JP2002325150A - Billing control method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide not only a charge control method for early payment of incoming calls but also a charge control method for setting up a call so as to reduce a call charge. SOLUTION: A communication network 10 used as a communication path between user terminal devices 14a and 14b, and a service control network 1 constructed in a company independently of the communication network 10
2, local exchanges 16a and 16b for controlling the originating and terminating of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b during a call, and charging information including a charge system and actual information of one call between all user terminal devices. Exchanges 16a, 16b
And a computer 218 for controlling various devices. When the computer 218 receives the request for transmitting the lowest cost, the user terminal 14a,
Based on the billing information, the charge is analyzed to determine which of the callers 4b can make the call on the communication network 10 cheaper, and a call request is transmitted to the cheaper one.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a billing control system, and more particularly to a billing control system for changing a billing person from a network viewpoint and realizing an inexpensive call charge in a network for charging a caller.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a call in a public network is basically charged to a caller. In particular, as a service for paying a specific call charge to a callee (destination charge), a collect call and a call charge are provided. Toll Free (registered trademark)
And other services have been implemented. In the collect call service, the caller needs to negotiate the billing with the called party via the operator. Becomes In order to solve the inconvenience of each service such as an increase in procedures due to the presence of an operator and unconditional billing of a destination based on a contract, a destination billing method shown in FIG. 21 has been proposed. FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram and operation diagram of a destination charging method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-152747, showing a transmitting terminal device 2 and a receiving terminal device 4 accommodated in a communication network 10 for requesting charging. I have. In particular, the communication network 10
Needs to notify the caller's number to the called party, and the sending and receiving terminal devices 2 and 4 have the destination billing call sending means 6 and the re-sending control means 8 proposed in the invention. . Also, the call setting procedure in FIG. 22 shows a procedure at the time of call setting between the calling and called terminal devices.

Next, the operation will be described based on the call setting procedure shown in FIG. The destination billing call transmitting means 6 performs transmission by adding a request signal for requesting the receiving terminal device 4 to bear the charge of the incoming call. Receiving the transmission signal, the retransmission control means 8 saves the caller number notified via the communication network and rejects the incoming call. Then, the calling terminal device 2 is called back based on the saved caller number.

[0004]

A problem with the conventional collect call service of the destination billing service is that the caller negotiates the billing with the callee via the operator, which increases the number of procedures and the call setup time. Becomes

[0005] Toll free is contract-based unconditional destination billing, which is inconvenient for general users and users in a company.

[0006] In addition, in the destination charging method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-152747, the outgoing service is specialized for receiving destination charging, and network charging information that cannot be fully grasped by the user is considered. Therefore, it is impossible to provide a more flexible and cost-effective calling service that charges the calling user or the called user depending on the case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is not only to provide a charge control method for a first-come-first-served call without any hassle, but also to provide a cheaper call charge. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a billing control method for setting such a call.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a charging control system according to the present invention is constructed independently of a communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices and the communication network. A control network connected to the communication network and each of the user terminal devices, and a local exchange unit for performing transmission / reception control of the user terminal device, and connected to the control network to control the local exchange unit. A local exchange means on the originating side, wherein the local exchange means from the connected user terminal device transmits a "call setting request at least cost"
, The least cost transmission request is transmitted to the computer.When the computer receives the least cost transmission request, the computer analyzes the billing information including the actual call information, and as a result, can make the call at a lower cost. Determining the user terminal device as the user terminal device (charging user terminal device) on the charging side, transmitting a call request to the local exchange unit (charging local exchange unit) to which the charging user terminal device is connected, The charging local exchange means, upon receiving the calling request, transmits a call setting request to the other local exchange means via the communication network,
The other local exchange means, upon receiving a call setup request from the charging local exchange means, transmits a response signal to the charging local exchange means via the communication network, and the charging local exchange means When you receive
By transmitting an incoming signal to the charging user terminal device,
The charging user terminal device and the other user terminal device perform call setup, and the charging local exchange means transmits one call charging information to the computer at the end of the call, and the computer charges the true calling user terminal based on this information. It is a claim.

The billing information includes one call billing information transmitted from the billing local exchange means.

The billing information includes international billing information.

[0011] Further, the billing information includes information on a service subscription status including a fixed fee for a fixed time.

Further, the computer distributes one call accounting information from the accounting local exchange means to the accounting local exchange means and the other local exchange means based on preset accounting distribution information.

