CA2226937A1 - Method and apparatus for indicating call charges based on local information available in a terminal - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for indicating call charges based on local information available in a terminal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2226937A1 CA2226937A1 CA002226937A CA2226937A CA2226937A1 CA 2226937 A1 CA2226937 A1 CA 2226937A1 CA 002226937 A CA002226937 A CA 002226937A CA 2226937 A CA2226937 A CA 2226937A CA 2226937 A1 CA2226937 A1 CA 2226937A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- customer
- data memory
- specific
- terminal
- rate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/80—Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
- H04M15/8083—Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects involving reduced rates or discounts, e.g. time-of-day reductions or volume discounts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/28—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP with meter at substation or with calculation of charges at terminal
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/28—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP with meter at substation or with calculation of charges at terminal
- H04M15/30—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP with meter at substation or with calculation of charges at terminal the meter or calculation of charges not being controlled from an exchange
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
- H04M2215/01—Details of billing arrangements
- H04M2215/0184—Details of billing arrangements involving reduced rates or discounts, e.g. time-of-day reductions, volume discounts, cell discounts, group billing, frequent calling destination(s) or user history list
Abstract
A device for displaying charges on a telecommunications (TK) terminal (1), with a computer for determining the charges and a display unit (6) for displaying the established charges, is characterized in that a computation module (5) for calculating a customer-specific rate is provided, which is able to call up customer-specific parameter data from a first data memory (7), and specifiable rate algorithms from a program memory (10), and use this information to calculate a current charge for an individual TK connection, and route corresponding information signals to the display unit (6). This makes it possible to use simple means for displaying individual charges on the TK terminal.
Description
METHOD AND APPARATU~ FOR INDICATING CALL CHARGES BASED
ON LOCAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN A TERMINAL
Field of the Invention The invention concerns a device for displaying a charge on a telecommunications (TK) terminal, with a calculator for determining the charge and a display unit for displaying the established charges.
Description of the Prior Art Such devices are generally known. Their function is described for example in the "Textbook of Telecommunications"
volume 1, fifth edition 19.., Technical Publishers Schiele & Schon GmbH, Berlin,pages 614 to 620.
With the known TK systems, a network subscriber usually receives charge information mainly via charge pulses, which are either totaled or processed further by the respective TK terminal. Today the number of pulses or the corresponding amounts that are charged depend on the duration and the distance of the chargeable TK connection With a calculation that is accurate to the second, these pulses can no longer be used as a display for the subscriber.
In addition to different rates for different times of day, and different rates for working days and holidays, ever more complex and differentiated rate models are being introduced. Many other parameters must be considered as well, for example rebates for wholesale users and such, and rate models in the future must also be able to be diversified or even individualized. But to that end the applicable information, such as charge amounts, must be processed accordingly during or after a TK connection. Such current charge amounts, which are derived from complex calculations, cannot be displayed on present TK terminals during orshortly after a TK colmection has ended. At best such information can be transmitted to the subscriber later via the respective TK network, or other communication media.
Summal~ of the Invention In this regard the object of the present invention is to modify by mostly simple means a device for displaying charges on a TK terminal of the kind described in the beginning in such a way, that an individual charge can be displayed on the TK terminal.
The invention achieves this object by providing a co.l.~ulalion module for calc~ ting a customer-specific rate, which requests customer-specific parameter data from a first data memory, and speci~lable rate algolilllll-s from a program memory, and uses this information to calculate the current charge for anindividual TK connection, and routes the colles~onding information signals to the display unit.
The invention starts with the idea that information about the applicable rate model for the subscriber is not only kept in the TK nelwol~, but can be made available locally in the TK terminal, especially with standard rate models. Thiscreates a very signi~lcant incl~ase in the flexibility for introducing new rate structures, such as for example special individual rates for certain customers or groups of customers, timely limited advertising means at discount rates, and such.
In a particularly compact configuration of the device of the invention, the co-~ulation module is integrated in the TK terminal. This allows the device of the invention to be implelne~ d in an especially space-saving and technir~llysimple manner.
In alL~ ive configurations, the computation module is located separately from the TK terminal. This has the special advantage that existing old TK terminals can continue to be used.
A particularly advantageous development of the configuration provides that a sepal~le display unit for displaying the established charges is colulecled to the con~ulalion module, which is not integrated in the TK terminal. This avoids the need of special interfaces to potential display units in the TK terminal. Inaddition, the simplest TK l~llllinals which contain no display unit can be lltili7.od In another particularly preferred configuration, the first data memory with the customer-specific parameter data is integrated as a customer module in the co~ u~lion module. This makes the device of the invention especially compact and the data are always immediately available.
