EP0834236A2 - Process for flexibly charging rates for existing connections - Google Patents

Process for flexibly charging rates for existing connections

Info

Publication number
EP0834236A2
EP0834236A2 EP97921600A EP97921600A EP0834236A2 EP 0834236 A2 EP0834236 A2 EP 0834236A2 EP 97921600 A EP97921600 A EP 97921600A EP 97921600 A EP97921600 A EP 97921600A EP 0834236 A2 EP0834236 A2 EP 0834236A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
service
network
user
service provider
fee
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP97921600A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ralf Rieken
Renate Zygan-Maus
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP0834236A2 publication Critical patent/EP0834236A2/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/81—Dynamic pricing, e.g. change of tariff during call
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q40/00—Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
    • G06Q40/04—Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/28—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP with meter at substation or with calculation of charges at terminal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/46—Real-time negotiation between users and providers or operators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/49—Connection to several service providers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/68—Payment of value-added services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
    • H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
    • H04Q3/0029—Provisions for intelligent networking
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
    • H04M2215/01—Details of billing arrangements
    • H04M2215/0112—Dynamic pricing, e.g. change of tariff during call
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
    • H04M2215/01—Details of billing arrangements
    • H04M2215/0168—On line or real-time flexible customization or negotiation according to wishes of subscriber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
    • H04M2215/01—Details of billing arrangements
    • H04M2215/0196—Payment of value-added services, mainly when their charges are added on the telephone bill, e.g. payment of non-telecom services, e-commerce, on-line banking
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
    • H04M2215/46—Connection to several service providers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
    • H04M2215/56—On line or real-time flexible agreements between service providers and telecoms operators

Definitions

  • the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method which enables a market-oriented business relationship between service provider and service user. This object is achieved by expanding the signaling used in the network to transmit charging information and introducing a control system for monitoring, verifying and recording this charging information with the features according to claim 1.
  • the method according to the invention allows the flexible signaling of charge information from a service provider in the telecommunications network for the sale of services to service users in accordance with customary market practices.
  • the protection of the service user against prices that leave a predefinable framework for various reasons is implemented by a third party, which exists independently of the service provider.
  • the service user also has the option of rejecting the requested price.
  • the solution according to the invention provides that an intelligent system is used as the terminal at the service provider, PC, workstation, private branch exchange, service node, intelligent peripherals (IP), which is connected to the telecommunications network used, e.g. ISDN / PSTN is connected.
  • IP intelligent peripherals
  • the solution according to the invention further provides that the signaling used in the connection area and between the network elements is expanded to include messages which allow flexible pricing.
  • the establishment of a connection to service providers equipped with these functions is controlled in the network by a so-called verification system, which could be formed, for example, by the Service Control Point (SCP) of an intelligent network.
  • the verification system is aware of the allowable price range for a given service provider.
  • the network for example the service switching point (SSP) via which the connection is running, is instructed to intercept charge information sent by the service provider and to send it to the verification system.
  • the verification system checks the required fee for admissibility, informs the service user if the fee is permissible, and applies the fee if the service user accepts it.
  • the solution according to the invention also provides that the fee charged is recorded in a suitable manner on the network.
  • Service users pay their fees under their contract with the network operator.
  • the service provider receives his part of the fees collected by the network operator. In this way, the anonymity of the service user is preserved.
  • FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of the hardware devices for implementing the present invention.
  • a subscriber terminal of a service user e.g. Telephone or PC is connected to the service provider's terminal, e.g. Telephone, PC, work station, private branch exchange, service node, intelligent periphery, connected via a telecommunication network.
  • the service provider offers the service user his services via this connection and signals the charge requirements in the network.
  • FIG. 2 shows the course of communication and the signaling of the charges.
  • the charge information signaled by the terminal of the service provider is recognized in the network, intercepted and reported to the control system responsible for this service provider, in the example shown a service control point.
  • the tax system checks the admissibility of the fees, e.g.
  • a rejection by the service user is either signaled explicitly or implicitly indicated by the initiation of the connection by the service user.
  • the monitoring of the charge messages in the network is carried out alternatively by one of the following two methods, which are known from intelligent networks:
  • Static detection points (trigger detection points) that are set up especially for charge messages.
  • Dynamic detection points (event detection points), which are activated by connection by the service logic running on the control system.
  • Call-related user-to-service / service-to-user (UTSI / STUI) signaling The requested fee is displayed to the service subscriber according to the service currently being used, i.e. per voice announcement for voice services or other signaling for data services.
  • the response of the service user is transmitted in the network in the same way. The network takes over the appropriate conversion of the signaling between the control system and the service user in both directions. If the required fee is applied, the service provider is either explicitly informed so that it can then begin to provide the service, or the service provider begins to provide the service after a defined waiting time has elapsed, which the service user has to decide is granted about acceptance or rejection.
  • the communication process shown in Figure 2 is based on a completely implicit signaling, i.e. the service user is announced the applicable fee. After a period of time has expired, the control system applies the fee and the service provider begins to provide the service.
  • FIG. 3 shows the explicit signaling of the acceptance of the fee claim. This procedure allows a minimal time delay in the context of the service provision, i.e. the service provider can start the service for the service user immediately after receipt of the receipt.

