RU2336654C1 - Method of providing voiceless services to mobile cell communication users and system for method implementation - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics, communications.

SUBSTANCE: invention concerns methods and systems of providing services ordered by electronic means, particularly methods and systems allowing an operator of Mobile cell communication network (MCN) to provide additional services and mobile content to users. Object of the invention includes a system for the claimed method implementation, containing operator network, USSD centre of operator, main service logics unit, interface SMPP module, interface MAP module, interface HTTP module, Internet, SMS centre of operator, MMS centre of operator, WAP gateway of operator and service providers.

EFFECT: possibility to provide any premium rate voiceless services to Guest users, rate service prices independently of provision technology, perform correct mutual settling of accounts with home MCN operator.

37 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The invention relates to methods and systems for the provision of services, called electronically, and in particular to methods and systems that allow the operator of a cellular mobile network (SPS) to provide subscribers with additional services and mobile content. Services are also provided to subscribers of cellular mobile networks of other operators (Guest subscribers), with which the operator has concluded Roaming agreements.

In accordance with current international roaming practice, the VPLMN operator (the VPLMN operator is an ATP business network operator serving a subscriber of the ATP network of another operator in accordance with the concluded Roaming Agreement) can provide the Guest subscriber with only a limited set of services. In particular, it provides a basic voice service, the ability to send short text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages, as well as wireless Internet access. At the same time, the non-voice local services provided for a fee, which are outside the standard tariff plans of the operator (Premium Rate services), for example, mobile content, help services, downloading multimedia content to your phone, mobile games, etc.

There are two reasons for this:

1. Technically charged access for the Guest subscriber to data services and mobile content is through the HPLMN Operator network (HPLMN Operator is the ATP home network operator that has concluded a service agreement with this subscriber and allocated him a SIM card and phone number). In particular, when a Guest subscriber sends an SMS message addressed to the Premium Rate service, such a message is delivered through the SMS center of the HPLMN Operator, and therefore, is charged by the HPLMN Operator; when you try to access services via the mobile Internet (for example, through WAP), such access is provided through the HPLMN Operator’s WAP gateway and is charged by it. The only exception is access to voice premium rate services. In this case, the Guest subscriber, having dialed a short (or full) voice number, gets to the Premium Rate service of the VPLMN Operator, which is charged by the VPLMN Operator.

2. Relations between operators and roaming partners are strictly regulated by standard forms of contracts, data formats for exchanging tariff information, and settlement procedures. For the first reason, the format of tariff data when roaming does not provide for the availability of records on the provision of any Premium Rate services with the exception of voice services. Making any changes to these standards is a long and laborious process.

All of the above deprives VPLMN Operators of the opportunity now to receive additional income by providing the Guest subscribers with the necessary and demanded Premium Rate services, for example, information about the country and place of stay, if the Guest subscriber is in another country.

A known method of payment for a service called from the Internet electronically (RF Patent No. 2233557, IPC Н04М 15/00, priority from 1998.11.27, publ. 2004.07.27). The method includes transmitting a number for establishing a paid telecommunication connection from a service consumer to a service provider for requesting and paying for a service, monitoring the establishment and holding of a telecommunication connection by a transmitted number from the side of the service provider for charging for the service, charging for the requested service by calculating the duration of the established paid telecommunications connection, the issuance of the requested service after accrual through om paid telecommunication connection. At the same time, together with the transmission of the number for establishing a telecommunication connection to control the provision of the service by the service provider, the service order code is transmitted to the consumer. Thus, as a number for establishing a telecommunication connection for the provision of a service, a through telecommunication connection number is used, where the last digits of the number are used as the order code.

The disadvantages of this method is that this method requires a voice connection to a given number and a specific call hold time to accumulate the required number of tariff minutes, which leads to unnecessary time for the subscriber, the need to transfer the telephone from eye to ear and back. In the case of delivery of the service to a mobile phone, payment will require interruption of the session associated with the provision of the service for dialing and payment, which is a clear inconvenience to the subscriber. In addition, the tariffing, in fact, is made by the subscriber himself, making a call to the specified number. In case of an error when dialing a number or the wrong number of tariff minutes, payment will not be made or will be made incorrectly. The disadvantage is that the subscriber needs to fix in the head the number issued by the system for charging and the number of tariff minutes. That is, the subscriber needs to remember not only the access code for the service itself, but also the code for charging and the number of minutes. Additional information that the subscriber needs to remember. This does not allow the subscriber to gain a positive experience in using the services and, as a result, reduces the desire to use them. The method does not allow providing services with step-by-step billing (billing "for each click"), billing for visits to certain sections of the service, namely, which provide billing "little by little, but often." In the known method, charging is first performed, and then the content is shipped. Thus, a situation is possible when the payment is made by the subscriber, and the service for some reason is not provided or is provided in the wrong amount. The known method does not contradict the use of services when roaming. However, all these shortcomings will equally impede the comfortable use of services both in the home and in the visiting network of ATP.

There is also known a method and system for providing mobile content, in which users, turning to the content delivery system, unconsciously enjoy it (Patent JP 2004139388, IPC Н04М 15/00, priority from 2002.10.12, publ. 2004.05.13). These method and system are taken as prototypes of the proposed method for charging mobile services and a system for its implementation. The known method and its system provide services that users wish to receive through mobile communicators, such as cell phones, connected by users to the cellular mobile communication network provided by the provider, by communicating with a service provider service providing a server that ships various content via an Internet communication line, associated with a cellular mobile network.

The known method includes the use of standard Internet protocols to connect a service provider to a cellular mobile communications network (home), payment for services by subscribers using standard payment methods for services provided via the Internet, such as bank cards (VISA, Master Card), electronic wallets, virtual money, etc.

The known system includes: a database, which is part of the server of the service provider for managing user identification numbers (UIDs) and / or cell phone numbers provided to the service provider by the service provider that the users use, and also to manage user data; and bonus point calculators in order to accrue bonus points to users depending on the services that users order.

