JP2013048473A - Convergent communications platform and method for mobile and electronic commerce in heterogeneous network environment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and system for providing mobile commerce, electronic commerce, customer care and communication services via networks.SOLUTION: The method comprises: receiving, from a user device, an identification number and a request for a service; adding a service provider identification number that relates to a service provider and a cost of the service; verifying, by a convergent communication platform located on a home network, that the identification number relates to a valid user account, that the user device is authorized to receive the service and that the valid user account has sufficient value to pay for the service; providing an authorization to the service provider, if the user device is authorized to receive the service and the valid user account has sufficient value; and charging the valid user account on a real time basis for providing the service, if the service is to be charged.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the features of US patent application Ser. No. 10/096912 filed Mar. 14, 2002, which is filed on Jan. 29, 2001. US patent application Ser. No. 09/894890, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  The present invention relates to a centralized communication system that provides services to individual and corporate consumers around the world. More specifically, the present invention relates to a centralized communication system that provides mobile commerce, electronic commerce, and communication services via an existing communication switch without using specific hardware configured in the existing communication switch. is there. This system supports the use of prepaid and postpaid accounts across heterogeneous networks to provide a wide range of improved communication services regardless of consumer location.

  It is known to pay for the service in advance (prepaid) and to establish a credit account for the service (postpaid). A postpaid account is established based on the consumer's credit assets, and the business entity that establishes the postpaid account continuously guarantees the consumer's continued credit assets. Postpaid accounts are well known and widely used.

  For example, it is known to establish a postpaid telephone access account. A consumer can use a postpaid account to make a long distance call or to access the telephone network while roaming on a visiting network different from the home network. The telephone company guarantees payment to any other company that provides roaming services based on the consumer's credit assets. In addition, in recent years, mobile operators have provided roaming services to their consumers. Typically, a mobile operator has a roaming agreement with a partner operator in a different region, such as another country, and uses his mobile phone in these partner countries or other networks to his own consumers. Is possible. The home network is in the position of a payment guarantor for calls made by consumers in the visiting network. The visiting network provides calling and incoming functions for home network subscribers, obtains usage data, processes it, and sends it to the calling party's home network for payment. The home network then pays the visiting network.

  At regular intervals, the home network telephone company issues a charge to its consumer and collects charges from the consumer. Typically, such transactions include significant time delays, such as delays between days and months. Therefore, the home network must take the position of a payment guarantor to the visiting network for calls by its consumers. Thus, currently, the home network can only provide roaming to its own postpaid consumer (with credit assets established). As the base of prepaid subscribers grows, extensively, telecommunications operators desire to provide roaming services to their prepaid consumers as well. Today, operators are not in a position to provide full prepaid roaming to their consumers due to the inherent nature of the call-use process for consumer roaming is a non-real-time process.

  It is also known to establish a postpaid credit account at a bank or other lending period and use that postpaid account to purchase goods and services. Sometimes a postpaid credit account and a roaming phone service can be combined, where a credit card number is sent and received over a wireless phone link to order the service. This system has limitations. For example, a consumer may not want an account to be restricted to his asset inquiry or to establish credit with a telephone company. These consumers can establish a prepaid account. However, existing prepaid account configurations have some limitations.

  For example, a prepaid mobile or wireless telephone user may wish to use his wireless telephone in a territory managed by another telephone company. As used below, this is referred to as a visit or roaming territory network. While a prepaid consumer may have enough credit to complete a call using another account like a credit card, the consumer is by becoming a prepaid consumer Do not establish “credits” with the roaming territory's telephone company, or even with their original telephone company (“home network” or “home territory”). This means that prepaid consumers in the roaming territory ("Prepaid Romer") have a roaming network telco with a home network telco configuration and specific hardware on each switch to monitor calls, Furthermore, there is no way to charge with your own prepaid home phone company account while roaming, unless you charge from the consumer's prepaid account. The exchange of these contracts is usually impractical and there is no effective prepaid roaming.

  Prepaid phones continue to exist in the telecommunications industry. The consumer or user is required to pay a certain amount of the fee in advance to the communication service provider, and the service provider allows the consumer to use the communication service for that prepaid fee. . Once the user account balance reaches zero, the service provider interrupts the service. Therefore, consumers need to re-add their accounts by paying additional charges to the telecommunications service provider. In other words, the prepaid account needs to continue to maintain the current state.

  To enable a prepaid communication service, the service provider needs to control the actual assets used by the consumer's prepaid account in real time (ie, when the service is delivered), and the service provider As consumers make calls, they need a system that calculates account funding in real time. There are several available systems on the market for service providers that enable such real-time usage control. Today, commercially available technologies allow service providers to control calls in real time or near real time using several methods.

  The first method is a prepaid platform that operates as a service node to a telephone switched network. The call is made via a prepaid platform, or the service prepaid platform is in the form of a semi-intelligent network (i.e., the switched network connects / disconnects without actually forwarding the call through the system). Call can be controlled. Thus, the prepaid platform can operate as an intelligent network node on an IN (intelligent network) that allows a telephone exchange network.

  Based on the processing of call data records (“CDRs”), prepaid services can also be provided at fairly short intervals. The switching system can pass usage information on the service provider billing system, for example, via a hot CDR port, where the hot CDR port passes the usage information to the billing system. A telephone company switch configured to supply at frequent intervals. It is also possible to provide a prepaid service based on the programming of the card to utilize the “Advice of Charge” (“AoC”) parameters that limit the use of outgoing calls. However, the use of call data records can be fraudulent, so mobile operators do not continue their use extensively. Also, AoC does not have flexibility when configuring usage charges.

  Traditional prepaid systems require a call controller that is located with the switch, i.e. requires both software and hardware. The prepaid system is connected to the telecommunication switch via a signaling link (for example, SS7, MF2RC or ISDN-PRI). When the caller places a call, the switch forwards the signaling information to the prepaid system via the signaling link. The prepaid system then authorizes the call and queries the switch to connect the call. The prepaid system also initializes a rating process for the call. The rating process keeps track of the caller's use of the prepaid account, and when the balance is exhausted, the system queries the switch to disconnect the call.

  The placement of this type of system for prepaid roaming is not efficient. For prepaid roaming, all of the associated networks and often the heterogeneous networks need to have the same prepaid system. This means that multiple prepaid call control devices need to be placed for each associated network. This can be logistical for several reasons. First, deploying devices in all relevant networks can be time consuming and expensive. Secondly, normal operation and maintenance (for example, fee structure update, system information management, etc.) are logistically difficult on a daily basis.

  In addition, roaming services require data erasure and financial transaction settlement. Multiple payments over various network systems can be quite complex. Setting up and managing consumer accounts across a network can be quite complex, and some delay can be very misleading and confusing to consumers. Consumers may run out of their prepaid account balances within the visiting network. Consumers should be able to add or “re-add” money to their accounts from the visiting network. Consumer re-payment from the visiting network poses several problems: this allows consumers to re-pay consumer accounts if the consumer is not a consumer of the visiting network service provider Or how to manage financial transactions related to payment management and settlement of re-entry amounts (eg issues related to merchant fees, re-payment service simplification and remittance between home network and visiting network) etc).

  If a consumer needs some support for his account, such as billing information or supplementary services, the question arises as to who to contact for consumer services. The visiting network need not have all the information relevant to the consumer, and the information on the home network need not be in circulation. Visiting networks are seeking to provide value-added services to roaming consumers, such as simple messaging services (“SMS”), data services and call related services (eg, teleconferencing, call waiting, etc.). (Value-added services are available to the same consumer in the home network without the consumer roaming). A further problem arises when the information between the home network and the visiting network needs to be synchronized to the prepaid roaming consumer.

  Today, many telephone companies have in-house information technology (“IT”) systems for business and business management. These current prepaid systems are integrated into such in-house business and business management systems. The telephone company can efficiently manage its own business because it integrates its own prepaid roaming system and in-house IT system at the same level. The placement of some prepaid roaming systems may mean some integration. This can be time consuming and expensive by itself.

  Since the home network pre-assesses the value of the consumer's credit and the home network guarantees payment risk, the telephone company bears the consumer's payment or financial risk against postpaid consumers. I will try. However, in the case of a prepaid consumer, the home network may not even know who the consumer is, for example, because the consumer may be an anonymous consumer. This requires that both the visiting network and the home network have certain contracts for all types of transactions (eg, communication services and financial transactions).

  Telephone companies also provide consumer care to their consumers. However, a telephone company provides consumer care for a subscriber only if the subscriber is in their home network. If the subscriber is roaming, the subscriber can call the consumer care center of the home network and use the service. However, providing consumer care outside the home network service area is difficult due to the fact that consumer information is not available on the visiting network. Some telephone company operators have been able to provide constrained consumer care in their visiting networks. So far, however, such systems serve only postpaid consumers.

  As the prepaid subscriber base increases and as mobile commerce opportunities increase, consumer care has become quite important for prepaid consumers. In general, consumers have some demands from a consumer care service perspective: this includes information about services available in the visiting network or territory (eg, using their mobile phone, Information on local territories (for example, where is the nearest doctor), information on how to use the services of the visiting network (for example, which consumer is going to an XYZ destination) How to send a fax using a mobile phone supplied by the visiting network vendor or the consumer's prepaid account, for example, How much is your current balance, what are the last five transactions that consumers have made and how much Account / service profile information change service (for example, the consumer wants to change his address, or the consumer subscribes to a new service and wants to send a fuck) ), Opinions / complaints (e.g., the subscriber disconnects every 10 attempts, so the consumer does not want to pay for the call, the consumer has no XYZ destination at all) Don't call), re-payment of consumer's prepaid account from various sources (for example, consumers run out of their account assets, re-payment certificate, their bank account, cash or other means I want to compensate).

  The business of telephone companies is complex. The delivery of any telephone company service governs consumer expectations, for example, making the service available, and providing complete and accurate information at the correct time and location, and It requires various systems to operate and in doing so is efficiently provided to consumers. The telephone company system requires that the internal processing of the telephone company be optimized. This means that staff within the telephone company need to have complete and accurate information available at the correct time and in the correct location. Manage efficiently. Telephone company systems also require coexistence or compatibility with other third-party telephone companies and service providers, so that services can be aggregated and delivered to consumers and their business It is possible to manage and share revenues. In order to satisfy the large and complex requirements of such telephone companies / service providers, there is no single system that can provide all functions. Typically, suppliers, integrators, and telephone companies work together to customize and integrate several different systems to meet specific telephone company requirements.

  Since the prepaid communications service business was originally expected to be a separate service, telephone companies typically control outgoing calls in real time (or in real time close to the various definitions of the term “real time”). Adopt a single company-only system that can. As the prepaid telecommunications business grows extensively and at a rapid pace, service providers are required to integrate their prepaid systems with other systems to efficiently serve their consumers and manage the business. I feel there is.

  However, prepaid roaming has proposed several approaches to the telephone company industry. All relevant networks need to have a common understanding of how to manage the call flow, how to provide services, and how to manage the business. However, with some systems integrated in different ways over different networks, there is little effort for prepaid roaming. One fundamental question is how to achieve a “seamless” service for consumers and efficient business management over several related networks, usually heterogeneous or different types of networks. It is. For example, one service provider operator has a good consumer care center, while another operator does not have such a high quality consumer care center, or one operator has a high quality certificate ( voucher) has a generation / management system, but other operators manually manage most of these processes. The simple or complex integration of several different systems does not provide business solutions due to various permutations and combinations between telephone companies. It is also impractical to let one telephone company give up their existing system and adopt a completely new system, no matter how good the new system is in terms of quality.

  The well-known prepaid system is a single box solution, which allows limited integration with external systems. Even in situations where integration is feasible, it is impossible to enter a prepaid system at various levels relative to other systems. In other words, integration to replace some functions of the prepaid system is impossible. Integration to add additional functionality requires something to achieve. This is a major limitation for telephone companies in managing their business efficiently. For example, if a telephone company already has a personal identification number (PIN) generation system and wants to deploy a prepaid system for roaming, the PIN generation function of a new prepaid roaming system is used instead of the old system. Need to use. This requires the telephone company to divide the PIN generation system into two, one for non-roaming subscribers and another for roaming subscribers. This causes various confusion in the market, and simple integration with third party systems does not solve this problem. Other problems include distribution management, consumer management, and the like.

  In addition to the above, if the mobile operator enables mobile consumption transactions to prepaid Rome in a centralized communication and commerce environment, financial settlement to various parties included in the commerce transactions performed by prepaid roaming consumers There is a request for. The settlement of a commerce can further include the following points, the payment associated with the commerce needs to be distributed through one or more of the following entities, which include the merchant (product / Includes service providers or manufacturers, resellers or distributors, or some combination of such entities), portals (mobile or voice portals (“Vortal”)), e-commerce portals, etc. Any other type of portal), internet service provider (independent agency or mobile operator itself or portal itself), mobile phone company (home network, visiting network or both), virtual service provider (content service provider or infrastructure) Service provider or branding agency (branding agency) or any combination thereof, bank / credit card agency or any other financial institution (one or more involved in the transaction), third party payment agency (e.g. There may be an aggregator, a payment processing agency, an electronic wallet or any such payment processing agency. It is also possible for mobile service providers to offer several bundled packages (e.g., roaming surcharges from telephony are deducted if a consumer purchases a $ 50 item while roaming). This means that it should be possible to achieve different payment amounts with any payment system, based on pricing plans and roaming agreements between different parties involved in the commerce.

  Mobile processing devices (telephones, PDAs, etc.) are expected to be used for any type of payment, in particular for small payments (micropayments). Typically, consumers are commonly known in the industry using their mobile phones as small items, such as vending machine soft drinks, cigarettes, newspapers, books, parking fees and small payments. Make payments for other small things.

  Today's existing technology makes use of one of the following several methods to enable the above payments, which allows consumers to use their mobile phones and also pay Sometimes consumers can use their credit cards or bank debit cards. This means that payment is made through the consumer banking / credit account, not the consumer's phone account. This method is limited in that it assumes that all consumers have either a bank debit card or a credit card. The widespread growth of current prepaid mobile phones indicates that there is a large segment of the market that does not have any banking / credit relationship or simply does not want to use the banking / credit relationship for phones. This is particularly the case in developing countries with poor banking contracts. Since debit / credit card conditions also limit the total number of consumers that can conduct mobile commerce, telephone companies play only a fairly limited role in mobile commerce. The telephone company's revenue is usually limited to telephone connections and the services it provides. However, consumers can use their mobile phone accounts for business transaction payments. That is, the cost of goods / services is charged from the consumer's telephone account. At the end of the month, the consumer obtains a telephone bill that is charged for the cost of goods / services. This method is limited in that it assumes that the consumer is a postpaid account consumer. This means that the system does not support prepaid consumers, i.e., cannot perform mobile commerce. Instead, the system assumes that the payment risk is borne by the telephone company or the seller. If the consumer does not pay his bill by the billing deadline, the telephone company / seller must take financial risk.

  A consumer can have an electronic wallet account, which is an account with a personal identification number. When a consumer purchases a product, the consumer can key in a PIN and an electronic wallet company (eg, IPIN) can issue a payment guarantee. In this method, the electronic wallet functions as a prepaid account and the purchase transaction is authorized only when the balance of money in the account is available. This method has limitations because every time a purchase occurs, the user needs to identify himself (eg, typically using a PIN of 12 or more digits). This identification process itself can act as a deterrent, and the consumer may not be interested in making a small purchase through that process. Here too, the telephone company plays only a rather limited role in mobile commerce, so that the telephone company's own revenue or charges are limited to the telephone connections it provides.

  To simplify the mobile commerce purchase process, the industry is exploring innovative technologies such as Bluetooth, which enables direct communication between vending machines and consumer mobile phones . However, these technologies are limited in that both sellers and consumers need to be equipped with equipment that can handle these technologies. This means that the setup cost is higher. Since economic costs do not justify investment targets at least in recent years, these technologies are not aware of issues related to payment risk. These systems assume that all consumers are creditworthy and accept their payments. In real life, this is not the case. In addition, these technologies are not aware of the problems associated with prepaid consumers. Prepaid consumers can be anonymous, meaning that neither the telephone company nor the seller knows who is the buyer.

  In today's electronic commerce field, read / write memory devices are more prevalent. The read / write memory device has a function of storing an account balance and other information related to the consumer. Read / write memory devices do not require any network connection with the backend system. The read / write memory device reader can be installed at the merchant's retail store, and the visiting consumer can make payments using his / her card. This mechanism finds the convenience of being easy to use for both merchants and consumers and allows for payment.

  Each time a service is used, payments associated with that service are deducted from the consumer's prepaid account. Here, it is clear that the amount in the prepaid account reaches zero balance at some point. At this point, the consumer needs to re-pay into his prepaid account. Commercially available systems that provide prepaid facilities exist on the market, most of which offer account re-payment. Currently available systems allow re-payment of an account to be used by the consumer, a re-payment certificate (the certificate has a unique number known as a PIN, for example a certain amount such as $ 20 Is realized). The consumer dials the service provider's interactive voice response ("IVR") system and the guide menu allows the consumer to re-pay into their prepaid account by entering a unique PIN number.

  Such a re-payment system is limited in that the service provider needs to print a re-payment certificate and deliver the certificate. This is a major logistic and cost issue. There are also potential fraud risks due to several types of feasible fraud, such as leaking a PIN to unauthorized users, unauthorized users trying various numbers randomly, , And unauthorized parties printing fake re-payment certificates, forged money. Service providers can also provide several types of certificates, each certificate being a predetermined amount. The service provider can provide only a predetermined amount for each certificate. This means that the consumer cannot select the exact re-entry amount he desires. Also, the service provider does not have the function of providing credit facilities to prepaid consumers. Increasing use of prepaid accounts in more highly developed and credit-paying countries is increasingly consumer use of prepaid accounts for convenient and easy use rather than any credit-related issue It means that. Such consumers are not willing to pay in advance for services that they have not yet used. With credit restrictions (with a guaranteed payment guarantee by a third party such as a bank), such a method would increase the number of consumers choosing a prepaid account.

  In situations where the prepaid fee is programmed on a card that can be used by the consumer (SIM card, smart card, magnetic card or any type of card), the consumer can use a dedicated programming device that can be used to re-pay the card You can take your card to the nearest sales agent where there is. This type of payment has been used for a long time. However, as mobile commerce becomes more prevalent, it is expected that consumers will want to use this situation for small payments. Programming a prepaid card into a card provides the consumer with the convenience that for a very small transaction, the consumer does not need to enter a long code (typically 12 digits or more). However, this account re-payment configuration has the restriction that each time the consumer needs re-payment, the consumer can only go to a limited re-payment distributor. Such cards cannot be repaid elsewhere. Service providers also have problems related to fraud (for example, unauthorized parties that access devices that can write large amounts of money on cards), so these cards can be renewed or significantly expensive. There is no re-payment and the service provider is not capable of providing credit facilities for prepaid consumers.

  Normal business transactions (eg, using a credit / debit card at a real store or retail store), transaction verification is usually done by card scanning and physical signature verification. Sometimes, as a fraud prevention, the credit / debit card distributor requires the purchase confirmation / consumer to refer to the bank. The bank then uses supplementary safety measures such as the mother's maiden name, birthday, etc. to ensure that the consumer is not unauthorized. In today's Internet and mobile Internet environments, these supplementary security measures do not exist and fraud as described above exists in various systems that cannot change the prepaid account system. Due to the limited warranty, it is expected that the fraud on the Internet / mobile Internet related to the transaction will be quite high.

  It is known to charge from a consumer's prepaid account when the phone bill is insured. Billing can come from many sources, depending on the account. For example, it is known to establish a prepaid phone access account. The consumer can then make a long distance call or access the telephone network.

  It is also known to establish a postpaid credit account at a bank or other lending institution and purchase goods and services using the postpaid account. Sometimes a postpaid credit account and a roaming phone service can be combined, for example, when credit card numbers are exchanged to order a service via a wireless phone link. There are limitations to this system. For example, a consumer may attempt to limit the amount of money for his account, or may not limit the amount of money for his account due to other reasons for not being able to establish credit with the telephone company. These consumers can establish a prepaid account. However, existing prepaid account configurations have at least some limitations.

  For example, a user of a prepaid mobile or wireless telephone may want to use their wireless telephone in the territory of another telephone company. As used below, this is referred to as a visit or roaming territory or network. If a prepaid consumer has enough credit to complete a call using another account, for example, a credit card, the consumer will be a roaming territory for becoming a prepaid consumer. Even the telephone company or its own telephone company (“home network” or “home territory”) does not establish “credits”. In other words, unless the roaming network phone company has a contract with the home network phone company and each switch has dedicated hardware to monitor calls and charge from the consumer's prepaid account, Prepaid consumers in a roaming territory ("prepaid roamers") have no way of having their phone company's prepaid account charged while roaming. Since it is usually impractical to make these contracts, there is no effective prepaid roaming.

  Prepaid phones continue to exist in the telecommunications industry. The consumer or user is required to pay a certain amount in advance to the communication service provider, and the service provider enables the consumer to use the communication service for the prepaid amount. Once the user account account is zero, the service provider stops the service. The consumer then needs to re-add money to his account by paying an additional fee to the communications service provider. In other words, a prepaid account needs to be maintained at any time. Any transaction for which the amount is not sufficient is treated as a restricted transaction.

  When a restricted transaction occurs, there are two options for handling the transaction. Decline the transaction. Approve the transaction subject to confirmation at a later date. When approving a transaction subject to confirmation at a later date, the account provider will accept a list of fraudulent transactions. This means that if a large amount of debit occurs on a credit account, the credit account provider has approved the transaction with the account holder subject to additional phone verification, and if the transaction is found fraudulent, Responsible for account provider.