S In a further development of this configuration, the customer module is exchangeable. This has the advantage that in the event of rate changes, the old customer module can be replaced with a new one.
When the above-cited configuration of the device of the invention is developed further, the first data memory can be a read-only memory. This avoids a complicated downloading procedure between the TK network and the TK
terminal, which makes simple h~nrlling possible for the user.
In all~lnàtive further developllle~ , the first data memory can be ovelvvlillell with information signals from a TK network. In this way rate changes are easier, centralized and immediately downloadable without any time delay.
In a further development, the ovelvvlilable first data memory can be in the form of a m~gnetic tape cassette (cartridge). Pl~serlly these have a particularly large lnellloly volume, so that many technical options become available.
As an allelllalive, the ovel.~vlilable first data memory can also be in the form of a chip card, in which a processor for processing the rate-algolilhllls can be integrated at the same time.
In a particularly compact conrl~ ulation, the customer module is in the form of a chip card which has an integrated customer rate calculator.
Especially preferred is a configuration of the device of the invention which is characterized in that the first data memory with the customer-specific parameter data, and/or the program memory with the specifiable rate-algorithms, is located separately from the compulation module, and that the p~d~lleler data and/or the rate-algorithms can be transmitted to the TK computation module via aTK nelwol~. In this way h~ollllation and updating can be sent simply and above all centrally to the respective TK terminals, and loading plocesses without any problems would be made possible from the TK network operator to all the comlecled users.
Especially plerell~d is a configuration in which a counting device is provided to del~llnille the amount of the charges accllm~ d during an accuuntillg S time. This gives the user of the respective TK terminal the ability to inquire about the accumulated exchange charges and other services that are owed to the TK
~lwolk operator.
A particularly advantageous development of this configuration provides the possibility for threshold values for the customer-specific usage to be called up from the first data memory; after these are exceeded, more favorable customer-specific rates are used to calculate the current charge. This allows adapting a rebate to the individual usage in a simple n~al~llel-, which serves as an incentive for higher usage of the le~l,eclive TK service, and thereby for better utilization of the l~s~ectivc; service provider system, and to h~cleased sales for the service offerer.
Especially advantageous is also a configuration of the device of the invention whel~ill a device for call number analysis is provided. This allows for example to aulu~ ;rally detellllille dirrel~nl rate zones which are then used tocalculate the charges.
A particularly plefelled development of this configuration provides that customer-specirlc target call numbers can be called up from the first data ni~.llo which, when dialed by the TK le~ inal, result in a more favorable customer-specific rate than all the other target call numbers. This can further hlclease the incentive for usage by the customer with a view toward an hlcleased usage of theoffered TK service.
Finally, a plefelled configuration of the device of the invention provides another data memory from which palallleler data that are valid for all subscribers of the TK network can be called up, for example ~ t~nre of the connections, ratepackets, time of day, date, etc. This makes available a complete, generally applicable rate model for colll~ulillg the current charge.
A method for operating the above-described device also falls within the framework of the invention, which is characterized in that during the establishment of a TK connection, customer-specific parameter data are downloaded from the first data memory to the cou~l~u~lion module; a rate algolilhln is then called up from a program memory to calculate the current charge for the TK connection, which is displayed on the display unit.
A particularly preferred variation of the method of the invention provides for changed cuslomer-specific palalllcler data to be aulo~ ically downloaded from a central co",~uler to the customer module via the TK nelwo,~.
This allows rate changes to be defined and immediately co~lvclled, but also to be entered into the TK netwoll~ in a time-controlled malu~er. Another possibility of applying this variation of the method is that during the next use of a TK terminal, a rate change can be entered into the corresponding pal~mcl~r memory or program memory for the rate algolillu.,s. For certain cu~lol"els, the planned change can be made earlier and out of se~lucnce~ or at any other time, and can then be activated at a predetermined time.
In conjunction with the glallli,lg of more favorable customer-specific rates when certain usage threshold values have been exceeded, it is advantageousif these threshold values are determined from s~ti~tics of the usage by the lespeclivc customer during a prece-ling accounting period. In that way a usage by the le~eclive final user, which is particularly desirable for the service offerer, can be specially rewarded.
Other advantages of the invention can be found in the desclil,lion and the dl~wil)g. According to the invention, the previously cited features and those described later can be utilized individually or in any combination thereof. The in~ic~t~d and described configurations should not be taken as a final listing, they rather have an exemplary character for the depiction of the invention.
Desclil)tion of the Drawin~
The invention is illustrated by the drawing and is explained in greater detail by means of an embodiment. The fgure replcsel~l~ an opc,~ling sch~m~tic diagram for the display of current charges in accordance with the invention, based on information which is locally available in the terminal.