Abstract

This invention concerns a process which makes it possible to flexibly charge rates for services provided via a telecommunications network. The objective is a variable price agreement between a service provider and a service user within a structure which can be predetermined. Adherence to this agreement is checked by an independent verification system.

Description

Beschreibungdescription
Verfahren zur flexiblen Vergebührung bestehender VerbindungenProcedure for the flexible charging of existing connections
Im Rahmen der Deregulierung der Telekommunikationsmärkte tritt eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Anbieter in die Märkte ein und konkurriert miteinander auf unterschiedlichen Gebie¬ ten (Netzbetreiber, Dienstanbieter, Informationsanbieter) . Dabei entwickelt sich eindeutig ein Trend vom Verkauf soge- nannter Netzdienstleistungen wie Verbindungen zwischen Teil¬ nehmern mit bestimmten Qualitätsmerkmalen (Datenrate, Fehler¬ rate, etc.) hin zur Vermarktung von Informationsdienstlei¬ stungen wie Beratungsleistungen, Informationsrecherchen etc.. Heutige Telekommunikationsnetze, die den Teilnehmern den Zu- gang zu den Informationsanbietern ermöglichen sind bezüglich der Vergebührung der Leistungen an Merkmalen der aufgebauten Verbindung orientiert (Entfernung, Uhrzeit, Wochentag, Daten¬ rate, Fehlerrate, etc.). Diese aus Netzsicht vergebührungsre¬ levanten Parameter können zum Zeitpunkt des Verbindungsauf- baus vom Netz abgeleitet und zur Bestimmung der anzuwendenden Gebühr verwendet werden.As part of the deregulation of the telecommunications markets, a large number of different providers enter the market and compete with one another in different areas (network operators, service providers, information providers). There is clearly a trend from the sale of so-called network services such as connections between participants with certain quality features (data rate, error rate, etc.) to the marketing of information services such as consulting services, information research, etc. Today's telecommunications networks, which Providing participants with access to the information providers are oriented towards features of the established connection (distance, time, day of the week, data rate, error rate, etc.) with regard to the charging of the services. These parameters which are fee-relevant from the network point of view can be derived from the network at the time the connection is established and used to determine the fee to be applied.
Im Falle des Verkaufs von Dienstleistungen, z.B. Informatio¬ nen, Beratung, etc, von einem Dienstanbieteranbieter an den Nutzer des Dienstes existiert eine zur allgemeinen Geschäfts- beziehung zwischen Telekommunikationsnetzteilnehmer und Netz- betreiber zusätzliche Geschäftsbeziehung zwischen Dienstnut¬ zer und Dienstanbieter.In the case of the sale of services, e.g. Information, advice, etc., from a service provider to the user of the service, there is an additional business relationship between the service user and the service provider for the general business relationship between the telecommunications network subscriber and the network operator.
Die Geschäftsbeziehung zwischen Dienstanbieter und Dienstnut¬ zer muß für eine erfolgreiche Vermarktung von Dienstleistun- gen den üblichen Gepflogenheiten des Marktes folgen:The business relationship between service provider and service user must follow the customary market practice for the successful marketing of services:
• Dazu gehört in erster Linie eine flexible Preisgestal¬ tung in Abhängigkeit von Angebot und Nachfrage, d.h. der Anbieter muß eigenständig ohne Einbeziehung Drit¬ ter, z.B. des Netzbetreibers, seine Preisgestaltung seinen Geschäftsinteressen anpassen können.• This primarily includes flexible pricing depending on supply and demand, i.e. the provider must independently, without involving third parties, e.g. of the network operator can adjust its pricing to its business interests.
• Da das Angebot unabhängig von den Dienstleistungen des Netzbetreibers ist, sollte der Dienstanbieter im Rah- men seiner Geschäftsbeziehung mit dem Dienstnutzer seinen Preis fordern können und bei Interesse deε Dienstnutzers den Preis direkt geltend machen können.• Since the offer is independent of the services of the network operator, the service provider should men of his business relationship with the service user can ask for his price and if the service user is interested he can claim the price directly.
• Weiterhin ist es erforderlich, daß der Dienstnutzer gegenüber dem Dienstanbieter bei Bedarf völlig anonym bleiben kann, wie es beispielsweise beim Einkauf von Waren gegen Barzahlung üblich ist.• Furthermore, it is necessary that the service user can remain completely anonymous to the service provider when required, as is customary, for example, when purchasing goods for cash.
• Aus Sicherheitsgründen, z.B. Verbraucherschutz, Schutz gegen Mißbrauch, soll der Dienstnutzer gegen durch Fehler oder bewußten bzw. unbewußten Mißbrauch verur¬ sachte Geldforderungen geschützt werden. Die derzeitig verwendeten Lösungen basieren auf den beiden folgenden Ansätzen:• For security reasons, e.g. Consumer protection, protection against misuse, the service user is to be protected against monetary claims caused by errors or deliberate or unconscious misuse. The solutions currently used are based on the following two approaches:
• Online-Vergebührung nach einem vorgegebenen TarifSchema. Hier wird der anzuwendende Tarif gemäß vorab definierten• Online charging according to a specified tariff scheme. The tariff to be applied is defined here in advance
Regeln (z.B. aus Verbindungsparametern oder aus Nutzerein¬ gaben, deren mögliche Varianten bei Rufbeginn feststehen) . abgeleitet. Es gibt somitnur beschränkten HandlungsSpiel¬ raum für den Dienstanbieter für variable Modifikationen im Rahmen einer bestehenden Verbindung zu einem Dienstnutzer, da die Parameter zu diesem Zeitpunkt bereits fixiert sind.Rules (e.g. from connection parameters or from user inputs, the possible variants of which are clear when the call begins). derived. There is therefore only limited scope for the service provider to make variable modifications in the context of an existing connection to a service user, since the parameters are already fixed at this point in time.
• Offline-Vergebührung mittels getrennter Rechnungslegung für die angebotene Dienstleistung. Hier kann der Anbieter zwar frei seinen Preis gestalten, die Geschäftsbeziehung erfor- dert jedoch, daß der Dienstnutzer dem Dienstanbieter be¬ kannt ist, um die Rechnungslegung zu ermöglichen.• Offline charging by means of separate billing for the service offered. Here the provider can freely design his price, but the business relationship requires that the service user is known to the service provider in order to enable billing.
Der Erfindung liegt also die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren anzugeben, mit dem eine marktgerechte Geschäftsbeziehung zwi- sehen Dienstanbieter und Dienstnutzer ermöglicht wird. Diese Aufgabe wird durch Erweiterung der im Netz verwendeten Signa¬ lisierung zur Übertragung von Vergebührungsinformationen und Einführung eines Steuersystems zur Überwachung, Verifikation und Aufzeichnung dieser Gebühreninformationen mit den Merkma- len nach Anspruch 1 gelöst.The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method which enables a market-oriented business relationship between service provider and service user. This object is achieved by expanding the signaling used in the network to transmit charging information and introducing a control system for monitoring, verifying and recording this charging information with the features according to claim 1.
Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren erlaubt die flexible Signali¬ sierung von Gebühreninformationen von einem Dienstanbieter in das Telekommunikationsnetz zum Verkauf von Dienstleistungen an Dienstnutzer entsprechend marktüblicher Vorgehensweisen. Der Schutz des Dienstnutzers gegen Preise, die aus verschie¬ denen Gründen einen vorgebbaren Rahmen verlassen, wird durch eine dritte Instanz realisiert, die unabhängig vom Dienstan¬ bieter existiert. Der Dienstnutzer hat außerdem die Möglich¬ keit, den geforderten Preis abzulehnen.The method according to the invention allows the flexible signaling of charge information from a service provider in the telecommunications network for the sale of services to service users in accordance with customary market practices. The protection of the service user against prices that leave a predefinable framework for various reasons is implemented by a third party, which exists independently of the service provider. The service user also has the option of rejecting the requested price.
Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung sieht vor, daß als Endgerät beim Dienstanbieter ein intelligentes System verwendet wird, PC, Workstation, Nebenstellenanlage, Service Node, Intelligente Peripherie (IP) , das mit dem verwendeten Telekommunikations- netz, z.B. ISDN/PSTN verbunden ist. Das Endgerät des Dien¬ stanbieters realisiert den dienstbezogenen Informationsaus¬ tausch mit dem Dienstnutzer und signalisiert zu den geeigne- ten Zeitpunkten die fälligen Gebühreninformationen in das Netz.The solution according to the invention provides that an intelligent system is used as the terminal at the service provider, PC, workstation, private branch exchange, service node, intelligent peripherals (IP), which is connected to the telecommunications network used, e.g. ISDN / PSTN is connected. The terminal of the service provider realizes the service-related information exchange with the service user and signals the due charge information to the network at the appropriate times.
Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung sieht weiterhin vor, daß die im Anschlußbereich und die zwischen den Netzelementen verwendete Signalisierung um Nachrichten erweitert wird, die eine flexi- ble Preisgestaltung erlauben. Der Verbindungsaufbau zu Dien¬ stanbietern, die mit diesen Funktionen ausgestattet sind, wird im Netz durch ein sogenenanntes Verifikationssystem ge¬ steuert, das beispielsweise durch den Service Control Point (SCP) eines Intelligenten Netzes gebildet werden könnte. Das Verifikationssystem hat Kenntnis über den zulässigen Preis- rahmen für einen gegebenen Dienstanbieter. Mit dem Verbin¬ dungsaufbau weist es das Netz , zum Beispiel den Service Switching Point (SSP) , über den die Verbindung läuft, an, vom Dienstanbieter gesendete Gebühreninformationen abzufangen und an das Verifikationssystem zu senden. Das Verifikationssystem prüft die geforderte Gebühr auf Zulässigkeit, informiert bei zulässigen Gebühren den Dienstnutzer und führt bei Akzeptanz durch den Dienstnutzer die Gebühr zur Anwendung. Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung sieht ferner vor, daß die erho- bene Gebühr im Netz geeignet aufgezeichnet wird. DerThe solution according to the invention further provides that the signaling used in the connection area and between the network elements is expanded to include messages which allow flexible pricing. The establishment of a connection to service providers equipped with these functions is controlled in the network by a so-called verification system, which could be formed, for example, by the Service Control Point (SCP) of an intelligent network. The verification system is aware of the allowable price range for a given service provider. With the establishment of the connection, the network, for example the service switching point (SSP) via which the connection is running, is instructed to intercept charge information sent by the service provider and to send it to the verification system. The verification system checks the required fee for admissibility, informs the service user if the fee is permissible, and applies the fee if the service user accepts it. The solution according to the invention also provides that the fee charged is recorded in a suitable manner on the network. The
Dienstnutzer zahlt seine Gebühren im Rahmen seines Vertrages mit dem Netzbetreiber. Der Dienstanbieter erhält seinen An- teil aus den durch den Netzbetreiber eingezogenen Gebühren. Auf diese Weise wird die Anonymität des Dienstnutzers ge¬ wahrt.Service users pay their fees under their contract with the network operator. The service provider receives his part of the fees collected by the network operator. In this way, the anonymity of the service user is preserved.
Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.Advantageous developments of the invention result from the subclaims.
Figur 1 zeigt die Grundkonfiguration der Hardwareeinrichtun¬ gen zur Durchführung der vorliegenden Erfindung. Ein Teilneh¬ merendgerät eines Dienstnutzerε, z.B. Telefon oder PC, ist mit dem Endgerät des Dienstanbieterε, z.B. Telefon, PC, Work- Station, Nebenstellenanlage, Service Node, Intelligente Peri¬ pherie, über ein Telekommunikationsnetz verbunden. Der Dien¬ stanbieter bietet dem Dienstnutzer seine Dienstleistungen über diese Verbindung an und signalisiert die Gebührenforde¬ rungen in das Netz. Figur 2 zeigt den Ablauf der der Kommunikation und die Signa¬ lisierung der Gebühren. Die vom Endgerät des Dienstanbieters signalisierte Gebühreninformation wird im Netz erkannt, abge¬ fangen und dem für diesen Dienstanbieter zuständigen Steuer¬ system, im gezeigten Beispiel ein Service Control Point, ge- meldet. Das Steuersystem prüft die Zulassigkeit der Gebühren, z.B. Einhaltung eines vorgegebenen Rahmens und/oder der zu¬ lässigen Gebührenerhebungsfrequenz und/oder weitere Parameter gebunden an den Dienstanbieter und/oder auch an den Dienstnutzer. Bei Zulassigkeit der Gebührenforderung wird der Dienstnutzer über die innerhalb einer Frist zur Anwendung kommende Gebühr informiert. Bei Akzeptanz durch den Dienstnutzer, beispiels¬ weise durch eine explizite Signalisierung oder einfach durch das weitere Aufrechterhalten der Verbindung, wird die Gebühr angewendet. Parallel dazu wird das Netz zur Aufzeichnung der erhobenen Gebühr angewiesen, um sie später zur Verrechnung mit dem Dienstanbieter verwenden zu können.FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of the hardware devices for implementing the present invention. A subscriber terminal of a service user, e.g. Telephone or PC is connected to the service provider's terminal, e.g. Telephone, PC, work station, private branch exchange, service node, intelligent periphery, connected via a telecommunication network. The service provider offers the service user his services via this connection and signals the charge requirements in the network. FIG. 2 shows the course of communication and the signaling of the charges. The charge information signaled by the terminal of the service provider is recognized in the network, intercepted and reported to the control system responsible for this service provider, in the example shown a service control point. The tax system checks the admissibility of the fees, e.g. Adherence to a predetermined framework and / or the permissible fee collection frequency and / or further parameters linked to the service provider and / or also to the service user. If the fee claim is admissible, the service user will be informed of the fee applicable within a period. If the service user accepts it, for example by explicit signaling or simply by maintaining the connection, the fee is applied. In parallel, the network is instructed to record the fee charged so that it can later be used for billing with the service provider.
Eine Ablehnung durch den Dienstnutzer wird entweder explizit signalisiert oder implizit durch das Auslösen der Vebindung durch den Dienstnutzer angezeigt. Die Überwachung der Gebührennachrichten im Netz erfolgt al¬ ternativ durch eines der beiden folgenden Verfahren, die aus Intelligenten Netzen bekannt sind:A rejection by the service user is either signaled explicitly or implicitly indicated by the initiation of the connection by the service user. The monitoring of the charge messages in the network is carried out alternatively by one of the following two methods, which are known from intelligent networks:
• Statische Erkennungspunkte (Trigger Detection Points) , die speziell für Gebührennachrichten eingerichtet wer¬ den.• Static detection points (trigger detection points) that are set up especially for charge messages.
• Dynamische Erkennungspunkte (Event Detection Points) , die per Verbindung durch die auf dem Steuersystem lau¬ fende Dienstlogik aktiviert werden. • rufbezogene User-to-Service/Service-to-User (UTSI/STUI) Signalisierung. Die geforderte Gebühr wird dem Dienstteilnehmer entsprechend des gerade genutzten Dienstes angezeigt, d.h. per Sprachan¬ sage bei Sprachdiensten bzw. anderweitige Signalisierung bei Datendiensten. Die Antwort des Dienstnutzer wird in gleicher Weise im Netz übertragen. Das Netz übernimmt dabei die geeig¬ nete Umwandlung der Signalisierung zwischen Steuersystem und Dienstnutzer in beiden Richtungen. Im Falle der Anwendung der geforderten Gebühr wird der Dien- stanbieter entweder explizit informiert, um anschließend mit der Erbringung der Dienstleistung beginnen zu können, oder der Dienstanbieter beginnt mit der Erbringung der Dienstlei¬ stung nach dem Verstreichen einer definierten Wartezeit, die dem Dienstnutzer zur Entscheidung über Akzeptanz bzw. Ableh- nung eingeräumt wird.• Dynamic detection points (event detection points), which are activated by connection by the service logic running on the control system. • Call-related user-to-service / service-to-user (UTSI / STUI) signaling. The requested fee is displayed to the service subscriber according to the service currently being used, i.e. per voice announcement for voice services or other signaling for data services. The response of the service user is transmitted in the network in the same way. The network takes over the appropriate conversion of the signaling between the control system and the service user in both directions. If the required fee is applied, the service provider is either explicitly informed so that it can then begin to provide the service, or the service provider begins to provide the service after a defined waiting time has elapsed, which the service user has to decide is granted about acceptance or rejection.
Der in Figur 2 dargestellte Kommunikationsablauf geht von ei¬ ner komplett impliziten Signalisierung aus, d.h. dem Dienstnutzer wird die anzuwendende Gebühr angesagt. Nach Ab¬ lauf einer Frist wendet das Steuersystem die Gebühr an und der Dienstanbieter beginnt mit der Diensterbringung.The communication process shown in Figure 2 is based on a completely implicit signaling, i.e. the service user is announced the applicable fee. After a period of time has expired, the control system applies the fee and the service provider begins to provide the service.
Der in Figur 3 dargestellte Ablauf zeigt die explizite Signa¬ lisierung der Akzeptanz der Gebührenforderung. Dieses Verfah¬ ren gestattet eine minimale Zeitverzögerung im Rahmen der Diensterbringung, d.h. der Dienstanbieter kann sofort nach Erhalt der Quittung mit der Dienstleistung für den Dienstnut¬ zer beginnen. The sequence shown in FIG. 3 shows the explicit signaling of the acceptance of the fee claim. This procedure allows a minimal time delay in the context of the service provision, i.e. the service provider can start the service for the service user immediately after receipt of the receipt.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Verfahren zur flexiblen Vergebührung eines Dienstes wäh¬ rend einer bestehenden Verbindung in einem Telekommunikati- onsnetz mit folgenden Schritten: a) ein Dienstanbieter fordert einen Preis für einen von ihm angebotenen Dienst während einer Verbindung zwischen ihm und dem Dienstnutzer durch Signalisierung dieser Forderung in das Telekommunikationsnetz; b) die signalisierte Gebührenforderung wird vom Netz einem Verifikationssystem zur Überprüfung übermittelt; c) die Höhe der Gebühr wird dem Dienstteilnehmer als Angebot mitgeteilt; d) der Dienstnutzer signalisiert implizit oder explizit die Akzeptanz oder Ablehnung der Preisforderung; e) das Verifikationssystem bringt den vereinbarten Preis nach Bestätigung durch den Dienstnutzer zur Anwendung.1. A method for flexible charging for a service during an existing connection in a telecommunications network, with the following steps: a) a service provider asks for a price for a service offered by him during a connection between him and the service user by signaling this request in the Telecommunications network; b) the signaled fee claim is transmitted by the network to a verification system for verification; c) the amount of the fee is communicated to the service subscriber as an offer; d) the service user implicitly or explicitly signals the acceptance or rejection of the asking price; e) the verification system applies the agreed price after confirmation by the service user.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, bei dem das Verifikationssystem auf der Basis von Komponenten eines Intelligenten Netzes rea¬ lisiert ist.2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the verification system is implemented on the basis of components of an intelligent network.
3. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Aushandlung des Geschäfts zwischen Dienstnutzer und Dien- stanbieter über das Signalisierungssystem des Netzes erfolgt.3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the negotiation of the business between service user and service provider takes place via the signaling system of the network.
4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Aushandlung des Geschäfts zwischen Dienstnutzer und Dienstanbieter über die Nutzkanalverbindung erfolgt. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the negotiation of the transaction between service users and service providers takes place via the user channel connection.
EP97921600A 1996-04-18 1997-04-03 Process for flexibly charging rates for existing connections Ceased EP0834236A2 (en)

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DE19615410 1996-04-18
DE19615410 1996-04-18
PCT/DE1997/000684 WO1997040634A2 (en) 1996-04-18 1997-04-03 Process for flexibly charging rates for existing connections

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WO1997040634A2 (en) 1997-10-30
US6009154A (en) 1999-12-28

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