  Various credit account providers are trying to distribute these losses based on their position in the market. For example, credit providers are forcing vendors to accept their credit cards to accept some of the fraudulent transaction losses. Optionally, the loss can be reduced by using insurance.

  Similarly, credit transactions for accounts are known. Sometimes pre-authorized credits are used, sometimes referred to as overdraft protection. Again, the account has some simplified constraints. For example, as long as money has been in a deposit account for a long time, a continuous remittance from one account to another approves billing to reduce the billing account balance below zero.

  It is also known that there are various discounts for services related to a specific account. For example, if the consumer is a member of a savings club, food can be purchased at a discount. In other words, even if money is not held in the account, the history of the transaction is monetary even if holding a certain membership is a condition for discounting. Additional discounts can be conditioned on some account amount or account history. In addition, advertisements and discounts may be specially provided to various consumers. It is known to pay for the service ahead of time (prepaid) and to establish a credit account for the service (postpaid). A postpaid account is established based on the consumer's creditworthiness, and the business entity establishing the postpaid account guarantees the consumer's continued creditworthiness. Postpaid accounts are well known and widely used.

  In order to enable a prepaid communication service, the service provider needs to control the actual money usage of the consumer's prepaid account in real time (ie, ensure that the service is delivered) There is a need for a system that can calculate the usage of account amounts in real time as consumer calls continue. There are several systems for service providers available on the market that simulate such real-time usage control.

  In addition, the roaming service requires data cleaning (data erasure) and settlement of financial transactions. Data cleaning and settlement of multiple parties over various network systems can be quite complex. Setting up and managing consumer accounts over the network can be quite complex, and certain delays can cause great misunderstanding and confusion for consumers. Consumers may run out of their prepaid account balance while still on the visiting network. Consumers should be able to add or “re-add” money to their accounts from the visiting network. Consumer re-payment from the visiting network raises several issues: how the consumer's account can be re-paid if the consumer is not a consumer of the visiting network service provider; How to manage financial transactions related to payment management and settlement of re-entry amounts (eg, problems related to dealer commissions, simplified re-payment service between home network and visiting network, and remittance) .

  Various embodiments of the present invention allow a mobile processing device (telephone, PDA, etc.) to be used for all of the various types of payments, especially for small payments. Typically, consumers are commonly known in the industry using their mobile phones as small items, such as vending machine soft drinks, cigarettes, newspapers, books, parking fees and small payments. Make payments for other small things.

  Service providers who are not capable of providing credit facilities to prepaid consumers can place restrictions on the use of prepaid accounts. Increasing use of prepaid accounts in more highly developed and credit-paying countries will increase consumer use of prepaid accounts for convenient and easy use rather than any credit-related issue It means that. These accounts are known as real-time authorization accounts for credible consumers. Such consumers are not willing to pay prepaid for services that they have not yet used. Using a credit limit (guaranteed payment guarantee by a server party such as a bank), such a method would increase the number of consumers choosing prepaid and real-time authorization accounts.

  In situations where a prepaid amount is programmed into a card that can be used by the consumer (eg, a SIM card, smart card, magnetic card or any other type of card), the consumer can use it to re-add the card. You can take your card to the nearest sales agent with a dedicated programming device. This type of payment has been used for a long time. However, as mobile commerce becomes more prevalent, it is expected that consumers will want to use this situation for small payments. Programming a prepaid card into a card provides the consumer with the convenience that for a very small transaction, the consumer does not need to enter a long code (typically 12 digits or more).

  However, such an account re-payment configuration has the restriction that each time a re-payment is required, the consumer can only go to a limited re-payment agency. Such cards cannot be repaid elsewhere. Service providers have a problem related to fraud (for example, an unauthorized party with access to a device can write a large amount of money on a card) and the ability to provide credit facilities to prepaid consumers. I don't want to renew or re-add these cards with a very large amount of money. In addition, such a re-payment system is becoming increasingly unusable for users to use logistically from their “home base”. London service providers say they aren't going to offer even one center in Paris or even Hong Kong, as this may mean that their consumers are frequently traveling to these areas But it is. Because, if a service provider relies on another party's assets, for example, a store or sales network infrastructure, the service provider will be charged for using such assets significantly from potential revenue. It is because it loses at the rate of.

  Embodiments of the present invention disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 395,868 relate to prepaid calls and other communication services using simple telephone switches. This simple telephone switch has a computer telephone interface (“CTI”) card inserted and transfers the extended function to a second fixed channel. The second fixed channel is connected to the communication platform via a telephone network, the Internet or other Internet protocol network. The communications platform can send authorizations for calls, connection commands and other commands to the simple telephone switch, which allows the consumer to access the advanced features.

  The use of a second fixed channel to authorize payment and handle call control is possible in some embodiments described herein with a modified communication system, for prepaid roaming services. Have some improvements. For example, in addition to the prepaid roaming described above, the present invention provides an improved centralized communication device for mobile commerce, electronic commerce, account repayment, multi-party payment transactions, integrated consumer care or any other commerce To do.

  That is, the first embodiment of the present invention is a centralized communication system located at a central location, which includes the Internet, a public switched telephone network, an SS7 signaling line, a telephone number, or any other known It can be accessed from any location via these means or means developed in the future. Prepaid roaming calls can be handled by the local telephone switch by sending a signal from the local telephone switch to the centralized centralized communications platform, where the consumer has access to their account. Try.

  The centralized communications platform can authorize the telephone call after completing several steps. The first step is to check that the consumer is an actual authorized consumer. The second step is to check that the consumer is authorized to use a particular service. The third step is to check the balance of the consumer account of the centralized central communications platform. If there is a request from a consumer who authorizes the service and has sufficient account balance, the centralized centralized communications platform can issue an authorization number to the local telephone number switch.

  When the consumer completes the call, the local telephone switch can send a notification of service completion to the centralized centralized communications platform according to the duration of the call to the centralized centralized communications platform. If the consumer runs out of money in his account during a call, the centralized centralized communications platform can send a message to the switch via the second line to end the call. In either case, prepaid roaming consumers can access their accounts and use prepaid services.

  In the telecommunications field, different network technologies exist in various regions. When a consumer travels from one point to another, for example from Europe to the United States, there is still a desire to connect the phone with the same phone number in the roaming territory. Today, roaming is possible between two networks of the same type (eg, roaming from one GSM network to another, or roaming from one AMPS network to another). However, due to technology differences, consumers cannot perform roaming from one network type to another (for example, a consumer who owns a GSM phone has an AMPS phone that cannot roam to a CDMA network. Consumers who are unable to roam into the GSM network). This roaming function cannot be realized because each technology operates at a different frequency. Therefore, mobile handsets are not compatible, the call flow management of each telephone company network technology is different, and the subscriber identification process for each network type is different. For example, in a GSM network, subscribers or consumers are identified based on IMSI, SIM serial number and MSIISDN. In a CDMA network, subscribers or consumers are identified based on MIN and ESN, AMPS In the network, subscribers are identified based on the ESN.

  The problem of roaming across heterogeneous networks can be solved with either of the following two solutions: a consumer purchases a multi-band mobile handset, which will receive the paging signal from the handset, Be recognizable in multiple networks (eg, a tri-band handset allows subscribers to use the same phone in both Europe and America) or roaming consumers go to roaming service providers Temporarily borrow a handset with a different roaming network standard. The telephone company assures consumers that they can have the same telephone number by way of call forwarding.

  However, these roaming solutions are only feasible for postpaid subscribers. These do not work for prepaid subscribers that are capable of prepaid roaming, which requires that all of the associated networks work together in terms of authorization, rates, and billing from consumer home network prepaid accounts. Because there is. There are currently no commercially available commerce technologies that can support prepaid roaming across heterogeneous networks.

  As the prepaid subscriber base grows, telephone companies are seeking to provide prepaid roaming across a wide range of disparate networks. Therefore, there is a need for a solution that can: obtain the relevant call control information and subscriber information from the calling or roaming network, satisfying various requirements of different network types, Generating and transmitting related call control information and subscriber information to the home network, not only obtaining subscriber authentication by subscriber confirmation, but also authenticating the subscriber based on a profile of services allowed to the subscriber; Call in real time when the call is set up in the calling network or the network in which the subscriber currently exists, in the format required by the calling or roaming network, returning an approval / rejection to the calling or roaming network Calculate usage fees, provide usage information, and span different networks It is to perform the settlement of a plurality of parties for the services provided Te.

  A consumer care solution for roaming subscribers, particularly prepaid roamers, should have at least the following functions: the ability to identify roaming subscribers when the subscriber calls into a consumer care center ("CCC") The ability to communicate with the home network and obtain information related to consumer accounts (balances, past transaction history, etc.) and consumer service profiles (what services are possible for a particular consumer), Either in the ability to process consumer requests for information delivery / query responses, consumer accounts or service profiles (eg money credit / refund for crosstalk, enabling new services for consumers, etc.) Function to perform the operation, the subscriber connects to the consumer care system via the visiting network and Features that can be provided (eg, integration with local interactive voice systems, consumer applications, etc.), the ability to update consumer home databases to maintain the integrity of consumer account information, roaming It is a feature that allows consumers to re-add money to their prepaid account.

  Prepaid roaming presents several challenges for multi-party payments for centralized communications services. In postpaid roaming, there is a home network that collects money from consumers. Therefore, all visiting networks send roaming consumer usage data (directly or via a data clearing / settlement agency) to the home network for settlement. In prepaid roaming, consumer A not only can purchase an initial subscription from network X, but can use the prepaid amount of network Y and re-pay into his network Z account. In such a situation, network Z has no business obligation to pay to network Y, even if network Z holds the re-payment amount by consumer A. In addition, the network X guarantees the consumer payment without actually holding the money paid by the consumer A. Further, in order to provide payment collection or re-payment service, the network Z tries to collect a service fee from the network X.

  Currently available roaming payment solutions are only for payments for telephone services, which are postpaid services. They do not address the need for a prepaid phone service (single or centralized service), nor do they address the need for settlement of commercial transactions performed by prepaid Romer subscribers of the visiting network. Here, what is needed in the method and system solution is the following: enabling centralized services and multi-party settlement of commerce; enabling configuration of settlement rules for each service and commerce It is to be. These rules should allow settlement between: merchants (goods / service providers such as manufacturers, resellers, distributors or some combination of such entities), portals ( Mobile portals, or any type including an e-commerce portal, etc.), Internet service providers (independent agencies or mobile operators or portals), mobile phone companies (home networks, visiting networks, or both), virtual service providers (content services Provider or infrastructure service provider or branding agency or any combination), bank / credit card agency or any other financial institution (one or more for commerce) Included), third party agencies (eg, merchants aggregator, payment processing agency or electronic wallet or any such payment agency), goods / service delivery agencies (eg, courier ) Vendors), bandwidth providers) and insurance agencies.

  Settlement rules should allow configuration for various situations such as: (1) real-time settlement, (2) time delay settlement (eg after 2 or 30 days), ( 3) Settlement based on confirmation of certain conditions (for example, insurance agency pays before shipment of goods, but courier is paid only when goods are delivered), (4) Business relationship between parties Payments based (for example, the Courier Agency offers volume-based discounts, which means that the payment process takes into account several deliveries rather than just one delivery), and (5) volume Payments based on (e.g., every time an advertisement is delivered to a roaming subscriber, a small amount is paid to the portal, and the portal If you purchase goods / services, you will receive a larger payment). Payment should also consider roaming contracts between related networks (eg, roaming surcharges). Settlement should also take into account any regulatory conditions (eg appropriation of taxes and settlements to government agencies).

  In order to establish prepaid services and commerce, especially in mobile commerce, methods and systems are required to allow re-payment from any of the following: re-payment certificate, guarantor Direct linkage with account (credit / debit / any other type of account), re-payment from consumers via mobile or landline, guarantor account (credit / debit / any other type of account) Direct payment, re-payment by a consumer from a bank ATM, or re-payment by cash payment at a cash window. Each prepaid consumer should be able to configure his / her conditions for re-payment in the following ways: re-payment only from the phone (mobile or landline), re-payment from the net ( Internet, mobile internet, or any other type of public or private network), re-payment only if the consumer specifically asks for re-payment (via IVR, net or drop-in, or any other method) , Automatically re-pay from another specific account (bank debit / credit or any type of account) if the balance is below a certain amount, using another account as a payment guarantee for prepaid accounts If you have a pre-configured from the main account, do not re-pay that account Re-payment to some sub-accounts, periodic re-payments (eg daily, monthly, weekly etc.), re-payments with amounts determined based on usage criteria defined by the user (eg Use of the last 7 days and reference to the average re-payment amount, or the re-payment amount is equal to the amount of the highest transaction indicated in the past “x” days, etc.).

  In a prepaid centralized communication environment, transaction confirmation / authentication (whether it is a communication service and / or commercial transaction) takes several steps or checks to verify the user and the credit associated with the account. An upper limit or prepaid amount should be available. Solutions for communications access, internet or mobile internet access, commerce (performed on physical stores or net / mobile nets) should allow: consumer verification based on PIN, Passwords, telephone related security functions, or some or all combinations thereof, confirmation that the requested service / transaction is authorized or not for a specific consumer prepaid account (service profile confirmation), service / transaction Confirm that there is enough balance available in the consumer prepaid account for the account (the balance is prepaid account balance, credit account balance, or any other type of actual prepaid account associated with the consumer prepaid account It is a virtual account).

  Additional verification can be performed based on rules configured by the service provider (bank, telecommunications company or seller or any other type of service provider). For example, the service provider can: add additional information from the user (eg, maternal maiden name, date of birth, or amount at the time of the previous transaction, or the previous billing amount, the previous re-entry amount, or High-value transactions (for example, over $ 20) or high-volume transactions (for example, over 15 transactions per day) that can be queried for consumer-defined personal questions and answers. Or you can ask for a dedicated password for more than 50 transactions per month. Based on rules configured by the end user or consumer, the service provider can perform additional checks.

  For example, the consumer / user can request the following: an additional password for a certain type of transaction (eg, purchase of a ticket), for transactions over the number of previous transactions (eg, past 5 Asks if the total number of transactions per day is over 50% of the current number of transactions) (eg birthday, friend name, dedicated password) required by the system. Based on rules configured by consumers / users, the system will prevent certain types of transactions (eg pornographic photos or all possible electronic and mobile commerce other than money) between countries with currency restrictions. Can do.

  Based on the rules configured as described above, for consumer care agents, the phone (ie, the system allows voice communication for transaction authorization while the authorized transaction is in process). Should be able to communicate with consumers. Depending on the rules configured by the service provider, consumers should not be charged for the use of such voice communication / additional security information (eg free access).

  That is, one of the configurations of the present invention is to provide a method for providing mobile commerce, electronic commerce, consumer care and communication services via multiple networks, which is a roaming network, from a user equipment. Receiving the identification number and the service request, adding the service provider identification number and the service charge or ratio relating to the service provider to the identification number and the service request, and transmitting the service number from the roaming network to the home network. Is identified by the centralized communication platform located in the home network, the identification number is associated with a valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account is Sir The identification number is associated with the valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account is If you have enough money, provide authorization to the service provider, if the service is chargeable, charge from the active user account in real time, and if necessary, the service is chargeable Providing the service.

  Another configuration of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that provides mobile commerce via a plurality of networks. The apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives a request for service, and the request is arranged in a roaming network. An identification number from a user device, a service provider identification number associated with a service provider and a charge for the service from the roaming network, the identification number being associated with a valid user account and the user device receiving the service And a verification unit that verifies that the valid user account has a sufficient amount to pay for the service, the identification number is associated with the valid user account, and the user device is Authorized to receive services and the effective user account If the count has sufficient value, a transmission unit for transmitting an authorization to the service provider, to provide the services, and a charging unit for charging from the valid user account.

  Yet another configuration of the present invention is to provide a method for providing a prepaid roaming communication service via a plurality of networks, wherein the method receives an identification number and a destination device number from a user device in a roaming network. Receiving, adding to the identification number and the destination device number a service provider identification number and a roaming communication service charge, transmitting from the roaming network to the home network, and by a centralized communication platform located in the home network, The identification number is associated with a valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount to pay for the initial cost of the service; Verify that the identification number is valid Related to information, if the user equipment is authorized to receive the service and the valid user account has a sufficient amount to pay for the initial cost of the service, authorize the roaming network. Providing and charging from the active user account to provide the service, and transmitting a signal when the user account balance reaches a predetermined level.

  Another configuration of the present invention is to provide a device that provides a prepaid roaming communication service via a plurality of networks, the device including a receiving unit that receives a service request, and the request is arranged in the roaming network. Including an identification number and a destination device number from a user device being connected, a service provider identification number for a service provider and a charge for service from the roaming network, the identification number associated with a valid user account, and the user device A verifier that is authorized to receive the service on a roaming network and verifies that the valid user account has a sufficient amount to pay for the service; and the identification number is the valid user account Related to If the device is authorized to receive the service and the valid user account has a sufficient amount, send an authorization to the service provider and send a signal if the user account reaches a predetermined level A transmission unit and a charging unit that charges from the effective user account to provide the service.

  Another configuration of the present invention is to provide a method of providing consumer care services over a plurality of networks, which is a roaming network, from a user equipment, requesting an identification number and consumer care service. A service provider identification number is added to the identification number and the consumer care service request and transmitted from the roaming network to a home network, and the identification number is transmitted by a centralized communication platform disposed in the home network. Is associated with an active user account, and if the identification number is associated with the active user account, the consumer care service is connected to the user device.

  Another configuration of the present invention is to provide a device that provides consumer care services via a plurality of networks, the device including a receiving unit that receives a request for consumer care services, and the request includes: Including an identification number from a user device located in the roaming network and a service provider identification number associated with a service provider from the roaming network, wherein the identification number is associated with a valid user account and the user device is the consumer The consumer care service can be provided to the user device if the verification unit verifies that the user is authorized to receive the care service and the identification number is associated with the active user account. And a connection unit for connecting a consumer care service provider.

  Yet another configuration of the present invention is to provide a method of re-paying a prepaid account for services provided via a centralized communications platform, the method comprising a consumer located on the centralized communications platform. Receiving an authorization request to use the account, determining that the consumer account does not have sufficient balance for the services provided, and the consumer account authorizing the re-payment mechanism; And re-payment to the consumer account using the re-payment mechanism and authorize the service to use the consumer account via the centralized communications platform.

  A further configuration of the present invention is to provide a device for re-paying a prepaid account for a service to be provided via a centralized communication platform, which device is configured to connect a consumer account located on the centralized communication platform. The receiver that receives the authorization request to use, and the consumer account does not have sufficient balance for the service to be provided, and the consumer account authorizes the re-payment mechanism A determination unit for determining, a re-payment unit for re-paying to the consumer account using the re-payment mechanism, and authorization for use of the consumer account for the service via the centralized communication platform And a transmission unit for transmitting.

  Another configuration of the present invention is to provide a method for settlement of prepaid transactions to multiple providers in a centralized communication environment, in which fees are charged from user accounts for transactions provided over multiple networks in real time. Charge, determine a fee to be distributed to a plurality of providers involved in provision of the prepaid transaction via the plurality of networks, and perform settlement with the provider via the plurality of networks according to the determined fee .

  Yet another configuration of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for settlement of prepaid transactions to a plurality of providers in a centralized communication environment, which apparatus is provided in real time via a plurality of networks. A charging unit that charges from a user account for the user, a determination unit that determines a fee to be distributed to a plurality of providers involved in provision of the prepaid transaction via the plurality of networks, and the plurality of networks according to the determined fee And a transmission unit that performs payment with the provider.

  Another configuration of the present invention is to provide a method for providing mobile commerce, electronic commerce, consumer care and communication services over multiple networks, which is a roaming network, from a user equipment, When an identification number and a service request are received and the service is chargeable, a service provider identification number related to a service provider and a charge for the service are added to the identification number and the service request, and the home network from the roaming network Sent by a centralized communication platform located in the home network, the identification number is associated with a valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account is associated with the service. payment Verify that the user has a sufficient amount to perform, the identification number is associated with the valid user account, and the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account is sufficient If you have an amount, provide authorization to the service provider, if the service is chargeable, charge from the active user account in real time, and if necessary, if the service is chargeable, Provide the service.

  In addition, the configuration of the present invention is to provide a device that provides mobile commerce, electronic commerce, consumer care and communication services via a plurality of networks, where the service charges from a roaming network. If so, the identification is performed by a receiving unit that receives an identification number from a user device, a service request, a service provider identification number relating to a service provider, and a charge or ratio of the service, and a centralized communication platform arranged in the home network Determine whether a number is associated with a valid user account, whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the service, and whether the valid user account has a sufficient amount to pay for the service The determination unit to perform and the service If so, if the identification number is associated with the valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount, the service provider If the service is subject to charging, the transmitter providing authorization, and charging from the effective user account in real time to provide the service, and if necessary, if the service is subject to billing, Provide service.

  That is, the configuration of the present invention is to provide a centralized communication system and method for realizing a flexible and sophisticated single user account for processing communication services and transactions originating from many sources. A single account that can handle transactions from multiple service providers and transaction providers can reduce the cost of other transactions over previously unavailable transactions, thus making transactions more You can do it frequently. Various embodiments of the present invention enable small transactions within multiple vendors, multiple system environments. Various embodiments generate a way to easily authorize, charge and settle a significant small transaction. Various embodiments of the present invention provide centralized communication systems and methods that meet the specifications of the mobile currently used by users.