Detailed Desc~ lion of the Preferred Embodiment The basic idea of the system according to the invention is that, not only can a general rate model which is stored in the network apply to a subscriber of a TK nelwoll~, but that especially with different standard rate models as well, anindividual rate can also be made locally available in the TK terminal. As soon as the ~i~t~nte between the les~e.;li~e TK terminals plays a role during the calculation of usage fees, such stored h~rollllalion must be individually adapted to the respective location of the TK terminal.
The following offers two possibilities that fall within the fia~ wo-k of the present invention, which locally store the necessaly information about a rate model in the TK terminal:
1. The rate information is directly entered into the TK tel~ al via a p1ug-in module, which can be obtained from a TK network opel~lor. The network operator can already consider the future location while this plug-in module is being loaded. In addition to such a plug-in module, a separate device similar to the separate charge counter known today can also be envisioned. In that case a new terminal would not be required .
ON LOCAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN A TERMINAL
Field of the Invention The invention concerns a device for displaying a charge on a telecommunications (TK) terminal, with a calculator for determining the charge and a display unit for displaying the established charges.
Description of the Prior Art Such devices are generally known. Their function is described for example in the "Textbook of Telecommunications"
volume 1, fifth edition 19.., Technical Publishers Schiele & Schon GmbH, Berlin,pages 614 to 620.
With the known TK systems, a network subscriber usually receives charge information mainly via charge pulses, which are either totaled or processed further by the respective TK terminal. Today the number of pulses or the corresponding amounts that are charged depend on the duration and the distance of the chargeable TK connection With a calculation that is accurate to the second, these pulses can no longer be used as a display for the subscriber.
In addition to different rates for different times of day, and different rates for working days and holidays, ever more complex and differentiated rate models are being introduced. Many other parameters must be considered as well, for example rebates for wholesale users and such, and rate models in the future must also be able to be diversified or even individualized. But to that end the applicable information, such as charge amounts, must be processed accordingly during or after a TK connection. Such current charge amounts, which are derived from complex calculations, cannot be displayed on present TK terminals during orshortly after a TK colmection has ended. At best such information can be transmitted to the subscriber later via the respective TK network, or other communication media.
Summal~ of the Invention In this regard the object of the present invention is to modify by mostly simple means a device for displaying charges on a TK terminal of the kind described in the beginning in such a way, that an individual charge can be displayed on the TK terminal.
The invention achieves this object by providing a co.l.~ulalion module for calc~ ting a customer-specific rate, which requests customer-specific parameter data from a first data memory, and speci~lable rate algolilllll-s from a program memory, and uses this information to calculate the current charge for anindividual TK connection, and routes the colles~onding information signals to the display unit.
The invention starts with the idea that information about the applicable rate model for the subscriber is not only kept in the TK nelwol~, but can be made available locally in the TK terminal, especially with standard rate models. Thiscreates a very signi~lcant incl~ase in the flexibility for introducing new rate structures, such as for example special individual rates for certain customers or groups of customers, timely limited advertising means at discount rates, and such.
In a particularly compact configuration of the device of the invention, the co-~ulation module is integrated in the TK terminal. This allows the device of the invention to be implelne~ d in an especially space-saving and technir~llysimple manner.
In alL~ ive configurations, the computation module is located separately from the TK terminal. This has the special advantage that existing old TK terminals can continue to be used.
A particularly advantageous development of the configuration provides that a sepal~le display unit for displaying the established charges is colulecled to the con~ulalion module, which is not integrated in the TK terminal. This avoids the need of special interfaces to potential display units in the TK terminal. Inaddition, the simplest TK l~llllinals which contain no display unit can be lltili7.od In another particularly preferred configuration, the first data memory with the customer-specific parameter data is integrated as a customer module in the co~ u~lion module. This makes the device of the invention especially compact and the data are always immediately available.
S In a further development of this configuration, the customer module is exchangeable. This has the advantage that in the event of rate changes, the old customer module can be replaced with a new one.
When the above-cited configuration of the device of the invention is developed further, the first data memory can be a read-only memory. This avoids a complicated downloading procedure between the TK network and the TK
terminal, which makes simple h~nrlling possible for the user.
In all~lnàtive further developllle~ , the first data memory can be ovelvvlillell with information signals from a TK network. In this way rate changes are easier, centralized and immediately downloadable without any time delay.
In a further development, the ovelvvlilable first data memory can be in the form of a m~gnetic tape cassette (cartridge). Pl~serlly these have a particularly large lnellloly volume, so that many technical options become available.
As an allelllalive, the ovel.~vlilable first data memory can also be in the form of a chip card, in which a processor for processing the rate-algolilhllls can be integrated at the same time.
