JP5069949B2 - Billing information processing method and billing information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides information on the use of international roaming communication used in the communication network of the communication carrier in the first country, and communication service in the second country in which the user who has performed the international roaming communication has a contract for the communication service. The present invention relates to a billing information processing method and a billing information processing apparatus for performing information processing regarding usage information of international roaming communication when transmitting to a user.

  In recent years, mobile telephones as mobile communication terminals contracted in a subscriber country that provides mobile communication services are used for international roaming communication using a communication network in a country different from the subscriber country, such as telephone and mail. It has become possible to do. When the user is charged for this international roaming communication usage fee, the user subscribes to a communication service from the communication carrier of the communication network in the first country (user country) where the international roaming communication is performed. A communication usage information file in which usage information of the international roaming communication is written is sent to the communication carrier in the second country (subscriber country). The telecommunications carrier in the member country executes information processing for charging using the communication usage information file received from the telecommunications carrier in the above-mentioned country of use, and the user uses the international roaming communication used by each user in the country of use. Or paying with the telecommunications carrier in the country of use.

  In the case of international roaming communication in which the user staying in the first country (user country) among the international roaming communication communicates with other users in the first country, the communication carrier in the first country Calculates the usage fee of international roaming communication in the currency unit of the first country (or the yen unit when the first country is Japan) and performs the billing process. Then, in order to carry out the settlement process with the telecommunications carrier of the second country (subscriber country) for the usage fee of the international roaming communication that has been charged in the first country, the currency unit of the first country It is necessary to create a communication usage information file by converting the usage fee charged in step 1 into a usage fee in a unit that can be processed by a telecommunications carrier in the second country. Here, when a plurality of communication usage information files for international roaming communication with different second countries (subscriber countries) are created, the usage fee that has been charged in the currency unit of the first country for each second country. It is conceivable to convert to a usage fee in the currency unit of the second country. However, in this case, the exchange rate between the currency of the second country and the currency of the first country that is the user country is confirmed for each second country that is the member country of the user, and the exchange rate is used. Therefore, there is a problem that the process of creating the communication usage information file becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made under the background described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to create a communication usage information file even when creating a communication usage information file related to a plurality of international roaming communications to be transmitted to different member countries having different currencies. An object is to provide a billing information processing method and a billing information processing apparatus that simplify the processing.

In the accounting information processing method according to the present invention, the usage information of the international roaming communication used in the communication network of the telecommunications carrier in the first country is contracted for the communication service by the user who has performed the international roaming communication. when sending the second country operators, a charging processing method for performing information processing related to usage information of the international roaming communication billing information processing apparatus of the first national operators side, the International Packet usage information files for a predetermined period of roaming communication are integrated, each packet usage information is read from the integrated file, charging ID, GGSN address, international mobile station identification number described in each packet usage information, and Based on whether the charging ID, the address of the GGSN, and the international mobile station identification number match, they are sorted in order of call start date and time. And creating a session usage information file identifies the packet usage information constituting ® down, on the basis of the same session session usage information file identifying the packet usage information constituting, for each session of the international roaming communication Calculating a usage fee for the currency unit of the first country, converting a usage fee for the currency unit of the first country into a usage amount based on an international common calculation unit, Creating a communication usage information file including usage information in which the usage amount is written.
In this billing information processing method, a packet usage information file for a predetermined period of international roaming communication is integrated, each packet usage information is read from the integrated file, and the charging ID and GGSN described in each packet usage information are read. The packet usage information composing the same session is rearranged in the order of address, international mobile station identification number, and call start date and time, and the charging ID, GGSN address, and international mobile station identification number values match. Identify and create a session usage information file. Then, based on the session usage information file that specifies the packet usage information constituting the same session, the usage fee in the currency unit of the first country for each session of the international roaming communication is calculated, so that the first for the international roaming communication is obtained. Perform billing in the country. Then, the calculated usage fee in the currency unit of the first country is converted into a usage amount in the international common calculation unit, and the communication usage including the usage information in which the converted usage amount in the international common calculation unit is written. Create an information file. As described above, by creating a communication usage information file including usage information in which the usage amount is written in an international common calculation unit, it relates to a plurality of international roaming communications to be transmitted to second countries (subscribers) having different currencies. Even when the communication usage information file is created, it is not necessary to check the exchange rate for each second country (subscriber country) and calculate the usage fee.

In the billing information processing method, when the usage fee for the international roaming communication is taxable in the first country, the usage amount may be calculated by applying the tax.
With this billing information processing method, billing processing can be performed by reliably applying the tax to international roaming communication that is subject to taxation in the first country.