  Another configuration of the present invention is to provide a centralized communication system and method adapted to an increasingly specialized field, where many parties are required to enable certain transactions. . The additional party can add value to the transaction and expects to pay for it. The real-time rules described herein allow many parties to receive payments for transactions according to the billing and payment schedule that the party agrees to. In complex transactions, each service provider requires that payment is guaranteed. For the delivery of these complex mixed services, the parties in the delivery chain can only receive a guarantee if the complex transaction is authorized in real time, which is the time (ie real time) This is for accounts for which rules for authorization guaranteed as applicable targets are defined. Various embodiments of the present invention allow billing and settlement at multiple parties by a method that uses real-time rule sets to implement complex transactions between multiple service providers.

  A further configuration of the invention described herein is to provide a communication system and method that extends the suitability and functionality provided by an account, which account is associated with account re-payment. It is possible to authorize transactions, real-time billing, and complex settlements for such rules, and the configuration is to provide a method for determining the rules.

  A single account that provides flexibility and security for consumers allows complex transactions that were previously unavailable. Various embodiments of the present invention provide a sophisticated set of rules to execute, which can provide flexibility and convenience to the consumer as well as provide security for the service provider (s) involved. For example, advanced rules for credit from accounts, transaction authorization, account billing and transaction settlement involving multiple recipients provide the flexibility and convenience required in today and future mobile commerce. . That is, it can be determined whether the requested transaction is acceptable at the current position, and what additional actions are acceptable for the transaction. Sometimes this gives the consumer an opportunity to make a choice, but usually not.

  Determining the amount of payment to be acquired from a party is complex and needs to be determined at the time of the transaction in order to ensure that all parties are treated fairly. Embodiments of the present invention provide for real-time controlled transactions using real-time authorization and billing of accounts. Real-time rule sets can be determined based on various motivations. For example, transaction dates and times, consumer and vendor histories and other factors that can be determined as appropriate or appropriate based on past events may be used to support the authorization of the transaction. it can.

  The first category of rules used in centralized communication systems and methods is account repayment, which is a mobile commerce, communication or other from various service providers via centralized communication systems and methods in a heterogeneous network environment. The user requests and is required in advance for the electronic commerce. Account re-payment can include the type of credit that is deposited into the account. Some examples include cash, stock, flight miles, membership, membership extension periods, credit permissions, ownership transfers, or other methods currently known or developed in the future to transfer money to an account. included. Account re-payment can be automatic, semi-automatic, manual or automatic within certain parameters and otherwise manual. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for re-payment from any of the following: re-payment certificate, direct linkage with guarantor account (credit / debit / any other type of account), mobile phone or Re-payment from the consumer via landline, direct billing from the guarantor account (credit / debit / any other type of account), re-payment by the consumer from the bank ATM, or re-payment by cash payment at the cash desk It is a deposit. This allows users to set up a complex but functional environment for their consumer account.

  The second category of rules used in the centralized communication system and method are authorization and approval rules, which are mobile commerce, communications or communications from various service providers via the centralized communication system and method in a heterogeneous network environment. For other electronic commerce, the user requests and is requested in advance. Since embodiments of the present invention provide links to credit services, telephone and internet, the rules include an overview of under what circumstances money can be obtained from an account. Various examples include billing restrictions, second system notifications, account deposit restrictions, membership restrictions, or other currently known or future developed methods that limit to a single transaction, monthly transactions, account balances , Included for each transaction sender and transaction receiver. This allows the user to set up a complex but functional environment that controls who is authorized to use the account.

  A third category of rules used in the centralized communication system and method is a charging rule, which is a mobile commerce, communication or other from various service providers via a centralized communication system and method in a heterogeneous network environment. For electronic commerce, a user requests and is required in advance. Various embodiments of the present invention provide various service providers to set up various methods of charging from either service providers or consumer accounts. For example, a telephone service provider can provide payments to its account, payments to roaming network provider accounts, and payments to long distance provider accounts.

  The above-described configuration of the present invention can be dealt with by a centralized communication method that adopts a rule set and has several functions, and this function authorizes transactions for authorized users and the authorized users. Determining at least one rule applicable when charging from an account, applying at least one rule to authorize a transaction, an account that follows at least one rule for charging from the account in real time when the transaction is authorized And billing from multiple transaction providers according to at least one settlement rule.

  Various configurations for the systems and methods described above include determining whether an authorized user has sufficient money in an authorized user account charged for a transaction, completing a re-payment routine having several functions. Can later include a re-payment to the authorized user account, this function determines the re-payment user account for remittance and authorizes the remittance by querying at least one pre-authorized remittance and from the authorized user Includes authorization requests. Another configuration includes re-payment being performed using multiple re-payment user accounts. Another configuration is that the authorization request from the authorized user is at least one of a PIN request, a manual entry request, a user passphrase request and a user identifier confirmation via biometric means.

  Various configurations for the systems and methods described above are applied using multiple rules for authorizing transactions, and charged using multiple rules for charging an account. And payment is executed using a plurality of payment rules, or charging is executed using a plurality of rules for charging from an account, and payment is executed using a plurality of payment rules. Including being executed. Another configuration applies that at least one rule applies to the authorization of transactions, with settlement occurring immediately, after 3 days, at the end of the calendar month, at regular periods and at a series of installment dates. To include authorization of the transaction using at least one of user PIN, manual entry, user passphrase and confirmation of the user identifier via biometric means.

  Various configurations for the systems and methods described above are the determination of at least one rule that is applied in real-time when issuing a transaction authorization request according to an algorithm that uses data related to time series events, the rule comprising: It is considered to have a relationship with. Another configuration is that the time series event is a past purchase of an authorized user, or the actual outcome of a time series risk assessment, or such a time series event can be constantly changed. Another configuration is that transactions are required and connections to multiple transaction providers span heterogeneous networks.

  The above-described configuration of the present invention can be accommodated by a user input device for accessing an account in a centralized communication system, which accesses an authorized user account and requests a transaction from an account manager. A transmission unit for transmitting to the centralized communication system, wherein the account manager authorizes a transaction for an authorized user and determines at least one rule that can be used when charging from the account; and A processor that applies the at least one rule to authorize a transaction, and a charging unit that charges from the account according to the at least one rule for charging from the account in real time when the transaction is authorized And multiple transaction procedures according to at least one settlement rule. A settlement unit that settles real-time billing to the binder, and the user input device is at least one of confirming access to the authorized user account, confirming billing from the authorized user account, and notifying settlement. Is provided.

  The above-described configuration of the present invention can further be accommodated by a centralized communication system that employs a rule set, which authorizes transactions for authorized users and charges from the authorized user's account. A determination unit for determining at least one rule that can be used in the network, a processor that applies the at least one rule to authorize the transaction, and billing from an account in real time when the transaction is authorized A billing unit that charges from the account according to the at least one rule, and a settlement unit that settles real-time billing to a plurality of transaction providers according to the at least one settlement rule.

  The above-described configuration of the present invention can be further supported by a centralized communication system that employs a rule set, which determines in real time multiple rules for authorizing, charging, and settlement of current transactions. A determination unit, an authorized user account, or an authorized user account that authorizes the transaction if the authorized user matches the plurality of rules for authorizing a current transaction, and the authorized user account A billing unit that charges the transaction in real time and refunds it to at least one transaction provider account, and a settlement unit that settles the transaction according to the at least one rule for settlement of the transaction.

1 is an embodiment of a system that utilizes a centralized communication platform. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system that utilizes a centralized communication platform for mobile commerce. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system that utilizes a centralized communication platform for prepaid roaming. FIG. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system that utilizes a centralized communication platform for consumer care. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an international system that utilizes a centralized communication platform. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system that utilizes a centralized communication platform. FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an architecture that enables extended data services on a centralized communication platform. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a billing balance for a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the method of repaying to a prepaid communication account. It is a figure which shows an example of the information transfer between some parties with respect to a centralized communication platform. It is a block diagram which comprises the mobile commerce during roaming. It is a figure which shows an example of the user who requests | requires a roaming service with a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the user and transaction record which are used with a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the user account of a centralized communication platform. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an interactive voice response system used in a centralized communication platform. FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the use of a centralized communication platform prepaid account for multiple payments. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the semi-automated method which re-pays to a prepaid account and sets up a rule with respect to payment of a some party in a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the method of producing | generating an adjustment report in a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the data transfer in a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the method of the real-time payment in a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the method of the real-time payment in a centralized communication platform. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the account management apparatus for centralized communication platforms. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the switch manager apparatus of a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the transaction between the businesses which use a centralized communication platform. It is a block diagram of the centralized communication system which performs the business transaction between businesses. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the system for account repayment with respect to a centralized communication system. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a prepaid account re-payment system that uses a centralized communications platform interactive voice response system. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a security system used by a centralized communication platform. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the payment of the several party which uses a centralized communication platform as a payment organization. It is a figure which shows an example of the screenshot of the vendor information with respect to the payment of a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the screenshot which adds vendor information to a centralized communication platform. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screenshot for adding details about sales to a centralized communication platform. It is a figure which shows an example of the table of the rule repository for centralized communication systems. It is a figure which shows an example of the apparatus which can implement | achieve payment with respect to a centralized communication system. It is a figure which shows an example of the method of the advanced account repayment using a centralized communication system. It is a figure which shows an example of the method of the advanced transaction authorization using a centralized communication system. It is a figure which shows an example of the method of the advanced real-time account accounting using a centralized communication system. It is a figure which shows an example of the method of the advanced payment process using a centralized communication system.

  As described herein, embodiments of the present invention apply to systems, methods and platforms for using heterogeneous networks and for centralized (or centralized) communications, centralized commerce and centralized services. Is possible. While various industry terms and acronyms are used, some terms have the following additional meanings as described above.

  An example of a heterogeneous network is a network composed of a combination of different or various technical elements or parts. For example, heterogeneous networks include: various telecommunication standards such as GSM and CDMA, various versions of the same telecommunication standard such as GSM 900 and 1900, various such as Nokia and Ericsson. Various switching systems, intelligent network (IN) or non-IN, different signaling (signaling) such as ISDN or SS7, various operating systems such as UNIX and Microsoft Windows, Solaris (SUN) and AIX (IBM) ) Different forms of the same operating system, different versions of the same operating system such as 2.0 and 2.1, different server hardware such as IBM and Compaq, CDMA and PDC UNA is a different network types, but Japan of the same operator, such as KDDI, is a different networks in different regions, there may be the same operator such as Vodafone.

  An example of concentration is combining various technologies and media together to provide more levels of service. For example, centralized communications can combine: various media such as voice, data, messaging, mobile, fixed or satellite voice, data, messaging, the same service provided by service providers Various media such as voice, data, messaging provided by providers, mobile, fixed or satellite voice, data, messaging provided by different service providers, mobile, fixed, satellite provided by different service providers There is voice, data and messaging. Centralized commerce includes a combination of telephone, internet, electronic commerce or mobile commerce (m-commerce). Centralized services include a combination of communication and commerce services. Centralized accounting includes the ability to provide a unified bill for all communications services and billing for the content or goods being delivered. Centralized business transactions can also be viewed as integrating all charges for a transaction into a single transaction and costs that include factors such as surcharges, taxes, and telecommunications charges. The centralized service can also be viewed as providing a single help operator that can access, verify, and modify the consumer account even if the consumer account does not exist on the local network.

  The centralized interface can configure several necessary and additional parameters, which analyze the input / output parameters required by the third party element (s) and send the third party element to the centralized communication of this example. It can be configured to be incorporated into a third party system by mapping to platform element parameters and configuring that element to resolve certain conflicts. If the third party system cannot provide some additional parameters, the centralized communications platform of this example can generate dummy parameters to ensure normal mapping.

  Examples of platforms include systems that provide a basis for making additional attempts. For example, a communication platform such as a telephone system allows data to flow for communication in various ways. Similarly, a centralized communications platform can merge various technologies to enable enhanced mobile commerce, electronic commerce, and consumer care.

  An example of an extended service includes a reformatting function. An extended service can, for example, reformat a data request from one system so that the data can be received by a second system and also refers to stored information The information can be reformatted, so that the reformatted information includes information that is not available at the originating device.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system that utilizes a centralized communications platform. As shown in FIG. 1, a consumer connects to the Internet 22, a wireless network 24, or a public switched telephone network 26 via an IP device 21, a wireless device 23, or a telephone system access device 25 from its own input 10. Further, it is connected to a vendor (ie, service provider) service device 50. The vendor service device 50 is further connected to the centralized communication platform 100 via a payment request 52. The centralized communication platform 100 returns the payment authorization 102 to the vendor service device 50. Next, the vendor service device 50 can distribute the service / product 11 returned to the consumer input 10 or can confirm the distribution.

  In this system example, a consumer who wants to exchange mobile commerce can receive the service / goods he / she desires quickly and efficiently. For example, if a consumer wants to purchase an MP3 file from an electronic music vendor, the transaction may operate as follows.

  A consumer operating the consumer input 10 attempts to connect to the music vendor via the vendor's service device 50. Consumer input 10 can be connected to any one of IP device 21, wireless device 23, or telephone system access device 25. The IP device 21 can be a network card, WAP connection device, SMS messaging device, or any other device currently known or developed in the future for connecting to an Internet protocol network.

  The wireless device 23 can be a mobile phone, a cellular phone, or any other device that communicates with the wireless network 24 using radio waves or electromagnetic energy. The telephone system access device 25 can be a modem, a router, a cable modem, or any other device that can be connected to the public switched telephone network 26.

  The Internet 22 can be a switch, router, hub, microwave device, or any combination of other communication devices that can transfer Internet protocol messages from one point to another. The wireless network 24 can be any system of wireless stations and switches and other devices that allow the wireless device 23 to connect to the vendor service device 50.

  The public switched telephone network 26 may be circuit switched, packet switched, or any combination of other devices adapted to connect the vendor service device 50 and the telephone system.

  When the consumer input 10 is the wireless device 23 and is connected to the vendor service device 50 via the wireless network 24, the vendor service device 50 allows the consumer 10 to purchase MP3 from the vendor service provider 50. It can be a Morse or number sequence recognition system that can properly identify the request.

  The vendor service device 50 is a web server, a voice server, an SMS messaging server, or a wireless access protocol (WAP) server capable of performing mobile commerce and delivering a service or product to the consumer input 10 or confirming the delivery. It can be any combination. The vendor service provider 50 receives the consumer request for the MP3 file and generates a payment request 52. The payment request 52 is returned to the centralized communication platform 100.

  Next, in the centralized communication platform 100, the user or the consumer is an authorized user, and the user account is authorized to perform this type of mobile commerce, and the consumer account enables the service. Check that they contain enough money or assets to do. If the user's account has normal authorization and assets, the centralized communication platform 100 generates a payment authorization 120 and returns it to the vendor service device 50.

  Next, the vendor service device 50 creates a service or merchandise and, in the case of an MP3 file, the MP3 file by any one of the Internet 22, wireless network 24, public switched telephone network 26 or other shipping network. To the consumer network or consumer input 10.

  In various embodiments, the above procedure can be automated by the system over a wide or narrow range. In a fully automated environment, the consumer input 10 can be an MP3 player connected to the wireless device 23 for the wireless network 24, which automatically sends either authorization and transfer data to the vendor service device 50. Send. That is, what all users should do is start up the device and select the device from which they want to purchase a new MP3 file. The device then automatically connects to the MP3 vendor and displays a music list for the user making the purchase. The user then selects the music he wishes to purchase and starts downloading the music as all other individual tasks that occur in the background.

  In another embodiment, a PIN, smart card, magnetic read / write device, bar code, magnetic tape, raised alphanumeric characters, or currently known or developed in the future, or illustrated in FIG. Any other fraud prevention methods that may be used, additional security of authorization of services / goods and payment requests may be utilized.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system for using a centralized service device in mobile (m) -commerce or electronic (e) -commerce. As shown in FIG. 2, the consumer input 100 sends a service request 105 to the vendor service device 110. Next, the vendor service device 110 transmits an authorization request 115 to the centralized service device 200. Next, the centralized service device 200 transmits an authorization permission 124 to the vendor service device 110 and transmits a payment notification 135 to the consumer input device 100. The centralized service device 200 transmits the payment 150 to the bank or financial institution for the vendor 140 and transmits the payment 155 to the shipper 160.

  In the present embodiment, the consumer requests to purchase a movie ticket via his input device 100. A consumer initiates or activates his or her consumer device 100 so that a service request 105 is transmitted to the vendor service device 110. Vendor service device 110 can be a currently known or future developed device for voice recognition or digital analysis so that the user can select a specific movie in a specific movie theater that he / she wishes to visit. Tickets can be selected. In addition, the vendor service device 110 can operate on any well-known business, not just movies. For example, concert tickets or other items can be purchased.

  After the user inputs the service request 105 to the vendor service device 110, the vendor service device 110 can generate an authorization request 115. The authorization request 115 may include information such as a consumer ID, a cost for the service, and a vendor identifier (ID).

  Once centralized service device 200 receives authorization request 115, it checks the user's prepaid account associated with the user ID, checks if the account is authorized for the purchase of a movie ticket, and You can check if your account has enough balance. If the account has sufficient balance, the account is authorized for the transaction, the account becomes a valid account, the centralized service device sends an authorization permit 125 to the vendor service device 110, and a payment notice 135 is sent to the consumer. It can be transmitted to the input device 100.

  The consumer can then receive a movie ticket from the theater by any method currently known or developed in the future. For example, a user can use an automatic ticketing device that simply issues a movie ticket by entering an automatic ticketing device identification number. Other means are known in the art, such as using federal express delivery, where the authorization code is entered into an existing device and the device itself is revealed to the vendor company, as better known. it can.

  In various embodiments, centralized service device 200 may be able to send payments to vendor service device 110. The centralized service device 200 can send the payment to a bank or financial institution associated with the vendor 140. Alternatively, the centralized service device 200 can simply authorize remittances from the bank or financial institution associated with the consumer or user to the bank or financial institution of the vendor 140. In addition, the centralized service device 200 can authorize payment to the shipper 160 that can deliver.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system that enables prepaid roaming on a centralized communication platform. In FIG. 3, the area 310 has a consumer 1, a consumer 2, a telephone switch A, a service manager A, and an account manager A inside. Account manager A includes consumer accounts for consumer 1, consumer 2 and consumer 3. The area 320 has a consumer 3, a consumer 4, a telephone switch B, a service manager B, and an account manager B inside. Account manager B includes consumer accounts for consumer 4, consumer 5 and consumer 6. The area 330 has a consumer 5, a consumer 6, a telephone switch C, a service manager C, and an account manager C inside. Area 310, area 320, and area 330 are connected by public switched telephone network 300 and wide area network (WAN) 350.

  The use of the wide area network 350 is to secure the transmission of account information for enabling prepaid roaming. That is, when all of the consumers 1-6 are prepaid consumers who have an account in the area 310 or the area 320, this embodiment uses their own prepaid account regardless of the area in which they exist. Make it possible to do. Various examples are described below.

  Prepaid roaming can operate as shown in the following steps. The consumer 1 in the area 310 who performs a search to make a call to the consumer 2 in the area 310 activates his device. When the consumer 1 device is activated, the telephone switch A acquires a signal and sends a service request to the service manager A. Next, the service manager A uses the account manager A to check whether the consumer 1 is a valid consumer and has an account balance or amount remaining in the account. Service manager A also checks whether consumer 2 is a valid consumer with an account balance or amount that can be withdrawn from the account in order to receive telephone calls. Service manager A terminates the call after all account information is found to be correct.

  However, if the consumer 1 in the area 310 wants to call the consumer 3 in the area 320, a problem occurs under the existing system. Consumer 1 activates his device and enters the identification number of consumer 3. Next, telephone switch A receives the service request and sends it to service manager A. Next, the service manager A checks whether the consumers 1 and 3 are valid consumers, and tries to complete the communication. Next, the service manager A operates to make an attempt to reach the consumer 3 via the telephone switch A and the public exchange network 300. However, in telephone switch B, since consumer 3 does not have an account with account manager B, telephone switch B cannot perform authorization to complete the telephone call.

  However, in various embodiments of the present invention, telephone switch B sends a service request to service manager B, which prevents consumer 3 from having an account in account manager B and sends the request to a wide area. To the service manager A via the network 350. Next, the service manager A verifies whether the consumer 3 is a valid consumer having the remaining amount in his / her account. Next, the service manager A authorizes the call to the service manager B via the wide area network 350 and notifies the telephone switch B that the call is completed. If consumer 1 or 3 runs out of money or account balance during a telephone conversation, service manager A sends a signal to telephone switch A or via wide area network 350. Send to B to stop the telephone conversation.

  In the existing system for the prepaid telephone service, when the consumer 1 wants to make a call to the consumer 4, the consumer 1 activates his user device and makes a call to the consumer 4. The service request is received by telephone switch A, which then sends a signal to service manager A authorizing the service, if account manager A's consumer 1 prepaid account is present. Next, the service manager A authorizes the service even if the receiving consumer 4 is not part of his account and does not exist on his network. Next, the telephone switch A sends a service request to the telephone switch B via the switched telephone network 300. Next, the telephone switch B checks whether the consumer 4 exists in its own area, and uses the service manager B to check whether the consumer 4 has an account. The service manager B, who checks using the account manager B, verifies whether the consumer 4 is a current account holder with a balance. The service manager B then authorizes the telephone switch B to complete the telephone call and the consumer 4 is called.

  However, if the consumer 1 in the area 310 wants to reach the consumer 5 in the area 330, the known system will not work for the reasons detailed above. However, under various embodiments of the present invention, consumer 1 activates his access device and attempts to issue to consumer 5. The telephone switch A receives the service request and transmits a clearance request to the service manager A. Next, service manager A uses account manager A to check that consumer 1 is a valid consumer with a balance and that consumer 5 is not a consumer on his network. Next, the telephone switch A sends a service request to the telephone switch C via the public switched telephone network, where the telephone switch C is registered that the consumer 5 is in its own area. ing. Next, the telephone switch C proceeds to a service manager C that verifies that the consumer 5 does not have an account in the account manager C. Next, the service manager C makes an inquiry to the account manager B to authorize communication via the wide area network 350. After checking that the consumer 5 is a valid consumer with a balance at the account manager B, once the communication is authorized by the service manager B, the telephone switch C Authorize and complete the call.

