Online Charging System for Multi-Party Communication Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems lack efficient mechanisms for users to control and manage charging for shared services, particularly in scenarios where multiple parties are involved, such as multiplayer games, where it is desirable to determine who pays for the service usage, especially when the responsible party is unknown at the start.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for charging in communication systems that involves verifying each party's capability to pay, generating payment information, and charging based on agreed principles, using online charging systems and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messaging to reserve and manage payment resources, ensuring that the responsible party is charged for the service usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shared service is provided for multiple parties without predetermined charging assignment, then service accessibility and flexibility are improved, but charging management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring users to deposit payment resources into the online charging system before using the shared service. This advance preparation ensures that charging capability is verified beforehand, eliminating the need for complex post-service charging negotiations and assignments among multiple parties.
Solution Approach 2:
The online charging system acts as an intermediary between multiple service users and the service provider. It manages payment resources centrally, handles charging verification, and coordinates resource allocation among parties, thereby simplifying the charging management complexity that would otherwise arise from direct multi-party negotiations.
2Reliability
If payment resources are reserved in advance for all parties, then charging reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource management where payment resources are reserved in advance for potential service usage but can be released back to users if not utilized. The online charging system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on actual service consumption patterns, allowing resources to be temporarily held for reliability while maintaining the flexibility to return them for efficient utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies discarding and recovering by allowing unused payment resources to be returned to users after the service period expires or when service consumption is determined. This ensures that resources are securely held when needed for reliable charging but recovered when not needed, optimizing overall resource utilization efficiency.
3Reliability
If charging verification is performed for each party, then payment security is improved, but service setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing payment verification and resource reservation before the service actually begins. The online charging system verifies each party's charging capability in advance and reserves necessary payment resources, ensuring payment security is established beforehand without delaying the actual service delivery once setup is complete.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging in a communication system is described. The method comprises initiating provision of a service for at least two parties. Further, it is verified that each of the parties is capable of paying for the use of the service. Then, payment information is generated and use of the service is charged based on the payment information. The service may be a game. A communication system configured to provide and charge the service is also disclosed.