Abstract: The invention provides an accurate, effective, and efficient system for content based charging, access barring, and network browsing, for pre-paid and post-paid subscribers of a wireless mobile communication network system comprising a gateway general packet radio service support node with service based content charge module; a separate WAP gateway for post-paid and pre-paid subscribers; IP, domain name and URL white list filtering; call detail records; a mediation gateway; data warehouse; and billing system. Access to the internet or free domain networks are efficiently controlled and content charges are accurately billed for both pre-paid and post-paid subscribers.

Abstract: A method of providing information relating to a telephone call, in a GSM cellular radio telephone network, to a data storage system. The method comprises receiving caller identity information at a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) of the network during a call set-up procedure between a mobile station and the MSC and storing the information at least temporarily at the MSC. An incoming call alert message is sent by the MSC to a called device. In the event that the called device answers or otherwise accepts the incoming call alert, a call answer message is sent to the MSC. In response to receipt of the call answer message, at least the received and stored caller identity information is output from the MSC to the data storage system.

Abstract: A telecommunications service implements an account code reporting feature by storing an account code associated with a subscriber at a service control point (SCP) in the public switched telephone network (PSTN). When a call is initiated from the subscriber's terminal, the SCP receives outgoing call data, including the subscriber's telephone number, a called party number and an account code entered from the subscriber's terminal. The SCP determines whether the call is subject to the account code reporting service and, if so, stores the call data. The SCP transmits the call data to a service management system accessible by the subscriber via a graphical user interface through a packet switched data network and an interactive voice response through the PSTN. The call is subject to the account code reporting service when the called party number is in the same local access and transport area as the subscriber's telephone number.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining whether a phone call is an inter-MTA or an intra-MTA call. Call detail records are retrieved that describe the call. An originating MTA is determined using the originating NPA/NXX, while the terminating MTA is determined using the terminating NPA/NXX. The determined originating MTA is compared with the determined terminating MTA to determine whether the phone call is an inter-MTA or an intra-MTA call.

Abstract: A method for remotely polling and accessing the contents of calls logs across a telephone network is disclosed. The call logs contain information about all of the phone calls placed across the telephone network and are stored in network accessible databases that are located either internal or external to the network. A subscriber using a computer or phone in communication with the network can contact the network and request the contents of one or more of these call logs. The network processes the request and delivers the call log contents to the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for auditing billing records in a telecommunications system. The method retrieves first data records from an origination device and second data records from a billing generation device; retrieves billing records from a billing device; compares the first data records with the second data records and with the billing records; generates a first error log of data records that appear in the first data records but not in the second data records; and generates a second error log of data records that appear in the second data records but not in the billing records.

Abstract: In general, a system and method for analyzing wireless communication data for determining an optimal wireless communication service plans based on historical projection analysis is disclosed. A transceiver is configured to receive billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunications service under a current rate plan. A storage unit stores the billing information. A processor processes the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber. The processor then creates a usage history table and a call detail table within the storage unit from the processed billing information in accordance with a specified billing period. A determination is then made of the cost of the current rate plan and the cost of at least one other rate plan via use of the usage history table and call detail table.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reporting calls. The system first receives call transaction data from a telephone company. The system verifies the validity of the data before proceeding with processing the data. Next the data is geocoded so that the calls can be traced to a given location. The resultant call detail data is then transmitted to parties who have subscribed to the service. A report generator uses the call detail data to generate tables, graphs, and maps which are useful to the subscriber. When generating maps, the report generator uses the geocoded information to geographically locate given calls on a map.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a plurality of call detail records (CDR) each indicative of a call transaction on a telecommunications network. The method includes receiving the plurality of CDRs at a first controller, wherein each of the CDRs include a data structure including a plurality of fields each containing at least one character. The method then selects a first sorting field from the plurality of fields and groups the plurality of CDRs as a function of data within the first sorting field. In one embodiment, the first sorting field is used to group the CDRs according to different carriers. The method then analyzes at least one additional sorting field within each of the CDRs which were previously grouped according to the first sorting field. A report is then generated for each of the grouped CDRs as a function of data within the additional sorting field. In this way, periodic, customized reports can be generated from information contained with CDRs with user-selectable sorting or analysis fields.