  Some cases can be summarized below.

  Case 1: Both consumer 1 and consumer 4 exist in the home network and consumer 1 calls consumer 4.

  1. Consumer 1 calls consumer 4.

  2. Since consumer 1 is a prepaid subscriber, telephone switch A forwards the signal to service manager A.

  3. Service manager A forwards the signal to account manager A.

  4). Account manager A identifies that consumer 1's personal identity belongs to the home network, DNIS (consumer 4's MSISDN) does not belong to network 310, and that the call originates from network 310 To do.

  5). Service manager A authenticates consumer 1 and replies to telephone switch A.

  6). Telephone switch A sends a call to telephone switch B via a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

  7). The telephone switch B receives a call via the PSTN via the network and forwards a signal to the service manager B indicating that the consumer is prepaid.

  8). The service manager B receives the signal and authenticates the consumer 4 via the account manager B.

  9. Service manager B sends a MAP query and places a serving telephone switch B for consumer B.

  10. Service manager B sends a page signal to telephone switch B.

  11. The telephone switch B starts paging for the consumer 4.

  12 When the consumer 4 responds to the calling service, the service manager B starts rating for the consumer 4 and the service manager A starts rating for the consumer 1.

  Case 2: The consumer 4 exists in his / her home network, the consumer 3 is roaming to the home network of the consumer 4, and the consumer 3 calls the consumer 4.

  1. Consumer 3 calls consumer 4.

  2. Since consumer 3 is a prepaid subscriber, telephone switch B forwards the signal to service manager B.

  3. Service manager B forwards the signal to service manager A.

  4). Service manager A identifies that consumer 3 belongs to home network 310 and that consumer 4 does not belong to network 310.

  5). Service manager A verifies consumer 3 and forwards the signal to telephone switch B.

  6). Telephone switch B forwards a signal to service manager B indicating that the consumer is a prepaid subscriber.

  7). The service manager B authenticates the consumer 4 belonging to the network 320 via the account manager B, and transmits a MAP query to arrange the serving MSC for the consumer 4.

  8). The telephone switch B performs reply back and is instructed to make a call.

  9. The telephone switch B starts paging for the consumer 4.

  10. When the consumer 4 responds to the call, the service manager B starts the rating of the consumer 4 and the service manager A starts the rating for the consumer 3.

  Case 3: Both the consumer 5 and the consumer 3 are roaming, and the consumer 5 calls the consumer 3.

  1. The consumer 5 calls the consumer 3.

  2. After verification of the consumer 5 IMSI (or any unique identifier), the telephone switch C determines that the consumer 5 is a prepaid subscriber and forwards the signal to the service manager C, which forwards it to the service manager B.

  3. Service manager B identifies consumer 5 as a roaming subscriber and authenticates it by issuing a query to account manager B.

  4). Service manager B replies back to service manager C that consumer 5 is valid for further routing.

  5). Service manager C forwards authorization to telephone switch C.

  6). The telephone switch C transfers a signal indicating that the consumer 3 is a prepaid subscriber to the telephone switch A via the PSTN.

  7). Service manager A authenticates consumer 3 and sends a MAP query to locate the serving MSC of consumer 3.

  8). Service manager B replies back to service manager A, which sends routing information to telephone switch C.

  9. Telephone switch C forwards the call to the serving MSC, ie telephone switch B.

  10. The telephone switch B starts paging for the consumer 3.

  11. When the consumer 3 answers the call, the service manager A starts rating for the consumer 3, and the service manager C starts rating for the consumer 6.

  12 When either party stops calling, service manager C updates account manager B over the WAN.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a universal or network independent consumer service system. In FIG. 4, consumer 400 communicates with service manager (“SM”) 420 by connecting to public switched telephone network or SS7 network 410 via path 414. Service manager 420 may be connected to account manager (“AM”) 442, account manager 444, or account manager 446 via wide area network (“WAN”) 430. The service manager 420 then reroutes to the consumer 400 using path 412 to connect the consumer 400 with any operator / vendor 1 462, operator / vendor 2 464, or operator / vendor 3 463. They can access the appropriate account manager 442, 444 or 446 that provides their consumer care services to the consumer. The account manager 442 can connect to consumer information in the database 452, consumer information in the database 454 via the wide area network 430, or consumer information in the database 456 via the wide area network 430. That is, the consumer can have a single phone number for making calls to the consumer care service regardless of the consumer's actual location.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating that each operator operates a plurality of switches in his home country (home region). Each participates in international roaming services based on a centralized roaming data center model. This data center can be managed by either one or more telephone companies or third parties. As shown in FIG. 5, operator 1 532, operator 2 534, and operator 3 536 exist in country A 530 and are connected to both the WAN or TCP / IP network 520 and the PSTN & SS7 network 510. Operator 4 546, operator 5 544, and operator 6 542 exist in country B 540 and are connected to both the WAN or TCP / IP network 520 and the PSTN and SS7 network 510. Both the WAN or TCP / IP network 520 and the PSTN and SS7 network 510 are connected to the international roaming data data center 500. The international roaming data center 500 can include a server 502, a server 504, and a server 506.

  Each of the servers 502, 504, and 506 can operate as described above, authenticating the consumer and forwarding service requests. That is, FIG. 5 shows that the above-described service manager and account manager can be placed at arbitrary positions, but they do not have to be placed within the calling area of the home network. The network can be GSM, CDMA, TDMA, AMPS, DAMPS, or any other network standard including 2.5G and 3G. There is no need to operate over some SM / AM with a switch, which forwards the message to a dedicated centralized communications platform. The switch in the central communications platform system of this example is an optional element when it is installed in an international roaming data center, and the address can be local. Otherwise, the address must be an international address.

  Consumer care for roaming consumers may be handled strictly as described above. However, it is impractical for each affiliated telephone company to set up call controllers (switch manager servers) at all of its switching sites using large facilities by many operators across many countries. It is. A consumer account management and business support system (account manager) is used by all affiliated telephone companies to manage their respective subscribers and to create / manage their fee structure and switch manager (s) to IMSI / Provides MSISDN (Unique Subscriber Identifier) information, which identifies and rates each consumer's call. Account managers may or may not be distributed depending on the business situation.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the centralized account manager 672. In one example, an account manager can be provided to several telephone companies in a centralized form. In another example, it is possible to have multiple account managers that are arranged in a more highly distributed manner, with each account manager being provided to a particular telephone company or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 6, user 615 can connect to cellular telephone switch 678 via wireless or cellular station 690. Cellular telephone switch 678 is connected to PSTN 650 and switch manager 674. The switch manager 674 includes an interactive voice response (IVR) server 686, a simple message server (SMS) 684, a voice mail server (VMS) 682, a network account service (NAS) unit 680, a firewall 676, an account manager via the network. (AM) 672 and a catalyst hub 640 are connected. The IVR server 686 is connected to the help desk 688. The AM 672 is connected to the database 670. The catalyst hub 640 is connected to the access server 628, the IVR server 632, the electronic mobile portal commerce server 630, the proxy server 626, and the security server 624. Home / office user 610 is connected to the Internet 600, which is connected to PSTN 650 and site router 620. The site router 620 is connected to the proxy server 626 via the firewall 622.

  That is, the centralized communication system shown in FIG. 6 can enable an international roaming data center and can accommodate various dedicated servers for providing services. For example, the NAS unit 680 can be designed as a rating calculation server. Other variations and configurations to accommodate various business practices may be incorporated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

  That is, switch managers can be centralized within the International Roaming Data Center (IRDC). Each associated network can be connected to the central switch manager via a signaling link (such as SS7). When this is possible, each associated network operator only needs an instance of a service manager that operates on the IRDC to manage the operator's roaming service. It is possible to have several service manager instances on a single server, or each instance can run on its own dedicated server, or one service manager server can act as a backup / standby to another server It may operate on the configuration.

  The SM assigned to each operator combines the functions of each SM described in the roaming section above. Each MSC in each operator's area identifies the caller, verifies that his home network is an associated roaming partner, and assigns them to his MSRNNN. When the MSC hands off the signal to the SM, the control traffic does not transition from the switch room to IRDC, but from the international SS7 network to IRDC. The SM can identify the call origination point and determine the caller's home location. The SM will then authorize and rate based on the outgoing switch network code (and outgoing call ID, etc.), the appropriate rating table for the MOC and MTC parts for the call.

  As mentioned above, internal operator payments are processed by IRDC. The division of revenue based on the rules is managed, and settlement of net revenue is executed in real time, daily, weekly or monthly. Rie's centralized communication platform handles outgoing calls over heterogeneous networks as follows.

  1. SM & AM can configure network specific information, signaling parameter control information, subscriber authentication specific information and communication protocol information for GSM, CDMA, TDMA, AMPS, etc. for a plurality of network types.

  2. Roaming contracts and rules are set up for each charge, additional charge, tax, payment mode, period, account information, etc., for the relationship between services and operators.

  3. Subscriber settings: Includes service profile information, available network types for roaming, and subscriber identification information for each network type.

  4). The call can be processed in the following manner.

    a. The SM receives the incoming call signal.

    b. Identifies the network type.

    c. Check the information needed for the network type (ie unique identifier).

    d. Check if this is a call to the home or visiting network.

    e. Generate the signal to the home network using the appropriate parameters needed for that network type.

    f. Authenticate the user / subscriber returning to the visiting network and confirm service validity from the subscriber service profile.

    g. Rating calls from the visiting network type to the user's account (check balance and check availability).

    h. When the balance is used up or the call is terminated, the SM confirms the termination, sends post-transaction information to the home network database, and instructs settlement.

  As the business becomes more and more competitive, mobile operators are exploring extensively to offer several value-added services to their home network consumers, such as data, fax, simple message server and mobile commerce. ing. These value-added services are increasingly being offered to postpaid roamers. Mobile operators are trying to provide such services to prepaid roaming subscribers, but it is limited to their own operator-specific devices and systems.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a mobile network 710 having a telephone management system 720, an SMS service management system 722, a FAX service management system 724, a data service management system 726 and another “XYZ” management system 728.

  Some of these services charged to consumers may be realized on a time basis or other event basis. Real life configurations may or may not be able to control all authorization / use of value added services via a signaling link. The telephone service can be controlled via the signaling link, but for services such as fax and mobile commerce, authorization / use control via the signaling link may not be feasible.

  For telephone companies or other telecommunications operators that provide such value-added services to prepaid roaming subscribers, usage records are collected and processed at frequent intervals (eg, every minute or every five minutes). Some interfaces need to be built. However, considering the potential for expensive transactions, commerce services need to be processed as soon as the transaction occurs.

  FIG. 7 illustrates how an embodiment of a centralized communication platform system manages the use of such value-added services for prepaid roamers. The mobile network 710 can access a telephone management system 720, an SMS service management system 722, a FAX service management system 724, and a data service management system 726 or other “XYZ” management system 728. Phone management system 720 can access phone rating 740, which can connect to a centralized communications platform prepaid account and balance 750. The SMS service management system 722, FAX service management system 724, data service management system 726, and other “XYZ” management systems 728 can be connected to the gateway 730, thereby providing an extended data service rating for SMS 742, for fax. The extended data service rating 744, the extended data service rating for data 746, and the extended data service rating 748 are connected. SMS extended data service rating 742, fax extended data service rating 744, data extended data service rating 746, and extended data service rating 748 may be connected to a centralized communications platform prepaid account and balance 750.

  Before the value-added service is authorized, the external system (ie, the system providing the value-added service) makes a request to the example centralized communication platform system via the gateway 730. Details of an example centralized communications platform system are not shown in FIG. 7, but details are described and / or demonstrated herein. Based on the rating table, the account balance available to the prepaid account, and the authorized service profile analysis, the centralized communication platform of this example authorizes or rejects the transaction to the external system via the gateway 730. For each authorized transaction, the external system provides value-added services to prepaid roman consumers. At the end of use (or at the end of a predetermined amount of time), the external system generates an extended data rating (EDR), which is sent via the gateway 730 to the central communications platform system of the present example. . The external centralized communication platform initializes the EDR rating process for each such record, processes the EDR, and updates the consumer account balance information in the centralized communication platform database of this example.

  A prepaid roamer can continue to use the phone while using one or more value-added services. In such a situation, as further described below, the centralized communications platform system of this example initializes the telephone rating process for telephone usage. Also, the centralized communication platform of this example processes EDR groups simultaneously using an EDR rating table, EDR rules and processing. In order to avoid deadlock conditions or significant balance shortages, the centralized communications platform of the present example preferentially allocates the amount for telephone services to prepaid consumer accounts (eg, to secure a fee for use for a certain period of time) ). In this architecture, the EDR record is registered with a delay, so that the prepaid roamer user account balance may fall below zero. This situation is avoided by pre-allocation for value-added services when a service authorization request arrives.

  For example, a consumer places a call from a visiting network area. The centralized communication platform of this example processes call rating as follows.

  1. A subscriber places a call via IVR, walk-in, the Internet / mobile Internet, and any other means.

  2. The centralized communications platform of this example verifies the subscriber by phone number, PIN provided by the user or other information, or by automatic or manual verification.

  3. The IVR places a consumer home account.

  4). The IVR sends a query to the consumer home account to obtain account information and service profile.

  5). The IVR parses / processes the query: the information service is processed by the CCC, the account related service query generates a further query to the home network via the central communications platform of the example, and the re-payment service It is processed as follows.

  6). Next, the consumer connects to the Internet via the WAP service provided by the visiting network and purchases via the sales site.

  7). For payment authorization, the sales site (or any other service provider) inquires about authorization to the central communication platform of this example in the home network via the IP network (public or private network).

  8). The centralized communications platform then uses the home network authorization database to verify that the consumer is authorized for the commercial transaction (service profile confirmation) and has acquired the consumer's location.

  9. The centralized communications platform then makes a request to the centralized communications platform component, which handles outgoing calls at the visiting network (in a distributed architecture, these components can be at the visiting location).

  10. The centralized communication platform makes a request to a dedicated or public network via a WAN link. In a centralized architecture, these components are available locally.

  11. The centralized communication platform makes an authorization request via the network.

  12 Once authorization is established, the centralized communications platform component of this example (either the home network or the visiting network, depending on this type) hands over all transactions to the home network database to ensure consistency of information. .

  13. Based on the settlement rule, the centralized communication platform of this example instructs settlement.

  There can be two types of authorization requests. Type 1: Notifies how much the consumer's current balance is, and puts the amount of block “X” into the transaction (“X” is the authorization and optional service charge imposed by the home / visit network based on the roaming agreement Is the amount required by the seller). In such a situation, final authorization is handled by the home network itself. Type 2: Process the transaction and deduct X amount if authorized (“X” is for authorization and any service charges imposed by the home / visit network based on roaming agreement) , The amount requested by the seller). In such a situation, this would be a commerce rating process at the visiting network, which would process the transaction completely and generate a payment record for further processing.

  In another example, consumer A residing in local network X roams to network Z. He needs to fill his prepaid account full or re-pay. The centralized communication platform of the present example can make this possible in the following manner.

  1. He purchases a certificate (commodity voucher) from operator Z in the market.

  2. He dials the IVR number for network Z.

  3. The IVR system reads his MSISDN number and determines from the network code that he is not a local subscriber.

  4). Having a network ID, the IVR issues a query to the LAUT database of network X via the TCP / IP network, which is the consumer A's home network for the amount of the purchased product voucher Determine the talk time.

  5). Next, the LAUT database is updated on the home network.

  This process ensures that any amount associated with a re-payment will always be repatriated to the home network, even if it is re-paid on any visiting network. Following the establishment of the roaming call, the revenue charged by the central communications platform switch manager in this example must be distributed among the partner networks according to their roaming tariff agreement.

  The roaming charge rate contract can be stored in a number of arbitrary locations. This contract can be stored on a centralized communications platform, another billing server, or any other location that supports account settlement. In addition, the rules for settlement can be stored on a centralized communications platform, another billing server, or other location determined by the party for the contract. In addition, rules for payments can be stored in a centralized communications platform, another billing server, or other location determined by the party to the contract. In addition, the contract can be exchanged between the operator of the centralized communications platform and the group of companies, consumers and organizations that do business with the operator.

  When an arbitrary time period elapses, usually, every day, all call detail record groups (CDR groups) for roaming calls are passed to the settlement process. Alternatively, usage records can be generated in an industry standard format such as TAP / Cyber that transmits information for payment purposes. This can be part of each operator's back office, or it can be handled through an information center (clearinghouse) that implements an application service provider (ASP) model. The centralized communication platform of the present example can compare the revenue of each operator with the revenue associated with its partner and compile the final net transfers.

  These transactions can be stored on a centralized communications platform, but this embodiment is for the use of a multi-dimensional database provided on the centralized communications platform. When this embodiment is used, a multi-dimensional database can store all configurations of transactions in a variety of dimensions at various times as a dimension according to a contract between partner networks or vendors. Also, if access is available, the consumer may select his long distance carrier. In such a situation, the centralized communication platform of the present example uses a long-distance carrier instead of a home long-distance mobile network to settle the outgoing call terminated by the PSTN mobile in the visiting network. . In addition, the home-type long-distance mobile network and the visit-type long-distance mobile network can be a home-type mobile network and a visit-type mobile network (that is, a global-type roaming or 3G network is covered). is there. Further, the home network and the visited network may not be based on the GSM technology but may be based on another mobile technology.

  The centralized communication platform system of this example can be connected to a telephone company to operate as a prepaid roaming service management system. In addition, the centralized communications platform of the present example can be interconnected with a sales system for managing sales transactions. Payment rules for each sales and network partner can be configured on the centralized communication platform payment system of this example. The centralized communications platform of this example controls payment transactions related to services provided or business transactions. The centralized communication platform of this example settles payments for all parties involved in at least one of services and transactions based on settlement rules.

  For elements such as volume discounts and bundling services, the centralized communication platform of this example can place appropriate information in the data table. Periodically (eg, every minute, every day, etc.), the centralized communications platform of the present example analyzes such information and performs payment for such services.

  The centralized communication platform of the present example can be located at a central site and connected to a telephone company network, a sales network, and a guarantor consumer account system. The centralized communication platform of this example enables dynamic interaction between a rating engine or voice table, at least one of data and events, and a consumer's prepaid account. At the user's choice (always or automatically based on user-defined criteria), money from the guarantor consumer account (any type of account) to the consumer of the centralized communications platform of this example You can transfer money to a prepaid account.

  The consumer prepaid account of the central communications platform of this example is used for commercial transactions and communications transaction payment processing. If the consumer's balance runs out of the central communications platform account of this example, the central communications platform account of this example may include a consumer account of a compensator of a bank investment trust company, Re-payment can be made via this kind. The centralized communication platform of this example also enables parallel processing of commercial transactions, communications and data transactions on the single consumer's prepaid account of that platform. For each transaction, the central communications platform of the present example can also settle payments between all parties involved in providing services and / or transactions to the consumer.

  For example, if John Smith has a bank account (BA001) and a centralized communications platform account (UP987), John Smith can associate his bank account BA001 with his prepaid platform account UP987. Of course, BA001 can be a deposit, current account, debit (borrowing), credit or any type of account. A bank can also be some arbitrary type of entity that guarantees consumer assets. Based on the bank definition criteria, the bank has agreed to be a guarantor of a certain amount of John Smith's centralized communications platform account. For example, even if BA001 has $ 1500 in a consumer account, the bank may allow the centralized communications platform consumer account limit to be $ 100. Because the actual amount of the central communications platform account in this example can vary considerably depending on several factors, such as John Smith's banking history and banking transaction amount, John Smith The account will attempt to maintain any period and state imposed by the telephone company, sales community, local supervisory authorities, etc. John Smith is a re-payment using the associated consumer's bank or guarantor account to pay for any mobile commerce or communication service that uses the central communications platform account in this example, The centralized communication platform prepaid account of this example can be used.

  For example, if a user has used up the amount of his centralized communications platform account, the user can re-pay into his platform account from BA001. Consumers can also create sub-accounts for centralized communication accounts (so-called UP001, UP657, etc.) and use them for specific applications (eg, what types of services are available to consumers) To give gifts to your family, with or without, or to use one account for online transactions and another account for offline transactions) it can. Consumers can set limits for each of their sub-accounts (budget management), or main account limits (centralized communication accounts) as free flow limits to be set for all sub-accounts together Can be used. In any case, the bank guarantee for consumer payments is limited to the amount specified for the central communications platform account in this example.

  Also, BA001 does not need to be a single account, and the UP987 restriction does not have to be part of BA001. For example, BA001 can be a virtual account, which is John Smith's financial securities (held by John Smith, eg, deposit account balance, credit account, current account, current market price inventory funds / investment It can be assumed that all of the trusts etc.) are combined and the money is deposited in the currency unit of BA001. Further, the upper limit of the centralized communication account can be higher, lower or the same as the amount of the BA001 account.

  The central communication platform of this example can be in the following situations. : Authorization based on balance of centralized communications platform account only, authorization based on balance of centralized communications platform account, this is the guarantor whose platform account is authorized for real-time or near real-time transactions (balance and debit checks) Authorization based on the balance of the centralized communications platform account, which is integrated into the consumer account of the current, which guarantees the current amount that another institution is based on real-time authorization and real-time balance.

  In some situations / markets it is possible not to intervene with a bank. In such situations, a digital debit account can be issued by either the seller or the sales community, by the telephone company, by a third party, or by all or some combination of these entities. This digital debit account operates in a fairly similar manner, except that a party other than the bank issues the account. In this situation, the digital debit account issuing agency may or may not be partnered with a bank or financial institution.