In a particularly compact conrl~ ulation, the customer module is in the form of a chip card which has an integrated customer rate calculator.
Especially preferred is a configuration of the device of the invention which is characterized in that the first data memory with the customer-specific parameter data, and/or the program memory with the specifiable rate-algorithms, is located separately from the compulation module, and that the p~d~lleler data and/or the rate-algorithms can be transmitted to the TK computation module via aTK nelwol~. In this way h~ollllation and updating can be sent simply and above all centrally to the respective TK terminals, and loading plocesses without any problems would be made possible from the TK network operator to all the comlecled users.
Especially plerell~d is a configuration in which a counting device is provided to del~llnille the amount of the charges accllm~ d during an accuuntillg S time. This gives the user of the respective TK terminal the ability to inquire about the accumulated exchange charges and other services that are owed to the TK
~lwolk operator.
A particularly advantageous development of this configuration provides the possibility for threshold values for the customer-specific usage to be called up from the first data memory; after these are exceeded, more favorable customer-specific rates are used to calculate the current charge. This allows adapting a rebate to the individual usage in a simple n~al~llel-, which serves as an incentive for higher usage of the le~l,eclive TK service, and thereby for better utilization of the l~s~ectivc; service provider system, and to h~cleased sales for the service offerer.
Especially advantageous is also a configuration of the device of the invention whel~ill a device for call number analysis is provided. This allows for example to aulu~ ;rally detellllille dirrel~nl rate zones which are then used tocalculate the charges.
A particularly plefelled development of this configuration provides that customer-specirlc target call numbers can be called up from the first data ni~.llo which, when dialed by the TK le~ inal, result in a more favorable customer-specific rate than all the other target call numbers. This can further hlclease the incentive for usage by the customer with a view toward an hlcleased usage of theoffered TK service.
Finally, a plefelled configuration of the device of the invention provides another data memory from which palallleler data that are valid for all subscribers of the TK network can be called up, for example ~ t~nre of the connections, ratepackets, time of day, date, etc. This makes available a complete, generally applicable rate model for colll~ulillg the current charge.
A method for operating the above-described device also falls within the framework of the invention, which is characterized in that during the establishment of a TK connection, customer-specific parameter data are downloaded from the first data memory to the cou~l~u~lion module; a rate algolilhln is then called up from a program memory to calculate the current charge for the TK connection, which is displayed on the display unit.
A particularly preferred variation of the method of the invention provides for changed cuslomer-specific palalllcler data to be aulo~ ically downloaded from a central co",~uler to the customer module via the TK nelwo,~.
This allows rate changes to be defined and immediately co~lvclled, but also to be entered into the TK netwoll~ in a time-controlled malu~er. Another possibility of applying this variation of the method is that during the next use of a TK terminal, a rate change can be entered into the corresponding pal~mcl~r memory or program memory for the rate algolillu.,s. For certain cu~lol"els, the planned change can be made earlier and out of se~lucnce~ or at any other time, and can then be activated at a predetermined time.
In conjunction with the glallli,lg of more favorable customer-specific rates when certain usage threshold values have been exceeded, it is advantageousif these threshold values are determined from s~ti~tics of the usage by the lespeclivc customer during a prece-ling accounting period. In that way a usage by the le~eclive final user, which is particularly desirable for the service offerer, can be specially rewarded.
Other advantages of the invention can be found in the desclil,lion and the dl~wil)g. According to the invention, the previously cited features and those described later can be utilized individually or in any combination thereof. The in~ic~t~d and described configurations should not be taken as a final listing, they rather have an exemplary character for the depiction of the invention.
Desclil)tion of the Drawin~
The invention is illustrated by the drawing and is explained in greater detail by means of an embodiment. The fgure replcsel~l~ an opc,~ling sch~m~tic diagram for the display of current charges in accordance with the invention, based on information which is locally available in the terminal.
Detailed Desc~ lion of the Preferred Embodiment The basic idea of the system according to the invention is that, not only can a general rate model which is stored in the network apply to a subscriber of a TK nelwoll~, but that especially with different standard rate models as well, anindividual rate can also be made locally available in the TK terminal. As soon as the ~i~t~nte between the les~e.;li~e TK terminals plays a role during the calculation of usage fees, such stored h~rollllalion must be individually adapted to the respective location of the TK terminal.
The following offers two possibilities that fall within the fia~ wo-k of the present invention, which locally store the necessaly information about a rate model in the TK terminal:
1. The rate information is directly entered into the TK tel~ al via a p1ug-in module, which can be obtained from a TK network opel~lor. The network operator can already consider the future location while this plug-in module is being loaded. In addition to such a plug-in module, a separate device similar to the separate charge counter known today can also be envisioned. In that case a new terminal would not be required .
