Automatic message accounting record creation system and method

Description of equivalent WO 2004059992 A2

AUTOMATIC MESSAGE ACCOUNTING RECORD CREATION

SYSTEM AND METHOD

Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/324,610, filed December 20, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to communication systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for generating and providing existing and new message accounting records in a standard format using call data obtained from switching and/or signaling networks.

Background of the Invention

[0002] New network entities and associated regulations have fundamentally changed the structure of current telephony networks in national and international markets. Access has been opened to competitive interconnecting service providers, creating new network configurations and new demands on network resources.

[0003] As a result, as different services for wireless, analog and wireline (Time Division Multiplexing - TDM) have manifested themselves, traditional switch vendors have struggled to keep pace with new switch capabilities and the production of necessary "billing records" associated with each new switch.

[0004] Unfortunately, all too often the introduction of a new capability or feature can be held up as the result of needing a new "billing record" to permit billing of the new feature or capability.

[0005] As such, due to the multi-tasking requirements placed upon a switch, as well as the lower priority of producing the billing records, the inherent accuracy of the billing records produced by the switch may be frequently called into question. Specifically, in many switch architectures, the hierarchical processing frequently places less importance on producing a billing record for a call than on the actual completion of the call. In addition, in some unfortunate circumstances, certain callers have fraudulently circumvented the creation of billing records by the switch. As such, not only do timing errors frequently appear in a billing record for a call, but it is also common for the billing record for the call to not even be produced. As a result, numerous calls have been either under-billed or not billed at all.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] FIG. 1 is a top-level system block diagram for a communication system that generates and provides existing and new automatic message accounting format records in a standard format for use in a call billing system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a top-level block diagram for an automatic message accounting format record creation system that illustrates data paths into and out of the system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram for the automatic message accounting format record creation system of FIG. 2 that illustrates an architecture for the system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram for a switching network message accounting record receiver component of the automatic message accounting format record creation system of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram for a signaling network call record receiver component of the automatic message accounting format record creation system of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a detailed block diagram for a comparison component of the automatic message accounting format record creation system of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0012] FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram for a selection component of the automatic message accounting format record creation system of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram for a message accounting record generation component of the automatic message accounting format record creation system of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a detailed block diagram for a message accounting record formation component of the automatic message accounting format record creation system of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a detailed flow diagram for a method of providing augmented communication system billing records, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a detailed flow diagram for a method of categorizing network message accounting records, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a detailed flow diagram for a method of selecting matching switching and signaling network call records, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a detailed flow diagram for a method of generating final network message accounting records, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a communication billing system and method may provide near real-time production and transmission of existing and new billing records, for example, a Billing Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) Format (BAF) record, as a homogenous data stream. In general, the data stream may be provided in a standard format so that the billing records may be used in a service provider's billing system to maximize revenues. The system and method may allow for a data stream of switching network message accounting records, for example, a data stream of BAF records, to be transparently transmitted to billing center(s). The data stream of BAF records may be produced by at least one switch in a switching network in a communication system. In addition, the system and method may augment the data stream with new billing records created using signaling network call records, for example, accounting records from a Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) network. In general, the signaling network call records may be used if at least one switch has failed to produce a switching network message accounting record for a call that was completed, and/or may replace some inaccurate or "suspect" billing records with more accurate billing records produced using messages from a signaling network. The signaling network may produce a data stream of signaling messages, for example, the SS7 network may produce SS7 Integrated Services digital network User Part (ISUP) messages and/or Message Signaling Units (MSUs), which may be received from links in the SS7 network.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system and/or method may collect and analyze the signaling messages, for example, the ISUP messages and MSUs, and package each of them into a signaling network call record, for example, a CDR. At the same time, the system and/or method may also collect the billing records normally produced by the switching elements and then may compare the collected records against each other and additional reference data. This comparison may be used to determine: o Which switching network message accounting records may be transparently passed through the system, for example, BAF records produced on behalf of a Remote behind a Host switch, o Which new BAF records may be created, for example, calls the switch failed to record, o Which switching network message accounting records may be replaced, due to the system and/or method being able to create a more accurate record.

