KR20040078443A - System and Method for Billing about Multi Channels Communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method for charging multiple channels and a system therefor is provided to present a new concept of a charging method to a communication system developing to a third generation. CONSTITUTION: A multiple channel charging system(200) provides independent and/or integrated charging services for each communication channel included in multiple channels. A channel separation charging data extracting unit(205) of the multiple channel charging system(200) collects charging data for each independent communication channel included in the multiple channels used by wireless terminals(100) while a plurality of communication channels are connected to the wireless terminals(100). A multiple channel charging server(225) generates independent charging data by applying a charging policy for each independent communication channel. The multiple channel charging system(200) integrates the independent charging data for each independent communication channel to extract integrated charging information for the wireless terminals(100).

Description

System and Method for Billing about Multi Channels Communication

The present invention relates to a multi-channel charging system and a multi-channel charging method for a wireless terminal equipped with multiple communication channel transmission / reception functions through superposition on a spectrum, and provides a multiple communication channel through superposition and / or separation on a spectrum. In the mobile communication system that provides multiple communication channels through overlapping and / or separation on the same spectrum, the wireless terminal provides multiple independent and / or integrated charging services for each communication channel included in the multiple communication channels. The charging data for each independent communication channel included in the multi-communication channel used by the wireless terminal in the process of connecting the channel charging system and at least one communication channel to the wireless terminal equipped with the multi-channel transmission and reception function. For each independent communication channel The present invention provides a method of generating independent billing information by applying a billing policy, and extracting billing information for the wireless terminal by integrating independent billing information for each independent communication channel to which the billing policy is applied.

The first commercial cellular service was launched in 1981 as the Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) system. In 1983, the United States commercialized the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), followed by other service systems in several countries. All these systems are called first generation (1G) systems, and are called analog systems because the audio signal is modulated in an analog manner.

The first generation billing method used a method of generating and charging uniform billing information on a voice call time through an exchange station for a voice call. The first generation charging method as described above was effective when providing a voice call service without providing a special additional service.

After such a first generation, a second generation (2G) system in which all signals have been digitally converted has emerged. Second-generation systems also natively support low-speed data services, which process voice channels and data channels serially, primarily for voice services. Representative second-generation systems include the Global System of Mobile (GSM) in Europe, the Code Division Multiple Access-1 (CDMA-1) in the US, and IS-136.

Like the first generation, the charging method of the second generation was performed in a mobile service switch (MSC), and the charge for additional services was also performed through the mobile switching center.

Next to the second generation system, a system supporting packet switched radio connection was introduced, and this system is called a 2.5 generation (2.5G) system.

Recently, a third generation (3G) system aiming for multimedia communication has been designed. Representative third generation systems include a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system embodied in a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) and a second generation. CDMA-2000 system evolved from CDMA-1 system, and EDGE system evolved from TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) and GSM system. In addition, with the advent of 3G mobile communication systems, systems such as Bluetooth and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) in a wireless access concept are being standardized.

In the 3rd generation mobile communication system, a data rate of up to about 2 Mbps is aimed at, and a so-called 3.5th generation (3.5G) system that is designed to increase the data rate in the forward link than the existing 3rd generation has been recently studied.

In the billing method, the wireless Internet service introduced since 2.5 generation has introduced the concept of data communication in the billing method, thereby generating billing information on the communication channel usage and / or billing information on the content provision. In addition, a method of charging based on the charging information generated as described above has been introduced, and although there is a policy change in the charging service even in the third generation of the charging method, there is no change in the charging method.

Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention to solve the above problems is for a mobile terminal providing multiple communication channels through overlap and / or separation on a spectrum, a mobile communication providing multiple communication channels through overlap and / or separation on the spectrum. In the system, a multi-channel charging system for providing independent and / or integrated charging service for each communication channel included in the multi-communication channel, and at least one communication channel for the wireless terminal equipped with the multi-channel transmission and reception function In the process of connection, collect charging data for each independent communication channel included in the multiple communication channels used by the corresponding wireless terminal, generate independent charging information by applying the charging policy for each independent communication channel, Independent and separate channels for each independent communication channel to which the charging policy is applied. To provide a multi-channel billing system and a multi-channel billing method for a wireless terminal equipped with a multi-communication channel transmission / reception function through superposition on the spectrum for integrating information to extract and charge the integrated billing information for the wireless terminal. have.

1 is a simple diagram of an internal configuration diagram of a wireless terminal to which the present invention is applied.

2 is a simple diagram of a multi-channel charging system mounted on a mobile communication network providing multiple communication channels.

3 is a simple flowchart of a process of charging a multi-communication channel used by a wireless terminal through a multi-channel charging system mounted on a mobile communication network providing a multi-communication channel.

