JPH07221881A - Accounting control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the accounting control system not only for called party payment without trouble but also for setup offering a more inexpensive speech charge. CONSTITUTION:The system is provided with a communication network 10 used for a channel between user terminal equipments 14a, 14b, a service control network 12 built up in an enterprise independently of the communication network 10, local exchanges 16a, 16b implementing incoming outgoing control for the user terminal equipments 14a, 14b in the case of speech, and a computer 18 controlling various equipments such as the local exchanges 16a, 16b. When the computer 18 receives 'setup request by called party charging' from the user terminal equipment 14a of the caller via the local exchange 16a, the computer 18 allows the local exchange 16a to send 'inverted setup request' to the called party local exchange 16b via the communication network 10 to form setup of the called party user terminal equipment 14b.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a charging control system, and more particularly, to a charging control system for changing a charging target person from a network point of view and realizing an inexpensive calling charge in a network charging a calling party.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a call is generally charged to a caller for a call in a public network. Especially, as a service for paying the caller for a specific call (callee callee), collect call and Toll Free (registered trademark)
And other services are being implemented. In the collect call service, the caller needs to negotiate the billing with the called party through the operator, and toll-free calls are unconditionally charged to all calls related to the predetermined dial number contracted with the service provider. Becomes In order to solve the inconvenience of each service such as the increase in the procedure due to the presence of the operator and the unconditional destination charging on a contract basis, the destination charging system shown in FIG. 21 has been proposed. FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram and an operation diagram of the called party charging system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-152747, showing a calling terminal device 2 and a called terminal device 4 accommodated in a communication network 10 for charging. There is. Communication network 10
Is required to notify the called party of the calling party number, and the outgoing and incoming terminal devices 2 and 4 are provided with the called party billing call sending means 6 and the redialing control means 8 proposed in the present invention. . The call setup procedure in FIG. 22 shows the procedure at the time of call setup between the originating and terminating terminal devices.

Next, the operation will be described based on the call setting procedure shown in FIG. The destination billing call sending means 6 sends a call by adding a request signal to the receiving terminal device 4 for requesting the charge burden of the incoming call. The re-originating control means 8 that has received this outgoing signal saves the calling party number notified via the communication network and rejects the incoming call. Then, the calling terminal device 2 is called back based on the saved calling party number.

[0004]

In the conventional collect call service, which is a billing service for the called party, there is a problem that the caller negotiates the billing with the called party through the operator and the number of procedures increases and the call setup time increases. Becomes

Further, toll-free is an unconditional destination charging based on a contract, which is inconvenient for general users and users in a company.

Further, in the destination charging system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-152747, the calling service is specialized for the destination charging, and the charging information of the network that the user cannot grasp all is considered. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a more flexible and cost-effective calling service that charges the calling user or charges the called user depending on the case.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and its purpose is not only to provide a pay-as-you-go billing control system for incoming call destinations, but also to provide a lower call charge. The purpose of this is to provide a charging control system for such call setup.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the billing control system according to claim 1 is independent of a communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices and the communication network. A local switching unit that connects the constructed control network, the communication network and each of the user terminal devices, and controls outgoing and incoming calls of the user terminal device; and a local switching unit that is connected to the control network and controls the local switching unit. Having a computer to perform,
The local exchanging means on the originating side (originating local exchanging means) detects a "call setting request due to destination charging" from the connected user terminal device (originating user terminal device), thereby issuing a call reversal request. When transmitting to the computer, the computer, upon receiving the outgoing reversal request, sends an outgoing request to the local exchange means (incoming local exchange means) to which the user terminal device on the incoming side (incoming user terminal device) is connected. When the incoming local exchange means receives the outgoing call request, it sends a "reversed call setup request" to the outgoing local exchange means through the communication network, and the outgoing local exchange means receives the incoming call. When the "reversed call setup request" from the local exchange means is received, a response signal is sent to the incoming local exchange means via the communication network. When the incoming local exchange means receives the response signal, the incoming local exchanging means sends an incoming signal to the incoming user terminal device, and the outgoing user terminal device and the incoming user terminal device receive the incoming signal from the outgoing user terminal device. It is characterized in that the call setup is performed by the "reversed call setup request" from the called user terminal device side with respect to the "call setup request by destination billing".

A billing control system according to a second aspect is the first aspect.
And a data terminal device provided on the user terminal device side on the originating side and connected to the control network, wherein the data terminal device is provided with a "call by destination charging". It is characterized in that a "setting request" is directly transmitted to the computer as a call reversal request to perform call setting by charging the destination.