  This digital debit account is different from the electronic wallets currently available on the market. An electronic wallet is only concerned with issues related to payment. Wallets are primarily focused on the amount of money authorized. In contrast, digital debit accounts focus on various configurations associated with consumers (eg, whether a consumer is authorized to receive or purchase services). In addition, the electronic wallet is not related to the issue related to the continued charging in units of hours (for example, telephone calls, downloading of music charged by downloading in minutes). Digital debit accounts are paying attention to these issues and allow for proper billing calculations. That is, the e-wallet does not make a decision as to how much money will be deducted from the e-wallet account (which depends on the third party to use). Digital debit accounts used on centralized communications platforms can make decisions about how much money to withdraw.

  The centralized communication platform of this example can be located at a central site (central) and can be connected to the telephone company network as either a service node or an integrated network node. The centralized communications platform in this example may connect to a bank consumer account system, or a consumer credit card system, or any third party system that allows online / offline centralized communications platform consumer account re-payment. it can.

  For the consumer, the centralized communications platform account of this example can create two sub-accounts. For example, one sub-account is used for online / real-time transactions, which can be for telecommunications services and / or commerce services. Another sub-account is used for offline trading. For example, if John Smith has a $ 50 centralized communications platform account in this example, he has account A $ 40 and uses it for online / real-time transactions. John Smith has $ 10 in another sub-account B. The $ 10 can be transferred to the user's read / write memory device (separate read / write memory device or telephone device operating as a read / write memory device or any combination).

  If John Smith makes a phone call, or downloads music on the Internet, or any transaction that requires real-time ratings, the centralized communications platform in this example is either automatically or user selected (pre-selected) Account A is used for payment, depending on whether it has been made or at the time of the user request. If John Smith goes to a store and wants to buy coffee, cola, newspaper, or any product (s) that does not allow online / real-time transactions, the centralized communications platform in this example will automatically Or by user selection (pre-selected or at the time of user request), account B will be used. If the device is capable of online connection with the centralized communications platform of the example at the time of the sale, the centralized communications platform of the example may update (bidirectionally) information related to the transaction / consumer profile. it can.

  When the balance of sub-account B is exhausted, the centralized communication platform of this example allows the consumer to transfer money from account A to account B (by user selection or by preset parameters). If John Smith runs out of account B's money, he can make a sale (with a device to update balance information on the read / write memory device), and in his account Can be re-added. For example, John Smith goes to the store, pays $ 100, gets an additional $ 100 with his read / write memory device updated, and then he is the centralized communications platform of this example. If you are using a trading device that has an online connection to the system, the centralized communications platform in this example will automatically update the information and, upon John Smith's request, pay a new $ 100 for his prepaid subaccount. Divide into A and B and deposit.

  The centralized communications platform of this example can be connected to telephone company, sales network and bank consumer account systems. The centralized communications platform of this example allows a consumer to define various re-payment criteria based on a variable configuration rule engine for re-payment. Such a rule engine allows the consumer to define the following: various re-payment means (IVR, ATM, direct remittance, etc.) that the consumer is able to account There are various criteria that determine whether it is time to re-add money, and various criteria that determine how much money is re-added to the consumer account. In other words, the centralized communication platform system can enable many services via its gateway or other means for its consumer prepaid account.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of charging for a communication service using a centralized communication platform, system and method. FIG. 8 includes columns for charging type, charging determination destination, withdrawal destination, home network and roaming network burden, and charging determination unit. For example, a commerce transaction may require payment for a mobile outgoing call (MOC) in a home network via service tax, rental and re-payment fees.

FIG. 9 is an example of a method for repaying a prepaid consumer account for a centralized communications platform, system and method. The method shown in FIG. 9 is automatic re-payment. However, other types of re-payments are within the scope of the present invention, including the additional step of confirming the re-payment at the consumer, the additional step of confirming the re-payment at the bank or third party, and time or Includes additional steps related to checking other variables. The method begins at step 900 and proceeds to 910 to determine if there is enough money in the consumer prepaid account.

  In determining whether there is sufficient money in the account at 910, a determination is made as to whether a value exists in the prepaid user account. If there is not enough money in the account, the method proceeds to 920 to determine if a re-payment rule is set up. If there is enough money in the account, the method proceeds to step 912 to authorize the service. If the method proceeds to service authorization step 912, then the method proceeds to end 950.

  If the method proceeds to the “Repayment Rule Setup” step 920, a determination is made whether the consumer has authorized prepaid repayment for his account. If the consumer authorizes automatic re-payment of the account, the method proceeds to the “Where to re-pay?” Step 930. If the consumer has not authorized automatic re-payment of his account, the method proceeds to end of service step 922. If the method proceeds to end of service step 922, the method proceeds to end 950.

  If the method proceeds to "Where to re-add?" 930, a determination is made to re-add to the account with any bank, credit, investment account or pre-authorized loan. If the “Remit from Where” process is from a bank, the method proceeds to 932 electronic commerce with the bank. If the re-payment is by credit, the method proceeds to 934 electronic commerce with a credit company. If the re-payment is from an investment account, the method proceeds to 936 electronic commerce with the investment account. If the form of re-payment is a pre-authorized loan, the method proceeds to 938 electronic commerce with a loan company. Regardless of the form of re-payment, the method proceeds to step 940. At step 940, the centralized communications platform re-pays the prepaid consumer account and returns to 910 to determine if there is enough money in the consumer prepaid account.

  As mentioned above, a user can re-add money to his account from any of several sources. This re-payment can be controlled by user selection or rules. For example, the user can predefine making a $ 5000 re-payment from an investment account and then charging from a credit account. In addition, the user can authorize re-payment based on various variables such as time, account balance, re-payment amount and other factors. For each re-payment account, a contract is set up between the re-payment entity and the consumer, both the centralized communications platform and the operator of the re-payment entity. Details such as the shortage notification, account balance notification and other elements known in the art will be described in detail. Data regarding re-payment accounts, contracts, rules and processes is preferably stored in at least one of the central communications platform account and service manager.

  FIG. 10 illustrates an example relationship between a dealer 1010, a sales agent 1020, a user 1030, an external carrier 1050, a company and home account 1040, a VMS subscriber 1060 and a centralized service manager 1000. User 1030 can place an order or cancel an order and enter the PIN into centralized service manager 1000. On the other hand, the user 1030 can receive the service. In a service transaction received by user 1030, centralized service manager 1000 can initiate payments from the company and home account 1040. If user 1030 wants to re-add money to his account, the user can go to sales agent 1020. The sales agent 1020 can then receive a fee while re-paying into the centralized service manager 1000 account. The centralized service manager can then send an account re-payment to the company and home account 1040. Once re-added to the account, the user can then authorize payment to the dealer 1010 for services that the user can receive. In addition, the external carrier 1050 can receive payments or authorizations for services such as forwarding services, and also updates virtual telephone number reconciliation and rating information to the centralized service manager 1000. Optionally, VMS subscriber 1060 can receive voice mailbox information, bills and certificates, query responses, queries to maintain hospitality messages and payment reminders or payments.

  FIG. 11 is an embodiment of a centralized system that enables mobile commerce over a roaming network. User device 1130 connects to roaming network 1120. The roaming network 1120 connects to a centralized service provider 1150. Centralized service provider 1150 can connect to the Internet 1100 and centralized service provider 1140. Merchants 1160 and 1170 can connect to the Internet 1100. The home network 1110 can then also connect to a centralized service provider 1140. The centralized service providers 1050 and 1140 are both mechanisms that maintain the centralized communication system as the service area changes.

  In operation, the user device 1130 can connect to the centralized service provider 1150 in the presence of the roaming network 1120 to initiate mobile commerce. Centralized service provider 1150 sends a request for mobile commerce to centralized service provider 1140 of home network 1110. The centralized service provider 1150 is also connected to the Internet 1100 and contacts the sellers 1160 and 1170 to provide confirmation of delivery of services to the user device 1130 or delivery of goods to the user device 1130.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of prepaid roaming service activity according to an embodiment of the present invention. Tim, a prepaid user of a mobile phone at a point 1200 where the home network 1212 is Italy 1210, travels to Spain 1220, which has a roaming network 1222. In Spain 1201, Tim tries to re-add money to his prepaid consumer account. Next, Tim at point 1201 connects to roaming network 1222, establishes link 1224 with SS7 1240, and establishes link 1242 with centralized service manager 1250. Centralized service manager 1250 then sends Tim's current account information to roaming network 1222 via link 1244, SS7 1240 and link 1226. The roaming network 1222 can then contact the bank 1232 of France 1230 to re-pay Tim's prepaid consumer account of the centralized service manager 1250.

  FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of user account information data and structure for a centralized communications platform. The consumer account may include a home table 1300, a request information table 1310, and an authorization information table 1320, but is not limited thereto. Home information table 1300 includes home main number, title, first name, middle name, last name, address, telephone number, fax, e-mail, remarks, occupation, last billing date, deposit amount, credit limit, credit limit cancellation, present It can include, but is not limited to, balance, last payment date, valid card, status and status change date. The authorization information table 1320 may include values, quarantine, valid details, used counters, approval status, final approval sequence, topology code, and transferred ROC. The request information table 1310 may include an extension code, a start string, a reception range, a PIN number, an initial activation code, and a status, but is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a consumer account linked to a voice mail system for a centralized communications platform. The consumer account can include a consumer table 1400 and a voice mail box 1410, but is not limited thereto. Consumer table 1400 includes password, title, first name, middle name, last name, address, telephone number, fax, e-mail, status, status change date, profile ID, occupation, language ID, effective date, last billing date, It can include, but is not limited to, current balance, last payment date, remarks and hospitality message. The voice mail box 1410 can include, but is not limited to, an operator name, a status, and an import box number for reception. Voice mail system profile adds details, total message length, each message length, message deadline (age), billing, arrears, interest type, prorated, expiry date, expiration date, deposit and total message Can and also includes.

  FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an interactive voice response system that can be used in a centralized communications platform. The method of FIG. 15 starts at start 1500. The method then continues to send prompt (payment prompt) number 1 to user 1510. After prompt number 1 is sent to the user at 1510, the method moves to a wait at number 1512. Once the digital value is entered, the method proceeds to 1520 to perform a number check. If the number is valid in the 1520 number check, the method proceeds to 1530. If the number is an invalid number, the method returns to 1514.

  At 1514, a determination is made whether the maximum number of trials has been reached. If the maximum number of attempts has not been reached, the method continues to send prompt 1 to the user at 1510. If the maximum number of attempts has been reached, the method continues to issue prompt 4 at 1560.

  In the transmission of the prompt 2 to the user 1530, it is determined whether the user has received a number or the transmission has ended. If, at 1530, the prompt to the user is terminated, the method proceeds to standby at 1532. If, at 1530, the sending of the prompt to the user has obtained a number, the method performs the sending of prompt 3 at 1540. In the standby of 1532, it waits until the number is acquired. Once the number is received, the method proceeds to issue prompt 3 to the 1540 user.

  Next, the transmission of prompt 3 to the user 1540 determines whether it is the end of the transmission or whether a number has been received. If the transmission of prompt 3 to the user 1540 is the end of the transmission, the method proceeds to wait for the number 1542. If the call to prompt 3 to the user at 1540 has received a number, proceed to the number check at 1550. In the 1550 number check, if the number is a valid number, the method proceeds to register the 1570 short code and actual number in the database. Otherwise, the method proceeds to issue 1560 prompt 4.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the use of a centralized communication platform prepaid account for multiple payments. Prompt 1 can prompt the centralized communications platform to select a party type based on pre-established rules. The party type can then be placed in the selected party type 1610. The selected party type 1610 can be any one of a company, home, dealer, or sales agent type. If the party type is business, the method moves to the selection of department 1612. If the party type is home, the method moves to the home 1614 selection. If the party type is a dealer, the method moves to the dealer 1616 selection. If the party type is a sales agent, the method proceeds to select sales agent 1618.

  Depending on the party type selected, the appropriate type of ID is sent to look up the party code for the 1600 fee and the current amount for payment. This allows the user to re-pay into the prepaid account or establish a prepaid account. Related information is stored during the investigation of the current amount for 1600 fee party codes and payments in the centralized communications platform.

  The payment method of prompt 2 prompts the centralized communication platform to select a payment method based on a predefined rule. In the payment method selected at 1620, the type of payment method is selected from credit card, bank and cash. If a credit card is selected, the method moves to input of credit information 1640. If a bank is selected, the operation moves to input of bank information 1622. The method then moves to a survey of the current amount for the party code and payment of 1600 fees.

  Next, a survey of the current amount for 1600 party codes and payments may be am_di_info 1630, am_home_info 1632, dms_dealer 1634, dms_sales_agent 1636, pp_instr 1638, pp_credit_card 1640, pp_paid_trans_44_44 That is, the settlement is a transaction of a plurality of parties.

  FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a semi-automated method of prepaid account re-payment and rule setup for multi-party payments that may occur within a centralized communication device. The method begins at start 1700 and proceeds to either 1701 party type and code selection 1701 or 1710 O / S payment list search.

  If the method proceeds to browse a list of 1710 current and settlement (O / S) payments, the method determines the initial or current payment fee. The method then proceeds to 1720 payment method selection. In 1720 payment selection, the method determines the type of payment based on predefined rules. If the rule indicates cash, the method proceeds to 1722 cash. If the rule indicates a check, the method proceeds to check 1724. If the rule indicates a credit card, the method proceeds to a 1726 credit card.

  If the rule indicates check 1724, then the method proceeds to 1725 bank intervention. If the rule indicates a credit card 1726, the method moves to entering 1727 credit card information. The method then proceeds to input transaction record 1730 after entering the appropriate information stored in advance on the centralized communication platform. The method then proceeds to end 1740.

  If the rule indicates party type and code, then the method proceeds to step 1712. Upon selection of the party type and code, the method then determines the party type that requires an account update. If the rule indicates a company, the method moves to 1702 company update. If the rule indicates home, the method moves to 1704 update home. If the rule indicates a dealer, the method moves to 1706 Dealer Update. If the rule indicates a sales agent, the method moves to a 1708 sales agent update. The method then proceeds to end 1740.

  FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a method for generating a report for use in a centralized communication platform and system. The method may begin with either batch information 1820, print order information 1810, lot information 1830, print vendor information 1860, or all card types 1850. The method then proceeds to generate a 1800 report and proceeds to a preview of the 1840 report. If the method starts with batch information 1820, the batch number unit rate and batch number need to be input from a memory device on the centralized communication platform. If the method starts with print order information 1810, it is necessary to enter the PO number, PS status, and PO date. If the method starts with lot information 1830, the lot number and lot size need to be entered. If the method starts with all card types 1850, credit card type details need to be entered. If the method starts with print vendor information 1860, the name of the vendor needs to be entered.

  FIG. 19 is an example of data transfer in a centralized communication platform. As shown in FIG. 19, the user device 1900 includes a data storage structure 1905 that includes end user information, account information available to the end user, telephone communication information, billing data acquisition information, and user data acquisition information. Can do. User data structure 1905 can also include communication device call control and billing control and data acquisition functions, which can communicate with communication device 1940 for payment and payment processing and consumer care. The Internet ISP 1910 can include a data structure 1915 that includes information regarding end user, account available to the end user, ISP, billing data acquisition, user data acquisition related to advertisements and fees. The data structure 1915 can also include a communication device range control, usage control and data acquisition module that communicates with the communication device or payment or settlement process and consumer care 1940. Portal 1920 can include a data structure 1925. Data structure 1925 may include end user information, account access information, portal information, and account management information. Data structure 1925 can also include modules for communication, device payment, insurance and data acquisition, which can communicate with communication device 1940 for payment and payment processing and consumer care. Merchant 1930 can include a data structure 1935. The data structure 1935 can include information regarding the end user, filling the cart in an enabled account, merchant, billing data acquisition and user data acquisition. The data structure 1935 can also include modules for communication, device payment, insurance and data acquisition, which can communicate with a communication device 1940 for payment and payment processing and consumer care. A communication device 1940 for payment and settlement processing and consumer care can communicate with a data mining / consumer relationship management (CRM) 1950.

  FIG. 20A is an example method and system for multi-party real-time payments for services and / or transactions performed by consumers with prepaid, re-payment type accounts using a centralized communications platform. The method of this example starts with an end user 2000 that initializes the method. The method then proceeds to 2010 prepaid re-payment.

  With the 2010 prepaid re-payment, the user will be able to pre-pay users automatically and / or at least one of the services and transactions, and who will quit the platform account and how much is associated with each of these accounts Determine if it should be re-added to your prepaid platform account. The method then proceeds to 2050 real-time financial settlement.

  Real-time financial settlement 2050 receives payment requests from telephone company 2060, ISP 2062, portal 2064, merchant 2066 and bank 2068. 2070 merchant management is the means to achieve 2050 real-time direct financial settlement. 2070 merchant management identifies whether payments to multiple parties involved are immediate, delayed, include additional authorizations, or any other features well known in the art. That is, an embodiment of a centralized communication platform can settle transactions involving multiple parties over multiple time frames.

  FIG. 20B is another example of a method and system for multiple party real-time payments for services and / or transactions performed by a consumer with a prepaid, re-payment type account using a centralized platform. The method starts with an end user 2000 that initializes the method. The method then proceeds to 2010 prepaid re-payment.

  With the 2010 prepaid re-payment, the user will be able to pre-pay users automatically and / or at least one of the services and transactions, and who will quit the platform account and how much is associated with each of these accounts Determine if it should be re-added to your prepaid platform account. The method then proceeds to the 2020 bank. At 2020 bank, assets are transferred from the bank to real-time financial settlement 2050.

  Real-time financial settlement 2050 receives payment requests from telephone company 2060, ISP 2062, portal 2064 and merchant 2066. Seller management 2070 is a means of achieving 2050 real-time direct financial settlement. 2070 merchant management identifies whether payments to multiple parties involved are immediate, delayed, include additional authorizations, or any other features well known in the art. That is, an embodiment of a centralized communication platform can settle transactions involving multiple parties over multiple time frames.

  FIG. 21 is an embodiment of an account management device 2100 for use on a centralized communication platform. The account management apparatus 2100 includes a subscriber account manager 2160, SIM provisioning 2170, SIM distribution 2180, SIM order 2190, settlement 2150, receipt supply 2140, receipt distribution 2130, receipt order 2120, and PIN generation 2110. Can do.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a switch manager 2200 used in the centralized communication platform. The switch manager 2200 can include ratings 2230, call control 2220, and balance 2210. Rating 2230 can be real-time, or it can be a rating of the cost of the requested service with various benefits. In addition, the rating can determine a shortage or risk included in the business transaction. The call control 2220 can continue to monitor all charges to the user's account at the same time, authorize additional money to re-pay to the user account, or authorize to direct re-payment, or call Send a signal to either the user or various third parties. The balance control 2210 can continue to monitor the current balance of the user's account or can provide an alert if the user's account has reached a predetermined level.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a business-to-business (B2B) centralized communication system. As shown in FIG. 23, company 1 2330, company 2 2332 to company x 2339 are connected to the centralized communication system 2300 via the Internet 2310. In addition, company A 2340, organization 2342, utility A 2344, utility B 2346, seller 2348 and supplier 2349 are connected to the centralized communication system 2300 via the Internet 2320. Centralized communication system 2300 can be connected to or integrated with virtual account 2302, regular account 2304, and banking system 2306. That is, a company such as company 1 2330 must have a unique connection to the Internet 2310 in order to direct business-to-business transactions with any of the suppliers 2349 from company A 2340.

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a business centralized communication system. In FIG. 24, a user 2400 is connected to a bank 2420 via a telephone 2410, ATM 2412, WEB 2414, WAP 2416, and agent 2418. The bank 2420 is connected to the B2B gateway 2434. B2B gateway 2434 is part of centralized communication system 2430, which also includes centralized communication device 2432. The centralized communication device 2432 is connected to a telephone (or billing) billing system 2432 of another company. That is, the user 2400 can use the telephone 2410 to deposit or remit assets. ATM 2412, web 2414 or WAP 2416 or agent 2418 transfers assets between accounts and / or uses bank 2420 to direct business-to-business transactions to a telephone company or corporate billing system 2440. . In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, the bank 2420 need only have a single connection with the centralized communication system 2430 to direct business-to-business transactions with many different entities.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system for re-paying a consumer prepaid account on a centralized communications platform. In FIG. 25, various devices such as ATM 2506, ATM 2504, ATM 2502, ATM 2508, mutual fund company 2530, bank 2 2520, and bank 1 2510 are shown in FIG. 25 network 2500 is connected. X. The 25 network 2500 is connected to a router 2549 as part of a centralized communications platform 2540. Centralized communications platform 2540 can include a firewall 2544, an account manager 2546, consumer care 2548, and bank 3 2542. Account manager 2546 can be connected to database 2547. That is, the consumer can access his / her account on the centralized communications platform 2540 from any remote means, eg, ATM 2506.

  FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system for re-paying a consumer prepaid account using a centralized communications platform interactive voice response system. As shown in FIG. 26, the main frame 2610 of the bank 1 The ATM 2602 to 2608, the telephone company 2 2640, the telephone company 1 2630, and the bank 2 main frame 2620 can be connected via the 25 network 2600. The centralized communication platform 2650 is an X.264 platform. 25 network 2600 can also be connected. The centralized communications platform 2650 can include a router 2660, a firewall 2658, an account manager 2656, a database 2657, an interactive voice response system 2654, and an operator 2652.

  That is, a consumer user connecting to centralized communication platform 2650 via telephone company 1 2630 is X.264. It can have its own request forwarded from the 25 network 2600 to the router 2660. Router 2660 authenticates the user using firewall 2658 and determines whether the request should use interactive voice response system 2654. The interactive voice response system 2654 can handle account re-payments, or if the consumer has difficulty, the interactive voice response system 2654 can send a call to the operator 2652. If the interactive voice response system 2654 can process the account re-payment, by issuing a command or entering a digital value, the user can access the X. The 25 network 2600 can be used to transfer the asset to the platform account manager 2656, where the asset is recorded in the platform database 2657.

  FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a security system used by a centralized communication platform. As shown in FIG. 27, a personal identification number (PIN) 2701 can be entered into the user device 2700. User equipment 2700 may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) 2702, an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) 2704, and an international mobile station equipment identifier (IMSEI) 2706. User device 2700 can then send any of these numbers required for security to telephone switch 2730. The telephone switch 2730 can include a mobile switch center number (MSCN) 2734 and a mobile station number (MSN) 2732. The telephone switch can send any of the above numbers or an identification code to the switch manager 2750. The switch manager 2750 can include a user account 2752 and an authorization module 2754.

  The centralized communications platform of this example allows the security of financial transactions (based on ISO 8583, or something like the financial transaction guarantee protocol), which is beneficial for the actual re-payment of the consumer's prepaid account. The centralized communications platform of this example deducts money from a third party system (eg, the centralized communications platform of this example that initiates a transaction to withdraw money from the consumer's bank account system) for various interfaces, Alternatively, a third party system (e.g., a consumer bank account system that deposits into the consumer's prepaid account of the central communications platform of the present example) is provided to allow depositing into the central communications platform system of the present example.

  In other words, when conducting a normal financial transaction, the centralized communication platform can prevent fraud from unauthorized users of credit cards and debit cards and fraudulent transactions of sellers. That is, the centralized communication system method and platform of the present example can use any currently known or future device security system to authorize prepaid centralized communication platform users.

  FIG. 28 illustrates multiple payment embodiments using a centralized communications platform as a payment agency. As shown in FIG. 28, clearing house 2800 can be associated with bank 2840, merchant 2820, internet service provider 2830, and consumer 2810. That is, a centralized communications platform can operate as a single conduit for multi-party financial payments, and in addition, can operate as a single conduit for multiple services and transactions over heterogeneous networks. it can.

  FIG. 29 is an example of a screenshot of vendor, seller, and service provider information for a payment on a centralized communication platform. As shown in FIG. 29, various rules for contracts and settlement configurations with various vendors, service providers and sellers are stored. For example, the centralized communication platform of this example can store and display a seller, a payment state, a payment amount, a payment unit, a time stamp, a currency, a contract style, a contract effective date, and any additional rules related to a contract. For example, Satyam Online is trying to settle e-commerce after receipt with an amount greater than 5, and here it collects money at the rate of total receipt. In addition, the contract is valid from November 23, 2000 to November 23, 2000.

  FIG. 30 is an example of a screenshot in which vendor / service provider / seller information is added to the centralized communications platform. As shown in FIG. 30, the seller, for example, Sify@Info.com is contract, effective date, effective end date, status, payment mode, value, time stamp, seller, status, payment mode, value. You can have information such as time stamps and merchant related savings.

  FIG. 31 is an example of a screenshot in which details about the vendor / service provider / seller are added to the communication platform of this example. As shown in Figure 31, remarks about full name, address 1, address 2, city, state, postal code, country, account number, base currency, base unit, bank name, bank branch, bank city, and merchant Such detailed information can be stored in the centralized communication platform.

  FIG. 32 shows an example of a rule repository for realizing advanced rules set in the centralized communication system. An example rule repository contains several tables. This table is named Rule Master 3200, Subscriber 3210, Service Provider 3220, and Service 3230. Each table includes a number of fields that hold data related to implement various rule sets.

  The table of the rule master 3200 includes, for example, a rule identifier, a time unit, a day unit, a date unit, a volume unit, a percentage, a position unit, a subscriber attribute unit, a service provider attribute unit, a service unit, a final transaction unit, and a revocation contract unit field. Can have. The rule identifier field may be linked to the subscriber 3210 table and the service provider 3220 table.

  The table of subscribers 3210 may include a subscriber identifier, service identifier, service provider identifier, balance credit, usage amount, and rule list field. The service identifier field may be linked to the service 3230 table. The service provider identifier field may be linked to the service provider 3230 table. The rule list field may be linked to the table of the rule master 3200.

  The service provider 3220 table may have service provider identifier, service identifier, visiting service provider, payable, acceptable, and rule list fields. The service provider field may be linked to the visiting service provider field and the subscriber 3210 table. The service identifier field may be linked to the service 3230 table. The rule list field may be linked to the table of the rule master 3200.

  Service 3230 may have a service identifier, a service type, and a tariff field. The service identifier field may be linked to a subscriber 3210 and service provider 3220 table.

  Additional tables may be part of the overall centralized communication system and method. In addition, descriptive names are used for the various tables and rules used in the example rule repository, while arbitrary names are used whether or not they relate to the function of the field or table. May be. An additional field may be used in each table, for example, a record field that holds the modification date may be used.

  FIG. 33 is an example of an apparatus for implementing a payment process using the centralized communication system and method according to the embodiment of the present invention. The entire system includes a centralized communication system 3300, a service provider 3340 and a financial institution 3380. After the transaction is authorized and charged, the example device demonstrates how the service provider 3340 can settle if it maintains an account with the financial institution 3380 and does not directly receive funds for the services provided. To do. While this situation is well known, there are other situations that can affect payments using assets transferred from one financial institution account to another.

  Settlement begins with a centralized communication system account charged at the same time as the service provider 3340 providing the service. The centralized communication system 3300 can include a payment service provider 3301. The payment service provider 3301 can include a data import / export 3302 that transfers information between the centralized communication system 3300, the service provider 3340, the financial institution 3280, and the data format repository 3310.

  That is, for example, the service provider 3340 can provide the payment rule to the payment processing provider 3301 via the data import / export 3302. The settlement rule can then be used to generate data for the data format repository or to transfer instructions to the financial institution 3380. The financial institution 3380 can then transfer assets between institutions or accounts. For example, if the central communication system 3300 has a user account managed by the credit union 3384 and the service provider 3340 provides a service that is credited to the bank's own account of the bank 3382, the payment process provider 3301 financially orders the instructions. It can be easily transmitted to the engine 3380.

  The service provider can be any one of a telecommunications company 3342, an internet service company 3344, a seller 3346, a content provider 3348, or a currently known or future generated device organization that provides goods or services. . The financial institution 3380 can be any one of a bank 3382, a credit association 3384, a credit company 3386, a brokerage 3388, or a currently known or future generated organization that manages and transfers money.

  FIG. 34 illustrates an example of a method for repaying a prepaid consumer account for a centralized communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method shown in FIG. 34 is a question-and-answer that makes a series of transitions. However, various other embodiments may include simultaneous questions and answers, accidental questions and answers, and questions with undefined answers. The method begins at start 3400 and proceeds to determine if money should be transferred from a 3410 deposit account.

  If the determination of whether money should be transferred from the 3410 deposit account determines that the money should not be transferred from the deposit account, the method determines whether the money should be transferred from the 3430 credit card. Proceed to If the determination of whether money should be transferred from the 3410 deposit account determines that the money should be transferred from the deposit account, then the method determines whether there are enough assets in the 3420 account. move on. If a determination is made that there are enough assets in the account, the method proceeds to transfer 3490 assets. If a determination is made that there are not enough assets in the account, the method proceeds to determine whether the money should be transferred from a 3430 credit card.

  If the determination as to whether the money should be transferred from the 3430 credit card determines that the money should not be transferred from the credit card, the method determines whether the money should be transferred from the 3450 stock account. Proceed to If the determination of whether to transfer money from the 3430 credit card determines that the payment should be made from the credit card, the method determines whether there is sufficient credit in the account of 3440. Proceed to If it is determined that there is sufficient credit in the account, the method proceeds to transfer 3490. If a determination is made that there is not enough credit in the account, the method proceeds to determine whether money should be transferred from the 3450 stock account.

  If the determination of whether a stock account should be transferred from the 3450 stock account, the method determines that the stock account should not be transferred, and the method overdrafts 3470 consumers (overdraft). Proceed to determine whether or not If the determination of whether money should be transferred from the 3450 stock account determines that the money should be transferred from the stock account, the method will provide the consumer with information on which stock of 3460 to sell. Proceed to inquiry. Once the consumer determines the number of stocks to sell, the method proceeds to remit 3490 assets.

  If the determination of whether 3470 consumers should allow overdraft is determined that the consumer should not allow overdraft, the method determines whether 3480 consumers accept re-payment. Proceed to judgment. If the determination of whether to allow overdraft to the 3470 consumer determines that the consumer should allow overdraft, the method proceeds to remit the asset of 3490.

  If it is determined that the 3480 consumer authorizes re-payment, the method proceeds to determine if the 3485 remittance is possible. . If it is determined that the consumer does not authorize re-payment or that remittance is not possible, the method proceeds to abort the 3495 transaction. If the determination of whether 3485 remittance is possible determines that remittance is possible, the method proceeds to remittance of 3490 assets.

  Each prepaid consumer can configure his / her conditions for re-payment in at least one of the following ways: (1) Re-payment only from the phone (mobile phone or landline), (2) Net ( Re-payment from the Internet, mobile internet or any type of public or private network (IVR, or via drop-in or through other methods), (3) Consumers specifically query for re-payment (4) Automatic re-payment automatically from another specific account (bank debit or credit or any type of account) if balance is below a certain amount, (5) Re-pay to account Don't deposit, but use another account as a payment guarantee for your prepaid account, (34) Periodic (eg, daily, monthly, weekly, etc.) re-payment, (7) User-defined terms of use A re-payment amount determined based on (for example, use of the last 7 days and reference to the average re-payment amount, or the re-payment amount is equal to the amount of the most expensive transaction indicated in the past “x” days Etc.), (8) Re-payment rule according to service provider, (9) Re-payment rule according to consumer “owner” (can be one of various service providers, or “owns” and consumes consumer) (10) Main sub-account holders other than sub-account holders (eg in parent / child or hierarchy situations) Recharge rules based on und holder ", (11) device that provides recharge (i.e., telephone, agent, ATM, POS, etc.) there is a recharge rules dictated by the owner of.

  These re-payment methods vary across different types of devices, across different networks, across different re-payment modes (IVR, agents, etc.) and according to rules within a country or jurisdiction. In addition, various rules can be created by combining these modes, devices, networks, etc., and various combinations or substitutions can be made. For example, a person with a business account uses the VIR from his cellular phone to add money from his business operating account to his phone for mobile transactions. Rules that show how and how much this can be added can also be added to the phone account and can be adjusted by laws and regulations for the business in that country. Even if the same person re-pays in various places using the same rules and modes, devices, etc., the rules can be made different.

  FIG. 35 illustrates an example method for authorizing a prepaid consumer account for a centralized communication system and method according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method shown in FIG. 35 is a question-and-answer session that makes a series of transitions. However, within the scope of the present invention, there are other types of transitions, including simultaneous questions and answers, accidental questions and answers and questions with undefined answers. The method begins at start 3500 and proceeds to determine if the 3510 transaction is less than $ 1.

  In determining whether the 3510 transaction is less than $ 1, a determination is made whether the transaction is below the minimum amount, i.e., less than $ 1. If the transaction is $ 1 or more, the method proceeds to determine if the 3520 transaction is $ 10 or less. If the transaction is $ 1 or less, the method proceeds to authorize 3580 transactions. If the determination of whether the 3520 transaction is $ 10 or less determines that the transaction is $ 10 or more, the method proceeds to determine whether the 3540 transaction is $ 100 or less. If the determination of whether the 3520 transaction is $ 10 or less determines that the transaction is $ 10 or less, the method proceeds to determine whether the 3530 transaction is from Kless. If a determination is made that the transaction is from KLESS, the method proceeds to authorize 3580 transactions. If a determination is made that the transaction is not from KLESS, the method proceeds to determine if the 3540 transaction is $ 100 or less.

  In determining whether the 3540 transaction is $ 100 or less, a determination is made whether the transaction is below a predetermined amount, i.e., below $ 100. If the transaction is $ 100 or more, the method proceeds to determine if the 3560 transaction is local (in the home territory). If the transaction is $ 100 or less, the method proceeds to determine if the 3550 transaction is for clothes. If the determination of whether the 3550 transaction is for garments determines that the transaction is for garments, the method proceeds to authorize the 3580 transaction. If it is determined that the 3550 transaction is for clothes, then the method returns to determining whether the 3560 transaction is local. If the determination of whether the 3560 transaction is local makes a determination that the transaction is not local, the method proceeds to determine if any PIN authorization is present one hour before 3570. If a determination is made that the transaction is local, the method proceeds to authorize 3580 transactions. If it is determined that the PIN authorization does not exist before one hour, the method proceeds to 3585 PIN confirmation. If a determination is made that a PIN authorization exists by one hour before, the method proceeds to authorize 3580 transactions.

  In other words, for example, a manager of a company goes from a workplace to a nearby office depot department store and purchases work equipment. The administrator selects equipment and goes to the account. The administrator uses the point of service system of the present invention of the office depot department store to transfer money from the Brad business account to the office depot account to secure the selected equipment (rule: department store Whether the point of service system of the present invention is provided, the salesperson has information available to use the system, is the business part of the point of service system of the present invention, Do you need anything other than a PIN number?) The sales clerk records the purchase and allows the administrator to enter the business account code on the point-of-service device (Rule: Does the account code match the character string, number, or string required by the system) . The point of service system of the present invention checks that the business account of the company is a valid account by accessing the international bank account register via the point of service system of the present invention and the gateway of this example. (Rule: which bank and account is the point of service system of the present invention, which is possible through the system).

  The register indicates that the company's business account is a valid count for the company and requires the administrator to enter a PIN number (Rule: The principal is a valid user or the principal Whether you have authorization for use through the system, whether the PIN number matches the PIN number on the file, and what restrictions are in place). The point-of-service system of the present invention notifies the salesperson of confirmation of the company's business account and checks the company's business account to see if the account is valid and that account can be charged. Check (Rules: What are the limits on what my account can receive such charges)? The salesperson receives a certificate that the company's business account is valid and accepts the claim (Rule: The salesperson receives several options to provide to the administrator, these include the invoice Whether or not it is a revolving payment account and whether or not some money is transferred to the account via cash / reminder). The salesperson notifies that the administrator's PIN is valid and the administrator has a certain purchase authority. The salesperson presents to the administrator the amount to be transferred / paid from the company business account to the office depot account. The administrator agrees to pay. The example point-of-service system (via the example gateway) notifies the business account and office depot account of the current transaction (rule: when actual money is transferred, split between parties And what information is provided to the party). Transactions are processed through the point of service system of the present invention and the gateway of the present example (rule: timing associated with processing). An invoice with confirmation is provided to the administrator (rules: what information is on the invoice and what other options are available). Confirmation is provided to the salesperson at the office depot (rules: what internal processing is required for the salesperson, whether there is a confirmation printout, cash, charge, credit charge, other categories, etc. To get the amount added to

  In other words, in the centralized communication system and method of this example, transaction confirmation / authentication (communication service or commercial transaction, or a combination of both) confirms the validity of credit limits or prepaid amounts associated with users and accounts. Do some processing or checking for it. Various embodiments using communication access, Internet or mobile / Internet access, commerce (either actual store or store on the net / mobile net) can make the following verifications: PIN entry Consumer confirmation based on, password based confirmation, telephone related security characteristics based confirmation, some combination of these, or all of them, whether the requested service / transaction is for a specific consumer prepaid account Confirmation (service profile confirmation), confirmation of sufficient balance available in consumer prepaid account for service / transaction (balance is associated with prepaid account balance, credit account balance, or consumer prepaid account Of the type of which may be actual or virtual account), there is a confirmation based on the foundation (matrix) through the various amount of money through the various service providers. For example, for various amounts, banks require only a four-digit PIN for authorization, telephone companies require only an address for transactions under $ 20, but for any transaction over $ 50 In contrast, a credit card issuer, requesting a postal code and social security number, requests an address, postal code, social security number, maternal maiden name and the latest amount to put in the account.

  Also, rules can be changed based on a specific authorization process. For example, if a person cannot answer a basic question like “What is your current address?”, The rules for authorization can be changed immediately to add more than one question, The service provider determines what is important for the authorization condition. If the person requesting authorization can answer these two or more questions, authorization is granted. Otherwise, another question is asked, or the person is a column for an actual authorization request based on a rule configured by a service provider (bank, telephone company, seller or any other type of service provider) (Queue) can be entered. For example, the service provider can query the user for additional information (eg, maternal maiden name, date of birth, or amount at the time of the previous transaction, or the previous billing amount, the previous re-entry amount, or by the consumer) Pre-defined personal question and answer match), high value transactions (for example, over $ 20) or high volume transactions (for example, over 15 transactions per day, or over 50 transactions per month, etc.) On the other hand, it is possible to ask for a dedicated password. That is, based on rules configured by the consumer or service provider, additional confirmations can be used instead of rejecting the transaction immediately. As is clear from the above description, rules can be part of an interactive process based on rules established by either the consumer or the service provider, and interactive between the consumer and the service provider for a transaction. It is possible to prevent fraud through communication.

  For example, a consumer / user may have an additional password for a certain type of transaction and if the transaction is greater than or equal to the number of previous transactions (eg, whether the total number of transactions over the last 5 days is 50% or more of the current number of transactions) Additional information required by the system (e.g., birthday, friend name, dedicated password) can be set up. Based on rules configured by consumers / users, the system will prevent certain types of transactions (eg pornographic photos or all possible electronic and mobile commerce other than money) between countries with currency restrictions. Can do.

  In other words, the rule is that a $ 20 transaction to purchase a ticket is authorized unless the prepaid balance is below zero (in other words, an overdraft of $ 20 is allowed) This is because the requester is over 60 and the request is made outside the bank's business hours. That is, some embodiments may use criteria defined by economic characteristics, transaction type characteristics, requester characteristics, and date and time. That is, the system of this example can use a rule matrix that is applied in three-dimensional rules, rules determined by artificial intelligence, transaction units, or account units. This rule matrix differs in appearance if it includes partnerships of different service providers, even for the same transaction.

  Also, as implemented herein, rules can be based on adaptability or economy. For example, rules can be based on account balance, coverage, currency used, margin rules and interest rates (these rules can be referred to as algorithmic rule changes). Other rules can be based on consumer profiles, such as age, occupation, nationality, gender, address, financial history, criminal history, membership, transaction history, transaction profile, where transaction profile is, for example, service type , Content type, order quantity, and purchase name of a certain category of product. Rules can be based on the history, logic, fraud and security factors of several connections, including service providers, sellers and consumers, or seller profiles, eg, location, type, business Includes web alliances.

  Also, the rules implemented herein can be based on “fuzzy” or improved logic such as artificial intelligence. For example, analysis of consumer voice can evaluate voice vibration, intonation, and accent to determine consumer stress level, which can have an effect on the decision to authorize a transaction. it can. The artificial intelligence system can also have a learning function, which makes it possible to make a determination based on various past events of a particular individual consumer (one event that has a special influence when making a determination). Even if it ’s not). For example, the system can analyze debit transactions over a period of a predetermined number of months to obtain individual consumption behavior. When a request for a new transaction is initiated, the system can enable the transaction if a rough match is made by purchase pattern. If not, the system can mark the transaction as a potential fraud and perform further confirmation. If the verification is properly completed, the system enters the transaction into the knowledge base to authorize the transaction and obtain the individual's new consumption behavior.

  As implemented herein, the system makes decisions based on various past events of consumer groups (eg, all teachers, all teenagers, women 55 years of age or older living in Dallas, etc.). It can also have a learning function that enables it. When a trade request is initialized, the system can analyze the purchase pattern, and if the group behavior pattern roughly matches, the system authorizes the trade. For example, a 62-year-old woman, born in a fairly small town in Texas, has the opportunity to ask for approval to download pornographic photos from a Brazilian site while still in Indonesia. The system provides additional authorization because the transaction may be a potential fraud.

  As implemented herein, the system can also have a learning function that allows a determination based on various past events of a particular individual consumer (events that have a special impact when making a determination) Even if there is no one). For example, the system can analyze transactions over a period of a predetermined number of months to obtain individual consumption behavior. When a request for a new transaction is initiated, the system can authorize the transaction if a rough match is made by purchase pattern. Otherwise, the system identifies the transaction as a potential fraud and performs further confirmation. If the verification is properly completed, the system enters the transaction into the knowledge base to authorize the transaction and obtain the individual's new consumption behavior.

  A particular feature of various embodiments is that debits occur in real time. That is, the service provider is prevented from being charged twice from the consumer's account when two charges of close amounts occur at the same time. In addition, real-time charging is not a simple one-time access fee, but allows dynamic accounting for all charges. For example, roaming phone calls can be credited to the roaming network based on call duration as well as one-time roaming billing. This allows fraud prevention in several different ways.

  All types of service providers have a common problem with fraud management and control. Whether service providers offer simple communication services, commerce services or financial services or any other service, fraud is one of the greatest threats to their business. In general, fraud is defined as “loss of revenue” for some reason. Traditionally, vendors and service providers have recognized this problem and have found several solutions to minimize fraud. So far, the solutions provided analyze potential fraud by understanding certain basic problems. These basic issues include the following: Motivation—What are the basic events for fraud (eg making money, propensity to crime, hacking, etc.), means—what is the nature of fraud? Mode (eg: call selling / premium rate service, etc.), mode—what is the basic fraudulent method (eg, fraudulent subscription, fraud surfing, fraudulent ghosting, etc.) ) And methods—what are the specific fraud methods (eg, subscription, roaming, etc.).