<Description of main parts of drawing>

200: multi-channel charging system 205: channel division charging data extraction unit

210: billing policy D / B 215: multi-channel switch

220: interworking network gateway 225: multi-channel billing server

230: billing information D / B 235: mobile communication switching center

240: control station 245: packet network

250: wireless communication network 255: circuit network

The present invention relates to a multi-channel charging system and a multi-channel charging method for a wireless terminal equipped with multiple communication channel transmission / reception functions through superposition on a spectrum, and provides a multiple communication channel through superposition and / or separation on a spectrum. In the mobile communication system for providing a multi-communication channel through the overlap and / or separation on the same spectrum for the wireless terminal, the multi-providing independent and / or integrated charging service for each communication channel included in the multiple communication channel The charging data for each independent communication channel included in the multi-communication channel used by the wireless terminal in the process of connecting the channel charging system and at least one communication channel to the wireless terminal equipped with the multi-channel transmission and reception function. Collecting, each independent communication channel Generating independent charging information by applying a charging policy; and extracting and charging integrated charging information for the wireless terminal by integrating independent charging information for each independent communication channel to which the charging policy is applied. .

In the present invention, a multiple communication channel applied to a wireless terminal and / or a mobile communication network may include at least one or more external packet networks, external circuit networks, and external wireless communication networks, as well as at least one or more wireless terminals on the mobile communication network through the mobile communication network. A communication channel connected for multiple communication, wherein at least one voice channel and / or at least one data channel are overlapped and included in the communication channel.

In the present invention, the wireless terminal includes the functions and features of all kinds of commercially available wireless terminals using a mobile communication network, and additionally, the wireless processing unit of the wireless terminal receives N data streams serially input using subcarriers using orthogonality. Each carrier and / or each in a communication channel which is converted into a parallel data sequence and transmitted to a mobile communication network through a wireless communication method of transmitting through separate spectrum and / or subcarriers through spectrum overlap. Alternatively, the subcarrier may be separated to provide a function of extracting each independent communication channel.

That is, in the present invention, the wireless communication method generated in the wireless section between the wireless terminal and the mobile communication network is one of the conventional mobile communication methods such as CDMA and / or GSM using frequency division multiplexing (FDM). At least one or more carriers and / or subcarriers that provide orthogonality are superimposed on a wireless communication channel so as to be separated in parallel to each other, and an exemplary wireless communication method that satisfies the above condition is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). There is a way.

In the present invention, the multi-channel switch is an open switching for relaying at least one or more multi-communication channels through separation and / or random overlap for the multi-communication channels provided through the superposition on the spectrum from the wireless terminal on the mobile communication network to which the wireless terminal is connected. A generic term for a system, which is implemented in software and additionally contained within a base station, control station, mobile communication switching center, or packet data service node (PDSN, not shown in the figure) on at least one existing mobile communication network. Or as independent devices and / or gateways for relaying multiple communication channels in conjunction with at least one base station, control station, mobile communication switching center, PDSN, or the like on a mobile communication network.

In the present invention, the multi-channel charging system extracts independent channel division charging data by dividing at least one or more communication channels included in the multi-communication channel used by the wireless terminal through spectrum overlap in conjunction with a multi-channel switch on the mobile communication network. And generating channel division charging information by applying at least one charging policy to the extracted channel division charging data, and generating multi channel charging information by independently and / or integrating the channel division charging information. [Formulas such as <channel split billing data + billing policy = channel split billing information>, and <accumulation of channel split billing information = multi-channel billing information> are established.]

In the present invention, the charging channel is a communication channel in which at least one channel-division charging data is generated for the wireless terminal among multiple communication channels used by a wireless terminal connecting the multiple communication channels. At least one voice channel call is made to another wireless terminal on the communication network, at least one or more external packet networks, external circuit networks, and / or external wireless communication networks, or at least one data channel connection is attempted. In this case, it refers to a corresponding communication channel included in the multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal. [I.e. charging data is generated when the wireless terminal makes a call, not when receiving]

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings and description will be described in detail the operating principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the drawings and the following description shown below are for the preferred method among various methods for effectively explaining the features of the present invention, the present invention is not limited only to the drawings and description below. In addition, in the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Terms to be described later are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to intentions or customs of users or operators. Therefore, the definition should be based on the contents throughout the present title.

1 is a simple diagram of an internal configuration diagram of a wireless terminal 100 to which the present invention is applied.

Referring to FIG. 1, the wireless terminal 100 includes a control unit 105, a key input unit 110, a screen output unit 115, a wireless processing unit 120, and a voice processing unit 125 to transmit and receive signals to and from a mobile communication network. And a memory 130 and a battery 135.

The controller 105 is a generic term for an operating system, a terminal control management program, and an agent of the wireless terminal 100 that are booted and / or booted and / or loaded after the wireless terminal 100. It controls and manages the overall operation of). In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 105 plays a role in controlling and managing a series of operations such as superposition and separation of multiple communication channels transmitted and received through the wireless processing unit 120.