[0013] The local exchange means transmits charging distribution information to the computer by detecting distribution information of a charging instruction signal from the user terminal device during a call, and the computer switches the charging local exchange. One call billing information from the means is dynamically distributed to the billing local exchange means and the other local exchange means based on the billing distribution information.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a billing control method, wherein a first communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices and a second control network constructed independently of the first communication network are provided. A network, a multiplexing device connected to the second control network and the public network and capable of switching a communication path, connecting the multiplexing device and each of the user terminal devices, and controlling transmission / reception of the user terminal device. And a computer connected to the second control network and controlling the local exchange means, wherein the multiplexing device has some trouble on the first communication network. In this case, a communication path between the user terminal devices is formed by switching a communication path from the first communication network to the public network.

Further, the multiplexing device transmits a request for transmitting the least cost to the computer via the public network. When the computer receives the request for transmitting the least cost, the computer transmits charging information including call result information. As a result of the analysis, the multiplexing device that can make a call at a lower cost is determined as the charging side.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging control system, comprising: a communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices; a control network constructed independently of the communication network; A local switching unit that connects to a user terminal device and controls transmission / reception of the user terminal device; and a group that is connected to the control network, controls the local switching unit, and includes a plurality of the user terminal devices. And a computer having group information created by allocating a group dial address for each of the groups. The local exchange means on the calling side transmits a "call at least cost" designated by a group dial address from the connected user terminal device. By detecting the `` setting request, '' the least cost transmission request is transmitted to the computer, and the computer receives the received request. When the user recognizes that the group dial address is specified in the request for outgoing cost, the user who can perform the call at a lower cost as a result of analyzing the billing information including the actual call information from the group corresponding to the group dial address is analyzed. A terminal device is determined as the charging-side user terminal device (charging user terminal device), and a call request is transmitted to the local exchange unit (charging local exchange unit) to which the charging user terminal device is connected, and Upon receiving the calling request, the switching unit transmits a call setting request to the other local switching unit via the communication network, and the other local switching unit receives the call setting request from the charging local switching unit. Then, a response signal is transmitted to the charging local exchange means via the communication network, Switch means receives said response signal, by transmitting the incoming signal to the charging user terminal, wherein the charging user terminal and other user terminal performs a call setup.

In the charging control method according to the present invention, a call setting request on the calling side is processed by a computer connected to a control network for each call setting process and charging process. When analyzing which is cheaper to set as the caller, the computer uses service call status information including one-call billing information, international billing information, and a fixed fee for a fixed period of time. It has as. By using such billing information, it is possible to further reduce the call charge.

Further, the billing for one call can be distributed to each user terminal device based on the billing distribution information set in advance.

Further, the charge distribution information can be dynamically set during a call from the user terminal device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when a failure occurs in the first control network on which a normal communication path is formed, the multiplexing device switches the route for forming the communication path from the first control network to the public network. You can switch to As a result, a communication path can be secured even if a failure occurs. Further, the computer determines the one that can make a call at lower cost as the charging user terminal device and the charging local exchange means, and causes the charging local exchange means to transmit the "reversed call setting request" via the communication network. Therefore, the call setting can be formed so that the call can be made at a lower cost in response to the call setting request from the calling side.

In another aspect of the invention, the user terminal device on the calling side sets the group address of the group to be the call partner in the "call setting request at low cost", so that the computer can determine the user who constitutes the corresponding group. From among the terminal devices, a user terminal device capable of making a call at the lowest cost is selected.

Thus, not only one of the user terminals on the calling side and the called side but also the user terminal to be charged from the group are selected, so that the telephone conversation can be performed at a lower cost. .

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a charging control system according to the present invention. A communication network 10 is used as a communication path between user terminal devices, and uses a public network. Reference numeral 12 denotes a service control network (hereinafter, referred to as a service control network) constructed in a company independently of the communication network 10.
Intra-company network). 14a, 14b
Is a user terminal device, and 16a and 16b are local exchanges (private exchanges) that connect the communication network 10 to each of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b and perform outgoing / incoming control of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b during a call. A computer 18 is connected to the control network 12 and controls various devices such as local exchanges 16a and 16b connected to the communication network 10. A virtual path is formed between the computer 18 and each of the local exchanges 16a and 16b.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the present embodiment, which corresponds to the flow of main information indicated by broken arrows A to E in FIG.

A feature of the present embodiment is that a "call setting request by destination billing" is sent from a calling user terminal (calling user terminal) to a called user terminal (called user terminal). When the call is issued, by making the called user terminal device issue a "reversed call setting request", the call setting can be performed by the destination billing without any trouble on the calling and called user terminal device.

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are flowcharts of the processing in the local exchange 16a, the computer 18, and the local exchange 16b, respectively.

Hereinafter, in this embodiment, a user terminal device 14a (originating user terminal device) connected to the local exchange 16a (originating local exchange) will be described with reference to the drawings.
Terminal device 14b (incoming user terminal device) connected to the local exchange 16b (incoming local exchange) from
The operation in the case of performing the call setting by the receiver billing will be described.

