WO2008136704A1

WO2008136704A1 - Method for delivering non-voice services to subscribers of a mobile cellular communication network and a system for carrying out said method

Info

Publication number: WO2008136704A1
Application number: PCT/RU2008/000091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aleksey Vladislavovich Smelov; Vitaliy Shamilovich Gumirov
Original assignee: Limited Liability Company 'eyeline Communications Cis'
Priority date: 2007-05-02
Filing date: 2008-02-20
Publication date: 2008-11-13

Abstract

The invention relates to methods and systems for delivering electronically requested services, namely to methods and systems enabling the operator of a mobile cellular communication network to deliver additional services and a mobile content to the subscribers thereof. The services are also deliverable to the subscribers of the mobile cellular communication networks of other operators (visitor subscribers) with which said operator has roaming agreements. The technical result of the invention consists in that the claimed method and system for carrying out it enable the operator of a mobile cellular communication network to deliver any non-voice premium rate services for visitor subscribers, to charge said services independently of a delivery procedure and to correctly carry out reciprocal payments with the operator of an in-home mobile cellular communication network. Moreover, the operators are not obliged to modify the procedure for carrying out the reciprocal payments with their roaming partners, and a subscriber is enabled to easily use the extended service range and to pay said services from his personal mobile account and is not obliged to have plastic bank cards or other payment means with him.

Description

The method of providing non-voice services to mobile cellular subscribers and a system for its implementation

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 (ATP) 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 practice, when roaming, the VPLMN operator (VPLMN operator is an operator of the ATP business network, 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 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 operator’s standard tariff plans (Premium Services), for example, mobile content, help services, downloading multimedia content to your phone, mobile games, etc. .

There are two reasons for this:

1. Technically, the Guest subscriber’s tariffed access to data services and mobile content is carried out through the HPLMN Operator’s network (the HPLMN Operator is the ATP home network operator, which concluded a service agreement with this subscriber who allocated him a SIM card and phone number). In particular, when the Guest subscriber sends an SMS message addressed to the Premium Rate service, such a message is delivered via the HPLMN Operator SMS center, which means that it is charged by the HPLMN Operator; when trying to access services via mobile Internet (for example, via WAP), such access is provided through the WAP gateway of the HPLMN Operator and is charged by it.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET The only exception is access to voice Premium Services. In this case, the Guest subscriber, having dialed a short (or full) voice number, gets the VPLMN Operator’s Premium Service, 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 to the subscriber, except for voice. 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 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 N ° 2233557, IPC H04M15 / 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, issuing the requested service after accrual a paid telecommunication connection. At the same time, together with the transmission of the number for establishing a telecommunication connection, a service order code is transmitted to the service consumer to control the provision of the service by the service provider. 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 certain

SUBSTITUTE SHEET call hold time to accumulate the required number of tariff minutes, which leads to unnecessary time costs 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 services 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 of these shortcomings will equally hinder the comfortable use of services both in the home and in the visiting network of ATP.

There is also a known method and system for providing mobile content, in which users, turning to the content delivery system, unconsciously enjoy it (Patent JP2004139388, IPC H04M15 / 00, priority 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

SUBSTITUTE SHEET content over an Internet type communication line connected to a cellular mobile network.

The known method includes the use of standard Internet protocols to connect a service provider to a cellular mobile 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 service provider's server for managing user identification numbers (UIDs) and / or cell phone numbers provided to the service provider by the telecom operator used by users, 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 payment methods 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 Billing System of the ATP network operator.

The authors were tasked to develop a method and system that allows the operator of a cellular mobile network to provide any non-voice Premium Services for Guest subscribers, to charge

SUBSTITUTE SHEET non-voice services provided to Guest subscribers, regardless of the technology of non-voice services, correctly perform subsequent settlements with the operator of the SPS home network.

