U.S. patent application number 11/623651 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-17 for real-time interconnect billing system and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to Megasoft, Ltd.. Invention is credited to G. V. Kumar, Mohan S. Kumar.
Application Number | 20070111706 11/623651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34748859 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070111706 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kumar; G. V. ; et
al. |
May 17, 2007 |
REAL-TIME INTERCONNECT BILLING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A system and method of real-time interconnect billing to
facilitate invoicing and reconciliation between interconnected
communication and service providers. The fully customizable,
scalable, and network-based system rates and monitors costs,
incorporates agreements between interconnected providers, invoices,
bills, and reconciles to establish an accurate and cost-effective
accounting of provider revenues and costs. The system is able to
communicate with devices, networks, and interconnect providers to
obtain, provide and exchange billing information and payments. The
system updates subscriber accounts and alerts the home provider,
subscribers, interconnect providers and users of these updates.
Inventors: |
Kumar; G. V.; (Banjara
Hills, IN) ; Kumar; Mohan S.; (Banjara Hills,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Megasoft, Ltd.
Banjara Hills
IN
|
Family ID: |
34748859 |
Appl. No.: |
11/623651 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11024972 |
Dec 30, 2004 |
|
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11623651 |
Jan 16, 2007 |
|
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60533148 |
Dec 31, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/406 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 15/765 20130101;
H04L 12/1446 20130101; H04M 15/75 20130101; H04M 2215/72 20130101;
H04M 2215/42 20130101; H04W 4/24 20130101; H04M 2215/018 20130101;
H04M 15/49 20130101; H04M 2215/724 20130101; H04M 15/7655 20130101;
H04M 15/773 20130101; H04L 12/14 20130101; H04M 15/41 20130101;
H04M 15/8044 20130101; H04M 2215/32 20130101; H04M 2215/0104
20130101; H04M 15/00 20130101; H04M 15/51 20130101; H04M 2215/44
20130101; H04M 2215/46 20130101; G06Q 30/04 20130101; H04M 15/46
20130101; H04M 15/55 20130101; H04M 2215/7268 20130101; H04M 15/43
20130101; H04M 2215/7263 20130101; H04M 2215/56 20130101; H04M
15/44 20130101; H04M 2215/0172 20130101; H04M 2215/745 20130101;
H04M 2215/2026 20130101; H04M 2215/52 20130101; H04M 15/50
20130101; H04M 15/53 20130101; H04M 15/772 20130101; H04M 2215/2046
20130101; H04M 2215/0188 20130101; H04M 2215/0164 20130101; H04M
2215/725 20130101; H04M 15/52 20130101; H04M 15/58 20130101; H04M
2215/54 20130101; H04M 15/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/406 |
International
Class: |
H04M 11/00 20060101
H04M011/00 |
Claims
1. A system for interconnect billing, comprising: a processing
system communicable with a home provider network and at least one
partner provider network, wherein the processing system manages
business practices, monitors user usage of the networks, and
wherein the processing system assesses the network usage, generates
an invoice, and reconciles the invoice in real-time.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing system
processes payment and updates billing accounts in real-time.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing system
further comprises a reconciliation module, an invoicing module, and
a communication module.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the processing system
further comprises an auditing module, a notification module, and a
managing module.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the reconciliation
module comprises a robot reconciliation feature and a multi-tier
reconciliation feature, the invoicing module comprises a hot
billing feature the managing module comprises a rating engine, a
platform management feature, partner catalogue, and an automated
business logic driven routing feature, and the communication module
comprises a secure access feature.
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the automated business
logic driven routing feature is a least cost routing feature.
7. The system according to claim 4, wherein the processing system
further comprises a claim-handling module, a settlement module, an
error handler component, and a warehouse component.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing system
determines network usage using at least one selected from the group
consisting of event data records and call data records.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein business practices
include at least one from a group consisting of business
agreements, definitions and listings of products and services,
rating definitions, incentive programs, call and event date record
templates, and billing and accounting principles.
10. The system according to claim 4, wherein the notification
module transmits a smart alert.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the smart alert
communication is in the form of an email or a short message
service.
12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the processing system
communicates with the providers via at least one selected from a
group consisting of accounts receivable, accounts payable, a
switching center, and a data store.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the processing system
interfaces with the data store to confirm business practices.
14. The system according to claim 2, wherein the processing system
performs at least one function selected from a group consisting of
calculating costs, identifying billing errors, correcting billing
errors, synchronizing billing, instituting revenue thresholds,
auditing accounting practices, transmitting notifications, and
receiving and processing invoices and bills.
15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is
network-based.
16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is
fully-scaleable.
17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is
fully-customizable.