According to a third aspect of the charging control system, a communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices and the communication network and each of the user terminal devices are connected to each other to control transmission / reception of the user terminal devices. And a control line for communicating control signals between the local exchanging means by using the communication network. The local exchanging means on the calling side (original exchanging local exchanging means) is connected. The local exchange to which the called user terminal device (called user terminal device) is connected by detecting a "call setting request by destination charging" from the user terminal device (calling user terminal device) A call setup request including information of the outgoing reversal request to the means (incoming local exchanging means), and the incoming local exchanging means receives the outgoing reversal request, After transmitting a release signal to the originating local exchange means via the control line, a "reversed call setup request" is transmitted via the communication network, and the originating local exchange means comprises the incoming local exchange means. When the "reverse call setting request" is received after receiving the release signal from the device, the response signal is transmitted to the terminating local exchange unit via the communication network, and the terminating local exchange unit receives the response signal. , An incoming signal is transmitted to the called user terminal device, and the called user terminal device and the called user terminal device receive the called user terminal device in response to a “call setting request by destination charging” from the calling user terminal device. A feature of the present invention is that call setup is performed by a "reverse call setup request" from the device side.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a billing control system, wherein a communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices, a control network constructed independently of the communication network, the communication network and each user terminal. A local exchange means for connecting a device to control outgoing / incoming call of the user terminal device, and connected to the control network,
A computer for controlling the local exchange means, wherein the local exchange means on the originating side detects the "call setting request by the last cost" from the connected user terminal device, When the computer sends a call request to the computer, and when the computer receives the last cost call request, the computer analyzes the billing information including the record information of the call, and as a result, the user terminal device that can make the call at a lower cost becomes available on the billing side. The user terminal device (billing user terminal device) is determined, and a call origination request is transmitted to the local exchange means (billing local exchange means) to which the billing user terminal device is connected, and the billing local exchange means transmits the call. Upon receiving the request,
When the call setting request is transmitted to the other local exchange means via the communication network, and the other local exchange means receives the call setup request from the billing local exchange means, the billing local exchange means receives the call setup request from the communication network. When the response signal is received, the billing local exchange means transmits an incoming signal to the billing user terminal device so that the billing user terminal device and the other user terminal device The call setting is performed, and the billing local exchange means transmits one-call billing information to the computer at the end of the call, and the computer bills the true calling user terminal based on this information.

The billing control system according to claim 5 is the same as claim 4.
In the billing control method described above, the billing information includes one-call billing information transmitted from the billing local exchange unit.

A billing control system according to a sixth aspect is the fourth aspect.
In the described billing control method, the billing information includes international billing information.

A billing control system according to a seventh aspect is the fourth aspect.
In the billing control method described above, the billing information includes information regarding a service subscription status including a fixed fee within a fixed period of time.

The charging control system according to claim 8 is the charging control system according to claim 5.
In the billing control method described above, the computer distributes the one-call billing information from the billing local exchange unit to the billing local exchange unit and the other local exchange unit based on preset billing distribution information. Characterize.

A billing control system according to a ninth aspect is the fifth aspect.
In the billing control method described above, the local exchange unit transmits billing distribution information to the computer by detecting distribution information of a billing instruction signal from the user terminal device during a call, and the computer causes the billing distribution information to be transmitted. One call charge information from the local exchange means is dynamically distributed to the charge local exchange means and the other local exchange means based on the charge distribution information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a billing control system comprising: a first communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices; and a second control network constructed independently of the first communication network. A localizing device that is connected to the second control network and the public network and is capable of switching a communication path, and that connects the multiplexing device and each of the user terminal devices and controls outgoing and incoming calls of the user terminal devices. Exchange means, connected to the second control network,
A computer that controls the local switching means, and the multiplexer is configured to transfer a communication path from the first communication network to the public network when some failure occurs on the first communication network. It is characterized in that a call path between the user terminal devices is formed by switching.

The billing control system according to claim 11 is the billing control system according to claim 10, wherein the multiplexer is
When the last cost transmission request is transmitted to the computer via the public network, and the computer receives the last cost transmission request, the computer analyzes the billing information including the call record information, and as a result, the call becomes cheaper. The multiplexing device is determined as a charging side.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a billing control system, wherein a communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices, a control network constructed independently of the communication network, the communication network and each user terminal. A local switching means for connecting a device and controlling outgoing / incoming call of the user terminal device, and connected to the control network for controlling the local switching means, and for each group configured by a plurality of the user terminal devices. A computer having group information created by allocating a group dial address, and the local exchange means on the calling side has a "call setting by the last cost" in which the group dial address is designated from the connected user terminal device. By detecting the "request", a request to send the last cost is sent to the computer, and the computer receives the request. When recognizing that a group dial address is specified in the cost request, the user who can make a call at a lower cost as a result of analyzing the billing information including the call record information from the group corresponding to the group dial address The terminal device is determined as the user terminal device on the charging side (charging user terminal device), a call origination request is transmitted to the local exchange means (charging local exchange means) to which the charging user terminal device is connected, and the charging local Upon receiving the call origination request, the exchange means transmits a call setup request to the other local exchange means via the communication network, and the other local exchange means receives the call setup request from the charging local exchange means. Then, a response signal is transmitted to the charging local exchange means via the communication network, and the charging local exchange is performed. Means, upon receiving the response signal, by transmitting the incoming signal to the charging user terminal, wherein the charging user terminal and other user terminal and performs call setup.

[0020]

In the billing control system according to the present invention, a call setting request on the originating side is subjected to each call setting process and billing process by a computer connected to the control network.

In the billing control system according to the first aspect, the computer detects the "call setting request by the billing of the destination" from the calling user terminal device through the calling local exchange means, and the receiving side sends the call through the communication network. Send the "reversed call setup request". As a result, it is possible to form a call setup by charging the callee for the call setup request from the calling side.

In the billing control system according to the second aspect, the "call setting request by destination billing" can be directly transmitted from the data terminal device to the computer without passing through the originating local exchange means.

In the billing control system according to the fourth aspect, a method in which a computer can make a call at a lower cost by detecting a "call setup request at a low cost" from a calling user terminal device via a calling local exchange means. Is determined as the charging user terminal device and the charging local exchange means, and the charging local exchange means "reverse call setting request" via the communication network.
To send. As a result, the call setup can be formed so that the call can be made at a lower cost in response to the call setup request from the calling side.

By the way, in the billing control system according to the fourth aspect, when analyzing which one of the calling side and the calling side is cheaper, the computer makes one call billing information,
It has, as charging information, international charging information and information about service subscription status including a fixed fee within a fixed time.
By using these billing information, the call charge can be further reduced.

