MXPA01001498A

MXPA01001498A - Systems and methods for prerating costs for a communication event.

Info

Publication number: MXPA01001498A
Application number: MXPA01001498A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Paul Senn
Original assignee: Boston Communications Group Inc
Priority date: 1998-08-11
Filing date: 1999-08-11
Publication date: 2002-05-07
Also published as: EP1104621A2; CA2340187A1; CA2625696A1; CA2340187C; WO2000021273A9; BR9912941A; WO2000021273A2; WO2000021273A3

Abstract

Sytems and methods for prerating communication events, such as telephone calls, for prepaying customers are described. The systems and methods permit, at the beginning of a communication event, the determination of a time limit for the event based on the available balance in a prepayment account associated with the event.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVALING COSTS FOR A COMMUNICATION EVENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As cellular communication services have become increasingly available and more common, it has been found that methods for receiving payment for cellular services are lacking. Commonly, services are provided to a customer, and at the end of a set period, an invoice is sent to the customer for services rendered during that period. This essentially adds to the extension of the credit to the client. For customers of traditional residential telephones, the service can be easily terminated for non-payment of those bills, because the respondent is easily identified and is in a fixed location. However, cellular communication customers have been able to evade the payment of these bills, seeking the service of a new provider when the previous service has been terminated. The cycle can continue in this way, losing each successive provider money for these clients.

The prepayment for cellular services is widely understood as a solution to this problem. Using this system, a client provides money to a service provider in advance of the provision of communication services. The service charges are then deducted from the customer's balance until the prepayment is exhausted. Unlike many services, however, the costs of telephone communication are often a complex conglomeration of rates based on a wide range of factors, such as connection charges, surcharges, taxes, and other charges. In addition, many of these factors can vary widely, including during a single connection, based on conditions such as time of day, caller locations, volume discounts, and other variables. For example, a cellular communication device can move from one area to call to another, resulting in a substantial change in the rate. These factors make it difficult to determine the amount of service available for a fixed prepaid amount. One solution that is currently used is to determine, on a minute-by-minute basis, the cumulative service charge, and to compare this amount with the prepaid amount, as described in U.S. Patent Number 5,722,067 incorporated into the present as a reference. However, this technique requires a considerable amount of processing support for repeated calculations, because once every minute the cost of the previous minute must be calculated, and deducted from the available balance. In addition, the exhaustion of the balance must be monitored in order to notify the caller when the call will end. A method to reduce the processing needed to measure the service would greatly reduce the costs associated with providing communication services to callers by paying in advance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The systems and methods described herein can be used to measure communications services under a prepaid plan, for example, by determining, at the start of a communication event, the duration for that event by which the cost will be approximately equal to a prepaid balance. In this way the services can be terminated at the end of the duration, thus preventing charges in excess of the prepaid balance, without requiring repeated calculations during the communication event. In one aspect, the systems and methods described herein refer to a process for measuring a communication event, by identifying the start of a communication event, the identification of a balance of the account associated with the communication event, the determination of the duration of the communication event in which the accumulated cost of the communication event is approximately equal to the balance of the account. A signal to identify the start of a communication event may include information representative of the identity of the user initiating the communication event, such as the originating telephone number, an automated number identification code (ANI), the equipment identification number (EIN), or the mobile identification number (MIN), the time at which it was initiated the event, the location from which the event was initiated, the receiver of the event, such as the identification system code of the dialed number (DNIS), the location of the event receiver, the distance between the user and the reception, the management of the event by the service provider, or any other information. This information can be used to identify an associated account balance, or an additional entry, such as a calling card number, or a coupon number can be received. A balance of account, as that term is used herein, refers to a prepaid amount of money that can be applied to deduct the cost of a communication event. In a practice, the determination of the duration includes identifying, after initiating the communication event, a rate schedule for the communication event. A rate schedule, as that term is used herein, refers to a cumulative charge representing the total cost of a communication event, and may include fixed amounts, rates per unit of time, or any other rate type. . In a practice, the identification of a fee schedule includes determining a connection charge fee and a tax charge rate. In certain practices, the identification of a