The disadvantages of the known method and system for its implementation is the use of a limited set of transport technologies for the delivery of content (information, services), in fact only Internet technologies are used. Using a direct Internet connection to connect a user to a service does not allow organizing the provision of services by the VPLMN Operator for Guest subscribers. In addition, payment for services by subscribers is carried out without a service cost accounting system (Billing System) of the ATP network operator, that is, mainly using standard means of payment for services provided via the Internet, such as bank cards (VISA, Master Card), electronic wallets, virtual money, etc. Thus, to use the services, the subscriber must have one of these means of payment. Probably, in Japan there is a fairly developed payment infrastructure, which covers a wide range of users. However, in most countries of the world, the most universal means of payment when using mobile services is still the personal subscriber account in the ATP network operator’s billing system.

The authors were tasked with developing a method and system that allows the mobile network operator to provide any non-voice Premium Rate services for Guest subscribers, to charge non-voice services provided to Guest subscribers, regardless of the technology of non-voice services, to correctly perform subsequent settlements with the ATP home network operator.

The problem is solved in that in a method for providing non-voice Premium Rate services to mobile cellular subscribers, which includes the following steps: a) using an ATP network to transmit a request and a service, b) transmitting a subscriber’s request to a service provider to request a service, c) issuing the requested service to a subscriber, d) tariffing the requested service at the price stated by the service provider, separately from the standard tariffs of the ATP network operator, services are also provided to subscribers of ATP networks of other operators (Guest subscribers) with which The operator has concluded a roaming agreement, and additionally use a system containing a block of subscriber requests, with the help of which they receive and initially analyze requests, the main block of service logic, with which the service is identified, converts the subscriber request into a format acceptable to the service provider, and controls the provision services, the charging unit with which the service is charged, data is generated containing at least the service request code, the time of the service and the telephone number of the subscriber Request form by keyboard input from the mobile terminal, wherein the selected request format, which is interpreted as an SPS network or a set number of voice or text fragment as the transfer specific external application.

In this case, the transfer of the request, the format of which is interpreted by the SPS network as a set of voice numbers, is carried out in accordance with the ISUP protocol, where ISUP is the Integrated Services User Part, standardized, ITU-T Q.763 - Q.764, a telecommunication protocol for establishing voice connections in digital telecommunication networks, and the transmission of a request, the format of which is interpreted by the SPS network as the transmission of a text fragment to a specific external application, is carried out using the USSD request of the format * 1XY * Z1-Zn #, where X is a number in the range 5-9, Y is any number, Z1-Zn - any the second set of alphanumeric characters, where USSD is standardized, 3GPP TS 22.090, ETSI TS 123 090, ETSI TS 124090, a protocol for requesting additional services in mobile networks. Additionally, a request interpreted by the ATP network as sending a text fragment is transmitted to the system from the ATP visiting network in accordance with the SMPP protocol if the system is connected to the USSD gateway of the ATP visiting network operator using a data transfer system that supports the TCP / IP protocol stack, where SMPP is Short Message Peer to Peer Protocol, a specified, SMPP Developers Forum protocol for the interaction of external applications with elements of the infrastructure of ATP operators, or in accordance with the MAP protocol if the system is connected to a visiting ATP network using by calling the OKS-7 signaling, where MAP is the Mobile Application Part, standardized, 3GPP TS 29.002, the protocol for the interaction of elements of the infrastructure of ATP networks. Service delivery is carried out, or having previously received confirmation from the ATP network operator with which this subscriber has concluded an agreement on the use of communication services, received a phone number and SIM card and with which the Operator has concluded a Roaming agreement in accordance with the CAP protocol, where CAP - CAMEL Application Part, standardized, ETSI TS 123 078, protocol for the exchange of information between elements of ATP networks, or without receiving such confirmation, but after issuing the service, a CDR record is generated, a CDR is called Call Detailed Record, a record containing a detailed information about the service provided, containing at least the service request code, the time of the service and the phone number of the subscriber, and transmit the CDR record from the charging unit to the service cost accounting system of the operator of the SPS visit network network, where the SPS visit network is a cellular mobile communication network providing services to subscribers of other ATP networks located in its radio coverage area, on the basis of Roaming agreements concluded between the operator of the ATP network that currently serves the subscriber and the operators of other ATP networks. In addition, the delivery of services to the subscriber is carried out either by establishing a USSD session, or by sending an SMS message containing information, or by sending an MMS message containing the necessary information, or by sending him a service SMS message in a special format that activates a proactive service application in the subscriber’s terminal, or by sending the URL of the Internet page containing the necessary information.

The system for presenting non-voice Premium Rate services to cellular mobile subscribers contains a block of subscriber requests having a connection with the ATP network infrastructure and the main service logic block of the system, a main service logic block having a connection with the subscriber request block of the system, the ATP network infrastructure, service provider infrastructure and the block system charging, a charging unit having a connection with the main service logic block of the system and the ATP network infrastructure, an internal data bus providing union of intrasystem and interaction of subscriber unit requests service logic of the main unit and the charging unit. The block of subscriber requests is made containing a service code analyzer, which allows performing an initial analysis of a service request code, determining which service this request belongs to, and addressing the request to the corresponding service module. In addition, the subscriber request block can be made comprising an SMPP interface module that allows you to interact with the USSD center of the ATP operator using the SMPP protocol, a MAP interface module that allows you to connect to the OKS-7 signaling network of the ATP operator and communicate using the MAP protocol, the interface module ISUP, which allows you to connect to the signal network OKS-7 operator ATP and interact using the ISUP protocol. In this case, the SMPP interface module is made up of either an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the SMPP protocol over physical Ethernet channels. The MAP interface module is either implemented with an OKS-7 interface card, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the E.1 or T.1 physical channels, and / or an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the Ethernet physical channels. The ISUP interface module is made up of the OKS-7 interface board, which allows organizing the ISUP protocol on the E.1 or T.1 physical channels, and / or the Ethernet interface board, which allows organizing the ISUP protocol on the Ethernet physical channels.