The memory unit 130 is a generic term for a space and / or a storage area in which a predetermined program code for controlling the overall operation of the wireless terminal 100 and data input / output when an operation by the program code is performed are stored. As an EEPROM, it is mounted on the wireless terminal 100 in the form of a flash memory (FM) or the like. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the memory unit 130 is responsible for storing a series of programs for providing multiple communication channels and / or data generated and / or received in the course of multiple communication channels.

The wireless processing unit 120 includes a function of an existing wireless processing unit that processes a radio frequency (RF) signal of a wireless communication section transmitted and received between the wireless terminal 100 and a base station on a mobile communication network through wireless communication. In addition, at least one independent communication channel may be processed in parallel to transmit and receive by overlapping and separating spectrum.

According to the present invention, the wireless processing unit 120 converts a serially input data string into N parallel data strings by using subcarriers using orthogonality and transmits them on separate subcarriers, and the subcarriers as described above can maintain orthogonality. Since the superposition on the spectrum is allowed, the transmitting wireless terminal 100 can transmit the voice channel and the data channel overlapping, and the receiving wireless terminal 100 separates the subcarriers through a simple signal processing technique. I can do it.

The voice processor 125 encodes a voice signal input from the microphone through the controller 105 and transmits the encoded voice signal to the wireless processor 120, and decodes a signal received through the wireless processor 120 to decode the speaker. It includes the function of the existing voice processing unit 120 to output as a voice signal as it is, and additionally encodes a voice signal input from the microphone into a voice channel capable of overlapping the spectrum to be transmitted to the wireless processing unit 120, or the wireless processing unit ( And a function of decoding a voice channel received and separated from the voice signal 120 and outputting the voice channel to the speaker as a voice signal.

The key input unit 110 includes a plurality of number keys, a character key for inputting a character, a function key, and the like, and the user presses a predetermined key. It generates a key data (Key Data) to be transmitted to the control unit 105. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the key input unit 110 generates a voice during data communication to superimpose the voice channel on the data channel and / or the key data for generating transmission data during the voice call in order to overlap the data channel on the voice channel. Key data for generating a channel call, etc. are generated and transmitted to the controller 105.

The screen output unit 115 receives the key data generated by the key input unit 110 and various information signals of the controller 105 and outputs them to the screen. Particularly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the screen output unit 115 is information related to a data channel such as a message superimposed on the voice channel during transmission and reception by the control unit 105, and a voice such as a voice channel call overlapping the data channel and connecting a voice call during data communication. Channel-related information is output on the screen.

2 is a simple diagram of a multi-channel charging system 200 mounted on a mobile communication network providing a multi-communication channel.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the channel segmentation charging data extractor 205 and the charging policy D / B extracting the charging data from at least one charging channel included in the multiple communication channel used by the wireless terminal 100. 210 and the like may be implemented by software implementation of at least one or more devices and / or servers on the path that at least one or more charging channels are generated and transmitted among multiple communication channels, or may be generated and At least one device and / or server existing on the transmission path and the like can be mounted as a channel division charging data extraction device and / or server linked through a network.

That is, the channel division billing data extracting unit 205 and the billing policy D / B 210 may be a base station, a control station 240, a mobile communication system in a mobile communication system, including a wireless terminal 100 that provides a multi-communication channel. Existing mobile communication devices such as an exchange station 235, as well as a multi-channel switch 215 for providing a multi-communication channel on a mobile communication network, and a mobile communication network for providing the multi-communication channel to an external packet network 245, an external circuit network 255 And / or at least one interworking network gateway 220 interworking with an external wireless communication network 250 or the like, or a content providing server providing paid content to a wireless terminal 100 on a mobile communication network providing the multiple communication channels. Or implemented in software and mounted on at least one or more of a device such as a server and / or the like, or the wireless terminal 100, a mobile communication device, multiple Channel switch 215, may be mounted as a network interworking network, and / or the channel split charging data extraction device and / or a server connected through a network such as the content providing server.

However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention including FIG. 2, the channel division charging data extractor 205 and the charging policy D / B 210 provide multiple communication channels in order to effectively explain the features of the present invention. It is considered to be associated with at least one or more multi-channel switch 215 mounted on the mobile communication network.

In addition, according to an implementation method scalable from the present invention, the channel segmentation charging information generated from the channel segmentation charging data extractor 205 and the billing policy D / B 210 may be used to establish a network on a path on which a billing channel is generated and transmitted and received. Through the multi-channel billing server 225 is characterized in that. That is, even if the location where the channel segmentation charging information is generated is generated in at least one or more devices and / or servers existing on the path where the charging channel is generated and transmitted and received, the channel segmentation charging information is transmitted through the network. The multi-channel billing server 225 accumulates the channel segmentation billing information delivered as described above and stores the channel segmentation billing information in the billing information D / B 230.