18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is
compatible with industry standard communication protocols.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the partners use a
signaling system that is compatible with the signaling system of
the home provider.
20. The system according to claim 18, wherein industry standard
communication protocols include communication protocols selected
from a group consisting of common channel signaling system number
7, common channel signaling system number 8, and transmission
control protocol/internet protocol.
21. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing system
is integrated with the home provider network.
22. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing system
achieves at least one from a group consisting of an increase in
billing accuracy, a reduction of billing processes times, a
synchronization of invoicing, a synchronization of billing,
attaining seamlessness of a delivery and transmittal of billing
information, and an increase in the availability of billing
information.
Description
[0001] This application is related to Applicants' copending U.S.
Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 10/850,561 of G. V.
Kumar and G. V. R. Nagaraju, titled "System for A Wireless
Intelligent Services Engine" filed May 21, 2004, Nonprovisional
patent application Ser. No. 10/996,072 of G. V. Kumar and S. Mohan
Kumar, titled "Method and System for Accessing Wireless Networks"
filed Nov. 24, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 60/533,148 of G. V. Kumar and S. Mohan Kumar titled "Realtime
Interconnect Billing System and Method of Use" filed Dec. 31, 2003,
and is a division of and claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120 from U.S. Ser. No. 11/024,972, filed Dec. 30,
2004, which is a nonprovisional application of 60/533,148 filed
Dec. 31, 2003. The entirety of these patent applications is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a method and system for a
network-based, real-time interconnect billing and reconciliation
between Wireless/Wireline network and other service providers.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The telecommunications technology industry, which includes
wireless and wireline communication devices, services, and
networks, has witnessed a rapid increase in the number of
network/service providers (referred to interchangeably herein as
"network operators," "communication and information carrier network
providers," "CCN providers" or "providers" or "service providers")
as well as subscribers, signal traffic, and competitive tariff
structures. As used herein, wireline communications devices,
services, and networks are interchangeable with wireless
communications devices, services and networksunless explicitly
distinguished herein. Increasingly, separate and/or independent
providers and other pertinent entities work jointly (commonly
referred to herein as "interconnection" or "interconnect") to
provide comprehensive services to their clientele.
[0006] A communication and information carrier network
(interchangeably referred to herein as a "CCN" or "Network"), such
as, for example, a wireless or wireline phone network, typically
serves numerous users. Users are provided access to the CCN using
communication devices (interchangeably referred to herein as
"devices"), such as telephones, to exchange information or
otherwise communicate. The CCN to which the user has a subscription
or contractual obligation is known generally as a "home CCN"
(interchangeably referred to herein as a "home network" and/or a
"home CCN provider"). Accordingly, a subscriber is a user of a home
CCN.
[0007] The subscriber operates the device (e.g., by turning it "on"
or by dialing a telephone number on a telephone or by accessing
information on a telephone) to access various services provided by
either CCN or any other service provider using CCN network
infrastructure to deliver their service to CCN subscribers or users
(hereinafter collectively or interchangeably referred to as
CCN).
[0008] When the subscriber operates the communication device (e.g.,
by turning it "on" or by dialing a telephone number on a
telephone), the subscriber instructs the communication device to
transmit signals to a second communication device, also known as an
"end user," or to one or more CCN control centers.
[0009] Each CCN has a specified geographic area of operation,
generally known as "range" or "home area." When the subscriber
operates the communication device within the range of the home CCN
(e.g., the subscriber is located in the home area), the
subscriber's signals are carried or transmitted to the end user or
a signal receiver of the home CCN or service provider via the home
CCN. The home CCN provider conducts and controls each aspect of the
communication, also known as "end-to-end processing." This
end-to-end processing includes handling, routing, and delivering
the call, as well as rating and billing the subscriber accordingly.
However, the home CCN provider can only engage in end-to-end
processing when the service request is placed and ranges entirely
within the home CCN or the services provided by the home CCN.
[0010] It is possible, however, that the subscriber cannot access
the home CCN, for example, in the following circumstances: when the
subscriber operates the communication device outside the home CCN
area, when the home CCN is out of service, when the home CCN
communication signal strength is less than that of other CCNs, or
when the home CCN is otherwise unavailable. Due to the generally
limited range of home CCNs, the scope of services provided by the
home CCN provider would inevitably be limited if subscribers were
only able to access the services of the home CCN.
[0011] Conventional technology allows subscribers of a home CCN to
access other interconnected, technologically compatible and
available CCNs. One aspect of the use of the interconnected CCN
(i.e., non-home CCN) by the subscriber is generally known in the
art as "roaming (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as Inter
Connected Service Delivery`). Accordingly, the interconnected CCN
is generally known as a "roaming CCN or a "roaming Network." A
"roaming subscriber" or a "user" generally refers to a subscriber
of a home CCN who cannot access the home CCN for whatever reason
and uses or accesses the services of a roaming CCN.