[0021] Upon completion of the analysis, the system and/or method compiles a single stream of message accounting records, for example, BAF records, and transparently transmits these message accounting records on to the Billing Center. This transmission may occur using either an AMA Teleprocessing System (AMATPS - X.25) Protocol or an AMA Data Networking System (AMADNS - FTP) Protocol.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a top-level system block diagram for a communication system that generates and provides existing and new automatic message accounting (AMA) format records in a standard format for use in a call billing system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 , a communication system 100 may include a Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) network 105 in communication with one or more signaling transfer points (STP) 110 over one or more signal communication paths 106, which may be capable of both one-way and two-way communications. SS7 network 105 may, among other things, handle SS7 message traffic and provide a signaling network message for each call that uses SS7 network 105. One or more system switching points 115 also may be in communication with one or more STPs 110 via one or more switch communication paths 116 to forward SS7 messages to one or more STPs 110. In general, each switch communication path 116 may be capable of both one-way and two-way communications. SS7 network 105 may be in communication with one or more link monitoring systems 120 to send signaling network messages, for example, message signal units (MSU), via switch communication path 116 and signaling network message signal path 117. Each signaling network message signal path 117 may complete the communication link between one switch communication path 116 and one link monitoring system 120. Each link monitoring system (LMS) 120 may process the signaling network messages into signaling network call records, for example, CDRs, and send the signaling network call records to an AMA format record creation apparatus 125 via one or more signaling network call record communication lines 122. Likewise, each optionally, STP 110 may, include an LMS component 111 and/or functionality to receive and process the signaling network messages into signaling network call records, for example, CDRs, and then send the signaling network call records to AMA format record creation apparatus 125 via one or more STP call record communication lines 112.

[0023] In FIG. 1, each system switching point 115 may be coupled to switching network AMA record communication path 118 and may process the switching network messages into switching network AMA records. Each system switching point 115 may send the switching network AMA records to AMA format record creation apparatus 125 via switching network AMA record communication path 118.

[0024] In FIG. 1 , automatic message accounting format record creation apparatus 125 may be in communication with a revenue accounting office (RAO) billing system 130 via an augmented network AMA record communication path 127. In general, AMA format record creation apparatus 125 may generate and send the augmented network AMA records to RAO billing system 130 via augmented network AMA record communication path 127. RAO billing system 130 may process the augmented network AMA records into bills for each customer and send the processed bills to each customer. The bills may be printed out and sent as a hard copy as-well-as in electronic format, for example, in an e-mail to each customer, as a billing notice to customers with electronic bill payment and receipt systems, etc.

[0025] The numbering scheme begun in FIG. 1 is continued in FIGs. 2 through 13. Therefore, elements numbered in prior figures and that are common to one or more subsequent figures will, in general, continue to be identified by the original number for clarity and to maintain consistency.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a top-level block diagram for AMA format record creation apparatus 125 of FIG. 1 that illustrates data paths into and out of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, multiple switching network AMA record communication paths 118, for example, 1 to k, may be coupled to AMA format record creation apparatus 125. Each switching network AMA record communication path 118 may be used to send the switching network AMA records to automatic message accounting format record creation apparatus 125. Similarly, multiple signaling network call record communication paths 122, for example, 1 to m, may be coupled to AMA format record creation apparatus 125. Each signaling network call record communication path 118 may be used to send the signaling network call records to AMA format record creation apparatus 125. Likewise, multiple augmented network AMA record communication paths 127, for example, 1 to n, may be coupled to AMA format record creation apparatus 125. Each network AMA record communication path 127 may be used to output the augmented AMA records from AMA format record creation apparatus 125. It should be clearly understood that the numbers for the communication paths, that is, k, m and n, may have equal and/or different values in the various contemplated embodiments of automatic message accounting format record creation apparatus 125.

[0027] In FIG. 2, AMA format record creation apparatus 125 may be coupled to alternative media input interfaces, for example, a tape input interface 205 and a compact disc (CD) input interface 210 over an alternative media communication path 212. Tape input interface 205 and CD input interface 210 may be used to provide alternative sources for sending the switching network AMA records to AMA format record creation apparatus 125. AMA format record creation apparatus 125 may also be coupled to an AMA tape output device 220 over an output communication path 222. AMA format record creation apparatus 125 may also be coupled to a report communication path 215, which may be coupled to standard storage and/or printing devices for storing and printing of performance reports for AMA format record creation apparatus 125.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram for the AMA format record creation apparatus of FIG. 1 that illustrates an architecture for the system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. AMA format record creation apparatus 125 may include a switching network AMA record receiver component 305 coupled to one or more switching network AMA record communication paths 118. Switching network AMA record receiver component 305 may be coupled to RAO/billing system 130 by a switching network AMA by-pass communication path 306. Switching network AMA record receiver component 305 may also be coupled to a comparison component, for example, a comparator-categorizer 315, by a switching network AMA communication path 307.