In FIG. 3, the originating local exchange 16a
Receives a special code number (hereinafter, referred to as a special number) representing the "call setting request by destination billing" and the dial address of the user terminal device 14b from the user terminal device 14a (step 101), and detects the
Then, call setting information including the dial addresses of the calling user terminal device 14a and the called user terminal device 14b is added to the calling terminal 8 and a calling reversal request is transmitted from the called side to the calling side in reverse (step 102). At the same time, the timer is set to wait for the "reversed call setting request" from the receiving user terminal device 14b.

In FIG. 4, when the computer 18 receives the call reversal request (step 201), the computer 18 calls the local exchange 16b accommodating the called user terminal 14b from the dial address of the called user terminal 14b indicated at the time of the request. Station (step 202),
An outgoing call request for making an outgoing call is transmitted to the local exchange 16b (step 203). This outgoing call request includes the dial addresses of the outgoing user terminal device 14a and the incoming user terminal device 14b.

In FIG. 5, the terminating local exchange 16b
When a call request is received (step 301), an "call request" is transmitted via the communication network 10 to transmit a call signal (incoming call from the callee) to the calling user terminal device 14a. "Reverse call setting request" is transmitted (step 302). Calling user terminal device 1 at the same time
In order to wait for a response signal from 4a, the timer is set by itself.

In FIG. 3, "reversed call setup request"
When the waiting outgoing local exchange 16a receives the "reversed call setup request" (step 103), the local exchange 16a is in the off-hook state unless the outgoing user terminal 14a is on-hook (early off) at this time. The calling user terminal device 14a is forcibly set to the receiving state (step 104), and after transmitting a response signal to the receiving local exchange 16b (step 105), the calling user terminal device 14a is shifted to a busy state (step 106). .

At this time, if the originating user terminal device 14a is in the on-hook state, an incoming rejection signal is transmitted to the incoming local exchange 16b (step 107). If no incoming signal is received from the incoming local exchange 16b, the timer times out, and the outgoing user terminal 1
4a indicates that the call setup has failed (step 10).
8).

Next, in FIG. 5, when the terminating local exchange 16b receives a response signal from the originating local exchange 16a (step 303), the local exchange 16b
An incoming signal is transmitted to the receiving user terminal device 14b as if there was an incoming call from the calling user terminal device 14a to the receiving user terminal device 14b (step 304). As a result, the user terminal device 14b is set to the off-hook state, the call is in progress, and the user terminal device 1
Normal call setup can be continued between 4a and 14b (step 305).

At this time, if the response signal waiting timer times out or a call rejection signal is received, it is considered that the call setup has failed, and the state shifts to an idle state (step 306).
307).

As described above, in the present embodiment,
In response to the "call setup request by destination billing" from the calling user terminal device 14a, the called local exchange 16b issues an actual "reversed call setup request" to the calling local exchange 16a via the communication network 10. Therefore, the receiving user terminal device 14b can set the call by charging the destination (the user terminal device 14b) only by the same operation as the normal call setting.

Therefore, an increase in the number of procedures in the collect call service and the use of a special number can prevent inconveniences such as unconditional destination billing in free dialing.

Embodiment 2 This embodiment is another embodiment of the mechanism for requesting the reverse of the transmission described in the first embodiment. 6, elements completely the same as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and substantially similar elements are denoted by reference numerals obtained by adding 100. The same applies to the following embodiments. Reference numeral 20 denotes a data terminal device installed on the side of the calling user terminal device 114a, which is connected to the company network 22. The intra-company network 12 and the intra-company network 22 are connected by some means.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the present embodiment, and corresponds to the flow of main information indicated by broken arrows A to E in FIG.

A feature of the present embodiment is that a "call setting request by destination billing" issued from the calling side is transmitted from the data terminal device 20 via the corporate networks 12 and 22. As a result, it is possible to perform the call setting based on the billing of the destination without the trouble of the operator or the like.

Next, the operation will be described based on the call setting procedure of FIG. In FIG. 7, the originating user is the data terminal device 2
From "0", a "call setting request by destination billing" including a special code number (hereinafter referred to as a special number) and a dial address of the user terminal device 114b is directly transmitted to the computer 118 as a transmission reversal request.

The subsequent operation of the computer 118 follows the flowchart of FIG. The operation of the terminating local exchange 116b follows the flowchart of FIG. In addition,
The originating local exchange 116a is connected to the terminating local exchange 1
When the “reversed call setup request” is received from 16b,
After transmitting the incoming signal to the calling user terminal device 114a,
A response signal is transmitted to the receiving local exchange 116b.