[0012] Conventional roaming technology, however, includes certain
drawbacks that prevent seamless and comprehensive interconnection,
thereby limiting the applicability of roaming CCNs, the usage of
roaming CCNs by subscribers, and, in turn, the profitability of the
home CCN provider. Generally, roaming technology has been limited
to allowing roaming subscribers to place telephone calls on roaming
CCNs.
[0013] Interconnection between CCN providers, however, often
exceeds the demands of simply facilitating telephone calls.
Interconnection in the communication technology industry has seen
increasing complexity with regard to inter-CCN provider agreements,
data exchange and invoicing processes. Accordingly, the needs of
interconnected providers typically include comprehensive
roaming/interconnection management (which includes facilitating
communication as well as monitoring the stability and functions of
the interconnected CCNs) and assessment of costs and benefits of
interconnection.
[0014] Increasingly, a significant aspect of interconnection
involves managing and reconciling the responsibilities and
financial accounts of each provider party to the interconnection.
Generally, charges incurred or generated through interconnection
between CCN or other service providers, which can be generated, for
example, through access and use of a roaming CCN or use of other
services from a roaming CCN provider, account for a substantial
percentage of a provider's revenue and/or costs. Consequently,
mismanagement of interconnect charges and related billing may lead
to significant detriments, such as lost revenue and increased
costs, resulting in the provider being unable to account for such
incurred or generated charges. For instance, providers operate on
inflexible billing systems which often produce inaccurate invoices,
resulting in significant loss of revenue. It is critically
important, therefore, for providers to accurately measure and
account for interconnect billing and invoicing to at least manage
revenue streams and to potentially increase profitability.
[0015] As inaccurate interconnect billing can significantly impact
a provider's profitability, providers require accurate accounting
and assessment of the network-related charges incurred, generated,
owed, paid, or collected (collectively known as "network
revenues/costs" or "charges") with respect to the home CCN and
interconnected CCNs. Thus, providers require a flexible, robust,
efficient and accurate interconnect billing system.
[0016] An interconnect billing system required to accomplish the
above must possess many features to comprehensively assess and
account for network revenues/costs. In particular, there is an
unmet need in the prior art for an interconnect billing system that
is able to: 1) seamlessly rate interconnect events accurately on a
real-time basis; 2) seamlessly control incoming and outgoing
invoices; 3) efficiently monitor interconnect costs; 4) effectively
handle partnerships and agreements; 5) handle claims quickly and
efficiently; 6) seamlessly understand and adapt to an increasing
volume of interconnect services and demands.
[0017] There further remains an unmet need for an interconnect
billing system to flexibly, robustly, efficiently and accurately
assess and account for bills related to interconnection services.
There also remains an unmet need for an interconnect billing system
that is seamlessly integrated and useable by interconnected service
providers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention includes an innovative solution for
assessing and accounting revenues/costs for networks, resulting
from interconnection between providers. The method and system of
the present invention (herein interchangeably referred to as the
"system") provides an automated, real-time interconnect billing
component, which is flexible, robust, high-performance, fully
scaleable and fully customizable. The system can monitor and assess
interconnection accounts; if required, correct inaccuracies such as
excessive interconnect charges and inaccurate bills; and obtain and
process payment, as necessary.
[0019] In one embodiment, the system is useful and applicable to
multiple phases of the interconnection (also referred to herein as
the "lifecycle of interconnect billing"), including the
incorporation of the initial business agreement, management of the
business agreement, rating, invoicing, payments and reconciliation
thereof The system enables real-time interconnect billing, accurate
invoicing and reconciliation according to one embodiment of the
invention. The system allows providers to avoid or reduce
accounting expenses and commitment resulting from accounting
inefficiencies, thereby providing providers using the system
economic leverage and financial advantages.
[0020] A second embodiment of the system provides the first truly
real-time, seamless, automated system for interconnect billing. In
particular, the system provides at least: 1) automated business
logic driven routing (e.g., least-cost routing); 2) hot billing; 3)
notifications (e.g., smart alerts); 4) real-time interconnect
control; 5) multi-tier reconciliation; 6) real-time secured access
to partnered communication operators for multi-dimensional
reconciliation; and 7) platform management using network management
tools.