According to the billing control system of the eighth aspect, the billing for one call can be distributed to each user terminal device based on the preset billing distribution information.

Further, according to the billing control system of the ninth aspect, billing distribution information can be dynamically set during a call from the user terminal device.

In the billing control system according to the tenth aspect, when some trouble occurs in the first control network in which a normal communication path is formed, the multiplexer sets the route forming the communication path to the first control network. Can be switched to the public network. As a result, even if a failure occurs, the communication path can be secured. Furthermore, in the charging control system according to claim 11,
Since the computer decides which one can make the call at a lower cost as the billing user terminal device and billing local exchange means, and causes the billing local exchange means to send the "reversed call setting request" through the communication network. The call setup can be formed so that the call can be made at a lower cost in response to the call setup request from the calling side.

Further, in the billing control system according to the twelfth aspect, the computer corresponds to the fact that the calling user terminal device sets the group address of the group to be the other party in the "call setup request by low cost". The user terminal device that enables the lowest cost call is selected from the user terminal devices that form the group.

As a result, not only one of the user terminal devices on the calling side and the called side but also the user terminal device to be charged is selected from the group, so that the call can be made at a lower cost. .

In the above invention, the billing destination is determined by the computer. However, in the billing control system of claim 3, a control line is provided and a "call setting request by destination billing" is used by using the control line. Since this is done, it is possible to form a call setting by destination charging without using a computer.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an accounting control system according to the present invention. A communication network 10 is used as a communication path between the user terminal devices, and uses a public network. Reference numeral 12 is a service control network (hereinafter, referred to as an in-house network) built in the company independently of the communication network 10. 14a, 14b are user terminal devices, 16a, 16
b connects the communication network 10 and each user terminal device 14a, 14b, and user terminal device 14a, 14b at the time of a telephone call
It is a local exchange (private exchange) that controls outgoing and incoming calls. A computer 18 is connected to the control network 12 and controls various devices such as local exchanges 16a and 16b connected to the communication network 10. A virtual path is formed between the computer 18 and each of the local exchanges 16a and 16b.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the present embodiment, and corresponds to the main information flow indicated by broken line arrows A to E in FIG.

A feature of this embodiment is that a "call setting request by destination charging" is issued from a calling side user terminal device (calling user terminal device) to a receiving side user terminal device (calling user terminal device). In this case, by issuing a "reversed call setting request" to the called user terminal device side,
It is possible to set up a call by charging the called party without making trouble for the calling and receiving user terminal devices.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are flowcharts of processing in the local exchange 16a, the computer 18 and the local exchange 16b, respectively.

In the present embodiment, referring to the drawings, the user terminal device 14a (originating user terminal device) connected to the local exchange 16a (originating local exchange) is connected to the local exchange 16b (terminating local exchange). The operation when the call setting is performed for the user terminal device 14b (the receiving user terminal device) by the destination charging will be described.

In FIG. 3, the originating local exchange 16a
When receiving a special code number (hereinafter referred to as a special number) representing a "call setting request by destination charging" and a dial address of the user terminal device 14b from the user terminal device 14a (step 101), the computer 1 detects this, and the computer 1
A call reversal request for sending a call request from the receiving side is given to the caller 8 by giving call setting information including dial addresses of the calling user terminal device 14a and the receiving user terminal device 14b (step 102). At the same time, since it waits for the "reversed call setting request" from the called user terminal device 14b, it sets its own timer.

In FIG. 4, when the computer 18 receives the reverse call request (step 201), the local exchange 16b accommodating the called user terminal device 14b is called from the dial address of the called user terminal device 14b indicated at the time of request. Determined as the station (step 202),
A call origination request for making a call origination request is transmitted to the local exchange 16b (step 203). This outgoing call request includes the dial addresses of the outgoing user terminal device 14a and the incoming user terminal device 14b.

In FIG. 5, the incoming local exchange 16b is provided.
When a call request is received (step 301), a call (call from the callee) signal is sent to the calling user terminal device 14a, so that an actual call setting request is made via the communication network 10. The "reversed call setup request" is transmitted (step 302). At the same time, the originating user terminal device 1
Since it waits for a response signal from 4a, it sets its own timer.

In FIG. 3, "reversed call setup request"
When the waiting outgoing local exchange 16a receives the "reversed call setting request" (step 103), if the outgoing user terminal device 14a is not on-hook (early cut) at this time, the local exchange 16a is in the off-hook state. After the outgoing call user terminal device 14a is forcibly set to the incoming call state (step 104) and a response signal is transmitted to the incoming call local exchange 16b (step 105), the outgoing call user terminal device 14a shifts to a call (step 106). .

At this time, if the calling user terminal device 14a is in the on-hook state, an incoming call rejection signal is transmitted to the incoming local exchange 16b (step 107). If the incoming signal is not received from the incoming local exchange 16b, the timer times out and the originating user terminal 1
4a has failed in call setup (step 10).
8).

Next, in FIG. 5, when the incoming local exchange 16b receives a response signal from the outgoing local exchange 16a (step 303), the local exchange 16b
An incoming signal is transmitted to the incoming user terminal device 14b as if the incoming user terminal device 14a received an incoming call to the incoming user terminal device 14b (step 304). As a result, the user terminal device 14b is put into the off-hook state to be in a call, and the user terminal device 1
Normal call setup can continue between 4a and 14b (step 305).

At this time, if the response signal waiting timer times out or an incoming call refusal signal is received, it is considered that the call setup has failed, and a transition is made to an idle state (step 306,
307).