2. In the establishlllellL phase of user connections, the information about the Mte model is downloaded from the TK nelwolh to the TK terminal, or by means of load connections which are independent of the user connections. This method has two advantages with respect to the first. On the one hand the TK Iktworl~
informs the TK terminal where the TK telmillal is located in the TK network, while the TK terminal remains portable without any modification; on the other hand rate models can be centrally changed in the TK network, and then become immediately available.
Both methods have their justification. The first method provides lower cost for the TK l~ olk~ and is above all suitable for TK terminals which are notused for basic portability. The second method increases the flexibility for subsequent modifications performed by the network operator.
A third im~gin~ble method is a hybrid of the two described above: as in 2., the h~follnalion is downloaded from the TK network to the TK le~ al, wheleby full flexibility is plcsel~/ed for the network operator. However, this downloading of the rate does not take place with every establishment of a com1eclion, but only with rate model changes. During the time betweell such changes the rate hlfc.lmation is stored in a module, which can be designed as a plug-in module as described in 1., and is called up by the TK léllninal for every establishment of a connection. In this way the advantages described for the first method can also be utilized.
But a display unit is collvenielllly provided with all the methods, whereby the lespeeli~e calculated charge is displayed on the TK terminal or in its immediate vicinity, in this way providing the user with the opportunity to act on the ~;u~lcntly arcllm~ ting charge for the TK comlection.
The figure illustrates a possible realization of the device of the invention for displaying the individual charge: a switching unit 2 comlecls a telecollllllunications (TK) terminal 1 to a TK network 3, which is operated and selviced by a central conll~uler 4. A com~ul~tion module 5 is connected to the TK
terminal 1, to calculate the charge and display each individual TK connection ofthe TK terminal 1.
The colll~u~lion module 5 of the illustrated embodiment contains a first data memory 7, which can be ~lesignP(l as an insertable customer module for example. The customer module includes customer-specific data for calcl-l~ting the connection charges. Such data are e.g. the location in the nelw~lh (if the rating is depel~denl on the ~ t~nce), or special rates etc. granted by the lletwol~. This information is either locally stored, locally entered (chip card), or is downloaded from the nelwol~ 3. Combinations of these mech~ can also be envisioned.
A program memory 10 stores specifable rate algolilllllls from which a customer rate coll"~.llel 17, in conjunction with the customer-specific pal~llleler data called up from the first data memory 7, calculates a current charge for each individual TK connection. The result is routed to a display collll~ulel 18, which on the one hand routes it further in suitable form to a display unit 6 where it can be made visible to the user of the TK terminal, and on the other hand enters it into a counter 9 that stores the amount of the charges acc~lm~ ~d during a predetermined period, which can also be made visible by the display unit 6.
The customer rate colllpul~ r 17 as well as the data memory 7 can also be integrated on a chip card.
The customer rate itself is dele~ ed by a series of factors which are taken into consideration by the different modulators. The derived rate, togetherwith other hlfol..lalion (the time above all) is converted into a charge and is displayed. A di~t~nre-dependent modulator 11, a volume-dependent modulator 12, a rate packet modulator 13, a target-depellde.ll modulator 14 and a time-dependent modulator 15 are provided in the present example. In addition, pal~,neter data that are valid for all subscribers of the TK nelwolk 3, such as for example date, time, clock pulse, rate packets, distance from connections etc., can be loaded from a further data memory 16 into the program memories 10 and taken into consideration for the current co~ u~lion of the charges.
For example, in order to provide more favorable customer-specific rates for a predele~ ed number of target call numbers, the colll~ulalion module 5 alsoincludes a device 8 for analyzing call numbers. The l~spective target call number with the favorable rates can be routed from the first data me---oly 7 to the program l.lenluly 10.
Nulllel~ us additional features, such as forming the total amount of the charges, storing the totals of the last n accoulllillg periods, r~sellillg the current sllmm~ion meter as a function of the accounting period, storing individual fees etc., are possible depending on the desired added feature, and are indicated by the corresponding comleclion arrows in the figure.
In some configurations of the invention, a colles~ollding distance-dependent basic rate can also be stored for example in the device 8 for call number analysis.
A line 19 is also provided for direct access to the display computer 18 for the purpose of through-connections, release or similar operations from the TK
terminal 1 or from the central computer 4.
informs the TK terminal where the TK telmillal is located in the TK network, while the TK terminal remains portable without any modification; on the other hand rate models can be centrally changed in the TK network, and then become immediately available.