In the billing information processing apparatus according to the present invention, use information of international roaming communication used in a communication network of a communication carrier in a first country is contracted for a communication service by a user who has performed the international roaming communication. A billing information processing apparatus that performs information processing on usage information of the international roaming communication when transmitting to a communication carrier in a second country, and integrates packet usage information files for a predetermined period of the international roaming communication. The packet usage information is read out from the integrated file, and sorted in the order of the charging ID, GGSN address, international mobile station identification number, and call start date and time described in each packet usage information, and the charging ID, GGSN Packet usage information constituting the same session is specified based on whether or not the address of the mobile station and the value of the international mobile station identification number match. Calculating means for creating a cushion usage information file, on the basis of the session usage information file identifying the packet usage information constituting the same session, the usage rates of the first national currency unit for each session of the international roaming communication Calculation means, usage amount conversion means for converting the usage fee in the currency unit of the first country into a usage amount in an international common calculation unit, and usage information in which the usage amount in the international common calculation unit is written File creation means for creating a communication usage information file including.
This charging information processing apparatus integrates packet usage information files for a predetermined period of international roaming communication, reads each packet usage information from the integrated file, and sets the charging ID and GGSN described in each packet usage information. The packet usage information composing the same session is rearranged in the order of address, international mobile station identification number, and call start date and time, and the charging ID, GGSN address, and international mobile station identification number values match. Identify and create a session usage information file. Then, based on the session usage information file that specifies the packet usage information constituting the same session, the usage fee in the currency unit of the first country for each session of the international roaming communication is calculated, so that the first for the international roaming communication is obtained. Perform billing in the country. Then, the calculated usage fee in the currency unit of the first country is converted into a usage amount in the international common calculation unit, and the communication usage including the usage information in which the converted usage amount in the international common calculation unit is written. Create an information file. As described above, by creating a communication usage information file including usage information in which the usage amount is written in an international common calculation unit, it relates to a plurality of international roaming communications to be transmitted to second countries (subscribers) having different currencies. Even when the communication usage information file is created, it is not necessary to check the exchange rate for each second country (subscriber country) and calculate the usage fee.

In the billing information processing apparatus, when the usage fee for the international roaming communication is subject to taxation in the first country, the usage amount may be calculated by applying the tax.
In this billing information processing apparatus, the billing process can be performed by reliably applying the tax to the international roaming communication subject to taxation in the first country.

  As the “international common unit of calculation”, for example, a special drawing right (SDR) as a universal currency unit defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may be used. it can. In addition, the “tax” subject to taxation in the first country includes, for example, a consumption tax.

  According to the present invention, a communication usage information file including usage information in which a usage amount is written in an international common calculation unit is created, thereby making it possible to use communication related to a plurality of international roaming communications that are transmitted to subscriber countries having different currencies. Even when the information file is created, there is no need to calculate the usage fee by checking the exchange rate for each participating country, so that the process of creating the communication usage information file is simplified.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an international roaming charging system including a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This international roaming billing system is for billing information processing of a mobile telecommunications carrier (hereinafter referred to as “subscriber country telecommunications carrier”) 10 in a country (hereinafter referred to as “subscriber country”) in which the subscriber has a contract for communication service. The apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “subscriber country billing system”) 100 and a mobile communication carrier (hereinafter referred to as “user country carrier”) 20 in a country different from the member country (hereinafter referred to as “user country”) 20 Charging information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “use country charging system”) 200 and an information relay processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “relay system”) 300 managed and operated by an intermediate information relay operator 30. The country-of-use billing system 200 of the mobile communication carrier 20 in the user country is such that a user who is a subscriber of a communication service in a mobile communication network in a subscriber country can use the mobile communication network in the user country to make calls and various data communications. When the international roaming communication is used, a communication usage information file in which usage information related to the international roaming communication is written and a relay file having an internal format unique to the information relay operator is generated, and the relay system of the information relay operator 30 To 300. The relay system 300 converts the relay file received from the user country billing system 200 into a TAP (Transfer Accounting Procedure) file and transmits it to the subscriber country billing system 100 of the mobile communication carrier 10 in the subscriber country. Based on the TAP file received from the relay system 300, the subscriber country billing system 100 charges the applicable user for the usage fee of the international roaming communication and performs a settlement process with the country of communications carrier 20 Execute information processing.

