IMS Charging Identifier Transfer for Session-Data Channel Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in existing 3GPP IMS communication systems is the lack of effective charging correlation management between IMS communication sessions and data channels, which are managed by different entities.
Innovation Solution
An information transfer method is implemented to send a charging identifier from an IMS application server to a data channel control network element, enabling associated charging for both the communication session and the data channel application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IMS communication session and data channel are managed by different entities, then functional independence and modular architecture are improved, but charging correlation and billing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a charging identifier as an intermediary element that bridges the IMS communication session management entity and the data channel management entity. This charging identifier is embedded in SIP messages and used to correlate charging information across different management domains, enabling accurate billing while preserving functional independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the charging correlation mechanism into distinct components: charging identifier generation at the session level, charging identifier transmission through SIP messaging, and charging identifier utilization at the data channel level. This segmentation allows each entity to maintain independence while achieving coordinated charging through standardized interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data channel application is added to IMS communication session, then service functionality and user experience are improved, but charging management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal charging identifier mechanism that serves multiple functions: identifying communication sessions, identifying data channel applications, and correlating charging information across both domains. This multi-functional approach simplifies charging management despite increased service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where charging identifiers are generated from session information, transmitted through SIP messages, received by data channel entities, and used to generate charging records that feed back into the billing system. This automated feedback mechanism reduces manual charging management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information transfer method, apparatus, and system are disclosed. The method performed by an IMS application server includes: receiving an SIP message from an IMS communication control network element, where the SIP message is used to manage a communication session between a first communication device and a second communication device, and the SIP message includes a charging identifier of the communication session; and sending the charging identifier to a data channel control network element, where the charging identifier is used to associate charging information of a data channel application with charging information of the communication session. In this way, the data channel control network element subsequently sends the charging identifier to a charging processing device. This helps the charging processing device perform associated charging on the charging information of the communication session and the charging information of the data channel application.