Abstract: A method and system for generating customer reports based on station message detail recording (SMDR) data includes a service control point (SCP) in a public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The service control point samples calling data from multiple service switching points for calls originating from a private customer network, including centrex and PBX systems. The service control point interfaces with a front end processor and transmits the calling data. The front end processor formats the calling data into SMDR data, which is transmitted to a host central processing unit. The host generates reports regarding the SMDR calling data, the reports being accessible by a customer via a connection to a private customer network.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating call detail records for a multiple network environment includes an operations support system having call detail record control logic configured to combine wireless and wireline call detail records that correspond to the same customer into an integrated call record. Access manager control logic connected to the wireless network and switching control logic connected to the wireline network generate wireless and wireline call detail records that are received at the operations support system. Advantageously, combining the wireless and wireline call detail records forms an integrated call record.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for charging and billing of Circuit Switch, Packet Switch, and IP Multimedia Subsystems in third generation telecommunication systems. The charges for a call are computed by a rating engine, a software system comprising data tables and a program for calculating charges from the parameters of the call, such as the calling and called numbers, the length of the call, and special charge items such as priority service. For calls whose billing cannot be deferred, referred to as on-line billing calls, the rating engine is accessed immediately. For calls whose billing can be deferred, referred to as off-line billing calls, the rating engine performs its function only when the rating engine is not busy rating on-line billing calls, for example, during periods outside the busy hour. Advantageously, only a single rating engine is required, and the capacity of that single rating engine is determined only by the busy-hour volume of on-line billing calls.

Abstract: One method involves receiving a search request that includes a date and phone number. A master index file is searched for the phone number. The master index file includes phone numbers associated with calls that occurred on the date in the search request. The master index file also includes the location of the first index record for the phone number in an index file. The index file includes an index record for each call record. Each index record includes a phone number from a call record and the location of the call record. In response to locating the phone number in the master index file, the index file is searched for each index record with the phone number. In response to locating an index record with the phone number, the call record associated with that index record is retrieved. A search result including each call record retrieved is returned.

Abstract: In an information assistance system, when a first party calls the service to request a communications number (i.e., phone number) of a second party, an indicator of the second party, such as the second party's name, is inserted into an event record to be provided to a billing platform. The indicator may also be the second party's address, instead of or along with the second party's name. The name may thereby be readily provided in a bill for the call. In a carrier network, the name of a second party called by a first party is inserted in an event record, so that the second party's name may be included in a bill for the call. The name may be determined by submitting the second party's communications number, which may be derived from call set up signals, to a database correlating communications numbers with corresponding parties' names. This may take place while the communication is being connected. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reporting calls. The system first receives call transaction data from a telephone company. The system verifies the validity of the data before proceeding with processing the data. Next the data is geocoded so that the calls can be traced to a given location. The resultant call detail data is then transmitted to parties who have subscribed to the service. A report generator uses the call detail data to generate tables, graphs, and maps which are useful to the subscriber. When generating maps, the report generator uses the geocoded information to geographically locate given calls on a map.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying calls connected without answer supervision and for automatically generating billing information for these calls are disclosed. A monitoring device copies signaling messages associated with calls. The signaling messages are correlated into call detail records. The call detail records are analyzed to identify calls connected without answer supervision. In one implementation, calls that exceed a predetermined duration and for which no answer message was returned from the terminating end office are identified as calls without answer supervision. For these calls, billing records may be generated and forwarded to a network billing center.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and providing existing and new message accounting records in a standard format using call data obtained from switching and/or signaling networks is disclosed. A system for providing augmented billing messages includes a message accounting record creation apparatus being in communication with a signaling network and a switching network. The message accounting record creation apparatus receives call records from the signaling network and message accounting records from the switching network and outputs augmented message accounting records. Each of the augmented message accounting records is generated using one of the signaling network call records and one of the switching network message accounting records.

