Online Charging for Multi-User Agent Telephony Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications systems face challenges in accurately charging prepaid services for users with multiple numbers and devices across different service providers and network types, particularly when users switch between access networks, as there is no mechanism to efficiently relay updated charging information between Telephony Application Servers (TASs).
Innovation Solution
The system implements online charging for multi-user agent instances by allowing the native line TAS to provide updated SIP information to the virtual line TAS, including access network, visited network, user equipment time zone, and Cell Global Identity, to determine the correct charging rate, and uses the Diameter protocol to establish a charging session with an Online Charging System (OCS) for accurate quota management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple numbers and devices are associated with a single user account across different service providers and network types, then service versatility and user convenience are improved, but charging accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to lack of mechanism to relay updated charging information between TASs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Online Charging System (OCS) as an intermediary that centralizes charging information management. When a user accesses services through different TASs, the OCS acts as the mediator that receives, stores, and distributes charging information to the appropriate TASs, ensuring all servers have access to accurate, real-time charging data regardless of which TAS the user is currently connected to.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where TASs send charging information requests to the OCS, which then provides updated charging data back to the TASs. This feedback loop ensures that when users switch between different networks or access types, the charging information is automatically updated and relayed back to the relevant TAS, maintaining charging accuracy across multiple service providers and network types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between different access networks, then network adaptability is improved, but charging information reliability worsens due to inability to update charging rates in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the OCS pre-calculate and store charging information for different access networks and service types. When a user switches networks, the appropriate charging information is already prepared and can be quickly retrieved and applied, ensuring accurate charging rates are determined in real-time without delay or calculation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the charging information system dynamic by enabling real-time updates when users switch between different access networks. The OCS continuously monitors user location and network type, automatically retrieving and updating charging information from the appropriate TAS based on current network conditions, ensuring charging rates accurately reflect the user's current access type.
3Reliability
If centralized charging information management is implemented across multiple TASs, then charging reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charging information management system into distinct functional components: the OCS handles centralized information storage and distribution, while individual TASs handle local service delivery and charging requests. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving overall reliability while keeping individual system components relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for allowing access based online charging in cases of multiple user agents (multi-UAs) scenarios where the instances are registered to different telephony application servers (TASs) are discussed herein. For example, a user device may support a native number and multiple virtual numbers linked via a user account. When servicing a call, the user device may determine a served number to service the call from. If the served number is not the native number but a virtual number, the native-line server may handle the call session, but the online charging session will be handled by the virtual-line server. The native-line server may use session initiation protocol (SIP) information to send updated information for charging parameters to the virtual-line server, including network access transfer for accuracy in online charging logic.