  Methods that fit the various cases described above can usually be classified. The first type is fraudulent subscriptions, where the subscriber is making connections for frequent use, but is not willing to pay. The second type is fraudulent telephone subscription rights, where the subscription is used to sell the telephone subscription rights to others with a grant, but the subscriber is not willing to pay. The third type is fraudulent premium rate service (PRS), which allows the PRS content provider itself to abuse the network by making calls to its PRS number and collecting fees. Avoid paying the operator for generated calls. The fourth type is rogue roaming-this is when the roaming subscriber uses the network / service frequently but is not willing to pay. The last type of fraud is internal fraud-this is tampering with the system by helping service provider employees use their knowledge to help others do fraud.

  Service providers have a wide range of fraudulent types of fraud, and the issues surrounding how to effectively and adequately monitor to detect, analyze, respond and prevent fraud. Serves to learn and understand. One particular advantage or the present system is that the effectiveness of the present embodiment is continuously measured, and the findings can be fed back to the system as improvements.

  Several fraud management systems are available in today's market at varying levels of intelligence. Service providers typically manage fraud by implementing such a set of systems and business processes. For example, obtaining credit ratings from credit rating agencies, physical confirmation of consumers and their addresses, obtaining confirmations from other service providers for whom the person / entity is responsible for past payments, fairly sophisticated collection processes Setup, password protection, improved IT security and establishment of stronger encryption algorithms.

  In the communications field, today's service providers prefer prepaid consumers over postpaid consumers because of the risks associated with various types of fraud. However, switching from a postpaid consumer to a prepaid consumer not only eliminates fraud, but also shifts fraudulent disadvantages from one party to another. Potential fraudsters do not give consideration to those who suffer their disadvantages. As a result, there is no significant effective way to deal with fraud issues.

  In the field of financial services, debit cards and smart card based prepaid cards are preferred over credit cards for some of these reasons. Embodiments of the present invention improve all systems by incorporating a centralized communication system and method into the authentication process through the use of cellular telephones, access to email systems and the connections described above.

  For example, a consumer may use any two or more services (two or more communication services, one or more) using their phone, internet device, any point-of-sale device, credit card, debit card or ATM. An authorization request for a commercial transaction service or a combination of communication and commercial transaction services. Such a request is subjected to the normal fraud confirmation processing of each service provider, and if the result is affirmative, the service combination is further confirmed by the centralized communication system and method of this example. . During confirmation, if the request may be fraudulent, the service provider can initiate a consumer interaction (voice or data interaction) to indicate additional confirmation. Such confirmation can be based on consumer configuration parameters. For example, a consumer can always try to purchase more than $ 25 and make additional checks. Additional service provider configuration parameters can also be used. For example, an additional confirmation is made for a request over $ 25, and any request for purchase of goods / services that the consumer is roaming will have an additional confirmation based on both the home service provider and the visiting network service provider. Should be given. Configuration parameters based on other profiles / categories / uses can be used. For example, emergency and unscheduled amounts of authorization requests, authorization requests from emergency and unscheduled remote locations, and service types are typically not used in the consumer category.

  That is, as the use of advanced technology and more sophisticated business processes increases, service providers around the world can reduce potential fraud. The biggest challenge faced by service providers today is the fact that fraud still occurs regardless of the number of rules and business processes.

  For example, in large industries, we recognize the fact that the best way to eliminate / minimize fraud is to control fraud attempts at the point where the fraud occurs. Requests that affect business can be a potential fraud. As a result, currently available fraud management solutions focus on approving or rejecting requests based on a set of rules. These solutions are based on the assumption that a request that satisfies the set of rules is a good request and that any request is not invalid. However, in real life, even a consumer who satisfies all the conditions can be a fraudster, while a consumer pretending to be a fraudster can be a good consumer who does not intend fraud in real life.

  With centralized communications and commerce, several parties need to work together to satisfy one of the consumer's needs. Each of these service providers will have the risk of dealing with the fraud associated with it when providing their services. Any centralized service integrates all the risks of the associated service provider. As a result, the fraud management function obtained for a mixed service is at least the common part of each fraud management function of the service provider (ie, the minimum link status). As a result, potential fraud increases rapidly according to the number of service provider parties involved in providing the service.

  Currently available fraud management systems are not aware of issues related to multiple parties. These are single service fraud management solutions at various intellectual levels. They do not provide a solution based on a combination of risks associated with centralized services provided by various service providers. Various embodiments herein can be used to reduce and eliminate fraud.

  For example, FIG. 36 illustrates an example of a prepaid consumer account billing method for a centralized communication system and method according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method shown in FIG. 36 is a question-and-answer that makes a series of transitions. However, various other embodiments may include simultaneous questions and answers, accidental questions and answers, and questions with undefined answers. The method starts at start 3600 and proceeds to determine if the 3610 transaction is taxable (tax free).

  If the determination that the 3610 transaction is taxable determines that the transaction should be tax free, the method proceeds to determine whether to remit the 3630 charge to the credit account. If the determination of whether the 3610 transaction is taxable determines that the transaction should be taxable, the method proceeds to charge the 3620 government account. Once charging to the 3620 government account is complete, the method proceeds to reconcile 3690 payments.

  If the determination of whether to transfer the 3630 charge to the credit account determines that it should not be transmitted to the credit account, the method proceeds to determine whether the 3650 transaction should include delivery. . If the determination of whether to remit the 3630 charge to the credit account determines that the remittance should be made to the credit account, the method proceeds to determine whether the 3640 charge should be made immediately. If a determination is made at 3640 that the charge should be made immediately, the method proceeds to 3690 settlement adjustment. If a determination is made that charging should not be made immediately, the method proceeds to determine whether the 3650 transaction includes delivery.

  If the determination that the 3650 transaction includes delivery determines that the transaction does not include delivery, the method proceeds to determine whether the charge 3670 is split over time. If it is determined that the 3650 transaction includes delivery, and the transaction is determined to include delivery, the method proceeds to determine if the 3360 delivery should be paid immediately. If a determination is made that the delivery should be paid immediately, the method proceeds to 3690 settlement adjustment. If a determination is made that the delivery should not be paid immediately, the method proceeds to determine whether the 3670 charge should be paid in installments.

  If it is determined that the 3670 billing should be installment, the method proceeds to determine whether the 3680 billing should be electronic. If the determination of whether the charge at 3670 should be installment payments determines that the charge should be an installment payment, the method proceeds to 3690 settlement adjustment. If a determination is made that the billing should not be in installments, the method proceeds to determine whether the 3680 payment should be electronic. If the determination of 3680 payment should be electronic determines that the transaction should not be electronic, the method proceeds to printing 3695 payment information. If it is determined that the 3680 settlement should not be electronic, and the determination is that the billing should be electronic, the method proceeds to 3697 remittance adjustment.

  For example, a consumer goes to an ATM, selects a department store, and enters an account number for a Renner department store. In the system of this embodiment, the department store is a member of the system, the department store provides payment through the system, and the account number (character string / number / graphic) is matched with that of the department store. Check if you are doing. The system of this example uses a gateway to connect to the Renner department store database and verify the account number. The system of this example can also check whether the account number matches. Consumers can also use a PIN number to verify their identity and account. The system of this example can connect to the database of the Renner department store using the gateway and confirm the account number with the Renner. The system can perform an additional verification process that checks the PIN number for system characteristics and the actual account number associated with the consumer. The system can access the database and pull the account balance back to the consumer. The system can check the following to verify whether the PIN number matches the PIN number in the department store record, there is an account balance to be debited, or to make additional charges or payoffs: An account that can use the example system.

  The consumer can then make a decision to pay off the portion of the credit card that is owed by his / her credit card. The example system checks the following: what the consumer wants to do and what the consumer can do. The system of the present example can check the credit card balance of the bank system without using a gateway if possible. Next, the system checks the following: if the credit card balance is, what is the total credit limit, what is the difference between the credit limit and the balance, and if the balance is positive, the system is consumer Can provide options for The example system then further verifies whether there are credits available on the consumer's credit card. The consumer is identical to the payment to the Renner, depending on his / her balance ratio, via remittance from the credit card. The system in this example then checks the following: what the consumer wants to do, how much to process, how much money should be sent, and when money should occur. The banking system can then be used to instruct to make a remittance, make a physical remittance, and check if money has been received. The example system then checks the following: what checks and confirmations are required by the Renner and credit card company, and what receipt options are required by the consumer. The consumer can then receive a transaction / payment receipt via the ATM inquiring payment. The example system checks the following: what information is required on the receipt, what information the consumer wants to see, and what choices are available to the consumer It is. The receipt contains a confirmation of the transaction. And the transaction is completed. Next, the system of this example can check the following: what the consumer wants and what is selected.

  That is, these rules are specific about when money is withdrawn from the account (for where it is credited after being charged). That is, this rule may be based on the following rules: Rules according to service providers, rules according to consumer demands (probably rarely used), rules according to a mix of service providers, rules according to consumer “owners” Rules according to the service of the “major” provider (ie if the seller sells the CD to the consumer for $ 20 and the overnight shipment is $ 22, the overnight shipper will be charged when / how ), Rules that change according to financial institution status, processes, procedures, rules that comply with various legislative body regulations, rules that follow consumer history, usage restrictions, monthly average account balances, any It is a rule according to a predetermined contract between service providers.

  Also, the rule can be immediate payment or postpay / postpay, and the rule can be a combination of the above installments. For example, 50% of the amount can be paid immediately, and the remainder can be paid evenly twice a week. This means that billing can be multiple debits added to the purchase amount that do not need to be a lump sum or an immediate payment, a monthly debit ("consuming all your plans Payments can be constructed in other well-known ways.

  Also, not every transaction for the amount needs to include a remittance. When money is exchanged, the various transactions can be: free, last purchase item benefits (like frequent flight miles), monthly subscription service or money exchange part, currency There are goods or services that are not included (such as merchandising credits). For example, free items may be offered for contracts to purchase additional items within a specified time period. Another exchange involves providing an MP3 file for access in a separate MP3 file. Alternatively, the consumer may be able to gain access to the mapping program as long as he / she deposits at a bank. The system of this example allows these types of exchanges within the structure shown in FIG.

  FIG. 37 shows an example of a transaction settlement method for a centralized communication system and method according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method shown in FIG. 37 is a question-and-answer session that makes a series of transitions. However, various other embodiments may include simultaneous questions and answers, accidental questions and answers, and questions with undefined answers. The method begins at start 3700 and proceeds to determine if there are any 3710 arbitrary real-time payments.

  If the determination that 3710 any real-time payment exists is a determination that a real-time payment exists, the method proceeds to 3715 remittance. In the transfer of 3715, an immediate transfer between accounts is instructed. The method then returns to determining if there are any 3720 date-time triggered payments. Alternatively, if it is determined that there is no real-time settlement 3710, it is determined that there is any date-time triggered settlement 3720.

  If it is determined that there is a date / time triggered settlement in 3720, the method proceeds to setting the date / time trigger in 3725. In the setting of the date and time trigger of 3725, a trigger for performing remittance at the determined date and time is set. The method then returns to determining if there are 3730 optional event-triggered payments. Optionally, if it is determined that there is no date-time triggered payment in 3720, and if it is determined that there is no date-time triggered payment, then the method includes any event-triggered payment in 3730 Proceed to the determination of whether to do.

  If it is determined that there is an event-triggered payment in 3730, the method proceeds to setting an event trigger in 3735. In setting the event trigger of 3735, the trigger is set to send money to the determined event. The method returns to determining if there are 3740 arbitrary batch payments. Optionally, if it is determined that there is no date / time triggered payment in 3730, the method determines if there is any batch payment in 3740. Proceed to the determination.

  If the determination of whether there are any 3740 batch payments determines that there is a batch payment, the method proceeds to add 3745 transactions to the batch. In the addition of 3745 transactions to the batch, the transaction results are added to the list of transactions to be invoked and run in the next batch. The method then returns to the end of 3750. Optionally, if it is determined that there is no batch payment in 3740, the method proceeds to end 3750.

  For example, if the transaction is a simple communication transaction involving one or more communication service providers (eg, roaming), the transaction (eg, telephone call) is performed as much as possible, and the payment module of this example Refers to the transaction, identifies the party involved (eg, service provider) and settles (eg, real-time or time-delayed payments, partner payment tariffs, discounts on order quantities, payments to any part of the prescribed agency Apply the rules for the subject). Based on the rules, the centralized communication system and method can also identify whether payments must be made within the system of the present example or whether payments must be directed using an external agency. Next, the centralized communication system and method applies the rule and outputs settlement netting information & report. For external agencies, such information is processed in a predefined format (eg, TAP record, predefined ASCII text file, MXP record, CIBER record, IPDR record, etc.).

  In another example, the transaction can be a commercial transaction. The centralized communication system and method of this example performs the same process as described above, but the rules applied are a little more complicated because the rules need to manage all or some external service providers. (E.g., a seller may use Courier flights to deliver goods, and some rules related to physical delivery are not real-time, and sometimes some processes are automated Not) Payment rules can also be more complex (eg, payment amount can depend on quantity, weight, etc.).

  If the transaction is a centralized transaction (commerce and communication), the centralized communication system and method of this example is a combination of both types described above. The centralized communication system and method of this example can add additional complexity to the rule in situations based on commercial transaction settlement rules, and may affect some rules for communication settlement. For example, if a consumer purchases a $ 50 item on the visiting network, the visiting network may not charge a fee for any roaming talk time to the home network. The home network may or may not benefit the end consumer.

  The method described above follows the following example. The consumer gym roams on his CDMA prepaid mobile phone in Washington DC during the holidays. His home network is North Carolina Mobile, which allows him to pay a $ 50 monthly service fee and use the weekend record plan anywhere on the home network. Roaming is collected for an additional charge of $ 1 for each call by its home network.

  In Washington DC, Jim is listening to Santana's greatest hits via the Orange Music Streamer Music Service, which is received via the GSM network. He receives a Simple Messaging System (SMS) prompting for an advertisement for Sony's new mini digital CD player. He listens to Carlos Santana while reading the advertisement. Following a short list of CD player characteristics, a price list is provided that will purchase the CD player at 33% off if purchased within the next 15 minutes. He urges to click on the offer and proceeds to the Orange Music Streamer Mobile Services shopping website.

  The Orange Music Streamer website was developed by Aether Systems. Through a dialogue with Orange, Arthur manages the site. Arthur has paid for this management, development and design relationship in several ways. This includes the following: (1) regular fixed costs for website development, (2) monthly administrative costs such as providing services to maintain posting on the site, (3) sites A flat fee of 2 cents for each click on any of the above advertisements, (4) fees for goods or services for each item purchased by the advertisement on the site, and (5) consumer service provided by Orange Music Streamer There is a flat fee of $ 1 per call.

  Jim clicks through two or more screens about the Sony CD player on the mobile website while listening to Carlos Santana. He clicks to check the price and availability. The site uses two Orange Music Streamer partners to provide him with where he can buy the item. As soon as he selects Amazoom via electronic RU, he presents Amazoo's mobile shopping site.

  At Amazoo, Jim chooses a simple payment plan that offers a CD player for $ 100 (presented at $ 150), and he chooses to pay twice (first $ 50, CD player $ 50 at the time of delivery. He clicks the prepaid button and chooses to use his central communications system prepaid account.

  Amazoo wraps up Jim's new CD player in a FedExtra box and arranges InsurUS to provide insurance for the package. Delivery of FedExa costs $ 5 on Amazoo, and Insurus insures CD players with a total insurance of $ 0.5.

  Jim waits for a return train in North Carolina while listening to Carlos Santana on his prepaid phone. When he arrives at home, FedExtra delivers his CD player and the signing of the delivery slip starts a value chain transaction across several service providers.

  The following payment transactions occur using the system and method embodiments of the present invention.

  The settlement portion of the central communication system and method of this example controls how payments are negotiated and which accounts are eligible for credit by payment. These transaction settlement rules constitute settlements between accounts, from different accounts to multiple accounts, and the like. In other words, the system of the present example enables settlement by a plurality of parties for centralized services and communication transactions, and allows the establishment of settlement rules for each service and commercial transaction. The seller (product / service provider, for example, , Manufacturing, resellers, distributors or some combination of such entities), portals (such as any type of portal including mobile portals or e-commerce portals), Internet service providers (independent agencies or mobile operators) Or portal), mobile phone company (home network, visiting network, or both), virtual service provider (content service provider or infrastructure service provider, or brandy) Between any agency (or any combination), between a bank / credit agency or any other financial institution (involved in one or more commercial transactions), a third-party payment agency (eg, aggregators, payment processing agency, Alternatively, settlement between electronic wallets or any such processing agency), merchandise / service delivery agencies (eg, couriers, bandwidth suppliers) and insurance agencies.

  As implemented herein, the centralized communication system and method can provide payment rule configurations for various situations, such as: real-time payments, time-delayed payments (eg, 2 days or 30 days later, etc. ), Payments based on confirmation of certain conditions (for example, an insurance agency pays before shipping the product, but the courier is paid only when the product is delivered), payments based on business relationships between parties ( For example, the Courier Agency offers volume-based discounts, which means that the payment process takes into account several deliveries rather than just one delivery), and volume-based payments (eg, The portal is paid a small amount each time an advertisement is delivered to a roaming subscriber, and the portal Who when purchasing a product / service is in fact, pay a larger amount than that). As implemented herein, centralized communication systems and methods can provide settlement that takes into account roaming agreements between related networks (eg, roaming surcharges). In addition, the centralized communication system and method can provide payments that take into account any regulatory conditions (eg, appropriation of taxes and payments to government agencies). That is, a transaction can only be paid for one transaction or immediate credit, but the transaction can be divided into multiple debits that are added to the purchase amount. Transactions can also be the kind of monthly transactions that are divided over the course of a year (including “can use all plans”).

  As implemented herein, the centralized communication system and method can provide payments that can be divided into the following categories: credit date, credit cap, asset threshold, order volume discount, regulatory requirements There are batches based on payment fees, service types upon request (based on repeated closing relationships), online, online real-time and various time limits.

  There are several examples of how to access this system. For example, one of the embodiments of the present invention specifically includes ATM, bank, agent, POS, interactive voice response system, cellular phone, fixed line phone, Internet, WAP (via cell), simple messaging system ( The system is accessed via a fixed line telephone and cell), a Perto device (ie, a device that accepts bill payments in cash) and a post office.

  There are several examples of the types of people who use the system. For example, the system is used by consumers, family members, children, business users, business managers, business subrdinates, payment company users and bank users.

  There are several examples of the types of accounts with which the system can transfer assets. For example, this system can be used for bank accounts (various types, current, deposit, growth, education, holidays, etc.), cash accounts, credit card accounts, debit card accounts, virtual accounts, investment accounts, brokerage accounts, Can be involved in business accounts. The system of this example can use a plurality of formats for the above-mentioned communication for remittance that has been conventionally known.

  There are several examples of asset recipients. For example, payment types are typically divided into three categories: peer-to-peer, business-to-consumer, and business-to-business. More specifically, payment types include: usage fees, utility charges, taxes, local use (licenses, etc.), retail (brick & mortar), retail (electronic commerce / internet), mobile commerce, cellular, ISP, bank, insurance company Can include gifts for charities, brokers, family members, and bills for fixed-line telephones.

  There are several examples of how the system of this example communicates with other accounts for remittance or how to determine how to communicate. For example, a payment account can be an international wireless telecommunications database (cellular), an international fixed-line telecommunications database (telephone), an international bank account database, an individual account for each payee company—ie, a retailer renner can be Having a database of all consumers, can be confirmed through tax payment types and local government databases, licenses, etc.

  Various features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description, that is, all such features and advantages of the present invention are within the scope of the true spirit and purpose of the invention. It is intended to be included by the section. In addition, since various modifications and changes readily occur to those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the actual configuration and operation shown in the drawings, and accordingly, appropriate modifications and equivalent configurations may be used. It may be performed within the intended range.