The main block of the service logic is made containing service modules that allow you to process the subscriber request in accordance with the internal logic of the service, support further interactive interaction with the subscriber using interface modules, interact with the infrastructure of service providers, monitor the provision of the service to the subscriber, and charge for using the service and transfer charging information to the charging unit. In addition, the main block of the service logic can be made containing an SMPP interface module that allows you to interact with SMS and USSD centers of the ATP operator using SMPP protocol, a MAP interface module that allows you to connect to the OKS-7 signaling network of the ATP operator and interact with MAP protocol, the MM7 interface module, which allows you to interact with the MMS center of the ATP operator using the MM7 protocol, the HTTP interface module, which allows you to connect to the data network of the ATP operator and interact Operate using the HTTP protocol. The SMPP interface module is made up of an Ethernet interface board, which allows organizing the SMPP protocol over physical Ethernet channels. The MAP interface module is made up of an OKS-7 interface card, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the E.1 or T.1 physical channels, and / or an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the Ethernet physical channels. The MM7 interface module is made up of an Ethernet interface board, which allows organizing the MM7 protocol over physical Ethernet channels. The HTTP interface module is made up of an Ethernet interface board, which allows you to organize the HTTP protocol over physical Ethernet channels.

The billing unit is made up of a billing transaction generator that allows you to translate information on charges for using the service received from the main service logic block into a format perceived by the cost accounting system of a particular ATP operator and transmit this information to ATP operators using interface modules. In addition, the charging unit may be performed comprising a CDR interface module, which allows transferring accrual records in the form of CDR records grouped into CDR files to the SPS operator and / or a CAP interface module allowing real-time charging, interacting with ATP operator under the CAMEL protocol. The CDR interface module is made up of an Ethernet interface board, which allows organizing the transfer of CDR files over physical Ethernet channels. The CAMEL interface module is made containing the OKS-7 interface board, which allows organizing the CAMEL protocol on the physical channels E.1 or T.1.

The technical effect of the invention lies in the fact that the claimed method and system for its implementation allows the cellular mobile network operator to provide any non-voice Premium Rate services for Guest subscribers, to charge these services regardless of the technology of provision, to correctly make settlements with the operator of the ATP home network. In addition, operators are not required to change the technology of mutual settlements with their roaming partners. And the subscriber is allowed to easily use a wide range of services in the SPS visiting network and pay them from his mobile personal account; at the same time, the subscriber does not need to always have plastic bank cards or other means of payment at hand.

The invention is illustrated in graphic materials.

Figure 1 shows the options for passing subscriber requests through the ATP network to the System subscriber request unit, where 1 is the ATP operator network, 2 is the USSD ATP operator center, 3 is the subscriber request unit, 4 is the SMPP interface module, 5 is the MAP interface module, 6 - ISUP interface module, 7 - Service code analyzer, 8 - Internal data bus, 9 - ATP network subscribers, 10 - USSD request of a subscriber to the USSD center of the ATP operator via OKS-7 signaling network, 11 - USSD request redirected by the USSD operator center SPS Interface module SMPP via PD, 12 - USSD subscriber request, addressed to the MAP Interface module via the OKS-7 signaling network, 13 - Voice call of the subscriber addressed to the ISUP Interface module via the OKS-7 signaling network.

Figure 2 shows the structure of the Main block of service logic, where 8 - Internal data bus, 14 - Main block of service logic, 15 - Service module No. 1, 16 - Service module No. 2, 17 - Service module No. 3, 18 - Service module N, 19 - Interface module SMPP, 20 - Interface module MAP, 21 - Interface module ММ7, 22 - Interface module HTTP.

Figure 3 shows the external environment of the Main block of the service logic and the purpose of the interface modules is explained, where 1 is the ATP operator network, 2 is the USSD center of the ATP operator, 14 is the Main service logic block, 19 is the SMPP interface module, 20 is the MAP interface module, 21 - Interface module ММ7, 22 - Interface module HTTP, 23 - Internet, 24 - SMS-center of ATP operator, 25 - MMS-center of ATP operator, 26 - WAP-gateway of ATP operator, 27 - Service providers, 28 - USSD support dialogue with the subscriber on the site USSD center - Interface module SMPP on the PD network, 29 - Maintaining USSD dialogue with by entente at the subscriber - USSD center section, 30 - sending an SMS message to the subscriber from the SMPP Interface module to the SMS center of the ATP operator via the PD network, 31 - SMS message delivery to the subscriber from the SMS center of the ATP operator, 32 - Maintaining USSD dialogue by a subscriber or sending an SMS message to a subscriber directly through the OKS-7 signaling network, 33 - sending an MMS message to the subscriber from the MM7 Interface module to the MMS center of the ATP operator via the PD network, 34 - sending an MMS message to the subscriber from the MMS center of the ATP operator 35 - Maintaining a WAP dialogue with a subscriber in the WAP gateway section - HTTP interface module, 36 - By maintaining a WAP dialogue with the subscriber at the subscriber-WAP gateway section, 37 - Interaction of the service provider's infrastructure with the SMPP Interface module via SMPP protocol, 38 - Interaction of the service provider's infrastructure with the MM7 Interface module via MM7 protocol, 39 - Interaction of the service provider's infrastructure with the Interface HTTP module over HTTP.

Figure 4 shows the options for the interaction of the Tariffing Unit with accounting systems for the cost of services of ATP operators, where 8 is the Internal data bus, 1a is the ATP business or home network, 16 is the ATP home network, 40 is the Tariffing unit, 41 is the Tariff transaction generator, 42 - CDR interface module, 43 - CAP interface module, 44 - ATP operator service cost accounting system, 45 - CDR record transmission in the form of a CDR file from the CDR interface module of the ATP operator service cost accounting system over the PD network, 46 - Tariff transaction between the Interface module CAP and C system of accounting for the cost of services of the ATP operator according to the CAMEL protocol.