rate schedule also includes determining a factor selected from the available free time, the end points of the communication event, the distance of the communication event, and the time of day. In a practice, the identification of a rate schedule for the communication event includes determining a cost rate per second. In a practice, the process includes terminating the co-communication event at the end of the determined duration. In another practice, the process includes deducting a cost from the communication event from the available balance, at the end of the communication event. In one practice, the identification of the start of a communication event includes identifying the start of a telephone call, such as a cell phone call. In certain practices, the identification of an account balance includes an act selected upon receipt of a user account code, receiving an account code from a recipient, identifying an apparatus that receives the communication event, and identifying a device. to start the communication event. The systems and methods described herein also provide a system for measuring a communication event, including a communication interface to receive information representative of the start of a communication event, a database coupled with the communication interface to store the information associated with a plurality of accounts, and a processor coupled with the database to identify a balance of the account associated with the communication event, and to determine the duration of the communication event by an accumulated cost of the communication event being approximately equal to the balance of the account. In one embodiment, the processor includes a rate mechanism to determine the duration, after the event starts, by identifying and using a rate schedule for the communication event. A rate mechanism can be any calculation or strategy to determine the rate schedule or the accumulated charge based on a plurality of individual charges, which may include fixed rates, time rate charges, or other fees. In one modality, the rate mechanism includes a means to identify a rate schedule by determining at least one connection charge fee and one tax charge rate. In certain modalities, the rate mechanism also includes an element to determine at least one factor selected from the available free time, the end points of the communication event, the distance of the communication event, and the time of day. In one modality, the rate schedule for the communication event includes a cost per second rate. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a transmitter for sending a signal to terminate the communication event at the end of the determined duration. In certain modalities, the communication event is a telephonic call. In one modality, the telephone call is initiated by a cell phone. In certain embodiments, the processor includes an item to identify the balance of an account by a method selected upon receipt of a user's account code, receive an account code from a recipient, identify an appliance that initiates the communication event , and identify an apparatus that receives the communication event. In still another embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed herein relate to a system for regulating prepayment for a mobile communication event, including a first database for storing information representative of the tariff plans for a plurality of providers of communication services, a second database for storing information associated with a plurality of accounts, a communication interface for receiving information representative of the start of a communication event, a processor coupled with the first database, the second database of data, and the communication interface, to identify an account balance associated with the communication event, and to determine, after the communication event starts, the duration of the communication event by which accrued cost of the event of communication. communication is approximately equal to the balance of the account. In certain modalities, the rate plans include cost per second rate. In one embodiment, the processor includes a rate mechanism to determine the duration, after the start of the event, by identifying and using a rate schedule for the communication event. In this modality, the tariff mechanism includes an element to identify a tarifeis program, by determining at least one charge per connection fee and one tax charge rate. In certain modalities, the tariff mechanism also includes an element to identify a rate schedule, by determining at least one factor selected from the available free time, the end points of the communication event, the distance of the communication event , and the time of day. In certain modalities, the system also includes a transmitter to send a signal to terminate the communication event at the end of the determined duration. In certain modalities, the communication event is a telephone call. In one modality, the telephone call is initiated by a cell phone. In certain embodiments, the processor includes an element to identify an account balance associated with the user. In certain embodiments, the processor includes an element to identify an account balance associated with the receiver. In another practice, the systems and methods described herein provide a method for regulating the prepayment of a mobile communication event, by storing information representative of the tariff plans for a plurality of communication service providers, storage of the information associated with a plurality of user accounts, the identification of the start of a communication event, the identification of an account balance associated with the communication event, and the determination, after the start of the communication event, of a The duration of the communication event for the accumulated cost of the communication event is approximately equal to the balance of the account, as a function of the management of the communication event by the service provider.

