JP4376797B2 - Incoming call charging system and incoming call charging method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an incoming call charging system and an incoming call charging method, and more particularly to an incoming call charging system and an incoming call charging method for providing an incoming call charging service in a telephone network in which an IP telephone and an IP telephone of another provider can be interconnected. About.

  IP (IP: Internet Protocol) telephones based on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology are rapidly spreading, and the interconnection with the existing public line telephone network (PSTN) is also realized. It has become possible. As the next step, it is required to realize mutual connection between different IP telephone operators, but it cannot be easily realized due to factors such as different call connection protocols applied to each IP operator. Therefore, a network configuration is constructed in which the PSTN relays a call once every time an IP telephone network is connected to a different IP telephone network to absorb the difference in the call connection protocol type between IP operators (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). This configuration uses PSTN as a relay network. However, with the exception of a common line signal network, which is a communication network for control signals between other telephone operators, the voice signal PSTN is an IP that is inexpensive to introduce as it ages. It is assumed that the voice signal processing system is replaced with a network model composed entirely of IP networks.

  Conventionally, IP telephones have been serviced at a flat rate, so there is a strong image of free call charges. However, the above-mentioned relay by PSTN, relay by relay IP network, and arrival to other IP telephone operators For calls, IP phone callers are charged a fee for using the other company's telephone network in addition to a flat rate, giving the telephone usage fee a premium feeling. Therefore, although it has not been considered necessary so far, it is conceivable that the demand for an incoming billing service, which is one of the conventional high-function telephone services, will also increase in IP telephones.

  As an example of an incoming call billing service, an incoming call billing method and system are known in PSTN that enable communication for charging an incoming call from a specific caller on the called side (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The outline of the incoming billing service in the PSTN will be described. The incoming billing service number and the database for the incoming billing service provided in the intelligent network (IN) device connected to the exchange through the common line signal network When the called telephone number of the incoming billing service contractor is registered in association with each other and the exchange detects a call to the incoming billing service contractor, it identifies the incoming billing service target from the called telephone number. Then, the incoming call accounting telephone number is notified to a network service control station which is a kind of IN device. The network service control station retrieves the telephone number corresponding to the incoming call accounting telephone number from the database, and notifies the originating exchange of the telephone number, thereby causing the originating exchange to perform call connection processing for the telephone number. At the same time, the network service control station instructs the calling exchange to stop charging the caller. At the end of the call, the network service control station creates charge information in which the charge destination of the call charge is set to the called telephone number and transmits it to the charge calculation center. The PSTN provides an incoming billing service in the manner as described above.

  On the other hand, in a call connection between an IP network and an IP network of a different provider, a gateway (GW: Gateway) serving as an audio signal interface between the IP networks is connected to the IP network to transmit / receive common line signals. A call agent (CA: Call Agent) that performs MG control by converting a common gateway signal received by the SG to a signaling gateway (SG: Signaling Gateway) and converting it into an MG control signal such as MGCP (Media Gateway Control Protocol). By deploying CA), it is possible to realize interconnection between the IP network and an IP network with a different provider.

  An outline of an example of this method will be described. First, when an IP telephone subscriber makes a call from an IP telephone to an IP telephone of a different IP network, the CA sets the calling telephone number and the called telephone number. For example, the IP carrier to be connected next is searched from the four-digit carrier identification number that follows the 050 number, for example, included in the called telephone number, and is connected to the GW according to an arbitrary call connection protocol. Furthermore, a call connection system is available that allows a telephone call to an IP telephone subscriber via a CA based on the called telephone number.

In addition, it is expected that a charging method for call connection between an IP network and an IP network of a different provider will be the same as the charging method for call connection between PSTN and IP network. Here, the accounting method for call connection between PSTN and IP network will be described. CA calculates the usage fee in the IP network and the inter-operator connection fee generated between the IP network and the PSTN. Charge the telephone owner, and charge the usage fee of the exchange in the PSTN that accommodates the PSTN subscriber telephone that is the called party, and charge the usage fee to the IP carrier. A charging method is adopted (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).
JP 2001-309088 A "Nikkei Communication", Nikkei BP, February 9, 2004, P42-P45 “Nikkei Communication”, Nikkei Business Publications, March 3, 2003, P89, Figure 2-2

  As described above, the incoming call charging service in PSTN and the telephone interconnection and charging method between PSTN and IP network are technologies that have been implemented, respectively, but incoming call charging is available in two or more telephone networks with different telephone operators. In the case of providing a service, the following problems occur only with the combination of the above technologies. The following is a problem when an incoming call charging service is attempted in a call through three different telephone operators.

  First, one of the issues is prevention of erroneous charges. In the call connection when the IP phone A accommodated in the first IP network calls, the second IP network relays, and the IP phone B accommodated in the third IP network is called, the caller It can be assumed that it is the CA of the first IP network that accommodates the caller telephone that recognizes the incoming billing service number. However, even if the CA detects the called telephone number from the incoming billing service number and executes the call connection processing, the second IP telephone carrier network and the third IP telephone carrier network that are the call connection destinations In this case, there is no means for recognizing that the call is the target of an incoming billing service, and the caller side is charged as a normal call connection. That is, incoming billing is not established, and in some cases, duplicate billing occurs on both sides.

  Another problem is that it is not possible to specify the billing service provider of the incoming call charge and the distribution destination and distribution amount of the collected call charges. Normally, the network service control station maintains a database in which the incoming call accounting service number and the destination telephone number are associated with each other. However, the operator that accommodates the called party cannot be identified only by the information in this database. This is because the incoming call destination telephone number represents a business number in the telephone number, but one business number may indicate a plurality of business operators. Further, the database information alone does not reflect the information of the relay network, and is excluded from the network usage fee distribution target. Furthermore, the network usage fee is different for each business operator, and there is a problem that the fee to be collected and the distribution amount of the collected fee to each business operator cannot be determined.

  In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an incoming call charge control system and an incoming call charge control method for realizing an incoming call charge service. Further, the present invention charges incoming calls when an IP telephone accommodated in the first IP network makes a call, the second IP network relays, and an IP telephone accommodated in the third IP network is called. The purpose is to realize service provision. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for a company or a store that is a payment side of an incoming billing service, which is expected to reduce the payment amount by contracting the service with an IP telephone company. To do.

  One of the above-mentioned problems is that an incoming call charge control device such as a network service control station exchanges a signal station code, which is an identifier for identifying each other, with a CA or an exchange that performs call connection control. This can be solved by clarifying the device to be controlled and performing control such as issuing a billing stop instruction.

  Another problem is that the incoming call charge control device maintains a table in which the signal station code and the carrier information are associated with each other, and the business corresponding to the signal station code based on the signal station code acquired between the CA and the exchange. By acquiring the carrier information of the telephone carrier that accommodates the called telephone number or the carrier of the relayed telephone carrier by acquiring the carrier information, the billing destination can be specified and each network used It is solved by determining the usage fee.

  For example, in a telephone network in which an IP telephone connected to an IP network and an IP telephone connected to another IP network can be interconnected with each other via a relay IP network, Before the incoming call charge control device that controls the call connection source call control device and the call connection destination call control device connects the call connection source call control device to the call connection destination call control device, Inquires whether the number is accommodated, and inquires the call connection source call control device for the signal station code of the call connection destination call control device when the call destination telephone number is not accommodated. The incoming call charge control device is connected to the call connection destination call control device via the common line signaling network based on the call, and the incoming call charge control device transmits information that the connection is made by the incoming call charge service to the call connection source call control device. Incoming call charging service Implementing a call connection for the screws. Further, for example, when the incoming call charge control device obtains the called signal station code, the signal station code of the call connection source call control device is obtained together with the signal station code of the call connection destination call control device, and the obtained signal station code and The table corresponding to the carrier information is searched, the carrier information corresponding to the searched signal station code is acquired, and the telephone carrier contracted by the incoming billing service contractor is searched.

  For example, when the incoming call accounting control apparatus transmits information indicating that the connection is made by the incoming call accounting service to the call connection source call control apparatus, the call connection destination call control apparatus is instructed to stop charging at the same time. For example, a charge rate table corresponding to a caller telephone network and a callee telephone network determined in advance between each carrier is provided, and a charge rate between the carriers is obtained by searching the charge rate table. .

