KR101080315B1 - Method for charging data of prepaid subscriber subcribed with multi-different networks and system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a billing processing method and a system of a prepaid subscriber subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks. In the billing processing method of a prepaid subscriber according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the billing processing method of a prepaid subscriber subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks, the billing method of the prepaid subscriber can be used by using the integrated balance of the prepaid subscribers commonly used in the heterogeneous networks. Control whether the prepaid service requested by the terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks owned by the prepaid subscriber is started, and update the integrated balance by subtracting a fee incurred by the use of the prepaid service from the integrated balance. And preferably, confirming prepaid subscriber information of a terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks; Confirming a consolidated balance of the prepaid subscriber through the prepaid subscriber information; Calculating a fee incurred in using the prepaid service when the requested prepaid service is started; And updating the consolidated balance by subtracting the fee calculated from the consolidated balance.

TBTM, WIFI, WiBro, WCDMA, Integrated Balance, SCP, IM-SCP, Billing, Prepay

Description

METHODS FOR CHARGING DATA OF PREPAID SUBSCRIBER SUBCRIBED WITH MULTI-DIFFERENT NETWORKS AND SYSTEM THEREOF}

The present invention relates to billing processing of a prepaid subscriber, and more particularly, a prepaid subscriber using a terminal supporting a plurality of heterogeneous networks including a WIFI network, a WiBro network, and a WCDMA network uses a data service through a plurality of heterogeneous networks. The present invention relates to a billing processing method and system for prepaid subscribers that can charge bills generated through a plurality of heterogeneous networks by subtracting a fee generated from a plurality of heterogeneous networks.

In general, in the WIFI network, WCDMA network or WiBro network, separate subscribers are operated in the form of processing charges for data services in real time.

Recently, a data service can be used in two or three networks through a DBDM terminal capable of providing both a WiBro network and a WCDMA network, and a TBTM terminal capable of providing both a WIFI network, a WCDMA network, and a WiBro network.

However, since the billing network is not integrated at present, there is a problem in that billing cannot be processed by integrating a plurality of heterogeneous network data services at the same time.

Therefore, as the use of a terminal supporting a plurality of heterogeneous networks in the future increases, it is inefficient to charge and charge a fee generated by using the terminal for each network. There is a need for integrated billing.

An object according to an embodiment of the present invention, which was created to solve the above problems, is a single unified integration that can be used commonly in a plurality of heterogeneous networks of the prepaid subscribers for a terminal supporting a plurality of heterogeneous networks. Billing processing method and system for prepaid subscribers that can manage prepaid billing by integrating prepaid billing charges caused by a plurality of heterogeneous networks by managing the balance and deducting the usage fee from the integrated balance when prepaid service is used through the terminal To provide.

In addition, another object according to an embodiment of the present invention, by calculating a fee generated by the use of prepaid service by applying a predetermined billing rate for each heterogeneous network, prepaid subscribers can perform the billing processing according to various types of networks To provide a billing processing method and system thereof.

In addition, another object according to an embodiment of the present invention, by setting the use time or the amount of use of the prepaid service available for a certain period of time, it is possible to prevent or over-use the data service excessive use of the prepaid subscriber, It is possible to provide a variety of service products using the time or use amount, and to provide a method and system for processing the billing of prepaid subscribers that can generate profit through this.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a variety of service products that can calculate the prepaid service fee by applying the charge rate according to the location information of the prepaid subscriber using the prepaid service separately, the prepaid subscriber billing processing method that can be expected to generate profits and To provide that system.

In order to achieve the above object, a prepaid subscriber billing method according to an aspect of the present invention is a billing method for prepaid subscribers subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks, the prepaid subscribers commonly available in the plurality of heterogeneous networks The integrated balance is used to control whether to start a prepaid service requested by a terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks owned by the prepaid subscriber, and to deduct the fee generated by the use of the prepaid service from the integrated balance. You can update the consolidated balance.

Preferably, confirming the prepaid subscriber information of the terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks; Confirming a consolidated balance of the prepaid subscriber through the prepaid subscriber information; Calculating a fee incurred in using the prepaid service when the requested prepaid service is started; And updating the consolidated balance by subtracting the fee calculated from the consolidated balance.

Preferably, the method may further include receiving information on an access network requesting to start the prepaid service, and the calculating may include calculating a fee incurred by using the prepaid service through the access network, The charge may be calculated by applying the charge rate for the access network among charge rates differently set according to the network.

The method may further include comparing a service usage time for the prepaid service with a preset reference time for a preset period, and block the start of the requested prepaid service if the service usage time is greater than or equal to the reference time. Can be.

Preferably, the method may further include comparing a service usage amount for the prepaid service and a predetermined reference amount for a predetermined period, and if the use amount is greater than or equal to the reference amount, blocking the start of the requested prepaid service. have.

Preferably, the method further includes receiving location information of the prepaid subscriber who requested the start of the prepaid service, and the calculating step includes charging for the location information of the prepaid subscriber among charge rates differently set according to the location information. You can calculate rates by applying rates.

In the billing processing system of a prepaid subscriber according to an aspect of the present invention, in the billing processing system of a prepaid subscriber subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks, a prepaid subscriber of a terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks requesting to start a prepaid service is provided. A prepaid billing processing server that checks an integrated balance, controls whether or not to start the prepaid service using the identified integrated balance, and updates a fee incurred in accordance with the use of the prepaid service by subtracting it from the integrated balance of the corresponding prepaid subscriber. It may include.

Preferably, the prepaid billing processing server includes a confirmation unit for confirming the prepaid subscriber information of the terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks, and confirming the integrated balance through the prepaid subscriber information; A calculator configured to calculate a fee generated according to the use of the prepaid service when the requested prepaid service is started; And an updating unit for updating the integrated balance by subtracting the fee calculated from the integrated balance.

Preferably, the method may further include a database for storing the consolidated balance for each prepaid subscriber that can be commonly used in the heterogeneous networks.

Preferably, the charge rate generated by the use of the prepaid service is provided to the prepaid billing processing server by applying a billing rate for the access network requesting to start the prepaid service among preset billing rates according to the plurality of heterogeneous networks. It may further include a prepaid service management server.

Other objects and features of the present invention in addition to the above objects will be apparent from the description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related well-known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, a billing processing method and a system of a prepaid subscriber subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17.

1 shows a billing processing system of a prepaid subscriber subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a billing processing system for a WIFI network, a WiBro network, and a WCDMA network.

Of course, the plurality of heterogeneous networks are not limited to WIFI networks, WiBro networks, and WCDMA networks, and may include all networks capable of providing prepaid services, that is, prepaid data services. For example, CDMA networks and PSDN networks may be used. Can be mentioned.

Referring to FIG. 1, the prepaid subscriber's billing processing system includes a WIFI network system 110, an intelligent network system 120, and a WiBro network system 130.

TBTM terminal supporting WIFI network, WiBro network and WCDMA network can receive mobile Internet service in a small area according to WIFI (Wireless Fidelity) protocol through AP (Access Point) 111 of WIFI network, The Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 121 of the WCDMA network may be used to receive wireless Internet service according to the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) protocol. Also, the Transit Access Point (TAP) of the WiBro network may be used. A mobile Internet service may be received according to a wireless broadband (WiBro) protocol through a transmission access point (131).

In the present invention, if the TBTM terminal requests a prepaid service through any one of the WIFI network, WiBro network and WCDMA network, the client of the network, for example, ASN-GW for the WIFI network, GGSN, WiBro network for the WCDMA network In the case of A-Server or ACR, the IM-SCP sends a message about the initiation of the prepaid service, and when the prepaid service is started through the integrated balance of the prepaid subscriber for the corresponding TBTM terminal by the IM-SCP and SCP communication, For example, the fee used in the access network is calculated by applying the preset billing rate for each network, and the fee is subtracted from the consolidated balance of the prepaid subscribers. Charges can be integrated.

Here, the integrated balance refers to an integrated balance that can be commonly used in all heterogeneous networks supported by the TBTM terminal, and can be provided with a prepaid service using WIFI network, WiBro network and WCDMA network as one integrated balance.

The WIFI network system 110 connected to the AP 111 includes an ASN-GW (Access Service Node Gateway) 112 and an AAA (Authentication / Authority / Accounting) server 133.

