Abstract A system for rating and billing telecommunication transactions in real-time. In a preferred embodiment, a Real-Time Analysis Engine (RAE) updates customers' bills in real-time by applying customer specific data to Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) records. In a typical update, a customer initiates a call that is routed through a telephone network switch. The switch generates an AMA record for the call, and the record is passed to the RAE where the call is rated. The RAE then matches the rated call to the customer who initiated the call, locates that customer's billing data, and applies to the call any discounts to which the customer is entitled. After the call has been rated and discounted, or "priced", it may be added to the customer's other priced calls for the current billing period to generate a current bill for the customer.
A method for pricing a call made over a network by a customer of the network; wherein the amount that the customer is to be billed for the call is determined in real-time from customer specific data known to the network, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating a record that describes the call; (b) receiving said record at a Real-Time Analysis Engine; and (c) using said record and the customer specific data to determine a priced call value for the call.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said priced call value incorporates one or more discounts to which the customer is entitled.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: updating the customers current bill by adding said priced call value to the customer's balance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 3, wherein said priced call value incorporates one or more discounts to which the customer is entitled.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
81 words
A system for pricing a call made over a network by a customer of the network; wherein the amount that the customer is to be billed for the call is determined in real-time from customer specific data known to the network, the system comprising: (a) means for generating a record that describes the call; and (b) means for (1) receiving said record, and (2) using said record and the customer specific data to determine a priced call value for the call.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system according to claim 5, wherein said priced call value incorporates one or more discounts to which the customer is entitled.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system according to claim 5, further comprising: means for updating the customer's current bill by adding said price to the customer's balance.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system according to claim 7, wherein said priced call value incorporates one or more discounts to which the customer is entitled.
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