[0021] Additional advantages and novel features of the invention
will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and, in
part, will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 provides a representative flow diagram of the system
and deployment of the present invention in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 provides a diagram of the system functionalities in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 presents an exemplary system diagram of various
hardware components and other features in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary schematic of the system in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 presents an exemplary flow diagram of the system
functionalities in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 presents an exemplary flow diagram of invoicing
functionalities in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0028] FIG. 7 presents an exemplary flow diagram of reconciliation
functionalities in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] Other features of the present invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings which disclose multiple embodiments
of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that
the figures are designed for the purpose of illustration only and
not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Additional
advantages and novel features of the invention will also become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the
following or upon learning by practice of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The present invention provides a network-based system and
method of use for real-time interconnect billing and invoicing. The
system of the present invention increases accuracy, reduces
processing times, synchronizes invoicing and/or billing among one
or more interconnected service providers, increases the
seamlessness of the delivery and transmittal of the billing
information and increases the availability of the billing
information. The system calculates true costs and accordingly
processes and verifies invoices.
[0031] One embodiment of the present invention is flexible, fully
scalable, fully customizable, and applicable with general industry
standards. The present invention is a network-based solution of
interconnect billing. By "network-based," it is meant that the
present invention is implemented network-wide without hardware
modifications on particular devices such as telephones.
Accordingly, as understood by one skilled in the art, the system
implementation of the present invention is transparent to the
subscriber.
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, the system
assesses and accounts for the entire interconnect billing life
cycle. In one variation, the system allows the providers to
generate accurate and real-time invoices, facilitate billing (e.g.,
hot billing and cyclical billing), conduct automated multi-tiered
reconciliation, automate business logic driven routing, and
communicate with users, third-party entities (e.g., interconnect
partners and outsourced accountants), applications, and/or
hardware. The system, as a result, allows the provider to increase
its revenue by making the accounting of services, particularly
roaming services, more timely, efficient and reliable.
[0033] For the purposes of this application, the term "business
practices" includes any aspect of the relationship between the home
CCN provider and its subscribers, non-subscribers, other CCN
providers and third-party entities. For example, business practices
include business agreements (e.g., rating agreements and reciprocal
traffic agreements), definitions and listings of products and
services, incentive programs (e.g., loyalty incentives), and
billing and accounting principles. It should be understood by one
skilled in the art that business practices may include any aspect
of the CCN provider that affects revenue and market status. For the
purpose of this application, the term "partner" is generally
interchangeable with the term "provider" when it suggests
interconnect providers having a business relationship with the home
CCN provider.
[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
deployment and integration of the system may involve one or more of
the following functions: invoicing network usage, including
real-time invoicing; billing users and/or providers; reconciling
outstanding invoices/bills; communicating with providers, hardware,
software and users; generating accounting reports; notifying users
and/or providers of invoicing/billing issues; auditing accounting
practices; determining and correcting billing errors; rating;
directing users to least cost alternatives; managing, reviewing and
updating business practices; monitoring network activity;
identifying users of the network; assessing records (e.g., call
detail records (CDR), call data records (CDR), and event data
records (EDR)); accessing subscriber accounts; synchronizing
billing; issuing and transmitting billing and payment; instituting
revenue streams and revenue thresholds; and managing platforms
using network applications, such as OpenView.RTM. by Hewlett
Packard of Palo Alto, Calif., USA.
[0035] In the embodiment of the present invention as presented in
FIG. 1, the system 1 of the present invention is linked with the
infrastructure of the home CCN provider. For example, the system 1
is implemented on a local area network (LAN). The system 1 is
communicable with, for example, one or more fixed public switched
telephone networks (PSTN) 2, one or more mobile or fixed Internet
Protocol-based networks 3, one or more mobile networks 4 (e.g.,
first generation (1G), second generation (2G), and third generation
(3G)) and one or more mediation devices 5. Generally, the system 1
receives information from, or is contacted by, these devices and
networks 2-5. The system 1 produces or generates invoices 7, files
8, and reports 10, and facilitates further communication (e.g., via
file transfer protocol (FTP) 9).
[0036] The system is typically implemented in conjunction with the
home CCN provider and at least one of: a roaming CCN provider; a
signaling transfer point (STP) and a signaling gateway.
Communication is facilitated using any communication link,
including industry standard protocols such as the common channel
signaling system no. 7 ("SS7") or the common channel signaling
system no. 8 ("SS8"); transmission control protocol (TCP)/internet
protocol (IP); or other signaling protocols that are currently
known or will be known in the art. In one embodiment, the present
invention is integrated with, or connected to, the home CCN
hardware, software or any other processing device known in the art
for receiving and/or processing of roaming signals, such as a
switching center (herein after interchangeably referred to as
MSC).
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of the functionalities of the
system 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. The system 100 communicates with the network 101 and
other providers (i.e., partners) 120. The system 100 manages,
maintains, reviews and assesses the business practices of the home
CCN provider. For example, the business practices include CDR/EDR
templates 102, partner definitions 103 (e.g., business agreements
and affiliations), rating definitions 104, product and service
definitions 105, and programs 106 (e.g., loyalty programs). The
business practices 102-106 form a basis for the system 100 logic
and reference data for processing billing and invoicing. In one
variation, the intelligent system 100 can seamlessly implement rate
and charging changes, incorporate updated or new reference data,
and update agreements and implement changes therein.