The ASN-GW 112 maintains and manages the information of the accessing terminal, the IP routing and mobility management function, authentication and security function, QoS provision function, IP multicast function, billing service provision function for the billing server, ASN- The present invention provides a handover function, a resource management and a control function between GWs, etc. The present invention provides a prepaid service requested from a TBTM terminal using a WIFI network as an access network through interworking with the intelligent network system 120.

The AAA server 134 is described in the WiBro network system.

The WiBro network system 130 connected to the TAP 131 includes an A-Server (Aggregation Server) 132, an Automatic Calling Router (ACR) 133, an AAA Server 134, and a PSG (Packet). Service Gateway) system 135, the AAA server 134 may be commonly used with the AAA server of the WIFI network system 110.

The ACR 133 performs a radio resource management (RRM) function and a handover function to support mobility between cells according to scheduling of radio resources of the WiBro network to control communication between subscriber stations. IP packet traffic (packet traffic) is routed to properly send and receive to the destination terminal of the location.

The AAA server 134 manages intelligent network subscriber information (number, name, terminal profile such as terminal type, etc. for a TBTM terminal using a WCDMA network in parallel) as information on a TBTM combined fee product in a WIFI network and a WiBro network. In order to charge a combined fee for WIFI network usage, WiBro network usage and WCDMA network usage for TBTM terminals, the intelligent network subscriber information managed by the AAA server is linked to the billing account for prepaid subscribers, which are partially or wholly managed by SCP. In this case, the billing account is an account associated with the WIFI network account, the WiBro network account, and the WCDMA network account, and is an account for managing the integrated balance commonly used in the three networks when using the prepaid service. Is explained by SCP.

In addition, the AAA server 134 not only performs connection authentication with the WIFI network and the WIBRO network of the TBTM terminal based on the intelligent network subscriber information in the WIFI network and the WiBro network, but also performs interworking with the intelligent network system in the A-server through such authentication. A session information (destination / destination address, control information, service type, etc.) for call processing of the corresponding data service can be obtained so that the prepayment processing or cut-off function of the TBTM terminal can be performed through the A. Forward to server 132.

The PSG system 135 mirrors all data (destination / destination address, control information, service type, data, etc.) routed via ACR in the WiBro network to analyze data transmitted and received at the L3 / L4 layer. As a system, the billing CDRs for the L3 / L4 layer are periodically generated and transferred to the A-server 132 for aggregation by the A-server 132.

The A-server 132 is a system that collects the session information generated in the AAA server 133 and the charging CDR generated in the PSG system 135 in the WiBro network, in the present invention L3 / L4 layer according to the prepaid service start The billing data is processed in conjunction with the intelligent network system 120 of the WCDMA network.

The intelligent network system 120 connected with the GGSN 121 includes an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia subsystem-Service Control Point (IM-SCP) 122, a database 124, and a Service Control SCP. Point: a service control point) 123.

IM-SCP 122 requests that the request by the TBTM terminal subscriber corresponding to the prepaid subscriber is a client of each network, that is, ASN-GW 112 of the WIFI network, A-server 132 or ACR 133 of the WiBro network and When received from any one of the GGSN 121 of the WCDMA network, provides the pre-subscriber's account or prepaid subscriber information for the access network to the SCP 123, and responds to it from the SCP 123, such as the requested prepaid service. When receiving a response that the user can do so, the TBTM terminal is provided with the prepaid service by transmitting a message allowing the prepaid service to the corresponding client.

Here, the IM-SCP 122 receives the packet amount using the prepaid service from the client of the access network requesting the prepaid service in real time, and applies the prepaid service rate to the prepaid service rate by applying the preset billing rate for each network. After the calculations are sent to SCP 123, the prepaid subscriber's combined balance can be updated.

In addition, the IM-SCP 122 may provide information about the access network to which the terminal is connected to the SCP 123 according to the situation, and further, location information of the prepaid subscriber, for example, base station information of the access network to the SCP 123. You can also provide Here, the information about the access network and the location information of the prepaid subscriber is used by the IM-SCP 122 in the SCP 123 when subscribed to the prepaid subscriber's preset plan or product, for example, when the subscriber subscribes to a location-based discount service. The charges for the use of the prepaid service can be used to recalculate using a separate billing rate.

Furthermore, the IM-SCP 122 may notify the client of the access network that the data call processing is restricted by the control by the SCP 123 when the prepaid subscriber's integrated balance is exhausted or meets certain conditions.

The database 124 stores a billing account for managing a consolidated balance for each prepaid subscriber, a network account supported by the terminal, a consolidated balance, and the like, and further, an upper limit amount that can be used by the prepaid subscriber for a period of time, for example, and The amount of money used or the maximum time available and the time of use may be further stored.

Here, the billing account (billing ID) is a network-specific account that can be supported by the terminal, that is, WIFI account (WIFI ID), WiBro account (WiBro ID) and WCDMA account (WCDMA ID) to manage the combined balance commonly available For the account, the prepaid subscriber's unique information, for example, it may be generated and stored using a social security number.

FIG. 2 shows field information of a prepaid subscriber stored in a database. As shown in FIG. 2, the integrated balance includes a basic balance set at the time of prepaid subscription, an additional charged balance, a data balance and a gift receipt balance received from another person. Although all amounts related to prepayment may be included and shown in FIG. 2 to store separate fields for each amount, the present invention is not limited thereto, and only one field, for example, a consolidated amount field may be configured to combine all amounts into one. You can also

SCP 123 receives prepaid subscriber information requesting prepaid service from IM-SCP 122, searches database 124, checks the combined balance of the prepaid subscriber by searching, and prepaid used by prepaid subscriber. The service usage fee is received from the IM-SCP 122 and subtracted from the integrated balance, thereby updating the integrated balance of the prepaid subscriber.

At this time, SCP 123 searches the server (not shown) that provides subscriber information using the prepaid subscriber information to determine whether the prepaid subscriber is subscribed to a preset service plan or product, and as a result, the prepaid subscriber pays the service plan. Alternatively, when the product is subscribed to, the integrated balance may be updated by recalculating the usage fee received from the IM-SCP 122 using a certain charging rate and then subtracting the recalculated fee from the integrated balance.

Furthermore, the SCP 123 receives the location information of the prepaid subscriber from the IM-SCP 122, that is, the base station information of the access network initially connected when the prepaid subscriber requests the prepaid service, and separately applies a preset charging rate for each base station information. The usage fee received from the IM-SCP 122 may be recalculated, which may also be applied when the prepaid subscriber is subscribed to a particular service plan or product, for example, a location-based discount service, through which the prepaid service may be applied. You can also create additional profits by providing additional plans and products.

Furthermore, SCP 123 may block the requested prepaid service through a prepaid service usage time or amount of money for a predetermined period of time, as well as the integrated balance of prepaid subscribers stored in the database 124. In this case, the use time or the amount of use restrictions for a certain period of time may be set through a specific service plan, a fare product, a flat coupon, and the like, through which various prepaid service plans, products, coupons, etc. can be released, and thus It can increase profitability.

As such, SCP 123 provides various prepaid services such as text messaging services such as Internet homepage access, data download / upload, voice call using wireless / portable internet, SMS / MMS, etc. through a plurality of heterogeneous networks supported by TBTM terminals. The amount of the prepaid subscribers is subtracted from the combined balance of the prepaid subscribers, and the various prepaid service plans or products are determined when the charges are calculated. Can provide.

This, SCP will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

3 shows an embodiment configuration for the SCP shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 3, the SCP 123 includes a receiver 310, a checker 320, a comparator 330, a controller 340, a determiner 350, a calculator 360, and an updater 370. It includes.

The receiver 310 may receive prepaid subscriber information for confirming the integrated balance of the prepaid subscribers from the IM-SCP, and further, receive information about the access network that requests the prepaid service start among a plurality of heterogeneous networks from the IM-SCP.

Here, the prepaid subscriber information may be any one of a prepaid subscriber's access network account, for example, a WiBro network account, a WIFI network account, and a WCDMA network account.

Furthermore, the receiver 310 may further receive location information of the prepaid subscriber from the IM-SCP, for example, base station information corresponding to the origination point of the prepaid subscriber who requested the prepaid service.