Figure 5 shows a sequence diagram of the service provided in Example 1, where 9 is an ATP network subscriber, 2 is a USSD ATS operator center, 24 is an ATP operator SMS center, 3 is a subscriber request block, 4 is a SMPP interface module of a subscriber request block, 7 - Service Code Analyzer, 14 - Main Service Logic Unit, 15 - Service Module 1, 19 - SMPP Interface Module of the Main Service Logic Unit, 22 - HTTP Interface Module of the Main Service Logic Unit, 27 - Service Provider, 47 - Subscriber USSD request on the site from the subscriber’s mobile terminal to the USSD center and for the SPS operator, 48 - the subscriber’s USSD request in the section from the USSD center to the Subscriber request unit, 49 - The subscriber request is transmitted by the Service Code Analyzer to the Main Service Logic Unit, 50 - the subscriber’s USSD session on the site The Main Service Logic unit is USSD- ATP operator center, 51 - USSD session of the subscriber in the section USSD center - mobile terminal of the subscriber, 52 - Request for the service provider to provide the service, 53 - Service delivery by the service provider, 54 - Sending the information requested by the subscriber via SMS in the section Main service logic block - SMS-center operator and ATP delivery to the mobile terminal subscriber information requested by SMS-center operator PCA.

Figure 6 shows a sequence diagram of the service provided in Example 2, where 3 is the Subscriber Request Block, 6 is the ISUP Interface Module of the Subscriber Request Block, 7 is the Service Code Analyzer, 9 is the ATP network subscriber, 14 is the Main Service Logic Block, 26 is ATP operator WAP-gateway, 15 - Service module 2, 19 - SMPP interface module of the Main service logic block, 22 - HTTP interface module of the Main service logic block, 24 - SMS-center of the ATP operator, 27 - Service provider, 56 - Subscriber service request dialing a voice number, 57 - Subscriber transfer about the request by the Analyzer of service codes to the Main service logic block, 58 - Sending a subscriber an SMS message containing a WAP Internet link on the site The main service logic block - SMS center of an ATP operator, 59 - delivery of an SMS message from WAP Internet to a subscriber’s mobile terminal -link by the SMS center, 60 - the subscriber’s WAP session on the site, the subscriber’s mobile terminal — the SPS operator’s WAP gateway, 61 — the subscriber’s WAP session on the site, the WAP gateway — the HTTP interface module of the main service logic block, 62 — Request the service provider to issue Services, 63 - Service Provider Service Provider, 64 - delivery of the requested service to the subscriber in the area from the Main service logic block to the WAP gateway of the ATP operator, 65 - delivery of the requested service to the subscriber in the area from the WAP gateway to the subscriber’s mobile terminal.

As a rule, cellular mobile operators (SPS) provide cellular mobile subscribers of other operators (Guest subscribers), accepted for service on the basis of concluded Roaming agreements, from the category of additional services of the Premium Rate class only voice services. These services can be provided using both short and full phone numbers. However, non-voice premium rate services are usually not available for carriers and therefore do not provide.

Thus, the Guest subscriber, as a rule, does not have access to local Premium Rate data services, mobile content, etc. There are two reasons for this:

1. Technically charged access to data services and mobile content is carried out through the HPLMN Operator network. In particular, when a Guest subscriber sends an SMS message with the Premium Rate service code, such a message is delivered through the HPLMN operator’s SMS center, and therefore, is charged by the HPLMN operator; when you try to access services via the mobile Internet (for example, through WAP), such access is carried out through the HPLMN operator’s WAP gateway and is charged for it. The only exception is access to voice premium rate services. In this case, the Guest subscriber, having dialed a short (or full) voice number, gets to the Premium Rate service of the VPLMN operator, which is charged by the VPLMN operator.

2. Relations between operators and roaming partners are strictly regulated by standard forms of agreements, data formats for exchanging tariff information, and settlement procedures. For the first reason, the format of tariff data when roaming does not provide for the availability of records on the provision of any Premium Rate services with the exception of voice services. Making any changes to these standards is a long and laborious process.

All of the above deprives VPLMN network operators of the opportunity now to receive additional income by providing Guest subscribers with the necessary and demanded Premium Rate services, for example, information about the country and place of stay if the Guest subscriber is in another country.

The inventive method and system will allow the Mobile Network Operator to provide any Premium Rate services for Guest subscribers accepted by him for service, to charge these services and to make settlements with the HPLMN Operator correctly. To implement this feature, an ATP network is used to transmit a subscriber’s request for a service and issue a requested service to a subscriber, a data network (PD), such as the Internet, is used to broadcast a subscriber’s request to a service provider to request a service. Requests are generated by the subscriber by keyboard input from the mobile terminal, and they select the request format, which is interpreted by the ATP network as either dialing a voice number or as transmitting a text fragment to a specific external application.

The requested service is charged at the price declared by the service provider, separately from the standard tariffs of the VPLMN operator.

In addition, they use the inventive system containing a block of subscriber requests 3, with the help of which the reception and initial analysis of requests from subscribers are carried out, the main block of the service logic 14, by which the service is identified, the subscriber request is converted into a format acceptable to the service provider, and monitored the provision of the service, the charging unit 40, with the help of which the service is billed, form data containing at least the service request code, the time of the provision of the service and the subscriber's telephone number (MSISDN).

The inventive system is a hardware-software complex. The hardware complex has a physical connection to a data transmission network (for example, the Internet), through which it connects to the data transmission infrastructure (PD) of ATP operators. Namely, integration with the operator's billing system and its service infrastructure (USSD-, SMS-, MMS-centers, WAP-gateways, etc.) through a set of Internet protocols is required. In the case of a direct connection of the system to the signaling infrastructure of the ATP operator, a physical connection to the SS7 signaling network and the implementation of the set of SS7 signaling protocols are necessary. This is applicable, for example, in the case when it is necessary to rate services for Guest subscribers in real time, provided that the VPLMN Operator supports CAMEL roaming with one of its roaming partners (HPLMN Operators). This is also applicable for the case when the organization of USSD dialogue with the subscriber and / or sending him SMS messages occurs without the help of USSD and / or SMS centers of the ATP operator. In addition, the system supports external interfaces based on TCP / IP for integration with the infrastructure of third parties, for example, service providers.