However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention including FIG. 2, the channel division charging data extractor 205 and the charging policy D / B 210 provide multiple communication channels in order to effectively explain the features of the present invention. It is considered to be associated with at least one or more multi-channel switch 215 mounted on the mobile communication network, and the channel segmentation charging generated through the channel segmentation charging data extracting unit 205 and the charging policy D / B 210, etc. Information is accumulated and delivered to the multi-channel billing server 225 through at least one network provided to the mobile communication network.

Hereinafter, a preferred multi-channel charging system 200 mounted on a mobile communication network will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mobile communication system equipped with a multi-channel charging system 200 includes at least one wireless terminal 100 that provides a multi-communication channel through the wireless terminal 100 feature of FIG. At least one base station for performing multi-channel wireless communication through a wireless communication section providing a multi-communication channel with the wireless terminal 100, connected to the base station and controlling a wireless link and a wired link, and the wireless terminal 100 At least one control station 240 that maintains the persistence of the multi-communication channel during the movement, is connected to the control station 240 and configures a multi-communication channel path of the wireless terminal 100 and performs a multi-channel switch multiple access The mobile communication switching center 235 and the mobile communication switching center 235 to connect a call to the wireless terminal 100 on the mobile communication network. Terminal information and subscriber information including all permanent information of the wireless terminal 100 (e.g., a mobile identification number (MIN), an electronic serial number (ESN), etc.) necessary for providing a mobile communication service or providing other mobile communication services, and / Or a Home Location Register (HLR) storing additional service information, a Visitor Location Register (VLR) storing information on the visitor wireless terminal 100, and the mobile communication switching center 235. Control and manage multiple communication channels in conjunction with an internal mobile communication network and / or at least one or more external packet networks 245 and an external circuit network through the at least one interworking network gateway 220 including the mobile communication switching center 235. 255, and / or a multi-channel switch 215, the multi-channel switch 215 and / or to connect a multi-communication channel with an external wireless communication network 250 and the like At least one interworking network gateway interworking with a mobile communication exchanger and interworking the wireless terminal 100 on the mobile communication network with at least one external packet network 245, an external circuit network 255, and / or an external wireless communication network 250. 220).

The wireless terminal 100 provides multiple communication channels through the terminal characteristics as shown in FIG. 1, and includes at least one or more wireless terminals 100 and / or at least one or more external packet networks 245, external circuit networks 255, and the like on the mobile communication network. And / or features that may have at least one or more session rights, billing rights, and the like, such as a terminal, device, and / or server on the referral wireless communication network 250.

A mobile communication device including a base station, a control station 240, and / or a mobile communication switching center 235 includes the functions and features on an existing mobile communication network as it is, and on the path of the multiple communication channels of the wireless terminal 100. It provides a multi-communication channel for the wireless terminal 100. For example, a base station to which a wireless communication channel is connected to a wireless terminal 100 through a wireless section supports a wireless communication method including multiple communication channels provided by the wireless terminal 100, and the base station and a mobile communication switching center ( The control station 240 connecting 235 supports a wired or wireless link including multiple communication channels provided by the wireless terminal 100, and the control station 240, HLR / VLR, and / or multi-channel switch 215 The mobile communication switching center 235, which is linked with the (C)), supports multiple communication access through multiple communication channels provided by the wireless terminal 100.

A home location register (VLR) is a mobile station 100 and / or a variety of information and / or messages related to the service required by the mobile switching center 235, location registration and deletion, subscriber information processing, error recovery, call processing , Including existing functions and features for querying or updating an internal subscriber database for processing additional services, etc., and providing various information and / or necessary to provide the multiple communication channels proposed by the present invention to the wireless terminal 100. Inquire or update the message.

The visitor location register (VLR) may be configured to provide various information and / or messages related to at least one terminal connected to the wireless terminal 100 through the mobile communication switching center 235, location registration and deletion, subscriber information processing, error recovery, Various information necessary for providing the multiple communication channel proposed by the present invention for the wireless terminal 100, including the existing functions and features for querying or updating the visited subscriber database for processing call processing, additional services, etc. / Or query or update the message.

The multi-channel switch 215 is a multi-communication channel session for the wireless terminal 100 interworking with the mobile telecommunication switching center 235, the HLR / VLR, and at least one interworking network gateway 220 on the mobile telecommunication network to provide a multi-communication channel. As a generic term for a system for allocating, maintaining, and managing a mobile station, a mobile communication network and / or at least one external packet network 245, an external line network 255, and / or an external wireless communication network 250 may be provided to the wireless terminal 100. And interworking with multiple communication channels and interworking with the multi-channel charging system 200 to process charging for multiple communication channels for the wireless terminal 100. Of course, the multi-channel switch 215 may be mounted on, or interlocked with, other devices and / or servers on a path through which a multi-communication channel used by the wireless terminal 100 is created, transmitted or received according to the scalable method of the present invention. It is obvious.