The verification unit 320 searches the database by using the prepaid subscriber information received by the receiver 310 and checks the integrated balance of the prepaid subscriber stored in the database.

In this case, the verification unit 320 searches the billing account corresponding to the prepaid subscriber information in the billing account field stored in the database, and checks the unified balance of the corresponding prepaid subscriber by searching the unified balance field matching the searched billing account in the unified balance field. Can be.

The comparator 330 is configured to determine whether a service is available for the prepaid service requested by the TBTM terminal, and may determine whether the prepaid service is available by comparing the amount of the prepaid service to be used by the terminal and the integrated balance.

Further, the comparator 330 may subscribe to a plan or a product that allows the corresponding prepaid subscriber to receive a certain product, for example, for a certain period of time, or to a plan or product that can be used for a certain amount of money for a certain period of time. In this case, it is possible to determine whether the prepaid service is available by comparing the total amount of the sum of the prepaid service to be used and the predetermined base amount or by comparing the total time of use plus the time of the prepaid service to be used and the predetermined base time. have.

The controller 340 may provide the prepaid service requested from the terminal or block the start of the prepaid service according to the comparison result by the comparator 330.

For example, if the amount of the prepaid service to be used is more than the integrated balance, the controller 340 transmits a message indicating that the prepaid service cannot be started to the IM-SCP, thereby transmitting the impossibility of initiating from the IM-SCP to the corresponding client. The prepaid service requested by the terminal may be blocked from starting.

The determination unit 350 determines whether the prepaid subscriber who requested the prepaid service is subscribed to a preset service plan or product.

In this case, the preset service plan or product is for determining whether the prepaid subscriber should recalculate the usage fee by reapplying a specific billing rate to the usage fee generated according to the prepaid service received from the IM-SCP.

The determination unit 350 may perform a determination on whether a predetermined service plan or a product is subscribed to when the prepaid subscriber information is received by the receiver 310, or use the prepaid service from the IM-SCP after the prepaid service is started. At the time point of receiving the use amount according to the decision whether to join may be performed.

The calculator 360 calculates a fee for using the prepaid service used by the prepaid subscriber. The calculator 360 receives a fee calculated by applying a primary billing rate according to the access network from the IM-SCP, and is determined by the determiner 350. Based on the results, additional secondary charge rates are applied to calculate the actual rates.

In this case, the calculation unit 360 determines that the prepaid subscriber is a prepaid subscriber to which the second billing rate is not applied, as a result of the determination by the determination unit 350, and the calculation unit 360 actually calculates the fee received from the IM-SCP. If the prepaid subscriber is determined to be a prepaid subscriber to which the second billing rate is applied, the actual fee may be calculated by applying a second billing rate set for the prepaid subscriber.

The second billing rate applied by the calculation unit 360 may be different according to the location information of the prepaid subscriber who requested the prepaid service, which subscribes to a service plan or a product that allows the prepaid subscriber to receive a discount service based on location. If so, a differential fee is to apply depending on the location. Of course, not only discount services based on location but also differential rates may be applied according to time, which may also be applied to a service plan or a product that can receive discount services over time. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art through.

The updater 370 updates the consolidated balance by subtracting the usage fee associated with the use of the prepaid service calculated by the calculator 360 from the combined balance of the corresponding prepaid subscriber.

Of course, the update unit 370 may be different from the item updated by the prepaid subscriber according to the integrated service balance of the prepaid subscriber, as well as the subscription service fee or product.

Although the integrated balance described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 has been described only as an amount of money, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may include all kinds that may be deducted and updated according to a prepaid data service such as a packet amount corresponding to the amount.

As such, the prepaid subscriber's billing processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention manages the prepaid balance for the prepaid subscriber of the TBTM terminal as a single integrated balance that can be used by the three networks in advance, thereby prepaid used by the corresponding terminal. By deducting the fee of the service, the fee generated by the TBTM terminal can be integrated prepaid billing, and the fee generated by the use of the prepaid service is applied differently to the billing rate for each access network. Processing may be performed, and various products such as location-based discount services or time-based discount services for prepaid subscribers may be provided, thereby further improving profitability.

Such a charging processing operation in the system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 11.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a billing processing method when a TBTM terminal of a prepaid subscriber accesses a WiBro network. When a TBTM terminal accesses a WiBro network and uses a data service of an L3 / L4 layer, FIG. Process through interworking between A-server and IM-SCP for real-time prepaid data service. Flow Based Charging is performed on the traffic of the L3 / L4 layer.

As shown in FIG. 4, for the call processing of the prepaid data service, between the A-server, the IM-SCP, and the SCP, an initialization process (S410 to S417), an update process (S420 to S425), and an end process (S430). To S436).

In detail, first, in the initialization process, when an idle TBTM terminal accesses a WiBro network to start a prepaid service, that is, request a real-time prepaid data service (S410), the A-server AAA server. It collects the session information about the traffic of the data service from the and periodically sends a CCR [Initial] message to the IM-SCP for interworking with the intelligent network system (S411).

Here, the CCR [Initial] (Credit Control Request [Initial]) message is a message for requesting an integrated balance inquiry for Credit Control (prepaid balance management) during the initialization of the CCR message (prepaid balance management request message), that is, the prepaid balance. Corresponds to the inquiry request message.

This CCR [Initial] message includes a Service-Context-ID, which indicates service context ID attribute value pair (AVP) information, such as WLAN.08.450.7.32252@3gpp.org, as shown in FIG. 1) Subscription-Id Data AVP, which represents AVP information for subscriber ID, such as Credit Control (Request-Type) AVP, and subscriber number (MSISDN = 821030101815). IN-Service AVP indicating AVP information for a service type such as a pre-paid service type (IN-Service), and IMS-Charging-Identifier indicating AVP information for a billing ID such as an IMS Charging ID (ICID).

When the IM-SCP receives the CCR [Initial] message, it identifies the call processing originated from the WiBro network by referring to the WLAN value of the Service-Context-ID as above, and calculates the charging rate of the WiBro network among the predetermined billing rates for each network. Can be charged.

At this time, the A-Server does not error-process the case where the service ID (for example, data service, etc.) indicating the service type is omitted in the CCR [Initial] message of the above format. Depending on the call processing can proceed.

The IM-SCP then sends a message to the SCP for inquiring the integrated balance, for example, Remains Request [Get], where access network information (eg, NAS (Network Access Server) requesting to start the prepaid service) is requested. Type = WiBro) can be included and transmitted (S412).

Furthermore, when transmitting a Remains Request [Get], the IM-SCP may further transmit not only the access network information but also location information where the TBTM terminal is located, that is, base station information of the access network. It is for use when calculating the fee based on the data usage of the prepaid service in the case of subscription to the base discount service.

SCP uses the prepaid subscriber information included in the Remains Request [Get] sent from IM-SCP to retrieve the prepaid subscriber's billing account stored in the database and checks the prepaid subscriber's available integrated balance information through the retrieved billing account. The packet size is calculated using the integrated balance information, and is included in a response message, for example, a Remains Response [Account], and transmitted to the IM-SCP (S413).

Accordingly, the IM-SCP sends a message requesting a consolidated balance reservation for the requested service unit (RSU) via the CCR [Initial] message, for example, a Reserve Request [Reserve] to the SCP ( S414), a result message for the reservation request indicating that the integrated balance reservation has been made from the SCP, for example, a Reserve Response is received (S415).

Thereafter, the IM-SCP sends a message, for example, a CCA [Initial] message, to lower the Granted Service Unit (GSU) assigned to the integrated balance reservation to the A-Server for the requested Service Unit (RSU). Send to the A-server (S416).

The CCA [Initial] (Credit Control Answer [Initial]) message corresponds to a message that responds to the integrated balance inquiry for Credit Control during the initialization process among the CCA messages (prepaid balance management response message).

At this time, if the service ID (eg, data service, etc.) indicating the service type is omitted in the CCR [Initial] message, the IM-SCP may use the service ID for WiBro defined in the CCA [Initial] message (eg, Data service XXX) can be stored and transmitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the CCA [Initial] message includes a billing process such as Result-Code AVP indicating an AVP information such as a processing result (for example, CCA message level), periodic charging (Initial Request = 1), and the like. AVP information such as CC-Request-Type AVP indicating AVP information for a period, Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC) indicating AVP information for simultaneous multiple services, and two (RETRY_AND_TERMINATE: retry and end). Credit-control-failure-handling (CCFH).