  Each of the subscriber country billing system 100, the user country billing system 200, and the relay system 300 may be configured by one computer device, or may be configured to operate in cooperation by connecting a plurality of computer devices to a network. May be. In addition, communication between the subscriber country billing system 100 and the relay system 300 and between the user country billing system 200 and the relay system 300 is performed via a communication line such as a dedicated line or the Internet so that data such as the file can be transmitted and received. It is possible.

The TAP file is created by, for example, a user's one-time call or one-session data communication, or a combination of a plurality of these data. Files that are sent and received between the carrier and the carrier in the country of use, such as usage information (CDR) such as settlement data between carriers for international roaming communications, file serial numbers (hereinafter referred to as “file serial numbers”), etc. Is included. The format of this TAP file is defined by the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) association. For example, the record length of the record written in the TAP file is variable, and the file format is “ASN.1”. Further, the format of the file name of the TAP file is defined as follows.
File name: AABBBBBCCCCCxxxxx
AA (0-2 digits): File type (commercial: CD, test: TD),
BBBBB (3-7 digits): Source carrier (PLMN code),
CCCCC (8-12 digits): Destination operator (PLMN code),
xxxxx (13-17 digits): File serial number (00001-99999).

  The PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) code is a code set in advance to identify a communication carrier. For example, the TAP file for the inbound commercial international roaming communication used by the subscriber of the user country carrier (PLMN code: “GGGGG”) in the communication network of the subscriber country carrier (PLMN code: “JJJJJ”) is “ The file name is written as “CDJJJJJGGGGGxxxxx” and sent from the subscriber country carrier to the user country carrier. Also, the TAP file for outbound commercial international roaming communication that the subscriber of the subscriber country carrier (PLMN code: “GGGGG”) uses in the communication network of the country carrier (PLMN code: “JJJJJ”) is “ The file name is written as “CDGGGGGJJJJJxxxxx” and is sent from the user country carrier to the subscriber country carrier.

  Further, the file serial number of the TAP file (hereinafter referred to as “TAP file serial number”) is assigned a different serial number for each transmission source business operator and transmission destination business operator. That is, in the transmission source company that creates and transmits the TAP file, the TAP file serial number is managed so that the serial number is assigned to the file name for each different transmission destination company. On the other hand, in the transmission destination company that receives the TAP file, the file received from each transmission company is inspected, managed, and processed based on the TAP file sequence number.

  The relay file is a communication use information file that is received from the transmission source carrier in the relay system 300 of the information relay carrier 30, is converted into a TAP file, and is transferred to the transmission destination carrier. This relay file basically includes the same data as the TAP file, but a part of the format is converted into an internal format unique to the information relay operator. For example, the record length of the usage information (hereinafter referred to as “CDR”) written in the relay file is a fixed length, and the file format is a “Text” format. Further, as the format of the file name of the relay file, the same format as that of the TAP file described above is used. However, the file serial number of the TAP file is included in the transmission source business portion of the file name of the relay file transmitted from the relay system 300 and the transmission destination business portion of the file name of the relay file received by the relay system 300, respectively. Information based on a different concept system is written.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user country billing system 200 used for billing processing of international roaming communication by the user country carrier 20. The country-of-use billing system 200 can be configured by a computer device having a CPU, a memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), an external storage device such as an HD, an external communication unit, and the like. The country-of-use billing system 200 includes, for example, a basic software (OS: Operating System) and a predetermined application program such as a database server function and a communication function incorporated in a computer that is hardware and executed. 201, 202, audio file pre-processing unit 210, packet file pre-processing unit 220, charging processing unit 230, file post-processing unit 240, file transmission unit 250, test CDR processing unit 260, test processing unit 270, and illustration Functions such as a data storage unit in which various files and tables that are not stored are stored can be realized. The table of the data storage unit may be stored and managed in an individual file, or may be managed by a database constructed using a relational database server program or the like.

After separating the CDR into the domestic communication and the international communication using a predetermined processing node (not shown) among the file receiving units, the voice CDR file receiving unit 201 sends a predetermined number of signals to the exchange that processes the voice communication signal. GET-type voice CDR file reception processing is executed to obtain the CDR file for international roaming voice communication generated by the exchange at the timing. This voice CDR file includes not only a normal telephone but also a CDR file for SMS (Short Message Service) communication and UDI communication (for example, video call communication) communicated using the same voice communication network. On the other hand, the packet CDR file receiving unit 202 accesses a gateway (for example, MDGW (Mediation GateWay)) in which packet communication data is processed at a predetermined timing, and generates a CDR of international roaming packet data communication generated by the gateway. A GET type packet CDR file reception process for acquiring a file is executed.
The MDGW has a function of collecting CDR information generated from each exchange and SGSN constituting the mobile communication network.