As described above, in the present embodiment, an increase in the number of procedures in the collect call service and the use of a special number can prevent inconveniences such as unconditional call destination billing in free dialing.

Embodiment 3 FIG. This embodiment is another embodiment of the mechanism for requesting the reverse of the transmission described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention. 8, elements substantially the same as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by reference numerals obtained by adding 100 or 200. A communication network 110 forms a communication path between user terminal devices.
a, and a control line for communicating control signals between 216b.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the present embodiment, and corresponds to the flow of main information indicated by broken arrows A to D in FIG.

A characteristic of the present embodiment is that call setting is performed by using a control line included in the communication network 110 and by using destination charging without using the computer 18 in the first embodiment.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show each local exchange 216.
a and 216b, which are used to transmit from the calling user terminal device 14a to the called user terminal device 14a.
The operation in the case where the call setting is performed for the destination b by the receiver billing will be described.

In FIG. 10, the originating local exchange 21
6a receives the special number indicating the "call setting request by destination billing" and the dial address of the user terminal device 14b from the user terminal device 14a (step 401), detects this, and converts the dial into the incoming dial and subaddress. Later, the information is transferred to the receiving local exchange 216.
b is transmitted via the control line as a transmission reverse request for causing the receiving side to issue a transmission request in reverse (step 40).
2). At this time, the incoming dial is equal to the incoming dial entered by the calling user, and the subaddress is dial information or the like having the meaning of reversing the calling. Alternatively, when a dedicated dial number is prepared for reversing the outgoing call at the incoming local exchange 216b, this dial may be converted to an incoming dial and the true incoming dial address entered by the user may be set as the subaddress. In this embodiment, the timer is set, but the processing is the same as that in the above embodiment, and the description is omitted. Thereafter, the originating local exchange 216a waits for a release signal from the terminating local exchange 216b (step 403).

In FIG. 11, the terminating local exchange 21
6b receives the outgoing reversal request (step 50).
1) Recognizing the reversal of the call from the incoming dial or subaddress, and transmitting a release signal to the calling local exchange 216a via the control line to abandon the call setting (step 502). Thereafter, a "reversed call setting request" is transmitted to the originating local exchange 216a via the communication network 110 (step 503), and a response signal from the originating user terminal device 14a is waited. Note that the subsequent processing of the terminating local exchange 216b is the same as in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 10, the originating local exchange 216a having received the release signal subsequently waits for a "reversed call setup request" from the terminating local exchange 216b (step 404). The subsequent processing of the originating local exchange 216a is the same as in the first embodiment.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
As in the above-described embodiment, the call setting can be performed by using the call destination without using the computers 18 and 118, so that the number of procedures in the collect call service can be increased. Inconvenience can be prevented.

Embodiment 4 FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the charging control method according to the present invention, in which the charging control method shown in the third embodiment is applied to a telecommuting telephone service. In the figure, user terminal devices 14a, 1
4b are data terminals 22a and 22b in the present embodiment, and each local exchange 216a,
216b. In particular, this service assumes the form of telecommuting, in which the outgoing data terminal 22a is positioned at home, and the incoming data terminal 22b is positioned as a passive server, and is assumed to exist in a company.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the present embodiment, and corresponds to the flow of main information indicated by broken arrows A to D in FIG.

A feature of this embodiment is that, in the call setting procedure shown in the third embodiment, before transmitting a release signal from the terminating local exchange 216b to the originating local exchange 216a via the control line, Data terminal 22
a, a negotiation process is performed between 22a and 22b.

That is, the data terminals 22a and 22b are provided with a function of performing negotiations such as inputting and collating a password, and limiting call time, and a control line is established between the data terminals 22a and 22b before actual call setting is performed. Information such as a password and ID of a telecommuter is transmitted / received via the terminal, and a release signal is transmitted from the destination local exchange 216b to the originating local exchange 216a via a control line according to the result of the verification.

Thus, the charging control method described in the third embodiment can be applied to the telecommuting telephone service.

Embodiment 5 FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the charging control system according to the present invention, which is the same as the configuration diagram of the charging control system shown in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the present embodiment, and corresponds to the flow of main information indicated by broken arrows A to F in FIG.

The feature of the present embodiment is that the least cost transmission service is realized by applying the transmission reverse service. That is, the computer 21
Reference numeral 8 denotes a charge system and charging information including actual information (one call charging information) of one call between all user terminal devices. In the case of the present embodiment, each dial address included in the call setting information Which user terminal device 14a, 1
When 4b is set as the caller, it is determined whether or not the call charge is reduced. In addition, each local exchange 31
6a and 316b have a function of notifying the computer 218 of one call billing information at the end of the call.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the processing in the computer 218. Hereinafter, the operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the local exchange 31 serving as a calling side or a called side in the present embodiment.
6a and 316b correspond to FIG. 3 described in the first embodiment.
The operation is substantially the same as that shown in FIG.