The problem is solved in that in a method for providing non-voice Premium Services to subscribers of cellular mobile communication, comprising the following steps: a) using an ATP network to transmit a request and a service, b) transmitting, using the Internet or another data network, a subscriber’s request data to a service provider for requesting services, c) delivery of the requested service to the subscriber, d) tariffing of the requested service at the price declared by the service provider, separately from the standard tariffs of the ATP network operator, services are also provided to network subscribers th ATP 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, is converted a subscriber request in a format acceptable for the service provider and control the provision of the service, the charging unit, with which the service is charged, form data containing at least a charge code ca services while providing the service and the subscriber telephone number, a query is formed 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. At the same time, the transfer of the request, the format of which is interpreted by the SPS network as dialing the voice number, is carried out in accordance with the ISUP signaling protocol, where ISUP is Iptegréservice User Part, standardized, ITU-T Q.763 - Q.764, a telecommunication protocol for establishing voice connections in digital telecommunication networks, and the transfer of a 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 the USSD request of the format ^* 1 XY * Z1 -Zn #, where X is a number in the range 5-9, Y is combat number, ZI-Zn - any set of alphanumeric characters, where USSD is standardized, ЗГРР TS 22.090, ETSI TS 123 090, ETSI TS 124 090, protocol for requesting additional services in mobile networks. Additionally, a request interpreted by the ATP network as a transmission

SUBSTITUTE SHEET a text fragment is transmitted to the system from the SPS visiting network in accordance with the SMPP protocol if the system is connected to the USSD gateway of the SPS visiting network operator using a data transfer system that supports the TCP / IP protocol stack, where SMPP is the Short Messenger Reper Reot Rotol specified. SMPP Developers Forum protocol for the interaction of external applications with infrastructure elements of ATP operators, or in accordance with the MAP protocol in the case of connecting the system to a visiting ATP network using OKC-7 signaling, where MAP is Mobile Arrlistiop R rt, standardized, ZGRR TS 29.002, communication protocol of the infrastructure networks of the PCA. 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 telephone number and an SMS card, and with which the Operator has concluded a Roaming agreement, in accordance with the CAP protocol, where CAP - CAMEL Arrlistiop Рart, standardized, ETSI TS 123 078, protocol for the exchange of information between elements of ATP networks, or without receiving such confirmation, but after the service is issued, they generate a CDR record, a CDR - CaII Detailored Record, a record containing 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 a CDR record from the charging unit to the cost accounting system of the operator of the SPS visit network network, where the SPS visit network is a cellular mobile network providing services to subscribers 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 service is provided to the subscriber 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 special SMS service message that activates a proactive service application in the subscriber’s terminal , or by sending the URL of the web page containing the necessary information.

The system for presenting non-voice Premium Services to subscribers of cellular mobile communication contains a subscriber request unit having a connection with the ATP network infrastructure and the main service logic block of the system,

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET the main service logic unit, which is connected to the system's subscriber request unit, ATP network infrastructure, service provider infrastructure and system charging unit, the tariffing unit, which is connected to the system service logic unit and the ATP network infrastructure, internal data bus, which provides connection and intra-system interaction block of subscriber requests, the main block of service logic and block tariffication. The block of subscriber requests is made containing a service code analyzer that allows you to perform an initial analysis of the service request code, determine which service this request relates to, and address the request to the appropriate service module. In addition, the subscriber request block can be executed comprising an SMPP interface module that allows you to interact with the USSD center of the ATP operator using SMPP protocol, a MAP interface module that allows you to connect to the OKC-7 signal network of the ATP operator and communicate using the MAP protocol, the interface module ISUP, which allows you to connect to the signal network OKC-7 operator ATP and communicate using the ISUP protocol. In this case, the SMPP interface module is configured to contain either an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the SMPP protocol via Ethernet physical channels. The MAP interface module is either made up of an OKC-7 interface board that allows you to organize the MAP protocol on the physical channels E.1 or T.1, and / or an Ethernet interface card that allows you to organize the MAP protocol on the physical Ethernet channels. The ISUP interface module is made up of the OKC-7 interface board, which allows organizing the ISUP protocol on the physical channels E.1 or T.1, and / or the Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the ISUP protocol on the physical Ethernet channels.