As described above, in the present embodiment, in response to the "call setting request by destination charging" from the calling user terminal device 14a, the called local exchange 16b sends the calling local exchange 16a via the communication network 10. Since the actual "reversed call setting request" can be issued, the receiving user terminal device 14b performs the call setting by the destination (user terminal device 14b) billing only by the same operation as the normal call setting. be able to.

Therefore, since the number of procedures in the collect call service is increased and a special number is used, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as unconditional charging of the called party in the free dial.

Example 2. This embodiment is another embodiment of the mechanism for requesting the reversal of transmission described in the first embodiment. 6, the elements which are completely the same as those in FIG.
Almost similar elements are numbered with 100 added. The same applies to the examples described below. Reference numeral 20 is a data terminal device installed on the side of the originating user terminal device 114a and is connected to the corporate network 22. The corporate network 12 and the corporate network 22 are connected by some means.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in this embodiment, and corresponds to the main information flow indicated by broken line arrows A to E in FIG.

A feature of this embodiment is that a "call setting request by destination charging" issued from the calling side is transmitted from the data terminal device 20 via the corporate networks 12, 22. As a result, it is possible to set up a call by charging the called party without the troublesomeness of an operator or the like.

Next, the operation will be described based on the call setting procedure of FIG. In FIG. 7, the calling user is the data terminal device 2
A "call setting request by destination charging" including a special code number (hereinafter referred to as a special number) and a dial address of the user terminal device 114b is directly transmitted to the computer 118 as an outgoing reversal request.

The subsequent operation of the computer 118 follows the flowchart of FIG. The operation of the called local exchange 116b follows the flowchart of FIG. In addition,
The originating local exchange 116a is the destination local exchange 1
When the "reversed call setup request" from 16b is received,
After transmitting the incoming signal to the calling user terminal device 114a,
A response signal is transmitted to the terminating local exchange 116b.

In this way, in this embodiment, since the number of procedures in the collect call service is increased and the special number is used, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as unconditional callee billing in the free dial.

Example 3. This embodiment is another embodiment of the mechanism for requesting the reversal of transmission described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention. In FIG. 8, elements similar to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by reference numerals with 100 or 200 added. Reference numeral 110 denotes a communication network that forms a communication path between user terminal devices, and although not shown, the local exchange 216
It includes a control line for communicating a control signal between a and 216b.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in this embodiment, and corresponds to the main information flow indicated by broken line arrows A to D in FIG.

The feature of this embodiment is that the communication network 1 is used without using the computer 18 in the first embodiment.
The call setting is performed by the destination charging by the control line included in 10.

10 and 11 show each local exchange 216.
2A and 216b are flow charts of the callee user terminal device 14a to the callee user terminal device 14a.
The operation when the call is set up by the destination charging for b will be described.

In FIG. 10, the originating local exchange 21
When 6a receives the special number indicating the "call setting request by destination charging" and the dial address of the user terminal device 14b from the user terminal device 14a (step 401), this is detected and the dial is converted into an incoming dial and subaddress. After that, these pieces of information are transferred to the incoming local exchange 216.
It is transmitted through the control line as a call reversal request for causing the callee to issue a call request to the other side (step 40).
2). At this time, the incoming dial is equal to the incoming dial input by the calling user, and the subaddress is dial information or the like having the meaning of reversing the outgoing call. Alternatively, when the incoming local exchange 216b is provided with a dedicated dial number for reversing the outgoing call, this dial may be converted into an incoming dial and the true incoming dial address entered by the user may be set in the subaddress. Note that the timer is set in this embodiment as well, but the processing is the same as that in the above-mentioned embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. After this, the originating local exchange 216a waits for a release signal from the terminating local exchange 216b (step 403).

In FIG. 11, the incoming local exchange 21
6b receives the outgoing reversal request (step 50).
1) Recognize the reversal of the outgoing call from the incoming dial or the sub-address, and send a release signal to the outgoing local exchange 216a via the control line in order to abandon the call setting concerned (step 502). Then, the "reverse call setting request" is continuously transmitted to the originating local exchange 216a via the communication network 110 (step 503), and the system waits for a response signal from the originating user terminal device 14a. The subsequent processing of the incoming local exchange 216b is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 10, the originating local exchange 216a that has received the release signal then waits for the "reversed call setup request" from the terminating local exchange 216b (step 404). The subsequent processing of the originating local exchange 216a is similar to that of the first embodiment.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the call setup can be performed by the destination charging without using the computers 18 and 118 as in the above embodiment, so that the number of procedures and the special number in the collect call service are increased. Since it is used, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as unconditional charging of the called party in the free dial.

Example 4. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the charging control system according to the present invention, and is a case where the charging control system shown in the third embodiment is applied to a telecommuting telephone service. User terminal devices 14a and 14b in the figure are data terminals 22a and 22b in the present embodiment, and a modem 24
Is connected to each of the local exchanges 216a and 216b. In particular, this service is assumed to work from home, and it is assumed that the outgoing data terminal 22a is positioned at home and the incoming data terminal 22b is positioned as a passive server and exists in the company.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in this embodiment, and corresponds to the main information flow indicated by broken line arrows A to D in FIG.

The characteristic feature of this embodiment is that in the call setup procedure shown in the third embodiment, the terminating local exchange 2
Before sending a release signal from the 16b to the originating local exchange 216a via the control line, each data terminal 22a, 22a
That is, the negotiation process is performed between b.

That is, the data terminals 22a and 22b are provided with a function of performing negotiations such as password input and collation, and talk time limitation, and control lines are connected between the data terminals 22a and 22b before call setting is actually performed. Information such as a password and a teleworker ID is transmitted and received via the control line, and the release signal is transmitted from the incoming local exchange 216b to the outgoing local exchange 216a in accordance with the result of the collation.