According to the first solution of the present invention,
A first IP telephone connected to the first IP network and a second IP telephone connected to the second IP network can be interconnected via one or a plurality of third IP networks; In a telephone network where voice or image signals are communicated over an IP network,
A first call agent connected to the common line signaling network and the first IP network to perform call connection control;
A second call agent connected to the common line signaling network and the second IP network to control call connection;
One or more third call agents connected to the common line signaling network and the third IP network to perform call connection control;
A first charging management device for the first IP telephone or the first IP network, a second charging management device for the second telephone or the second IP network, and a third IP network. Communicating predetermined information with each of one or a plurality of third charging management apparatuses, and communicating with each of the first to third call agents via a common line signaling network, An incoming call charge control device for performing connection control,
The incoming call charge control device further includes:
Each signal station code of the first to third call agents corresponds to the carrier identification information of the carrier that owns the first, second, or third call agent indicated by each signal station code. A signal station code storage unit stored as
Corresponding to the caller identification information and the caller identification information between the two connected devices among the devices of the first to third call agents, the callers are issued at predetermined intervals. A charge rate storage unit for storing a predetermined caller side charge rate and a callee side charge rate indicating the charges of the caller and the callee, and
A connection transmitted from the first and third call agents for each of the first to third call agents used for call connection between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone. One or a combination of a source station code of a source device and a destination station code of a destination device and a signal station code of the second call agent transmitted from the second call agent are used. A calling / receiving station code storage unit in which the calling station code of the device on the connection source side is stored in order from the calling side or the called side;
An incoming call accounting system having a call connection time measuring unit for measuring a call time between the first IP phone and the second IP phone,
(A) The first call agent detects a call from the first IP telephone, acquires an incoming charging service number for an incoming charging service from the first IP telephone, and receives an incoming call Based on the called telephone number corresponding to the service number, control is performed for making a call connection between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone via the second and third call agents. ,
(B) The incoming call charge control device
In the control for call connection, charging by the first to third call agents is stopped,
(A) After the call is disconnected, one of the combinations of the calling signal station code and the called signal station code is read in order from the calling side or the called side from the calling / receiving station code storage unit,
The signal station code in the signal station code storage unit is searched based on the read signal station code, and the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is acquired as the first carrier identification information on the calling side. Then, the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit is searched based on the read signal station code and the service provider identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is retrieved as the first service provider on the called side. As identification information,
Referring to the charge rate storage unit, the first calling party charge rate and the first corresponding to the acquired first calling party identification information and the first calling party identification information of the called party are obtained. Get the called party's rate and
A first call charge is calculated based on the acquired first calling party charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
The first, second, or third charging according to the acquired first provider identification information on the calling side, using the acquired first provider identification information on the called side as first charging destination information Transmitting the first charge information including the first billing destination information and the calculated first call charge to the management device;
A second call charge is calculated based on the acquired first call side charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
(B) Reads the next combination of the calling station code and the called station code from the calling station code storage unit, and searches the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit based on the read source station code. Then, the operator identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is acquired as the second operator identification information on the calling side, and the signal in the signal station code storage unit is obtained based on the read destination station code The station code is searched, and the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is acquired as the second carrier identification information on the called side.
A second caller-side charge rate and second corresponding to the caller-side second carrier identification information and the callee-side second carrier identification information obtained by searching the charge rate storage unit. Get the called party's rate and
A third call charge is calculated based on the acquired second caller charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
The obtained second caller identification information on the called side is used as second billing destination information, and the first, second, or third according to the obtained second caller identification information on the calling side Sending the second charge information including the second charge destination information and the calculated total of the first to third call charges to the charge management device;
A fourth call charge is calculated based on the acquired second call charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
(C) Reads and stores the calling station code received and stored from the second call agent from the departure and arrival signal station code storage unit, and the signal station of the signal station code storage unit based on the read source station code Refer to the code, obtain the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code as the third carrier identification information of the calling side,
The called telephone number corresponding to the incoming charging service number from the first IP telephone is set as third charging destination information, and the first or the third telephone identification information corresponding to the acquired third carrier identification information on the calling side is used. The incoming call charging system is provided that transmits third charge information including third charge destination information and the calculated first to fourth call charges to a second or third charge management apparatus. .

According to the second solution of the present invention,
A first IP telephone connected to the first IP network and a second IP telephone connected to the second IP network can be interconnected via one or a plurality of third IP networks; In a telephone network in which voice or image signals are communicated via an IP network, a first call agent that is connected to the common line signal network and the first IP network and performs call connection control, and the common line signal network and the second IP network A second call agent connected to the network for call connection control, one or more third call agents connected to the common line signaling network and the third IP network for call connection control, and the first call agent One or more of a first billing management device for a second IP phone or a first IP network, a second billing management device for the second phone or a second IP network, and a third IP network And the third billing management device And an incoming call charge control device for communicating with each of the first to third call agents via a common line signal network and performing call connection control of an incoming call charge service. Incoming call billing method in
(A) The first call agent detects a call from the first IP telephone, acquires an incoming charging service number for the incoming charging service from the first IP telephone, and sets the incoming charging service number as the incoming charging service number. Executing control for making a call connection between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone via the second and third call agents based on the corresponding called telephone number;
(B) The incoming call charge control device
Stopping the charging by the first to third call agents when controlling for call connection;
(A) First and third call agents for the first to third call agent devices used for call connection between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone after the call is disconnected One or a combination of the source station code of the connection source device and the destination signal station code of the connection destination device, and the second call agent signal transmitted from the second call agent. A combination of the calling station code and the called station code from the calling / receiving station code storage unit in which the calling station code of the connection source device using the station code is stored in order from the calling side or the called side Reading one of these in order from the calling or called side;
Based on the read signal station code, the signal station code of each of the first to third call agents and the operator who owns the first, second, or third call agent indicated by each signal station code Search for the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit stored corresponding to each of the carrier identification information, and identify the first carrier identification on the calling side as the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code. The information is obtained as information, and the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit is retrieved based on the read destination signal station code, and the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is obtained on the first side of the called side Obtaining as business identification information;
Out of each device of the first to third call agents, a call is made every predetermined time corresponding to the caller side carrier identification information and the callee side carrier identification information between two connected devices. The first caller identification information on the calling side acquired with reference to a predetermined caller rate and a charge rate storage unit in which the caller rate is stored indicating the charges on the caller side and the callee side And obtaining a first calling party charge rate and a first called party charge rate corresponding to the first caller identification information of the called party;
Calculating a first call charge based on the acquired first calling party charge rate and the measured call time between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone;
The first, second, or third charging according to the acquired first provider identification information on the calling side, using the acquired first provider identification information on the called side as first charging destination information Transmitting the first charge information including the first billing destination information and the calculated first call charge to the management device;
Calculating a second call charge based on the acquired first called side charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
(B) Read the next combination of the calling signal station code and the called signal station code from the calling signal station code storage unit, search the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit based on the read signal station code, The operator identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is acquired as the second operator identification information on the calling side, and the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit is obtained based on the read destination station code. Searching and obtaining operator identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code as second operator identification information on the called side;
The charge rate storage unit is searched, and the second calling party charge rate and the second corresponding to the obtained second calling party identification information and the second calling party identification information are obtained. Obtaining a called party rate;
Calculating a third call charge based on the acquired second caller charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
The obtained second caller identification information on the called side is used as second billing destination information, and the first, second, or third charge according to the obtained second caller identification information on the calling side Transmitting second charge information including the second billing destination information and the calculated total of the first to third call charges to the management device;
Calculating a fourth call charge based on the acquired second called side charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
(C) Reads and stores the calling station code received and stored from the second call agent from the departure and arrival signal station code storage unit, and refers to the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit based on the read source station code Obtaining the operator identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code as the third operator identification information on the calling side;
The destination telephone number corresponding to the incoming billing service number from the first IP telephone is set as the third billing destination information, and the first or second according to the acquired third carrier identification information on the calling side. Alternatively, the incoming billing method includes the step of transmitting the third billing information including the third billing destination information and the calculated total of the first to fourth call charges to the third billing management device. Is done.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an incoming call charge control system and an incoming call charge control method for realizing an incoming call charge service. In addition, according to the present invention, when an IP telephone accommodated in the first IP network makes a call, the second IP network relays, and an IP telephone accommodated in the third IP network receives an incoming call A billing service can be provided. In addition, according to the present invention, for a company or a store on the payment side of an incoming billing service, the payment amount can be reduced by contracting the service with an IP telephone company.

(Device configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interconnection network configuration (incoming charging system) between an IP network A that provides an incoming charging service and an IP network B that is owned by an IP carrier different from the IP network A. The incoming billing system includes call agents CA-A2, CA-B8 and CA-C6, GW-A4 and GW-B9, incoming billing control device 12, IP billing management device A13, IP billing management device B15 and IP. A billing management device C14.

  The IP network A (first IP network) 3 includes an IP phone A1, a CA-A (first call agent) 2, and a GW-A4. The CA-A 2 is connected to the common line signal network 5 to communicate common line signals with other telephone networks, and performs IP telephone call connection control in the IP network A. The GW-A4 is connected to the relay IP network C7 and serves as a voice signal interface between the IP network A3 and the IP network C7.

  The IP network B (second IP network) 10 includes an IP phone B11, a CA-B (second call agent) 8, and a GW-B9. The CA-B 8 is connected to the common line signal network 5 to communicate common line signals with other telephone networks, and performs IP telephone call connection control within the IP network B 10. The GW-B 9 is connected to the relay IP network C (third IP network) 7 and serves as an audio signal interface between the IP network B 10 and the IP network C 7.

  The CA-C (third call agent) 6 of the IP network C7 is connected to the common line signal network 5, communicates the common line signal with the CA of the other IP telephone network, and performs call connection within the other IP carrier. . In this incoming call accounting system, for example, voice signals are communicated via IP networks A, B, and C. In addition, not only an audio signal but an image signal may be communicated, such as a video phone.

  The incoming call charge control device 12 is connected to the CA-A2, CA-B8, and CA-C6 via the common line signal network 5, and transmits and receives control signals to thereby transmit the CA-A2, CA-B8, and CA- The incoming call accounting service is realized by controlling C6 call connection processing and accounting processing. The incoming billing control device 12 processes the billing information when the incoming billing service is provided, and the IP billing management device A13, the IP billing management device B15, and the IP billing management device C14 (first to third billing management devices) Connect and send billing information to each provider.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of CA-A2-- having a function for realizing an incoming call billing service. CA-B8 and CA-C6 can have the same configuration. The CA-A 2 includes an IP network interface 20, a call connection protocol processing unit 25, a voice guidance transmission unit 35, a call connection information storage unit 45, a common line signal network interface 50, and an incoming call service number determination unit 55. , IP address storage unit 60, called signal station code storage unit 65, calling signal station code storage unit 70, caller telephone number comparison unit 75, callee telephone number storage unit 80, and CA control unit 85. It comprises.

