CN1376357A - Prepaid services in a communications system - Google Patents

Abstract

Translated fromChinese

本发明与为电话机用户提供预付费呼叫或业务的方法和配置有关。这种配置包括一种预付费呼叫业务和一个能接入所述预付费呼叫业务的电话终端。此外,还运用了为用户提供一个个人代码和一个为这个个人代码专用的帐户。通信网设备包括触发对一个所希望的目的端的呼叫的装置、动态地从这个帐户中扣除呼叫费用的装置和在呼叫期间根据这个帐户内的余额和呼叫费用动态地将剩余的呼叫时间和/或在这个帐户内的余额动态地通知用户的装置。

The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for providing prepaid calls or services to telephone users. This arrangement includes a prepaid calling service and a telephone terminal capable of accessing said prepaid calling service. In addition, it is used to provide the user with a personal code and an account dedicated to this personal code. The communication network equipment comprises the device that triggers the calling out of a desired destination, deducts the calling cost device from this account dynamically and during calling according to the remaining call time and/or calling cost in this account dynamically. The balance in this account is dynamically notified to the user's device.

Description

Translated fromChinese

通信系统中的预付费业务Prepaid Service in Communication System

                          发明领域Field of Invention

本发明涉及通过通信系统提供预付费呼叫和/或预付费业务服务的方法和设备。The present invention relates to a method and a device for providing prepaid calling and/or prepaid service via a communication system.

                          发明背景Background of the Invention

通过通信网获得的电话呼叫和各种服务可以按各种方式予以收费。通常，收费或计费按照所用的呼叫(通话)时间执行的，但是也可能根据其它的准则，诸如呼叫所得到的业务服务或在一段预定时期内的呼叫次数之类。在许多情况下最好是能够预先收取呼叫费用，这样就可以使运营方避免任何拒付帐单的坏帐损失，例如如果主叫方不是本运营方的实际用户(即与本运营方没有签任何协议)的话。此外，一些主叫方可能喜欢用匿名，也就是不希望向被叫方显露他们的身份，从而业务运营商也不知道他们的身份。Telephone calls and various services obtained through communication networks can be charged in various ways. Usually, charging or billing is carried out according to the call (talk) time used, but may also be based on other criteria, such as the business service received by the call or the number of calls within a predetermined period of time. In many cases, it is better to be able to collect the call charges in advance, so that the operator can avoid any bad debt loss of non-payment of the bill, for example, if the calling party is not the actual user of the operator (that is, there is no contract with the operator). any agreement). In addition, some calling parties may prefer to use anonymity, that is, they do not want to reveal their identities to the called party, so that the service operator does not know their identities.

对呼叫预收费的传统方式是公用投币电话。然而，这些投币电话机需要进行大量维护。此外，一些用户可能觉得带着硬币很不方便。需要的硬币量也可能是相当大的，例如在进行国际呼叫或接入某些业务号码和业务时。公用投币电话机通常也是盗窃的目标。The traditional way of pre-charging calls is through public coin-operated telephones. However, these coin operated telephones require a lot of maintenance. Additionally, some users may find it inconvenient to carry coins. The amount of coins required may also be substantial, for example when making international calls or accessing certain service numbers and services. Payphones are also often the target of theft.

另一种可能对呼叫预先收费的是运营方销售预付费电话卡，其中包括为呼叫(一定的呼叫时间)要求预先支付的金额。这些卡可以配有一个磁条，或者有时候甚至有某种智能(所谓的灵巧卡)，从而主叫方必须使用配备有一个适当的磁条阅读器或灵巧卡阅读器的电话机。在呼叫期间，卡内的余额(与预先规定的金额相应的单位)相应扣去，在余额为零后就终止呼叫。Another possibility to pre-charge calls is for the operator to sell pre-paid phone cards which include an amount required up-front for the call (for a certain duration of the call). These cards can be equipped with a magnetic stripe, or sometimes even have some kind of intelligence (so-called smart cards), so that the calling party must use a telephone equipped with an appropriate magnetic stripe reader or smart card reader. During the call, the balance in the card (the unit corresponding to the predetermined amount) is deducted accordingly, and the call is terminated after the balance reaches zero.

另一种可能是使用没有磁条或类似的要设备读取的措施的预付费电话卡，但是这电话卡告知用户一个专用的(个人)号码或代码，要用户在发起呼叫时拨入。用户必须呼叫一种专用电话业务，其中用户开有包括为呼叫预先支付的金额的用户个人帐户。这些卡可以例如是所谓的PPMA(预付费移动接入)服务卡或刮明电话卡(scratch-surface calling card)。这些卡可以用于普通电话机和/或移动电话机。对于这些预付费卡的情况可以参阅本申请人的美国专利申请No.08/836,371(相应于WO 96/15633)，特别是其中的图5，该申请在这里列作参考。几乎每个电话机都可以使用这些卡而不需要任何专用的阅读设备。Another possibility is to use a prepaid phone card without a magnetic stripe or similar means to be read by the device, but which informs the user of a special (personal) number or code to be dialed in when making a call. The user must call a private telephone service in which the user has a personal account with the user including an amount prepaid for the call. These cards may for example be so-called PPMA (Prepaid Mobile Access) service cards or scratch-surface calling cards. These cards can be used with regular telephones and/or mobile phones. For these prepaid cards reference is made to the applicant's U.S. Patent Application No. 08/836,371 (corresponding to WO 96/15633), particularly Fig. 5 thereof, which application is hereby incorporated by reference. Almost every telephone can use these cards without any special reading equipment.

在以上现有技术所揭示的情况中，可以对由预先签有电话合同的用户或通过专用预付费卡发起的呼叫进行呼叫监视。利用预付费卡使用户可以从任何电话机上呼叫，而对用户的具有预付费卡指示的某个预付金额的帐户收费。通过卡为这种业务的用户提供了一个帐号和一个个人标识号码PIN。在用户建立呼叫时，触发的呼叫信号送至IN(智能网)的一个业务控制点SCP。这个SCP从一个数据库中查出专用于这个预付费卡的帐户，而且可以将这个帐户的状态(即余额)通过语音消息或在所用终端的显示器上通知用户。In the case disclosed by the prior art above, call monitoring can be performed on calls originating from subscribers with pre-signed telephone contracts or via dedicated prepaid cards. Utilizing a prepaid card allows a user to call from any telephone while charging the user's account with a certain prepaid amount indicated by the prepaid card. The user of this service is provided with an account number and a personal identification number PIN by means of the card. When the user establishes a call, the triggered call signal is sent to a service control point SCP of the IN (Intelligent Network). The SCP looks up the account dedicated to the prepaid card from a database and can inform the user of the status (ie balance) of this account by voice message or on the display of the terminal used.

