Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for playing an instant ticket-based entertainment game combining elements of chance and player skill. In an embodiment of the present invention, a game player receives an electronic scratch-off instant ticket from a central server over a communications network (e.g., a mobile phone network). The instant ticket may provide an instant prize and may also provide entry into an interactive multiplayer bonus game (e.g., a car racing game) by awarding the game player with at least one game attribute (e.g., car type, time in which to complete race) to be used during play of the bonus game. Scores are reported to the game server upon completion of the game and winners are determined by the game server based on game player rankings at various checkpoints throughout the bonus game. Another embodiment of the present invention may include a mystery promotion prize feature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and device for charging of data reaching a network element of a communication network during a data session, the data session comprising a plurality of data flows, with each flow being distinguishable by a set of flow parameters. The method includes enforcing a charging policy at the network element to be applied to the data, wherein the charging policy defines charging rules per flow, observing the data reaching the network element and detecting at least one flow of data, matching the detected flow of data to an enforced charging policy, and applying the matching charging policy to the data flow, thereby generating charging information. A method and device is also provided for supplying a network element with a charging policy to be enforced at the network element for charging of data reaching the network element of a communication network during a data session.

Abstract: A communication system providing messaging services can have a receiving unit configured to receive a request to send a message, an authorization unit configured to authorize the sending of the message in response to the request, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the authorization to send the message.

Abstract: A communications system including at least one user device, configured to access a plurality of services in a session. An information store stores information defining an amount of money for the user device. A controller requests at least a portion of the amount of money to be reserved and controls the allocation of the reserved portion of money between the plurality of services.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for charging for services in an IP based communication system, comprising: establishing an accounting session between a network element and a charging function for the session; and initiating a change in the accounting session at the charging function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for playing an instant ticket-based entertainment game combining elements of chance and player skill. In an embodiment of the present invention, a game player receives an electronic scratch-off instant ticket from a central server over a communications network (e.g., a mobile phone network). The instant ticket may provide an instant prize and may also provide entry into an inter-active multiplayer bonus game (e.g., a car racing game) by awarding the game player with at least one game attribute (e.g., car type, time in which to complete race) to be used during play of the bonus game. Scores are reported to the game server upon completion of the game and winners are determined by the game server based on game player rankings at various checkpoints throughout the bonus game. Another embodiment of the present invention may include a mystery promotion prize feature.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for charging of data reaching a network element of a communication network during a data session, the data session comprising a plurality of data flows, with each flow being distinguishable by a set of flow parameters, the method comprising the steps of: enforcing a charging policy at the network element to be applied to said data, wherein said charging policy defines charging rules per flow; observing said data reaching said network element and detecting at least one flow of data; and matching said detected flow of data to an enforced charging policy, applying said matching charging policy to said flow, thereby generating charging information. Also, the present invention concerns a method for supplying a network element with a charging policy to be enforced at said network element for charging of data reaching said network element of a communication network during a data session. Additionally, corresponding devices are concerned by the present invention.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for charging for services in an IP based communication system, comprising: establishing an accounting session between a network element and a charging function for the session; and initiating a change in the accounting session at the charging function.

Abstract: A communications system including at least one user device, configured to access a plurality of services in a session. An information store stores information defining an amount of money for the user device. A controller requests at least a portion of the amount of money to be reserved and controls the allocation of the reserved portion of money between the plurality of services.

Abstract: A communication system providing messaging services can have a receiving unit configured to receive a request to send a message, an authorization unit configured to authorize the sending of the message in response to the request, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the authorization to send the message.