Both methods have their justification. The first method provides lower cost for the TK l~ olk~ and is above all suitable for TK terminals which are notused for basic portability. The second method increases the flexibility for subsequent modifications performed by the network operator.
A third im~gin~ble method is a hybrid of the two described above: as in 2., the h~follnalion is downloaded from the TK network to the TK le~ al, wheleby full flexibility is plcsel~/ed for the network operator. However, this downloading of the rate does not take place with every establishment of a com1eclion, but only with rate model changes. During the time betweell such changes the rate hlfc.lmation is stored in a module, which can be designed as a plug-in module as described in 1., and is called up by the TK léllninal for every establishment of a connection. In this way the advantages described for the first method can also be utilized.
But a display unit is collvenielllly provided with all the methods, whereby the lespeeli~e calculated charge is displayed on the TK terminal or in its immediate vicinity, in this way providing the user with the opportunity to act on the ~;u~lcntly arcllm~ ting charge for the TK comlection.
The figure illustrates a possible realization of the device of the invention for displaying the individual charge: a switching unit 2 comlecls a telecollllllunications (TK) terminal 1 to a TK network 3, which is operated and selviced by a central conll~uler 4. A com~ul~tion module 5 is connected to the TK
terminal 1, to calculate the charge and display each individual TK connection ofthe TK terminal 1.
The colll~u~lion module 5 of the illustrated embodiment contains a first data memory 7, which can be ~lesignP(l as an insertable customer module for example. The customer module includes customer-specific data for calcl-l~ting the connection charges. Such data are e.g. the location in the nelw~lh (if the rating is depel~denl on the ~ t~nce), or special rates etc. granted by the lletwol~. This information is either locally stored, locally entered (chip card), or is downloaded from the nelwol~ 3. Combinations of these mech~ can also be envisioned.
A program memory 10 stores specifable rate algolilllllls from which a customer rate coll"~.llel 17, in conjunction with the customer-specific pal~llleler data called up from the first data memory 7, calculates a current charge for each individual TK connection. The result is routed to a display collll~ulel 18, which on the one hand routes it further in suitable form to a display unit 6 where it can be made visible to the user of the TK terminal, and on the other hand enters it into a counter 9 that stores the amount of the charges acc~lm~ ~d during a predetermined period, which can also be made visible by the display unit 6.
The customer rate colllpul~ r 17 as well as the data memory 7 can also be integrated on a chip card.
The customer rate itself is dele~ ed by a series of factors which are taken into consideration by the different modulators. The derived rate, togetherwith other hlfol..lalion (the time above all) is converted into a charge and is displayed. A di~t~nre-dependent modulator 11, a volume-dependent modulator 12, a rate packet modulator 13, a target-depellde.ll modulator 14 and a time-dependent modulator 15 are provided in the present example. In addition, pal~,neter data that are valid for all subscribers of the TK nelwolk 3, such as for example date, time, clock pulse, rate packets, distance from connections etc., can be loaded from a further data memory 16 into the program memories 10 and taken into consideration for the current co~ u~lion of the charges.
For example, in order to provide more favorable customer-specific rates for a predele~ ed number of target call numbers, the colll~ulalion module 5 alsoincludes a device 8 for analyzing call numbers. The l~spective target call number with the favorable rates can be routed from the first data me---oly 7 to the program l.lenluly 10.
Nulllel~ us additional features, such as forming the total amount of the charges, storing the totals of the last n accoulllillg periods, r~sellillg the current sllmm~ion meter as a function of the accounting period, storing individual fees etc., are possible depending on the desired added feature, and are indicated by the corresponding comleclion arrows in the figure.
In some configurations of the invention, a colles~ollding distance-dependent basic rate can also be stored for example in the device 8 for call number analysis.
A line 19 is also provided for direct access to the display computer 18 for the purpose of through-connections, release or similar operations from the TK
terminal 1 or from the central computer 4.
Claims (20)
1. A device for displaying fees on a telecommunications (TK) terminal, with a computer for determining the charges and a display unit for displaying the established charges, characterized in that a computation module (5) for calculating a customer-specific rate is provided, which calls up customer-specific parameterdata from a first data memory (7), and specifiable rate algorithms from a program memory (10), and uses these parameter data and rate algorithms to calculate a current charge for an individual TK connection, and routes the corresponding information signals to the display unit (6).
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the computation module is integrated in the TK terminal.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the computation module (5) is located separately from the TK terminal (1).
4. A device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that a separate displayunit (6), which is not integrated in the TK terminal (1), is connected to the computation module (5) for displaying the established charges.
5. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first data memory (7) with the customer-specific parameter data is integrated as a customermodule in the computation module (5).