As a result, the charging control system shown in the third embodiment can be applied to the telecommuting telephone service.

Example 5. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention, and is similar to the configuration diagram of the charging control system shown in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in this embodiment, which corresponds to the main information flow indicated by broken line arrows A to F in FIG.

The characteristic feature of this embodiment is that the last cost transmission service is realized by applying the reverse transmission service. That is, the computer 218
Has charging information including charge system and record information (1 call charging information) of 1 call between all user terminal devices. In the present embodiment, which of the dial addresses is included in the call setting information When the user terminal devices 14a and 14b of FIG. In addition, each local exchange 316a,
316b has a function of notifying the computer 218 of one-call billing information at the end of a call.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the processing in the computer 218, and the operation in this embodiment will be described below using this. It should be noted that the local exchanges 316a, 3b, which serve as the originating side or the terminating side, in this embodiment.
16b carries out an operation by substantially the same processing as the processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described in detail.

The local exchange 316a, which is the calling side,
When the special number indicating the "call setup request by the last cost" and the dial address of the user terminal device 14b are received from the user terminal device 14a, this is detected and a call including the dial address of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b is made to the computer 218. A setting request is added and a request to send a low cost is sent.

In FIG. 16, when the computer 218 receives a request to send a low cost (step 601),
A charge is analyzed to determine which of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b indicated at the time of request makes the call cheaper (step 602).
The analysis is performed based on the billing information set in advance. 14 and 15, as a result of the analysis, the local exchange 316b is determined as the originating station (step 603), and a call is made to the local exchange (hereinafter referred to as a billing local exchange) 316b on the paying side to make a call request. The request is transmitted (step 604). This outgoing call request includes the dial addresses of the outgoing user terminal device 14a and the incoming user terminal device 14b. After this, the computer 218 sends 1 from the local exchange 316b.
Waiting for call billing information (step 605).

After that, the operation of the local exchange 316a and the operation of the local exchange 316b during communication are the same as the case of the first embodiment, and the charging local exchange 316b is used.
The user terminal device 14a and the user terminal device 14b make a call by paying the charge on the side of the user terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a charging user terminal device) 14b according to the "reversed call setting request".

After the call, the local exchange 316b
1 Call charge information is notified to the computer 218. Figure 1
At 6, the computer 218 receives the one-call billing information and then stores the one-call billing information in a predetermined database for storing the billing information (step 606). Further, offline processing can be performed so that billing information for charges is created from billing information and even if the call is reversed, the true calling user terminal device is billed.

Further, the computer 218 sets a timer when waiting for one-call billing information, and periodically waits until one-call billing information is acquired in order to guarantee that it is in a call state. Notification processing is being executed. In the local exchange 316b to transmit 1 call billing information, if the call has already ended, this is detected,
It is assumed that there is a mechanism for immediately transmitting appropriate one-call billing information.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the call charge can be reduced without the user terminal devices 14a and 14b being aware of it.

When the user terminal devices 14a and 14b are spread over international terminals, the call charge between both terminal devices is not only the charge information set by the communication service provider in each country,
International exchange rates are relevant. In this embodiment, the computer 218 which compares and analyzes call charges holds international billing information such as international exchange rates as well as international call charge data. The rate data is also referred to determine the optimal charging user terminal device.

Example 6. The present embodiment is characterized in that, as an extension of the service activation of the last cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment, the last cost transmission is automatically activated without the user having to be aware of it during normal transmission.

That is, for example, it is registered in the local exchange 316a that the user terminal device 14a is a device for transmitting the last cost. Local exchange 316a
When it receives the call setup request from the user terminal device 14a, it determines that it will automatically provide the last cost transmission service, and sends the "call setup request by the last cost" to the computer 218. The subsequent processing is the same as in the fifth embodiment. In addition, when the user terminal device 14a is not a device for transmitting the last cost,
Perform normal processing.

Example 7. In this embodiment, as an extended function of the last cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment, FIG.
The computer 218 shown in FIG. 4 has a function of realizing a route in which the call charge is the lowest when the call request is received by the call of the call request for the last cost and a last cost routing (LCR) service for determining the form of the call. It is characterized by being This makes it possible to select the cheapest route among the plurality of routes between the user terminal devices.

In this embodiment, the originating user terminal device 14a
It is assumed that a plurality of routes can be selected between the call receiving user terminal device 14b and the called user terminal device 14b, such as a network provided by a first type communication operator and a second type communication operator.

That is, by charging the billing information of the computer 218 with the subscription status of each user terminal device 14a, 14b to the service provided by the second type telecommunications carrier, the calling user terminal device 14a or the incoming call is received. When only one of the user terminal devices 14b subscribes to the service provided by the second-class communication carrier, it is possible to analyze whether or not the call can be set up at low cost by selecting either route.

Therefore, the transmitting station is determined in consideration of these pieces of information, so that the call can be set up at a lower cost.

The operation of this embodiment is the same as that of the fifth embodiment.
Is the same as.

Example 8. In this embodiment, as an extended function of the last cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment, the charging information of the computer 218 is provided with the subscription status of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b such as a fixed charge service within a fixed time. By setting the calling user terminal device 14a
Alternatively, when only one of the receiving user terminal devices 14b subscribes to the fixed charge service within a certain time, it is possible to analyze whether or not the user can set up the call at a low cost by selecting either of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b.

Therefore, the transmitting station is determined in consideration of these pieces of information as well, so that the call can be set up at a lower cost.

The operation of this embodiment is the same as that of the fifth embodiment.
Is the same as.

Example 9. The present embodiment provides an extended function of the last cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment, that is, an accounting distribution service.