The main block of the service logic is made up of service modules that allow you to process a subscription 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, monitor the provision of the service to the subscriber, and charge for using the service and transfer accrual information to the block

SUBSTITUTE SHEET tariffing. In addition, the main service logic block can be executed 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 OKC-7 signaling network of the ATP operator and communicate using the MAP protocol , the interface module MM7, which allows you to interact with the MMS center of the ATP operator using the protocol MM7, the interface module HTTP, which allows you to connect to the data network of the operator ATP and interacts Use the HTTP protocol. The SMPP interface module is made up of an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the SMPP protocol on physical Ethernet channels. The MAP interface module is made up of an OKC-7 interface board that allows you to organize the MAP protocol on the physical channels E.1 or T.1, and / or an Ethernet interface card that allows you to organize the MAP protocol on the physical Ethernet channels. The MM7 interface module is made up of an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the MM7 protocol on Ethernet physical channels. The HTTP interface module is configured to include an Ethernet interface card, which allows the organization of the HTTP protocol via Ethernet physical channels.

The billing unit is made up of a billing transaction generator that allows you to translate information on charges for the use of 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 Tariffing Unit can be 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, and / or a CAP interface module, which allows real-time charging, interacting with the ATP operator via CAMEL protocol. The CDR interface module is made comprising an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the transfer of CDR files via physical Ethernet channels. The CAMEL interface module is made up of an OKC-7 interface board, which allows the CAMEL protocol to be organized on the E.1 or T.1 physical channels.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET The technical effect of the invention lies in the fact that the inventive method and system for its implementation allows the cellular mobile network operator to provide any non-voice premium service 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.

In FIG. 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 is the interface ISUP 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 the OKC-7 signaling network, 11 - USSD request redirected by the USSD center of the ATP operator to the Interface module SMPP over PD network, 12 - USSD subscriber request addressed to Int interface MAP module via OKC-7 signaling network, 13 - Subscriber voice call addressed to ISUP Interface module via OKC-7 signaling network.

In FIG. 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 Ns1, 16 - Service module Ns2, 17 - Service module N ° 3, 18 - Service module N, 19 - Interface module SMPP, 20 - Interface module MAP, 21 - Interface module MM7, 22 - Interface module HTTP.

In FIG. Figure 3 shows the external environment of the Main block of service logic and explains the purpose of the interface modules, where 1 - Network of the ATP operator, 2 - USSD center of the operator of the ATP, 14 - Main block of the service logic, 19 - Interface module SMPP, 20 - Interface module MAP, 21 - Interface MM7 module, 22 - HTTP interface module, 23 - Internet, 24 - SMS center of the ATP operator, 25 - MMS center of the ATP operator, 26 -

SUBSTITUTE SHEET WAP gateway of the SPS operator, 27 - Service providers, 28 - Maintaining USSD dialogue with the subscriber in the USSD center section - SMPP interface module over the PD network, 29 - Maintaining USSD dialogue with the subscriber in the subscriber - USSD center section, 30 - sending an SMS message to the subscriber from SMPP interface module to the SMS center of the ATP operator via the PD network, 31 - delivery of SMS messages to the subscriber from the SMS center of the ATP operator, 32 - Maintaining USSD dialogue with the subscriber or sending SMS messages to the subscriber directly through the signal network OKC-7, 33 - sending MMS messages to the subscriber from the MM7 Interface module to the MMS center SPS through the PD network, 34 - delivery of MMS messages to the subscriber from the MMS center of the SPS operator, 35 - Maintaining WAP dialogue with the subscriber at the WAP gateway section - HTTP interface module, 36 - Maintaining 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 HTTP interface module via HTTP.