[0038] When the system 100 communicates with the network 101, the
communication signal is decoded and processed using a decoder 107.
The decoded signal is read through an event processor 108 to
identify the events that have been or should be triggered to
process the communication signal. A splitter 109, which splits the
signal and events into related subsequent processors in the
solution, will direct the signal to subsequent processors as
defined by the event processor. In the event that the decoder 107,
event processor 108, and splitter 109 receive an error or cannot
process the signal, the signal is sent to an error handler
component 116.
[0039] The signal from the network 101 is also processed through a
rating engine 110 in one variation. The rating engine 110
calculates the value of network usage which is processed by the
accounting functionalities of the present invention. In one
variation, the rating engine directs the information from the
signal to invoice module 111 and/or reconciliation module 112. In
both modules, generally, the information is processed for
settlement 113 or transmitted to a holding area such as a warehouse
114, where it can remain accessible and ultimately be directed to
settlement 113 at a later time. To settle outstanding bills, the
system 100 processes the claims in claim handling 115, which
directly interfaces with subscriber accounts maintained by the home
CCN. Alternatively, the settlement 113 is conducted with
interconnect partners 120 and their users.
[0040] The system 100 has other modules to address the accounting
needs of the provider. In one variation, the system 100 includes a
web application and interface 117 which allows manual input or
review of the accounting protocol. In another variation, the system
100 is also equipped with security and access privileges 118 to
protect the system 100 from unauthorized use. One other variation
of the present invention is an audit trial feature 119, which
allows the system 100 to evaluate accounting performance and to
reconfigure, as necessary, to optimize performance.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in accordance with yet another
embodiment of the present invention, the functionalities of the
system 401 generally include sending alerts 415, communicating 417,
auditing 405, reconciling 402, invoicing 409 and managing 411.
[0042] In one variation, invoicing 409 and reconciliation 402 are
considered the core operations of the interconnect system of the
present invention. Invoicing 409, as used in the present
application, incorporates a range of accounting practices, which
includes itemizing and/or presenting purchases of services or usage
and billing which involves collection of money requested in the
invoices. The present invention is able to invoice network usage to
subscribers, providers and non-subscribers (e.g., roaming users)
via the providers, for example, in realtime. This real-time
invoicing is known as "hot billing" 410. With respect to accurate,
real-time invoices and hot billing 410, in one variation of the
present invention, the system 401 interfaces with signaling units
of partnering networks (e.g., via the MSC) and obtains Cell Data
Records (CDRs) on a real-time basis. Invoicing for the obtained
CDRs is performed, and a balance is updated for each interconnect
provider. This feature makes the system 401 a truly real-time
interconnect billing system. In another variation of the present
invention, the system 401 is able to perform real-time invoicing
409, but billing for the accumulated invoice at a predetermined
time.
[0043] Moreover, the system 401 of the present invention is able to
reconcile outstanding accounts and debts/credits in its
reconciliation module 402. Reconciliation 402 generally involves
accounting for a network usage and transaction record and assessing
the amount and duration of network usage in light of business
practices (e.g., rating determinations). In one variation, the
system 401 is able to conduct robot reconciliation 404 in which no
manual input is required. One variation of the system's 401-robot
reconciliation 404 is based on a sophisticated method that makes it
fast, yet simple. The method continuously operates in the
background without manual interaction, and this facilitates
availability of information at a near online or real-time rate
without additional expenses and manual labor. On enabling the robot
reconciliation, the system will dynamically initiate background
reconciliation of the accounts pertaining to interconnected
CCNs.
[0044] In another variation, the system 403 is able to compare and
verify numerous levels of data and capabilities to reconcile
accounts. Reconciliation of this type is generally known as
"multi-tiered reconciliation" 403. In the past, reconciliation was
carried out on the called party, calling party number and on the
time of the transaction. With the system 403, the CCN can define
various transaction parameters and their hierarchy for
reconciliation. For every transaction record, apart from Calling
Party, Called Party and time of transaction, the amount and
duration of interconnect communications are reconciled, with some
pre-defined latency, as generally determined and known in the art.
In a preferred variation, reconciliation is conducted in real-time.
This would aid in reducing long settlement cycles between
Interconnect CCNs and also provide real time reconciliation.