In this case, n multiple-services-credit-controls may be repeated, and each multiple-services-credit-control has an AVP for the number of allocated data services (GSUs), such as the first, second .. n-th data service, and the like. Granted-Service-Unit (GSU) (nth) for information, CC-Total-Octets for AVP information for available packet size, Service-Identifier AVP for AVP information for service ID such as data service (XXX) Validity-Time, which represents AVP information about the message repetition transmission period, such as the interim cycle time (for example, the CCR [Update] message transmission period in the A-server), and the overall session processing result for the corresponding service in the MSCC. Result-Code AVP indicating the AVP information is included.

The A-Server receives the CCA [Initial] message from the IM-SCP and downloads the service unit (GSU) assigned to the MSCC according to the integrated balance reservation processing in the SCP for the requested service unit (RSU). For the corresponding data service by the available packet size according to the CC-Total-Octets (open) to allow the ACR to perform the necessary routing (S417).

For example, an SCP may have its GSU allocated from the IM-SCP as much as the remaining integrated balance due to the integrated balance reservation processing, and the IM-SCP may be a Final Unit that indicates the CCA message level. It is possible to notify that it is the last GSU by setting the final unit action (FUA) of Indication to 'Terminate' and responding to the A-server. If there is no consolidated balance remaining for the service, then the MSCC's GSU is not allocated.

Next, the service is used for the allocated GSU by the available packet size, and the FUA (Final Unit Action) of the Final Unit Indication (FUI) indicating the CCA message level from the IM-SCP is " ended " While not receiving the CCA message set to 'terminate', an update process is performed.

In the update process, the A-server sends a CCR [Update] message to the IM-SCP and requests an update of the data service (S420).

Here, the CCR [Update] (Credit Control Request [Update]) message corresponds to a message for requesting integrated balance update for credit control (prepaid balance management) during an update process among CCR messages (prepaid balance management request message).

As shown in FIG. 7, the CCR [Update] message includes a Service-Context-ID indicating service context ID attribute value pair (AVP) information such as WLAN.08.450.7.32252@3gpp.org, and periodic charging (Update Request = 2). CC-Request-Type AVP which indicates AVP information about the cycle of billing process, etc., and it is used together with session ID to distinguish one session to set unique value for CC (credit-control) messages. Subscription-Id Data indicating AVP information for subscriber ID such as CC-Request-Number AVP, subscriber number (MSISDN = 821030101815), etc., for providing AVP information for provisioning (INITIAL_REQUEST, EVENT_REQUEST is 0, and then incrementing by 1 from UPDATE_REQUEST). IN-Service AVP, ICID (IMS Charging), which displays AVP information for service types such as AVP, Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC), which represents AVP information for simultaneous multiple services, and IN-Service. ID) IMS-Charging-Identifier indicating the AVP information for the same billing ID is included.

In this case, n multiple-services-credit-controls may be repeated, and each multiple-services-credit-control has an AVP for the number of requested data services (RSUs) such as the first, second .. n-th data service, and the like. Requested-Service-Unit (RSU) (nth) for information, USP (Used Service Unit) CC-Total-Octets for AVP information for used packet size, and AVP information for service ID such as data service (XXX). Service-Identifier AVP and the like that are shown.

At this time, the IM-SCP may process normally even when the CCR [Update] is received before the CCA [Update]. That is, even if IM-SCP continuously receives CCR [Update] from the A-server before sending the CCA [Update] to the A-server, this processing is normally processed.

Thereafter, the IM-SCP requests and responds to the integrated balance inquiry and the integrated balance reservation of the corresponding prepaid subscriber similarly to steps S412 to S415 (S421 to S424).

For example, when IM-SCP sends a message for an integrated balance inquiry to SCP, for example, a Remains Request [Get], the network information sent from the WiBro network (for example, NAS (Network Access Server) Type = WiBro) is included and transmitted (S421).

Accordingly, SCP uses the prepaid subscriber information contained in the Remains Request [Get] sent from IM-SCP to retrieve the prepaid subscriber's billing account stored in the database, and the prepaid subscriber's available consolidated balance through the retrieved billing account. The information is checked and the available packet size is calculated using the integrated balance information, which is included in a response message, for example, a Remains Response [Account], and transmitted to the IM-SCP (S422).

Accordingly, the IM-SCP sends a message requesting a consolidated balance reservation for the requested service unit (RSU) through the CCR [Update] message, for example, a Reserve Request [Reserve] to the SCP ( S423), and receives a result message for the reservation request indicating that the integrated balance reservation has been made from the SCP, for example, a reserve response (S424).

At this time, when requesting the integrated balance reservation for the RSU (Requested Service Unit) requested in the CCR [Update] message in step S423, the CSU [Update] than the GSU lowered through the CCA message to the interworking A-server IM-SCP sends a Reserve Request [Reserve] to allow the service even if the USU (Used Service Unit) (used packet size) exceeds the combined balance (remaining packet size). At this time, if the integrated balance is exhausted while the service is in progress and the available packet size is no longer available, the IM-SCP does not send a Reserve Request [Reserve] and the FUA indicating the CCA message level is terminated from the A-server. It waits for the CCR message (CCR [Terminate]) set to), receives the CCR [Terminate] for the last used balance, and sends a message for billing, for example, Debit Request [Debit] to the SCP.

In addition to this case, the incomplete call when the IM-SCP does not receive a CCR [Terminate] due to a failure or the like shall be charged for.

Thereafter, the IM-SCP sends a message, for example, CCA [Update], to lower the Granted Service Unit (GSU) assigned to the integrated balance reservation to the A-Server for the requested Service Unit (RSU) as described above. The message is sent to the A-server (S425). The CCA [Update] (Credit Control Answer [Update]) message corresponds to a message that responds to the integrated balance update for Credit Control during the update process among the CCA messages (prepaid balance management response messages).

At this time, for a case where a service ID (eg, data service, etc.) indicating a service type is omitted in a CCR [Update] message, IM-SCP uses a service ID for WiBro (eg, a service ID defined in a CCA [Update] message). , Data service XXX) can be stored and transmitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the CCA [Update] message includes a result processing code such as Result-Code AVP indicating AVP information such as a processing result (for example, CCA message level), periodic charging (Update Request = 2), and the like. CC-Request-Type AVP indicating AVP information for period, CC-Request-Number AVP indicating AVP information for periodic billing serial number, Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC) indicating AVP information for simultaneous multiple service And Credit-Control-Failure-Handling (CCFH) indicating AVP information, such as two times (RETRY_AND_TERMINATE: retry and end).

In this case, n multiple-services-credit-controls may be repeated, and each multiple-services-credit-control has an AVP for the number of allocated data services (GSUs), such as the first, second .. n-th data service, and the like. Granted-Service-Unit (GSU) (nth) for information, CC-Total-Octets for AVP information for available packet size, Service-Identifier AVP for AVP information for service ID such as data service (XXX) Validity-Time, which represents AVP information about the message repetition transmission period, such as the interim cycle time (for example, the CCR [Update] message transmission period in the A-server), and the overall session processing result for the corresponding service in the MSCC. Result-Code AVP indicating the AVP information is included.

In this way, the A-Server receives the CCA [Update] message from the IM-SCP, and if the service unit (GSU) assigned to the MSCC is downloaded to the requested service unit (RSU) according to the integrated balance reservation process in the SCP, In addition, the corresponding data service is reopened as much as the available packet size according to CC-Total-Octets for the corresponding TBTM terminal so that the ACR may perform necessary routing.

Next, while the A-server does not receive a CCA message set by the FUA (Final Unit Action) indicating the CCA message level from the IM-SCP to 'Terminate', the update process (S420 to S425) is repeated. . The service is used up to the available packet size for the assigned GSU, and the A-server receives a CCA message with the Final Unit Action (FUA) indicating the CCA message level from the IM-SCP set to 'Terminate'. Finally, the end process (S430 to S436) is made. The termination process (S430 to S436) is performed even when a request for termination of service is received from the TBTM terminal of the prepaid subscriber.