  The IP network interface 20 is connected to, for example, the IP network A3 and transmits and receives IP packets such as control signals and voice signals. The call connection protocol processing unit 25 executes SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) defined by RFC3261 as a call connection protocol, for example. In addition to SIP, H.C. A call connection protocol such as H.323 may be used. The voice guidance sending unit 35 is a block for notifying the caller that connection cannot be established by voice guidance when a call connection by the incoming call charge service number cannot be established.

  The call connection information storage unit 45 stores a correspondence table of each subscriber's called telephone number, IP address, and signaling station code of the connection destination device (exchange, CA, etc.). The common line signal network interface 50 is connected to the common line signal network 5 and serves as an interface for transmitting and receiving common line signals to and from the exchange, the CA, and the incoming call accounting controller 12. The incoming billing service number discriminating unit 55 stores the incoming billing service number for discriminating whether or not the called telephone number received at the time of outgoing call is the incoming billing service number. The IP address storage unit 60 temporarily stores the IP address of the call connection destination acquired from the call connection information storage unit 45. The destination signal station code storage unit 65 temporarily stores the signal station code of the call connection destination device acquired from the call connection information storage unit 45.

  The originating signal station code storage unit 70 stores the signal station code of its own device. The signal station code of the own device can be set in advance before the operation is started. The caller telephone number comparison unit 75 compares the caller telephone number transmitted from the incoming call charge control device 12 with the caller telephone number transmitted from the call connection caller, thereby allowing the incoming call charge service. Identifies the target call. The called telephone number storage unit 80 temporarily stores the called telephone number acquired from the incoming call accounting control device 12. The CA control unit 85 is a block that controls each of the above blocks. CA-B8 and CA-C7 have the same block configuration as CA-A2.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of the incoming call charge control device 12 having a function of realizing an incoming call charge service. The incoming call charge control device 12 includes a common line signal network interface 100, a signaling station code storage unit 105, a charge management device interface 110, an incoming call charge service number storage unit 115, a called telephone number storage unit 120, Caller telephone number storage unit 125, call connection time measurement unit 130, charge rate storage unit 135, charge calculation unit 140, callee side charge rate temporary storage unit 150, and signal station code temporary storage unit (incoming and outgoing signal) A station code storage unit) 155 and an incoming call charge control unit 165.

  The common line signal network interface 100 is connected to the common line signal network 5 and serves as an interface for transmitting / receiving common line signals to / from an exchange or CA. The signal station code storage unit 105 stores the signal station code of each device and the carrier information of the telephone carrier that is the owner. The charge management apparatus interface 110 is connected to a charge management apparatus owned by each telephone carrier. The incoming billing service number storage unit 115 stores a correspondence table between the incoming billing service subscriber's incoming billing service number and the incoming billing service subscriber's called telephone number. The called telephone number storage unit 120 temporarily stores the called telephone number of the incoming charging service contractor retrieved from the incoming charging service number storage unit 115. The caller telephone number storage unit 125 temporarily stores the caller's telephone number.

  The call connection time measuring unit 130 measures a call time. The charge rate storage unit 135 includes carrier information that owns the telephone network that is the calling side of the device used for call connection at the time of the incoming billing service, carrier information that owns the telephone network that is the called side, and between each carrier Stores the correspondence table of the charge rate determined in. The charge calculation unit 140 calculates a call charge after the call ends. The callee side charge rate temporary storage unit 150 temporarily stores information on the callee side charge rate used to calculate the network usage charge generated at the time of call connection. The signal station code temporary storage unit 155 temporarily stores the signal station code of an apparatus such as an exchange or CA used for call connection when the incoming call accounting service is provided. The incoming call charge control unit 165 is a block that controls each of the functional blocks.

(data format)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a charging information database in the IP charging management apparatus A13. This database includes billing information 206 corresponding to billing destination information 205 for call charges. In the database shown in FIG. 4, for example, the entry 207-1 registers the telephone number 205 of the telephone subscriber of the IP carrier A who is the charge destination of the call charge and the charge information 206 which is the total call charge up to now. The The entry 207-N is, for example, when the charging destination information 205 (for example, identification information of the IP carrier C) and the IP carrier A connect to the IP carrier C, or when the connection is made. Billing information 206 that charges the connection fee that is generated is registered.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a charge billing database in the IP billing management apparatus B15. This database includes billing information 211 corresponding to billing destination information 210 for call charges. In the database shown in FIG. 5, for example, entry 212-1 is registered with telephone number 210 of the telephone subscriber of IP carrier B who is the billing destination of the call charge, and billing information 211 which is the total call charge up to now. The The entry 212-N is, for example, when the IP provider C charging destination information 210 (for example, identification information of the IP provider C) and the IP provider B connect to the IP provider C, or when the connection is made. Billing information 211 for charging a connection fee that is generated at the time of registration is registered.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging information database in the IP charging management apparatus C14. This database includes billing information 201 corresponding to billing destination information 200 for call charges. In the database shown in FIG. 6, for example, the entry 202-1 registers the telephone number 200 of the IP carrier C that is the call charge billing destination and the charge information 201 indicating the total call charge up to now. The entry 202-M includes, for example, the billing destination information 200 (for example, the identification information of the IP carrier A) of the IP carrier A that is the billing billing destination, and the IP network owned by the IP carrier A. Billing information 201 for charging a connection fee generated when a connection is made or when a connection is made is registered. The entry 202-N includes, for example, the charging destination information 200 (for example, identification information of the IP carrier B) of the IP carrier B that is the charge billing destination and the IP network owned by the IP carrier B of the IP carrier B. Billing information 201 for charging a connection fee generated when a connection is made or when a connection is made is registered.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a database configuration example of the incoming call charge service number storage unit 115 of the incoming call charge control device 12 for realizing an incoming call charge service using the IP network. This database includes the destination telephone number 216 of the incoming billing service contractor corresponding to the incoming billing service number 215 of the incoming billing service contractor. In the incoming billing service number storage unit 115 shown in FIG. 7, for example, the entry 217-1 includes the incoming billing service number 215 of the IP phone C owner who is the subscriber of the incoming billing service and the called party of the incoming billing service subscriber. A telephone number 216 is registered. Further, for example, the entry 217-N registers the incoming call service number 215 of the owner of the IP telephone B who is the incoming call charge service contractor and the called telephone number 216 of the incoming call charge service contractor.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a database configuration example of the call connection information storage unit 45 in the CA-A2. This database includes the IP address 221 of the call connection destination corresponding to the called telephone number 220 and the signal station code 222 of the call connection destination device. In the database shown in FIG. 8, for example, the entry 223-1 has an IP address 221 of the GW-A4 that is connected to the CA-C6 that accommodates the IP phone, where the called telephone number 220 is the phone number of the IP carrier C. And the CA-C6 signal station code 222 connected to the GW-A4. In the entry 223-2, the called telephone number 220 is the telephone number of the IP carrier A, and the IP address 221 of the IP telephone terminal that is the called party is associated. In this case, since the telephone carrier with which the calling party and the called party are contracted is the same, and no further exchange or CA is required as an intermediary to establish the call connection, the receiving station Nothing is registered in the code 222. In the entry 223-N, the destination telephone number 220 is the telephone number of the IP carrier B, and the IP of the GW-A4 that is connected to the CA-C6 through which the IP carrier B owns the IP network B is connected. The address 221 and the CA-C6 signal station code 222 connected to the GW-A4 are associated with each other. Similarly, the call connection information storage unit 45 of CA-C6 and CA-B8 stores the IP address 221 of the call connection destination corresponding to the called telephone number 220 and the signal station code 222 of the call connection destination device. .

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a database configuration example of the signaling station code storage unit 105 in the incoming call charge control device 12. This database includes a signal station code 225 of each device connected to the common line signal network 5 and carrier identification information (hereinafter simply referred to as carrier information) 226 that owns each device. In the database shown in FIG. 9, for example, entry 227-1 registers the CA-A2 signal station code 225 and the IP carrier A's carrier information 226 that owns CA-A2. The entry 227-2 registers, for example, the CA-C6 signal station code 225 and the carrier information 226 of the IP carrier C that owns the CA-C6. The entry 227-N registers, for example, the CA-B8 signal station code 225 and the carrier information 226 of the IP carrier B that owns the CA-B8.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a database configuration example of the charge rate storage unit 135 in the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12. This database corresponds to the carrier information 230 of the calling side telephone network and the carrier information 231 of the called side telephone network, and owns the telephone company that owns the calling side telephone network and the called side telephone network. And a charge form 232 for selecting a combination of a charge rate information of a caller-side charge rate 233, a charge rate of a callee-side charge rate 234, and a plurality of charge rates. In general, there are cases where the charge rate may differ between the calling side and the called side in an inter-network connection, and in the case of a special call connection such as an incoming call charging service, a charging method is used. It is thought that it is necessary to decide between companies, and it corresponds to the diversification of the variation of the billing form.

  In the database shown in FIG. 10, for example, entries 235-1, 235-2, and 235-3 are information on the carrier of the IP carrier A that owns the connection source device in the calling side telephone network 230, and the called side telephone. Corresponding to the carrier information of the IP carrier C that owns the connection destination device in the network 231, the call charge of the caller carrier is set to the caller charge rate 233 and the call charge of the callee carrier is called. Each charge rate is registered in the side charge rate 234, and a charge form determined in advance between each provider is selected as the charge form 232 from among a plurality of combinations of charge rates. When the incoming call accounting service is performed in the example of FIG. 10, the charge rate of the entry 235-1 is used.