The inventive method and system for providing services to Guest subscribers allows subscribers roaming in a cellular mobile network to request and receive non-voice services Premium Rate. In this case, the service request can be made by the subscriber in several ways:

- A request is generated and transmitted, which is interpreted by the SPS network as transferring a text fragment to a specific external application by dialing a USSD code in the format * 1XY * Z1-Zn #, where X is a number in the range 5-9, Y is any number, Z1 -Zn - any set of alphanumeric characters, where USSD is standardized, 3GPP TS 22.090, ETSI TS 123 090, ETSI TS 124 090, a method for requesting additional services in mobile networks.

- A request is generated and transmitted, the format of which is interpreted by the ATP network as dialing a voice number by dialing a subscriber's phone number in any available format. Processing and routing of the dialed number by the NGN network is carried out in accordance with the ISUP protocol, where ISUP is the Integrated Services User Part, standardized, ITU-T Q.763 - Q.764, a telecommunication method for establishing voice connections in digital telecommunication networks.

Both in the first and in the second case, the request falls into the block of subscriber requests 3, with the help of which the reception and initial analysis of the requests are made. The block of subscriber requests can be made containing the SMPP 4 interface module, which allows connecting to the USSD center of the ATP operator using the SMPP protocol, or containing the MAP 5 interface module, allowing connecting to the signaling network of the ATP operator using the MAP protocol, or containing the ISUP interface module 6, which allows connecting to the signal network of the ATP operator using the ISUP protocol.

If USSD is used as a service request method, there are two options for delivering a request to the system. The first option - a subscriber request passes through its own USSD-center of the ATP operator, which has an SMPP interface on the outside, where SMPP is the Short Message Peer to Peer Protocol, specified by the SMPP Developers Forum, SMPP Protocol Specification, a protocol for the interaction of external applications with elements of the infrastructure of ATP operators . Such a request should go to the SMPP 4 Interface module of the Subscriber Request Block 3. In this case, we understand that the system is connected to the ATP network through the data network via the TCP / IP protocol stack, where the TCP / IP protocol stack is Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol , a set of protocols for transmitting data in PD networks, developed by IETF (The Internet Engineering Task Force) and described by the standards RFC 793 (for TCP) and RFC 791 (for IP).

If the ATP operator does not have a USSD center that supports the SMPP interface, the system can be connected to the operator’s infrastructure via the OKS-7 signaling network, where OKS-7 is the Common Signaling Channel No. 7, a standardized ITU (International Telecommunication Union) signaling system, connecting elements of digital telecommunication networks. In this case, the subscriber's request is sent to the MAP 5 Interface module, where MAP is the Mobile Application Part, standardized by 3GPP (3 ^rd Generation Partnership Project, Technical Specification 29.002) for use in the OKS-7 signaling network by the protocol of interaction of elements of the ATP network infrastructure. At the same time, the MAP 5 Interface Module is made either containing the OKS-7 interface board, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the E.1 or T.1 physical channels, or containing the Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the Ethernet physical channels.

In the case of using a conventional telephone call service as a request method, such a request is addressed by the ATP network to the ISUP 6 Interface Module of the Subscriber Request Block 3. The ISUP 6 interface module can be either implemented with the OKS-7 interface card, which allows organizing the ISUP protocol on the physical channels E. 1 or T.1, or an Ethernet interface board, which allows you to organize the ISUP protocol over physical Ethernet channels.

In order to correctly deliver subscriber requests to the ATP network, it is necessary to carry out preliminary work on the appropriate configuration of the routing of OKS-7 signaling messages.

After receiving the request in the Block of subscriber requests 3 using one of the listed methods, the corresponding Interface module (4-7) sends the request to the Service Code Analyzer 7.

The service code analyzer 7 performs an initial analysis of the request code, associates it with a specific service (service) and addresses the request to the corresponding service module (15-18) of the main service logic block 14 via the internal data bus 8. The information contains the contents of the query string, phone number ( MSISDN) of the subscriber and some other auxiliary data. Figure 1 shows the options for the passage of subscriber requests through the ATP network to the block of subscriber requests 3 System.

Corresponding to the request The service module processes the request in accordance with the internal logic of this service. The logic of the service is programmed at the stage of creating the service and generally represents maintaining a dialogue with the subscriber, the result of which should be the issuance of the final requested information to the subscriber. Service logic can be extremely simple when a response to a subscriber’s request is immediately issued, after which the dialogue closes; can be a hierarchical service menu in which the subscriber can be until he selects the information he is interested in; may contain other more complex elements, such as keyword search, user authentication, proactivity, etc.

All interactions of the service with the subscriber are implemented through interface modules.

The SMPP 19 interface module allows the System to maintain a USSD dialogue with the subscriber, as well as send SMS messages to the subscriber. The SMS message can contain text (for example, information requested by the subscriber), a WAP Internet link or a command to launch a Java application in the subscriber’s mobile terminal. This module is used when the System is connected to the USSD and / or SMS center of the ATP network via SMPP protocol. In addition, the SMPP 19 interface module is used to connect to the System of infrastructure elements of service providers via SMPP protocol when the service logic provides for such a connection.

The MAP 20 Interface Module allows all the same as the SMPP 19 Interface Module, but is used when the System is connected to the ATP network directly through the OKS-7 signaling network.

The MM7 21 interface module is used to send multimedia information to the subscriber in MMS messages. In addition, the MM7 21 interface module is used to connect to the System of technological elements of the infrastructure of service providers using the MM7 protocol when the service logic provides for such a connection.