In the termination process, the A-server transmits a CCR [Terminate] message to the IM-SCP to request termination of the data service (S430). In case of using multiple data services in one session, multiple MSCCs can be used for CCR [Terminate], and integrated charge processing can be performed for the amount of usage during CCA [Terminate] after the previous CCA [Update]. The CCR [Terminate] (Credit Control Request [Terminate]) message corresponds to a message for requesting integrated balance deduction for credit control (prepaid balance management) during the termination of the CCR message (prepaid balance management request message).

As shown in FIG. 9, the CCR [Terminate] message includes a Service-Context-ID indicating service context ID attribute value pair (AVP) information such as WLAN.08.450.7.32252@3gpp.org, and Terminate Request = 3. Subscription-Id Data AVP, which represents AVP information for subscriber ID such as Credit Control (Request-Type) AVP, subscriber number (MSISDN = 821030101815), etc. Such as IN-Service AVP and ICS (IMS Charging ID), which represent AVP information for a service type, such as Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC), which represents AVP information for a service, or IN-Service. IMS-Charging-Identifier indicating AVP information for the billing ID, Credit-Control-Failure-Handling (CCFH) indicating AVP information such as two times (RETRY_AND_TERMINATE: retry and end), and the like.

Here again, n Multiple-Services-Credit-Controls can be repeated, each of which has AVP information for the number of used data services, such as the first, second .. n-th data service, etc. Used-Service-Unit (USU) (nth), CC-Total-Octets indicating AVP information about the used packet size since the last CCR [Update], Service- indicating the service ID such as data service (XXX) Identifier AVP and the like.

Upon receiving the CCR [Terminate] message, the IM-SCP sends a message requesting the integrated balance deduction to the SCP, for example, Debit Request [Debit] (S431). As a result, SCP deducts a fee for the amount of packets used from the consolidated balance of the prepaid subscriber and updates the available packet size.

At this time, SCP receives the usage fee according to the packet size used in the TBTM terminal calculated by applying the preset charging rate of the WiBro network as the access network in IM-SCP, and deducts the usage fee from the integrated balance of the corresponding prepaid subscriber as it is. The balance may be updated, but if the prepaid subscriber's preset billing rate is applied, the prepaid subscriber's combined balance may be updated by reapplying the billing rate.

For example, SCP searches whether the prepaid subscriber is subscribed to a preset service plan or product that can apply a new billing rate (secondary billing rate) in conjunction with a subscriber information providing server (not shown) (S432). In the case of subscribing to the established service plan or product, by using the second charge rate applied to the charge received from IM-SCP, the actual charge is recalculated (S433), and the charge recalculated from the combined balance of the prepaid subscriber. Subtract the update of the integrated balance (S434).

Furthermore, the SCP may receive the location information of the TBTM terminal from the IM-SCP and apply a discount service according to the location information, wherein the received location information of the TBTM terminal is base station information of the WiBro network where the TBTM terminal requested the prepaid service. Can be. In other words, when the location-based discount service is applied to all prepaid subscribers, SCP may recalculate the actual usage fee by reapplying the charging rate of the corresponding location information among the charging rates differently set according to the location information. Of course, this may apply to all prepaid subscribers, but the billing rate may be reapplied only to certain prepaid subscribers, for example, prepaid subscribers of location-based discount services. In this case, when SCP receives location information from IM-SCP, it can be received at the time of receiving Reserve Request [Reserve], which is a message requesting integrated balance reservation, and Debit Request [ Debit] may be received at the time of receiving, and thus, the receiving time of the location information may be received at a specific time before deducting the integrated balance.

As such, SCP recalculates the actual usage fee according to the use of packet data by applying billing rates by various plan services or products through linkage with a server providing subscriber information and a server providing location information of a base station. This enables you to update the consolidated balance of prepaid subscribers.

Then, when the IM-SCP receives a response message about the result of the integrated balance deduction from the SCP, for example, Debit Request [Cost information] (S435), the IM-SCP receives information on the total amount of use of the managed data service and the total data usage. The use of the prepaid service of the TBTM terminal is terminated by transmitting a CCA [Terminate] message to the A-server on the basis of step S436. The CCA [Terminate] (Credit Control Answer [Terminate]) message corresponds to a message that responds to the integrated balance deduction for credit control (prepaid balance management) during the termination of the CCA message (prepaid balance management response message).

CCA [Terminate] does not include CCFH. The A-server may configure a predetermined CDR (billing information) based on a CCA [Terminate] message and transmit it to a billing server (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 10, a CCA [Terminate] message includes a Result-Code AVP indicating an AVP information such as a processing result (for example, CCA message level), a periodic charging (Terminate Request = 3), and the like. CC-Request-Type AVP indicating AVP information for a period, Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC) indicating AVP information for simultaneous multiple services, Cost-Information indicating AVP information for cost information, and the like.

Here, n may be repeated in the Multiple-Services-Credit-Control, and in each Multiple-Services-Credit-Control, a Service representing AVP information about a service ID such as the first and second .. n-th data service (XXX) is provided. -Identifier AVP, Result-Code AVP indicating the AVP information to be registered for the session processing result for the corresponding service in the MSCC. Cost-Information includes Unit-Value representing AVP information for the total amount used, Currency-Code representing AVP information for the currency type, such as KRW: 410, Cost-Unit representing AVP information for the total data usage, etc. .

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a billing processing method when a TBTM terminal of a prepaid subscriber accesses a WCDMA network, and when a TBTM terminal accesses a WCDMA network to use a data service of an L3 / L4 layer. It is processed through interworking between GGSN and IM-SCP for real-time prepaid data service. Flow Based Charging is performed on the traffic of the L3 / L4 layer.

When a TBTM terminal accesses a WCDMA network and uses a data service of an L3 / L4 layer, an initialization process is performed between GGSN, IM-SCP, and SCP, as shown in FIG. 11, for call processing of a prepaid data service at this time. S1110 to S1117, update processes S1120 to S1125, and termination processes S1130 to S1136 are performed.

In detail, first, when the Idle state TBTM terminal accesses the WCDMA network to start prepaid service, that is, request a real-time prepaid data service (S1110), the GGSN sends a CCR [Initial] message to the IM-SCP. The transmission request for real-time integration balance reduction (S1111).

As shown in FIG. 12, the CCR [Initial] message includes a Service-Context-ID indicating service context ID attribute value pair (AVP) information such as PS.08.450.7.32251@3gpp.org, and Initial Request = 1. Subscription-Id Data AVP, which represents AVP information for subscriber ID such as Credit Control (Request-Type) AVP, subscriber number (MSISDN = 821030101815), etc. Such as IN-Service AVP and ICS (IMS Charging ID), which represent AVP information for a service type, such as Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC), which represents AVP information for a service, or IN-Service. IMS-Charging-Identifier indicating the AVP information for the billing ID is included.

Here, n may be repeated in the Multiple-Services-Credit-Control, and in each Multiple-Services-Credit-Control, the AVP for the number of requested data services (RSU) such as the first, second .. n-th data service, etc. Requested-Service-Unit (RSU) (nth) representing information, Service-Identifier AVP representing AVP information for service ID such as data service XXX, and the like.

When the IM-SCP receives the CCR [Initial] message, it identifies the call processing originated from the WCDMA network by referring to the PS value of the Service-Context-ID as described above, and selects the charging rate of the WCDMA network among preset charging rates for each network. Can be applied to perform integrated billing processing.

Next, the IM-SCP transmits a message for searching the integrated balance of the corresponding prepaid subscriber, that is, the TBTM terminal subscriber, for example, Remains Request [Get], to the SCP (S1112). (For example, NAS (Network Access Server) Type = WCDMA) can be included and transmitted.

Furthermore, when transmitting a Remains Request [Get], the IM-SCP may further transmit not only the access network information but also location information where the TBTM terminal is located, that is, base station information of the access network. It is used to recalculate the actual usage fee based on the data usage of the prepaid service in the case of subscription based discount service.

SCP uses the prepaid subscriber information included in the Remains Request [Get] sent from IM-SCP to retrieve the prepaid subscriber's billing account stored in the database and checks the prepaid subscriber's available integrated balance information through the retrieved billing account. The packet size is calculated using the integrated balance information, and is included in a response message, for example, a Remains Response [Account], and transmitted to the IM-SCP (S1113).