6. A device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the customer module is exchangeable.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the first data memory (7) is a read-only memory.
8. A device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the first data memory (7) can be overwritten with information signals from a TK network (3).
9. A device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the first data memory (7) is provided in the form of a magnetic tape cassette (cartridge).
10. A device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the first data memory (7) is provided in the form of a chip card.
11. A device as claimed in one of claim 10, characterized in that the customer module is provided in the form of a chip card, in which a customer ratecomputer (17) in particular is integrated.
12. A device as claimed in one of claim 4, characterized in that the first data memory (7) with the customer-specific parameter data, and/or the program memory (10) with the specifiable rate algorithms, is located separately from thecomputation module (5), and that the parameter data and/or the rate algorithms can be transmitted to the computation module (5) via a TK network (3).
13. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a counter (9) is provided to determine the total charges accumulated by the TK terminal (1) during an accounting period.
14. A device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that customer-specific usage threshold values can be called up from the first data memory (7), which when exceeded allow more favorable customer-specific rates to be used for computing the current charges.
15. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a device (8) for analyzing call numbers is provided.
16. A device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that customer-specific target call numbers can be called up from the first data memory (7), which when dialed by the TK terminal (1) allow using a more favorable customer-specific rate than other target call numbers.
17. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that another data memory (16) is provided, from which parameter data that are valid for all subscribers of the TK network (3) can be called up, for example distance of the connections, rate packets, time of day, date, etc.
18. A method for operating a device for displaying fees on a telecommunications (TK) terminal, the device having a computer for determining the charges and a display unit for displaying the established charges, and further having a computation module (5) for calculating a customer-specific rate, which calls up customer-specific parameter data from a first data memory (7), and specifiable rate algorithms from a program memory (10), and uses these parameterdata and rate algorithms to calculate a current charge for an individual TK
connection, and routes the corresponding information signals to the display unit(6), the method characterized in that during the establishment of a TK connection, customer-specific parameter data can be downloaded from the first data memory (7) to the computation module (5), a rate algorithm called up from a program memory (10) is used to calculate the current charge for the TK connection, whichis displayed on the display unit (6).
connection, and routes the corresponding information signals to the display unit(6), the method characterized in that during the establishment of a TK connection, customer-specific parameter data can be downloaded from the first data memory (7) to the computation module (5), a rate algorithm called up from a program memory (10) is used to calculate the current charge for the TK connection, whichis displayed on the display unit (6).
19. A method as claimed in claim 18 for operating a device where the first data memory (7) can be overwritten with information signals from a TK network (3), the method characterized in that the changed customer-specific parameter data are automatically downloaded from a central computer (4) to the customer module via the TK network (3).
20. A method as claimed in claim 19 for operating a device where the customer-specific usage threshold values can be called up from the first data memory (7), which when exceeded allow more favorable customer-specific rates to be used for computing the current charges, the method characterized in that the customer-specific usage threshold values are determined from statistics of the usage by the respective customer during a preceding accounting period.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19707002A DE19707002A1 (en) | 1997-02-21 | 1997-02-21 | Device and method for individually displaying charges on telecommunications terminals |
| DE19707002.7 | 1997-02-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2226937A1 true CA2226937A1 (en) | 1998-08-21 |
Family
ID=7821106
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002226937A Abandoned CA2226937A1 (en) | 1997-02-21 | 1998-02-18 | Method and apparatus for indicating call charges based on local information available in a terminal |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0860976B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP4163780B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE222439T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2226937A1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE19707002A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2178133T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10249664B4 (en) * | 2002-10-24 | 2007-04-05 | Ulrich Hartmann | Method and device for the determination and evaluation of telecommunication costs |
| DE102007027190B4 (en) * | 2007-06-13 | 2009-06-25 | T-Mobile Internationale Ag | Procedure for the time-definite credit allocation of different loyalty programs due to the telephoning behavior and the use of IP-based multimedia subsystem (IMS) services |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4585904A (en) * | 1982-02-05 | 1986-04-29 | General Telephone Inc. | Programmable computerized telephone call cost metering device |