The entries 235-M, 235- (M + 1), and 235- (M + 2) are connected to the carrier information of the IP carrier C that owns the call connection source device in the calling side telephone network 230 and the called side telephone network 231, for example. Corresponding to the carrier information of the IP carrier B that owns the destination device, the call charge of the caller carrier is set to the caller charge rate 233, and the call charge of the callee carrier is called the callee charge rate 234. The billing form 232 selects a billing form determined in advance between the providers from a plurality of combinations of charge rates. When the incoming call accounting service is performed in the example of FIG. 10, the charge rate of entry 235- (M + 1) is used.
Although FIG. 10 shows a charge based on 3 minutes, the present invention is not limited to this, and an appropriate charge rate can be registered. In addition, when there are a plurality of IP carriers (and PSTN carriers), it is possible to register a charge rate corresponding to the combination of the carriers.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a database in the signal station code temporary storage unit 155 in the incoming call charge control device 12. This database includes a source station code 238 for storing a signal station code of a connection source apparatus and a signal of a connection destination apparatus for a device (switch, CA, etc.) used for call connection when one call occurs. A destination station code 236 for storing the station code is included.

  In the database shown in FIG. 11, for example, in the entry 237-1, the signal station code of CA-A2, which is the device that first detected the call, is stored in the calling station code 238. The CA-C6 signal station code obtained from the call connection information storage unit 45 of CA-A2 is stored. In the source station code 238 of the entry 236-2, the same CA-C6 signal station code as the destination station code 236 of the entry 237-1 is registered. In the destination station code 236, the CA that is the connection destination device is registered. -The B8 signal station code is registered. The signal station code 238 of entry 237-N stores the CA-B8 signal station code, and the destination signal station code 236 stores no information. This is because the CA-B 8 does not need to connect to the exchange or CA of another operator in order to establish a call connection, and the call connection destination is a call destination telephone terminal.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a database configuration example of the charge calculation unit 140 in the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12. In this example, it is assumed that a call connection is made across three telephone networks, IP network A, IP network B, and IP network C. In the database shown in FIG. 12, the call connection accepting network charges the call connection requesting network between the call connection requesting network (eg, IP network A) and the call connection accepting network (eg, IP network C). Including the network usage fee (for example, jjj yen). In addition, there is a need for a call connection receiving side network (for example, IP network C) to make a call connection with another operator's IP telephone network, and a call connection requesting side network (for example, IP network C) and a call connection receiving side. In the case of a network (for example, IP network B), it includes a network usage fee that the call connection accepting network charges for the call connection requesting network. These are calculated from the call time, and are added together to indicate the charge amount charged to the called party and the service provider to which the charge amount is allocated.

  The database includes a billing destination 240 that stores identification information or billing destination telephone number of a billing business operator, a charge paying business operator 241 that stores identification information of a business that transmits fee information, and a call connection time measuring unit. A call time 242 for storing the call time measured at 130, a charge rate 243 for storing the charge rate acquired from the charge rate storage unit 135, and a call charge 244 for storing a call charge calculated from the call time and the charge rate. .

  In the database shown in FIG. 12, for example, entry 245-1-a includes IP provider C operator information to be set as the billing destination of billing destination 240 and the fee information created for fee paying operator 241. Information on the IP carrier A, which is the charge paying operator, the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit 130 during the call time 242, and the charge rate acquired by the charge rate storage unit 135 as the charge rate 243 The call charges calculated from the call time and the charge rate are temporarily stored in the call charges 244, respectively.

  In the entry 245-2-a, for example, the information on the carrier of the IP carrier B that is set as the billing destination of the call charge in the billing destination 240 and the charge payee carrier of the charge information created in the charge payee carrier 241. The provider information of an IP provider C and the call charge 244 calculated in the entry 245-1-a are stored in the entry 245-2a. In FIG. 12, the call time 242 and the charge rate 243 of entry 245-2a are not registered, but this is a call charge 245-1 that the IP provider C must pay to the IP provider A. a is information in consideration of collection from the IP carrier B, and the call time 242 and the charge rate 243 registered in the entry 245-1-a may be registered.

  In the entry 245-2-b, for example, the carrier information of the IP carrier B that is set as the billing destination of the call charge in the billing destination 240 and the charge payee carrier of the charge information created in the charge payee carrier 241 The carrier information of the IP carrier C, the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit 130 during the call time 242, the charge rate (calling side) acquired from the charge rate storage unit 135 as the charge rate 243, The call charge 244 stores the call charge calculated from the call time and the charge rate.

  The entry 245-2-c is, for example, the charge payer carrier of the IP carrier B that is set as the call charge billing destination in the billing destination 240 and the charge information that is created in the charge payee carrier 241. The carrier information of a certain IP carrier C, the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit 130 during the call time 242, the charge rate (calling side) acquired from the charge rate storage unit 135 as the charge rate 243, the call Call charges calculated from the call time and the charge rate are stored in the charge 244, respectively.

  In the entry 245-3 (not shown), for example, when the IP network C7 is connected to the IP network B10 and there is a relay IP network, the call calculated in the previous entries 245-1 and 245-2 A charge and a call charge that is generated between the IP provider C and the IP provider B that relays the IP provider C are stored. The storing of the call charge is repeated until an IP network that accommodates the called telephone number is found.

  The entries 245-N-a and 245-N-b include, for example, a call destination telephone number set as the charge destination of the call charge in the charge destination 240 and a charge payment of the charge information created in the charge payee operator 241. The carrier information of the IP carrier B, which is the previous carrier, and the call charges 244 calculated in the entries 245-1-a, 245-2-b,... Are the entries 245-Na and 245-Nb, respectively. Are stored in. In FIG. 12, the call time 242 and the charge rate 243 of the entry 245-N are not registered, but this is because the call charge 245-N-a to be paid by the IP provider B to the IP provider C. 245-Nb is information in consideration of collection from the called party, and the call duration 242 and the charge rate 243 registered in the entry 245-2 may be registered.

  The entry 245 -N-m includes, for example, an incoming call destination telephone number to be set as a call charge billing destination in the billing destination 240, and an IP address that is a charge payee operator of the charge information created in the charge payee operator 241. The carrier information of the carrier B, the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit 130 during the call time 242, the charge rate (calling side) acquired from the charge rate storage unit 135 as the charge rate 243, and the call charge 244 The call charges calculated from the call time and the charge rate are stored respectively.

(Operation sequence and flowchart)
An operation in the case of providing an incoming billing service for an outgoing call from an IP telephone subscriber A to an IP telephone subscriber B of another IP telephone carrier who is a subscriber of the incoming billing service will be described.
FIG. 13 shows an example of an incoming call charge connection processing operation sequence of each device when an incoming call charge service is provided when an IP telephone call is made or another carrier IP telephone is called. FIG. 14 is an example of an operation sequence at the end of a call of the incoming call accounting service when an IP telephone call is made or another carrier IP telephone is called.

  FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 18 are examples of flowcharts showing the operations of the call origination source device and the connection source device when providing an incoming call accounting service for an IP phone call / another carrier IP phone call. is there. The call detection source device is a call connection control device that detects a call from a telephone terminal and receives information such as telephone number information of a connection destination terminal from the telephone terminal. A call connection control device such as a CA or an exchange of each IP provider that recognizes the service request and transmits the telephone number information necessary for the call connection together with the request for providing the incoming call charge service to the incoming call charge control device 12 is there.

  FIGS. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 are flowcharts showing the operation of the incoming call charge control device 12 when an incoming call charge service is provided when an IP telephone call is made and another carrier IP telephone call is received. It is an example. FIG. 25 is an example of a flowchart showing the operation of the connection destination device when an incoming call accounting service is provided for an IP phone call / another carrier IP phone call. The connection destination device is a call connection such as a CA or an exchange of each IP carrier that controls the incoming call accounting control device 12 as a device that connects the next call from the connection source device while providing the incoming call charging service. It is a control device. After the connection destination device recognizes that the call connection is the target of the incoming call charge service by the control from the incoming call charge control device 12, if the incoming call telephone terminal does not exist under its own device, another call connection control is performed. Since it is necessary to make a call connection to the device, it behaves as a connection source device.

Hereinafter, the operation of each apparatus when providing the incoming call accounting service will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, IP phone A1 calls the incoming billing service number of IP phone B11 (for example, the incoming billing number starting with 0120) (FIG. 13: processing 300). The call of the IP phone A1 is received by the call connection protocol processing unit 25 via the IP network interface 20 of the CA-A2, and information necessary for the call connection such as the incoming billing service number and the caller telephone number is stored in the CA. It is detected by the control unit 85. (FIG. 15: Process 400). The CA control unit 85 sends the acquired called telephone number to the incoming billing service telephone number discriminating unit 55, and the incoming billing service telephone number discriminating unit 55 uses the higher-order digits of the called telephone number. Is determined (process 401).

  If the acquired called telephone number is not the incoming call charge service number (process 401), the CA control unit 85 determines that the call is a normal call connection and executes a normal call connection process (process 402). On the other hand, if the CA control unit 85 determines that the incoming call charge service number is used (process 401), it transmits the incoming call charge service number and the caller telephone number to the incoming call charge control device 12 via the common line signal network 5. Then, the destination telephone number of the incoming billing service contractor is inquired (processing 301 and processing 403).

  In the incoming call charge control device 12, the incoming call charge control unit 165 receives the incoming call charge service number 215 and the caller telephone number from the CA-A 2 (call detection source device) via the common line signal network interface 100, and receives them. The calling telephone number is stored in the calling telephone number storage unit 125 (FIG. 19: process 500). Next, the incoming call charge control unit 165 searches for the incoming call charge service number 215 registered in the incoming call charge service number storage unit 115 based on the incoming call charge service number transmitted from the CA-A2 (process 501).

