Method and device for signalling the variable up-to-date tariff for added value services based on intelligent networks

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for variable, service-specific tariff for signaling Value-added services by a called destination subscriber, the IN (Intelligent Network) -based services in a telecommunications (TK) -Netwerk serving as a current Connection with a calling, an offered IN service requesting A-subscriber.

Such a method and a corresponding device are known for example from EP 0491497 B1.

For some time in telecommunication networks IN-based offered services, such as service-services, with numbers with certain service code groups may be requested by calling network participants. The device connected to the TC network called destination subscriber, offering the respective requested service, after the network operator for services rendered certain tariffs paid, the network operators the respective fees to the calling A-subscriber invoiced who has had requested the appropriate services. This can been in the form of fixed tariffs per call or happen from time-based tariffs, which for example in is DE 42 41 434 A1. Such time-dependent Tarifierungen are currently also from the "Service 190" in the field Known Deutsche Telekom.

Due to the ever increasing complexity of fee structure for communications services with the increase the number of network operators and the introduction of Value-added services it is desirable if a calling A subscriber already before receiving a communication service and optionally an additional receives value-added service over their cost information and then under certain circumstances the communication services not take to complete. For this purpose, in the DE 195 22 988 A1 proposes, before the construction of a Connection of a connection request from a calling the A subscriber is sent to the telecommunication network, tariff data to determine independently of the connection and to send to the participants.

EP 0734144 A2 discloses a method and an arrangement to determine the user charge a subscriber device described a telecommunication network, in which a enables variable pricing by the service provider becomes. However, the called destination subscriber not directly to the tariff currently take influence, but the pricing is, though variable, from the TC network specified.

The cited initially EP 0491497 B1 finally discloses a classification method for value-added services, in which the called service provider device directly via a switching center during a connection a current rate signal a TK Network Connected Data Gathering passes, the fact that the calling A-subscriber calculated fees payable. The disadvantage here however, is that the called destination subscriber uncontrollably and can make its tariffs currently arbitrarily.

Object of the present invention contrast, it is a present method and a corresponding device, which value-added services that are IN-based anyway, without much additional effort on a variable tariff can be extended by the called destination subscriber, except that an authorization for classification of neutral Place in the TC network will be reviewed.

According to the invention this object is achieved by the fact that the called destination subscriber via his service subscriber device a collective signal current from the called Target participants demanded tariff corresponds to a central control logic in the telecommunications network in the form of a service control point (SCP = Service Control Point) sends that in Service control point by means of a service logic permission the called destination subscriber on the collection of of it required tariff is checked, and in that when compatibility the required tariff with the stored authorization the destination subscriber, a corresponding billing information the service control point over a Service switching point (SSP = Service Switching Point) to the requesting A-subscriber and a TK network customers connected data acquisition is passed, from the customer data acquisition by the calling A-subscriber calculated fees payable.

By means of a "user-to-SCP" signaling informs the called Target subscriber via his service provider means a corresponding service logic in a service control point with which tariff is currently valid. In SCP can then based of stored data of the target subscriber authorization checked the required tariff. Is this given a corresponding billing information to the calling A-subscriber and the customer data acquisition purpose of billing received.

Particularly preferred is a variant of the invention The method in which the current tariff the calling A-subscriber visualized on a display device and / or is acoustically announced by his terminal. Thereby is requesting the A-subscriber allows current to decide whether to pay the required tariff and requested services continue to avail or not. Also conceivable is a sub-variant in which the called A subscriber to the first display of the tariff initially must confirm whether he agrees with the tariff is before the corresponding charging information from the Customer data acquisition is accepted and input into the bill of charges the requesting A-subscriber finds.

In the event of incompatibility of the required Tariff the authorization of the called destination subscriber, it is advantageous, if the latter from the service control point visually and / or acoustically communicated to the detected incompatibility is to ensure that the target subscriber optionally correspondingly responding and a tariff within its authorization area may request.

In a further advantageous variant of the invention The method provides that the authorization of the services offering target subscriber in the form of minimal and stored a maximum allowable rate value in the service control point is, and that in the event of an incompatibility the required tariff with the permission of the forum Target subscriber automatically billing information corresponding to the maximum allowable rate is exceeded the same or corresponding to the minimum permitted Tariff falls below the same to the calling A-subscriber and forwarded to the customer data acquisition becomes.

Characterized the connection can be maintained, wherein the charges for the services used within the permitted limits remain.

In a further development of the above process variants is the called destination subscriber, the determined maximum or minimum limit rate from the service control point and transmitted via a display device at its terminal is visualized and / or communicated acoustically, so that the destination subscriber on his request Setting different applicable tariff and the connection maintain, modify the required fare or may break connection.

In the context of the invention also provides apparatus for drops Performing the method described above in which at the service subscriber device of the called destination subscriber an input unit for inputting required tariffs and forwarding of relevant tariff signals to the SCP is provided.

Particularly preferred is a development of this embodiment, wherein the input unit comprises a numeric keyboard includes or by operating a special signal button a numeric keypad on the terminal of the target subscriber can activate.

but also is a voice input of the required current Tariff on the TK-terminal of the called destination subscriber conceivable. However, given must in the service control point a device for speech recognition at least of spoken digits exist.

Further advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and the drawing. Also, the above mentioned features and those further described below in the present invention either individually or collectively in arbitrary find combinations. The illustrated and Described embodiments are as exhaustive understand enumeration but rather have exemplary Character for describing the invention.

The invention is illustrated in the drawing and is based explained embodiments. Show it:<dl tsize="6"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a schematic circuit for performing the The inventive method; and</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a circuit diagram for variable rate signaling according to the prior art.</dd></dl>

With the inventive method, as shown in Fig. 1 schematically is illustrated, a called destination subscriber B that offers IN-based services in a communication network, during a current connection with a calling, a offered IN service requesting subscriber A either a device connected to its service subscriber device 10 Input unit 12 or directly acoustically each from the Entering a destination and corresponding user-B desired tariff Tariff signals to a service control point SCP in an intelligent Network forward.

In the service control point SCP by means of a service logic, the Authorization of the called destination subscriber B to collect checked the demanded of him Tariff and compatibility the required tariff with the stored authorization the destination subscriber B a corresponding billing information a service switching point SSP, a toll office FVST, a local exchange OVSt to a terminal 13 of the calling A-subscriber forwards. Simultaneously, a corresponding billing information the service control point SCP also a Customer data acquisition KDE forwarded in which the by the calling calculated A-subscriber fees payable and a post-processing are passed 14 an invoice issued by 15 and in due shipping time to the A-subscriber.

A display device 11 or 16, the current Tariff the called destination subscriber B and the calling A subscriber can be made visible. Alternatively or additionally, can the current tariff even on the service subscriber device 10 or acoustically via the terminal 13 be communicated. Thus, the A-subscriber has the possibility, at request of a fee, which he offered for Service seems too high, breaking off the connection, the called destination subscriber B can a him correct wrong appearing current tariff immediately.

In the figure 1 is forwarding the Calling Line Identity by corresponding arrows by the local exchange OVSt, on the toll office and FVST Service switching point SSP to the service control point SCP indicated, while the collective signaling by appropriate Arrows in the other direction is displayed. A double arrow between the service control point SCP and the service subscriber device 10 shows the inventive bidirectional "User-to-SCP" signaling to the collective signaling the mediated. In case of lack of compatibility of by the subscriber B demanded Tariff latter the a notice from the service control point SCP are received, so that the target subscriber B on can adjust your situation accordingly.

In the scheme according to the state shown in Fig. 2 of Technology received the called destination subscriber B over his service subscriber device 20 directly to its tariff the local exchange OVSt and the toll office FVST which the appropriate billing information uncritically to the customer data acquisition and KDE connected thereto postprocessing 24 passes, which then a corresponding bill of charges 25 created that which the terminal 23-use A-subscriber, the requested service from the corresponding target subscriber B had, will be sent at the appropriate time. More Influence possibilities for variable, service-specific pricing do not exist in the known system.