如果这个帐户是空的，就解除这个呼叫过程，而如果余额是正的，就启动对呼叫目的端的连接。如果被叫方应答，就根据计费信息开始收费，从交换机接收脉冲，更新与这个卡关联的帐户的余额。此外，可以就用户记录中指示的其他状况对呼叫进行监视。在通话期间，电话网设备配置成监视在一个卡上或在与某个预付费电话卡关联的帐户上剩下的金额。在没有余额的情况下，就不能继续通话或不能启动新的呼叫。运营方也可以将新的金额续入数据库记录的帐户，因此一个含有用户信息的卡在金额用完后通过将新的金额续入帐户而可以重新使用。If the account is empty, the call process is terminated, and if the balance is positive, the connection to the call destination is initiated. If the called party answers, charges are initiated based on the billing information, a pulse is received from the switch, and the balance of the account associated with this card is updated. In addition, calls may be monitored for other conditions indicated in the subscriber's record. During a call, the telephone network equipment is configured to monitor the amount remaining on a card or on an account associated with a prepaid calling card. Without credit, it is not possible to continue the call or initiate a new call. The operator can also credit the new amount to the account recorded in the database, so that a card containing user information can be reused by crediting the new amount to the account after the amount is used up.

从电话运营方看来，以上这种卡的解决方法相当安全，因为呼叫始终是预先收费的。卡的经销也可以安排成相当方便和高效的，例如可以通过诸如商店、公用电话亭、报站、烟草商店等不同的渠道分销。从用户看来，预付费电话卡方案提供了可以放心对任何号码进行呼叫而不会有电话帐单过高的可能，因为呼叫费用是预先支付的，而在余额为零的情况下就不能发起/继续呼叫。此外，用户可以用任何电话机进行呼叫。这种卡也可以使呼叫者对业务运营商不必暴露身份。From the phone operator's point of view, the card solution above is quite safe, since calls are always prepaid. The distribution of the cards can also be arranged quite conveniently and efficiently, for example through different channels such as shops, kiosks, newspaper stations, tobacco shops and the like. From the user's point of view, the prepaid calling card scheme offers the possibility of making calls to any number with peace of mind without high phone bills, because calls are paid in advance and cannot be initiated with a balance of zero/ Keep calling. In addition, users can make calls from any telephone. This card also allows the caller not to have to reveal his identity to the service operator.

                          发明概述Summary of Invention

本发明的发明者发现以上方案仍有一些缺点。例如，这种方案在通话期间并不向用户提供任何有关实时余额和还有多少时间可以通话的信息，用户能够接收到的余额信息只是在呼叫解除以后才更新，从而知道实际费用。因此，用户不能确定实际还剩余的呼叫时间。此外，在对一些收费不同的业务号码呼叫时和/或在连接期间费用改变时，呼叫费用的计算可能就相当复杂，而用户要确定剩余的呼叫时间可能更成问题。还需要有一种解决方案，使业务运营商可以预先对使用某些预先规定的业务收费。The inventors of the present invention found that the above solution still has some disadvantages. For example, this solution does not provide the user with any information about the real-time balance and how much time is available for the call during the call. The balance information that the user can receive is only updated after the call is released, so as to know the actual cost. Therefore, the user cannot determine the actual call time remaining. Furthermore, the calculation of the cost of the call can be quite complicated when calling to some service numbers with different charges and/or when the charges change during the connection, and it can be more problematic for the user to determine the remaining call time. There is also a need for a solution whereby service operators can pre-charge for the use of certain pre-defined services.

本发明的一个目的是克服现有技术解决方法的那些缺点，提供一种改善的解决预付费呼叫的方法。It is an object of the present invention to overcome those disadvantages of prior art solutions and to provide an improved method of handling prepaid calls.

本发明的另一个目的是提供一种可以使电话机的用户得到有关剩余的呼叫时间和/或余额的实时信息的方法和配置。Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and arrangement which will enable the user of a telephone to obtain real-time information about the remaining call time and/or balance.

本发明的又一个目的是提供一种可以使电话机的用户还接收到有关呼叫收费的实时信息的方法和配置。It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and arrangement which will enable the user of the telephone to also receive real-time information on the charging of the call.

一个辅助目的是提供一种解决方案，使业务运营商能够接受为特定的预先规定业务的预付款。一个目的也是一种预付款配置，其中可以改变与预付款数据有关的参数或信息而不影响为用户提供的实时信息的可靠性。An ancillary purpose is to provide a solution enabling service operators to accept advance payments for specific pre-specified services. An object is also a prepayment configuration in which parameters or information related to prepayment data can be changed without affecting the reliability of the real-time information provided to the user.

本发明的其他目的和优点可以从本说明书的以下结合附图所作的说明部分看出。Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be seen from the following description of this specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

这些目的是由所揭示的利用电话终端和预付费呼叫业务为电话机的用户提供预付费呼叫或业务服务的方法来达到的。这种方法包括下列步骤：为用户提供一个个人代码；在电话终端与预付费呼叫业务之间建立一个呼叫；将个人代码供给预付费呼叫业务；触发对一个所希望的目的端的呼叫；动态地从一个专用于这个个人代码、含有所需预付款数据的帐户中扣除呼叫的费用；以及在呼叫期间根据在这个帐户上的余额和呼叫费用动态地将剩余的呼叫时间和/或在这个帐户上的余额通知用户。These objects are achieved by the disclosed method of using a telephone terminal and a prepaid calling service to provide a user of a telephone with a prepaid call or service. This method comprises the steps of: providing a personal code to the user; setting up a call between the telephone terminal and the prepaid calling service; supplying the personal code to the prepaid calling service; triggering a call to a desired destination; Debiting the cost of the call from an account dedicated to this personal code containing the required prepaid data; and dynamically transferring the remaining call time and/or The balance is notified to the user.