  The voice file pre-processing unit 210 integrates a plurality of voice call CDR files (hereinafter referred to as “voice CDR files”) for a predetermined period (for example, one day) received by the voice CDR file receiving unit 201. Execute the process. At this time, unnecessary CDR files and illegal CDR files are excluded.

  The packet file pre-processing unit 220 integrates a plurality of packet communication CDR files (hereinafter referred to as “packet CDR files”) for a predetermined period (for example, one day) received by the packet CDR file receiving unit 202. Process. When packet CDR files are received from a plurality of gateways, integration processing is also performed on them. The packet file pre-processing unit 220 also performs a packet partial call assembly process for converting a packet CDR file generated for each packet into a CDR file for each session (hereinafter referred to as “session CDR file”).

  The charging processing unit 230 uses the international roaming communication usage fee for the voice CDR file output from the voice file pre-processing unit 210 and the session CDR file output from the packet file pre-processing unit 220 in the country of use. It is calculated in currency units (in the case of Japan, yen units), and a CDR generation process used for the settlement process with an overseas operator is performed.

  The file post-processing unit 240 performs processing for converting the usage fee in the currency unit of the country of use of the international roaming communication into the usage fee in the international common calculation unit for the CDR file that has been charged. As the international common calculation unit, for example, a special drawing right (SDR: Special Drawing Rights) as a global currency unit defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is used. In addition, when the usage fee for international roaming communication is a tax subject to a tax in the country of use (for example, a consumption tax in Japan), the file post-processing unit 240 applies the tax to calculate the amount of use. Further, the file post-processing unit 240 converts the CDR file in which the usage fee after the usage fee conversion process is described into a relay file having a predetermined format that can be processed by the relay system 300 of the information relay operator 30. Add missing records, or add header and trailer records for each operator in the contracting country. The header and trailer record are also generated when there is no call information.

  The file transmission unit 250 transmits the relay file converted from the billing-processed CDR file into a predetermined format and a test CDR file described later to the relay system 300 of the information relay operator 30.

  The test CDR processing unit 260 extracts a test CDR for billing / settlement processing from the CDRs determined to be fraudulent in the billing process, and uses the extracted test CDR in the billing system in the country of use. Process to pass to 270.

Hereinafter, the process of the main part which comprises the said use country billing system 200 is explained in full detail.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the packet file pre-processing unit 220. In this block diagram, various files in the data storage unit 290 used in the packet file preprocessing unit 220 are also shown. The packet file pre-processing unit 220 includes a file integration processing unit 221, a CDR rearrangement processing unit 222, and a packet partial call assembly processing unit 223. As described above, the file integration processing unit 221 performs processing for integrating a plurality of packet CDR files for a predetermined period (for example, one day) received by the packet CDR file reception unit 202, and generates an integrated packet CDR file 291A. To do. When packet CDR files are received from a plurality of gateways, integration processing is also performed on them.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of session CDR file creation processing by the CDR rearrangement processing unit 222 and the packet partial call assembly processing unit 223. In FIG. 4, first, the integrated packet CDR file 291A stored in the data storage unit 290 is accessed, and the following items (1) to (4) for a plurality of packet CDRs written in the integrated packet CDR file 291A. The rearrangement process is performed to identify a CDR group including a plurality of packet CDRs constituting the same session (S1 to S3).
(1) Billing ID
(2) GGSN address (3) International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
(4) Call start date and time

  Whether the packet CDRs constitute the same session is, for example, whether the charging ID, the GGSN address, and the international mobile station identification number among the above four items (1) to (4) match. Judge with. That is, it is determined that a plurality of packet CDRs in which the charging ID, the GGSN address, and the international mobile station identification number (IMSI) all match are CDR groups corresponding to the same session. Here, for example, the charging ID is issued from a GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) which is a node for packet communication in a subscriber country.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a final connection packet CDR in the CDR group constituting the same specified session (S4). This determination is performed only once for one session based on the value of the final identification flag in the CDR.

  If the final connection packet CDR does not exist (No in step S4), the CDR group is stored only once in the next process carry-over CDR file 291B of the data storage unit 290 as the next process carry-over CDR (S5). This next process carry-over CDR is subject to the CDR rearrangement process (S2) together with the packet CDR in the newly received packet CDR file. After storing the next process carry-over CDR, the data of the charging ID, the address of the GGSN and the international mobile station identification number (IMSI) for the next process carry-over CDR of the session is used as the data file for the next process in the data storage unit 290. It is stored in an ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) file 291C (S6). Then, it is determined whether there is a CDR group of the next same session (S7). If there is a next CDR group of the same session (Yes in step S7), the process returns to the determination in step S4. If there is no next CDR group of the same session (No in step S7), the process ends.