Abstract: A resource management strategy for a network controller device such as an SVC (Switched Virtual Circuit) controller that interprets and processes call messages transported in a connection-oriented network by means of high-capacity switching devices. The call record of given call is compressed or expanded depending upon the transition in phase that a call is undergoing, if any. The strategy is applicable to both point-to-point and point-to-multi-point calls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a charge ID in Internet ONLY service, generating the charge ID that includes printable characters using a call ID in the IP gateway; the process is simple and resulted charge ID is absolutely unique. Wherein including: configuring the charge ID including 32 printable characters, each of which is represented with 4 binary bits; taking the call ID including 16 characters, each of which is represented with 8 binary bits; corresponding each call ID character with two charge ID characters, wherein the upper four from eight bits of one of the call ID characters referring to 4 binary bits of one of the charge ID characters, the lower four bits corresponding to 4 binary bits of another charge ID character. Because the scope represented by four binary bits is from 0 to 15, the charge ID characters can exactly correspond one by one relationship with printable characters of 0-9 and A-F.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method of allocating costs of wireless telephone usage. Billing and usage information is received from at least one wireless telephone service provider related to calls made and received by a plurality of wireless telephone service users. Each call is automatically categorized as a business call or a personal call based on at least one of a phone book, time of day, day, and preset flag associated with a given telephone number. A categorization policy may also be applied in the event call categorization cannot be completed. The categorized calls can be reviewed via a graphical user interface and modification of a categorization can be effected. A final categorization of the calls is ultimately approved, which then allows charges to be appropriately allocated to users, and/or to/from a pool of available wireless time.

Abstract: A method is provided for subscriber-related call log information for a plurality of distributed services from a remotely accessible consolidating server. The distributed services include at least a plain old telephone service, a wireless service, and a long distance telephone service. The call log information for the plurality of services is received in the consolidating server from a network. The call log information may be stored in the server as a consolidated list sorted by at least one of name of a remote party, remote party telephone number, time of call, remote party mailing address, remote party e-mail address, and/or a remote number identifier. The consolidated list is communicated to a remote location responsive to a subscriber request. Such a remote location can be a general purpose computing device equipped with a web browser, an Internet-enabled phone, or a similar device. A transfer-hub may store the call log information.

Abstract: A system and a method store, display and report outgoing call log data associated with telephone calls from a subscriber's telephone. The system includes a switch in one network that receives a telephone call from the subscriber's telephone and launches a query in response to an AIN trigger to a service control point. In response, the service control point forwards associated call data to an interface server in another network via a generic data interface. The interface server obtains additional information from a directory database and sends the call data and the additional information to an outgoing call log database, which stores the call data and the additional information as the outgoing call log data. A web server retrieves the outgoing call log data and displays it to the subscriber at a web client.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for implementing a tele-work service in an advanced intelligent network comprising a first service switching point connected to a first telephone station; a second service switching point connected to a second telephone station; and a service control point having a database that receives routing information for specifying routing of calls originally directed to the first telephone station and billing information for specifying billing of calls placed from the second telephone station.

Abstract: A call detail record (CDR) management tool is used to calculate statistics using data in one or more CDRs, view data in one or more CDRs and extract one or more CDRs. The CDRs are generated by a switch and stored in a raw binary format. The raw CDRs are converted from a raw format to a generic format to facilitate the management tool's operations. Statistics include any statistic that can be calculated from telephone call data stored in the CDRs. The viewer allows viewing and storage of one or more fields of CDR data. The extraction tool can store extracted CDRs in raw format or generic format.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using a communication to execute a transaction with respect to an account. A communication is received on a calling line associated with a calling line number. An account number and a transaction amount are obtained from the communication. The account number corresponds to an account with respect to which a transaction is to be conducted. The transaction amount may be a number of units, a dollar amount, etc. A validation may be carried out to determine whether the caller or calling line number is authorized with respect to the conduct of the transaction. In an exemplary embodiment, a billing message is created to include the account number, the transaction amount, and the calling line number. The account number and the transaction amount from the billing message are used to execute the transaction with respect to the account corresponding to the account number.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for creating a billing record with a called party's name. Providing the called party's name on the billing record facilitates the calling party's review of the billing record by reducing the amount of time and effort needed to determine the identity of the called parties. In addition to identifying fraudulent and misbilled calls, the called party's name allows a person reviewing the billing record to quickly identify long distance calls, quickly discern business from personal calls, and audit calls made from phone lines with multiple users (e.g., employees or kids). Additionally, the billing record reviewer saves time and money by avoiding the need to call directory assistance or a billing service to identify the calls.

