Charging System Service Switching via Re-authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging system switching methods cannot implement the coexistence of multiple charging systems, leading to inefficient resource utilization as all users are switched to a new system at once, even if not all users utilize the enhanced capabilities, resulting in waste of resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for charging system switching that allows individual services of users to be switched from an original charging system to a new one in real time, using a re-authentication request external session message with identifiers for the service and target system, enabling smooth switching and concurrent operation of multiple charging systems for different services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all users are switched from an old charging system to a new charging system at once, then the new charging system can provide enhanced capabilities and services, but resources of the old charging system are wasted and cannot be utilized concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user base and service portfolio, allowing different users and services to be distributed across multiple charging systems. Instead of a monolithic switch, the system enables granular assignment where individual users or service types can be associated with different charging systems based on their specific needs, thus maintaining resource utilization efficiency while providing enhanced capabilities where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capabilities that allow users to be moved between charging systems in real-time based on service requirements, user preferences, and system load conditions. This dynamic approach replaces the static all-or-nothing switching model, enabling the network to adapt resource allocation flexibly and maintain optimal utilization of multiple charging systems concurrently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user is switched to a new charging system to access new services, then the user can utilize enhanced capabilities, but the old charging system cannot continue to serve users with original services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal framework where multiple charging systems can coexist and serve different functions simultaneously. The original charging system continues to handle traditional services while the new charging system provides enhanced capabilities for specific services. This multi-functionality approach allows each system to operate at full efficiency for its designated services without forcing unnecessary transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different charging systems to different services or user groups based on specific requirements. Rather than uniformly switching all users, the system enables selective assignment where only users or services that require enhanced capabilities are moved to the new charging system, while others remain with the original system, optimizing both service capability and system efficiency locally.
3Ease of operation
If charging system switching is performed once for all users, then the switching process is simple and fast, but it causes significant waste of resources when not all users need the new capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing selective switching where only the necessary portion of users and services are transitioned to the new charging system. Instead of performing a complete switch for all users, the system enables granular transition of specific user groups or service types that actually require the enhanced capabilities, thereby avoiding resource waste while maintaining operational simplicity through automated selection criteria.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a charging system switching method and an apparatus, so that an online charging system or a customer relationship management system can initiate charging system switching of a specific service, and can switch any service from an original charging system to a new charging system in real time, without switching all users on the original charging system onto the new charging system. In this way, smooth switching between multiple charging systems is supported, and in addition, multiple charging systems can perform charging for different services of a same user, thereby implementing coexistence of different charging systems.