A characteristic feature of this embodiment is that the billing distribution information is set in advance in the billing information of the computer 218. The billing distribution information includes information such as a distribution ratio for distributing the charge for one call to the callers. As a result, it is possible to distribute the fee to be paid to each user terminal device 14a, 14b.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below. The operations of the originating and terminating local exchanges 316a and 316b are similar to those of the fifth embodiment.

The computer 218 can recognize the charge for one call by obtaining the one-call billing information from the calling station side, in the fifth embodiment, from the local exchange 316b. After receiving this one-call billing information, the billed charge is paid to each user terminal device 14 according to the set billing distribution information.
It is stored so as to be distributed to a and 14b.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the charge for one call can be distributed to the user terminal devices 14a and 14b on the calling side and the receiving side according to the preset charging distribution information. it can.

Example 10. The present embodiment provides the extended function of the charge distribution service described in the ninth embodiment.

A characteristic of this embodiment is that the charge distribution information of the computer 218 can be dynamically set. Thereby, each user terminal device 14
It is possible to dynamically distribute the charges to be paid for each of a and 14b.

FIG. 17 shows the user terminal devices 14a and 14b of the local exchanges 316a and 316b in this embodiment.
It is a flowchart showing only the processing during a call between
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing in the computer 218 as shown in FIG. 16 from the transmission of the call request to the acquisition of the one-call billing information.
The operation of this embodiment will be described below based on these flowcharts. The originating and terminating local exchange 316a,
The basic operation of 316b is similar to that of the nineteenth embodiment. That is, the computer 218 is the user terminal device 14
After the end of the call between a and 14b, the charge for one call is sent to the originating side, in the fifth embodiment, the local exchange 316.
It can be recognized by obtaining the one-call billing information from b.

During a call, the local exchange 316a or 316b receives a distribution instruction signal (PB signal) indicating distribution information for billing from the user terminal device 14a or 14b user (step 701). This signal is composed of a predetermined format, for example, a number string for instructing charge distribution and a number string indicating a distribution ratio. When this distribution instruction signal is detected, analysis is performed (step 702), and it is converted into character information indicating billing distribution information (step 703).
This is transmitted to the computer 218 (step 70).
4).

The computer 218 is the local exchange 3
After receiving the billing distribution information from 16a or 316b (step 801) and receiving one call billing information (step 802), according to the received billing distribution information, the billing is distributed to each user terminal device 14a, 14b for billing ( In step 803), this information is stored as billing information (step 804). This stored data will be used when the call charges are billed to the owners of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b by other means thereafter.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the charge for one call is distributed according to the charge distribution information dynamically set to each of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b on the calling side and the called side. be able to.

Example 11. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention. 26a, 26b
Is a multiplexer having a public network interface, and is connected not only to the communication network (public network) 10 but also to the corporate network 28 which is a first communication network constructed by a dedicated line. The user terminal devices 14a to 14d are connected to the multiplexer 26 via the local exchanges 316a to 316d.
a and 26b.

The present embodiment is a charging control system using the last cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment, and the characteristic of the present embodiment is that the last cost transmission service is provided between the multiplexers 26a and 26b. Is to apply. Normally, when a call is made using the in-company network 28, the communication network 10 is used as a bypass route when some failure occurs in the in-company network 28, and as shown in the fifth embodiment. By using the lowest cost transmission service between the multiplexers 26a and 26b, the call setup can be made inexpensively at each of the user terminal devices 14a to 14d.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below.
For example, when there is a call between the user terminal devices 14a and 14b, the user terminal device 14a normally includes the local exchange 316a, the multiplexing device 26a, and the corporate network 2
8, multiplexer 26b, and local switch 316b
A call path is formed with the user terminal device 14b via the.

Here, when the communication between the multiplexers 26a and 26b is interrupted as a result of some failure in the corporate network 28, the multiplexers 26a and 26b are
The path formed by the communication path is switched to the communication network 10. That is, the communication network 10 is used as a bypass route. When the call path is changed, the computer 218 uses the last cost transmission service and the multiplexer 218
In the communication between 6a and 26b, a communication path is formed with the multiplex devices 26a and 26b, which can make a cheaper call, as the charging side.

As described above, even if a failure occurs in the in-company network 28 constructed by the leased line, the communication network 10, which is a public network, is used as a bypass route and the last cost transmission service is used. The multiplexers 26a and 26b, which are cheaper when the communication network 10 is used, can be set as the charging side.

Example 12. The present embodiment is characterized in that a call partner is selected from a group as an extended function of selecting the receiving user terminal device of the last cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment.

That is, the computer 2 shown in FIG.
18 groups a plurality of user terminal devices, and stores a group dial address for each group as group information. If the group dial address is specified at the time of issuing the call setting request, the user terminals 14a and 14b that can make a call and are the cheapest members are selected from the corresponding group.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the processing of the computer 218, and the operation in this embodiment will be described using this.

First, the calling user terminal device 14a needs to specify the group dial address assigned to the group instead of the dial address of the user terminal device that is the other party of the call, and send the "call setup request by the least cost". is there. The operation of the originating local exchange 316a is similar to that of the fifth embodiment. Computer 218
The originating request is received by the originating local exchange 316a (step 901). When recognizing that the dial address designated by the call request is a dial address assigned to the group, one calling station candidate is determined from the user terminal devices that are members of the group. For that purpose, first of all, the members will be analyzed. That is, it is analyzed whether or not the call is currently available (step 902), the charge information is analyzed from the members who are available for the call (step 903), and the call can be made at the cheapest charge such as the charge system, for example, the user terminal Select device 14b. Then, as in the case of the fifth embodiment, since it is already analyzed which one is cheaper as the sender, either the calling user terminal device 14a or the selected user terminal device 14b is determined as the calling station (step 904).