Abstract: A gathering apparatus gathers CDRs from a CDR accumulating apparatus at the start time of a cycle operation, and transmits them to a processing apparatus. If the gathering of CDRs is not finished within a predetermined period of the cycle operation, a job starting function in a next and all following cycle operations is disengaged. Then, after the gathering in the present cycle operation is finished, the gathering in the next and all following cycles of manipulation is performed.

Abstract: A telecommunications call routing and billing computer system includes a telecommunications network including a junction point including a call routing switching device, and including two call routing links meeting at the junction point and in communications with each other through the call routing switching device; and a call routing simulation network including a junction point simulation computer located at the junction point and in communication with the call routing switching device and the two call routing links.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining whether a phone call is an inter-MTA or an intra-MTA call. Call detail records are retrieved that describe the call. An originating MTA is determined using the originating NPA/NXX, while the terminating MTA is determined using the terminating NPA/NXX. The determined originating MTA is compared with the determined terminating MTA to determine whether the phone call is an inter-MTA or an intra-MTA call.

Abstract: A method for backing up call charge data, stored in a disk storage, of a telephone switching office, in which individual data blocks are read by the disk storage and transmitted, with write orders, to two sequential mass storages, for example magnetic tape storages, which are independent of one another. In this process, in each case a data block read by the disk storage is transmitted, together with a write order, both to the first and to the second or a further mass storage, and after an acknowledgment is received both by the first mass storage and by the second mass storage, the next data block read by the disk storage is transmitted, together with write orders, to both mass storages.

Abstract: An asset/account activation device and method are provided. According to a first preferred method, an asset may be activated by a point of sale device utilizing multiple security mechanisms. Activation codes are sent by secure electronic transmission from an activation host to the activation device. Upon execution of the asset purchase, the activation device dispenses the activation code. Prior thereto, a physical representation of the asset, in the form of a card or the like, has printed thereon an asset ID. To activate the asset, the asset owner contacts a processing device wherein the activation code and asset ID are compared based on time constraints, retailer location constraints and other constraints. Other security checks may be incorporated to include velocity checks. The apparatus of the invention includes an activation host, an activation device, a processing device or VRU, and an activation database.

Abstract: This invention relates to switching and operational support systems in the area of general telecommunications and more particularly, to a new type of solution for forwarding data from a network element and to a new type of solution for utilizing data from a network element. In a method of forwarding data according to the invention the software module that supports the customer billing information data stream is adapted to include the complete usage data information for the whole network element as well as the customer billing information. This usage data stream can then be obtained by different systems for various purposes.

Abstract: In general, a system and method for analyzing wireless communication data for determining an optimal wireless communication service plans based on spectrum licenses is disclosed. A transceiver is configured to receive billing information associated with a subscriber of a telecommunications service under a current rate plan. A storage unit stores the billing information. A processor processes the subscriber related billing information to produce organized data in a calling profile record for each telecommunication service being used by the subscriber. The processor then determines the cost of the current rate plan and the cost of at least one other rate plan. The processor then determines at least one proposed rate plan that would save the subscriber telecommunication costs relative to the current rate plan. A report of at least one proposed rate plan is then produced and provided to the subscriber, which enables selection of a best telecommunication service provider.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus is disclosed for communicating one or more telecommunication call records requested through a court order to a predetermined account in response to a court-ordered request. The system includes a telecommunication switch circuit; a computing system in communication with the switch circuit, the computing system including one or more computers having one or more processors for executing logic instructions and a memory for storing the instructions and a storage device in communication with the computing system; and one or more sets of logic instructions operative with the one or more processors to cause the one or more processor to: at predetermined scheduled intervals, identify one or more call records in a call records database in accordance with the court-ordered request; retrieve the identified one or more call records from the database; and transmit the one or more call records to the predetermined account.

