Split Charging Negotiation in IMS Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the ability to dynamically and flexibly negotiate which user will be charged for each multimedia component of a session in an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) during session setup or modification, failing to accommodate user consent and network agreement for split charging.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that transmit and process messages to initiate and negotiate split charging offers, allowing users to determine the split charging ratio for each multimedia component, ensuring user consent and network agreement through the use of new SIP headers, Diameter attribute value pairs, and call detail records, enabling flexible charging arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional charging methods are used in IMS, then charging is simple and straightforward, but users cannot dynamically negotiate which user will be charged for each multimedia component of the session
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging arrangements, allowing different charging models (e.g., calling party pays, called party pays, split charging) to be negotiated and applied to different multimedia components separately. This enables flexible charging negotiation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging arrangement is made dynamic through real-time negotiation between users during session setup and modification. The split charging ratio can be dynamically adjusted based on user agreement and network policies, allowing the system to adapt to different scenarios without requiring complex preconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic split charging negotiation is implemented, then users can agree on charging splits for each multimedia component, but the system complexity increases due to new SIP headers, Diameter attributes, and CDR fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing IMS protocol structures (SIP headers, Diameter attributes, CDR fields) and extends them to serve multiple functions: session management, charging negotiation, and billing recording. This multi-functionality approach enables charging negotiation capability while leveraging existing protocol infrastructure to minimize additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element acts as an intermediary that facilitates the charging negotiation between users. It processes the negotiation requests, applies network policies, and ensures proper recording and enforcement of the agreed charging arrangements, thereby managing protocol complexity centrally rather than distributing it across all network elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If split charging negotiation is allowed during session modification, then charging flexibility is enhanced, but the risk of charging disputes and errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network element continuously monitors and records the charging arrangements agreed upon during session setup and modification. This feedback loop ensures that the recorded charging information matches the actual charging applied, reducing disputes and errors while maintaining session charging flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging arrangement is negotiated and agreed upon before charging is applied, during session setup or modification phases. This preliminary action ensures that both users and the network element have a clear understanding of the charging terms before execution, preventing disputes and ensuring charging accuracy while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for implementation of split charging in an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem, allowing subsystem users to negotiate at setup and at a modification of a session initiation protocol session which user will be charged for each multimedia component of the subsystem. A method includes transmitting a first message to a user equipment for initiating one of a multimedia call setup and a call modification, the first message including a split charging offer request and a first split charging ratio, and receiving a second message from the user equipment, the second message comprising a second split charging ratio. The method also includes processing the second message for determining whether a user of the user equipment accepted one of the multimedia call setup and the call modification, whether the user of the user equipment accepted the split charging offer request or the user offered an increase or decrease in the first split charging ratio, and whether a network element of an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem accepted, approved, and agreed upon the second split charging off ratio for allowing a group of users to negotiate which user will be charged for each component of the Internet protocol multimedia subsystem.