In FIG. Figure 4 shows the interaction options between the Tariffing Unit and the accounting systems for the cost of services of ATP operators, where 8 is the Internal data bus, 1 a is the Business or Home network of the ATP, 16 is the Home Network of the ATP, 40 is the Tariffing Unit, 41 is the Tariff Transaction Generator, 42 is the Interface CDR module, 43 - CAP Interface module, 44 - ATP operator cost accounting system, 45 - CDR recordings in the form of a CDR file from the CDR Interface module, ATP operator cost accounting system over the PD network, 46 - Billing transaction between the CAP Interface module and systemically including the cost of services for mobile operators CAMEL protocol.

In FIG. 5 shows a sequence diagram of the service delivery as in Example 1, where 9 is the ATP network subscriber, 2 is the USSD operator of the ATP operator, 24 is the SMS center of the ATP operator, 3 is the Subscriber request block, 4 is the SMPP interface module of the Subscriber request block, 7 is the Service analyzer codes, 14 - Main service logic block, 15 - Service module 1, 19 - SMPP interface module of the Main service logic block, 22 - HTTP interface module of the Main service logic block, 27 - Service provider, 47 - USSD subscriber request from the mobile terminal Subscriber to USSD Operations Center Ator ATP 48 - USSD subscriber's request at the site of USSD

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET of the center to the Block of subscriber requests, 49 - Transmission of the subscriber request by the Service Code Analyzer to the Main Service Logic Unit, 50 - USSD session of the subscriber in the Main Service Logic block - USSD center of the ATP operator, 51 - USSD session of the subscriber in the USSD center - mobile subscriber terminal , 52 - Request for service to the provider of the service, 53 - Service delivery by the service provider, 54 - Sending the information requested by the subscriber via SMS on the main service logic block - SMS center of the ATP operator, requested delivery to the subscriber’s mobile terminal constant information they SMS center of mobile operators.

In FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram of the service delivery as 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 the WAP operator gateway SPS, 15 - Service module 2, 19 - Interface module SMPP of the Main service logic block, 22 - HTTP interface module of the Main block of service logic, 24 - SMS center of the SPS operator, 27 - Service provider, 56 - Request for service by dialing a voice number, 57 - Transfer of subscriber request sa Service code analyzer in the Main block of service logic, 58 - Sending a subscriber an SMS message containing a WAP Internet link on the site The main block of service logic - SMS center of an ATP operator, 59 - delivery to a subscriber’s mobile terminal of an SMS message with a WAP Internet link SMS center 60 - WAP session of the subscriber at the mobile subscriber terminal section - WAP gateway of the SPS operator, 61 - WAP session of the subscriber at the WAP gateway section - HTTP interface module of the main service logic block, 62 - Request for the service provider to issue the service, 63 - Service delivery by the provider servant 64 - issuing the subscriber requested services on site from the main unit to the service logic WAP gateway operator ATP, 65 - issuing the subscriber requested services at the site of WAP gateway to the mobile subscriber station.

As a rule, cellular mobile communication operators (SPS) provide cellular mobile communication subscribers of other operators (Guest subscribers), accepted for service, based on concluded Roaming agreements, from the category of premium services of the Premium Rate class, only voice services. These services may be provided using either short or complete

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET telephone numbers. However, non-voice services of Premium Rate class are usually not charged by operators and therefore do not provide.

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

1. Technically, tariffed 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 via the HPLMN operator’s SMS center, which means that it 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 WAP gateway of the HPLMN operator and is charged for it. The only exception is access to voice Premium Services. In this case, the Guest subscriber, having dialed a short (or full) voice number, gets the VPLMN operator service, which is charged by the VPLMN operator, to the Premium Rate.

