IMS Operator Mediator for Cross-Network Service Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
IMS users face inconvenience in authenticating and charging for services across different networks without a trust relationship, requiring multiple login credentials and lengthy authentication processes.
Innovation Solution
A method where a user's IMS operator acts as a payment service provider, using an intermediate IMS network with a trust relationship to authenticate and charge for services, allowing users to access services without establishing a direct trust relationship with the service provider, through a process involving restricted addresses and credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users authenticate directly with each service provider, then authentication can be performed, but users must establish multiple trust relationships and provide multiple login credentials creating inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate network (IMS operator) as a mediator between the user and service providers. This intermediary handles authentication and charging functions, allowing users to access services through a single trusted IMS operator without establishing direct trust relationships with each service provider. The intermediary network acts as a gateway that manages multiple trust relationships on behalf of the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The IMS operator's authentication and charging system serves multiple functions: it authenticates users, authorizes services, manages charging across different networks, and provides a single point of contact for all service providers. This universal system replaces the need for multiple separate authentication mechanisms with one multi-functional platform.
2Ease of manufacture
If users provide financial data directly to service providers, then charging can be performed, but users are exposed to financial data security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate network (IMS operator) serves as a secure intermediary that handles all financial transactions between users and service providers. Users provide their financial data only to the IMS operator, which then uses it for charging purposes. Service providers never directly access user financial data, reducing security exposure while maintaining charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the financial data handling function from direct service provider-user interactions and consolidates it within the IMS operator's secure infrastructure. By taking out the charging function to a dedicated intermediary system, the patent isolates financial data from service provider systems, minimizing the attack surface for data breaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users establish direct relationships with each service provider, then services can be accessed, but the process requires lengthy authentication procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The IMS operator performs preliminary authentication and authorization actions before the user accesses any service. By establishing the user's identity and entitlements in advance through the intermediary system, the patent eliminates the need for repeated authentication procedures when accessing different services, as the intermediary has already validated the user's credentials once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple authentication procedures into a single unified authentication process handled by the IMS operator. Instead of users authenticating separately with each service provider, the intermediary combines all authentication functions into one centralized process, reducing total authentication time while maintaining access to multiple services.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of charging for services in a Session Initiation Protocol-based communication network. A Server that provides a service receives a first request message from a user. In response, the server sends the user a restricted address via which services can be obtained. The user sends a second request message to an intermediate network, the second request message including the restricted address. Note that the intermediate network has a trust relationship with the Server. A user identifier associated with the user is authenticated at the intermediate network, which then sends to the Server a third request, the third request including an identity of the user and the restricted address. The Server sends a response message, which includes credentials that the user can use for obtaining the requested service from the restricted address. The intermediate network charges the user for the requested service, and sends the credentials to the user, thereby allowing the user to access the service.