In certain modalities, the storage of the information representative of the tariff plans includes storing the cost rates per second. In certain embodiments, the method further includes identifying the transfer of a service from a first service provider to a second service provider, and determining the duration of the communication event whereby the cumulative cost of the communication event is approximately equal to the balance of the account, as a function of the handling of the communication event by the second service provider. In certain modalities, the determination of the duration includes identifying, after the communication event starts, a rate schedule for the communication event. In one modality, the identification of a rate schedule includes determining a connection charge fee and a tax charge rate. In certain modalities, the identification of a rate program also includes determining a factor selected from the free time, the end points of the communication event, the distance of the communication event, and the time of day. In certain modalities, the method includes terminating the communication event at the end of the determined duration. In other modalities, the method includes deducting the cost of the communication event from the available balance after the communication event ends. In certain modalities, the identification of the beginning of a communication event includes identifying the beginning of a telephone call. In one embodiment, the identification of the start of a communication event includes identifying the beginning of a cellular telephone call. In certain modalities, the identification of the balance of an account includes an act selected from receiving an account code from a user, and identifying an apparatus that initiates the communication event. In certain modalities, the identification of the balance of an account includes an act selected from receiving an account code from a receiver, and identifying an apparatus that receives the communication event.

Brief Compendium of the Figures The following figures illustrate certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. These illustrated modalities are to be understood as illustrative of the invention, and not as limiting in any way. Figure 1 illustrates a centralized system for measuring communication services. Figure 2 shows a decentralized system, where separate service providers employ separate prepaid systems. Figure 3 presents a modality of a prepaid system capable of serving communication events in a network. Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method for measuring communication services.

Description of Illustrated Modes The following description pertains to several illustrative embodiments of the invention. Although a person skilled in the art can anticipate many variations of the systems and methods from a review of the illustrative modalities, it is intended that these variations and improvements fall within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited in any way by the following disclosure. The systems and methods described in. the present are useful for measuring communication services provided in accordance with a prepaid plan, for example, by determining, at the start of a communication event, the duration for that event that results in a cost for that event approximately equal to a prepaid salt. In this way, services can be terminated at the end of the duration to prevent charges in excess of the prepaid balance without requiring repeated calculations during the communication event. Figure 1 illustrates an overview of a system according to the invention, to regulate the prepayment of a mobile cellular telephone call on a cellular network. In a specific manner, Figure 1 illustrates a prepaid system 100 that communicates with a communications network 102, such as a cellular communications network. The cellular network 102 may include the cellular antenna 108 linked to the cellular switch 120. The cellular switch 120 may also be connected to the cellular service provider 150A connected to the local exchange carrier (LEC) 180. A second cellular antenna 106 may be linked to a cellular switch 125 of a second cellular service provider 150C connected to the LEC 180. The illustrated prepaid system 100 may include a data processing platform, or processor 110, databases 160 and 170, and communication interface 130. As illustrated in Figure 1, prepaid system 100, including processor 110, databases 160 and 170, and communication interface 130, can be connected to cellular switches 120 and 125, or with any other competent entity to perform the functions described above. The illustrated data processor 110 may be a conventional data processing platform, such as an IBM PC compatible computer running Windows NT operating systems, or a SUN workstation running a Unix operating system. In an alternative way, the data processor 110 may comprise a dedicated processing system that includes a programmable embedded data processing system. For example, the data processor 110 may comprise a single board computer system that has been integrated into the cellular switch 125 of the communication network 102. The single board computer system (SBC) may be any suitable SBC , including the SBCs sold by Micro / Sys Company, which include microprocessors, data memory and program memory, as well as expandable busbar configurations, and an on-board operating system. The illustrated databases 160 and 170 may store the information associated with a plurality of accounts, such as account balances, and information representative of the tariff plans for a plurality of communication service providers, respectively. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the illustrated databases can be any suitable database systems, including the commercially available Microsoft Access database. The 160 and 170 databases can be implemented as a local or distributed database system, and the design and development of the appropriate database systems follow the well-known principles, including those stipulated in McGovern and collaborators, A Guide To Sybase and SQL Server, Addison-Wesley (1993). The databases 160 and 170 can be supported by any suitable data memory device, such as a hard disk drive, a RAID system, and a tape drive system, flexible diskette, or any other suitable system. The system illustrated in Figure 1 includes database devices that are separate from the processor 110; however, it will be understood by ordinary experts in the field that, in other embodiments, the database devices 160 and 170 may be integrated into the processor 110, or into another component of the system. The communication irterface 130 can be any suitable interface, including those of the type that can receive and send a call over a communication network. The communication interface 130 can be interconnected with the PSTN, the IT lines, the optical transmission lines, the IP lines, the cellular transmission stations, or any other media used to carry communications over a network. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the communication interface is illustrated separately from the processor 110; however, it will be understood by ordinary experts, that the interface 130 can be integrated into the processor 110. To initiate a call, a cellular telephone 105 can transmit a signal that includes an identification code, such as a mobile identification number ( MIN), or an automated number identification code, (ANI), from the cell phone.r 105, and a dial number identification system code (DNIS) to the antenna 108, which transmits the signal to the cellular switch 120 The cellular switch 120 can send the call or signal to the prepaid system 100, or can identify, for example, based on the MIN or the DNIS, the calls associated with a prepaid plan, and send these calls to the system. prepaid 100. Calls can be routed to the prepaid system 100, for example, by means of land lines TI or by cellular retransmission. A signal received by the communication interface 130, such as an IP or TI line, can be sent to the processor 110. The processor 110 can execute a process that can authenticate the MIN and the DNIS. This process can be a software program running on the processor 110, which configures the processor to operate as a system according to the invention. This process can be implemented as a computer program in C language, or a computer program written in any high level language, including C ++, Fortran, Java, or Basic. Additionally, in a modality where the processor is a single board computer or a microcontroller, the process can be performed as a computer program written in microcode, or written in a high level language, and can be compiled up to the microcode that can be executed on the white platform. The implementation of a system or process as described herein, follows the principles well known in the art, and these general principles for high-level programming are known, and are stipulated in, for example, Stephen G. Kochan, Programming in C, Hayden Publishing (1983). By recognizing the MIN, the processor can connect to a database 160 to identify an account associated with the MIN. The user's account can indicate a rate plan selected by the user. For example, a service provider may offer two rate plans, one of which offers high rates, and the other of which offers low rates, but charges a fixed monthly rate. The selected rate plan assists in this way in the determination of the cost of the communication event. In a similar way, the user's account can indicate that the user receives 10 free minutes of connection, which again may affect the determination of the cost of the communication event. A user's account may also indicate an available balance associated with it, representative of an amount of money paid by the user to a service provider in advance of the request for a service. Accordingly, the user's account can be used to identify an available balance associated with the communication event. In certain modalities, a signal indicating a separate account with an available balance may be received. For example, a user who initiates a phone call can also dial the number of a prepaid phone card or coupon. This number may be associated, for example, with an account that has an available balance of an amount, for example $ 10, for which the telephone card was purchased. In certain modalities, charges may be accumulated, in an additional or alternative way, for the receiver of the communication event, for example, for a card to be charged, or for a receiver using a cell phone. In these modalities, the systems and methods described herein may also consider an available balance associated with. the receptor. Additional techniques for identifying an available balance associated with a communication event are known in the art, and may be employed in the systems and methods described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the systems and methods described herein. By recognizing that the available balance is sufficient to anchor a communication event, the processor 110 can push the DNIS to the public service telephone network (PSTN) through the LEC 180. Experts in this field will know additional systems to implement the process above or its variants, for example, using analogous telecommunications systems, and are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Additional information, such as the service provider that handles the communication event, may be useful in determining the rate schedule associated with the communication event. For example, in one embodiment, the antenna 108 may be associated with the service provider 150A. Accordingly, the system 100 may receive a signal indicating that the service provider 150A is handling the communication event. The processor 110 may then consult the database 170, which may include information for a plurality of service providers, including information related to tariff plans and other pertinent data, to retrieve useful information to determine a rate schedule for the communication event. The process that is executed in the processor 110, can then determine a rate schedule for the communication event. A number of variables and conditions can be considered and analyzed to determine a rate schedule. For example, a connection fee may be determined, for example, a charge per unit of time, for maintaining the communication event. The connection fee can be an aggregate of multiple charges, for example, a fixed amount or fee for an initial