The computer 218 sends a calling request to the local exchange connected to the calling station thus selected (step 905).

After this, the local exchanges 316a, 316
b and the operation of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b are the fifth embodiment.
Is the same as.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user terminal devices that can be selected as the communication partners are grouped, and the cheapest communication partner is selected from the group. Call setup can be performed at low cost.

The above billing information is the user terminal device 1
In consideration of the case where 4a and 14b are spread over international borders, in addition to international call charge data, international billing information such as international exchange rates is held. As a result, even if the user terminal devices 14a and 14b are located in different countries, call setting can be performed at a lower cost.

In each of the above embodiments, one computer 18, 118, which exists in the corporate network 12,
218 designates outgoing and incoming local exchanges 16a, 1
6b and the like are controlled together, a plurality of computers existing in the corporate network 12 may cooperate to control the local exchanges 16a, 16b and the like.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, a computer responds to a "call setting request by destination charging" from a calling user terminal device or a data terminal device.
Since the incoming local exchange means is made to issue the "reversed call setting request", it is possible to form the call setting without trouble for the user terminal device.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the "call setting request by destination charging" is transmitted to the called local exchange means via the control line to issue the "reversed call setting request". Therefore, it is possible to form a call setting without requiring a user terminal device without requiring an in-house network.

Further, in response to the "call setup request at the lowest cost" from the calling user terminal device, the computer is made to analyze and determine which user terminal device should be the sender based on the billing information, and call setting is performed. Since it is formed, it becomes possible to make a call at a lower cost.

According to the invention described in claims 5, 6, and 7, as the charging information possessed by the computer, each is 1
Since information about the service subscription status including call billing information, international billing information, and fixed charges within a certain period of time is provided, it becomes possible to analyze based on various billing information, and calls can be made at a lower cost. It will be possible.

According to the invention described in claim 8, since the charge distribution information is set in the computer in advance, 1
It is possible to distribute the call charge to each user terminal device. Further, in the invention according to claim 9, since the billing distribution information can be set from the user terminal device, the billing for one call can be dynamically distributed to each user terminal device.

According to the invention described in claim 10, since the public network can be used as a detour by providing the multiplexing device, the first communication network forming the normal communication path is not damaged. Even if it occurs, it is possible to form a constant call setup. Further, according to the invention as set forth in claim 11, since the low cost transmission service can be used between the multiplexers when the public network is used, it is possible to form the speech path at a lower cost.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, since the call partner can be selected from the group consisting of a plurality of user terminal devices, if the member who can talk at the lowest cost is selected, It becomes possible to make a call at an even lower cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a charging control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the first embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the processing of the originating local exchange in the first embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the processing of the computer in the first embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the processing of the local exchange on the called side in the first embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a charging control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the second embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a charging control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the third embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the processing of the originating local exchange in the third embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the processing of the called-side local exchange in the third embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a charging control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the fourth embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a charging control system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the fifth embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the processing of the computer in the fifth embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing only a part of the processing of the local exchange in the ninth embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing only a part of the processing of the computer in the ninth embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of an accounting control system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the processing of the computer in the twelfth embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of a conventional destination charging method.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a call setup procedure in the conventional destination charging method.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 100 Communication network (public network) 12, 22, 28 Service control network (in-company network) 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 114a, 114b
User terminal devices 16a, 16b, 116a, 116b, 216a, 21
6b, 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d Local exchange 18, 118, 218 Computer 20 Data terminal device 24 Modem 26a, 26b Multiplexing device