[0029] In FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, AMA format record creation apparatus 125 may include a signaling network call record receiver component, for example, CDR receiver component 310, coupled to one or more signaling network call record communication paths 122 and one or more STP call record communication lines 112. CDR receiver component 310 may also be coupled to comparator-categorizer 315, by a signaling network call record communication path 311. CDR receiver component 310 may be coupled to an unmatched CDR (UMCDR) Storage Subcomponent 335 and an AMA generator component 345 by a signaling network call record by-pass communication path 312.

[0030] In FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, comparator-categorizer 315 may be further coupled to multiple storage devices. For example, comparator-categorizer 315 may be coupled to an unmatched AMA (UMAMA) storage subcomponent 320 via an UMAMA record communication path 316 and a matched AMA (MAMA) storage subcomponent 325 via a MAMA record communication path 317. Comparator-categorizer 315 may also be coupled to a matched call record, for example, a matched CDR (MCDR), storage subcomponent 330 via a MCDR communication path 318 and an unmatched call record, for example, UMCDR storage subcomponent 335 via an UMCDR communication path 319.

[0031] In FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, UMAMA storage subcomponent 320 may be coupled to AMA generator component 345 via an UMAMA storage subcomponent communication path 321. UMCDR storage subcomponent 335 may be coupled to AMA generator component 345 via an UMCDR storage subcomponent communication path 336. Similarly, MAMA storage subcomponent 325 may be coupled to a selector component 340 via MAMA storage subcomponent communication path 317. MCDR storage subcomponent 330 may be coupled to selector component 340 via MCDR storage subcomponent communication path 331.

[0032] In FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, selector 340 may be coupled to AMA generator 345 via selector communication path 341. AMA generator 345 may be coupled to a formatter component 350 via AMA record communication path 127. Formatter component 350 may be coupled to RAO/billing system 130 via formatted AMA record communication path 351.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram for switching network AMA record receiver component 305 of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, AMA record receiver component 305 may include a by-pass module 410, which may be coupled to switching network AMA record communication paths 118 via AMA record by-pass paths 402, 403 and 404 and alternative media communication path 212 via alternative AMA record by-pass path 401. By-pass module 410 may receive AMA records that are determined not need augmentation by AMA format record creation system 125, for example, AMA records that may be produced on behalf of a remote behind a host switch for which no CDRs are produced. By-pass module 410 may be coupled to RAO/billing accounting office 130 via switching network AMA by-pass communication path 306.

[0034] In FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, AMA record receiver component 305 may also include multiple types of switch interfaces 415, 420 and 425 coupled to switching network AMA record communication paths 118. Switch interfaces 415, 420 and 425 may be coupled to an AMA storage device 435 via switch interface communications paths 416, 421 and 426. AMA record receiver component 305 may also include an alternative media (AM) interface 430 coupled to alternative media communication path 212. AM interface 430 may be coupled to AMA storage device 435 via AM interface communications path 431. AMA storage device 435 may be coupled to comparator-categorizer 315 of FIG. 3, by switching network AMA communication path 307.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, AMA record receiver component 305 may further include an administration module 440, which may be coupled to by-pass module 410, switch interfaces 415, 420 and 425, and AM interface 430 via an administration module ι\ communication path 441.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram for signaling network call record receiver component 310 of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, call record receiver component 310 may include multiple LMS/STP vendor interfaces, for example, LMS/STP vendor #1 interface 510, LMS/STP vendor #2 interface 520 and LMS/STP vendor #N interface 530, where N may be any integer value > 1. Each of LMS/STP vendor interfaces 510, 520 and 530 may be coupled to LMS signaling network call record communication line 122 and LMS STP call record communication line 112. Each of LMS/STP vendor interfaces 510, 520 and 530 may also be coupled to a field resort component 535 via LMS/STP vendor interface communication paths 511, 521 and 531. Field resort component 535 may be coupled to a switch filter component 540 via a field resort component communication path 536. Switch filter component 540 may in turn be coupled to a filer component 545, which may then be coupled to a field(s) filter component 550. Filer component 545 may also be coupled to a call record storage subcomponent 555, which may be coupled to comparator-categorizer component 315 via signaling network call record communication path 311. Field(s) filter component 550 may be configured to output filtered call records, for example, via signaling network call record by-pass communication path 312.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a detailed block diagram for comparison component, for example, comparator-categorizer component 315 of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, comparator-categorizer component 315 may include a compare subcomponent 605 with multiple compare criteria units, for example, compare criteria #1 unit 610, compare criteria #2 unit 615, and compare criteria #N unit 620, where N may be any integer value > 1. In general, compare criteria units 610, 615 and 620 may be coupled in series within comparator- categorizer component 315. Compare subcomponent 605 may be coupled to a categorize subcomponent 625 via compare subcomponent communication paths 622, 623.