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 to the subscriber, except for voice. 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 the Guest subscribers with the necessary and demanded Premium 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 Services for Guest subscribers accepted by him for service, to charge these services and correctly make settlements with the HPLMN Operator. To implement this feature, use the ATP network to transmit the subscriber’s request for the provision of the service and issue the requested service to the subscriber, use a data network (PD), for example, the Internet, to broadcast the request

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET a subscriber to a service provider to request a service. Requests are generated by the subscriber by keyboard input from a 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 service logic 14, with which the service is identified, convert the subscriber request into a format acceptable for the service provider and control the provision of the service , charging unit 40, with which the service is charged, data is generated containing at least the service request code, the time the service was provided, 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 Premium Rate services. In this request

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET services can be made by the subscriber in several ways:

• A request is generated and transmitted, which is interpreted by the PCA 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, ZI -Zn - any set of alphanumeric characters, where USSD is standardized, ЗГРР 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. The processing and routing of the dialed number by the NGN network is carried out in accordance with the ISUP protocol, where ISUP is IPTegrated Services User Ragt, 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 Messenger Reper Роrоtоsol, specified, SMPP Developers Forum, SMPP Роtosol Sresifiсtiop, the protocol of the interaction of external applications with the elements. 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

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET TCP / IP protocol stack - Тopsmissiop Сoptrol Роtосол / IPоtоt Роtосоl, a set of protocols for data transmission in PD networks, developed by IETF (Тhe Iptеmеt Engineering Task Форсе) and described by the RFC 793 standards (for TCP) and RFC 791.

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 OKC-7 signaling network, where OKC-7 is the Common Signaling Channel N ° 7, a standardized ITU (Internet Security Technology) alarm 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 Mobile Arrlictiopart, standardized ЗГРР (З ^rd Gepertiaprtrshir Рrojest, Тсппісіл Срісіфтитиiоп 29.002) for use in the network of the OKC-SP network signaling protocol of interaction of elements. At the same time, the MAP 5 interface module is made either containing the OKC-7 interface board, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the physical channels E.1 or T.1, or containing the Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on the physical channels of Ethernet.

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 Unit of the subscriber request unit 3. The ISUP 6 Interface Module can be executed either containing the OKC-7 interface board, which allows organizing the ISUP protocol over physical E channels .1 or T.1, or the Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the ISUP protocol on the Ethernet physical 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 OKC-7 signaling routing.

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 the 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 Unit 14 via the Internal Data Bus 8. The information contains the contents of the line

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET request, phone number (MSISDN) of the subscriber and some other auxiliary data. Figure 1 shows the options for passing subscriber requests through the ATP network to the Block of subscriber requests 3 of the 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, for example, keyword search, user authentication, proactivity, etc.

All interaction between the service and the subscriber is implemented through interface modules.

The SMPP 19 interface module allows the System to support USSD dialogue with the subscriber, as well as send SMS messages to the subscriber. An SMS message can contain text (for example, information requested by a subscriber), a WAP Internet link or a command to launch a Java application in a 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 the SMPP protocol in the case 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 OKC-7 signaling network.

The MM7 interface module 21 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 via the MM7 protocol in the case 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. Besides

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET Moreover, the HTTP interface module is used to connect to the System elements of the infrastructure of service providers via the HTTP protocol in the case 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 via the same HTT 22 Interface module, if the service logic provides downloading content as part of a WAP session (or through the MM7 Interface Module 21, 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. 5. 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 is transmitted via a secure Internet connection to the SMPP Interface Module 4 of the Subscription Request Block 3 using the SMPP protocol. Further, the 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 the USSD dialogue with the subscriber. Dialogue is maintained until the subscriber

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET will select the final menu item he needs. The dialogue is supported through the SMPP Interface Module and the USSD ATP operator center. 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 interface module http 22 to request information selected by the subscriber, receives it, and then generates an SMS message with the requested information and sends it through the SMPP 4 Interface module to the SMS center of the SPS operator 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 “770”, passing it through the ISUP 8 interface module, first analyzing this request by Service Code Analyzer 7 and sending the request to the Module service of the Main block of 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 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 WAP gateway of the ATP operator 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, moreover, the information is previously requested, as in Example 1, from the provider services.