period, and a rate for the time after the initial period. For example, a connection fee may include an amount of one dollar for the first minute, and a rate of one cent per second afterwards. The rate may depend on the time of day and / or day of the week. For example, a fee may be 10 cents per minute from midnight to noon, 15 cents per minute from noon to midnight, and 5 cents per minute on Saturday. In addition, a fee can change can change during a connection, for example, as a function of the time of day, the day of the week, or another factor. Therefore, a call made at 11:30 PM may start at a rate of 10 cents per minute, changing up to 12 cents per minute at midnight. The connection rate can also be influenced by the distance between the user and the receiver. For example, a tariff may be one cent per second between Paris, France, and Athens, Greece, and 2 cents per second between Paris, France and Sydney, Australia. In addition, cellular or mobile communication systems may charge an additional fee for a connection in addition to charges for a wireless connection. These rates can be affected by variables such as those discussed above. Additional charges may be included in the rate program that include taxes, fixed rates, or other charges. Fixed rates may include fees for service, for example by using a special feature, such as automatic redial or return call, a fee for establishing a connection, or any other rate associated with the communication event. Taxes can include fixed fees, a tax rate, or both. The rate schedule may also be affected by a rate plan provided to the user. For example, the user can subscribe to a rate plan that offers a fixed connection rate at all times and distances, instead of a plan that charges variable rates, based on those conditions. The rate plan may provide additional conditions. For example, you can assign the user 10 free minutes each month, or you can receive a discount on calls that exceed 30 minutes per month. The rate schedule may be used by the processor 110 to determine, after the start of the communication event, the duration of the communication event whereby the accumulated charges are given approximately equal to an available balance in the account associated with the event of communication. In an example embodiment, a time t can be determined for the following equation, such that the equation is satisfied: [available balance] = t [connection fee] + [fixed fees] + t- [wireless connection fee] + [taxes] In another example mode, time t can be divided into periods x, y, and z, for example, where x represents a quantity of time at an initial rate, and represents a quantity of time at a first rate and z represents a amount of time to a second rate. For example, and may represent a time amount of an 'evening' rate, and z may represent an amount of time at a 'night' rate. In addition, an equation such as the following can be used to determine a time t = x + y + z, for which the cost of the communication event is approximately equal to an available balance in an account associated with the communication event: [Available Balance] = y [Initial Rate] + [Evening Rate] + z- [Night Tariff] + t [Wireless Rate] + [Fixed Fees] + [Tax] In certain modes, the time t can be increased by a number n representative of a number of free minutes available to the user. In certain modalities, taxes can be variable, based on the cost of the communication event as a whole. For example, a communication event may have a tax at a rate of 5 percent. Therefore, an appropriate equation for determining t can be represented by the following example formula. [available balance] = 1.05 * (t [connection fee] + [fixed fees] + t [wireless connection fee]).

Many variations can be developed on the above schemes suitable for particular circumstances, tariff schedules, and other conditions, to suit a particular application, and these variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and can be employed in the systems and methods described in the préseme. The duration can be re-evaluated by the process running on the processor 110 during the course of the communication event, such as after the change of a factor that influences the cost of the communication event. For example, during the course of the communication event, the user may add an additional part to the communication event, such as in a conference call. Because the charges associated with 1 additional party were not assessed in the previous determinations, the determined duration does not reflect these additional charges. The re-evaluation of the duration may result in a reduced maximum duration of the communication event in light of the additional part. In addition, a user who uses a mobile communication system may travel to a different area, for example, that is served by a different service provider operating under a different rate plan, or that results in a shorter distance between the service provider. user and the receiver, possibly resulting in a reduced connection fee. The re-evaluation may include deducting the accumulated charges from the available balance before determining a new duration for the communication event. In addition, the system 100 can terminate an event in communication when the determined duration is reached, thus preventing the communication event from incurring rights in excess of the available funds in the available balance. The system 100 can send signals, such as voice messages or beeps, to the user, the receiver, or both, before termination, for example, one minute before termination, as a warning that the available balance is almost consumed . In one embodiment, the mobile cell phone 105 can travel from a location served by the antenna 108, to a region served by the antenna 106, associated with a second cellular switch 125 and a second service provider 150C. When the transfer occurs, a signal can be sent to the system 100 indicating the change in the service provider. Then the processor 110 may consult the database 170, as described above, and determine an updated rate schedule for the call. Then the processor 110 can re-evaluate the duration of the communication event whereby the accumulated cost of the communication event will be approximately equal to the available balance.