[0045] The system 401 is able to access and communicate 417 in one
variation. The system 401 provides users with real-time billing
information 419. Using an interface device, such as a graphical
user interface (GUI) 420, available on a network, for example, the
user can review the wireless bill, including those charges accrued
through interconnect use. The system 401 is also able to alert 415
users of changes to an existing invoice or the generation of a new
invoice.
[0046] In one variation, the system 401 can communicate with users
using short messaging service (SMS). For example, in one variation,
embodiments of the system 401 are equipped with a business alerts
feature called Smart Alerts 416, events can be configured based on
configurable business logic which are generally known in the art.
For example, when an event is triggered, the system 401 raises
alarms to designated individuals through the SMS and/or via e-mail.
For instance, the system 401 can set revenue thresholds for a
particular partner, and upon satisfying the defined limits, the
system 401 shall raise an alarm.
[0047] The system 401 is able to communicate with the home CCN 424
to obtain information to accurately and comprehensively invoice and
reconcile subscriber and non-subscriber accounts. Accordingly, the
system 401 can communicate with the home MSC 425, accounts
receivable 426, accounts payable 427, call and event details 428
and one or more data stores 429.
[0048] In order to provide accurate and comprehensive invoices and
bills to users, the system 401 accesses providers 418 via the MSC,
for example, to obtain interconnect charges. Accordingly, in yet
another variation, the system 417 is able to access the accounts
receivable 421, accounts payable 422 and the MSC 423 of the roaming
providers.
[0049] The system 401 allows access to reconciled records available
on a network such as the Internet (also referred to herein as the
"worldwide web" or the "web"), for example, through a secured web
interface to the privileged, affiliated or partnered providers.
Partners can access this information by supplying credentials
(e.g., username and password) through an identification
verification method (e.g., a secured socket layer ("SSL")) on the
Internet. Ready access by partners in such a manner provides
seamless operations and execution.
[0050] Another feature of the system 401 is to manage provider
affiliations and business relationships 411. The system 401
catalogues the business practices with respect to each provider 430
and updates the scope of the affiliations 414 as determined by the
home CCN provider. The system 401 also performs a rating function
412, whereby the system 401 calculates and determines options for
business logic driven routing (e.g., least cost routing 413). In
one variation, the system 401 can calculate bulk rating, rating
milestones, discounts, and similar cost/pricing features as would
be understood to one skilled in the art.
[0051] The system 401 is also able to conduct audits 405 of the
accounting protocol of the home CCN provider. For example, the
system 401 can evaluate accounting practices 408 and how bills and
invoices are reconciled. Additionally, the system 401 provides
intelligence to review the accuracy of outgoing and incoming bills
406 and to readjust the bills 407, as necessary.
[0052] In yet another variation, the system 401 offers a business
logic driven routing, such as automated least cost routing 413,
that optimizes routing decisions on a real-time basis. The system
401 is thus able to automate various complex tasks, and the system
401 allows simultaneous decision support capabilities. This
automated least cost routing feature 413 manages and accounts for
economical, technical (e.g., network traffic and capabilities) and
business considerations without manual intervention.
[0053] Embodiments of the system 401 facilitate and assess numerous
options for the least cost routes. This assessment is based, in
part, in one variation, on an analysis conducted by the system 401
on reference data stored 429 or accessed by the system. This
assessment and analysis is conducted in real-time. For example, the
system 401 interfaces with the provider's network 418. The system
401 then compares data from different processes in the system 401
and determines optimal business performance, i.e. the lowest cost
operator network for interconnection. The system then provides
metrics that enable the provider to provide low cost services 413
and/or to benchmark and improve performance. A variation of the
least cost routing feature and the selection of roaming providers
is provided in Applicants' copending application U.S.
Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 10/850,561 of G. V.
Kumar and G. V. R. Nagaraju, titled "System for A Wireless
Intelligent Services Engine" filed May 21, 2004.
[0054] FIG. 5 provides an exemplary flow diagram of the operation
of the system of the present invention. The system initiates the
billing process at step 501 by communicating with the home CCN.
Generally, the system uses industry standard protocols for
communications. In a variation, the system is integrated with the
home CCN and/or the home MSC. At step 503, the system attempts to
obtain information regarding the business practices of the home CCN
provider by accessing at least one data store of the home CCN. For
example, the system is able to construct the reference data
required for billing processing. Accordingly, the system has access
to rating schemes and partnerships/affiliations, for example, of
the home CCN provider. At step 505, the system receives information
from the data store.
[0055] The intelligent system monitors and manages the business
aspects of the home CCN, by maintaining and upgrading the
provider's business practices. Any change in affiliation or change
in agreements between interconnect providers and the home CCN
provider is automatically incorporated into the system and
implemented in the accounting process at step 523. The system
reviews and updates rating schemes, at step 525, to accurately
assess the costs of network usage for each interconnect provider.