The HTTP 22 interface module is responsible for maintaining the WAP session during dialogue with the subscriber and for delivering multimedia information to him. In addition, the HTTP interface module is used to connect to the System elements of the infrastructure of service providers via the HTTP protocol when the service logic provides for such a connection.

Service logic, as a rule, involves interaction with external systems, in particular with the infrastructure of service providers. For example, when a subscriber orders a graphic file, the System can make a request through the HTTP 22 Interface module to the server of one of the service providers containing graphic files, receive this file and transfer it for download to the subscriber through the same HTTP 22 Interface module, if the service logic provides downloading content as part of a WAP session (or through the MM7 21 Interface Module, if the service logic provides for the sending of the final result in an MMS message).

As a rule, the provision of service is associated with maintaining a dialogue with the subscriber. Regardless of how the service request was made (via USSD or voice call), further dialogue with the subscriber can occur in various ways. An incomplete list of options for providing services to the subscriber is given below.

Example 1

This example is illustrated in FIG. The guest subscriber dials the request “* 170 #” on the USSD mobile terminal. This request is sent via the SPS 1 network to the operator’s USSD-center 2 and then transmitted via a secure Internet connection to the SMPP Interface Module 4 of the Subscription Request Block 3 using the SMPP protocol. Further, Service Code Analyzer 7, having received a request from the SMPP 4 Interface Module, performs an initial analysis of the request and determines which service this request relates to. Then, the Service Code Analyzer 7 transmits the request via the Internal data bus 8 to the Main block of the service logic 14 to the corresponding Service Module (15-18).

The service module receives the request and begins its processing in accordance with the specified logic. In this case, for example, the logic involves the subscriber searching for the information he needs through the USSD menu. The USSD Phase 2 specification implies the possibility of using USSD in dialogue mode, which allows you to build hierarchical menu structures. The service module opens a USSD dialogue with the subscriber. The dialogue is maintained until the subscriber selects the desired final menu item. The dialogue is supported through the SMPP Interface Module and the USSD-center of the ATP operator.

The result of the service in this example is text information sent via SMS. After the subscriber selects the final menu item, the Service Module first contacts the server of the service provider through the http 22 interface module to request information selected by the subscriber, receives it, and then generates an SMS message with the requested information and sends it via the SMPP 4 Interface module to the operator’s SMS center ATP and further to the subscriber.

Example 2

This example is illustrated in Fig.6. Example 2 is generally similar to example 1, but instead of a USSD request, a voice call is used, and instead of a USSD dialogue, a WAP session is used. WAP provides the subscriber with significantly greater opportunities for navigating the service menu, downloading images, sounds, other multimedia information to the phone, the ability to search by keywords, etc.

If the subscriber’s mobile terminal supports WAP and the corresponding option is selected in the subscriber’s personal settings in the System, after dialing a voice number, for example “170”, passing it through the ISUP 8 interface module, first analyzing this request by the Service Code Analyzer 7 and sending the request to the Service Module The main unit of the service logic 14. The service module generates a special SMS message containing a WAP Internet link, which is delivered to the subscriber via the SMPP interface module and the SMS center of the ATP operator. Using this link, the subscriber opens a WAP session and can start navigating the service menu. The WAP session is opened through the ATP operator’s WAP gateway and the HTTP Interface Module 22 of the Main Service Logic Unit 14. As a final result, the subscriber receives text or multimedia information within the same WAP session, and the information is previously requested, as in Example 1, at the service provider.

Example 3

If the subscriber’s mobile terminal can run Java applications, the Java service application is downloaded to the terminal and the corresponding option is selected in the subscriber’s personal settings in the System, in response to, for example, a voice request, the subscriber receives a special format SMS message that automatically will launch the service Java application in its mobile terminal. From this application, the subscriber will be able to interact with the service online via a data channel. Otherwise, this example is completely similar to example 2 and is also illustrated in Fig.6. The end result of the service is similar to the case with WAP.

The charging unit 40 is connected to the Main unit of the service logic 14, from where, when a charged event occurs, he receives a command to charge for the service and interact with the billing system of a particular ATP operator. At the same time, the corresponding Service Module suspends the provision of the requested service to the subscriber, pending confirmation of successful billing from the Billing Unit. The charge command includes the subscriber's telephone number (MSISDN), the identifier of the tariffed service, the tariff category, and a number of other parameters.

The billing unit has a connection with billing systems of ATP operators through the CDR interface module, which allows transferring information about charges in the form of CDR records grouped into CDR files to the ATP operator, where CDR is Call Detailed Record, a text fragment containing at least a service request code, the time of the provision of the service and the telephone number of the subscriber and / or the CAP interface module, which allows real-time charging, interacting with the ATP operator billing system using the CAMEL protocol. To organize the transfer of CDR files over the PD channels, the CDR 42 Interface Module is made containing an Ethernet interface board, and for organizing CAMEL communication via E.1 or T.1 channels, the CAP 43 Interface Module is made containing an OKS-7 interface board.

Billing is carried out in the following ways.

Example 4

This example describes Post-paid pricing. This is the case when the VPLMN operator exchanges tariff information with roaming partners based on the TAP procedure, where TAP is the Transferred Account Procedure, a procedure for exchanging tariff information between SPS operators, developed by the International GSM Association. The tariff transaction generator 41, based on the information received together with the command for charging from the Main block of the service logic 14, and using the table of tariff agreements contained in the database, selects the voice Premium Rate number corresponding to this tariff. Then, Tariff Transaction Generator 41 generates a CDR record stating that this subscriber made a call lasting 1 second to the selected Premium Rate voice number. After creating the record, the Billing Unit 40, in accordance with the internal protocol, informs the Service Module that the subscriber has been charged and you can continue to provide him with a service. Next, the CDR record is transferred to the CDR 42 Interface module, where it is packed into a CDR file. By agreement with the ATP operator, the CDR 42 interface module is periodically sent through the secure PD network to the VPLMN operator billing system, where it is further processed by the operator’s standard methods: the information from it will go to the TAP files and will be sent to the home operator (HPLMN operator) of this subscriber.