Abstract: A method for preprocessing transaction records indicative of subscriber activity on a telecommunication network for subsequent downstream processing is provided. The method includes receiving a file including a plurality of transaction records each having a plurality of fields, wherein each field contains at least one character. The characters of selected fields, or all fields, are analyzed to determine whether each of the characters is of a desired format. When any one of the characters is of an improper format, a first flag is set to indicate the existence of an erroneous character within the selected field of the transaction record. Each of the plurality of transaction records are also analyzed to determine whether each transaction record is within a desired category of transaction records. When any one of the plurality of transaction records within a file is not within the desired category of transaction records, a second flag is set to indicate an erroneous transaction record within the file.

Abstract: However, the current call detail record system has certain drawbacks. For example, specific billing information is ordinarily tracked and available for calls made from one local access and transport area (LATA) to another (i.e., interLATA or long distance calls). Billing and usage information for calls within the same LATA (i.e., intraLATA or local calls), including local toll calls, are not maintained by the network or otherwise accessible to the network provider and customers. Therefore, the customers are not able to track intraLATA calls in the same manner as interLATA calls. For example, customers may desire identifying codes to be entered next to each charged call in order to facilitate subsequent billing of the customers' respective clients.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cellular radiocommunication system comprising a network core (21) including switches (28, 30, 32), one or several gateways (28, 32) to external networks, subscriber management means (33) and billing management means (34, 35). Several radio access networks (22, 40), including each base stations (24, 42) capable of radio communication with mobile stations (23), are connected to the network core switches. Said radio access networks include an access network (22) managed with the network core by a cellular operator and at least an additional access network (40) having a substantially less extensive radio coverage and a substantially wider bandwidth than the one managed by the cellular operator. When setting up a communication with a mobile station through the network core and one of the access networks, a report message is generated specifying the access network concerned.

Abstract: A special call fee charging method is disclosed, that comprises the steps of (a) causing an exchange device to receive a call origination signal from a call origination subscriber terminal unit; (b) causing the exchange device to inquire of a special charging server whether or not the call origination subscriber terminal unit is a specially charged subscriber terminal unit; (c) causing the special charging server to reply to the exchange device whether or not the call origination subscriber terminal unit is a specially charged subscriber terminal unit; and (d) if the call origination terminal unit is a specially charged call terminal unit as the result at step (c), causing the exchange device to notify a general charging server that the call origination subscriber terminal unit is charged a special call fee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fast data retrieval. The present invention discloses storing call detail data into two databases. A portion of the total call detail data available is mapped into an interpreted usage event (IUE) and stored in a first database that is indexed for quick data retrieval utilizing a standard database management system. The total raw call detail data is stored in a second database that is less structured, with respect to the first database, without requiring explicit indices. IUEs are retrieved from the first database in response to queries specifying one or more of the characteristics of the desired IUEs. Call detail data stored in the second database is retrieved in response to queries specifying the characteristics from one or more of the retrieved IUEs.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for routing and information collection for telephone calls are described. Upon initiation of a revenue generating call, a data management module creates a call interaction record, including a unique call identifier and information generated by an exchange originating the call. Call accounting information such as user identification and billing account information are collected from the user by presenting audible queries from the user and receiving voice responses. The voice responses are matched to stored information, which is stored in the call interaction record. If a voice response does not unambiguously identify the requested information, further queries may be presented to elicit more refined responses or request responses for recording and later playback. Routing information is then collected, again through audible queries and voice responses, and stored. Upon completion of the call, the call interaction record is closed and stored for later retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: The mobile station includes a system for using open channel time not needed during access to the wireless web. The mobile station monitors the use of the channel, and determines when the user is no longer transmitting or receiving information. Until the current network session terminates, the mobile station may operate in the background to either send or receive information with the network. Any action taken by the user would take priority over the background operations.