按照另一个优选实施例，呼叫时间和/或余额信息以及可能的其他与呼叫计费有关的信息利用电话终端的显示器向用户显示。此外，用户可以预先为接入某个预先规定的业务付费，在这种情况下为用户提供的个人代码是一个完全专用于所述某个预先规定的业务的代码。按照一个实施例，预付费呼叫业务的电话号码是一个免费电话号码的号码，而个人代码传送对一个所希望的业务运营方的一个预先规定的提价电话号码的呼叫。按照另一个辅助实施例，这种方法包括从一个数据库检索出与个人代码有关的数据，其中与个人代码有关的数据包括限制参数或其他与使用预付费呼叫业务有关的参数或信息。按照本发明的一个形式，帐户是一个脉冲帐户，而这种方法还包括下列步骤：在呼叫期间动态地从帐户中扣除脉冲；以及通过利用至少一些动态地指示呼叫的价格和在帐户中剩下的脉冲数的参数进行计算确定剩余的预付费呼叫时间和/或余额。这种方法还可以包括在呼叫期间改变帐户中的余额和/或修改呼叫的参数或限制的步骤，其中最好是网络运行方或业务运营商实现所述改变和/或修改。According to another preferred embodiment, the call time and/or balance information and possibly other call billing-related information are displayed to the user by means of a display of the telephone terminal. Furthermore, the user may pay in advance for access to a certain predetermined service, in which case the personal code provided to the user is a code completely dedicated to said certain predetermined service. According to one embodiment, the telephone number of the prepaid calling service is the number of a toll-free telephone number, while the personal code transmits a call to a pre-specified raised telephone number of a desired service operator. According to another subsidiary embodiment, the method includes retrieving data related to the personal code from a database, wherein the data related to the personal code include restriction parameters or other parameters or information related to the use of prepaid calling services. According to one form of the invention, the account is a pulse account, and the method further comprises the steps of: dynamically debiting the pulse from the account during the call; and dynamically indicating the price of the call by using at least some The number of pulses parameter is calculated to determine the remaining prepaid call time and/or balance. The method may also comprise the step of changing the balance in the account and/or modifying the parameters or restrictions of the call during the call, wherein preferably the network operator or service operator implements said changes and/or modifications.

本发明的为电话机的用户提供预付费呼叫或业务服务的配置包括：  一种预付费呼叫业务；一个能接入这种预付费呼叫业务的电话终端；为用户提供一个个人代码的装置；一个为这个个人代码专用的帐户；触发对一个所希望的目的端的呼叫的装置；动态地从帐户中扣去呼叫费用的装置；以及在呼叫期间根据在帐户中的余额和呼叫费用动态地将剩余的呼叫时间和/或在帐户中的余额通知用户的装置。The configuration of providing prepaid calling or business services for users of telephone sets of the present invention includes: a kind of prepaid calling service; a telephone terminal capable of accessing this prepaid calling service; a device for providing a personal code for the user; a An account dedicated to this personal code; means for triggering a call to a desired destination; means for dynamically deducting call charges from the account; The user's device is notified of the call time and/or the balance in the account.

按照另一个实施例，这种配置包括：一个可由预付费呼叫业务访问的数据库；根据接收到的个人代码从数据库检索与这个个人代码有关的数据的装置，这种配置使得包括在所述数据库内的信息和参数可以改变或修改，最好是由一个运行这种配置的运营方予以改变或修改。帐户可以是一个在一个提供预付费呼叫业务的智能网的数据库内或者在一个用户的预付费电话卡内实现的脉冲帐户。According to another embodiment, the arrangement comprises: a database accessible by the prepaid calling service; means for retrieving data related to the personal code from the database on the basis of the received personal code, the arrangement being such that the The information and parameters can be changed or modified, preferably by an operator running the configuration. The account can be a pulse account implemented in the database of an intelligent network providing prepaid calling service or in a subscriber's prepaid telephone card.

采用本发明可以获得几个优点。这种解决方案提供了在呼叫期间实时将剩余的呼叫时间和/或余额(例如在一个帐户内剩下的金额或类似的单位)通知用户的可能性。通知可以以时间单位(而不是脉冲或货币单位)的形式给出，因此使用户更简便地了解实际情况。由于是动态地进行确定的，因此在连接的价格改变或一些影响对呼叫收费的参数改变或修改的情况下可以改变所计算的估计量。Several advantages are obtained with the present invention. This solution offers the possibility to inform the user in real time of the remaining call time and/or the balance (for example the amount or similar units remaining in an account) during the call. Notifications can be given in units of time (rather than pulses or currency units), thus making it easier for the user to understand what is actually going on. Since the determination is made dynamically, the calculated estimate can be changed in case of a change in the price of the connection or in case of a change or modification of some parameter affecting the charging of the call.

下面将结合附图以举例方式对本发明及其其他目的和优点进行说明，在这些附图中类似的标注字符标示的是类似的功能部件。The present invention and its other objects and advantages will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters designate similar functional components.

                     附图简要说明A brief description of the drawings

图1为包括一个智能网节点的通信系统的示意图；FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system including an intelligent network node;

图2为作为本发明的一个实施例的智能网(IN)节点的示意图；Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an intelligent network (IN) node as an embodiment of the present invention;

图3示意性地示出了显示与剩余的呼叫时间有关的信息的情况；Fig. 3 schematically shows the situation of displaying information relevant to the remaining calling time;

图4示出了实现预付费呼叫配置的总体方案的一个例子；Figure 4 shows an example of an overall scheme for implementing a prepaid call configuration;

图5示出了IN数据库的一个例子；以及Figure 5 shows an example of an IN database; and

图6示出了实施例的一个流程图。Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment.

                     附图详细说明Detailed description with attached drawings

首先，结合图1说明一个包括一个可以进行各种交换和呼叫计费操作的智能网(IN)节点的通信系统的一般结构，以给出更好理解本发明的基础。应当注意的是，为了清晰起见，图1中省去了一些网络组成部分。First, a general structure of a communication system including an Intelligent Network (IN) node capable of performing various switching and call charging operations is described with reference to FIG. 1 to give a better understanding of the basis of the present invention. It should be noted that some network components have been omitted from Figure 1 for clarity.

图1为一个公用电话交换网(PSTN)的物理体系结构的示意图，这个公用电话交换网在它的用户之间提供电信连接。PSTN包括多个交换机20和21。这些交换机由中继线23相互连接。电话终端4通过用户线6连接到本地交换机上。在一个第一终端与另一个终端(只示出一个终端)之间建立呼叫时，呼叫连接通过本地交换机也许还通过一个或几个中转交换机。本地交换机或中转交换机可以例如基于由本申请者提供的众所周知的AXE数字交换系统。Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the physical architecture of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) which provides telecommunication connections between its subscribers. The PSTN includes a plurality ofswitches 20 and 21 . These exchanges are interconnected bytrunk lines 23 . Thetelephone terminal 4 is connected to a local exchange through asubscriber line 6 . When a call is established between a first terminal and another terminal (only one terminal is shown), the call is connected via a local exchange and possibly via one or several transit exchanges. The local exchange or transit exchange may eg be based on the well known AX digital switching system offered by the applicant.