[0038] In FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, storage subcomponent 630 may include UMAMA storage subcomponent 320, MAMA storage subcomponent 325, MCDR storage subcomponent 330 and UMCDR storage subcomponent 335 of FIG. 3. Returning to FIG. 6, UMAMA storage subcomponent 320 may be coupled to categorize subcomponent 625 via UMAMA record communication path 316 and to AMA generator 345 of FIG. 3 via UMAMA storage subcomponent communication path 321. Returning to FIG. 6, MAMA storage subcomponent 325 may be coupled to categorize subcomponent 625 via MAMA record communication path 317 and to selector 340 of FIG. 3 via MAMA storage subcomponent communication path 326. Returning to FIG. 6, MCDR storage subcomponent 330 may be coupled to categorize subcomponent 625 via MCDR record communication path 318 and to selector 340 of FIG. 3 via MCDR storage subcomponent communication path 331. Returning to FIG. 6, UMCDR storage subcomponent 335 may be coupled to categorize subcomponent 625 via UMCDR record communication path 319 and to AMA generator 345 of FIG. 3 via UMCDR storage subcomponent communication path 336. Each of UMAMA storage subcomponent 320, MAMA storage subcomponent 325, MCDR storage subcomponent 330 and UMCDR storage subcomponent 335 may be configured to output statistics 635 via a statistics communication path 631. In general, statistics communication path 631 may be coupled to standard storage and/or printing devices 635 for storing and printing of statistics.

[0039] In FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an administration component 640 may be coupled to comparator-categorizer component 315 via administration component communication path 641. Specifically, administration component 640 may be coupled to each of compare criteria #1 unit 610, compare criteria #2 unit 615 and compare criteria #N unit 620 via administration component communication path 641.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram for selector component 340 of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, selector component 340 may include a rebuild decision subcomponent 705 coupled to a choose source subcomponent 710. Rebuild decision subcomponent 705 may be coupled to MAMA storage subcomponent 325 via MAMA storage subcomponent communication path 326 and coupled to choose source subcomponent 710 via rebuild subcomponent communication path 706. Rebuild decision subcomponent 705 determines, for each "B" record whether to rebuild or augment the MAMA with MCDR data in AMA generator 345. Rebuild decision subcomponent 705 may be configured to output statistics 715 via a rebuild subcomponent statistics communication path 707. In general, rebuild subcomponent statistics communication path 707 may be coupled to standard storage and/or printing devices for storing and printing of the statistics.

[0041] In FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, choose source subcomponent 710 may be coupled to MCDR storage subcomponent 330 via MCDR storage subcomponent communication path 331. Choose source subcomponent 710 may be coupled to AMA generator 345 of FIG. 3 via selector communication path 341. Choose source subcomponent 710 may select which type or types of accounting record information that is, MAMA and/or MCDR, may be sent to AMA Generator 345.