As described above, the prepaid system 100 can provide a centralized service to a plurality of service providers. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, each service provider offering a prepaid plan, for example, 150A and 150C, may have a prepaid system 100 associated with it, er. instead of using a centralized meter service. In these modalities, calls routed to a particular service provider 150A can be regulated, as described above, by a particular prepayment system 100A for that service provider. After transferring to a second service provider 150C, the first prepayment system 100A can deduct the accumulated charges from the available balance, and provide the updated balance to the second prepayment system 100C. Those skilled in the art will be able to see variations and modifications of these systems, and are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, with reference to Figure 2, a communication event involving cell phone 105 may be received by antenna 108, and directed to cellular switch 120 and the corresponding service provider 150A. The service provider 150A can use the prepayment system 100A to regulate the duration of calls handled by the 150A service provider, terminating calls when an available balance is exhausted. When the cellular phone 105 travels to a region served by the antenna 106, which directs the transmissions to the cellular switch 125 and to the corresponding service provider 150C, the service provider 150A can transfer the communication event to the service provider 150C, which use the 100C prepaid system to regulate the duration of calls. To facilitate the transfer, the prepayment system 100A can determine the accumulated cost of the communication event, deduct this amount from the available balance, and transmit the updated available balance to the 150C service provider and the 100C prepayment system. Alternatively, the prepayment system 100A can transmit the cumulative cost of the communication event and the original available balance to the 150C service provider and the 100C prepayment system, thereby allowing the 100C prepayment system to reassess the duration of the communication event. Figure 3 describes another embodiment of the present system, which serves communication events on a network, such as 10 Internet, a PSTN, or any other available network. This system 200 may include a processor 210 coupled with the databases 260. And 270, and a communication interface 230. The communication interface may be coupled through a network 220, with a plurality of communication devices. 15 communication 240A-C, and one or more service providers 250A-C. Other configurations of the above components that allow a system to perform the functions described herein, will be apparent to an ordinary expert in this field, and are considered to fall within the scope of the invention. 20 give me disclosure. In this mode, the communication device 240A, such as a fax machine, telephone, modem, or any other communication device, can initiate a communication event with the apparatus 240B. A signal can be received 25 representative of the start of the communication event through -M-to-MÉi-i the communication interface 230, and may be transmitted to the processor 210. The signal, or a subsequent associated signal, may include information associated with the communication event. For example, the signal may include a code 5 representative of the apparatus 240A or 240B, such as telephone numbers, an account code, or any other code useful for associating an account with the communication event. Then the processor 210 may search a database 260 that contains the information associated with a plurality of 10 accounts, to identify an account associated with the communication event. The account may be associated with an available balance representing a sum of money provided with participation in the request or receipt of communication services. The processor 210 can then determine a tariff schedule for the communication event by any method of the art, for example, by utilizing the techniques illustrated above. In one embodiment, system 200 receives a signal, indicating on a provider 20 of service 250A that handles the communication event. Then the 210 processor may consult the database 270, which may include information for a plurality of service providers, including information related to rate plans and other suitable data, to recover 25 useful information to determine a rate schedule • - * '' - * • • for the communication event The processor 210 can then determine, for example, as described above, based on the rate schedule and the available balance, the duration for the communication event, such so that the accumulated cost of the communication event is approximately equal to the available balance. The duration can be re-evaluated during the course of the communication event, such as after the change of a factor that influences the cost of the communication event, as described above. The change of a factor can be detected, for example, by the reception of a signal, for example, a signal that causes a change in the service provider, or by asking a system, such as a service provider or a switch cellular, to determine the current conditions, and compare these conditions with previously determined conditions. In addition, the system 200 can terminate a communication event when the determined duration is reached, thus preventing the communication event from incurring rights in excess of the funds in the available balance. Figure 4 shows a method to measure communication services. The method 300 may comprise identifying the start of a communication event 310, identifying an account balance associated with the communication event 320, determining a rate schedule for the communication event 330, and determining a time limit for the event 340 The time limit can be determined by calculating a duration of the communication event in which the accumulated cost is approximately equal to the balance of the account. The identification of the start of a communication event 310 may include receiving a signal indicating the start of a communication event. This signal may include information representative of the identity of the user initiating the communication event, such as the originating telephone number, an automated number identification code (ANI), an equipment identification number (EIN), or a number of mobile identification (MIN), the time at which the event