图1的电话系统还包括一个移动网，例如基于公用陆地线路移动网(PLMN)的GSM，连接到PSTN或类似设施，诸如综合业务数字网(ISDN)。在这些系统之间的必需链路在该技术领域内是众所周知的。在图1的这个例子中，PLMN包括一个网关移动业务交换中心(GMSC)18，它连接到一些与多个基站子系统(BSS)13的移动业务交换中心(MSC)16上。每个BSS与多个基站(BS)12连接，而每个基站各对一个称为小区的预先规定的地理区域进行监控。这种配置使得移动台(MS)1、2、3可以通过一个无线电接口与附近的基站12通信。基站12连接到移动业务交换中心(MSC)，而移动业务交换中心通过适当的链接设备再连接到PSTN上。The telephone system of Figure 1 also includes a mobile network, eg GSM based on the Public Land Line Mobile Network (PLMN), connected to a PSTN or similar, such as an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). The necessary links between these systems are well known in the art. In the example of FIG. 1, the PLMN includes a Gateway Mobile Services Switching Center (GMSC) 18 connected to a number of Mobile Services Switching Centers (MSCs) 16 with a plurality of Base Station Subsystems (BSS) 13 . Each BSS is connected to a plurality of base stations (BS) 12, each of which monitors a predetermined geographical area called a cell. This arrangement enables mobile stations (MS) 1, 2, 3 to communicate withnearby base stations 12 via a radio interface. Thebase stations 12 are connected to a Mobile Services Switching Center (MSC), which in turn is connected to the PSTN by suitable linking equipment.

通信网络系统可以包括一个或多个智能网节点。这些智能网节点(IN节点)与诸如PSTN或PLMN那样的电信网对接。在图1中，IN节点22包括包括一个业务交换处理器，在该技术领域内它通常称为业务交换点(SSP)26。SSP 26可以是一个配置有一个用来标识智能网(IN)呼叫的辅助软件的本地交换机21。SSP 26接着连接到一个业务控制处理器上，业务控制处理器通常称为业务控制点(SCP)27。要指出的是，SCP和SSP也可以形成一个整合单元，称为业务交换和控制点(SSCP)。The communication network system may include one or more intelligent network nodes. These intelligent network nodes (IN nodes) interface with telecommunication networks such as PSTN or PLMN. In FIG. 1, INnode 22 includes a service switching processor, commonly referred to in the art as a service switching point (SSP) 26.SSP 26 may be alocal exchange 21 configured with ancillary software for identifying Intelligent Network (IN) calls. TheSSP 26 is then connected to a Service Control Processor, commonly referred to as a Service Control Point (SCP) 27. It is to be noted that the SCP and the SSP may also form an integrated unit called a Service Switching and Control Point (SSCP).

下面再对比较详细地示出一个包括SSP和SCP的IN节点的图2进行说明。SSP 26包括计算机170、执行若干诸如语音识别之类的高级功能的智能外围设备176、触发功能块172、交换功能块174和业务处理和呼叫控制功能块178。诸如众所周知的SS7连接(由CCITT标准化的信令系统No.7)之类的通信连接190将SSP连接到SCP 27上。SCP包括计算机180和实现由智能网IN提供的各种高级业务的业务逻辑。如所提到的那样，可以将SSP和SCP整合成单个业务交换和控制点处理器(SSCP)。在任何一种实现中，业务逻辑182与网络接入和传送的实现情况无关。Next, we will describe in more detail Fig. 2 which shows an IN node including SSP and SCP. TheSSP 26 includes acomputer 170, an intelligent peripheral 176 that performs several advanced functions such as speech recognition, a triggeringfunction 172, aswitching function 174, and a traffic processing andcall control function 178. Acommunication connection 190 such as the well-known SS7 connection (Signaling System No. 7 standardized by CCITT) connects the SSP to theSCP 27. The SCP includes acomputer 180 and service logic for implementing various advanced services provided by the intelligent network IN. As mentioned, the SSP and SCP can be integrated into a single Service Switching and Control Point Processor (SSCP). In either implementation,service logic 182 is independent of the implementation of network access and transport.

SSP 26为用户提供通过通信网接入预付款网络业务或由SCP 27提供的预付费呼叫业务。虽然信令信息通常传送给SSP 26，但可以理解，实际上这样的信令信息传送给SSP的交换和呼叫控制功能块178。SSP 26将一个对预付款业务的请求转送给SCP 27，以在预付款网络业务与主叫用户/通信设备(诸如图1中的终端1，2，3和4之类)之间建立一种互动机制。因此，SSP 26通过它的数字交换功能块连接网络内各个呼叫，使预付费呼叫业务可由SCP 27进行。SCP通常可以定义为一个电子控制器，通过INAP(智能网应用部分)协议控制SSP。SCP配置成对呼叫进行监视，动态地实现从特定的预付费电话卡专用帐户中扣费的操作。如从图1中可以看到的那样，SSP和SCP可以连接到PSTN的其中一个交换机上，或者它们也可以在移动网的MSC内实现或直接连接到移动网的MSC上。SSP 26 provides users with access to prepaid network services through communication networks or prepaid call services provided bySCP 27. Although signaling information is normally delivered to theSSP 26, it will be appreciated that in practice such signaling information is delivered to the switching and call controlfunctional block 178 of the SSP.SSP 26 forwards a request to the prepayment service toSCP 27 to establish a communication between the prepayment network service and the calling user/communication device (such asterminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 in FIG. 1 ). interaction mechanism. Therefore,SSP 26 connects various calls in the network through its digital switching function block, so that the prepaid calling service can be carried out bySCP 27. The SCP can generally be defined as an electronic controller that controls the SSP through the INAP (Intelligent Network Application Part) protocol. The SCP is configured to monitor calls and dynamically implement the operation of deducting fees from a specific prepaid phone card account. As can be seen from Figure 1, the SSP and SCP can be connected to one of the switches in the PSTN, or they can also be implemented in or directly connected to the MSC in the mobile network.

智能网包括存有各个帐户的数据库184，用来提供用户的预付费业务帐户(即专用用户帐户)。这些帐户通常在SCP内实现，稍后将比较详细地予以说明。The intelligent network includes adatabase 184 of accounts for providing prepaid service accounts for subscribers (ie dedicated subscriber accounts). These accounts are usually implemented within the SCP, which will be described in more detail later.