[0042] In FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an administration component 720 may be coupled to selector component 340. Specifically, administration component 720 may be coupled to rebuild decision subcomponent 705 via a first administration component communication path 721 , and choose source subcomponent 710 via a second administration component communication path 722. Administration component 720 may control the operation of rebuild decision subcomponent 705 by providing user controlled on and off signals via first administration component communication path 721. Similarly, administration component 720 may also control the operation of choose source subcomponent 710 by providing user controlled source selection criteria.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram for AMA record generator component 345 of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, AMA record generator component 345 may include a retain original structure code subcomponent 805 coupled to a first pick structure code component 810 and at least one build structure subcomponent 825. First pick structure code component 810 may be coupled to an assign call type code subcomponent 820 and at least one build structure subcomponent 825. AMA record generator component 345 may also include a second pick structure code subcomponent 815 coupled to assign call type code subcomponent 820. Second pick structure code subcomponent 815 may be coupled to signaling network call record by-pass communication path 312.

[0044] In FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, retain original structure code subcomponent 805 may be coupled to UMAMA storage subcomponent via UMAMA storage subcomponent communication path 321 and to selector component 340 via selector component communication path 341. Retain original structure code subcomponent 805 may be coupled to at least one build structure subcomponent 825 via a retain original structure code subcomponent YES communication path 806. Retain original structure code subcomponent 805 may be coupled to first pick structure code component 810 via a retain original structure code subcomponent NO communication path 807.

[0045] In FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, first pick structure code subcomponent 810 may be coupled to at least one build structure subcomponent 825 via a first communication path 811 and may be coupled to assign call type code 820 via a second communication path 812. Second pick structure code subcomponent 815 may be coupled to UMCDR storage subcomponent 335 via UMCDR storage subcomponent communication path 336 and may be coupled to CDR receiver subcomponent 310 via bypass communications path 312. Second pick to assign call type code subcomponent 820 via a second pick structure code subcomponent communication path 816.

[0046] In FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, assign call type code subcomponent 820 may be further coupled to at least one build structure code subcomponent 825 via an assign call type code subcomponent communication path 821. At least one build structure code subcomponent 825 may be coupled to the formatter component 350 of FIG. 3 (not shown) via AMA record communication path 127. At least one build structure code subcomponent 825 may also be configured to output statistics 830 via an at least one build structure code subcomponent communication path 827. In general, at least one build structure code subcomponent communication path 827 may be coupled to standard storage and/or printing devices for storing and printing of the statistics.

[0047] In FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an administration component 835 may be coupled to retain original structure code component 805, first pick structure code component 810, second pick structure code component 815 and assign call type code component 820. Specifically, administration component 835 may be coupled to retain original structure code component 805 via a first administration component communication path 836, first pick structure code component 810 via a second administration component communication path 837, second pick structure code component 815 via a third administration component communication path 838, and assign call type code component 820 via a fourth administration component communication path 839.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a detailed block diagram for a formatter component 350 of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, formatter component 350 may be coupled to an AMA storage component 905 via formatter component communication path 906. Formatter component 350 may also be coupled to the AMA generator (not shown) of FIG. 3 via AMA record communication path 127. Formatter component 350 may further be coupled to the RAO/billing System 130 via formatted AMA record communication path 351.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a detailed flow diagram for a method of providing augmented communication system billing records, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, a billing message may be received (1005) from each of a switching system and a signaling system. For example, in FIG. 3, AMA receiver 305 may receive (1005) one or more AMA messages from system switching point 115 and/or CDR receiver 310 may receive (1005) one or more CDR messages from link monitoring system 120 and/or STP 110 with LMS functionality. Returning to FIG. 10, whether any of the received billing messages match (1010) each other or any other previously received billing messages may be determined. If there is a match (1010), whether the received message is a CDR may be determined (1015). If the received message is determined (1015) to be a CDR, the message may be classified (1020) as a MCDR and the matched message may be classified (1020) as a MAMA. If the received message is determined (1015) not to be a CDR, the message may be classified (1025) as a MAMA and the matched message may be classified (1020) as a MCDR in, for example, comparator-categorizer 315 of FIG. 3. Regardless, of how the message is classified, in FIG. 10, one of a pair of MAMA and MCDR associated with the same call may be selected (1030) in, for example, selector 340 of FIG. 3. Referring again to FIG. 10, if a billing message does not match (1010) any other received billing messages, whether the received message is a CDR may be determined (1050). If the received message is determined (1050) to be a CDR, the message may be classified (1055) as a UMCDR. If the received message is determined (1050) not to be a CDR, the message may be classified (1060) as a UMAMA in, for example, comparator-categorizer 315 of FIG. 3.