The interworking network gateway 220 serves as a buffer for interworking the wireless terminal 100 providing the multiple communication channels with at least one external packet network 245, the external circuit network 255, and / or the external wireless communication network 250. As a gateway to be connected, at least one communication channel between the wireless terminal 100 and each of the external interworking networks and / or the server may be interlocked through the multi-channel switch 215.

The multi-channel charging system 200 mounted on the mobile communication network includes a channel division charging data extractor 205, a charging policy D / B 210, a multi-channel charging server 225, and a charging information D / B 230. And the like.

The channel division charging data extractor 205 of the multi-channel charging system 200 connects the connected communication channel to the multiple communication channel while at least one communication channel is connected to the wireless terminal 100 that provides the multi communication channel. After dividing in, it is determined whether the divided communication channel is a charging channel with reference to session authority and / or charging authority for the wireless terminal 100 from the HLR / VLR and the like. In the case of the charging channel, after the charging policy for the charging channel is extracted from the charging policy D / B 210, the channel division charging data is extracted from the charging channel until the connected charging channel is terminated, and the extracted channel division is performed. The channel segmentation charging information is generated by applying the charging policy to the charging data, and is transmitted to the multi-channel charging server 225.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the channel division charging data extraction unit 205 divides the multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal 100 into at least one charging channel and then extracts the charging data from each charging channel. Is referred to as channel division charging data, and the channel division charging data is continuously extracted until the corresponding charging channel is terminated.

The billing policy D / B 210 of the multi-channel billing system 200 is a D / B that stores a billing policy for each communication channel that may be included in a multi-communication channel used by the wireless terminal 100. The terminal 100 and / or stores information including a billing policy selected by the subscriber (for example, a pay-as-you-go and / or a meter), a billing policy for each channel, and an additional service billing policy set for each billing channel.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the channel division charging data extracted by the channel division charging data extraction unit 205 and the channel charging policy and / or additional service charging policy for the corresponding charging channel are referred to as channel division charging information. do.

The multi-channel billing server 225 of the multi-channel billing system 200 includes the functions and features of the existing billing server as it is, at least the channel division billing data extraction unit 205 is extracted from the billing policy D / B (210) Accumulate channel division charging information to which one or more charging policies are applied, and generate the multi-channel charging information according to the at least one charging policy transmitted from the charging policy D / B 210 by accumulating the channel division charging information. / B 230, characterized in that the storage.

The billing information D / B 230 of the multi-channel billing system 200 includes the functions and features of the existing billing information D / B as it is, and stores the multi-channel billing information generated by the multi-channel billing server 225, After evaluating the stored multi-channel charging information, billing and billing to the wireless terminal 100 and / or subscribers, characterized in that.

3 is a simple flowchart illustrating a process of charging a multiple communication channel used by the wireless terminal 100 through a multi-channel charging system 200 mounted on a mobile communication network providing multiple communication channels.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the process of connecting at least one communication channel through a mobile communication network providing a multiple communication channel as shown in FIG. The charging for the charging channel included in the multiple communication channel is disclosed.

In addition, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention including FIG. 3, only a case in which a communication channel is additionally connected in order to effectively explain the features of the present invention is assumed. At least one communication channel is connected and / or after the connection is performed. When at least one communication channel of the connected multiple communication channels is released, the subject matter of the present invention may be obscured. However, when at least one communication channel is released in the multiple communication channel, it can be easily inferred from FIG. 3 that the occurrence of the at least one communication channel is connected, and the method is also reversed. Do.

Hereinafter, a process of charging the multi-communication channel used by the wireless terminal 100 through the preferred multi-channel charging system 200 mounted on the mobile communication network will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

In the process of connecting at least one or more communication channels through the mobile communication network providing the multiple communication channels by the wireless terminal 100 providing the multiple communication channels, the multi-channel switch 215 on the mobile communication network is connected to the mobile communication switching center 235. And / or checks whether the communication channel currently connected to the wireless terminal 100 is the first communication channel connected among the available multiple communication channels with reference to the HLR / VLR (300).

If the communication channel connected to the wireless terminal 100 is the first communication channel connected among the available multiple communication channels as described above (305), the multi-channel switch 215 is the primary communication channel number of the currently connected communication channel (n = 1), and assign a multi-communication channel session for the wireless terminal 100 (310). As such, the wireless terminal 100 may include other wireless terminals 100 on the mobile communication network and / or at least one or more external packet networks 245, external circuit networks 255, and / or terminals and / or servers on the external wireless communication network 250. Multiple communication channels can be connected, and the multiple communication channels connected as described above are maintained and / or maintained by the multi-channel switch 215 until all communication channels connected by the wireless terminal 100 through the multiple communication channels are terminated. Or managed.

