5G Charging Indication Flow for Flexible PDU Session Billing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4G communications systems lack flexibility in charging processing, particularly during service-based charging, as the online charging system cannot perform charging processing unless actively requested by the charging trigger function apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The charging trigger function apparatus sends a charging start request with an indication receiving address, allowing the charging function apparatus to send indication messages based on different indication types, such as charging update, terminating, overload, rule configuration, or resource validity indications, enabling the charging trigger function apparatus to perform specific operations and meet various charging requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the charging trigger function apparatus uses traditional request-response mechanism, then the online charging system can perform charging processing, but the charging processing method is insufficiently flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional request-response mechanism by allowing the online charging system to send indication messages to the charging trigger function apparatus, enabling the system to initiate charging processing actively rather than passively waiting for requests. This inversion resolves the contradiction by making the charging process more flexible while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized indication types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the online charging system sends indication messages to the charging trigger function apparatus based on charging status and requirements. This feedback loop enables dynamic charging processing initiation, resolving the flexibility issue while keeping the mechanism manageable through defined indication types and standardized communication protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the online charging system actively sends indication messages, then charging processing becomes more flexible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the indication messages into distinct types (charging update, charging terminating, overload, rule configuration, resource validity detecting indications). This segmentation allows the system to implement active charging initiation with manageable complexity by handling each indication type independently through standardized processing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal indication message framework that can handle multiple charging scenarios through a standardized structure. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve flexibility across different charging situations while reducing overall complexity by reusing the same message format and processing mechanisms rather than creating separate systems for each scenario.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
Figure 5
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a charging method and a related product. The charging method includes: sending a charging start request for a packet data unit (PDU) session to a charging function apparatus, where the charging start request carries an indication receiving address; receiving an indication message that is sent by the charging function apparatus based on the indication receiving address, where the indication message carries an indication type; and performing charging processing based on the indication type. In this way, in a service-based interface mechanism, the charging function apparatus on a server side has a capability of enabling, as required, a charging trigger function apparatus on a client side to perform some specific operations, to meet a personalized charging requirement.