Using the rating information, the system can evaluate roaming
services, for example, and can develop an automated process for
least cost routing, as shown in step 527.
[0056] The system is provided with access to subscriber accounts at
step 507. The system concurrently monitors subscriber activity at
step 509. Based on rating information and partnership agreements,
among other factors, the system accounts for system usage based on
subscriber activity at step 511. The system subsequently generates
an invoice of subscriber charges at step 529 and updates the
subscriber accounts to reflect the invoice at step 531. The system
optionally notifies the subscriber of changes to the subscriber
account at step 535.
[0057] In yet another variation, the system is able to manage the
financial transaction between the provider and the subscriber. At
step 533, the system requests payment from the subscriber. At step
537, the system receives payment from the subscriber, and, in turn,
the system reconciles the subscriber account at step 539.
[0058] With respect to interconnect invoicing, the system
communicates with interconnect providers at step 541. The system
receives invoices/bills at step 543 and processes the invoices at
step 545. The system accesses subscriber accounts at step 507 and
monitors and reviews subscriber activity at step 509, particularly
when the invoices from interconnect providers are provided in real
time. The system then verifies the charges assessed by the
interconnect provider at step 547 and accounts for subscriber's
interconnect activity at step 511.
[0059] The system is also involved in billing and invoicing for the
use of the network by non-subscribers (i.e., roaming users) of the
home CCN. The system reviews the usage of the home CCN at step 513
and then assesses the usage of the home CCN to individual users and
the interconnect providers of those users at step 515. The system
then accounts for the system usage in view of rating and
partnership information, for example, at step 517. The accounting
is communicated to the pertinent interconnect providers at step
519, and the outstanding balances are resolved at step 521.
[0060] As presented in FIG. 6, which provides an exemplary
embodiment of the invoicing system of the present invention, the
system is responsible for the accounting of system usage and
obtaining remuneration from interconnect users and/or interconnect
providers. At step 601, the system monitors the usage and activity
of the home CCN. For example, the system records the duration of
communications on the network. The system subsequently identifies
the users responsible for usage of the home CCN at step 603. The
system accesses and reviews CDRs and EDRs to generate a
comprehensive report of system usage per user at step 605.
Accordingly, at step 607, the system processes usage charges based
on rating information and other business practices as would be
understood by one skilled in the art.
[0061] The system generates billing reports for subscribers and
non-subscribers (i.e., users who receiving roaming services from
the home CCN provider) at step 609. For non-subscriber billing, the
system identifies the responsible interconnect provider and
communicates with the relevant interconnect provider responsible
for usage of the home CCN at step 611. The system then transmits
the invoice for each user to the respective interconnect provider
at step 613. The system optionally receives confirmation of the
invoice and/or bill from the interconnect provider at step 615. The
system receives payment from the interconnect provider at step 617
and reconciles the payment received with the accounting records at
step 619. It is understood by one skilled in the art that the
invoicing and billing system of the present invention operates in
real time or with some predetermined latency period as determined
by each provider using the system of the present invention. The
term "real time" suggests that the invoice for a roaming user's
usage is transmitted to the roaming user's provider instantaneously
after a CDR or EDR is generated.
[0062] The system of the present invention also monitors subscriber
usage and accounts in another variation. Accordingly, once a
billing report is generated at step 611, the system updates the
subscriber account at step 621. The system then invoices the
subscriber at step 625 and/or notifies the subscriber of the
account update at step 623. The system can execute an automated
reconciliation at step 625 by debiting linked subscriber accounts
(e.g., checking accounts) at step 629 or access linked credit
accounts at step 627, for example.
[0063] FIG. 7 presents an exemplary embodiment of the
reconciliation process of the present invention. When a subscriber
of the home CCN provider "roams," the provider carrying the roaming
communication typically seeks payment for charges incurred. In this
scenario, the system is able to receive an invoice and/or bill from
an interconnect partner at step 701. The system processes the
invoice and identifies the subscribers of the home CCN presented on
the invoice at step 703. The system examines and reviews the
CDR/EDR for each subscriber at step 705. If there are inaccuracies
as determined by the system at step 707, the system confirms the
inaccuracies at step 709 with the interconnect partner. The system
receives confirmation or revised information from the interconnect
partner at step 711 and, if necessary, the system readjusts the
invoice at step 713. Inaccuracies that are not correctable are sent
to a claim specialist, for example, for further processing.
[0064] Using the readjusted invoice from the interconnect partner,
the system calculates the per user charge and assesses the charges
to the subscriber at step 715. The system has the ability to update
the subscriber account at step 719, and can also send the
subscriber a notification (generally referred to herein as an
"alert") of changes to the subscriber's account at step 721. The
system can reconcile the subscriber's account at step 723 by
accessing debit accounts at step 725 or credit accounts at step
727.