Example 5

Billing Pre-paid. This is the case when the VPLMN operator carries out billing transactions with roaming partners in real time based on CAMEL technology. As in example 4, the Tariff Transaction Generator 41, based on the information received together with the command for charging from the Main block of the service logic 14, and using the table of tariff agreements contained in the database, selects the voice Premium Rate number corresponding to this tariff. Then, the Tariff Transaction Generator 41 generates a request to the CAP 43 Interface Module to conduct a CAMEL transaction with the HPLMN billing system upon the subscriber’s call to the selected Premium Rate voice number. At the first stage of the billing transaction, it is determined whether the subscriber has sufficient funds in his personal account (PM) to receive this service. The CAP 43 interface module makes a corresponding request to the billing system of the HPLMN operator via the CAP protocol. If the subscriber has enough funds on his LAN, the HPLMN billing system returns a confirmation to the CAP 43 Interface module. The CAP 43 interface module sends this confirmation to the Billing Transaction Generator 41, which, in turn, forms a confirmation of the successful billing to the Service Module. The service module, having received such confirmation, provides the subscriber with the requested service and informs the Tariff Transaction Generator about this. After that, the second stage of the billing transaction is performed. The CAP 43 interface module requests the billing system of the HPLMN operator to write off the corresponding amount from the subscriber’s LAN. After receiving confirmation from the service cost accounting system, the billing transaction is closed.

If at the first stage of the billing transaction it turns out that the subscriber on his LAN does not have enough funds to make a call to the selected Premium Rate number (that is, to receive the requested service), information about this through the CAP Interface Module and the Billing Transaction Generator is transferred to the Service Module , which notifies the subscriber of the impossibility to provide him with a service due to insufficient funds in his personal account.

The advantage of the claimed invention in comparison with the known to obtain this service. The CAP 43 interface module makes a corresponding request to the billing system of the HPLMN operator via the CAP protocol. If the subscriber has enough funds on his LAN, the HPLMN billing system returns a confirmation to the CAP 43 Interface module. The CAP 43 interface module sends this confirmation to the Billing Transaction Generator 41, which, in turn, forms a confirmation of the successful billing to the Service Module. The service module, having received such confirmation, provides the subscriber with the requested service and informs the Tariff Transaction Generator about this. After that, the second stage of the billing transaction is performed. The CAP 43 interface module requests the billing system of the HPLMN operator to write off the corresponding amount from the subscriber’s LAN. After receiving confirmation from the service cost accounting system, the billing transaction is closed.

If at the first stage of the billing transaction it turns out that the subscriber on his LAN does not have enough funds to make a call to the selected Premium Rate number (that is, to receive the requested service), information about this through the CAP Interface Module and the Billing Transaction Generator is transferred to the Service Module , which notifies the subscriber of the impossibility to provide him with a service due to insufficient funds in his personal account.

The advantage of the claimed invention in comparison with the known inventions is as follows:

1. Billing takes place in parallel with the provision of services and does not take extra time.

2. The service session is not interrupted, the subscriber does not need to be distracted by dialing a voice number. Billing takes place "in the background", and the subscriber comfortably uses the service.

3. The system performs billing; the user does not need to delve into the billing process at all. Therefore, the possibility of errors is excluded, plus greater flexibility in charging is achieved.

4. No extra information for the subscriber, except for the service itself.

5. The charging process is kind of “spread out” in using the service, therefore, it is possible to implement paid services based on online browsing.

Claims (37)