呼叫交换过程中的那些触发点在业务交换点SSP 26检测。触发点的一个基本例子是对一个专用号码的试呼。如在本发明中所应用的那样，这样一个触发点可以是检测到一个预付费呼叫业务电话号码，例如为一个加了某个前缀(诸如“0800”之类)的专用免费电话号码。在触发功能块检测到这样的触发点时，SSP计算机170就将这个触发事件通知SCP 27，并转去各有关的呼叫连接数据，诸如主叫终端电话号码和目的端号码之类。SCP 27进行响应，在计算机180内按照业务逻辑182处理信息，向SSP计算机170返回控制指令，由SSP计算机170将这些控制指令转换成适合交换和业务处理以及呼叫控制处理的命令，来控制交换。Those trigger points in the call switching process are detected at the serviceswitching point SSP 26. A basic example of a trigger point is a call attempt to a private number. As used in the present invention, such a trigger point could be the detection of a prepaid calling service telephone number, for example a dedicated toll-free number with a prefix such as "0800". When the trigger function block detects such a trigger point, theSSP computer 170 notifies theSCP 27 of this trigger event, and forwards each relevant call connection data, such as the calling terminal telephone number and the destination terminal number and the like. TheSCP 27 responds, processes information in thecomputer 180 according to thebusiness logic 182, and returns control instructions to theSSP computer 170, and theSSP computer 170 converts these control instructions into commands suitable for switching, business processing, and call control processing to control switching.

SSP 26检测各个触发条件，即识别那些与业务有关的网络信号和处理这些信号，以便将呼叫传送给服务控制处理器162，然后接收服务控制处理器162的响应，应服务控制处理器的请求验证是否将出现特定条件，而如果是这样的话，就向服务控制处理器162发送相应消息，命令建立和释放传送网络中的连接，以及与智能外围设备(IP)176交互作用。智能外围设备176可以用来例如为用户提供不同的语音合成通知和对来自双音多频(DTMF)电话机的数字进行接收/解码。此外，智能外围设备176还可以接收话音输入(而不只是DTMF音)和用适当的语音识别软件对用户响应解码。虽然智能外围设备176可以包括在SSP 26内，但是它也可以配置成一个可由业务交换点SSP26通过它的交换功能块174接入的独立节点。TheSSP 26 detects trigger conditions, i.e., identifies those network signals relevant to the service and processes those signals to route the call to the service control processor 162, then receives a response from the service control processor 162, and authenticates upon request of the service control processor Whether or not a particular condition will occur, and if so, a corresponding message is sent to the service control processor 162 , ordering the establishment and release of connections in the transport network and interaction with the intelligent peripheral (IP) 176 . The intelligent peripheral 176 may be used, for example, to provide the user with various speech synthesis announcements and to receive/decode digits from a dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) telephone. In addition, intelligent peripheral 176 can also receive voice input (rather than just DTMF tones) and decode user responses with appropriate voice recognition software. Although the intelligentperipheral device 176 can be included in theSSP 26, it can also be configured as an independent node that can be accessed by the serviceswitching point SSP 26 through itsswitching function block 174.

图3示出了为用户显示剩余的呼叫时间的一个可能情况。移动电话机1配置有一个显示器30。显示器显示了一个通知，它可以例如以一个SMS文本消息(短消息业务)的形式发送，这是熟悉该技术的人员所周知的。在这个例子中，显示器显示的是当时的剩余呼叫时间(22分钟10秒)和帐户余额(86 FIM)。可以理解，在这里显示器可以是任何适合连接到一个电话终端上的显示器，例如PSTN电话终端显示器或连接到PSTN电话终端上的显示器。Figure 3 shows one possible scenario for displaying the remaining call time for the user. Themobile phone 1 is provided with adisplay 30 . The display shows a notification, which can be sent, for example, in the form of an SMS text message (Short Message Service), which is well known to those skilled in the art. In this example, the display shows the remaining call time (22minutes 10 seconds) and account balance (86 FIM) at that time. It can be understood that the display here can be any display suitable to be connected to a telephone terminal, such as a display of a PSTN telephone terminal or a display connected to a PSTN telephone terminal.

图4示出了一种使终端4可以建立对其它终端或对业务运营商10的呼叫的配置。呼叫送至SSCP，由此触发IN预付费呼叫业务(0800免费电话前缀)，再触发预付提价记时卡(PPPT)业务，提供至所希望的目的端10的连接。FIG. 4 shows an arrangement enabling aterminal 4 to set up calls to other terminals or to aservice operator 10 . The call is sent to the SSCP, which triggers the IN prepaid call service (0800 toll-free prefix), and then triggers the prepaid price increase time card (PPPT) service, providing a connection to the desireddestination 10.

图5示出了一个可行的IN数据库记录和它的可用于这种配置的各个字段。最好配置成在一个主叫方对预付费呼叫业务呼叫时，这业务就检索出相应专用数据库记录。这种记录可以包括例如以下这些字段：Figure 5 shows a possible IN database record and its fields that can be used for this configuration. Preferably the arrangement is such that when a calling party calls the prepaid calling service, the service retrieves the corresponding private database record. Such a record may include fields such as the following:

1.第一段是保密的个人代码段(个人标识号码PIN)。PIN代码的长度取决于所需的保密级别(例如可以是9至18个数字)。1. The first segment is a confidential personal code segment (Personal Identification Number PIN). The length of the PIN code depends on the level of security required (for example it can be 9 to 18 digits).

2.第二段含有一个表明卡的状态的管理代码。这些状态例如可以是中止、使用、新开等(在这个例子中这些都用相应的状态编号表示)。这个段还可以含有颁发业务运营商的卡系列代码，这使业务运营商如果感到必要就可以中止这卡的使用。在另一个方案中，网络运行方或业务运营商甚至可以在正在进行呼叫期间改变状态。2. The second segment contains an administrative code indicating the status of the card. These states can be, for example, suspended, in use, newly opened, etc. (in this example these are indicated by corresponding state numbers). This segment may also contain the card series code of the issuing service operator, which enables the service operator to suspend the use of the card if it feels necessary. In another scenario, the network operator or service operator can even change state during an ongoing call.

3.第三段含有颁发卡的业务运营商的可能通知(通知编号)。3. The third paragraph contains a possible notification (notification number) of the service operator issuing the card.

4.第四段含有可以用卡建立的呼叫的一个或多个目的端号码。在使用这段的情况下，只可以建立对由这段所指示的号码的呼叫，在主叫终端和提供所希望的业务服务的终端之间提供连接。4. The fourth field contains one or more destination numbers for calls that can be set up with the card. Where this section is used, calls can only be established to the number indicated by this section, providing a connection between the calling terminal and the terminal providing the desired service.

5.第五段含有在呼叫期间动态地计算的剩余的呼叫通话时间。5. The fifth segment contains the remaining call airtime calculated dynamically during the call.

6.第六个段含有为这个卡专用的实际脉冲帐户，在呼叫期间随着呼叫的进行动态地扣去呼叫费用。段5指示的剩余对话时间根据这脉冲数计算。6. The sixth segment contains the actual pulse account dedicated to this card, with call charges being deducted dynamically as the call progresses during the call. The remaining session time indicated by segment 5 is calculated from this number of pulses.