The local exchange 316a, which is the originating side,
Upon receiving the special number indicating the "call setting request at least cost" and the dial address of the user terminal device 14b from the user terminal device 14a, it detects this and calls the computer 218 with the call including the dial addresses of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b. The setting information is added and the request for transmission of the lease cost is transmitted.

In FIG. 16, when the computer 218 receives the request for transmitting the least cost (step 60)
1), user terminal devices 14a, 14b indicated at the time of request
A charge analysis is performed to determine which one of the callers can make the call on the communication network 10 cheaper (step 60).
2). The analysis is performed based on preset billing information. 14 and 15, as a result of the analysis, the local exchange 316b is determined as the originating station (step 60).
3) A transmission request for transmitting a call is transmitted to a local exchange (hereinafter, referred to as a charging local exchange) 316b on the payment side (step 604). This outgoing call request includes the dial addresses of the outgoing user terminal device 14a and the incoming user terminal device 14b. Thereafter, the computer 218 connects to the local exchange 316b.
, And waits for one call billing information from (step 605).

Thereafter, the operation of the local exchange 316a and the operation of the local exchange 316b up to the time of communication are the same as in the case of the first embodiment.
In response to the "reversed call setting request" from 6b, the user terminal device 14a and the user terminal device 14b communicate with each other by paying the user terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a billing user terminal device) 14b.

After the call ends, the local exchange 316b
1 Call charge information is notified to the computer 218. FIG.
At 6, the computer 218, after receiving the one-call billing information, stores the one-call billing information in a predetermined database for storing the billing information (step 606). Further, billing information of the fee is created from the billing information, and even when the transmission is reversed, off-line processing can be performed so that the true calling user terminal device is charged.

Further, the computer 218 sets a timer when waiting for one call billing information, and sets a periodic state in order to guarantee that it is in a call state until one call billing information is obtained. The notification process is running. (1) If the call has already been terminated at the local exchange 316b to transmit the call billing information, this is detected and
It is assumed that there is a mechanism for transmitting appropriate one-call billing information immediately.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the call charge can be reduced without being conscious of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b.

When the user terminal devices 14a and 14b are located between international terminals, the call charges between the two terminal devices are calculated in addition to the charge information set by the communication service provider in each country.
International exchange rates are relevant. In the present embodiment, a computer 218 for comparing and analyzing call charges is used.
Holds international billing information such as international exchange rates in addition to international call rate data, and refers to the exchange rate data when analyzing call rates to determine the optimal billing user terminal device. I do.

Embodiment 6 FIG. The present embodiment is characterized in that, as an extension of the service activation of the least cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment, the least cost transmission is automatically activated without any user's awareness during normal transmission.

That is, for example, the fact that the user terminal device 14a is the device that transmits the least cost is registered in the local exchange 316a. Local exchange 316a
Receives the call setting request from the user terminal device 14a, automatically determines that the lowest cost transmission service is to be provided, and transmits a "call request with the lowest cost" to the computer 218. Subsequent processing is the same as in the fifth embodiment. When the user terminal device 14a is not the device that transmits the least cost, normal processing is performed.

Embodiment 7 FIG. In the present embodiment, as an extended function of the least cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment, the computer 218 shown in FIG. , And a function of realizing a least cost routing (LCR) service for determining the form of transmission. This allows
The most inexpensive route can be selected from a plurality of routes on the communication path between the user terminal devices.

In this embodiment, the originating user terminal 1
It is assumed that a plurality of routes can be selected between 4a and the receiving user terminal device 14b, such as a network provided by a first-class communication carrier and a second-class communication carrier.

That is, by making the charging information of the computer 218 include the subscription status of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b to the service provided by the second type communication carrier, the calling user terminal device 14a or the incoming When only one of the user terminal devices 14b is subscribed to the service provided by the second type communication carrier, it is possible to analyze whether the call can be set up at low cost by selecting any of the routes.

Therefore, the originating station is determined in consideration of such information, so that the call setting can be performed at a lower cost.

The operation in this embodiment is the same as that in the fifth embodiment.

Embodiment 8 FIG. In the present embodiment, as an extended function of the least cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment, the charging information of the computer 218 has the subscription status of each user terminal device 14a, 14b such as a fixed fee service within a certain period of time. In this way, if only either the calling user terminal device 14a or the called user terminal device 14b has subscribed to the fixed fee service within a certain period of time, selecting any of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b enables a low-cost call setup. You can analyze whether you can.