  When there is no registration of the corresponding incoming billing service number (process 502), the incoming call charge control unit 165 transmits information on the unregistered number to CA-A2 (process 503), and ends the process. On the other hand, when there is registration of the corresponding incoming billing service number (process 502), the incoming billing control unit 165 acquires the called telephone number 216 corresponding to the incoming billing service number 215 and stores the called telephone number. The called telephone number is stored in the unit 120 (process 504). Subsequently, the incoming call charge control unit 165 transmits the acquired called telephone number 216 to the CA-A2 via the common line signal network 5 (processing 303 and processing 506).

  The CA-A2 receives the information from the incoming call charge control device 12 and obtains the called telephone number within a predetermined time after receiving the unregistered information or inquiring the called telephone number. If the call cannot be made (process 405), for example, the voice guidance is sent from the voice guidance sending unit 35 to the caller IP phone A1 to notify the call connection failure (process 406). On the other hand, when the call destination telephone number can be acquired (process 405), the CA-A2 stores the received call destination telephone number in the call destination telephone number storage unit 80 (process 407).

(Repeat 1)
The CA-A2 and the incoming call charge control device 12 execute the process 1 (first process) repeatedly (process 340). The process of repetition 1 includes, for example, the following processes 304 to 307, and each process of the CA-A2 and the incoming call charge control device 12 corresponding to these processes. Hereinafter, the process of repetition 1 will be described.

  The incoming call accounting control device 12 issues a call connection standby instruction so that the call connection processing is not performed until the CA-A2 (which is also the connection source device here) receives a connection permission from the incoming call accounting control device 12 (processing 304 and FIG. 20: Process 507). The CA-A2 waits until it receives a connection permission signal from the incoming call charge control device 12 (process 408). Next, the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 transmits to the CA-A 2 information on the call stop for the calling telephone and information on connection by the incoming call accounting service (process 305 and process 508). The CA-A2 receives the charge stop instruction from the incoming call charge control device 12, and stops the charge to the calling telephone (FIG. 16: process 409).

  Subsequently, the incoming call accounting control device 12 determines whether or not the destination telephone number 216 is a telephone number registered in CA-A2 (or the telephone operator's telephone network that owns CA-A2) for CA-A2. Is inquired of CA-A2 (process 306 and process 509). The CA-A 2 searches the called telephone number 220 of the call connection information storage unit 45 for the called telephone number stored in the called telephone number storage unit 80 in response to the inquiry, and calls the called party. The IP address 221 and the signal station code 222 corresponding to the telephone number are acquired, the acquired IP address 221 is temporarily stored in the IP address storage unit 60, and the signal station code 222 of the connection destination device is further stored in the destination signal station code. The data is temporarily stored in the unit 65 (process 410).

  The CA-A 2 determines whether or not the IP address 221 and the signal station code 222 have been acquired. If there is no registration of the corresponding call destination telephone number 220 or the IP address 221 and the signal station code 222 of the connection destination device (Processing 411). ), Information corresponding to the unregistered telephone number is transmitted to the incoming call charge control device 12. Further, CA-A2 notifies IP phone A1 that connection cannot be made by voice guidance (process 412). When the IP address 221 and the signaling station code 222 are registered for the called telephone number 220 (Processing 411 and Processing 414), the CA-A2 has the called telephone number within its own device (or owns the CA-A2). A response indicating that the telephone number is not accommodated in the telephone carrier's telephone network) is transmitted to the incoming call charge control device 12 (process 307 and process 415).

  If the IP address 221 is registered for the called telephone number 220 (process 411) and the signal station code 222 is not registered (process 414), the CA-A2 moves to process 416. In the process 416, the CA-A2 sends a response that the called telephone number is a telephone number accommodated in its own apparatus (or the telephone network of the telephone carrier that owns the CA-A2). (Process 307 and FIG. 18: Process 416).

(Repeat 2)
Next, the CA-A2 and the incoming call charge control device 12 repeatedly execute the process 2 (second process) for the connection with the CA-A6 (here, the connection destination apparatus) (process 341). The process of repetition 2 includes, for example, the following processes 308 to 315 and CA-A2, CA-A6, and incoming call charge control apparatus 12 corresponding to these processes. Hereinafter, the process 2 will be described.

(Processing when the called telephone number is not accommodated in the connection source network)
When the incoming call accounting control device 12 receives a reply from CA-A2 that the called telephone number 220 is not registered (or is not accommodated) in its own telephone network (step 510), CA-A2 The source signal station code (here, the CA-A2 signal station code which is also the connection source apparatus) and the destination signal station code (here, the CA-C6 signal station code which is also the connection destination apparatus) are queried (processing 308 and Process 511).

  The CA-A 2 responds to the inquiry of the signal station code of the connection source device and the connection destination device from the incoming call charge control device 12, and the signal station code of the own device set in the source signal station code storage unit 70 and the destination signal station The signal station code of the connection destination apparatus temporarily stored in the code storage unit 65 is read out and transmitted to the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 (process 309 and process 417). When the incoming call charge control device 12 acquires the source station code and the destination station code from the CA-A 2, the received station code is stored in the entry 237-1 of the signal station code temporary storage unit 155. Further, the received destination station code is temporarily stored in correspondence with the destination station code 236 of the entry 237-1 of the signal station code storage unit 115 (process 512).

  The incoming call charge control device 12 communicates with the CA-C6 that is the connection destination device via the common line signal network 5 based on the acquired destination signal station code, and with the connection request to the CA-C6, the calling party telephone The number is transmitted (processing 310 and processing 513). The CA-C6 receives the caller telephone number from the incoming call accounting control device 12, and temporarily stores the received caller telephone number in the caller telephone number comparison unit 75 in the CA-C6 (FIG. 25: 600). The incoming call accounting control device 12 instructs the incoming call accounting control device 12 to transmit a connection completion notification when the connection with the call of the caller telephone number transmitted to the CA-C6 that is the connection destination device is completed. (Process 311 and FIG. 21: Process 514).

  The incoming call accounting control device 12 transmits a connection permission with the CA-C6 to the CA-A2 (processing 312 and processing 515). The CA-A 2 receives the connection permission and based on the signal station code 222 stored in the destination signal station code storage unit 65, the CA-C 6 receives the caller telephone number and the destination call via the common line signal network 5. The called telephone number is transmitted (process 313 and process 418). The CA-C 6 determines whether or not the received caller telephone number and the telephone number in the caller telephone number comparison unit are the same telephone number (602). If the compared caller telephone numbers are different (603), the CA-C 6 determines that the call is normal call connection and performs normal call connection processing (604). On the other hand, if the compared telephone numbers are the same (603), the CA-A 6 stands by until it is connected to the call of the caller telephone number. The CA-A 6 provides an incoming call accounting service when connected to the call of the caller telephone number. The CA-A 2 connects to the CA-C 6 via the GW-A 4 based on the IP address 221 stored in the IP address storage unit 60 (process 314 and FIG. 17: process 419). When the CA-C 6 is connected to the call of the caller telephone number, the CA-C 6 transmits a connection completion notification to the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 (processes 315 and 605).

  Next, the incoming call charge control device 12 is implemented between the CA-A2 and the incoming call charge control device 12 when receiving the call connection completion notification from the CA-C6 that is the connection destination device (process 315). Processing 304 to processing 307 (repetition 1 processing 340) are performed between the CA-C 6 and the incoming call charge control device 12 (FIG. 13: processing 334). In this case, CA-A2 in the description of the processing of repetition 1 described above corresponds to CA-A6. Further, processing 308 to processing 315 (repetition 2 processing 341) performed between CA-A2 and CA-C6 and the incoming call charge control device 12 are performed between CA-C6, CA-B8 and incoming call charge control device 12 ( Process 335). In this case, CA-A2 in the description of the processing of repetition 2 above corresponds to CA-A6, and CA-A6 corresponds to CA-B8. Further, the process 1 340 is repeated between the CA-B 8 and the incoming call charge control device 12.

  For example, when there is a further different relay IP network between the IP network C7 and the IP network B10, the processing of 304 to 307 (repetition 1) (processing 340) and the processing of 308 to 315 (repetition 2) are performed similarly to the above processing. ) Processing (processing 341) is repeated, and a telephone network accommodating the called telephone number is found, so that the incoming call charging service can be provided. When there is a further different relay IP network, the incoming call accounting system includes a CA corresponding to the relay IP network and an IP accounting management device.

(Process when the called telephone number is registered in the connection source network)
As described above, the case where the call connection control device accommodating the called telephone number is found and the processes 340 and 341 are continuously performed and the connection to CA-B8 via CA-C6 is described as an example. To do.
The incoming call charge control device 12 is, for example, a telephone carrier in which the destination telephone number is within its own device (or CA-B8 is owned) from CA-B8 (or an appropriate call connection device that accommodates the called IP phone) When the reply indicating that the telephone number is accommodated in the telephone network (corresponding to the processing 510 and the processing 307) is received, the incoming call charge control device 12 sends the IP phone B11 to the CA-B8 (device accommodating the incoming terminal). (FIG. 13: processing 317 and FIG. 22: processing 517). When the CA-B 8 receives the connection instruction, the CA-B 8 makes a call connection with the IP phone B 11 based on the IP address stored in the IP address storage unit 60 and inquires whether the IP phone B 11 can make a call (process 318). And processing 435). The IP phone B11 determines whether or not the incoming call is possible, and returns a call availability information to the CA-B8 that is the connection source device (process 319). The CA-B 8 that has received the information sends out a busy tone to the IP phone A1 (processing 321 and processing 422) when the received information is information indicating that calling is impossible (processing 421). On the other hand, if the received information is information indicating that a call can be made (process 421), CA-B8 sends a ringing tone to IP phone A1 (process 321 and process 423).