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices, a control network constructed independently of the communication network, the communication network and each user terminal device are connected to each other, and The local exchange means for controlling outgoing / incoming call of the terminal device, and the computer connected to the control network for controlling the local exchange means, wherein the local exchange means (outgoing local exchange means) on the calling side is: By detecting a "call setting request by destination charging" from the connected user terminal device (calling user terminal device), a call reversal request is transmitted to the computer, and the computer sends the call reversal request. When received,
When the user terminal device on the receiving side (incoming user terminal device) is connected to the local exchange means (incoming local exchange means), the outgoing call request is transmitted, and when the incoming local exchange means receives the outgoing call request, When transmitting the "reversed call setting request" to the originating local exchanging means via the communication network, and the originating local exchanging means receives the "reversed call setting request" from the terminating local exchanging means, A response signal is transmitted to the incoming call local exchange unit via the communication network, and the incoming call local exchange unit, when receiving the response signal, transmits an incoming call signal to the incoming call user terminal device, and the outgoing call user terminal device and the The called user terminal device refers to a “call setting request by destination charging” from the calling user terminal device, and “ A billing control method characterized by performing call setup by "reverse call setup request". 2. A communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices, a control network constructed independently of the communication network, the communication network and each of the user terminal devices are connected to each other, and A local exchange means for controlling transmission / reception of a terminal device; a computer connected to the control network for controlling the local exchange means; and a computer provided for the user terminal device on the originating side and connected to the control network. And a data terminal device, wherein the data terminal device directly transmits a "call setting request by destination charging" to the computer as a call reversal request, and the computer receives the call reversal request,
When the user terminal device on the receiving side (incoming user terminal device) is connected to the local exchange means (incoming local exchange means), the outgoing call request is transmitted, and when the incoming local exchange means receives the outgoing call request, the outgoing call request "Reverse call setup request" to the local exchange means (original local exchange means) on the communication side via the communication network.
When the outgoing local switching means receives the "reversed call setup request" from the incoming local switching means, after sending an incoming signal to the user terminal device (sending user terminal device) on the outgoing side. , A response signal is transmitted to the incoming call local exchange unit via the communication network, and the incoming call local exchange unit, when receiving the response signal, transmits an incoming call signal to the incoming call user terminal device, and the outgoing call user terminal device And the called user terminal device perform call setting by "reverse call setting request" from the called user terminal device side with respect to "call setting request by destination charging" from the calling user terminal device. Charging control method characterized by. 3. A communication network that forms a communication path between user terminal devices, a local exchange unit that connects the communication network and each of the user terminal devices, and controls outgoing and incoming calls of the user terminal devices, and the communication. And a control line for communicating control signals between the local switching means using a network, wherein the local switching means on the calling side (calling local switching means) is connected to the user terminal device (calling source). By detecting the "call setting request by destination charging" from the user terminal device), the local exchange means (incoming local exchange means) to which the user terminal device on the receiving side (incoming user terminal device) is connected is detected. A call setup request including information of the outgoing reversal request is transmitted via the control line, and the incoming local exchange means receives the outgoing reversal request, After transmitting a release signal through the control line, transmits a "reversed call setup request" through the communication network, the originating local exchange means, after receiving the release signal from the incoming local exchange means, When receiving the "reversed call setup request", it transmits a response signal to the incoming local exchange means via the communication network, and the incoming local exchange means, when receiving the response signal, sends the response to the incoming user terminal device. An incoming signal is transmitted, and the calling user terminal device and the called user terminal device perform "reverse rotation" from the called user terminal device in response to a "call setting request due to destination charging" from the calling user terminal device. The call control method is characterized in that the call is set by the "call setting request". 4. A communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices, a control network constructed independently of the communication network, the communication network and each user terminal device being connected to each other, A local exchange means for controlling transmission / reception of a terminal device; and a computer connected to the control network for controlling the local exchange means, wherein the local exchange means on the calling side is connected to the user. By detecting the "call setup request by the last cost" from the terminal device, the last cost transmission request is transmitted to the computer, and the computer receives the last cost transmission request, and the billing information including the record information of the call is received. As a result of analyzing the above, the user terminal device that enables a cheaper call is determined as the user terminal device on the charging side (billing user terminal device), The call request is transmitted to the local exchange means (charge local exchange means) to which the charge user terminal device is connected, and when the charge local exchange means receives the call request, the other local exchange means communicates with the communication network. When the call setting request from the billing local exchange means is received, the other local exchange means transmits a response signal to the billing local exchange means via the communication network, Upon receiving the response signal, the billing local exchanging means transmits an incoming signal to the billing user terminal device to set up a call between the billing user terminal device and the other user terminal device, and the billing local exchanging means. Sends one call billing information to the computer at the end of the call, and the computer bills the true calling user terminal based on this information Charging control method, characterized in that. 5. The billing control system according to claim 4, wherein the billing information includes one-call billing information transmitted from the billing local exchange means. 6. The charging control system according to claim 4, wherein the charging information includes international charging information. 7. The charging control system according to claim 4, wherein the charging information includes information on a service subscription status including a fixed charge within a fixed time period. 8. The billing control system according to claim 5, wherein the computer sets the one-call billing information from the billing local exchanging unit on the basis of the billing local exchanging unit and the other local unit based on preset billing distribution information. A billing control method characterized by being distributed to exchange means. 9. The charging control system according to claim 5, wherein the local exchange unit detects distribution information of a charging instruction signal from the user terminal device during a call,
The billing distribution information is transmitted to the computer, and the computer dynamically transfers the one-call billing information from the billing local exchange means to the billing local exchange means and the other local exchange means based on the billing distribution information. Charging control method characterized by distribution. 10. A first communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices, a second control network constructed independently of the first communication network, the first communication network, and A multiplexer that is connected to the public network and is capable of switching the communication path; a local switching unit that connects the multiplexer and each of the user terminal devices and controls outgoing and incoming calls of the user terminal device; A computer which is connected to a control network and controls the local exchange means; and the multiplexer, when any failure occurs on the first communication network, sets the communication path to the first communication. A charging control method, wherein a call path between the user terminal devices is formed by switching from a network to the public network. 11. The charging control system according to claim 10, wherein the multiplexer transmits a last cost transmission request to the computer via the public network, and the computer receives the last cost transmission request. A billing control system, characterized in that, as a result of analyzing billing information including call record information, the multiplexing device that enables a cheaper call is determined as the billing side. 12. A communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices, a control network constructed independently of the communication network, the communication network and each user terminal device being connected to each other, Created by allocating a group dial address to each group composed of a plurality of the user terminal devices, which is connected to the control network, controls the local switching device, and is connected to the control network. A computer having group information, and the local exchange means on the calling side detects a "call setup request by least cost" in which a group dial address is designated from the connected user terminal device, Sending a request to send the last cost to the computer, and the computer groups the received request to send the last cost. When recognizing that a group dial address has been designated, as a result of analyzing the billing information including the record information of the call from the group corresponding to the group dial address, the user terminal device which can make the call at a lower cost is displayed. The local exchange unit (billing local exchange unit), which is determined as the charging-side user terminal device (billing user terminal device) and to which the charging user terminal device is connected
When the call origination request is received, the billing local exchange means transmits a call setup request to the other local exchange means via the communication network, and the other local exchange means performs the billing When a call setup request is received from the local exchange means, a response signal is transmitted to the charging local exchange means via the communication network, and when the charging local exchange means receives the response signal, the charging user terminal device receives the response signal. A billing control method, wherein the billing user terminal device and the other user terminal device perform call setting by transmitting an incoming signal.