Therefore, the originating station is determined in consideration of such information, so that the call setting can be performed at a lower cost.

The operation of the present embodiment is the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

Embodiment 9 This embodiment provides an extended function of the least cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment, that is, a charge distribution service.

A feature of the present embodiment is that the accounting information of the computer 218 is set in advance as accounting distribution information. This billing distribution information is 1
Information such as a distribution ratio for distributing a charge for one call to a caller is included. Thereby, the fee to be paid for each of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b can be distributed.

Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The operations of the local exchanges 316a and 316b are the same as those of the fifth embodiment.

The computer 218 can recognize the charge for one call by obtaining one call charge information from the transmitting station side, in the fifth embodiment, from the local exchange 316b. After receiving the one call billing information, the billing fee is stored so as to be distributed to the user terminal devices 14a and 14b in accordance with the set billing distribution information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the charge for one call is distributed to the user terminal devices 14a and 14b on the calling side and the called side in accordance with the preset charging distribution information. Can be.

Embodiment 10 FIG. The present embodiment provides an extended function of the accounting distribution service described in the ninth embodiment.

A characteristic of this embodiment is that the charge distribution information of the computer 218 can be dynamically set. Thereby, each user terminal device 1
Charges to be paid for each of 4a and 14b can be dynamically distributed.

FIG. 17 shows user terminal devices 14a, 14a, 1b of local exchanges 316a, 316b in the present embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing only processing during a telephone call between the call 4b and the computer 218 in the processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows. Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described based on these flowcharts. In addition, outgoing / incoming local exchange 3
The basic operations of 16a and 316b are the same as in the nineteenth embodiment. That is, the computer 218 obtains one call charge information from the calling station side, and in the fifth embodiment, one call charge information from the local exchange 316b after the end of the call between the user terminal devices 14a and 14b. Can be recognized.

During a call, the local exchange 316a or 316b receives a distribution instruction signal (PB signal) from the user terminal device 14a or 14b, which means distribution information for charging (step 701). This signal is composed of a predetermined format, for example, a number string indicating charge distribution and a number string indicating distribution ratio. When the distribution instruction signal is detected, analysis is performed (step 702), and the information is converted into character information indicating billing distribution information (step 703).
This is transmitted to the computer 218 (step 70).
4).

The computer 218 is connected to the local exchange 3
After receiving the charge distribution information from the terminal 16a or 316b (step 801), when one call charge information is received (step 802), the charge is distributed to each of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b according to the received charge distribution information (step 802). Step 803), and store this information as billing information (Step 804). The stored data will be used when billing the owner or the like of each user terminal device 14a, 14b by another means.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the billing for one call is distributed according to the billing distribution information dynamically set in each of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b on the calling side and the called side. can do.

Embodiment 11 FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the charging control method according to the present invention. 26
Reference numerals a and 26b denote multiplexing devices having a public network interface, which are connected not only to the communication network (public network) 10 but also to the corporate network 28, which is the first communication network constructed by dedicated lines. User terminal devices 14a to 14
d is connected to the multiplexers 26a and 26b via the local exchanges 316a to 316d.

The present embodiment is a charging control method using the least-cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment. A characteristic of this embodiment is that the least-cost transmission service is transmitted to the multiplexer 26a, 26b. Normally, when a call is made using the in-house network 28, the communication network 10 is used as a bypass route when some trouble occurs in the in-house network 28, and furthermore, as described in the fifth embodiment. Multiplexer 26
The purpose of this is to allow the user terminal devices 14a to 14d to set up a call at low cost by using the terminal between the terminals a and 26b.

Hereinafter, the operation in the present embodiment will be described. For example, when a call is being made between the user terminals 14a and 14b, the user terminal 14a normally has a local exchange 316a, a multiplexer 26a, a corporate network 28, a multiplexer 26b, and a local exchange 316.
A communication path is formed with the user terminal device 14b via the terminal b.

Here, if the communication between the multiplexing devices 26a and 26b is interrupted as a result of some trouble in the corporate network 28, the multiplexing devices 26a and 26b
The path formed by the communication path is switched to the communication network 10. That is, the communication network 10 is used as a bypass route. When the communication path is changed, the computer 218 uses the least-cost transmission service to transmit the signal to the multiplexing device 2.
In the communication between 6a and 26b, the multiplexing devices 26a and 26b that can communicate at lower cost are used as billing sides to form a communication path.

As described above, even if a failure occurs in the in-house network 28 constructed with a dedicated line, the communication network 10 which is a public network is used as a bypass route, and the least cost transmission service is used. Multiplexers 26a and 26b, which become cheaper when using the communication network 10, can be set as the billing side.

