Unified Session Charging Resource for Online and Offline Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The separation between online and offline charging systems in communications systems leads to complex service charging processes.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a service resource that enables integrated online and offline charging by a charging trigger apparatus and system, allowing for unified management of service resources through requests and responses to create, update, and delete service resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If online charging and offline charging are performed in separate charging systems, then charging functionality is provided, but service charging becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges online charging and offline charging functionalities into a single unified charging system. The charging system includes a charging trigger apparatus that can initiate both online charging (via Ro interface to OCS) and offline charging (via Rf interface to OFCS) operations, eliminating the need for separate charging systems and simplifying the overall architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified charging system is designed to perform multiple charging functions through a single apparatus. The charging trigger apparatus can selectively initiate online charging, offline charging, or both simultaneously based on service requirements, providing universal charging capability while reducing system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a unified charging system is implemented to simplify service charging, then charging process is simplified, but system integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unified charging system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a charging trigger apparatus for initiating charging operations, an online charging system (OCS) for real-time charging via Ro interface, and an offline charging system (OFCS) for post-event charging via Rf interface. This modular segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in operation while managing integration complexity through clear functional boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
Example charging methods and apparatus are described. One example method includes sending first request information to a charging system by a charging trigger apparatus. The charging trigger apparatus receives a first response information sent by the charging system. The first request information is used to request the charging system to create a resource for a session between a user equipment and a data network. The first response information comprises a first resource identifier that is used to identify the resource. The resource is used to manage: requesting for a quota for an online charging service in the session, or reporting of usage information of an online charging service in the session, or reporting of usage information of an offline charging service in the session.