Converged Charging System Data Reporting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Converged charging systems in 5G networks struggle to control when data usage information is reported for offline services, leading to inconsistencies in billing cycles and lack of real-time monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Introducing new triggers in the converged charging interface to control the frequency and timing of data reporting, allowing session management devices to report data usage separately for old and new billing cycles, and enabling the system to manage offline services more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If offline charging mechanism is used, then billing can be performed after services are rendered, but real-time monitoring of data usage is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging mechanism into online and offline components, allowing different services to be charged differently. The session management device separates data usage reporting by billing cycles (old vs. new), enabling precise tracking for offline services while maintaining overall system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the converged charging system provides triggers to session management devices, which then report data usage information back to the charging system. This creates a closed-loop feedback system that enables real-time monitoring capabilities even for offline charged services.
2Measurement precision
If online charging mechanism is used, then real-time monitoring of data usage is provided, but services cannot be billed after services are rendered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the charging mechanism dynamic by allowing the system to switch between online and offline charging modes based on service type and billing cycle status. The converged charging system can adaptively adjust monitoring and billing timing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by setting up triggers and reporting mechanisms in advance for offline services. The system proactively prepares data usage tracking infrastructure before services are rendered, enabling post-service billing with accurate data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If converged charging mechanism is used, then both offline and online charging aspects are combined, but control over when data usage information is reported for offline services is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the converged charging system with triggers) that mediates between the session management device and the charging system. This intermediary enables centralized control over when data usage information is reported, even for offline services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data reporting control by introducing trigger mechanisms that can be activated or deactivated based on billing cycle status. The system dynamically adjusts reporting parameters to maintain control over offline service data collection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If converged charging mechanism is used, then offline services can be managed, but inconsistencies in billing cycles occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments billing cycles into distinct old and new cycles, with separate data usage reporting for each. This segmentation prevents mixing of billing data and maintains consistency within each billing cycle while allowing transition between cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by resetting data usage counters at the beginning of new billing cycles. The system periodically clears old billing cycle data and starts fresh tracking, ensuring consistency and preventing accumulation errors across cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein include receiving, at a network device and from a session management device, a first message that includes a first identifier associated with a subscriber and a second identifier associated with a first service that is charged using an online charging system. The network device transmits a second message that indicates a first time period in which to report data usage associated with the first service and a second time period in which to report data usage associated with one or more second services that are charged using an offline charging system. The network device receives first data usage information associated with the first service after the first time period and second data usage information associated with the one or more second services after the second time period. The network device processes the data usage information.