Embodiment 12 FIG. The present embodiment is characterized in that a call partner is selected from a group as an extended function of selecting a receiving user terminal device of the least cost transmission service described in the fifth embodiment.

That is, the computer 2 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 18 groups a plurality of user terminal devices, allocates a group dial address for each group, and stores it as group information. If the group dial address is designated at the time of issuing the call setting request, the user terminals 14a and 14b that can make a call from the corresponding group and are the cheapest members are selected.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing of the computer 218, and the operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the calling user terminal device 14a needs to specify the group dial address assigned to the group instead of the dial address of the user terminal device as the other party of the call, and transmit the "call setting request at least cost". is there. The operation in originating local exchange 316a is the same as in the fifth embodiment. Computer 218
Receives an outgoing call request from the outgoing local exchange 316a (step 901). When recognizing that the dial address specified in the outgoing call request is a dial address assigned to the group, one outgoing station candidate is determined from the user terminal devices that are members of the group. For that purpose, the members are analyzed first. That is, it is analyzed whether or not the user is currently in a call-enabled state (step 902), and analysis is performed based on the billing information from among the members who can talk (step 90).
3) Select, for example, the user terminal device 14b that can make a call at the lowest price such as a fee system. Then, as in the fifth embodiment, since it has already been analyzed which of the senders is the cheaper one, it is determined that either the originating user terminal device 14a or the selected user terminal device 14b is the originating station ( Step 904).

The computer 218 sends a calling request to the local exchange connected to the calling station thus selected (step 905).

Thereafter, local exchanges 316a, 316
b and the operation of the user terminal devices 14a and 14b are the same as in the fifth embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, user terminals that can be selected as communication partners are grouped, and the lowest cost communication partner is selected from the group. Call setting can be performed at low cost.

Note that the accounting information is stored in the user terminal 1
In consideration of the case where 4a and 14b are over international, it holds international billing information such as international exchange rates in addition to international call rate data. As a result, even if the user terminal devices 14a and 14b are located between international countries, call setting can be performed at a lower cost.

In each of the above embodiments, one computer 18, 11
8, 218 are the outgoing and incoming local exchanges 16
Although the description has been made so as to control both the local exchanges 16a, 16b, etc., a plurality of computers existing in the enterprise network 12 may cooperate to control the local exchanges 16a, 16b, etc.

[0104]

According to the present invention, in response to a "call request at low cost" from a calling user terminal device, the computer analyzes which user terminal device should be the caller based on the billing information. Since the call is determined and the call setting is formed, it is possible to make a call at a lower cost.

[0105] Also, since the computer has charging service information including service call charging information, international charging information, and fixed charges within a fixed time, etc., various types of charging information are provided. Based on this, it is possible to make a call at a lower cost.

Further, by setting the charge distribution information in the computer in advance, it is possible to distribute the charge for one call to each user terminal device. Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the charge distribution information can be set from the user terminal device, so that the charge for one call can be dynamically distributed to each user terminal device.

Further, since the multiplexing device is provided, the public network can be used as a detour, so that even if a failure occurs in the first communication network forming the normal communication path, the call setting is always formed. It becomes possible.

[0108] Furthermore, since the lease cost transmission service can be used between the multiplexing devices when using the public network, it is possible to form the communication path at a lower cost.

Further, since the communication partner can be selected from a group consisting of a plurality of user terminal devices, it is possible to make the communication at a lower cost by selecting the member who can talk at the lowest cost. Become.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a charging control system according to the present invention;
FIG.

FIG. 2 is a first embodiment of a charging control system according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a first embodiment of a charging control method according to the present invention;
6 is a flowchart of the process of the local exchange on the transmitting side in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a first embodiment of a charging control system according to the present invention;
It is a flowchart of a process of the computer in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a first embodiment of a charging control system according to the present invention;
6 is a flowchart of the process of the local exchange on the receiving side in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a second embodiment of a charging control method according to the present invention;
FIG.

FIG. 7 is a second embodiment of a charging control system according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a third embodiment of a charging control system according to the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 9 is a third embodiment of a charging control method according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing of the local exchange on the transmitting side according to Embodiment 3 of the charging control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing of the local exchange on the receiving side in the third embodiment of the charging control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a charging control method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in Embodiment 4 of the charging control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a charging control system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure in Embodiment 5 of the charging control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process performed by a computer according to the fifth embodiment of the accounting control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing only a part of the processing of the local exchange in the ninth embodiment of the accounting control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing only a part of the processing of the computer according to the ninth embodiment of the accounting control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram in Embodiment 11 of a charging control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a process performed by a computer according to the twelfth embodiment of the accounting control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of a conventional destination charging method.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a call setting procedure of a conventional destination charging method.