1. A method of providing non-voice Premium Rate services to mobile ATP mobile subscribers, comprising the following steps: a) using an ATP network to transmit a request and a service b) transmitting a subscriber’s request to a service provider to request a service, c) issuing the requested service to the subscriber, d) charging the requested services at the price stated by the service provider, separately from the standard tariffs of ATP network operators, characterized in that the services are also provided to subscribers of ATP networks of other Operators with which the Operator has concluded o Roaming agreement, and additionally use a system containing a unit for analyzing subscriber requests, with the help of which they receive and initial analyze requests, the main block of service logic, with which the service is identified, converts the subscriber request into the format of the service provider and monitors the provision of the service, the charging unit using which the service is charged, data is generated that contain at least the service request code, the time the service was provided and the subscriber’s phone number; by keyboard input from the mobile terminal, wherein the selected request format, which is interpreted as an SPS network or a set number of voice or text fragment as the transfer specific external application. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission of the request, the format of which is interpreted by the ATP network as dialing a voice number, is carried out in accordance with the ISUP protocol, where ISUP is the Integrated Services User Part, standardized, ITU-T Q.763 - Q. 764, a telecommunication protocol for establishing voice connections in digital telecommunication networks. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission of the request, the format of which is interpreted by the ATP network, as the transmission of a text fragment to a specific external application, is carried out using a USSD request of the format * lXY * Zl-Zn #, where X is a number in the range 5 -9, Y - any number, Zl-Zn - any set of alphanumeric characters, USSD - standardized, 3GPP TS 22.090, ETSI TS 123090, ETSI TS 124090, protocol for requesting additional services in mobile networks. 4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the issuance of services to the subscriber is carried out, having previously received confirmation from the operator of the ATP network with which the subscriber has concluded an agreement on the use of communication services, received a telephone number and a SIM card, and with which this Operator A Roaming Agreement is concluded in accordance with the CAP protocol, where CAP is the CAMEL Application Part, standardized, ETSI TS 123078, an information exchange protocol between elements of ATP networks. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that after the service is provided, a CDR record is generated, where CDR is Call Detailed Record, a record containing detailed information about the service provided, containing at least the service request code, the time the service was provided, and the phone number the subscriber, and transmit the CDR record, from the charging unit to the cost accounting system of the operator of the SPS visit network, where the visit network is the SPS network of cellular mobile communications that provides services to subscribers of other ATP networks located in its radio coverage area, based on Roaming lasheny concluded between the operator of the visited network operators and other SPS SPS networks. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the delivery of services to the subscriber is carried out by establishing a USSD session. 7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the delivery of services to the subscriber is carried out by sending an SMS message containing the information ordered by the subscriber. 8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the delivery of services to the subscriber is carried out by sending an MMS message containing the information ordered by the subscriber. 9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the delivery of services to the subscriber is carried out by sending him a service SMS message in a special format that activates a proactive service application in the subscriber's terminal. 10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the delivery of services to the subscriber is carried out by sending the URL of the Internet page containing the information ordered by the subscriber. 11. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the request, interpreted by the ATP network as the transmission of a text fragment, is transmitted to the system from the ATP network that currently serves the subscriber, in accordance with the SMPP protocol if the system is connected to the operator’s USSD gateway ATP networks using a data transfer system that supports the TCP / IP protocol stack, where SMPP - Short Message Peer to Peer Protocol, specified, SMPP Developers Forum, SMPP Protocol Specification, protocol for the interaction of external applications with elements of the infrastructure of ATP operators. 12. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the request, interpreted by the ATP network as the transmission of a text fragment, is transmitted to the system from the ATP network that currently serves the subscriber, in accordance with the MAP protocol if the system is connected to this ATP network with using OKS-7 signaling, where MAP is the Mobile Application Part, standardized, 3GPP TS 29.002, a protocol for the interaction of elements of the infrastructure of ATP networks. 13. A system for presenting non-voice Premium Rate services to subscribers of cellular mobile communication, implementing the method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a subscriber request unit having a connection to the infrastructure of the SPS cellular mobile communication network and the main system service logic unit, the main service logic unit, having a connection with the subscriber request block of the system, the ATP network infrastructure, the infrastructure of the service providers and the system charging unit, the charging unit having a connection with the main service logic block of the system emy ATP and infrastructure network, the internal data bus, and providing compound interaction intrasystem subscriber unit requests service logic of the main unit and the charging unit. 14. The system of item 13, wherein the subscriber request block is configured to contain a service code analyzer, which allows performing an initial analysis of a service request code, determining which service this request relates to, and addressing the request to the corresponding service module. 15. The system according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 14, characterized in that the subscriber request block is configured to include an SMPP interface module, which allows connecting to the USSD center of the ATP operator using the SMPP protocol. 16. The system according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 14, characterized in that the subscriber request block is made up of a MAP interface module, which allows connecting to the signaling network of an ATP operator using the MAP protocol. 17. The system according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 14, characterized in that the subscriber request block is made up of an ISUP interface module, which allows connection to the signaling network of the ATP operator using the ISUP protocol. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the SMPP interface module is configured to include an Ethernet interface board, which allows the organization of SMPP protocol over physical Ethernet channels. 19. The system according to clause 16, characterized in that the MAP interface module is made containing the OKS-7 interface board, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the physical channels E.1 or T.1. 20. The system according to clause 16, wherein the MAP interface module is made containing an Ethernet interface card, which allows you to organize the MAP protocol on physical Ethernet channels. 21. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the ISUP interface module is configured to comprise an OKS-7 interface board, which allows the organization of ISUP protocol over E.1 or T.1 physical channels. 22. The system of claim 17, wherein the ISUP interface module is configured to include an Ethernet interface board, which allows the organization of the ISUP protocol over physical Ethernet channels. 23. The system according to item 13, wherein the main block of the service logic is made up of service modules that allow to process a subscriber request in accordance with the internal logic of this service, support further interactive interaction with the subscriber using interface modules, interact with the infrastructure of service providers, exercise control over the provision of the service to the subscriber, make accruals for the use of the service, and transfer information about the charges to the charging unit. 24. The system according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 23, characterized in that the main block of the service logic is made containing an SMPP interface module, which allows connecting to SMS and USSD centers of the ATP operator using the SMPP protocol. 25. The system according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 23, characterized in that the main block of the service logic is made containing an MAP interface module, which allows connecting to the signaling network of the ATP operator using the MAP protocol. 26. The system according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 23, characterized in that the main block of the service logic is made containing an MM7 interface module, allowing connection to the ATP operator’s MMS center using the MM7 protocol. 27. The system according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 23, characterized in that the main block of the service logic is made containing an HTTP interface module that allows you to connect to the data network of the ATP operator using the HTTP protocol. 28. The system according to p. 18, characterized in that the SMPP interface module is made containing an Ethernet interface card that allows you to organize the SMPP protocol on physical Ethernet channels. 29. The system according to clause 16, characterized in that the MAP interface module is made containing the OKS-7 interface board, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the physical channels E.1 or T.1. 30. The system according to clause 16, characterized in that the MAP interface module is made containing an Ethernet interface card, allowing you to organize the MAP protocol on the physical Ethernet channels. 31. The system according to p. 26, characterized in that the MM7 interface module is made containing an Ethernet interface card, which allows to organize the MM7 protocol over physical Ethernet channels. 32. The system of claim 27, wherein the HTTP interface module is configured to include an Ethernet interface board that allows the organization of the HTTP protocol over physical Ethernet channels. 33. The system according to item 13, wherein the charging unit is made up of a tariff transaction generator that allows transmitting information on charges for using the service received from the main service logic block into a format perceived by the cost accounting system of a particular ATP operator and implement transmission of this information to ATP operators using interface modules. 34. The system according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 33, characterized in that the charging unit is made comprising a CDR interface module, which allows transferring accrual records to the ATP operator in the form of CDR records grouped into CDR files. 35. The system according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 33, characterized in that the charging unit is made up of a CAP interface module, allowing real-time charging, interacting with the ATP operator’s infrastructure using the CAMEL protocol. 36. The system according to clause 34, wherein the CDR interface module is made containing an Ethernet interface board, which allows to organize the transfer of CDR files on physical Ethernet channels. 37. The system of claim 35, wherein the CAP interface module is configured to include an OKS-7 interface board, which allows the CAMEL protocol to be organized over E.1 or T.1 physical channels.

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