On the other hand, if a multi-channel channel session already in use is allocated to the communication channel connected to the wireless terminal 100 (315), the multi-channel switch 215 adds 1 to the previous communication channel number to the currently connected communication channel. An nth order communication channel number (n = n + 1) is allocated (320).

When the multi-channel switch 215 assigns a channel number to a communication channel currently connected among the multiple communication channels available to the wireless terminal 100 through the above process, the channel division charging data extractor 205 is currently connected. After the communication channel is divided into multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal 100, the divided communication channel is linked to the mobile communication switching center 235, the HLR / VLR and / or the multi-channel switch 215, and the like. Check whether or not (325).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the charging channel is a communication channel configured to charge the wireless terminal 100 among the multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal 100, and is generally a communication channel to the wireless terminal 100. In this connection process, the wireless terminal 100 attempts to connect to a communication channel by generating a voice channel call, the wireless terminal 100 attempts to connect to a data communication, or the wireless terminal through the divided communication channel. When there is an apparatus and / or server for providing additional service and / or paid content on a path connected to the terminal 100, the communication channel divided as described above is automatically switched to the charging channel.

If the n th communication channel connecting the current communication channel is not the charging channel (330), the wireless terminal 100 is a multi-communication channel allocated by the multi-channel switch 215 until the connected communication channel is terminated as described above. Maintain a session. That is, the wireless terminal 100 maintains the connected communication channel without applying the charging process of the present invention to the nth communication channel.

On the other hand, if the n th communication channel connecting the current communication channel is the charging channel (335), the multi-channel switch 215 activates the channel division charging data extraction unit 205 to charge the currently connected n th communication channel. The activated channel division charging data extractor 205 divides a charging channel currently connected among multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal 100 and applies the charging channel from the charging policy D / B 210 to the charging channel. At least one charging policy set to be extracted is extracted (340).

When the channel division charging data extracting unit 205 extracts at least one charging policy applicable to the charging channel from the charging policy D / B 210, the channel division charging data is multi-channel switch ( In operation 215, the channel division charging data for the corresponding charging channel divided in the multiple communication channel is extracted (345).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the channel split charging data is at least one charging data extracted from at least one charging channel allocated to the charging channel among the multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal 100, and the channel split charging data. The extractor 205 may extract charging data as many as charging channels divided from multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal 100 as channel division charging data.

When the at least one channel division charging data is extracted from the at least one charging channel through the above process, the channel division charging data extracting unit 205 applies at least one charging policy to the extracted channel division charging data to obtain a channel. The split charging information is generated (350).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the channel division charging information is charging information for charging at least one charging channel allocated as a charging channel among multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal 100, and the channel division charging data extracting unit ( 205 may generate channel division charging information by applying respective charging policies to charging information corresponding to the number of charging channels divided from multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal 100.

When the at least one channel division charging information is generated from the at least one charging channel through the above process, the channel division charging data extractor 205 multi-channel charging server generates the channel division charging information generated through the above process. Transmit to 225 (355).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the channel division charging information transmitted to the multi channel charging server 225 is divided and transmitted according to the charging channel among the multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal 100, and the multi channel charging server In order for 225 to process each channel segmentation charging information divided and transmitted as described above, a respective charging policy corresponding to each channel segmentation charging information is required.

Therefore, when each channel division charging information is transmitted from the channel division charging data extracting unit 205, the multi-channel charging server 225 corresponds to each channel division charging information from the charging policy D / B 210. After extracting the charging policy, multi-channel charging information is generated by applying the channel division charging information transmitted as described above (360).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi-channel billing server 225 independently accumulates each channel split billing information in the process of applying each billing policy to the channel split billing information, or each channel split billing information. Multi-channel charging information is generated by integrating and accumulating, and whether the channel division charging information is accumulated independently and / or integrated may also be extracted from the charging policy D / B 210.

When the multi-channel billing information is generated through the above process, the multi-channel billing server 225 adds and / or updates the generated multi-channel billing information to the billing information D / B 230 and stores it ( 365). Of course, the multi-channel charging information stored in the charging information D / B 230 as described above is billed to the wireless terminal 100 and / or subscriber through a known method.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi-channel charging system 200 mounted on the mobile communication network as described above, while charging the at least one or more charging channels used by the wireless terminal 100, the multi-channel switch on the mobile communication network ( 215 maintains and manages multiple communication channel sessions assigned to the wireless terminal 100 (370).