  On the other hand, if there is a final connection packet CDR in the CDR group constituting the same specified session (Yes in step S4), it is determined whether or not the target CDR group is an assembly illegal CDR group ( S8). Examples of the assembling illegal CDR group include, for example, a CDR group in which a final call (CDR in which “1” is set in the final identification flag) does not appear, a CDR group in which packet partial call assembly has already been performed, and a call start date / time. There are CDR groups that are consistent (incorrect context between CDRs in the same session).

  If it is determined in step S8 that the predetermined target CDR group is not an assembly illegal CDR group, the packet partial call assembly process (information) from the CDR of the first connection packet of the same session to the CDR of the last connection packet (final call packet). Amount summing process) is executed (S9). The data of the CDR group of the same session for which the assembly process has been executed is stored in the assembled CDR file 291E of the data storage unit 290 as an assembled CDR (S10). After storing the assembled CDR group, it is determined whether there is a CDR group of the next same session (S11). If there is a next CDR group of the same session (Yes in step S11), the process returns to the determination in step S4. If there is no next CDR group of the same session (No in step S11), the process ends.

  When it is determined in step S8 that the predetermined CDR group is an assembly illegal CDR group, the CDR group is stored in the assembly illegal CDR file 291D of the data storage unit 290 as an assembly illegal CDR group (S12). It is then determined whether there is a CDR group of the next same session (S11).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of session CDR file creation processing by the CDR rearrangement processing unit 222 and the packet partial call assembly processing unit 223. In FIG. 5, first, the integrated packet CDR file 291A stored in the data storage unit 290 is accessed, and the above-mentioned items (1) to (4) for a plurality of packet CDRs written in the integrated packet CDR file 291A. The rearrangement process by is performed (S1, S2).

  Next, the plurality of packet CDRs written in the integrated packet CDR file 291A after the rearrangement process are sequentially read from the top (S3). If it is determined in EOF (End of File) determination that the file is not the end (No in S4), the “session information” and “packet information” of the read packet CDR are saved in the temporary storage area. After that, the same session CDR determination is executed (S5). In this same session CDR determination, it is determined whether or not the session corresponding to the packet CDR read from the integrated packet CDR file 291A is the same as the session corresponding to the previously read packet CDR. This same session CDR determination is not executed for the first packet CDR corresponding to the same session read from the integrated packet CDR file 291A, but is executed for the second and subsequent packet CDRs corresponding to the same session.

  The same session CDR determination can be performed in the same manner as step S3 in FIG. Specifically, among the four items included in the “session information” (1) billing ID, (2) GGSN address, (3) international mobile station identification number (IMSI), (4) call start date and time Judgment is made based on whether or not the billing ID, the GGSN address, and the international mobile station identification number match. That is, a plurality of packet CDRs in which the charging ID, the GGSN address, and the international mobile station identification number (IMSI) all match are determined to be packet CDRs corresponding to the same session.

  Next, in the same session CDR determination, when it is determined that the session corresponding to the packet CDR read from the integrated packet CDR file 291A is the same as the session corresponding to the previously read packet CDR (Yes in S5), this time As with step S8 of FIG. 4, the assembly illegal CDR determination is executed for the read processing target packet CDR (S6).

  Next, when it is determined in the above-described assembly illegal CDR determination that the processing target packet CDR is not an assembly incorrect CDR (No in S6), the next final packet CDR determination is executed (S7). In this final packet CDR determination, the initial connection packet CDR corresponding to the same session has already been read, and the processing target packet CDR is a plurality of packet CDRs corresponding to the same session included in the integrated packet CDR file 291A. It is determined whether or not it is the “last packet CDR” connected last. This final packet CDR may correspond to the “final connection packet CDR” connected last in the session shown in FIG.