Example 3

If the subscriber’s mobile terminal has the ability to 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,

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET In response to, for example, a voice request, the subscriber receives an SMS message in a special format that will automatically launch the Java service application in his 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 analogous to example 2, and 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, whence, 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 on charges to CDS operators in the form of CDR records grouped into CDR files, where CDR is CaII Detalеd Resord, a text fragment containing at least a service request code, time 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. For organizing the transfer of CDR files through the channels of the CD, the CDR 42 interface module is made containing the Ethernet interface card, and for organizing interaction via the CAMEL protocol over the E.1 or T.1 channels, the CAP 43 interface module is made containing the OKC-7 interface board.

Billing is carried out in the following ways:

Example 4

This example describes Post-raid billing. This is the case when the VPLMN operator exchanges tariff information with roaming partners on the basis of the TAP procedure, where TAP is Trapsferred Assistance Rosedur, a tariff information exchange between SPS operators developed by the International GSM Association. Tariff Transaction Generator 41,

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET Based on the information received together with the team 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 number corresponding to this tariff. Then, the Tariff Transaction Generator 41 generates a CDR record stating that the given subscriber made a call lasting 1 second to the selected voice number of the Premium Rate. 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 the service. The CDR record is then transferred to the CDR 42 Interface Module, where it is packaged 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 TAP files and will be sent to the home operator (HPLMN operator) of this subscriber.

Example 5

Billing Pre-id. 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 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 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 transmits this confirmation to the Billing Transaction Generator 41, which, in turn, generates

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET confirmation of successful billing 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 JlC. After receiving confirmation from the service cost accounting system, the billing transaction is closed.

In the event that at the first stage of the billing transaction, it turns out that the subscriber on his JlC 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 falls into A service module that 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.

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 tariffing is achieved.

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

5. The charging process is kind of “spread out” over the use of the service, therefore, it is possible to implement paid services based on the online barguzin (requests for help information, downloading small multimedia fragments, watching online news, etc.).

6. Billing is carried out after the successful provision of the service to the subscriber. If it was not possible to provide the service, charging will not occur.

7. Since the system itself generates CDR records according to flexible rules, it is possible to organize any, even the most non-trivial schemes

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET tariffication of services, the main thing is that they are understandable and well received by the subscriber.

8. To access the service, USSD technology is used, access codes in which ( ^* 170 #) from the point of view of a mobile user are much more convenient for entering and easier to remember than URLs on the Internet.

9. The inventive method and system does not use a direct Internet connection to connect the user to the service, but USSD technology, which will easily allow providing services to visiting subscribers through the VPLMN network.

10. The system developed by us supports interaction with billing systems of mobile operators via CDR, CAMEL or other interfaces. Thus, when using the services, the subscriber pays for them from his mobile personal account and is not connected with the need to always have plastic bank cards or other means of payment at hand.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims

Claim

1. A method for providing non-voice Premium Rate services to mobile SPS cellular subscribers, comprising the following steps: a) using the SPS network to transmit the request and service b) transmitting the subscriber’s request to the service provider to request the 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 The Roaming agreement is used, and they additionally use a system that contains a subscription request analysis unit, which is used to receive and initial request analysis, the main service logic block, which identifies the service, converts the subscription request into the service provider format and controls the provision of the service, the charging unit , with the help of 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, the request is generated dissolved 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 SPS network as dialing a voice number, is carried out in accordance with the ISUP protocol, where ISUP is IPTG Served Internet Us, 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 the USSD request of the format ^* 1XY ^* Z1 - Zn #, where X is a number in the range 5 -9, Y - any number, ZI -Zn - any set of alphanumeric characters, USSD - standardized, ЗГРР TS 22.090, ETSI TS 123 090, ETSI TS 124 090, protocol for requesting additional services in mobile networks.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the delivery of services to the subscriber