[0050] In FIG. 10, a final message accounting record may be generated (1035) for each call in, for example, AMA Generator 345 of FIG. 3, using the selected MAMA or MCDR, the UMCDR or the UMAMA associated with the call. In FIG. 10, a final message accounting record may be formatted (1040) in, for example, formatter 350 of FIG. 3, into a final billing format that may be used by the RAO/Billing System 130 of FIG. 1. Returning to FIG. 10, the formatted final message accounting record may be output by, for example, formatter 350 of Fig. 3.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a detailed flow diagram for a method of categorizing network message accounting records, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the following description of categorizing the network message accounting records may all occur in comparator-categorizer 315 of FIG. 3. Returning to FIG. 11 , a next AMA record may be selected (1105) from the plurality of AMA records in the AMA source, a clock drift window may be calculated (1110) for the selected AMA record, and a next CDR may be selected (1115) from the plurality of CDRs in the CDR source. Whether the CDR is outside the clock drift window may be determined (1120), and, if the CDR is determined (1120) not to be outside, that is, inside, of the clock drift window, whether the trunk group IDs for the AMA record and the CDR match may be determined (1125). If the trunk group IDs for the AMA record and the CDR are determined (1125) to match, whether the CDR and AMA answer times are equal and within the same clock drift window may be determined (1135). If the CDR and AMA answer times are determined (1135) to be equal and within the same clock drift window, whether the CDR and AMA call duration times match may be determined (1140). If the CDR and AMA call duration times are determined (1140) to match, whether the CDR and AMA originating and terminating numbers match may be determined (1145). If the CDR and AMA originating and terminating numbers are determined (1145) to match, the CDR may be classified (1150) as a matched CDR (MCDR), the AMA record may be classified (1155) as a matched AMA (MAMA) record, and the method may stop the classification of the CDR and the AMA. Of course, although not shown, it should be clearly understood that the method may continue with the next AMA record and next CDR stored in their respective sources.

[0052] In FIG. 11, if the trunk group IDs for the AMA record and the CDR are determined (1125) not to match, if the CDR and AMA answer times are determined (1130) not to be equal and within the same clock drift window, or if the CDR and AMA start times are determined (1135) not to be equal and within the same clock drift window, or if the CDR and AMA call duration times are determined (1140) not to match, or if the CDR and AMA originating and terminating numbers are determined (1145) not to match, whether the AMA is within the CDR clock drift window may be determined (1175). If the AMA is within the CDR clock drift window, the next CDR may be selected (1115). If the AMA is not within the CDR clock drift window, whether the AMA and CDR critical criteria match may be determined (1180). If the AMA and CDR critical criteria are determined (1180) to match, the CDR may be classified (1150) as a matched CDR (MCDR), the AMA record may be classified (1155) as a matched AMA (MAMA) record, and the method may stop the classification of the CDR and the AMA. Of course, as above, although not shown, it should be clearly understood that the method may continue with the next AMA record and next CDR stored in their respective sources. If the AMA and CDR critical criteria are determined (1180) not match, whether the AMA time is in the CDR time range may be determined (1185). If the AMA time is determined (1185) to be in the CDR time range, the AMA record may be classified (1195) as an unmatched AMA (UMAMA) and the next AMA record may be selected (1105). If the AMA time is determined (1185) not to be in the CDR time range, the AMA record may be returned (1190) to the AMA source and the next AMA record may be selected (1105).

[0053] In FIG 11, if the CDR is determined (1120) to be outside of the clock drift window, which may be an indication that the CDR and AMA record are associated with different calls, whether the CDR time is less than the AMA record time may be determined (1160). If the CDR time is determined (1160) not to be less than the AMA record time, the CDR may be returned (1170) to the CDR source for future selection (1105). If the CDR time is determined (1160) to be less than the AMA record time, the CDR may be classified (1165) as an unmatched CDR (UMCDR) and the method may select (1115) the next CDR.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a detailed flow diagram for a method of selecting matching switching and signaling network call records, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the following description of selecting matching switching and signaling network call records may all occur in selector 340 of FIG. 3. Returning to FIG. 12, a next MAMA record may be read (1205) from, for example, MAMA storage 325 of FIG. 3. In FIG. 12, whether the accuracy of the read (1205) MAMA record is suspect may be determined (1210). If the accuracy of the read (1205) MAMA record is determined (1210) to be suspect, an MCDR related to the suspect MAMA record may be obtained (1215) from, for example, MCDR storage 330 of FIG. 3. The suspect MAMA record may be rebuilt (1220) using the related MCDR and the rebuilt MAMA record may be set (1225) to be a non-suspect MAMA record. A source record may be chosen (1230), the chosen source record may be sent to AMA generator 345 of FIG. 3, and, returning to FIG. 12, the method may terminate.