  Next, in the final packet CDR determination, when it is determined that the initial connection packet CDR has already been read and the processing target packet CDR is the final packet (Yes in S7), the same session read up to that time The packet partial call assembly process (information amount summing process) is executed for a plurality of packet CDRs corresponding to (S8). The data of the packet CDR of the same session for which the assembly process has been executed is stored in the assembled CDR file 291E of the data storage unit 290 as an assembled CDR (S9). After the storage of the assembled CDR file, the session data of the charging ID, the address of the GGSN and the international mobile unit identification number (IMSI) is stored in the data storage unit for the final packet CDR in the plurality of packets CDR for which the assembly process has been executed. It is saved in the ISAM file 291C as the data file for next processing 290 (S10). Then, the next packet CDR is read from the integrated packet CDR file 291A, and steps S4 to S10 are repeated.

  If it is determined in the above-described assembly illegal CDR determination in step S6 that the processing target packet CDR is an assembly illegal CDR (Yes in S6), the packet CDR is stored in the assembly illegal CDR file 291D of the data storage unit 290. After (S11), the next packet CDR is read out. Further, when it is determined in the final packet CDR determination in step S7 that the processing target packet CDR is the final packet (No in S7), the next packet CDR is read out.

  In the same session CDR determination in step S5, when it is determined that the session corresponding to the packet CDR read from the integrated packet CDR file 291A is different from the session corresponding to the previously read packet CDR (No in S5). Executes assembly determination for determining whether or not assembly processing has been executed for the packet CDR corresponding to the previous session read immediately before (S12). Here, when the assembly process is executed for the packet CDR corresponding to the previous session (Yes in S12), the next packet CDR is read out. On the other hand, when the assembly process is not executed for the packet CDR corresponding to the previous session, all the plurality of packet CDRs corresponding to the previous session are set as the next process carry-over CDR, and the next process carry-over CDR file of the data storage unit 290 is used. After storing in 291B (S13), the next packet CDR is read (S3).

  If the end of the integrated packet CDR file 291A being accessed is determined in the EOF determination in step S4 (Yes in S4), the packet CDR corresponding to the previous session read out immediately before it is determined. Assembly determination is performed to determine whether or not assembly processing has been performed for (S13). Here, when the assembly process is executed for the packet CDR corresponding to the previous session (Yes in S13), the next packet CDR is read out. On the other hand, when the assembly process is not executed for the packet CDR corresponding to the previous session, all the plurality of packet CDRs corresponding to the previous session are set as the next process carry-over CDR, and the next process carry-over CDR file of the data storage unit 290 is used. After storing in 291B (S14), the next packet CDR is read (S3).

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of the accounting processing unit 230. In this block diagram, various individual files and various tables in the data storage unit 290 used in the billing processing unit 230 are shown. The billing processing unit 230 includes a file integration processing unit 231 and an inbound Roman billing processing unit 232.

  The file integration processing unit 231 integrates the audio CDR file output from the audio system file preprocessing unit 210 and the assembled CDR file (session CDR file) output from the packet system file preprocessing unit 220. The integrated CDR files to be charged for a predetermined period (for example, one day) including the CDR of each file are created.

The inbound Rome billing processing unit 232 refers to the communication carrier table 292A, the operation mode table 292B of the communication service operation management database, and the like. Here, the telecommunications carrier table 292A is a table for identifying the carrier that has started the inbound international roaming service, and the CDRs of carriers that are not registered in this table are treated as illegal CDRs. In addition, the operation mode table 292B is a table for specifying a service type in service for each operator that has started an inbound international roaming service. Examples of such types include voice communication, SMS (Short Message Service), UDI communication, packet communication, and the like. CDRs of service types that are not registered in this table are treated as illegal CDRs.
The billing process is executed for each CDR in the integrated CDR file by referring to the table or the like. The CDR after the billing process is stored in the billing-processed CDR file 293C in the data storage unit 290 as a billed CDR. Further, the data handled as the illegal CDR by the inbound Roman billing processing unit 232 is stored in the illegal CDR file 293A in the data storage unit 290. The test CDR is also stored in the illegal CDR file 293A as an illegal CDR excluded from the charge processing target. Further, the inbound Rome billing processing unit 232 refers to the duplication check ISAM file 292D, and stores the duplicate CDR in the duplicate CDR file 293B in the data storage unit 290 as a duplicated CDR excluded from the billing process target.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of the test CDR processing unit 260. In this block diagram, various individual files and various tables in the data storage unit 290 used in the test CDR extraction processing unit 260 are illustrated. The test CDR extraction processing unit 260 includes a file integration processing unit 261 and a CDR extraction processing unit 262.

  The file integration processing unit 261 integrates a plurality of illegal CDR files output from the inbound Roman billing processing unit 232 into one integrated illegal CDR file 294A, and stores the integrated illegal CDR file 294A in the data storage unit 290.