  When the handset of IP phone B11 is picked up (process 322), CA-B8 detects the response of IP phone B11 and transmits information that IP phone B11 has responded to CA-A2 via each connection device. (Process 323 and Process 437). On the other hand, when the CA-A2 receives the information that the IP phone B11 has responded, the CA-A2 transmits a call connection completion notification to the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 (process 324 and process 424). The incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 receives the call connection completion notification from the CA-A2, and starts measuring the call time of the IP phone A1 and the IP phone B11 by the call connection time measuring unit 130 (process 518). The CA-A 2 monitors the disconnection of the call, and notifies the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 when the call is disconnected (process 425). Further, CA-A2 is connected to IP phone A1, which is a calling terminal, to establish a call state (process 326 and process 426).

  Next, a case where IP phone B11 disconnects the line will be described. When the handset of the IP phone B11 is placed and the call is disconnected, the CA-B8 detects the call disconnection (FIG. 14: processing 327), and the information (call disconnection information) that disconnects via each connection device. It transmits to CA-A2 (process 328 and process 438). The CA-A2 receives the call disconnect information and transmits the information to the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 (process 329 and process 427). The incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 receives the call disconnection information and ends the call time measurement in the call connection time measuring unit 130 (process 520). CA-A2 receives the information and transmits information that the line is disconnected to IP phone A1 (process 330 and process 428).

  After the call is finished, the incoming call charge control device 12 creates a call charge (billing information). For example, when the connection between the IP carrier A and the IP carrier C is described, the incoming call charge control device 12 confirms whether the destination station code is registered in the signal station code temporary storage unit 155 (FIG. 22: processing). 521). When the destination signal station code is registered (: processing 521), the incoming call charge control device 12 determines the signal station code based on the source station code 238 and the destination station code 236 in the signal station code temporary storage unit 155. Identification information of the telephone carrier that owns the connection device corresponding to the signal station code is acquired from the storage unit 105 (process 522).

  For example, the incoming call accounting control device 12 reads the source station code 238 and the destination station code 236 in the entry 237-1 of the signal station code temporary storage unit 155, and reads them by referring to the signal station code storage unit 105. The provider information (for example, IP provider A) corresponding to the calling station code 238 and the provider information (for example, IP provider C) corresponding to the read destination station code 236 are acquired.

  Further, the incoming call charge control device 12 charges based on the acquired caller side carrier information (for example, IP carrier A) and the caller side telephone carrier's carrier information (for example, IP carrier C). The rate storage unit 135 is searched, the calling side charge rate 233 (for example, a / 3 minutes) corresponding to the calling side telephone network 230 and the called side telephone network 231 and selected in the charging form 232, and The callee side charge rate 234 (for example, z / 3 minutes) is acquired. Also, the incoming call charge control device 12 stores the calling side charge rate 233 in the charge rate 243 of the charge calculation unit 140, and stores the called side charge rate 234 in the called side charge rate temporary storage unit 150 (processing 523). ). The incoming call charge control device 12 stores the call time (for example, p minutes) measured by the call connection time measurement unit 130 in the call time 242 of the charge calculation unit 140 (process 524). The incoming call charge control device 12 calculates a call charge based on the acquired charge rate 243 and the call duration 242 and stores the calculated call charge value (for example, jjj yen) in the call charge 244 of the charge calculation unit 140 ( Process 525).

  As an example, when the charge rate is a / 3 minutes and the call time is 4 minutes, the incoming call charge control device 12 further adds a yen as the first 3 minutes charge and further as the charge up to the next 3 minutes. Assuming it costs a yen, the call charge can be 2a yen, but this is not restrictive. The same applies to the calculation of the following call charges.

  Subsequently, the incoming call charge control device 12 stores the carrier information (here, IP carrier C) of the called telephone network in the billing destination 240 of the charge calculation unit 140 (FIG. 23: process 526). The incoming call charge control device 12 stores the carrier information (here, IP carrier A) of the calling side telephone network in the charge payer carrier 241 of the charge calculator 140 (process 527).

  The incoming billing control device 12 assigns the billing destination to the billing calculation unit owned by the carrier stored in the fee payment destination carrier 241 in the fee calculation unit 140 (in this case, the IP billing management device A13). Charge information including the call charge 244 in the charge calculation unit 140 is transmitted to the service provider (here, the IP service provider C) stored in the billing destination 240 in 140 (process 331 and process 529). ).

  The IP billing management apparatus A13 receives the billing information, searches the billing destination information 205 in the database in the own device based on the business operator information set as the billing destination, and bills corresponding to the corresponding billing destination information 205 The call charge transmitted from the incoming call charge control device 12 is added to the information 206. For example, in the example of the database shown in FIG. 4, the call charge is added to the billing information 206 of the entry 207-N. The billing information 206 is billed up to the previous call, and the charge is managed by adding the newly received call charge.

  Subsequently, the incoming call charge control device 12 uses the calculated call charges 244 (for example, jjj yen) as the next entry in the charge calculation unit 140 (for example, when the entry for which the call charges are calculated is 245-1, 245-2. -A.) Is stored in the call charge 244 (process 530). The incoming call charge control device 12 uses the incoming call side charge rate 234 (for example, z / 3 minutes) temporarily stored in the incoming call side charge rate temporary storage unit 150 for the next entry (for example, When the calculated call charge is stored in 245-2a, it is stored in the charge rate 243 of 245-2b (process 531). Subsequently, the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 stores the call time (for example, p minutes) measured by the call connection time measurement unit 130 in the call time 242 of the charge calculation unit 140 (process 537). The incoming call charge control device 12 calculates a call charge based on the acquired charge rate 243 and the call time 242 and stores the calculated call charge value (for example, kkk yen) in the call charge 244 of the charge calculation unit 140 ( Process 538).

  Next, for example, charging when CA-C6 owned by IP provider C is connected to CA-B8 owned by IP provider B will be described. The incoming call charge control device 12 confirms whether the called signal station code is registered in the signal station code temporary storage unit 155, and if the called signal station code is registered (FIG. 22: process 521), the incoming call charge control device 12 Obtains information on the telephone carrier that owns the connection device based on the calling station code 238 and the destination station code 236 in the signal station code temporary storage unit 155 (process 522). Further, the incoming call charge control device 12 obtains the telephone carrier information (here, IP carrier C) of the acquired calling station code 238 and the telephone carrier (here, IP carrier) of the called station code 236. B) The charge rate storage unit 135 is searched based on the carrier information of B), and the calling side charge rate 233 corresponding to the calling side telephone network 230 and the called side telephone network 231 and selected in the charging form 232 is used. (E.g., e / 3 minutes) and called party charge rate 234 (e.g., u / 3 minutes). The incoming call charge control device 12 stores the calling side charge rate 233 in the charge rate 243 of the charge calculation unit 140 and temporarily stores the called side charge rate 234 in the called side charge rate temporary storage unit 150. (Process 523).

  The incoming call charge control device 12 stores the call time (for example, p minutes) measured by the call connection time measurement unit 130 in the call time 242 of the charge calculation unit 140 (process 524). The incoming call charge control device 12 calculates a call charge based on the acquired charge rate 243 and the call duration 242 and stores the calculated call charge value (for example, mmm yen) in the call charge 244 of the charge calculation unit 140 ( Process 525). Subsequently, the incoming call charge control device 12 stores the carrier information (here, IP carrier B) of the called telephone network in the billing destination 240 of the charge calculation unit 140 (FIG. 23: process 526). The incoming call charge control device 12 stores the carrier information (here, IP carrier C) of the calling side telephone network in the charge payer carrier 241 of the charge calculator 140 (process 527).

  The incoming billing control device 12 assigns the billing destination to the billing management device (here, the IP billing management device C14) owned by the carrier stored in the fee payment destination carrier 241 in the fee calculation unit 140. 140 is the total of call charges set in the call charge 244 in the charge calculation unit 140 and set in the charge store 240 (here, IP provider B) stored in the billing destination 240 in 140 (for example, , Jjj yen, kkk yen, mmm yen)) (process 332 and process 529).

  The IP billing management apparatus C14 receives the billing information, searches the billing destination information 200 in the database in the own device based on the provider information set as the billing destination, and bills corresponding to the corresponding billing destination information 200 The total call charge transmitted from the incoming call charge control device 12 is added to the information 201. For example, in the example of the database shown in FIG. 6, it is added to the billing information 201 of the entry 202-N. The billing information 201 is billed up to the previous call, and the fee is managed by adding the newly received billing information 201.

  Subsequently, the incoming call charge control device 12 sets the calculated call charges 244 in order from the next entry in the charge calculation unit 140 (for example, if the entries for which call charges are calculated are 245-2-ac to 245-3) -A to c.) The call charge 244 is stored (process 530). The incoming call charge control device 12 uses the incoming call side charge rate 234 (for example, u / 3 minutes) temporarily stored in the incoming call side charge rate temporary storage unit 150 for further entry (for example, When the calculated charge information is stored up to the entry 245-3-c, it becomes 245-3-d, which is stored in the charge rate 243 of 245-Nm in the example of the figure (process 531). Subsequently, the incoming call accounting control apparatus 12 stores the call time (for example, p minutes) measured by the call connection time measurement unit 130 in the call time 242 of the charge calculation unit 140 (process 537). The incoming call charge control device 12 calculates a call charge based on the acquired charge rate 243 and the call duration 242 and stores the calculated call charge value (for example, nnn yen) in the call charge 244 of the charge calculation unit 140 ( Process 538).