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET carry out, having previously received confirmation from the operator of the ATP network, with which this subscriber has concluded an agreement on the use of communication services, received a phone number and an SMS card, and with which the Operator has concluded a Roaming agreement, in accordance with the CAP protocol, where CAP is CAMEL Arrlistiop Part, standardized, ETSI TS 123 078, a protocol for the exchange of information between elements of ATP networks.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that after the issuance of the service, a CDR record is generated, where the CDR is CaII Detailed Resord, a record containing detailed information about the service provided, containing at least the service request code, the time the service was provided and the number telephone ++ of the subscriber, and transmit the CDR record, from the charging unit to the cost accounting system of the operator of the SPS visiting network, where the SPS visiting network is a cellular mobile communication network providing services to subscribers of other SPS networks located in its radio coverage area, based on Roaming agreements 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 p. 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 USSD gateway of the operator ATP network

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET using a data transmission system that supports the TCP / IP protocol stack, where SMPP is Short Messenger Reper Rotor, specified is SMPP Developers Forum, SMPP Rotol Respiratory, 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 OKC-7 signaling, where MAP is Mobile Arrlistiop Rart, standardized, ЗГРР TS 29.002, 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 block having a connection to the SPS cellular mobile communications network infrastructure and the main service logic block of the system, the main service logic block, having a connection to a subscriber request unit of the system, an ATP network infrastructure, a service provider infrastructure and a system charging unit, a charging unit having a connection to a main service logic unit with systems and the infrastructure of the ATP network, an internal data bus that provides connection and intra-system interaction of the subscriber request unit, the main service logic 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 claims 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. System according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 14, characterized in that the subscriber unit

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET of requests is made containing the ISUP interface module, which allows connecting to the signaling network of the ATP operator using the ISUP protocol.

18. The system of clause 15, wherein the SMPP interface module is configured to include an Ethernet interface card, which enables the organization of SMPP protocol on Ethernet interface physical channels.

19. The system according to clause 16, characterized in that the MAP interface module is made comprising an OKC-7 interface card, which allows the organization of the MAP protocol on the physical channels E.1 or T.1.

20. The system according to clause 16, characterized in that the MAP interface module is made comprising an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on Ethernet interface physical channels.

21. The system according to 17, characterized in that the ISUP interface module is configured to include an OKC-7 interface board, which allows the organization of ISUP protocol over E.1 or T.1 physical channels.

22. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the ISUP interface module is configured to include an Ethernet interface card, which enables the organization of the ISUP protocol on Ethernet interface physical 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 up of an SMPP interface module, which allows connecting to SMS and USSD centers of an 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 up of a MAP interface module, which allows connecting to the signal network of the ATP operator using the MAP protocol.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET

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 the MM7 interface module, which allows connecting to the MMS center of the ATP operator 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 up of an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the SMPP protocol on the Ethernet physical channels.

29. The system according to clause 16, characterized in that the MAP interface module is made containing an OKC-7 interface card, allowing you to organize 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 comprising an Ethernet interface card, which allows organizing the MAP protocol on Ethernet physical channels.

31. The system according to p. 26, characterized in that the MM7 interface module is configured to contain an Ethernet interface card, which allows to organize the MM7 protocol on the physical Ethernet channels.

32. The system of claim 27, wherein the HTTP interface module is configured to include an Ethernet interface card that allows the HTTP protocol to be established on Ethernet physical 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 up 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. System according to any one of paragraphs.13 or .33, characterized in that the unit

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET tariffication is performed containing the CAP interface module, which allows real-time tariffication, interacting with the infrastructure of the ATP operator using the CAMEL protocol.

36. The system according to clause 34, wherein the CDR interface module is configured to include an Ethernet interface card, which allows for the organization of CDR file transfer via physical Ethernet channels.

37. The system of claim 35, wherein the CAP interface module is configured to include an OKC-7 interface card, allowing CAMEL protocol to be organized over physical E.1 or T.1 channels.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET