JP2001036527A - Network charging data management system and its management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently utilizing a transmission line in the case of transferring charging data to a central station. SOLUTION: Upon the receipt of a transfer request from a central station 1-2, local stations 1-1, 1-n reference an occupied rate memory 8 to check a traffic state of a signal line 4, and in the case that traffic is less in a time zone, the local stations 1-1, 1-n transfer charging data stored in a charging storage section 9 to the central station 1-2. The central station 1-2 transmits charging data from its own station and the local stations 1-1, 1-n to a charging processing unit 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network charging data management system and a method for managing the same, and more particularly to a network charging data management system for managing charging data generated in a private branch exchange constituting a network and a management method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a conventional accounting data centralized management system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 3-45068 (hereinafter referred to as "document"). FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of this conventional accounting data centralized management system. As shown in FIG. 1, the charging data centralized management system includes a charging processing device 100, a signal relay station 110, an exchange 120-
1-120-n (n is an integer of 2 or more) and each exchange 12
0, and a common line 140 connecting between each exchange 120 and the signal relay station 110 and between the signal relay station 110 and the accounting processor 100.

This system is composed of exchanges 120 constituting an exchange network using a common channel signaling system, and collects accounting data generated by each exchange processing and issues an accounting ticket. Further, the billing apparatus 100 is provided commonly in the switching network, and the billing apparatus 100 and the exchange 12 are connected.
0 are connected by a common line 140, and billing data generated in the exchange 120 is transferred to the billing apparatus 100 through the common line 140.

[0004] The conventional accounting data centralized management system having such a configuration operates as follows. That is, the billing data generated by the exchange processing in the exchanges 120-1 to 120-n which perform the call processing is transmitted through the common line 140, which is a dedicated line for transmitting a call control signal provided separately from the communication line 130. The signal is transferred to the accounting apparatus 100 via the signal relay station 110.

[0005]

However, in the accounting data centralized management system described in the literature in the related art, when the accounting data is transferred to the centralized station (the accounting processor 100), the common line 140 (signal line) is used. Since data is transferred irrespective of traffic, when the line 140 is busy, the waiting time on the exchange 120 increases.

[0006] When the call connection processing on the exchange 120 side increases, the billing information also increases in proportion.
This is because the charging data is not stored inside, so that the charging data must be transmitted to the signal relay station 110 via the common line 140 as soon as the charging data is generated.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a network accounting data management system capable of efficiently using the transmission path when the accounting data is transferred to a centralized station, and thus performing a switching operation smoothly. And its management method.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a network accounting data management system for transferring accounting data generated in a plurality of exchanges connected via a network to a centralized station. Are traffic monitoring means for monitoring the traffic state of a signal line connecting the local exchange and the centralized station, and from the local exchange to the centralized station when the traffic monitoring means determines that the traffic is in a time zone with little traffic. Transfer control means for transferring the billing data.

Another invention according to the present invention is a network accounting data management method for transferring accounting data generated in a plurality of exchanges connected via a network to a centralized station, wherein each of the exchanges has its own exchange and the exchange. A traffic monitoring step of monitoring a traffic state of a signal line connecting the central offices; and a transfer for transferring the billing data from the local exchange to the central office when the traffic monitoring step determines that the traffic is in a time zone with little traffic. And a control step.

According to the present invention and another invention according to the present invention, the traffic condition of a signal line is monitored, and when it is determined that there is little traffic, the charging data is transferred from the exchange to the central station. When transferring to a centralized station, the transmission path can be used efficiently, and thus the switching operation can be performed smoothly.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a preferred embodiment of a network accounting data management system according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the network charging data management system is a network charging data management system in a common line network system composed of private branch exchanges, and includes private branch exchanges 1-1 to 1-n.
A billing processor 2, a communication line 3 connected between the private branch exchanges 1, a signal line 4 connected between the private branch exchanges 1, and a transmission control circuit inserted between the signal lines 3 and between the signal lines 4 5
And a signal line 6 connected between the exchange 1-2 and the accounting processor 2, and extensions 7-1 and 7-2 connected to the private branch exchanges 1-1 and 1-n, respectively. . here,
The exchange 1-2 is called a central office, and the exchanges 1-1 and 1-n
Is called a local station.

On the other hand, each private branch exchange 1 has an occupancy memory 8
And a charge storage unit (charge storage memory) 9.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the occupancy memory 8. Referring to FIG. 2, the memory 8 stores data indicating the occupancy of each signal channel of the communication line 3 and the signal line 4. Further, the transmission control circuit 5 controls a signal line traffic counter indicating the traffic state of the signal lines 3 and 4, and each of the private branch exchanges 1 controls the traffic of the signal lines 3 and 4. The counter is read from the transmission control circuit 5, the frequency of use of the communication line 3 and the signal line 4 is calculated by the counter, and the calculation result (the occupancy of the signal channel) is stored in the occupancy memory 8 for each signal channel.

Each accounting storage unit 9 includes each private branch exchange 1
(For example, extensions 7-1 and 7-
The billing data generated when the call is terminated in 2) is stored. The common line connecting the private branch exchanges 1 is the communication line 3.
And the signal line 4 to realize data transfer using the signal line 4 as accounting data management of the network.

Here, an outline of the whole operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the entire operation. Referring to FIG. 3, each private branch exchange 1 stores in the accounting storage unit 8 accounting data generated when the connected extension (for example, extensions 7-1 and 7-2) terminates the call (S1). Next, from the centralized station 1-2 to the local stations 1-1,
In response to the billing data transfer request P for 1-n, the local stations 1-1 and 1-n refer to their own occupancy memory 8 to check the traffic state of the signal line 4 in the direction of the central station 1-2 (S2). . If the traffic state is equal to or less than the designated occupancy, the charge data is read from the charge storage unit 9 of the own station and transferred to the centralized station 1-2 (S3). The centralized station 1-2 stores the charging data from each of the local stations 1-1 and 1-n in its own charging storage unit 9, and further stores the charging data stored in the charging storage unit 9 and the local stations 1-1 and 1-n. 1-n billing data is sent to billing processor 2 (S4).

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, a first embodiment will be described. The configuration of the first embodiment is the same as that of FIG. Referring to FIG. 1, this is a configuration of a centralized management system for billing data in a common line network system composed of private branch exchanges 1-1 to 1-n. FIG. 1 shows the accounting data generated when the extension 7-1 or 7-2 connected to the private branch exchange 1-1 to 1-n performing the exchange process terminates the call, and stores the accounting data in the individual exchange 1. An area that can be stored in the unit 9 is secured.

The centralized station 1-2 is connected to a billing processor 2 which can be connected via an RS-232C interface or a TCP / IP interface. Note that a common line connecting the exchanges 1 is composed of a communication line 3 and a signal line 4, and realizes data transfer using the signal line 4 as network charging data management. A transmission control circuit (signal line control trunk) 5 for controlling the communication line 3 and the signal line 4 controls a signal line traffic counter.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the billing data generated as a result of the extension 7-1 and the extension 7-2 making a call connection by the exchange processing in the private branch exchanges 1-1 to 1-n which perform the call processing is the completion of the centralized station shown in FIG. It is stored in the area of each switch using the charging data memory development shown in the call linkage table. In order to collect the accumulated billing data, the centralized station 1-2 issues a transfer request instruction P to the local stations 1-1 and 1-n according to the capacity of its own billing storage area (charging storage unit 9). Transmitted via signal line 4. Note that “according to the capacity of the charging storage area (charging storage unit 9) of the own station” means that charging data from the local stations 1-1 and 1-n is temporarily stored in the charging storage unit of the centralized station 1-2. 9 and sends the billing data stored in the billing accumulator 9 to the billing processor 2, so that the billing accumulator 9 has enough capacity to store billing data from the local stations 1-1 and 1-n. Is required to remain.

The local stations 1-1 and 1-n are connected to the central station 1-2.
The traffic counter of the signal line 4 connected to the route is read from the transmission line control circuit 5, and the counter reads the traffic counter of the signal line 4.
The result of calculating the frequency of use is stored in the occupancy memory 8 shown in FIG. 2 as the occupancy of the signal channel for each signal channel.

When the accounting data is stored in the local stations 1-1 and 1-n, the final data is retrieved from the table pointer using the local station completed call linkage table shown in FIG. 6 and the subsequent table pointer is edited. To store billing data.

The local stations 1-1 and 1-n are connected to the central station 1
In the case of transferring the billing data to -2, as shown in the billing data transfer flowchart of FIG. 7, the process is started in response to the transfer request instruction P from the centralized station 1-2 (S1).
1 and S12 (YES), first, the use frequency is checked from the occupancy memory 8 corresponding to the signal channel in FIG.
13) It is checked whether the occupation ratio is equal to or less than a preset occupation ratio in the station data (S14). As a result, if the occupancy is equal to or less than the occupancy (YES in S14), the charging data is read from charging storage unit 9 shown in the local station completed call linkage table of FIG. Road 4
The data is transferred to (S15). Then, when the transfer of all billing data is completed (YES in S16), the transfer request flag is cleared (S17). On the other hand, if there is no transfer request in S12, and if it is not less than the designated occupancy in S14, the process ends. If the transfer is not completed in S16, the process returns to S11.

As shown in the billing data accumulation flowchart of FIG. 8, billing data generated by a call connection performed by each exchange 1 edits the billing data when the call in progress ends. S21), and store it in the charge accumulation memory of the centralized station 1-2 shown in FIG. 5 (S22). The output of the accounting data stored in the centralized station 1-2 is output to the accounting processor 2 connected via the RS232C or TCP / IP interface.

Next, the linkage tables shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a sequence chart of polling (transfer request instruction P). The local station complete call linkage table shown in FIG.
When the extension ends the call, it is incorporated into the local station complete call linkage and at the same time sets the polling request bit. Thereafter, the polling request P from the central station 1-2
(See S31 in FIG. 4), the local stations 1-1, 1-
If the polling request bit is set in n, the charging data is transferred to the centralized station 1-2 (S32), and the central station transferring bit is set.

The centralized station 1-2 receives the received local station 1
The completed call data of -1, 1-n is incorporated into the centralized station completed call linkage, a charging device output request bit is set, and ACK information (reception OK) is returned to the local stations 1-1, 1-n (S33). .

Thus, the local stations 1-1 and 1-n
Resets the polling request bit and the central station transfer bit in the completed call data of the local stations 1-1 and 1-n by receiving the ACK and sets the polling output completion bit. The completed call data of the local stations 1-1 and 1-n are deleted from the local station completed call linkage table by setting the polling output completion bit.

The charging data incorporated in the centralized station completed call linkage starts output processing by setting an output request bit to the charging processor 2 and outputs the charging data to the charging processor 2 almost simultaneously with the output to the charging processor 2. Outputting bit is set.
Thereafter, the charging device output request bit and the charging device output bit are cleared by the ACK information from the charging processing device 2 side, and the charging device output completion bit is set. The completed call data on the centralized station 1-2 is RS232C or LA.
Completion of the output to the accounting processing device 2 connected by N sets the accounting device output completion bit and deletes it from the centralized station completed call linkage table.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG.
Is a configuration diagram of the second embodiment. Referring to the figure, this is equivalent to each of the exchanges 120-1 to 120-n in the conventional example (FIG. 10).
An occupancy ratio memory 8 similar to that of the first embodiment of the present invention and a charge storage unit 9 are provided. That is, in the second embodiment, the common line 140 conventionally used as a dedicated line for transmitting call control signals is shared for transferring billing data from the respective exchanges 120.

More specifically, billing data of exchanges 120-1 to 120-n is transferred to signal relay station 110 by polling from signal relay station 110. These billing data transferred to the signal relay station 110 are further sent to the billing processing device 100.

[0028]

According to the present invention, there is provided a network accounting data management system for transferring accounting data generated in a plurality of exchanges connected by a network to a centralized station, wherein each of the exchanges includes its own exchange and the centralized station. Traffic monitoring means for monitoring the traffic state of a signal line connecting between them, and transfer control means for transferring the accounting data from the local exchange to the centralized station when the traffic monitoring means determines that the traffic is low. Therefore, when the billing data is transferred to the centralized station, the transmission path can be used efficiently, and thus the switching operation can be performed smoothly.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network accounting data management method for transferring accounting data generated in a plurality of exchanges connected via a network to a centralized station, wherein each of the exchanges includes a local exchange. A traffic monitoring step of monitoring a traffic state of a signal line connecting the centralized station and the centralized station; and transferring the billing data from the local exchange to the centralized station when the traffic monitoring step determines that the traffic is in a time zone with little traffic. Therefore, the present invention has the same effect as the above-described present invention.

More specifically, the first effect is as follows.
When charging data is collected by a private branch exchange that configures the network, and when charging data generated by the switching process is transferred using a signal line in the network connected by a common line, the transmission path is monitored while monitoring the load. use. In addition, it is possible to reduce contention with message information used in call processing connection or the like other than billing data transfer and data loss, thereby improving reliability. The reason is that billing data is transmitted in consideration of transfer when using the function of monitoring the signal line traffic of the network.

The second effect is that the billing data stored in the private branch exchange is stored in each station, thereby expanding the storage capacity of the entire network. As a result, even if a failure occurs in the connection between the billing device and the private branch exchange, the loss time of the billing data and the repair time of the failure can be extended. The reason is that charging data is stored in the memory of each station, charging data is collected from the centralized station by a polling method, and output to the charging device side.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a preferred embodiment of a network charging data management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an occupation ratio memory 8;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the entire operation.

FIG. 4 is a sequence chart of polling (transfer request instruction P).

FIG. 5 is a centralized station completed call linkage table.

FIG. 6 is a local station completed call linkage table.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of charging data transfer.

FIG. 8 is a charging data accumulation flowchart.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a conventional accounting data centralized management system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-1 to 1-n Private branch exchange 2 Charging processor 4, 6 Signal line 5 Transmission control circuit 8 Occupancy memory 9 Charging storage unit

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A network charging data management system for transferring charging data generated in a plurality of exchanges connected to a network to a centralized station, wherein each of said exchanges is a signal line connecting between its own exchange and said centralized station. Traffic monitoring means for monitoring the traffic state of the mobile station, and transfer control means for transferring the accounting data from the local exchange to the centralized station when the traffic monitoring means determines that the traffic is in a low time zone. Network charging data management system. 2. The network accounting data management system according to claim 1, wherein each of said exchanges includes an accounting data storage means for accumulating accounting data generated in the own exchange. 3. The traffic monitoring unit according to claim 1, wherein the traffic monitoring unit monitors a traffic state of the signal line based on a signal line traffic counter read from a transmission control circuit inserted in the middle of the signal line. A network billing data management system as described. 4. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch starts processing by the traffic monitoring unit and the transfer control unit after waiting for a transfer request from the central station to the switch. Network billing data management system. 5. The network accounting data management system according to claim 1, wherein said central office is a central office exchange connected to said network together with said plurality of exchanges. 6. The network accounting data management according to claim 1, wherein said centralized station is a signal relay station connected to said plurality of exchanges by a signal line for transmitting a call control signal. system. 7. A network charging data management method for transferring charging data generated in a plurality of exchanges connected to a network to a centralized station, wherein each of the exchanges is a signal line connecting between the own exchange and the centralized station. A traffic monitoring step of monitoring the traffic state of the mobile station, and a transfer control step of transferring the billing data from the local exchange to the centralized station when the traffic monitoring step determines that the traffic time is small. Network billing data management method. 8. The network accounting data management method according to claim 7, wherein each of said exchanges includes an accounting data storing step of accumulating accounting data generated in the exchange. 9. The traffic monitoring of the signal line based on a signal line traffic counter read from a transmission control circuit inserted in the middle of the signal line in the traffic monitoring step. 8. The method for managing network charging data according to item 8. 10. A transfer request step for making a transfer request from the central station to the exchange, and after the transfer request is made, the exchange starts processing by the traffic monitoring step and the transfer control step. 10. The network billing data management method according to claim 7, wherein: 11. The network accounting data management method according to claim 7, wherein the central office is a central office exchange connected to the network together with the plurality of exchanges. 12. The network accounting data management according to claim 7, wherein said centralized station is a signal relay station connected to said plurality of exchanges by a signal line for transmitting a call control signal. Method.