[0055] In FIG. 12, If the accuracy of the read (1205) MAMA record is determined (1210) not to be suspect, whether an MCDR related to the MAMA record is to be blended with the MAMA record may be determined (1240). If it is determined (1240) that the MCDR related to the MAMA record is to be blended with the MAMA record, the MCDR related to the MAMA record may be obtained (1245) and the MAMA record may be blended with the related MCDR. A source record may be chosen (1230), the chosen source record may be sent to AMA generator 345 of FIG. 3, and, returning to FIG. 12, the method may terminate. Similarly, if it is determined (1240) that the MCDR related to the MAMA record is not to be blended with the MAMA record, a source record may be chosen (1230), the chosen source record may be sent to AMA generator 345 of FIG. 3, and, returning to FIG. 12, the method may terminate. '

[0056] FIG. 13 is a detailed flow diagram for a method of generating final network message accounting records, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the following description of generating final network message accounting record may all occur in AMA generator 345 of FIG. 3. In FIG. 13, selected AMA, UMAMA and/or new summary AMA records created from UMCDRs may be received (1305) and whether the trunk group ID needs to be removed may be determined (1310). If the trunk group ID is determined (1310) to need to be removed, the trunk group ID is removed (1315) from the records and whether the AMA record was created from a CDR may be determined (1320). Similarly, If the trunk group ID is determined (1310) not to need to be removed, whether the AMA record was created from a CDR may be determined (1320). If the AMA record was determined (1320) not to have been created from a CDR, the structure code of the AMA record may be rebuilt (1325), the final AMA record may be sent (1330) to formatter 350 of FIG. 3, returning to FIG. 13, the method may terminate. If the AMA record was determined (1320) to have been created from a CDR, a structure code may be assigned (1335), a call type code may be assigned (1340), the structure code of the AMA' record may be rebuilt (1345), the final AMA record may be sent (1330) to formatter 350 of FIG. 3, and returning to FIG. 13, the method may terminate.

[0057] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system for providing augmented billing messages includes a message accounting record creation apparatus in communication with a signaling network and a switching network. The message accounting record creation apparatus may receive a multiple call records from the signaling network and a multiple message accounting records for the switching network and output multiple augmented message accounting records. Each of the output augmented message accounting records may be generated using one of the signaling network call records and one of the switching network message accounting records.

[0058] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention , a method of providing augmented communication system billing records, includes receiving a signaling network call record for a call, receiving a switching network automatic message accounting record for the call, and categorizing the received signaling network call record and the switching network automatic message accounting record as being matched records. The method may also include selecting one of the matched signaling network call record and the matched switching network automatic message accounting record associated with the call, generating a final message accounting record from the selected matched accounting record, and outputting the final message accounting record.

[0059] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a machine readable medium may have stored thereon a plurality of executable instructions to perform a method including receiving a signaling network call record for a call receiving a switching network automatic message accounting record for the call, and categorizing the received signaling network call record and the switching network automatic message accounting record as being matched records. The method may also include selecting one of the matched signaling network call record and the matched switching network automatic message accounting record associated with the call, generating a final message accounting record from the selected matched accounting record, and outputting the final message accounting record.

[0060] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for providing augmented billing messages may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory may store instructions adapted to be executed by the processor to output an augmented billing message for a call based upon a billing message associated with the call from a switch and call data associated with the call from a signaling system. [0061] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing augmented billing messages, may include receiving a call accounting message from a switch, receiving a call record from a signaling system and outputting an augmented billing message based on the received call accounting message and the received call record.

[0062] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system for providing augmented billing messages, may include means for receiving message accounting records from a switch means for receiving call detail records (CDRs) from a signaling system and means for outputting an augmented billing message based on the received message accounting records and the received CDRs.

[0063] Several embodiments of the present invention are specifically illustrated and described herein. However, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the present invention are covered by the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.