was initiated, the location from which the event was initiated, the receiver of the event, such as the code of the identification system of the dialed number (DNIS), the location of the receiver of the evejto, the distance between the user and the receiver, the service provider that manages the event, or any other information. This information can be used to determine a number of parameters of the communication event. For example, information representative of the time at which the event started may be useful in determining the cost of the communication event, since certain rate plans may offer reduced rates at certain times, for example, at night or weekends. The start time may be alternatively determined by mediating the record of the time a start signal was received. The distance of the communication event, or the locations of the user and the receiver, may also affect the cost of the communication event, because fees, for example, may be higher for events that take place over longer distances. The information can be used to identify an account and an available balance associated with it 320. The account can be a user's account, it can be associated with a telephone or coupon card, or it can be any other prepaid account balance, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In certain modalities, charges may be accumulated for the recipient of the communication event, for example, in an alternative or additional manner. For example, a receiver that receives a telephone call on a cell phone may be charged with a certain fee for the duration of the connection. In a similar way, the recipient can receive a collect call, and therefore, take responsibility for the charges associated with the call. Accordingly, after identifying the start of a communication event, an account balance can be identified for the recipient, a rate schedule for the recipient can be determined, and a duration of the communication can be determined after the start of the communication event, whereby the accumulated charges are approximately equal to an available balance in an account associated with the communication event. The communication event can be terminated at the end of the determined duration. These functions can be performed as described above. The determination of a tariff schedule for the communication event 330 can be done by the techniques illustrated above, for example, by considering the location of the communication parts, the time of day, the rate plan, or other relevant information. Additional methods for determining a rate schedule for particular situations and conditions will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be employed in the systems and methods described herein without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. The rate schedule can then be used to determine a time limit for communication event 340, for example, by using the techniques illustrated above to determine the duration of the communication event whereby the accumulated cost is approximately equal to Available balance In certain modalities, the duration of the communication event may be reevaluated due to a change in one or more of the factors that influence the cost of the communication event. Accordingly, the method can include identifying a change in the service provider that handles the communication event, and reevaluating the duration of the communication event to reflect the change in these conditions, and to more precisely determine the time in which the cost of the communication event is approximately equal to the available balance. The communication event can continue for the determined duration, at which point, the communication event can be terminated to avoid incurring charges in excess of the available balance. Before termination, the user, the receiver, or both, may be notified of the imminent termination, for example, one minute before termination. In an alternative way, if the user ends the communication event before the determined duration, an accumulated charge for the services rendered may be terminated, and this charge may be deducted from the available balance. Although the invention has been disclosed in connection with the embodiments shown and described in detail, different equivalents, modifications, and improvements will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description. For example, the systems and methods described above can be modified for use with different networks, such as ISDN, PBX, or Internet, and can be configured in integrated systems, or can be applied to related fields where analogous measurement may be convenient. These equivalents, modifications, and improvements are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for measuring a communications sale, the call includes: identifying a request for the communication event, determining an account balance associated with the request, associating a rate plan with the request, calculating a rate schedule that changes over time, as a function of the rate plan, compare the rate schedule with the account balance to determine a maximum allowable duration of the communications event, and authorize the completion of the communications event for the maximum allowable duration of the event. comm. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of a rate schedule further includes determining a cost per second for the communications event. 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of a rate schedule further comprises incorporating an initial rate period. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of a tariff program also includes incorporating fixed rights. 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of a fee schedule also includes incorporating free time available. 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of a rate schedule further includes calculating the endpoints of the communications event. 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of a tariff program further includes determining a distance of the communications event. 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of a rate schedule further includes considering the time of day of the communications event. 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of a rate schedule also includes considering the day of the week of the communications event. 