Accordingly, the IM-SCP sends a message requesting a consolidated balance reservation for the requested service unit (RSU) via the CCR [Initial] message, for example, a Reserve Request [Reserve] to the SCP ( S1114), a result message for the reservation request indicating that the integrated balance reservation has been made from the SCP, for example, a Reserve Response is received (S1115).

Thereafter, the IM-SCP sends a message, for example, a CCA [Initial] message, to lower the Granted Service Unit (GSU) assigned to the integrated balance reservation to the GGSN for the requested Service Unit (RSU). Transmit to GGSN (S1116).

At this time, for a case where a service ID (eg, data service, etc.) indicating a service type is omitted in a CCR [Initial] message, IM-SCP uses a service ID for WCDMA defined in a CCA [Initial] message (eg, , Data service XXX) can be stored and transmitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, a CCA [Initial] message includes a result-code AVP indicating an AVP information such as a processing result (for example, CCA message level), a charging process such as periodic charging (Initial Request = 1), and the like. AVP information such as CC-Request-Type AVP indicating AVP information for a period, Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC) indicating AVP information for simultaneous multiple services, and two (RETRY_AND_TERMINATE: retry and end). Credit-control-failure-handling (CCFH).

In this case, n multiple-services-credit-controls may be repeated, and each multiple-services-credit-control has an AVP for the number of allocated data services (GSUs), such as the first, second .. n-th data service, and the like. Granted-Service-Unit (GSU) (nth) for information, CC-Total-Octets for AVP information for available packet size, Service-Identifier AVP for AVP information for service ID such as data service (XXX) , Validity-Time indicating the AVP information about the message repetition transmission period such as the interim cycle time (for example, the CCR [Update] message transmission period in GGSN), AVP information on the overall session processing result for the corresponding service in the MSCC. Result-Code AVP, etc., indicating

As such, when the GGSN receives the CCA [Initial] message from the IM-SCP and downloads the service unit (GSU) assigned to the MSCC according to the integrated balance reservation processing in SCP for the requested service unit (RSU), the corresponding TBTM The corresponding data service is allowed to the terminal as much as the usable packet size according to CC-Total-Octets (open), so that the RAN (Radio Access Network) in the WCDMA network can perform necessary routing (S1117). .

For example, an SCP may have its GSU allocated from IM-SCP as much as the remaining consolidated balance if the balance is insufficient due to the consolidated balance reservation processing, and IM-SCP will use the Final Unit Indication to indicate the CCA message level. ) Can be notified that it is the last GSU by setting the FUA (Final Unit Action) of ') to' Terminate '. If there is no consolidated balance remaining for the service, then the MSCC's GSU is not allocated.

Next, the service is used for the allocated GSU by the available packet size, and the Final Unit Action (FUA) of the Final Unit Indication (FUI) indicating that the GGSN indicates the CCA message level from the IM-SCP is 'terminated'. While not receiving the CCA message set to ', the update process takes place.

In the update process, the GGSN sends a CCR [Update] message to the IM-SCP to request an update of the data service (S1120).

As shown in FIG. 14, the CCR [Update] message includes billing processing such as Service-Context-ID indicating service context ID AVP information such as PS.08.450.7.32251@3gpp.org, periodic charging (Update Request = 2), and the like. CC-Request-Type AVP, which represents AVP information about the cycle of the process, is used together with a session ID to distinguish one session to provide a unique value for CC (credit-control) messages (INITIAL_REQUEST, EVENT_REQUEST 0, then CC-Request-Number AVP indicating AVP information to be incremented by 1 from UPDATE_REQUEST, Subscription-Id Data AVP indicating AVP information about subscriber ID such as subscriber number (MSISDN = 821030101815), and simultaneous multiple services. Billing ID, such as IN-Service AVP, ICID (IMS Charging ID), which represents AVP information for a service type, such as Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC), Intelligent Network Prepaid Service Type (IN-Service), etc. On AVP is a and the like IMS-Charging-Identifier indicating information.

In this case, n multiple-services-credit-controls may be repeated, and each multiple-services-credit-control has an AVP for the number of requested data services (RSUs) such as the first, second .. n-th data service, and the like. Requested-Service-Unit (RSU) (nth) for information, USP (Used Service Unit) CC-Total-Octets for AVP information for used packet size, and AVP information for service ID such as data service (XXX). Service-Identifier AVP and the like that are shown.

At this time, the IM-SCP may process normally even when the CCR [Update] is received before the CCA [Update]. That is, even if IM-SCP continuously receives CCR [Update] from the GGSN before sending the CCA [Update] to the GGSN, the normal processing is performed.

Thereafter, the IM-SCP requests and responds to the integrated balance inquiry and the integrated balance reservation for the prepaid service of the corresponding TBTM terminal subscriber similarly to steps S1112 to S1115 (S1121 to S1124).

For example, when IM-SCP sends a message for an integrated balance inquiry to SCP, for example, a Remains Request [Get], network information sent from the WCDMA network (for example, NAS (Network Access Server) Type = And WCDMA) (S1121).

Accordingly, SCP uses the prepaid subscriber information included in the Remains Request [Get] sent from IM-SCP to search the billing account for managing the consolidated balance of the prepaid subscriber stored in the database, and prepaid through the retrieved billing account. The subscriber can check the available integrated balance information, calculate the available packet size through the integrated balance information, and send it to the IM-SCP by including it in a response message, for example, a Remains Response [Account] (S1122). The Remains Response [Account] includes a product code (billing rate code) for the WCDMA rate product (the rate product for the corresponding TBTM terminal when connected from the WCDMA network).

The IM-SCP transmits a message for requesting an integrated balance reservation for a requested service unit (RSU) through a CCR [Update] message, for example, a Reserve Request [Reserve] to the SCP (S1123). A result message for the reservation request indicating that the integrated balance reservation is made from the SCP, for example, a Reserve Response is received (S1124).

At this time, when requesting the integrated balance reservation for the requested service unit (RSU) requested in the CCR [Update] message in step S1123, the USU coming up through the CCR [Update] than the GSU lowered through the CCA message to the interworking GGSN. IM-SCP sends a Reserve Request [Reserve] to allow the service even if the (Used Service Unit) exceeds the combined balance (remaining packet size). At this time, if the integrated balance is exhausted while the service is in progress, and the available packet size is no longer available, IM-SCP does not send a Reserve Request [Reserve], and the FUA indicating the CCA message level from the GGSN is set to Terminate. It waits for a CCR message (CCR [Terminate]), receives a CCR [Terminate] on the last used balance, and sends a message for billing, for example, a Debit Request [Debit] to the SCP. In addition to this case, the incomplete call when the IM-SCP does not receive a CCR [Terminate] due to a failure or the like shall be charged for.

Thereafter, the IM-SCP sends a message, for example, a CCA [Update] message, to lower the Granted Service Unit (GSU) assigned to the integrated balance reservation to the GGSN for the requested Service Unit (RSU). Transmit to GGSN (S1125). At this time, for a case where a service ID (eg, data service, etc.) indicating a service type is omitted in a CCA [Update] message, IM-SCP provides a service ID for WCDMA (eg, a WCDMA defined in a CCA [Update] message). , Data service XXX) can be stored and transmitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the CCA [Update] message includes a result-code AVP indicating AVP information such as a processing result (for example, CCA message level), a charging process such as periodic charging (Update Request = 2), and the like. CC-Request-Type AVP indicating AVP information for period, CC- Request-Number AVP indicating AVP information for periodic billing serial number, Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC) indicating AVP information for simultaneous multiple service And Credit-Control-Failure-Handling (CCFH) indicating AVP information, such as two times (RETRY_AND_TERMINATE: retry and end).

In this case, n multiple-services-credit-controls may be repeated, and each multiple-services-credit-control has an AVP for the number of allocated data services (GSUs), such as the first, second .. n-th data service, and the like. Granted-Service-Unit (GSU) (nth) for information, CC-Total-Octets for AVP information for available packet size, Service-Identifier AVP for AVP information for service ID such as data service (XXX) , Validity-Time indicating the AVP information about the message repetition transmission period such as the interim cycle time (for example, the CCR [Update] message transmission period in GGSN), AVP information on the overall session processing result for the corresponding service in the MSCC. Result-Code AVP, etc., indicating

As such, when the GGSN receives the CCA [Update] message from the IM-SCP and re-downloads the service unit (GSU) assigned to the MSCC according to the integrated balance reservation processing in the SCP for the requested service unit (RSU), For the TBTM terminal, the corresponding data service is opened again as much as the usable packet size according to CC-Total-Octets so that the RAN can perform necessary routing.

