API Service Cost Calculation via Segmented Usage Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face difficulties in accurately calculating the cost of each API used in computer services, making it challenging for service providers to grasp their profit margins.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires charge system information and usage history data to calculate costs for each API, enabling service providers to understand their profit prospects by visualizing API usage and costs through a service cost calculation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple APIs are used in computer services, then service functionality is enhanced, but cost calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cost calculation by dividing it into individual API-level calculations. Each API's cost is calculated separately based on its specific charge system and usage history, allowing for granular tracking and simplified aggregation. This segmentation transforms a complex overall cost problem into manageable individual API cost components.
2Measurement precision
If detailed usage history is tracked for each API, then cost accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically acquiring usage history information from service providers and autonomously calculating costs based on pre-stored charge system information. This automation eliminates manual data processing complexity while maintaining high cost accuracy through systematic data collection and calculation procedures.
3Productivity
If charge system information is stored for multiple APIs, then cost calculation capability is enhanced, but information storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing charge system information for multiple APIs in advance before actual cost calculation is needed. This pre-stored information includes various charge systems (pay-per-use, subscription, free tiers) that can be quickly retrieved and applied during cost calculation, enhancing productivity without requiring complex real-time data processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and the processor configured to: acquire charge system information indicating a charge system of each application programming interface (API) called by a service; acquire usage history information indicating a usage history of the service by a user; and calculate a cost for each API based on a number of calls of each API, which is included in the usage history information, and a charge system of each API.