如上所述，在本发明中所用的帐户可以是脉冲帐户。这些从已经提到的预付费卡结构中已经知道，因此不再说明，只是要提一下在帐户内的电子脉冲等于一定货币的金额，例如：1个脉冲＝10个便士。As mentioned above, the accounts used in the present invention may be impulse accounts. This is already known from the already mentioned prepaid card structure, so it will not be explained, but it will be mentioned that the electronic pulse in the account is equal to the amount of a certain currency, eg: 1 pulse = 10 pennies.

在IN内的脉冲帐户各为相应个人代码(例如图5中的PIN)专用。用户例如通过购买一个在可刮除表面下指示业务号码和代码的刮明预付电话卡或一个适合指示帐户专用保密个人代码的凭单得到代码。按照一个特定的实施例，预付电话卡是一个有一个预先规定的目的端号码的专用电话卡，也就是一个能发起对只是一个号码或业务或对只是一些号码(由图5中的段4指示)的呼叫。卡可以还有其它的限制，诸如每次呼叫的呼叫时间限制、地理位置或运行方限制、呼叫次数限制之类。一种可能的限制是使卡只能对一个数据网呼叫，例如通过调制解调器连接接入一个互联网业务运营商。Pulse accounts within IN are each dedicated to a corresponding personal code (eg PIN in Figure 5). The user obtains the code, for example, by purchasing a scratch-off prepaid phone card indicating the service number and code under the scratch-off surface, or a voucher adapted to indicate the account-specific confidential personal code. According to a particular embodiment, the prepaid calling card is a dedicated calling card with a pre-specified destination number, that is, one that can initiate calls to just one number or service or to just some numbers (indicated byparagraph 4 in Figure 5) call. The card can also have other restrictions, such as call time restrictions for each call, geographic location or operator restrictions, call times restrictions, and the like. One possible limitation is to have the card only make calls to a data network, eg via a modem connection to an Internet service provider.

在IN节点内的帐户通过对这业务呼叫而后给出个人(唯一)代码来激活。用户预先购买的脉冲数等于一定的金额，例如以本身已知的方式(例如由所述预付卡或凭单)购买相当100 FIM的价值。Accounts within the IN node are activated by calling the service and then giving a personal (unique) code. The number of pulses purchased in advance by the user is equal to a certain amount, for example a value equivalent to 100 FIM in a manner known per se (for example by said prepaid card or voucher).

按照另一个方案，密码或代码例如以报纸或杂志公布。这代码只允许对一个目的端号码呼叫，使读者可以对这个号码回叫，例如为了订购广告的商品和/或服务，或者对一些查询进行应答和/或向报纸反馈。每个报纸可以示出一个不同的唯一(各自)代码，或者所有报纸可以示出为这个广告专用的相同的代码。此外，每个读者用这个代码的呼叫时间也可以是受限制的。也可以公开分销这样的预付电话卡(最好是免费的)，允许免费回叫某个号码。与直接免费电话号码相比，上述解决方法的优点是它的使用是较容易可控制的，而且可以用分配的唯一或专用代码的数量限制呼叫/呼叫时间和应答的最大数量。According to another variant, the cipher or code is published, for example in newspapers or magazines. This code allows calls to only one destination number to which readers can call back, for example, to order advertised goods and/or services, or to answer some inquiries and/or provide feedback to the newspaper. Each newspaper may show a different unique (individual) code, or all newspapers may show the same code specific to this ad. In addition, the calling time of each reader using this code can also be limited. It is also possible to publicly distribute such prepaid phone cards (preferably free of charge) that allow free callbacks to a number. The advantage of the above solution compared to a direct toll-free number is that its use is more easily controllable and the number of unique or unique codes assigned can be used to limit the call/call time and the maximum number of answers.

一个辅助实施例可以改变或修改与帐户有关的数据，诸如与特定的专用代码关联的呼叫参数或信息。例如，运行方或业务运营商或用户可以为帐户添加一些追加的金额或单位，甚至是在呼叫连接期间。可以这样的一种情况是运行方允许对一个例如已经使用了一定的呼叫金额的主叫方予以优惠，而在这样情况下，这优惠量就可以添加到这个专用帐户上。此外，运行方或业务运营商可以暂时或长久地改变在呼叫期间的呼叫费用(例如在正常价格和特惠价格之间，或在过了一定时间后)。也可以增添一些新的限制参数/除去一些现有的限制参数(诸如容许的目的端号码、每次呼叫的最大呼叫时间、一天中允许呼叫的时刻之类)。运行方或业务运营商还可以执行一些影响预付费呼叫的控制操作。在为用户提供有关费用的动态信息时于是将考虑数据的改变或修改情况。An auxiliary embodiment may change or modify account-related data, such as call parameters or information associated with a particular unique code. For example, the operator or service operator or the user can add some additional amounts or units to the account, even during call connection. It may be the case that the operator permits a caller, for example, to give a discount to a calling party who has used a certain amount of calling credit, and in this case, the discount amount can be added to the special account. Furthermore, the operator or service operator can temporarily or permanently change the call cost during the call (for example between the normal price and the special price, or after a certain time has elapsed). It is also possible to add some new restriction parameters/remove some existing restriction parameters (such as the allowed destination number, the maximum call time of each call, the time of day when calls are allowed, and the like). The operator or service operator can also perform some control operations affecting prepaid calls. Changes or modifications to the data will then be taken into account when providing the user with dynamic information about the charges.

按照一个实施例，希望连接是在用户的数据终端与业务运营商(例如互联网业务运营商ISP)的终端之间。在这种情况下，呼叫可以建立为一个使用调制解调器连接的无声连接，也就是拨号串包括提供这个连接所需的前缀以及保密代码，然后通过预付款业务透明地进行与所希望的业务运营商业务的连接，而不用网络侧发出任何提示或通知之类。按照一个实施例，保密代码可以从网络(例如从互联网)下载。保密的个人代码作为一个加密数据分组发送，然后在终端打开。According to one embodiment, the desired connection is between the user's data terminal and a service provider's (eg Internet service provider ISP) terminal. In this case, the call can be established as a silent connection using a modem connection, that is, the dial string includes the prefixes required to provide this connection and the security code, and then transparently conduct business with the desired service operator through prepaid services connection without any prompts or notifications from the network side. According to one embodiment, the security code may be downloaded from a network, such as from the Internet. The secret personal code is sent as an encrypted data packet, which is then opened at the terminal.

能实现上述功能的IN设备是可以获得的，例如采用本申请的申请方的设备。然而，可以理解，各种实现的具体情况可以有所不同。An IN device capable of realizing the above functions is available, for example, the device of the applicant of the present application. However, it is to be understood that the specifics of various implementations may vary.

