operation; Through the transceiver, sending, to a second network element, a charging data request, the charging data request carrying the charging information.

15. The billing device of claim 14, wherein, The satellite-related operation comprises at least one of a store-and-forward satellite operation, satellite access initiated by a terminal, terminal initiation via a satellite, and terminal reception via a satellite.

16. The billing device of claim 14, wherein, The charging trigger condition comprises at least one of: Completion of an attachment process of a store-and-forward satellite operation initiated by a terminal; A terminal-initiated MO event via a store-and-forward satellite operation; A terminal-received MT event via a store-and-forward satellite operation; Completion of an attachment process of satellite access initiated by a terminal; An MO event via a satellite; An MT event via a satellite; An MO short message service (SMS) message via a store-and-forward satellite operation; An MT SMS message via a store-and-forward satellite operation; Completion of a store-and-forward satellite operation registration; Completion of a store-and-forward satellite operation data transmission.

17. The billing device of claim 16, wherein, The completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation registration is a charging trigger condition in an attachment process and / or an Internet of Things (IoT) application scenario; And / or, the completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation data transmission is a charging trigger condition in an IoT application scenario.

18. The billing device of claim 14 wherein, The charging information comprises at least one of: A radio access type; A satellite access indication; A store-and-forward indication; Satellite information, used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite information comprises at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length; Satellite store-and-forward information, used for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of the store-and-forward satellite operation; the satellite store-and-forward information comprises at least one of a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data amount, and a stored time length.

19. The billing device of claim 14 wherein, The operation further comprises: Through the transceiver, receiving a charging data response sent by the second network element.

20. The billing device of claim 14 wherein, The obtaining of the charging information for the satellite-related operation comprises: receive reference data sent by the on-board network element through the transceiver; or, determine reference data to be sent to the on-board network element; obtain charging information for satellite-related operations according to the reference data.

21. The billing device of claim 20 wherein, The reference data is traffic data transmitted by the on-board network element.

22. A charging device, which is a second network element, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: a memory for storing the computer program; the transceiver is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor; the processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receive a charging data request sent by a first network element through the transceiver; the charging data request carries charging information of satellite-related operations; create a charging data record according to the charging data request.

23. The billing device of claim 22 wherein, The satellite-related operations include at least one of store-and-forward satellite operations, attachment access through a satellite, terminal initiation through a satellite, and terminal reception through a satellite.

24. The billing device of claim 22 wherein, The charging information includes at least one of: a radio access type; a satellite access indication; a store-and-forward indication; satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of store-and-forward satellite operations; the satellite information includes at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data volume, and a stored time length; satellite store-and-forward information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of store-and-forward satellite operations; the satellite store-and-forward information includes at least one of a satellite store-and-forward indication, a satellite identifier, a stored data volume, and a stored time length.

25. The billing device of claim 22 wherein, The charging data record includes at least one of: a satellite access indication; a store-and-forward indication; satellite information for indicating information of all satellites supporting completion of store-and-forward satellite operations; the satellite information includes at least one of a satellite identifier, a stored data volume, and a stored time length.

26. The billing device of claim 22 wherein, The operations further include: send a charging data response to the first network element through the transceiver.

27. A charging apparatus applied to a first network element, the apparatus comprising: a first obtaining unit configured to obtain charging information for satellite-related operations when a charging trigger condition is met; a first sending unit configured to send a charging data request to a second network element, the charging data request carrying the charging information.

28. A charging apparatus applied to a second network element, the apparatus comprising: a second receiving unit configured to receive a charging data request sent by a first network element; the charging data request carries charging information of satellite-related operations; a first processing unit configured to create a charging data record according to the charging data request.

29. A non-transitory readable storage medium, which stores a program for causing a processor to perform the charging method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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