  The CDR extraction processing unit 262 extracts a test CDR from the CDR in the integrated illegal CDR file 294A with reference to the test IMSI table 294B. The test IMSI table 294B is created based on a text file in which test CDR extraction conditions are described. As test CDR extraction conditions, for example, a test carrier, IMSI, and call start date (FROM to TO) are designated. In addition, the CDR extraction processing unit 262 stores the extracted test CDR in the test CDR file 294D of the data storage unit 290, and converts the illegal CDR that has not been extracted as the test CDR into the non-target illegal CDR of the data storage unit 290. Save to file 294C. The test CDR file in which the test CDR extracted by the CDR extraction processing unit 262 is described is delivered to the test processing unit 270 in the billing system in the country of use. The test CDR file for which the billing processing test has been performed by the test processing unit 270 is transmitted from the file transmission unit 250 to the relay system 300 of the information relay operator 30 as a test CDR file (transmission relay file).

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of the file post-processing unit 240. In this block diagram, various files and various tables in the data storage unit 290 used by the file post-processing unit 240 are shown. The file post-processing unit 240 includes a file conversion processing unit 241 and a record addition processing unit 242.

  The file conversion processing unit 241 refers to the exchange table 295A, and converts the usage fee in the currency unit of the usage country calculated by the charging processing unit 230 into a usage amount in the SDR unit which is an international common calculation unit. Further, the file post-processing unit 241 applies the tax of the user country (for example, the consumption tax when the user country is Japan) with reference to the tax rate table 295B when converting the usage amount. Further, the file conversion processing unit 241 converts the CDR file in which the CDR after use fee conversion is written into a predetermined format that can be used in the relay system 300 for transmission to the relay system 300 of the information relay operator 30. Convert to an intermediate file 296B. Each CDR of the intermediate file 296B includes the usage fee and tax amount in the currency of the user country, the usage fee and tax amount converted to SDR, and the currency and SDR of the user country used for the conversion. The exchange rate is also written. The illegally charged CDR that could not be converted is stored in the illegally charged CDR file 296 of the data storage unit 290.

  The record addition processing unit 242 converts each CDR of the intermediate file into a relay file having a predetermined format that can be processed by the relay system 300 of the information relay operator 30. For example, a predetermined header record or trailer record is added and converted into a relay file. Also, the record addition processing unit 242 refers to the file number numbering table 295C as one of the header records, and adds and describes a file sequence number (file sequence number).

  The relay file to which the predetermined record is added is assigned to each carrier in the destination country of the transmission destination to create an individual relay file, and the file transmission is performed together with the above-described tested CDR file (transmission relay file). Sent to the unit 250 for transmission processing.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of packet CDRs of international roaming communication used by a user are collected for each session to generate a session CDR file. The generated session CDR file is converted into a communication use information file for transmission (relay file) and sent to the communication carrier in the subscriber country with which the user subscribes to the communication service. It is possible to efficiently execute the settlement process between the telecommunications carrier in the user country using the network and the telecommunications carrier in the subscriber country where the user subscribes to the communication service.
If the initial connection packet CDR corresponding to the session is missing, the generation of the session CDR file is carried forward until the next packet CDR file is acquired. As a result, the session CDR file in which the initial connection packet CDR is missing is prevented from being transmitted to the telecommunications carrier in the subscribing country, and the adjustment amount error due to the lack of the packet CDR to be charged is suppressed. The settlement process can be ensured.
If the last connection packet CDR corresponding to the session is missing, the generation of the session CDR file is carried forward until the next packet CDR file is acquired. As a result, the session CDR file having the final connection packet CDR missing is prevented from being transmitted to the telecommunications carrier in the subscriber country, and the settlement amount error due to the lack of the charging target packet CDR is suppressed. Processing can be ensured.
Further, by using a plurality of pieces of information such as a billing ID, a GGSN address, and an international mobile station identification number (call start date and time if necessary), it is possible to improve the identification of whether or not they are packet CDRs constituting the same session. Can do.
Further, the charging ID, GGSN address and international mobile station identification number (call start date and time if necessary) for the packet CDR that generated the session CDR file are used as an indexed file (ISAM) as a data file for the next processing. File). As a result, when the session CDR file is generated for a part of the packet CDRs corresponding to the same session, in the next process, based on the charging ID stored in the indexed file (ISAM file) or the like, Remaining subsequent packet CDRs following some packet CDRs can be identified. A session CDR file for the same session can be generated for the remaining subsequent packet CDRs.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the target file from which the test CDR is extracted is narrowed down to the illegal CDR file storing the illegal CDR that cannot be charged, and the predetermined extraction condition set in advance is selected from the illegal CDR file. Since the test CDR can be automatically extracted based on the above, it is possible to efficiently create a test CDR file with high accuracy.
In addition, the test CDR file can be created because automatic extraction of the test CDR is facilitated by using the information on the carrier of the subscriber country of the test target specified in advance and the international mobile station identification number (IMSI). Can be done more efficiently.
Also, the test CDR file for which the billing test processing by the telecommunications carrier in the user country has been completed is converted into a predetermined transmission CDR file (relay file), and the subscriber country is relayed via the relay system 300 of the information relay carrier 30. Can be sent to the carrier.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, by creating a CDR file (relay file) including a CDR in which a usage amount in SDR units, which is an international common calculation unit, is written, it is transmitted to member countries having different currencies. Even when a plurality of CDR files (relay files) related to international roaming communication are created, there is no need to calculate the usage fee by checking the exchange rate for each participating country. Therefore, the creation process of the CDR file addressed to the telecommunications carrier in the subscriber country is simplified.
In addition, for international roaming communications that are subject to tax (consumption tax) in the country of use, the tax (consumption tax) can be reliably applied and charged.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments within the scope of the technical matters described in the claims.