If all the multi-communication channels assigned to the wireless terminal 100 are terminated while the multi-channel switch 215 maintains and manages the multi-communication channel session assigned to the wireless terminal 100 (375), the multi-channel switch 215 terminates the multi-channel communication session allocated to the wireless terminal 100, and terminates the charging channel from which charging data is extracted through the multi-channel charging system 200 (380), thereby the wireless terminal 100 The process of charging the charging channel allocated to is terminated.

In addition, if all the multi-communication channels assigned to the wireless terminal 100 are not terminated (385), the multi-channel switch 215 maintains and manages the multi-communication channel session assigned to the wireless terminal 100. The multi-channel switch 215 continuously checks whether the new communication channel is connected to the multiple communication channel used by the wireless terminal 100 or whether the currently connected communication channel is released (390).

If a new communication channel is connected to the multiple communication channel used by the wireless terminal 100 (395), the multi-channel switch 215 uses the new communication channel through the multiple communication channel used by the wireless terminal 100. Connect (397), allocate the nth communication channel number (n = n + 1) by adding 1 to the previous communication channel number of the new communication channel, and then newly connected communication through the channel division charging data extracting unit 205. The charging of the channel by switching to the charging channel is repeated until all communication channels allocated to the wireless terminal 100 are terminated.

Of course, even if a new communication channel is not connected to the multi-communication channel used by the wireless terminal 100 (399), the multi-channel switch 215 is charged at least one or more currently connected through the channel division billing data extraction unit 205 Extracting channel segmentation charging data from a channel, generating channel segmentation charging information by applying a respective charging policy to each channel segmentation charging data extracted as described above, and multiplying each channel segmentation charging information generated as described above The wireless terminal 100 transmits to the channel charging server 225 to generate multi-channel charging information, and adds and / or updates the generated multi-channel charging information to the charging information D / B 230 to store the multi-channel charging information. The process of charging at least one charging channel to be used is repeated until all communication channels allocated to the wireless terminal 100 are terminated. It is carried out.

According to the present invention, for a wireless terminal providing multiple communication channels through overlap and / or separation on a spectrum, the mobile communication system provides multiple communication channels through overlap and / or separation on the same spectrum. In the process of connecting a multi-channel charging system for providing independent and / or integrated charging service for each included communication channel and at least one communication channel for the wireless terminal equipped with the multi-channel transmission and reception function, Collect charging data for each independent communication channel included in the multiple communication channels to be used, generate independent charging information by applying the charging policy for each independent communication channel, and each independent application to which the charging policy is applied. Integrate independent charging information for the communication channel to the wireless terminal It is evolving into the third generation by providing a multi-channel charging system and a multi-channel charging method for a wireless terminal equipped with a multi-channel transmission / reception function through superposition on the spectrum which extracts and charges the integrated charging information. It has the advantage of presenting a new concept of charging method in communication system.

Claims (20)