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the association of a rate plan with the request also includes associating a charge charge per connection and a tax charge rate. 11. A method according to claim 1, which further comprises: monitoring the communications event to determine an event that alters the rate schedule, and JU ^ ^ calculate an updated rate schedule after determining the presentation of the event that alters the rate schedule. 12. A method according to claim 11, which further comprises: updating the account balance before the event that alters the rate schedule, and calculating a maximum updated duration of the communications event, by comparing the account balance updated and the updated rate schedule. 13. A method according to claim 11, wherein updating the rate schedule further includes determining that a number of communication event parties have changed. 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the determination that a number of parts of the communication event have changed, further includes determining that a new part is added to the communication event. 15. A method according to claim 11, wherein updating the rate schedule further includes determining a change in the distance of a communications event. 16. A method according to claim 1, wherein the identification of a request for the communication event includes identifying the start of a telephone call. 17. A method according to claim 1, wherein the identification of a request for the communication event includes identifying the start of a cellular telephone call. 18. A method according to claim 1, wherein determining the balance of an account associated with the request includes an act selected from: receiving an account code from a user, receiving an account code from a recipient, identify a device that receives the request, and identify a device that initiates the request. 19. A method according to claim 1, wherein the authorization of the execution of the communications event further includes terminating a telephone call on a switch. 20. A method according to claim 1, wherein the authorization of the realization of the communications event further includes terminating a cellular telephone call on a cellular switch. 21. A method according to claim 1, wherein comparing the tariff schedule with the account balance to determine a maximum allowable duration of the communications event, also includes determining the duration of the communications event by which the cumulative cost of the communications event is approximately equal to the balance of the account. 22. A system for measuring a communications event, which comprises: a first database for storing the representative information of the tariff plans for a plurality of communications service providers, a second database for storing the information. information associated with a plurality of accounts, a communications interface for receiving information representative of a request to initiate a communications event, and a processor coupled with the first base of 15 data, the second database, and the communications interface, in order to identify a balance of the account associated with the request, to associate a rate plan with the request for communications, to calculate a rate schedule that changes over time, as a 20 tariff plan function, to compare the rate schedule with the account balance, in order to determine a maximum allowable duration of the communication event, and to authorize the completion of the communications event for the maximum allowable duration of the event from 25 communications. É-t-H? Aib-wa-i-- 23. A system according to claim 22, wherein the rate schedule also includes a cost per second for the communications event. 24. A system according to claim 22, wherein the rate schedule further comprises an initial rate period. 25. A system according to claim 22, wherein the rate schedule also includes fixed duties. 26. A system according to claim 22, wherein the rate schedule also includes free time available. 27. A system according to claim 22, wherein the processor further includes an element for determining the endpoints of the communications event. 28. A system according to claim 22, wherein the processor further includes an element for determining a distance of the communications event. 29. A system according to claim 22, wherein the processor further includes an element for determining the time of day of the communications event. 30. A system according to claim 22, wherein the processor further includes an element for determining the day of the week of the communications event. 31. A system according to claim 22, wherein the processor further includes an element for determining a connection charge fee and a tax charge rate. 32. A system according to claim 22, which further comprises: an element for monitoring the communications event to determine an event that alters the tariff schedule, and wherein the processor also includes an element to update the program of rates after determining the presentation of the event that alters the rate schedule. 33. A system according to claim 32, wherein the processor further includes: an element for updating the balance of the account before the event that alters the rate schedule, and an element for calculating an updated maximum duration of the communications event, by means of the comparison of the balance of the updated account and the updated rate schedule. 34. A system according to claim 32, wherein the item for updating the rate schedule further includes an element for determining that the number of parts of the communication event has changed. 35. A system according to claim 34, wherein the element for determining that the number of parts of the communication event has changed, also includes an element for determining that a new part is added to the communications event. 36. A system according to claim 32, wherein the item for updating the tariff schedule further includes an element for determining a change in the distarcia of the communications event. 37. A system according to claim 22, wherein the communication event is a telephone call. 38. A system according to claim 22, wherein the communication event is a cellular telephone call. 39. A system according to claim 22, wherein the processor includes an element to identify the balance of an account by a method selected from: receiving an account code from a user, receiving an account code from a receiver , identify an apparatus that initiates the communication event, and identify an apparatus that receives the communication event. jg ^ *