  Next, for example, charging when IP carrier B and IP phone B11 are connected will be described. The incoming call charge control device 12 confirms whether the called signal station code is registered in the signal station code temporary storage unit 155, and when the called signal station code is not registered (FIG. 22: processing 521), the incoming call charge control device 12 Stores the called telephone number (in this case, the telephone number of IP phone B) stored in the called telephone number storage unit 120 in the billing destination 240 of the charge calculation unit 140 (process 534). The incoming call charge control device 12 stores the carrier information (here, IP carrier B) of the calling side telephone network in the charge payer carrier 241 of the charge calculator 140 (process 535).

  Subsequently, the incoming call charge control device 12 sends the charge destination to the charge management device (in this case, the IP charge management device B15) owned by the carrier stored in the fee payment destination carrier 241 in the fee calculation unit 140. The telephone number stored in the billing destination 240 in the calculation unit 140 (here, the telephone number of the IP phone B11) is set, and the total of the call charges stored in the call charge 244 in the charge calculation unit 140 Charge information including (for example, the sum of jjj yen to nnn yen) is transmitted (process 333 and process 536).

The IP billing management apparatus B15 receives the billing information, searches the billing destination information 210 in the database in the own device based on the telephone number set as the billing destination, and billing information corresponding to the corresponding billing destination information 210 In 211, the sum of the call charges transmitted from the incoming call charge control apparatus 12 is added. For example, in the example of the database shown in FIG. 5, it is added to the billing information 211 of the entry 212-1. The billing information 211 is billed up to the previous call, and the fee is managed by adding the newly received billing information 211.
With the above operation, the incoming call charging service can be provided when the IP telephone subscriber makes a call to an IP telephone subscriber of another IP carrier who is a subscriber of the incoming call charging service.

  Note that the IP network C7 includes a plurality of IP networks, and the IP phone A1 and the IP phone B11 communicate with each other between the IP network A and the IP network B via the plurality of IP networks. Applicable form. In this case, a plurality of call agents C6 are provided for each of the plurality of IP networks C7. The incoming call charge control device 12 repeats the processing of the above-described processing 522 to processing 538 until there is no destination signal station code stored in the signal station code temporary storage unit 155 (until No is determined in processing 521).

  The interconnection between the IP telephone and the IP telephone of another provider can be used for a telephone network realized by passing through a third IP provider network such as a relay IP network instead of the PSTN.

An example of an interconnection network configuration between an IP network provided with an incoming call charge control device and another provider's IP network. Block configuration example of a call agent. 2 is a block configuration example of an incoming call charge control device. An example of a charge billing database in the IP billing management apparatus A. An example of a charge billing database in the IP billing management apparatus B. An example of a charge billing database in the IP billing management apparatus C. An example of an incoming billing service database in the incoming billing service number storage. The database example in a call connection information storage part. The database example in a signal station code storage part. Database example in the charge rate storage. The example of the database in a signal station code temporary storage part. An example of a database in the charge calculator. Sequence example during incoming billing service (incoming billing connection processing). Sequence example at the time of an incoming billing service (at the end of a call) The flowchart example (1) which showed operation | movement of the connection origin apparatus at the time of an incoming call charge service. The flowchart example (2) which showed operation | movement of the connection origin apparatus at the time of an incoming call charge service. The flowchart example (3) which showed operation | movement of the connection origin apparatus at the time of an incoming call charge service. Flowchart example (4) showing the operation of the connection source device at the time of the incoming billing service. Flow chart example (1) showing the operation of the incoming call charge control device during the incoming call charge service. The flowchart example (2) which showed operation | movement of the incoming call charge control apparatus at the time of an incoming call charge service. The flowchart example (3) which showed operation | movement of the incoming call charge control apparatus at the time of an incoming call charge service. The flowchart example (4) which showed operation | movement of the incoming call charge control apparatus at the time of an incoming call charge service. The flowchart example (5) which showed operation | movement of the incoming call charge control apparatus at the time of an incoming call charge service. The flowchart example (6) which showed operation | movement of the incoming call charge control apparatus at the time of an incoming call charge service. The flowchart example which showed the operation | movement of the connection destination apparatus at the time of an incoming call charge service.

Explanation of symbols

1. IP phone A (calling terminal)
2. Call Agent (CA) -A
3. IP (Internet Protocol) network A
4). Gateway (GW) -A
5. 5. Common line signal network Call Agent (CA) -C
7). IP (Internet Protocol) network C
8). Call Agent (CA) -B
9. Gateway (GW) -B
10. IP (Internet Protocol) network B
11. IP phone B (incoming terminal)
12 Incoming charge control device 13. IP accounting management device A
14 IP accounting management device C
15. IP billing management device B
20. IP network interface 25. Call connection protocol processing unit 35. Voice guidance sending unit 45. Call connection information storage unit 50. Common line signal network interface 55. Incoming charging service number determination unit 60. IP address storage unit 65. Arrival signal station code storage unit 70. Source station code storage 75. Caller telephone number comparison unit 80. Called telephone number storage unit 85. CA control unit 100. Common line signal network interface 105. Signal station code storage unit 110. Billing management device interface 115. Incoming billing service number storage unit 120. Callee telephone number storage unit 125. Caller telephone number storage unit 130. Call connection time measurement unit 135. Fee rate storage unit 140. Charge calculation unit 150. Called party charge rate temporary storage section 155. Signal station code temporary storage unit 165. Incoming call charge control unit

Claims (8)