In the multi-channel charging method for providing an independent and / or integrated billing service for each communication channel included in the multiple communication channel on a mobile communication system providing a multiple communication channel, A first step of dividing the multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal into each independent communication channel in the process of connecting at least one communication channel to the wireless terminal forming the multiple channels; A second step of generating independent charging information by applying a charging policy for each independent communication channel; And And a third step of extracting and charging integrated charging information for the wireless terminal by integrating independent charging information for each independent communication channel to which the charging policy is applied. The method of claim 1, wherein the multiple communication channel, A multi-communication channel through which the wireless terminal is connected to at least one wireless terminal on the mobile communication network through a mobile communication network; A multiple communication channel through which the wireless terminal is connected to at least one external packet network on the mobile communication network through a mobile communication network; A multiple communication channel through which the wireless terminal is connected to at least one external line network on the mobile communication network through a mobile communication network; And the wireless terminal comprises a multiple communication channel connected to at least one external wireless communication network on the mobile communication network via a mobile communication network. The method of claim 1, wherein the multiple communication channel, And at least one voice channel and / or at least one data channel are superimposed on the communication channel. The method of claim 1, wherein the first step, A communication channel connected to the wireless terminal in a multi-channel switch relaying at least one or more multiple communication channels through separation and / or arbitrary overlapping of the multiple communication channels provided from the wireless terminal on the mobile communication network to which the wireless terminal is connected. 1-1 step of allocating a communication channel number (n = 1, 2, ..n); And And dividing a channel by allocating a channel number to a communication channel in the multi-channel switch, and then checking whether the divided communication channel is a charging channel. . The method of claim 1, wherein the second step, Apply to the divided communication channel in a multi-channel switch relaying at least one or more multiple communication channels through separation and / or arbitrary overlap for the multiple communication channels provided from the wireless terminal on the mobile communication network to which the wireless terminal is connected. A step 2-1 of extracting at least one set charging policy from a charging policy database; A step 2-2 of extracting at least one charging policy applied to the charging channel from the charging policy D / B to generate independent charging information for each charging channel divided in the multiple communication channels; Multi-channel charging method, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, wherein the third step is And charging by extracting charging information corresponding to the number of charging channels divided from the multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein the third step is And accumulating the respective charging information independently or accumulating the respective charging information. The method of claim 1, wherein the third step is And extracting and charging independent charging information for each independent communication channel to which the charging policy is applied. On a mobile communication system providing multiple communication channels, A wireless terminal forming the multiple communication channel; A multi-channel switch for relaying at least one or more multiple communication channels through separation and / or arbitrary overlapping of multiple communication channels provided from the wireless terminal on a mobile communication network to which the wireless terminal is connected; And Independent channel division charging data is extracted by dividing at least one communication channel included in a multi communication channel used by the wireless terminal in association with the multi channel switch on a mobile communication network, and extracting the channel division charging data as described above. And a multi-channel charging system generating channel split charging information by applying at least one charging policy, and generating multi-channel charging information by independently and / or integrating the channel split charging information. The method of claim 9, wherein the wireless terminal, Means for converting serially input data streams through N subcarriers using orthogonality into N parallel data streams to form an overlapping communication channel; And a means for extracting each communication channel by separating the subcarriers from the communication channels received as overlapped as described above. The method of claim 9, wherein the wireless terminal, Superimpose and transmit a data channel on the voice channel while maintaining a voice channel for a voice call, and / or Transmit a voice channel call superimposed on the data channel while maintaining a data channel for data communication, and / or Separate and process a data channel received overlaid on the voice channel while maintaining a voice channel for a voice call, and / or Multi-channel billing system, characterized in that to connect the voice call by separating the voice channel call received overlaid on the data channel while maintaining a data channel for data communication. The method of claim 9, wherein the wireless terminal, A wireless processor configured to process at least one independent communication channel in parallel to form multiple channels; A voice processor for encoding a voice signal input from the microphone into a voice channel capable of overlapping spectrum and transmitting the voice signal to a wireless processor; A control unit for controlling and managing an overlap and separation operation of multiple communication channels transmitted and received through the wireless processing unit; And In the case where the data channel is superimposed on the voice channel, key data for generating transmission data is provided to the control unit during the voice call. And a key input unit for generating and providing the control unit to the controller. The method of claim 9 or 12, wherein the wireless terminal, Data channel related information such as a message superimposed on the voice channel during a voice call by the controller, and voice channel related information such as a voice channel call superimposed on the data channel and connecting a voice call during data communication. And a screen output unit for outputting the terminal screen. The method of claim 9 or 12, wherein the wireless terminal, And a memory unit for storing data generated and / or received in a multi-communication channel process. The method of claim 12, wherein the wireless processing unit, A multi-channel billing system, comprising: converting a series of data input in series through a subcarrier using orthogonality into N parallel data streams and transmitting the data streams superimposed on at least one voice channel and a data channel on a separate subcarrier. The method of claim 9, wherein the multi-channel switch, Implemented in software and additionally mounted within a base station, control station, mobile communication switching center, or packet data service node on at least one existing mobile communication network, or 10. A multi-channel charging system, characterized in that it is mounted as an independent device and / or gateway that interoperates with at least one base station, control station, mobile communication switching center, or packet data service node on a mobile communication network. The method of claim 9, wherein the multi-channel charging, Among the multiple communication channels used by the wireless terminal connecting the multiple communication channel, the charging is made of the charging to the communication channel for generating at least one channel division charging data for the wireless terminal The method of claim 9, wherein the multiple communication channel, A multi-communication channel through which the wireless terminal is connected to at least one wireless terminal on the mobile communication network through a mobile communication network; A multiple communication channel through which the wireless terminal is connected to at least one external packet network on the mobile communication network through a mobile communication network; A multiple communication channel through which the wireless terminal is connected to at least one external line network on the mobile communication network through a mobile communication network; And the wireless terminal comprises a multiple communication channel connected to at least one external wireless communication network on the mobile communication network via a mobile communication network. The system of claim 9, wherein the multi-channel charging system comprises: A channel division charging data extracting unit for extracting charging data from at least one charging channel included in a multiple communication channel used by the wireless terminal; And And a billing policy database for storing a billing policy according to the billing data. The system of claim 9, wherein the multi-channel charging system comprises: A wireless terminal providing the multiple communication channels, and / or Existing mobile communication devices such as base stations, control stations, mobile communication switching centers, etc., on the mobile communication system, and / or A multi-channel switch providing multiple communication channels over the mobile communication network, and / or At least one interworking network gateway for interworking a mobile communication network providing the multiple communication channels with an external packet network, an external circuit network, and / or an external wireless communication network, and / or And a content providing server providing pay contents for a wireless terminal on a mobile communication network providing the multiple communication channels.