[Explanation of symbols]

10,100 Communication network (public network), 12,22,28
Service control network (company network),
14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 114a, 114b
User terminal device, 16a, 16b, 116a, 116
b, 216a, 216b, 316a, 31, 6b, 31
6c, 316d Local exchange, 18, 118, 21
8 computers, 20 data terminal devices, 24 modems, 26a, 26b multiplexers.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Keijiro Dobashi 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (reference) 5K025 AA08 BB06 CC07 KK08

Claims (9)

[Claims] A communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices; a control network constructed independently of the communication network; connecting the communication network to each of the user terminal devices; A local exchange means for controlling transmission / reception of a terminal device; and a computer connected to the control network and controlling the local exchange means, wherein the local exchange means on the transmission side is connected to the user By detecting a “call request by the least cost” from the terminal device, a least cost transmission request is transmitted to the computer. When the computer receives the least cost transmission request, the computer receives billing information including call result information. As a result of analyzing the above, the user terminal device which can make a call at a lower cost is determined as the user terminal device on the charging side (charging user terminal device), A calling request is transmitted to the local exchange means (charging local exchange means) to which the charging user terminal device is connected. When the charging local exchange means receives the calling request, the charging local exchange means transmits the call request to the other local exchange means. The other local exchange means, upon receiving the call setup request from the charging local exchange means, sends a response signal to the charging local exchange means via the communication network, The charging local exchange means, upon receiving the response signal, transmits an incoming signal to the charging user terminal apparatus, thereby setting up a call between the charging user terminal apparatus and the other user terminal apparatus, Sends one call billing information to the computer at the end of the call, and the computer bills the true calling user terminal based on this information. Charging control method, characterized in that. 2. The charging control method according to claim 1, wherein said charging information includes one call charging information transmitted from said charging local exchange means. 3. The charging control method according to claim 1, wherein said charging information includes international charging information. 4. The charging control method according to claim 1, wherein said charging information includes information on a service subscription status including a fixed charge within a predetermined time. 5. The charging control method according to claim 2, wherein the computer transfers one call charging information from the charging local exchange means to the charging local exchange means on the basis of predetermined charging distribution information. A billing control system characterized in that the billing is distributed to exchange means. 6. The charging control method according to claim 2, wherein the local exchange unit detects distribution information of a charging instruction signal from the user terminal device during a call,
The accounting distribution information is transmitted to the computer, and the computer dynamically transfers one call accounting information from the accounting local exchange means to the accounting local exchange means and the other local exchange means based on the accounting distribution information. A billing control method characterized by distribution. 7. A first communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices, a second control network constructed independently of the first communication network, the first communication network, A multiplexing device connected to a public network and capable of switching a communication path, connecting the multiplexing device and each of the user terminal devices, and a local switching unit for performing transmission / reception control of the user terminal device; And a computer connected to a control network for controlling the local exchange means. The multiplexing apparatus, when any failure occurs on the first communication network, switches a communication path to the first communication network. A charging control method, wherein a communication path between the user terminal devices is formed by switching from a network to the public network. 8. The charging control method according to claim 7, wherein the multiplexing device transmits a request for transmitting a least cost to the computer via the public network, and the computer receives the request for transmitting the least cost. And a charging control method for determining, as a charging side, the multiplexing device that can make a telephone call at a lower cost as a result of analyzing charging information including call performance information. 9. A communication network forming a communication path between user terminal devices, a control network constructed independently of the communication network, and connecting the communication network to each of the user terminal devices, Local exchange means for controlling the transmission / reception of the terminal device; connected to the control network, controlling the local exchange means, and assigning and creating a group dial address for each group constituted by a plurality of the user terminal devices. And a computer having group information, wherein the local exchange means on the calling side detects a “call request by the least cost” in which a group dial address is specified from the connected user terminal device, A request for transmitting the least cost is transmitted to the computer, and the computer transmits a request for transmitting the least cost to the computer. When recognizing that the pre-dial address is specified, the charge information including the actual call information is analyzed from the group corresponding to the group dial address. The local exchange means (charging local exchange means) which is determined as the user terminal device (charging user terminal device) on the side and to which the charging user terminal device is connected
The charging local exchange means, upon receiving the transmission request, transmits a call setting request to the other local exchange means via the communication network, and the other local exchange means transmits the call request to the other local exchange means. Upon receiving the call setting request from the local exchange means, the response signal is transmitted to the accounting local exchange means via the communication network. When the accounting local exchange means receives the response signal, the accounting local exchange means A charging control method, wherein a call setting is performed between the charging user terminal device and the other user terminal device by transmitting an incoming signal.