Next, while the GGSN does not receive a CCA message in which the FUA (Final Unit Action) indicating the CCA message level from the IM-SCP is set to 'terminate', the update processes S1120 to S1125 are repeated. When the service is used as much as the available packet size for the assigned GSU, and the GGSN receives a CCA message in which FUA (Final Unit Action) indicating the CCA message level is set to 'terminate' from IM-SCP, Finally, termination processes S1130 to S1136 are performed. Even when a request for termination of service is received from the TBTM terminal of the prepaid subscriber, termination processes S1130 to S1136 are performed.

In the termination process, the GGSN transmits a CCR [Terminate] message to the IM-SCP to request termination of the data service (S1130). In case of using multiple data services in one session, multiple MSCCs can be used for CCR [Terminate], and integrated charge processing can be performed for the amount of usage during CCA [Terminate] after the previous CCA [Update].

As shown in FIG. 16, the CCR [Terminate] message includes a charge processing such as a Service-Context-ID indicating a service context ID AVP information such as PS.08.450.7.32251@3gpp.org, a periodic charge (Terminate Request = 3), and the like. Subscription-Id Data AVP which represents AVP information for subscriber ID such as Credit Control (Request-Type) AVP, which represents the AVP information of the cycle of the process, subscriber number (MSISDN = 821030101815), AVP information for simultaneous multiple services AVP for billing IDs, such as IN-Service AVP and IMS Charging ID (ICID), which represent AVP information for service types such as Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC), Intelligent Network Prepaid Service Type (IN-Service), etc. IMS-Charging-Identifier representing information, Credit-Control-Failure-Handling (CCFH) representing AVP information such as two times (RETRY_AND_TERMINATE: retry and end), and the like.

Here again, n Multiple-Services-Credit-Controls can be repeated, each of which has AVP information for the number of used data services, such as the first, second .. n-th data service, etc. Used-Service-Unit (USU) (nth), CC-Total-Octets indicating AVP information about the used packet size since the last CCR [Update], Service- indicating the service ID such as data service (XXX) Identifier AVP and the like.

Upon receiving the CCR [Terminate] message, the IM-SCP sends a message requesting the integrated balance deduction to the SCP, for example, Debit Request [Debit] (S1131). As a result, SCP deducts a fee for the amount of packets used from the consolidated balance of the prepaid subscriber and updates the available packet size.

At this time, SCP receives the usage fee according to the packet size used by the TBTM terminal calculated by applying the preset charging rate of the WCDMA network in IM-SCP, and deducts the integration fee from the integrated balance of the corresponding prepaid subscriber. If the predetermined separate billing rate of the prepaid subscriber is applied, the integrated balance may be updated by reapplying the billing rate and recalculating the usage fee (S1132 to S1134).

That is, SCP determines whether the prepaid subscriber is a prepaid subscriber to which a separate second billing rate is applied (S1132), and if the prepaid subscriber is to be applied to a second billing rate, the second billing rate is applied to recalculate the usage fee. (S1133), the recalculated usage fee is subtracted from the combined balance of the prepaid subscriber, and the integrated balance is updated (S1134).

In the case of applying the prepaid subscriber's separate billing rate, the subscriber of the TBTM terminal is subscribed to a service plan or product that can apply the separate billing rate, and is applied according to the subscribed service plan or product. The charging rates may differ. For example, if the prepaid subscriber is subscribed to a location-based discount service that allows discounts based on the location of the TBTM terminal, SCP will charge the usage fee for the data service calculated from the IM-SCP as the billing rate for the WCDMA network. Receives the originating location that the TBTM terminal requested the prepaid service from the IM-SCP, that is, the base station information is received to determine the location of the TBTM terminal based on the base station information, thereby checking the corresponding charging rate among the differently applied charging rates according to the location. By applying this, a user fee can be discounted.

Of course, the location information of the prepaid subscriber to receive the location-based discount service can be received at various points, such as the point of time to update the consolidated balance, the time of receiving the initial prepaid subscriber information, the point of receiving such location information provides the present invention Can be determined by the operator.

As such, SCP applies billing rates for various rate plans or products through interworking with a server providing subscriber information and a server providing location information of a base station in order to update by subtracting the integrated balance of the prepaid subscriber. It is possible to update the consolidated balance of the prepaid subscriber by recalculating down the actual usage fee according to the packet data usage and subtracting the down rate from the consolidated balance.

When the IM-SCP receives a response message for the result of the integrated balance deduction from the SCP, for example, Debit Request [Cost information] (S1135), the IM-SCP receives information on the total amount of use of the managed data service and the total data usage. The use of the prepaid service of the TBTM terminal is terminated by transmitting a CCA [Terminate] message to the GGSN (S1136).

Here, CCFH is not included in CCA [Terminate]. The GGSN may configure a predetermined CDR based on a CCA [Terminate] message and transmit it to a charging server (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 17, the CCA [Terminate] message includes a result-code AVP indicating an AVP information such as a processing result (for example, CCA message level), a charge processing process such as periodic charging (Terminate Request = 3), and the like. CC-Request-Type AVP indicating AVP information for a period, Multiple-Services-Credit-Control (MSCC) indicating AVP information for simultaneous multiple services, Cost-Information indicating AVP information for cost information, and the like.

Here, n may be repeated in the Multiple-Services-Credit-Control, and in each Multiple-Services-Credit-Control, a Service representing AVP information about a service ID such as the first and second .. n-th data service (XXX) is provided. -Identifier AVP, Result-Code AVP indicating the AVP information to be registered for the session processing result for the corresponding service in the MSCC. Cost-Information includes Unit-Value representing AVP information for the total amount used, Currency-Code representing AVP information for the currency type, such as KRW: 410, Cost-Unit representing AVP information for the total data usage, etc. .

In addition, the integrated billing process of the prepaid subscriber through the WIFI network can be carried out between SCP, IM-SCP and ASN-GW, the prepaid service requested through the WIFI network through the operation process as shown in Figs. Initiate a prepaid service, that is, by using a prepaid service, that is, a fee generated by using a prepaid data service, the balance of the prepaid subscriber may be updated to update the integrated balance.

In this case, at the time of updating the integrated balance, the use amount may be discounted by applying a separate billing rate through the determination process on the preset service and the product of the prepaid subscriber as described above.

In the integrated billing process of the prepaid subscriber through the WIFI network, messages transmitted and received between SCP, IM-SCP, and ASN-GW are operated in the WiBro network shown in FIG. 4 and in the WCDMA network shown in FIG. The same message as described in the above, and only the internal parameter of each message and the content inserted into the parameter may be the same or different.

Such a billing processing method of the prepaid subscriber of the present invention has been described as limited to the consolidated balance in Figures 4 and 11, but the amount of use, use for a certain period of time depending on the integrated balance for each prepaid subscriber, as well as services subscribed to the prepaid subscriber By applying time, etc., the requested prepaid service from the TBTM terminal may be provided or blocked.

For example, if the prepaid service usage amount that can be used in a TBTM terminal for a month is limited to A amount, SCP checks the integrated balance of the prepaid subscriber stored in the database, the limited amount, and the amount used during the period, Based on the information, it may be determined whether the requested prepaid service is started. That is, when the amount of the prepaid service exceeds the limited amount, the TBTM terminal transmits that the requested prepaid service cannot be provided, and otherwise controls to receive the prepaid service.

As such, the present invention additionally limits the use amount of the prepaid service used by the TBTM terminal to a certain amount, thereby additionally creating an upper limit on the use amount service plan or a product, thereby preventing the excessive use of the prepaid data service in advance. There is an advantage to this.

As another example, if the prepaid service usage time available for one month in the TBTM terminal is limited to 10 hours, the SCP checks the upper limit time and available time of the prepaid subscriber stored in the database, and is requested based on the information. It is possible to determine whether to start a prepaid service. That is, if the usage time of the prepaid service exceeds the time limit, the TBTM terminal transmits that it cannot provide the requested prepaid service, and otherwise controls to receive the prepaid service.

