Access Network Usage Record Filtering for Unlimited Plans
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing volume of unnecessary usage records for unlimited-use subscribers in data communication services burdens service providers and subscribers, as existing systems generate detailed records for all subscribers regardless of their subscription plans, leading to increased storage and processing demands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system in access networks to differentiate between subscription plans, where subscribers with unlimited-use plans are exempt from generating enhanced usage records, while those with pay-per-use plans continue to generate detailed records, thereby reducing the volume of records for unlimited-use subscribers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detailed usage records are generated for all subscribers regardless of subscription plan, then billing accuracy for pay-per-use subscribers is ensured, but storage and processing burdens increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating record-generation behavior based on subscription plan type. Unlimited-use subscribers receive basic records only, while pay-per-use subscribers receive detailed enhanced records. This localized differentiation ensures billing accuracy where needed while reducing overall record volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the subscriber base into different groups (unlimited-use vs. pay-per-use) and applies different record-generation rules to each segment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high billing accuracy for paying customers while reducing unnecessary record generation for unlimited subscribers.
2Loss of information
If enhanced usage records are generated for all subscribers, then complete billing information is available, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by generating enhanced detailed records only for pay-per-use subscribers who require complete billing information, while unlimited-use subscribers receive only basic records. This partial approach maintains information completeness where necessary while improving processing efficiency overall.
3Reliability
If usage records are generated for unlimited-use subscribers, then service usage is tracked, but unnecessary storage burden is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the enhanced detailed record-generation process and applies it only to pay-per-use subscribers. For unlimited-use subscribers, only essential basic records are generated. This extraction eliminates unnecessary storage burden while maintaining sufficient usage tracking for service management.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for initiating record-keeping processes for usage of communication services by subscribers. An exemplary method may be implemented in an access network wherein two or more types of subscription plans are available to the subscribers, including an unlimited-use subscription plan. An exemplary method involves (a) receiving a connection request from a subscriber to engage in a communication session via an access network; (b) before providing the requested connection, making a determination as to whether or not the subscriber is enrolled in an unlimited-use subscription plan; (c) if the determination is that the subscriber is not enrolled in the unlimited-use subscription plan, then initiating a process to generate enhanced usage records for the communication session; and (d) if the determination is that the subscriber is enrolled in the unlimited-use subscription plan, then refraining from initiating a process to generate enhanced usage records for the communication session.