Abstract: Database-driven methods and systems for database driven real time call tracing are disclosed. Signaling messages are copied from signaling link interface modules. The copied messages are sent to a database. A server located remotely from the database sends a query to the database for a real time call trace. The database is searched for messages that match the search criteria. If no messages are located in the historical data stored in the database, data entering the database is analyzed in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process, an exchange (SW1), a charge computer (BS1), a charge billing computer (BC) and a program module in each case for an exchange (SW1), for a charge computer (BS1) and for a charge billing computer (BC) for the processing of charge data. A first exchange (SW1) sends first charge source data for telecommunications services to a charge computer (BS1) which converts the first charge source data into first charge billing data detectable by a charge billing computer (BC). The charge computer (BS1) sends the first charge billing data to the charge billing computer (BC).

Abstract: A method of creating a transaction usage record is provided. An input signal is received. A transaction usage record is created in response to the input signal. An event jacket is created. The event jacket is associated with the transaction usage record. A request to perform a transaction is received. A confirmation signal is received after the transaction has been performed. Finally, a transaction leg jacket is created. The transaction leg jacket includes at least one record. The at least one record includes information relating to the transaction.

Abstract: A method for charging for services in a communication system comprising a charging entity and at least two connection Support entities for providing resources to support connection in the communication system. the method comprising: detecting initiation of a connection for provision by the connection support entities: generating a charging identity for identifying the connection: determining according to a first stored tariff a first charge for the support of the connection by the first connection support entity: determining according to a second stored tariff a second charge for the support of the connection by the second connection support entity; transmitting a first charging message from the first connection support entity to the charging entity. the message specifying the first charge and including the charging identity; and transmitting a second charging message from the second connection support entity to the charging entity, the message specifying the second charge and including the charging identity.

Abstract: A method and a system for building a Combined Call Detail Records data base (Combined CDR) in a management system of a telecommunications network, by collecting one or more call related events (real time Pre-CDRs) from the network with respect to a particular call by probes in real time, obtaining at least one off-line Call Detail Records data base (off-line CDR) from another system not belonging to the management system, and then integrating all the acquired data in a combined Call Detail Records data base (Combined CDR) of the management system, using computer means.

Abstract: A method and a system for building an Integrated Call Detail Records data base in a telecommunications network in real time, by collecting call related events concerning a particular call from two or more data sources by at least one suitable probe, merging the call related events and recording the merged events with respect to each particular call in real time using computerized means associated with the probe(s). The data sources may be mixed, i.e. comprising at least one bearer data source and at least one signaling data source; however, they may be sources of signaling data only. The sources of information may be situated at different interface points of the communication network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for universal call identification. One embodiment includes a method in a telephone call processing system for maintaining information about a call. The method includes creating a universal call identification for the call the call is received in the system. A call includes each of a multiple call segments that occur between a first connection of a caller resource to a call processing system resource and a disconnection of the caller resource from the call processing system. The method also includes creating a record of each of the call segments.

Abstract: A method of creating a page usage record is provided. An input signal is received. A page usage record is created in response to the input signal. An event jacket is created. The event jacket is associated with the page usage record. A request to send a page is received. A confirmation signal is received after the page has been sent. Finally, a page leg jacket is created. The page leg jacket includes at least one record. The at least one record includes information relating to the page.

Abstract: A method of creating a call detail record is provided. An input signal is received. An account identification record is created in response to the input signal. An event jacket is created. The event jacket is associated with the account identification record. A command signal to store account identification information is received. A confirmation signal is received after the account identification information has been stored. Finally, a call detail leg jacket is created. The call detail leg jacket includes at least one record. Each record includes information relating to the stored account identification information.