Explanatory drawing which shows an example of schematic structure of the international roaming charging system containing the utilization country charging system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the utilization country billing system used for the billing process of the international roaming communication by a utilization country communication provider. The block diagram which shows the structural example of a packet type file pre-processing part. The flowchart which shows an example of the session CDR file creation process by a CDR rearrangement process part and a packet partial call assembly process part. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of session CDR file creation processing. The block diagram which shows the more detailed structural example of an accounting process part. The block diagram which shows the more detailed structural example of the CDR processing part for a test. The block diagram which shows the more detailed structural example of a file post-processing part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Subscriber country carrier 20 User country carrier 30 Information relay carrier 100 Subscriber country billing system 200 Country billing system 201 Voice CDR file receiver 202 Packet CDR file receiver 210 Voice file preprocessor 220 Packet file Pre-processing unit 230 Charge processing unit 240 File post-processing unit 250 File transmission unit 260 CDR extraction processing unit for test 270 Test processing unit 300 Relay system

Claims (4)

The usage information of the international roaming communication used in the communication network of the communication carrier in the first country is transmitted to the communication operator in the second country with which the user who has performed the international roaming communication has a contract for the communication service. A billing information processing method for performing information processing on usage information of the international roaming communication in a billing information processing device on the telecommunications carrier side in the first country,
Integrating packet usage information files for a predetermined period of the international roaming communication, reading each packet usage information from the integrated file, charging ID described in each packet usage information, GGSN address, international mobile unit identification The packet usage information constituting the same session is specified based on whether the charging ID, the address of the GGSN, and the value of the international mobile station identification number match, in the order of the number and the call start date and time. Creating a session usage information file;
Based on a session usage information file that identifies packet usage information constituting the same session, calculating a usage fee in the currency unit of the first country for each session of the international roaming communication;
Converting the usage fee in the currency unit of the first country into a usage amount in an international common calculation unit;
Generating a communication usage information file including usage information in which the usage amount of the international common calculation unit is written. The billing information processing method according to claim 1,
When the usage fee for the international roaming communication is taxable in the first country, the usage amount is calculated by applying the tax. The usage information of the international roaming communication used in the communication network of the communication carrier in the first country is transmitted to the communication operator in the second country with which the user who has performed the international roaming communication has a contract for the communication service. A billing information processing apparatus for performing information processing on usage information of the international roaming communication,
Integrating packet usage information files for a predetermined period of the international roaming communication, reading each packet usage information from the integrated file, charging ID described in each packet usage information, GGSN address, international mobile unit identification The packet usage information constituting the same session is specified based on whether the charging ID, the address of the GGSN, and the value of the international mobile station identification number match, in the order of the number and the call start date and time. A means for creating a session usage information file;
Based on a session usage information file that identifies the packet usage information that constitutes the same session, a calculation unit that calculates a usage fee in the currency unit of the first country for each session of the international roaming communication;
A usage amount conversion means for converting a usage fee in the currency unit of the first country into a usage amount in an international common calculation unit;
A billing information processing apparatus, comprising: a file creation unit that creates a communication usage information file including usage information in which a usage amount of the international common calculation unit is written. The billing information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
When the usage fee for the international roaming communication is taxable in the first country, the usage information is calculated by applying the tax.

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