下面将结合图6这个流程图说明本发明的预付款呼叫和/或业务的例示过程。The exemplary process of the prepaid call and/or service of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 6 .

在用户例如通过一个刮明电话卡或报纸广告得到一个专用代码后，用户就可以例如拨一个诸如0800免费电话号码之类的专用前缀或者其它适当的接入号码接入IN的预付费呼叫业务，使得SSP可以传送对这个业务的呼叫。这个对预付费呼叫业务的呼叫启动时，主叫方可以得到要给出密码的提示，然后主叫方键入对这个业务的专用代码串再加上#号。如所说明的那样，这个密码专用于特定的帐户，因此IN就知道这个呼叫要记入的正确的用户帐户。在给出的代码不正确的情况下，可以提示主叫方重新键入代码。After the user obtains a dedicated code such as by a scratch card or newspaper advertisement, the user can for example dial a dedicated prefix such as 0800 toll-free number or other suitable access numbers to access the prepaid call service of IN, so that The SSP can route calls to this service. When the call to the prepaid call service was initiated, the calling party could obtain a prompt to give a password, and then the calling party keyed in the special code string for this service and added the # sign. As explained, this password is specific to the account, so the IN knows the correct user account to which the call will be credited. In case an incorrect code is given, the calling party may be prompted to re-key the code.

IN检验用户帐户内的余额。在这个帐户内的余额超过某个门限值的情况下，允许主叫方建立对诸如另一个电话终端、一个业务运营商或一个数据网之类的目的地址的呼叫。在用户帐户的余额是空的或者低于所述门限值的情况下，就向主叫方发送一个消息，告知已没有呼叫时间剩下，例如需追加金额到这个用户帐户上。这个消息可以只是通知性的，告知用户呼叫时间就要用完，应该再添加一些单位或金额，或者是一个要求再添加一些单位或金额否则就不允许呼叫或即将终止正在进行的呼叫的请求。IN checks the balance in the user's account. In case the balance in this account exceeds a certain threshold, the calling party is allowed to set up a call to a destination such as another telephone terminal, a service operator or a data network. In the case that the balance of the user account is empty or lower than the threshold value, a message is sent to the calling party to inform that there is no call time left, for example, the amount of money needs to be added to the user account. This message can be merely informative, informing the user that the call time is running out and that some more units or amount should be added, or it can be a request to add some more units or amount otherwise the call will not be allowed or an ongoing call will be terminated.

按照一个实施例，在开始连接时就将余额通知主叫方。在余额低于接入所希望的目的端号码或业务所需要的情况下，可以将这个情况通知用户。另外的信息可以含有一个通常告知以这个余额尚可接入的那些业务，或者预付费呼叫业务可以建议一个可以替换所希望业务的比较便宜的业务，甚至可以自动地将主叫方接至某个价格较低的因此仍可接入的可替换业务。According to one embodiment, the calling party is notified of the balance at the beginning of the connection. In the event that the balance is lower than required to access the desired destination number or service, the user may be notified of this fact. Additional information can include a service that normally advises that access is still available with this balance, or a prepaid calling service can suggest a less expensive service that can replace the desired service, or even automatically connect the caller to a Alternative services that are less expensive and therefore still accessible.

在卡验证成功后，呼叫就送至所希望的目的端。目的端应答后，启动动态扣费操作，因此费用就从用户帐户中扣除。由于这个业务知道呼叫/业务占用的价格和帐户内所剩的脉冲数，因此就能动态地计算出剩余呼叫时间的估计。这个剩余呼叫时间通知给用户，最好是在电话机的显示器上显示或者用语音消息通知。语音消息例如可以是每隔一定的时间间隔给出，或者也可以在到达某个临界时间时给出(例如在剩余时间只有30秒时)。After successful card verification, the call is routed to the desired destination. After the destination end answers, the dynamic deduction operation is started, so the fee is deducted from the user account. Since the service knows the price of the call/service occupied and the number of pulses remaining in the account, an estimate of the remaining call time can be calculated dynamically. The remaining call time is notified to the user, preferably displayed on the display of the telephone or notified with a voice message. Voice messages can be given at regular intervals, or can be given when a certain critical time is reached (for example, when the remaining time is only 30 seconds).

应当注意的是，虽然以上涉及的是帐户在网络侧实现的情况，但是也可以采用帐户在电话卡侧实现的方式。在这两种情况下，基本原理是相同的，也就是说剩余呼叫时间是根据呼叫的价格和帐户内所剩的脉冲数确定的。这种计算可以由IN内的预付费呼叫业务进行。It should be noted that, although the above refers to the case where the account is implemented on the network side, a method in which the account is implemented on the phone card side may also be adopted. In both cases, the basic principle is the same, that is, the remaining call time is determined based on the price of the call and the number of pulses left in the account. This calculation can be performed by the prepaid calling service within the IN.

如果在呼叫期间呼叫价格改变，例如在第一个5分钟比下一个5分钟贵/便宜或者一个特惠价格时段开始的情况下，这种业务也将动态地予以考虑，剩余时间将按此显示。If the call price changes during the call, eg if the first 5 minutes is more expensive/cheaper than the next 5 minutes or a special price period starts, this service will also be dynamically taken into account and the remaining time will be displayed accordingly.

因此，本发明提供了一种对预付费呼叫技术上有明显改进的设备和方法。应指出的是，以上实施例只是作为说明本发明的一些例子，本发明的范围并不局限于以上所介绍的具体形式，而是涵盖了所有包括在由所附权利要求书明确的本发明的精神和范围内的各种变型、类似型和等效型。所有其他实施方式、修改和应用对于熟悉该技术的人员都是显而易见的，因此都包括在所附权利要求书提出的本发明的专利保护范围之内。Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus and method that significantly improves prepaid calling technology. It should be pointed out that the above embodiments are only some examples for illustrating the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific forms described above, but covers all aspects of the present invention that are clearly defined by the appended claims. Various modifications, analogs and equivalents are made within the spirit and scope. All other implementations, modifications and applications, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are therefore included within the patentable scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

按照条约第19条的修改Amendments pursuant to Article 19 of the Treaty

1.一种通过电话终端和预付费呼叫业务为一个电话机的用户提供预付费呼叫或业务的方法，所述方法包括下列步骤：1. A method of providing a prepaid call or service for a user of a telephone set through a telephone terminal and a prepaid call service, said method comprising the following steps:

为用户提供一个包括在一个与特种业务有关的电话卡内的个人代码；Provide the user with a personal code included in a calling card related to a particular service;

在所述电话终端与预付费业务之间建立一个呼叫；establishing a call between said telephone terminal and a prepaid service;

将所述个人代码供给预付费业务；Giving said personal code to prepaid services;

按照所述专用电话卡触发只对一个预先规定的目的端号码或预付费业务的呼叫；According to the special calling card, triggering a call only to a pre-specified destination number or a prepaid service;

动态地从一个为所述个人代码专用的、含有所需预付款数据的帐户中扣除呼叫费用；以及dynamically debit the cost of the call from an account dedicated to said personal code containing the required prepaid data; and

在呼叫期间根据在这个帐户上的余额和呼叫费用动态地将剩余呼叫时间和/或在这个帐户上的余额通知用户。The user is dynamically notified of the remaining call time and/or the balance on the account during the call based on the balance on the account and the cost of the call.