As described above, the present invention additionally limits the usage time of the prepaid service used in the TBTM terminal to a predetermined time, thereby additionally creating an upper limit service rate plan or a product.

By providing these additional service plans or products in addition, you can prevent overuse of data services by prepaid subscribers who receive prepaid data services, as well as for a certain period of time regardless of the amount of prepaid data services. You can use it freely.

The billing processing method and system of a prepaid subscriber subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks according to the present invention can be modified and applied in various forms within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention and are not limited to the above embodiments. In addition, the embodiments and drawings are merely for the purpose of describing the contents of the invention in detail, not intended to limit the scope of the technical idea of the invention, the present invention described above is common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs As those skilled in the art can have various substitutions, modifications, and changes without departing from the spirit of the present invention, it is not limited to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. And should be judged to include equality.

1 illustrates a billing processing system of a prepaid subscriber subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 illustrates field information of a prepaid subscriber stored in a database.

3 shows an embodiment configuration for the SCP shown in FIG.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a billing processing method when a TBTM terminal of a prepaid subscriber accesses a WiBro network.

FIG. 5 shows an information scheme included in a CCR [Initial] message transmitted from the A-server to the IM-SCP in the initialization process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCA [Initial] message received by the A-server from the IM-SCP during the initialization process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCR [Update] message transmitted from the A-server to the IM-SCP during the update process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCA [Update] message received by the A-server from the IM-SCP during the update process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCR [Terminate] message transmitted from the A-server to the IM-SCP in the termination process of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCA [Terminate] message received by the A-server from the IM-SCP during the termination of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a billing processing method when a TBTM terminal of a prepaid subscriber accesses a WCDMA network.

FIG. 12 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCR [Initial] message transmitted by the GGSN to IM-SCP during the initialization process of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCA [Initial] message received by the GGSN from IM-SCP during the initialization process of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCR [Update] message transmitted by the GGSN to IM-SCP during the update process of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCA [Update] message received by the GGSN from IM-SCP during the update process of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 shows an information scheme included in a CCR [Terminate] message transmitted by the GGSN to IM-SCP in the termination process of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 illustrates an information scheme included in a CCA [Terminate] message received by the GGSN from IM-SCP during the termination of FIG. 11.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

122: IM-SCP

123: SCP

124: database

310: receiving unit

320: confirmation unit

330: comparison unit

340: control unit

350: judgment

360: calculation unit

370: update unit

Claims (21)

In the billing processing method of a prepaid subscriber subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks, Control whether or not to start a prepaid service requested by a terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks owned by the prepaid subscriber by using the integrated balance of the prepaid subscribers commonly used in the heterogeneous networks, and use the prepaid service. The prepaid subscriber's billing processing method of updating the consolidated balance by subtracting the charges incurred by the combined balance. The method of claim 1, Confirming prepaid subscriber information of a terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks; Confirming a consolidated balance of the prepaid subscriber through the prepaid subscriber information; Calculating a fee incurred in using the prepaid service when the requested prepaid service is started; And Updating the consolidated balance by subtracting the fee calculated from the consolidated balance Billing processing method of a prepaid subscriber comprising a. 3. The method of claim 2, Receiving information on an access network requesting to start the prepaid service; More, The calculating step The billing processing method of the prepaid subscriber to calculate the charges incurred in using the prepaid service through the access network. The method of claim 3, The calculating step The billing processing method of the prepaid subscriber to calculate the fee by applying the billing rate for the access network of the billing rates differently set according to the plurality of heterogeneous networks. The method according to claim 2 or 3, Comparing a service use time for the prepaid service and a preset reference time for a preset period; More, If the service use time is more than the reference time the billing processing method of the prepaid subscriber to block the start of the requested prepaid service. The method according to claim 2 or 3, Comparing a service usage amount for the prepaid service and a predetermined reference amount for a predetermined period More, If the use amount is more than the reference amount the billing processing method of the prepaid subscriber to block the start of the requested prepaid service. The method according to claim 2 or 3, Receiving location information of the prepaid subscriber who requested the start of the prepaid service; More, The calculating step The billing processing method of the prepaid subscriber to calculate the rate by applying the billing rate for the location information of the prepaid subscriber of the billing rates differently set according to the location information. The method according to claim 2 or 3, Determining whether to subscribe to a predetermined service plan or product for the prepaid subscriber; More, The calculating step If the prepaid subscriber is subscribed to the service plan or product, the billing processing method of the prepaid subscriber to calculate the rate by applying a predetermined service charge rate for the prepaid subscriber. The method according to claim 2 or 3, The plurality of heterogeneous networks Method for processing billing of prepaid subscribers, which are all networks capable of prepaid data service including WIFI network, WiBro network, WCDMA network, CDMA network and PSTN network. The method according to claim 2 or 3, Checking the consolidated balance The prepaid subscriber's billing processing method for retrieving the billing account of the prepaid subscriber for managing a consolidated balance by using the prepaid subscriber information, and confirms the consolidated balance of the prepaid subscriber through the billing account. The method of claim 10, The billing account is The prepaid subscriber's billing processing method generated by the unique information of the prepaid subscriber and associated with each account of the heterogeneous networks. The method of claim 1, The prepaid subscriber's billing processing method for calculating the charge by applying a first billing rate set differently according to the plurality of heterogeneous networks and a second billing rate set in accordance with the pre-set subscriber's preset service plan or product subscription. In the billing processing system of a prepaid subscriber subscribed to a plurality of heterogeneous networks, Confirm an integrated balance for the prepaid subscribers of the terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks requesting the start of the prepaid service, control whether or not to start the prepaid service using the identified integrated balance, and to use the prepaid service. Prepaid billing server that updates the resulting charges by subtracting the prepaid subscriber's consolidated balance Billing processing system of prepaid subscribers including a. The method of claim 13, The prepaid billing processing server A confirmation unit for confirming prepaid subscriber information of the terminal supporting the plurality of heterogeneous networks and confirming the integrated balance through the prepaid subscriber information; A calculator configured to calculate a fee generated according to the use of the prepaid service when the requested prepaid service is started; And An update unit for updating the consolidated balance by subtracting the fee calculated from the consolidated balance Billing processing system of prepaid subscribers including a. The method of claim 14, Receiving unit for receiving information about the access network requesting the start of the prepaid service More, The calculation unit A billing processing system for prepaid subscribers that calculates a fee by applying a billing rate for the access network among billing rates differently set according to the plurality of heterogeneous networks. The method according to claim 14 or 15, A comparison unit comparing a service use time for the prepaid service with a preset reference time for a preset period or comparing a service use amount for the prepaid service with a preset reference amount; And A control unit for blocking the start of the requested prepaid service if the service use time is greater than or equal to the reference time or the service use amount is greater than or equal to the reference amount as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit; Billing processing system of the prepaid subscriber further comprising. The method of claim 15, The receiving unit Receiving location information of the prepaid subscriber who requested the start of the prepaid service, The calculation unit And a billing processing system of a prepaid subscriber that calculates a fee by applying a corresponding billing rate among billing rates differently set according to the billing rate for the access network and the location information. The method according to claim 14 or 15, Determination unit for determining whether the prepaid subscriber is a subscription service plan or product More, The calculation unit The prepaid subscriber's billing processing system calculates a fee by applying a predetermined service billing rate for the prepaid subscriber when the prepaid subscriber is subscribed to the service plan or goods as a result of the determination by the determination unit. The method of claim 13, Database for storing the integrated balance for each prepaid subscriber that can be commonly used in the heterogeneous networks Billing processing system of the prepaid subscriber further comprising. The method of claim 19, The database is Storing the previously created billing account for each prepaid subscriber for managing the consolidated balance; The prepaid billing processing server The prepaid subscriber's billing processing system for searching the billing account for the prepaid subscriber who requested the start of the prepaid service to retrieve the combined balance of the prepaid subscriber through the searched billing account. The method of claim 13 or 19, Prepaid service management to provide the prepaid billing processing server with the charges generated in accordance with the use of the prepaid service by applying the billing rate for the access network requesting the start of the prepaid service among the predetermined billing rates according to the plurality of heterogeneous networks; server Billing processing system of the prepaid subscriber further comprising.

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