A first IP telephone connected to the first IP network and a second IP telephone connected to the second IP network can be interconnected via one or a plurality of third IP networks; In a telephone network where voice or image signals are communicated over an IP network,
A first call agent connected to the common line signaling network and the first IP network to perform call connection control;
A second call agent connected to the common line signaling network and the second IP network to control call connection;
One or more third call agents connected to the common line signaling network and the third IP network to perform call connection control;
A first charging management device for the first IP telephone or the first IP network, a second charging management device for the second telephone or the second IP network, and a third IP network. Communicating predetermined information with each of one or a plurality of third charging management apparatuses, and communicating with each of the first to third call agents via a common line signaling network, An incoming call charge control device for performing connection control,
The incoming call charge control device further includes:
Each signal station code of the first to third call agents corresponds to the carrier identification information of the carrier that owns the first, second, or third call agent indicated by each signal station code. A signal station code storage unit stored as
Corresponding to the caller identification information and the caller identification information between the two connected devices among the devices of the first to third call agents, the callers are issued at predetermined intervals. A charge rate storage unit for storing a predetermined caller side charge rate and a callee side charge rate indicating the charges of the caller and the callee, and
A connection transmitted from the first and third call agents for each of the first to third call agents used for call connection between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone. One or a combination of a source station code of a source device and a destination station code of a destination device and a signal station code of the second call agent transmitted from the second call agent are used. A calling / receiving station code storage unit in which the calling station code of the device on the connection source side is stored in order from the calling side or the called side;
An incoming call accounting system having a call connection time measuring unit for measuring a call time between the first IP phone and the second IP phone,
(A) The first call agent detects a call from the first IP telephone, acquires an incoming charging service number for an incoming charging service from the first IP telephone, and receives an incoming call Based on the called telephone number corresponding to the service number, control is performed for making a call connection between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone via the second and third call agents. ,
(B) The incoming call charge control device
In the control for call connection, charging by the first to third call agents is stopped,
(A) After the call is disconnected, one of the combinations of the calling signal station code and the called signal station code is read in order from the calling side or the called side from the calling / receiving station code storage unit,
The signal station code in the signal station code storage unit is searched based on the read signal station code, and the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is acquired as the first carrier identification information on the calling side. Then, the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit is searched based on the read signal station code and the service provider identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is retrieved as the first service provider on the called side. As identification information,
Referring to the charge rate storage unit, the first calling party charge rate and the first corresponding to the acquired first calling party identification information and the first calling party identification information of the called party are obtained. Get the called party's rate and
A first call charge is calculated based on the acquired first calling party charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
The first, second, or third charging according to the acquired first provider identification information on the calling side, using the acquired first provider identification information on the called side as first charging destination information Transmitting the first charge information including the first billing destination information and the calculated first call charge to the management device;
A second call charge is calculated based on the acquired first call side charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
(B) Reads the next combination of the calling station code and the called station code from the calling station code storage unit, and searches the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit based on the read source station code. Then, the operator identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is acquired as the second operator identification information on the calling side, and the signal in the signal station code storage unit is obtained based on the read destination station code The station code is searched, and the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is acquired as the second carrier identification information on the called side.
A second caller-side charge rate and second corresponding to the caller-side second carrier identification information and the callee-side second carrier identification information obtained by searching the charge rate storage unit. Get the called party's rate and
A third call charge is calculated based on the acquired second caller charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
The obtained second caller identification information on the called side is used as second billing destination information, and the first, second, or third according to the obtained second caller identification information on the calling side Sending the second charge information including the second charge destination information and the calculated total of the first to third call charges to the charge management device;
A fourth call charge is calculated based on the acquired second call charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
(C) Reads and stores the calling station code received and stored from the second call agent from the departure and arrival signal station code storage unit, and the signal station of the signal station code storage unit based on the read source station code Refer to the code, obtain the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code as the third carrier identification information of the calling side,
The called telephone number corresponding to the incoming charging service number from the first IP telephone is set as third charging destination information, and the first or the third telephone identification information corresponding to the acquired third carrier identification information on the calling side is used. The incoming billing system for transmitting third billing information including third billing destination information and the calculated total of first to fourth call charges to a second or third billing management device. Each of the first to third call agents has a call connection information storage unit that stores a destination station code of a call destination device corresponding to a destination telephone number;
The first and third call agents refer to the call connection information storage unit to acquire a destination signal station code corresponding to a destination telephone number, Transmitting the received destination station code to the incoming call charge control device;
The second call agent transmits a preset calling station code of the own device to the incoming call charge control device,
The incoming call charge control device comprises:
Receiving the originating station code and the terminating station code from the first and third call agents, and receiving the originating station code from the second call agent;
The combination of the received calling station code and the called station code and the calling station code from the second call agent are stored in the calling station code storage unit in order from the calling side or the called side. ,
The incoming call accounting system according to claim 1, wherein after the call is disconnected, the calling station code and / or the called station code are sequentially read from the calling side or the called side. The departure / arrival signal station code storage unit includes a combination of the signal station code of the first call agent and the signal station code of the third call agent, the signal station code of the third call agent, and the second call agent code. A combination of call agent signaling station codes and the second call agent signaling station code are sequentially stored;
The first carrier identification information and the first billing destination information on the called side are carrier identification information of a third IP carrier that owns the third call agent, and the third IP carrier The first fee information including the carrier identification information as the first billing destination information is transmitted to the first billing management device,
The second caller identification information and the second billing destination information on the called side are the carrier identification information of the second IP carrier that owns the second call agent, and the second IP business The second fee information including the operator identification information of the operator as second billing destination information is transmitted to the third billing management device,
The incoming call charging system according to claim 1, wherein the third charge information is transmitted to the second charge management apparatus. The first to third call agents are:
Corresponding to the call destination telephone number, the IP address of the call connection destination device or the IP address of the second IP telephone of the call destination and the call destination station code of the call connection destination device are stored in advance. Each has a call connection information storage unit,
The incoming call charge control device and the first call agent as the connection source call control device (1) stop charging by the connection source call control device, and (2) the connection source call control device Performing a first process including obtaining an IP address and a receiving station code corresponding to the received call destination telephone number with reference to the call connection information storage unit of its own;
The first call agent as the incoming call charge control device and the connection source call control device is connected to the third call agent as a connection destination call control device. (3) The connection source call control device is Transmitting the calling station code of the own device set in advance and the called station code acquired in the first process to the incoming call charge control device; and (4) the incoming call charge control device sends a call Receiving the station code and the destination station code, storing the combination of the received source station code and the destination station code in the destination station code storage unit, and (5) the connection source call control device, Based on the IP address acquired in the first process, execute a second process including connecting to the connection destination control device;
The third call agent as the incoming call charge control device and the connection source call control device executes a first process, and the second call agent is connected as the second call agent as the connection destination call control device. Execute the process of
The second call agent as the incoming call charge control device and the connection source call control device executes a first process, and the second call agent sets the IP address acquired in the first process. The incoming call accounting system according to claim 1, further comprising: connecting to the second IP telephone. The charge rate storage unit
Corresponding to the caller side carrier identification information and the callee side carrier identification information, a plurality of combinations of a predetermined caller side charge rate and a callee side charge rate, and a plurality of combinations of charge rates And predetermined billing form information for selecting one of
Acquisition of the first calling party charge rate and the first called party charging rate by the incoming call charge control device is performed by calling party identification information and called party identification information of the charge rate storage unit. Are identical to the acquired first carrier identification information on the calling side and the first carrier identification information on the called side, respectively, and the calling side charge rate and the called side charge indicated by the billing form information Including getting a rate,
Acquisition of the second calling party charge rate and the second called party charge rate by the incoming call charge control device is performed by calling party identification information and called party identification information of the charge rate storage unit. Are the same as the acquired second carrier identification information on the calling side and the second carrier identification information on the called side, respectively, and the calling side charge rate and the called side charge indicated by the billing form information The incoming call accounting system according to claim 1, comprising obtaining a rate. The incoming call charge control device further includes an incoming call charge service number storage unit in which a called telephone number is stored in correspondence with an incoming call charge service number for an incoming call charge service;
The first call agent detects a call from the first IP telephone, obtains an incoming charging service number from the first IP telephone, and transmits the incoming charging service number to the incoming charging control apparatus;
The incoming call accounting control apparatus receives the incoming call accounting service number, refers to the incoming call accounting service number storage unit, obtains the called telephone number corresponding to the received incoming charging service number, and To the call agent
The first call agent receives the called telephone number and, based on the called telephone number, the first IP telephone and the second IP via the second and third call agents. The incoming call accounting system according to claim 1, wherein control for connecting to a telephone is executed. The third IP network is composed of a plurality of IP networks,
A plurality of the third call agents are provided according to each of a plurality of third IP networks,
The incoming call charge control device, after calculating the fourth call charge,
(D) Reads the next combination of the calling station code and the called station code from the calling station code storage unit and searches the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit based on the read source station code. Then, the operator identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is acquired as the fourth operator identification information on the calling side, and the signal in the signal station code storage unit is obtained based on the read destination station code Retrieving the station code and obtaining the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code as the fourth carrier identification information on the called side;
A third caller rate and a third call rate corresponding to the fourth caller identification information on the calling side and the fourth caller identification information on the callee side obtained by searching the charge rate storage unit Obtaining the called party's toll rate for
Calculating a fifth call charge based on the acquired third calling party charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
The acquired fourth carrier identification information on the called side is used as fourth billing destination information, and the first, second, or third information corresponding to the acquired fourth carrier identification information on the calling side is used. Transmitting the fourth charge information including the fourth charge destination information and the calculated first to fifth call charges to the charge management apparatus;
Calculation of the sixth call charge based on the acquired third call side charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measurement unit is stored in the calling / receiving station code storage unit. Repeat until there are no more destination signal codes, and
The third billing destination information and a value obtained by further adding one or a plurality of calculated fifth call charges and sixth call charges to the calculated first to fourth call charges, The incoming call accounting system according to claim 1, wherein the incoming call charge system is transmitted by being included in the charge information of 3. A first IP telephone connected to the first IP network and a second IP telephone connected to the second IP network can be interconnected via one or a plurality of third IP networks; In a telephone network in which voice or image signals are communicated via an IP network, a first call agent that is connected to the common line signal network and the first IP network and performs call connection control, and the common line signal network and the second IP network A second call agent connected to the network for call connection control, one or more third call agents connected to the common line signaling network and the third IP network for call connection control, and the first call agent One or more of a first billing management device for a second IP phone or a first IP network, a second billing management device for the second phone or a second IP network, and a third IP network And the third billing management device And an incoming call charge control device for communicating with each of the first to third call agents via a common line signal network and performing call connection control of an incoming call charge service. Incoming call billing method in
(A) The first call agent detects a call from the first IP telephone, acquires an incoming charging service number for the incoming charging service from the first IP telephone, and sets the incoming charging service number as the incoming charging service number. Executing control for making a call connection between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone via the second and third call agents based on the corresponding called telephone number;
(B) The incoming call charge control device
Stopping the charging by the first to third call agents when controlling for call connection;
(A) First and third call agents for the first to third call agent devices used for call connection between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone after the call is disconnected One or a combination of the source station code of the connection source device and the destination signal station code of the connection destination device, and the second call agent signal transmitted from the second call agent. A combination of the calling station code and the called station code from the calling / receiving station code storage unit in which the calling station code of the connection source device using the station code is stored in order from the calling side or the called side Reading one of these in order from the calling or called side;
Based on the read signal station code, the signal station code of each of the first to third call agents and the operator who owns the first, second, or third call agent indicated by each signal station code Search for the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit stored corresponding to each of the carrier identification information, and identify the first carrier identification on the calling side as the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code. The information is obtained as information, and the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit is retrieved based on the read destination signal station code, and the carrier identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is obtained on the first side of the called side. Obtaining as business identification information;
Out of each device of the first to third call agents, a call is made every predetermined time corresponding to the caller side carrier identification information and the callee side carrier identification information between two connected devices. The first caller identification information on the calling side acquired with reference to a predetermined caller rate and a charge rate storage unit in which the caller rate is stored indicating the charges on the caller side and the callee side And obtaining a first calling party charge rate and a first called party charge rate corresponding to the first caller identification information of the called party;
Calculating a first call charge based on the acquired first calling party charge rate and the measured call time between the first IP telephone and the second IP telephone;
The first, second, or third charging according to the acquired first provider identification information on the calling side, using the acquired first provider identification information on the called side as first charging destination information Transmitting the first charge information including the first billing destination information and the calculated first call charge to the management device;
Calculating a second call charge based on the acquired first called side charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
(B) Read the next combination of the calling signal station code and the called signal station code from the calling signal station code storage unit, search the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit based on the read signal station code, The operator identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code is acquired as the second operator identification information on the calling side, and the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit is obtained based on the read destination station code. Searching and obtaining operator identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code as second operator identification information on the called side;
The charge rate storage unit is searched, and the second calling party charge rate and the second corresponding to the obtained second calling party identification information and the second calling party identification information are obtained. Obtaining a called party rate;
Calculating a third call charge based on the acquired second caller charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
The obtained second caller identification information on the called side is used as second billing destination information, and the first, second, or third charge according to the obtained second caller identification information on the calling side Transmitting second charge information including the second billing destination information and the calculated total of the first to third call charges to the management device;
Calculating a fourth call charge based on the acquired second call side charge rate and the call time measured by the call connection time measuring unit;
(C) Reads and stores the calling station code received and stored from the second call agent from the departure and arrival signal station code storage unit, and refers to the signal station code in the signal station code storage unit based on the read source station code Obtaining the operator identification information corresponding to the corresponding signal station code as the third operator identification information on the calling side;
The destination telephone number corresponding to the incoming billing service number from the first IP telephone is set as the third billing destination information, and the first or second according to the acquired third carrier identification information on the calling side. Or transmitting the third charge information including the third charge destination information and the calculated total of the first to fourth call charges to the third charge management apparatus.

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