Claims (111)

A method for providing a mobile commerce service via a plurality of networks,
In the roaming network, receive the identification number and service request from the user equipment,
Adding a service provider identification number and a charge for the service to the identification number and the service request, and transmitting the roaming network to the home network;
A centralized communication platform located in the home network, wherein the identification number is associated with a valid user account, the user equipment is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account pays for the service; Verify that you have enough money,
If the identification number is associated with the valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount, providing authorization to the service provider;
Charging from the valid user account to provide the service. An apparatus for providing a mobile commerce service via a plurality of networks,
A receiving unit that receives a request for a service; and the request includes an identification number from a user device arranged in a roaming network, a service provider identification number related to a service provider, and a charge for the service from the roaming network;
Verification verifying that the identification number is associated with a valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount to pay for the service And
A transmitting unit that transmits authorization to the service provider when the identification number is associated with the valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount When,
An apparatus comprising: a charging unit that charges from the effective user account in order to provide the service. A method for providing a prepaid roaming communication service via a plurality of networks,
Receive identification number and destination device number from user device in roaming network,
A service provider identification number and a roaming communication service charge are added to the identification number and the destination device number, and transmitted from the roaming network to the home network;
By a centralized communication platform located in the home network, the identification number is associated with a valid user account, the user equipment is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account pays for the initial cost of the service. Verify that you have enough money to do,
If the identification number is associated with valid user information, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount to pay for the initial cost of the service; Providing authorization to the roaming network;
Billing from the active user account to provide the service,
A signal is transmitted when the user account balance reaches a predetermined level. The method of claim 3, wherein the signal is at least one of a service outage, interruption, re-payment request, and low balance warning. An apparatus for providing a prepaid roaming communication service via a plurality of networks,
A receiving unit that receives a service request; the request includes an identification number and a destination device number from a user device arranged in a roaming network; a service provider identification number associated with a service provider; and a service charge from the roaming network Including
The identification number is associated with a valid user account, the user equipment is authorized to receive the service on the roaming network, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount to pay for the service A verification unit that verifies
If the identification number is associated with the valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount, sends an authorization to the service provider; and If the user account reaches a predetermined level, a transmitter for transmitting a signal;
An apparatus comprising: a charging unit that charges from the effective user account in order to provide the service. A determination unit for determining a ratio of providing the service to the user;
The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the charging unit charges the service provided at the determined ratio in real time from the effective user account. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the signal is at least one of a service stop, interruption, re-payment request, and low balance warning. A method for providing network independent consumer care services via a plurality of independent networks, comprising:
Receiving the identification number and consumer care service request from the user device in the roaming network;
Adding a service provider identification number to the identification number and the consumer care service request, and transmitting from the roaming network to the home network;
Verifying that the identification number is associated with a valid user account by means of a centralized communication platform located in the home network;
Connecting the consumer care service to the user device if the identification number is associated with the active user account. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the consumer care service is at least one of a telephone connection, a simple messaging service message, a facsimile transmission, a data transmission, a purchase request for a product / service, and a re-payment request. And determining that the valid user account has approved the re-payment mechanism;
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the re-payment mechanism is used to re-pay the active user account. The method of claim 8, further comprising storing the service provider identification number. A device for providing consumer care services via a plurality of networks,
A receiver for receiving a request for consumer care service; and the request includes an identification number from a user equipment located in a roaming network and a service provider identification number associated with a service provider from the roaming network;
A verification unit that verifies that the identification number is associated with a valid user account and the user device is authorized to receive the consumer care service;
A device for connecting a consumer care service provider capable of providing the consumer care service to the user device when the identification number is associated with the active user account; . 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the consumer care service is at least one of a telephone connection, a simple messaging service message, a facsimile transmission, a data transmission, a purchase request for a product / service, and a re-payment request. A determination unit for determining that the valid user account has approved the re-payment mechanism;
The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a re-payment unit that re-pays the active user account using the re-payment mechanism. A method of re-paying a prepaid account for services provided via a centralized communications platform,
Receiving a request from a user device that includes a user identification number for authorization to use a consumer account located on the centralized communications platform;
Determining that the consumer account associated with the user identification number does not have sufficient balance for the service to be provided;
Determining that the consumer account has an authorized re-payment mechanism;
Re-pay the consumer account using the authorized re-payment mechanism,
Authorizing the use of the consumer account for the service via the centralized communications platform. The method of claim 15, wherein the service is at least one of a telephone connection, a simple messaging service message, a facsimile transmission, a data transmission, a purchase request for goods / services and a data download. The method of claim 15, wherein the reception is from a roaming network if the centralized communications platform is in a home network. A device for re-paying a prepaid account for a service to be provided via a centralized communication platform,
A receiving unit for receiving an authorization request including an identification number for using a consumer account located in the centralized communication platform from a user device;
A determination unit that determines that a consumer account associated with the identification number does not have a sufficient balance for the service to be provided, and that the consumer account authorizes a re-payment mechanism;
A re-payment unit that re-pays the consumer account using the re-payment mechanism;
A transmission unit configured to transmit an authorization for use of the consumer account to the service via the centralized communication platform. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the service is at least one of a telephone connection, a simple messaging service message, a facsimile transmission, a data transmission, a purchase request for goods / services and a data download. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the user equipment is in a roaming network when the centralized communications platform is in a home network. A method for settlement of prepaid transactions for a plurality of providers in a centralized communication environment,
Charges from active user accounts for transactions offered in multiple networks in real time,
Determining a fee to be distributed to a plurality of providers involved in providing the prepaid transaction via the plurality of networks;
A method of performing settlement with the provider for the prepaid transaction via the plurality of networks according to the determined fee. The method of claim 21, wherein the transaction is at least one of a telephone connection, a simple messaging service message, a facsimile transmission, a data transmission, a purchase request for goods / services, a data download and a re-payment request. Furthermore, it is determined that the effective user account does not have a sufficient balance,
Determining that the valid user account authorizes a re-payment mechanism;
The method of claim 21, wherein the re-payment mechanism is used to re-pay the active user account. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising storing a provider identification number for the transaction and each of the plurality of providers. A device for prepaid transaction settlement for a plurality of providers in a centralized communication environment,
A billing unit that charges from a user account for transactions provided via multiple networks in real time;
A determination unit for determining a fee to be distributed to a plurality of providers involved in provision of the prepaid transaction via the plurality of networks;
An apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that performs settlement with the provider for the prepaid transaction via the plurality of networks according to the determined fee. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the transaction is at least one of a telephone connection, a simple messaging service message, a facsimile transmission, a data transmission, a purchase request for goods / services, a data download and a re-payment request. The apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising a storage unit that stores a provider identification number for the transaction and each of the plurality of providers. A method for providing mobile commerce, electronic commerce, consumer care and communication services via a plurality of networks,
In the roaming network, receive the identification number and service request from the user equipment,
If the service is chargeable, add a service provider identification number and a service fee for the service provider to the identification number and the service request, and send from the roaming network to the home network;
By a centralized communication platform located in the home network, wherein the identification number is associated with a valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account pays for the service Verify that you have a sufficient amount of
If the identification number is associated with the valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount, providing authorization to the service provider;
When the service is chargeable, a charge is made from the valid user account in real time to provide the service. The roaming network includes a wireless network, a simple messaging service network, a public switched telephone network, a packet switched network, a circuit switched network, an asynchronous network, the Internet, an intranet, a microwave network, a cable network, an Ethernet network, a token ring network, and a wide area network. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3, 8 or 28, characterized in that at least one of the following. 29. A method according to claim 8 or 28, wherein the roaming network is controlled by at least one of different entities other than the home network utilizing different signaling protocols and located at different locations. 29. The user device according to claim 1, 3, 8, 15, or 28, wherein the user device is at least one of a wireless telephone, a wired telephone, a modem, a computer, a personal digital assistant, a pager, a cellular telephone, and a wireless transmitter. The method according to any one of the above. The identification number is at least one of a personal identification number, a subscriber identification module, an international mobile subscriber identifier, an international mobile station terminal identifier, a combination of alphabets and numbers, and a hexadecimal number. 29. A method according to any one of 3, 8, 15 or 28. 29. The service of claim 1, 3 or 28, wherein the service is at least one of telephone connection, simple messaging service message, facsimile transmission, data transmission, goods / service purchase request, data download and re-payment request. The method according to any one of the above. 29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1, 3 or 28, wherein the service provider includes a plurality of businesses each receiving a portion of the fee for the service. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 28, further comprising: transmitting a billing amount to the service provider. Furthermore, it is determined that the effective user account does not have a sufficient balance,
Determining that the valid user account authorizes a re-payment mechanism;
29. A method according to any one of claims 1, 3 or 28, wherein the re-payment mechanism is used to re-pay the user account. Further, after user intervention, determine that the valid user account authorizes the re-payment mechanism;
In the roaming network requesting re-payment authorization, connect with the user equipment,
37. The method of claim 36, wherein if the user device responds correctly to a request for re-payment authorization, the user device authorizes the re-payment. The method of claim 36, wherein the re-payment is based on a user-defined rule that identifies at least one of an account, an amount, and a funding source. 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the user-defined rule identifies a plurality of accounts with a re-payment priority based on at least one of an account, past re-payment, account balance and time. The method of claim 36, wherein the re-payment is a re-payment from at least one of a bank account, an investment account, a credit account and an authorized loan account. 29. A method according to any one of claims 1, 3 or 28, further comprising storing the billing and the service provider identification number. The fee for the roaming communication service is at least one of a roaming fee, a service distribution fee, a communication fee, a tax, an additional fee for using the facility, a discount, and an insurance fee. 2. The method according to item 1. And determining a ratio of providing the service to the user;
The method according to claim 3 or 28, wherein the service provided at the determined ratio is charged from the effective user account in real time. The ratio is at least one of a roaming network ratio, a home network ratio, a communication ratio, a long distance ratio, an international ratio, a tax rate, a facility use surcharge ratio, a discount ratio, and an insurance fee ratio. 28. The method according to 28. An apparatus for providing mobile commerce, electronic commerce, consumer care and communication services via a plurality of networks,
A receiving unit that receives an identification number from a user device, a service request, a service provider identification number related to a service provider, and a charge for the service if the service is to be charged from a roaming network;
By a centralized communication platform located in the home network, the identification number is associated with a valid user account, or the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account pays for the service. A determination unit that determines whether or not it has a sufficient amount of money to perform,
If the service is chargeable, the identification number is associated with the valid user account, the user device is authorized to receive the service, and the valid user account has a sufficient amount of money, A transmitter for providing authorization to the service provider;
An apparatus comprising: a charging unit that charges from the effective user account in real time to provide the service when the service is charged. The roaming network includes a wireless network, a simple messaging service network, a public switched telephone network, a packet switched network, a circuit switched network, an asynchronous network, the Internet, an intranet, a microwave network, a cable network, an Ethernet network, a token ring network, and a wide area network. 46. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 5, 12 or 45, characterized in that at least one of the following. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 45, wherein the roaming network is controlled by at least one of different entities other than a home network using different signaling protocols and is located at different locations. 46. The user device according to claim 2, 5, 12, 18 or 45, wherein the user device is at least one of a wireless telephone, a wired telephone, a modem, a computer, a personal digital assistant, a pager, a cellular telephone, and a wireless transmitter. The apparatus of any one of Claims. The identification number is at least one of a personal identification number, a subscriber identification module, an international mobile subscriber identifier, an international mobile station terminal identifier, a combination of alphabets and numbers, and a hexadecimal number. 46. A device according to any one of 5, 12, 18 or 45.
46. The service of claim 2, 5 or 45, wherein the service is at least one of a telephone connection, a simple messaging service message, a facsimile transmission, a data transmission, a purchase request for goods / services, a data download and a re-payment request. The apparatus of any one of Claims. 46. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 5 or 45, wherein the service provider includes a plurality of businesses each receiving a portion of the fee for the service. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 5 and 45, wherein the transmitter further transmits a billing amount to the service provider. A determination unit that determines that the effective user account does not have a sufficient balance and that the effective user account authorizes a re-payment mechanism;
The apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 5, 25, and 45, further comprising: a re-payment unit that re-pays the user account using the re-payment mechanism. A determination unit for determining that the effective user account authorizes the re-payment mechanism after user intervention;
A transmitter for transmitting a re-payment authorization request to the user device of the roaming network;
54. The method of claim 53, further comprising: an authorization unit authorizing the re-payment if the user device responds correctly to the re-payment authorization request. 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the re-payment is based on a user-defined rule that identifies at least one of an account, an amount, and a funding source. 56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the user-defined rule identifies a plurality of accounts with a re-payment priority based on at least one of an account, past re-payment, account balance and time. 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the re-payment unit re-pays from at least one of a bank account, an investment account, a credit account, and an authorized loan account. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 5, and 45, further comprising a storage unit that stores a charge amount and the service provider identification number. The fee for the roaming communication service is at least one of a roaming fee, a communication fee, a tax, an additional fee for using the facility, a discount, and an insurance fee. Equipment. The determination unit further determines a ratio of providing the service to the user, and the charging unit charges the service provided at the determined ratio from the effective user account in real time. 46. The apparatus of claim 45. 46. The ratio is at least one of a roaming network ratio, a home network ratio, a communication ratio, a long distance ratio, an international ratio, a tax rate, a facility use additional charge ratio, a discount ratio, and an insurance charge ratio. The device described in 1. A centralized communication method that employs a ruleset,
Determining at least one rule that is available to authorized users when authorizing transactions and charging the authorized user's account;
Applying the at least one rule to authorizing the transaction;
If the transaction is authorized, charge from the account according to the at least one rule to charge from the account in real time;
A method characterized in that real-time billing is settled to a plurality of transaction providers according to at least one settlement rule. Further, determining that the authorized user does not have a sufficient amount in an authorized user account for charging for the transaction,
After completing the re-payment routine, re-pay to the authorized user account,
The re-payment routine is:
Determine the re-payment user account to send money,
64. The method of claim 62, wherein the transfer is authorized by at least one of a pre-authorized transfer reference from the authorized user and an authorization request. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the re-payment is performed utilizing a plurality of re-payment user accounts. The request for authorization from the authorized user is at least one of a request for a user PIN, a request for manual entry, a request for a user passphrase, and confirmation of a user identifier via biometric means. 63. The method according to 63. 64. The method of claim 62, wherein the billing is performed using a plurality of rules for billing from an account, and the settlement is performed using a plurality of settlement rules. The application is performed using a plurality of rules for authorizing the transaction, the billing is performed using a plurality of rules for charging from an account, and the settlement is a plurality of settlement rules. 64. The method of claim 62, wherein the method is performed using: 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the settlement occurs immediately, after 3 days, at the end of a calendar month, at a periodic period, and at a series of installment dates. Applying the at least one rule to the authorization of the transaction includes authorizing the transaction using at least one of PIN, manual entry, user passphrase and confirmation of user identifier via biometric means. 64. The method of claim 62, wherein: Further, according to the algorithm, at least one rule to be applied in real time when the transaction authorization request is issued is determined, and the algorithm includes the timing of the transaction authorization request which is a function of the algorithm. Item 63. The method according to Item 62. And determining at least one rule to be applied in real time when issuing a transaction authorization request according to an algorithm that uses an input from a source of data related to a time series event, wherein the rule is related to the transaction authorization request. 64. The method of claim 62, wherein the method is considered. 72. The method of claim 71, wherein the time series event is a past purchase of an authorized user or an actual outcome of a time series risk assessment. Further, when issuing a transaction authorization request according to an algorithm using data related to time series events, at least one rule applied in real time is determined, and the rule has a relationship with the transaction authorization request. 63. The method according to claim 62, wherein the content of the available time series data is constantly changed. 74. The method of claim 73, wherein the time series event is a past purchase of an authorized user or an actual outcome of a time series risk assessment. 64. The method of claim 62, wherein the transaction is required and connections to the plurality of transaction providers are across heterogeneous networks. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the billing is at least one of checking membership status as it is, reducing or increasing flying miles, increasing or decreasing credit contract, and recording a contract. . A user input device for accessing a centralized communication system account,
A transmitter for transmitting to the centralized communication system to access an authorized user account and request a transaction from an account manager;
The account manager
A determination unit that determines at least one rule that is available at the time of authorizing a transaction for an authorized user and charging from an account;
A processor that applies the at least one rule to authorize the transaction;
A charging unit that charges from the account according to the at least one rule for charging from an account in real time when the transaction is authorized;
A settlement unit that settles real-time billing to a plurality of transaction providers according to at least one settlement rule,
And a receiving unit that receives at least one of confirmation from the account manager accessing the authorized user account, confirmation of charging from the authorized user account, and notification of settlement. The account manager further includes:
A determination unit that determines that the authorized user does not have a sufficient amount in an authorized user account that charges for the transaction;
A re-payment unit for re-paying to the authorized user account after completion of the re-payment routine;
The re-payment routine is:
Determine the re-payment user account to send money,
78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the transfer is authorized by at least one of a pre-authorized transfer reference from the authorized user and a request for authorization. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the re-payment is performed using a plurality of re-payment user accounts. The request for authorization from the authorized user is at least one of a request for a user PIN, a request for manual entry, a request for a user passphrase, and confirmation of a user identifier via biometric means. 78. Apparatus according to 78. 78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the billing is performed using a plurality of rules for billing from an account, and the settlement is performed using a plurality of settlement rules. The application is performed using a plurality of rules for authorizing the transaction, the billing is performed using a plurality of rules for charging from an account, and the settlement is a plurality of settlement rules. 78. The apparatus according to claim 77, wherein the apparatus is executed using. 78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the settlement occurs immediately, after three days, at the end of a calendar month, at a periodic period, and at a series of installment dates. Applying the at least one rule to the authorization of the transaction includes authorizing the transaction using at least one of PIN, manual entry, user passphrase and confirmation of user identifier via biometric means. 78. The apparatus of claim 77. Further, according to the algorithm, at least one rule to be applied in real time when the transaction authorization request is issued is determined, and the algorithm includes the timing of the transaction authorization request which is a function of the algorithm. 80. A device according to item 77. And determining at least one rule applied in real time when issuing a transaction authorization request according to an algorithm that uses data related to time series events, the rule having a relationship with the transaction authorization request. 78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein: 87. The apparatus of claim 86, wherein the time series event is a past purchase of an authorized user or an actual outcome of a time series risk assessment. And determining at least one rule applied in real time when issuing a transaction authorization request according to an algorithm that uses data related to time series events, the rule having a relationship with the transaction authorization request. 78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the content of the time series data considered and available is constantly changing. 89. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the time series event is a past purchase of an authorized user or an actual outcome of a time series risk assessment. 89. The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the user input device is at least one of a computer, a phone, a cellular phone, a computer, a point-of-sale device, and an MP3 player. 78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the transaction is required and connections to the plurality of transaction providers span a heterogeneous network. 78. The billing amount according to claim 77, wherein the billing amount is at least one of checking whether the membership is as it is, reducing or increasing a flight mile, increasing or decreasing a credit contract, and recording a contract. apparatus. A centralized communication system that employs a rule set,
A determination unit that determines at least one rule that can be used at the time of authorizing a transaction for an authorized user and charging from the account of the authorized user;
A processor that applies the at least one rule to authorize the transaction;
A charging unit that charges from the account according to the at least one rule for charging from an account in real time when the transaction is authorized;
A centralized communication system comprising: a settlement unit that settles real-time billing to a plurality of transaction providers according to at least one settlement rule. A determination unit that determines that the authorized user does not have a sufficient amount in an authorized user account that charges for the transaction;
A re-payment unit for re-paying to the authorized user account after completion of the re-payment routine;
The re-payment routine is:
Determine the re-payment user account to send money,
94. The centralized communication system of claim 93, wherein the remittance is authorized by at least one of a pre-authorized remittance reference and an authorization request from the authorized user. The application is performed using a plurality of rules for authorizing the transaction, the billing is performed using a plurality of rules for charging from an account, and the settlement is a plurality of settlement rules. 94. The centralized communication system according to claim 93, wherein the centralized communication system is executed by using. And determining at least one rule applied in real time when issuing a transaction authorization request according to an algorithm that uses data related to time series events, the rule having a relationship with the transaction authorization request. 94. A centralized communication system according to claim 93, characterized in that it is considered. And determining at least one rule applied in real time when issuing a transaction authorization request according to an algorithm that uses data related to time series events, the rule having a relationship with the transaction authorization request. 94. The centralized communication system according to claim 93, wherein the contents of the time-series data considered and available are constantly changed. A centralized communication system that employs a rule set,
A determination unit that determines in real time a plurality of rules for authorizing, charging, and making a payment for a current transaction;
If the authorized user account or the authorized user meets the rules for authorizing the current transaction, an authorization unit authorizing the transaction;
A billing unit that bills the authorized user's account in real time and refunds to at least one transaction provider account;
A centralized communication system comprising: a settlement unit that settles the transaction according to the at least one rule for settlement of the transaction. A second determination unit that determines that the authorized user does not have a sufficient amount in an authorized user account that charges for the transaction;
A re-payment unit for re-paying the authorized user account after completion of the re-payment routine;
The re-payment routine is:
Determine the re-payment user account to send money,
99. The centralized communication system of claim 98, wherein the remittance is authorized by at least one of a pre-authorized remittance reference and an authorization request from the authorized user. The centralized communication system according to claim 94 or 98, wherein the re-payment is performed using a plurality of re-payment user accounts. The request for authorization from the authorized user is at least one of a request for a user PIN, a request for manual entry, a request for a user passphrase, and confirmation of a user identifier via biometric means. The centralized communication system according to 93 or 98. 99. The concentration according to claim 93 or 98, wherein the billing is performed using a plurality of rules for billing from an account, and the settlement is performed using a plurality of settlement rules. Communications system. The authorization unit uses a plurality of rules for authorizing the transaction, the charging unit uses a plurality of rules for charging from an account, and the settlement unit uses a plurality of settlement rules. 99. The centralized communication system according to claim 98. 99. The centralized communication system according to claim 93 or 98, wherein the settlement occurs immediately, after three days, at the end of a calendar month, at a periodic period, and at a series of installment payment dates. Applying the at least one rule to the authorization of the transaction includes authorizing the transaction using at least one of PIN, manual entry, user passphrase and confirmation of user identifier via biometric means. 99. The centralized communication system according to claim 93 or 98. Further, according to the algorithm, at least one rule to be applied in real time when the transaction authorization request is issued is determined, and the algorithm includes the timing of the transaction authorization request which is a function of the algorithm. Item 99. The centralized communication system according to Item 93 or 98. A determination unit that determines at least one rule applied in real time when a transaction authorization request is issued according to an algorithm that uses data related to a time series event, and the rule has a relationship with the transaction authorization request 99. The centralized communication system according to claim 98, wherein: A determination unit for determining at least one rule applied in real time when issuing a transaction authorization request according to an algorithm using data related to a time series event, wherein the rule has a relationship with the transaction authorization request; 99. The centralized communication system according to claim 98, wherein the content of available time series data is constantly changed. The centralized communication system according to any one of claims 96, 97, 107, and 108, wherein the time series event is a past purchase of an authorized user or an actual result of a time series risk assessment. . 99. A centralized communication system according to claim 93 or 98, wherein the transaction is required and connections to the plurality of transaction providers span a heterogeneous network. 99. The billing unit charges by at least one of checking whether the membership is as it is, decreasing or increasing a flight mile, increasing or decreasing a credit contract, and recording a contract. The centralized communication system described in 1.

Images