[0065] The system reconciles outstanding debts with interconnect
partners by communicating with the accounts payable of the home CCN
at step 717 and coordinating transmission of payment to the
interconnect partner at step 729. The system receives confirmation
of the transaction at step 731. This process is preferably
conducted in real time, but the system can institute a latency
period as needed.
[0066] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
system provides complete real-time interconnect control over
partner provider network traffic. Multi-layered checks are driven
by configurable business logic. For example, alerts can be
configured to be raised either through network management tools and
technologies or to designated individuals through a SMS and/or via
email and/or other communication mechanism. For instance, and for
edification purposes only, suppose the number of calls routed
through a particular network exceeded one million per day and only
half the quantum of calls is received in a normal day. In this
situation, the system, which is predetermined to provide warnings
for excessive use, would raise an alarm to the designated
individuals based on the first predetermined threshold, which, in
this case, is excessive use of the system. In one variation, a
configuration of the system allows the provider traffic to be
barred upon reaching some second threshold, which is generally
known and can be predetermined in the art.
[0067] The present invention consists of four major logical layers,
namely: presentation layer, business logic layer, application
server layer and data store layer. Each of these layers performs
specific tasks in the overall system performance. The presentation
layer is responsible for defining the presentation logic based on
the user access device specifications. The business logic layer
stores business process information/logic and applies this process
logic on data/information stored and received. The application
server layer acts as the control layer for the complete system and
its' process flows. The data store layer provides a warehouse
facility with the ability to store, retrieve and modify data.
Example Processing System Components and Functionality
[0068] The present invention may be implemented using hardware,
software, network equipment, or a combination thereof, and may be
implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing
systems. In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward one or
more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality
described herein. An example of such a computer system is shown in
FIG. 3.
[0069] Computer system 200 includes one or more processors, such as
processor 204. The processor 204 is connected to a communication
infrastructure 206 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar or
network). Various software embodiments are described in terms of
this exemplary computer system. After reading this description, it
will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how
to implement the invention using other computer systems and/or
architectures.
[0070] Computer system 200 can include a display interface 202 that
forwards graphics, text and other data from the communication
infrastructure 206 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display
on the display unit 230. Computer system 200 also includes a main
memory 208, preferably a random access memory (RAM), and may also
include a secondary memory 210. The secondary memory 210 may
include, for example, a hard disk drive 212 and/or a removable
storage drive 214, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic
tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive
214 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 218 in a
well-known manner. Removable storage unit 218, represents a floppy
disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by, and
written to, removable storage drive 214. As will be appreciated,
the removable storage unit 218 includes a computer usable storage
medium having stored therein computer software and/or data,
[0071] In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 210 may include
other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other
instructions to be loaded into computer system 200. Such devices
may include, for example, a removable storage unit 222 and an
interface 220. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and
cartridge interlace (such as that found in video game devices), a
removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only
memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and
associated socket, and other removable storage units 222 and
interfaces 220, which allow software and data to be transferred
from the removable storage unit 222 to computer system 200.
[0072] Computer system 200 may also include a communications
interface 224. Communications interface 224 allows software and
data to be transferred between computer system 200 and external
devices. Examples of communications interface 224 may include a
modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a
communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data
transferred via communications interface 224 are in the form of
signals 228, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or
other signals capable of being received by communications interface
224. These signals 228 are provided to communications interface 224
via a communications path (e.g., channel) 226. This path 226
carries signals 228 and may be implemented using wire or cable,
fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency
(RE) link and/or other communications channels. In this document,
the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium"
are used to refer generally to media such as a removable storage
drive 214, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 212 and signals
228. These computer program products provide software to the
computer system 200. The invention is directed to such computer
program products.
[0073] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control
logic) are stored in main memory 208 and/or secondary memory 210.
Computer programs may also be received via communications interface
224. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer
system 200 to perform the features of the present invention as
discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when
executed, enable the processor 204 to perform the features of the
present invention. Accordingly, such computer programs represent
controllers of the computer system 200.
[0074] In an embodiment where the invention is implemented using
software, the software may be stored in a computer program product
and loaded into computer system 200 using removable storage drive
214, hard drive 212 or communications interface 224. The control
logic (software), when executed by the processor 204, causes the
processor 204 to perform the functions of the invention as
described herein. In another embodiment, the invention is
implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware
components, such as application-specific integrated circuits
(ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to
perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons
skilled in the relevant art(s).
[0075] In yet another embodiment, the invention is implemented
using a combination of both hardware and software.
[0076] Example embodiments of the present invention have now been
described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be
appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of the
invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
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