| GB8301421D0 (en) * | 1983-01-19 | 1983-02-23 | Rathdown Ind Ltd | Telephone call cost indicator |
| US4813065A (en) * | 1987-10-13 | 1989-03-14 | Segala James J | Computerized telephone accounting system |
| WO1992011725A1 (en) * | 1990-12-21 | 1992-07-09 | Telstra Corporation Limited | A telecommunications terminal |
| DE4111192C2 (en) * | 1991-04-06 | 1995-04-06 | Telefonbau & Normalzeit Gmbh | Device for the use of equipment against payment |
| DE4241762A1 (en) * | 1992-12-11 | 1994-06-16 | Grundig Emv | Method for displaying connection charges at a subscriber facility |
| DE4314954A1 (en) * | 1993-05-06 | 1994-11-10 | Stewing Nachrichtentechnik | Device for capturing, in particular, the charge units of telephone calls for checking the charge statement |
| US5802502A (en) * | 1993-05-24 | 1998-09-01 | British Telecommunications Public Limited Company | System for selective communication connection based on transaction pricing signals |
| DE9320717U1 (en) * | 1993-07-23 | 1994-12-15 | Ekb Dienstleistungsgesellschaf | Personal telephone dialing control device |
| EP0748557B1 (en) * | 1994-03-02 | 1998-08-05 | BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS public limited company | Pricing method for telecommunication system |
| US5425085C1 (en) * | 1994-03-18 | 2001-10-09 | Rates Technology Inc | Least control routing device for separate connection into phone line |
| CA2123068C (en) * | 1994-05-06 | 1998-04-14 | Thomas A. Gray | Adaptive method for allocating calls |
| DE19524898A1 (en) * | 1994-07-23 | 1996-01-25 | Afg Elektronik Gmbh | Charge counter for subscribers of data or telephone network |
| US5570417A (en) * | 1995-03-28 | 1996-10-29 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | System for automatically providing customer access to alternative telephony service providers |
| DE19522988A1 (en) * | 1995-06-28 | 1997-01-02 | Sel Alcatel Ag | Procedure for charge information as well as service control device, subscriber exchange, terminal and communication network |
| DE29615223U1 (en) * | 1996-08-31 | 1996-10-17 | Welsch Tim | Device for displaying and recording the switching data including any existing charge information for telecommunication connections in Euro-ISDN |
-
1997
- 1997-02-21 DE DE19707002A patent/DE19707002A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1998
- 1998-02-12 EP EP98440024A patent/EP0860976B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-02-12 DE DE59805143T patent/DE59805143D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-02-12 AT AT98440024T patent/ATE222439T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-02-12 ES ES98440024T patent/ES2178133T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-02-18 CA CA002226937A patent/CA2226937A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-02-20 JP JP03917898A patent/JP4163780B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE59805143D1 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
| ES2178133T3 (en) | 2002-12-16 |
| JP4163780B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 |
| EP0860976A2 (en) | 1998-08-26 |
| EP0860976A3 (en) | 1999-04-21 |
| JPH10243126A (en) | 1998-09-11 |
| ATE222439T1 (en) | 2002-08-15 |
| EP0860976B1 (en) | 2002-08-14 |
| DE19707002A1 (en) | 1998-08-27 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2276528C (en) | Method and system for connecting a caller to a content provider | |
| US8068810B2 (en) | Systems and methods for monitoring “pay-as-you-go” telecommunication services | |
| US6125173A (en) | Customer profile based customized messaging | |
| US7366290B2 (en) | Billing process and system in a telecommunication network | |
| JP2004505341A (en) | Multiple virtual wallets in wireless device | |
| WO2002011419A1 (en) | Telephone line use enablement of lottery participation | |
| JP2004515168A (en) | Professional service to request personal identification number | |
| US6597776B1 (en) | Method and system for allowing extended connections to content providers via prepaid content provider accounts | |
| US20110040704A1 (en) | Real-time charge calculation system | |
| CN101110877A (en) | Method and system for implementing general charging | |
| US6085179A (en) | Method of charging for a communications service, as well as a charge computer, exchange, and communications network | |
| WO1998038789A2 (en) | Customer group billing | |
| JP6660442B2 (en) | Display control program, terminal, and display control method | |
| CN101069413B (en) | A method and system for rewarding users of services in a communications system | |
| CA2226937A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for indicating call charges based on local information available in a terminal | |
| US7289787B2 (en) | System and method for calculation of telecommunication charges | |
| KR100449465B1 (en) | Information management system and information management method of using the same | |
| EP0809410A2 (en) | System and method for routing calls based on real-time call pricing information | |
| US20020165798A1 (en) | Method and configuration for charging for a service | |
| KR20010084256A (en) | Integrated Prepaid card service system and method | |
| JP2004032701A (en) | Method and system for reward system in telecommunication service | |
| KR101460763B1 (en) | Apparatus and method providing communication terminal changing service | |
| US5912955A (en) | Method and apparatus for management of remotely-deployed stations | |
| JP2001119466A (en) | Terminal with communication channel utilizing condition advice function and method for controlling the communication channel utilizing condition advice function, and communication channel utilizing condition advice system | |
| KR20220107111A (en) | Telemarketing system based on combining internet and telephone network and method of telemarketing service using the same |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |