Charging Function Node TAC Positioning for 4G 5G Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging systems face challenges in executing appropriate charging processes, particularly when dealing with different wireless communication standards such as 4G and 5G.

Innovation Solution

A charging function node and apparatus that receive and process tracking area codes (TAC) conforming to different standards. The node sets the TAC at a predetermined position in the charging data record for standards conforming to a first standard (e.g., 4G) and in an extended area for standards conforming to a second standard (e.g., 5G).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the charging function node uses a fixed position for tracking area code in charging data record, then compatibility with first standard (4G) is maintained, but compatibility with second standard (5G) is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with multiple wireless communication standardsVSAvoidcharging execution accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging function node dynamically determines the position of tracking area code in the charging data record based on the wireless communication standard. For first standard (4G), it uses a predetermined position, while for second standard (5G), it uses an extended area, allowing the system to adapt to different standards without compromising charging accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of data record structure based on the detected wireless communication standard. When second standard is detected, the charging data record is extended to accommodate the tracking area code in a different position, ensuring proper charging execution while maintaining compatibility with both standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the charging function node processes tracking area codes from both first and second standards, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple wireless communication standardsVSAvoidcharging function node processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging function node performs preliminary detection of the wireless communication standard before processing the tracking area code. By detecting the standard type in advance, the node can pre-determine the appropriate data record structure and position for the tracking area code, simplifying the subsequent processing steps while maintaining multi-standard support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250203015A1Charging function node, charging apparatus, and charging method

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 NEC CORP

AI summary

Provided is a (CHF, CHarging Function) node (10) including: a reception means (11) for receiving information including a tracking area code (TAC, Tracking Area Code); and a transmission means (12) for transmitting a charging data record (CDR, Charging Data Record) including the tracking area code, in which the transmission means is configured to: set the tracking area code at a predetermined position of the charging data record in the case where the reception means receives the tracking area code conforming to a first standard; and set the tracking area code in an area to which the charging data record is extended in the case where the reception means receives the tracking area code conforming to a second standard.