2.一种符合权利要求1的方法，其中所述呼叫时间和/或余额信息以及可能的其他与呼叫计费有关的信息通过所述电话终端的一个显示器向用户显示。2. A method according toclaim 1, wherein said call duration and/or balance information and possibly other call billing related information are displayed to the user via a display of said telephone terminal.

3.一种符合权利要求1或2的方法，其中所述用户预先为接入某个预先规定的业务付费；以及3. A method according toclaim 1 or 2, wherein said user pays in advance for access to a predetermined service; and

所述为用户提供的个人代码是一个仅仅为所述预先规定的业务专用的代码。Said personal code provided to the user is a code specific only to said pre-specified service.

4.一种符合权利要求3的方法，其中所述个人代码通过一个提供只对所述预先规定的业务的接入的预付费电话卡提供给所述用户。4. A method according toclaim 3, wherein said personal code is provided to said user via a prepaid telephone card providing access only to said pre-specified services.

5.一种符合以上任何权利要求的方法，其中所述呼叫终端和在所希望的目的端的终端都是连接到所述通信系统的数据处理装置，而所述个人代码通过通信系统的数据传输提供给用户。5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the calling terminal and the terminal at the desired destination are data processing means connected to the communication system, and the personal code is provided by data transmission of the communication system to the user.

6.一种符合以上任何权利要求的方法，其中所述预付费业务的电话号码是一个免费电话号码的号码，而所述个人代码传送对一个所希望的业务运营商的一个预先规定的提价电话号码的呼叫。6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said prepaid service telephone number is the number of a toll-free number and said personal code conveys a pre-specified price increase to a desired service operator phone number call.

7.一种符合以上任何权利要求的方法，所述方法还包括从一个数据库检索出与所述个人代码有关的数据，所述与个人代码有关的数据包括限制参数或其他与占用所述预付费呼叫业务有关的参数或信息。7. A method according to any preceding claim, said method further comprising retrieving data relating to said personal code from a database, said data relating to said personal code including limiting parameters or other information related to the use of said prepaid Parameters or information related to the call service.

8.一种符合以上任何权利要求的方法，其中所述在呼叫期间提供给所述用户的动态实时信息还包括在呼叫期间所用的金额。8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said dynamic real-time information provided to said user during a call further includes the amount of money spent during the call.

9.一种符合以上任何权利要求的方法，其中所述帐户是一个脉冲帐户，而所述方法还包括下列步骤：9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said account is a pulse account and said method further comprises the steps of:

在预付费业务期间从所述帐户中动态地扣除脉冲；以及dynamically debiting pulses from said account during prepaid service; and

通过利用至少一些动态地指示呼叫价格和所述帐户内所剩脉冲数的参数进行计算确定剩余的预付费业务时间和/或余额。The remaining prepaid service time and/or balance is determined by calculation using at least some parameters dynamically indicative of the price of the call and the number of pulses remaining in said account.

10.一种符合以上任何权利要求的方法，所述方法还包括在所述呼叫期间改变所述帐户内的余额和/或修改所述预付费业务的参数或限制的步骤，其中所述改变和/或修改最好由网络运行方或业务运营商实现。10. A method according to any preceding claim, said method further comprising the step of changing the balance in said account and/or modifying parameters or limits of said prepaid service during said call, wherein said changing and / or modification is preferably implemented by the network operator or service operator.

11.一种符合以上任何权利要求的方法，其中所述预付费业务建立为一个使用调制解调器连接的无声连接。11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said prepaid service is established as a silent connection using a modem connection.

12.一种符合以上任何权利要求的方法，其中所述个人代码作为一个加密数据分组发送，然后在所述终端打开。12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said personal code is sent as an encrypted data packet which is then opened at said terminal.

13.一种符合以上任何权利要求的方法，其中所述代码包括可以由运行方和ISP实时改变的余额和限制的各个参数；而所述代码处理是通过通信系统在用户终端和业务之间的数据传输实时动态地实现的。13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said code includes various parameters of balance and limit that can be changed in real time by the operator and the ISP; and said code processing is between the user terminal and the service through a communication system Data transmission is realized dynamically in real time.

14.一种为电话机的用户提供预付费呼叫或业务的配置，所述配置包括：14. An arrangement for providing prepaid calls or services to users of telephone sets, said arrangement comprising:

一种预付费呼叫业务；A prepaid calling service;

一个能接入所述预付费呼叫业务的电话终端；A telephone terminal capable of accessing said prepaid calling service;

为用户提供一个包括在一个与特种业务有关的电话卡内的个人代码的装置；Means for providing the user with a personal code included in a calling card associated with a particular service;

一个为所述个人代码专用的帐户；an account dedicated to said personal code;

触发对一个预先规定的业务运营商号码的呼叫的装置；means of triggering a call to a pre-specified service operator number;

动态地从所述帐户中扣去呼叫费用的装置；以及means for dynamically debiting call charges from said account; and

在呼叫期间根据在所述帐户中的余额和预付费业务的费用动态地将剩余的预付费业务时间和/或在所述帐户内的余额通知所述用户的装置。The user's device is dynamically informed during the call of the remaining prepaid service time and/or the balance in the account according to the balance in the account and the cost of the prepaid service.

15.一种符合权利要求14的配置，所述配置还包括：15. An arrangement according toclaim 14, said arrangement further comprising:

一个可由预付费业务访问的数据库；a database accessible by prepaid services;

根据接收到的所述个人代码从所述数据库检索与所述个人代码有关的数据的装置，means for retrieving data relating to said personal code from said database upon receipt of said personal code,

其中所述配置使得包括在所述数据库内的信息和参数可以改变或修改，最好是由一个运行所述配置的运营方予以改变或修改。Wherein said configuration is such that information and parameters contained in said database can be changed or modified, preferably by an operator running said configuration.

16.一种符合权利要求14或15的配置，其中所述帐户是一个在一个提供所述预付费呼叫业务的智能网的一个数据库内实现的或者在所述用户的一个与预付费业务有关的电话卡内实现的脉冲帐户。16. An arrangement according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said account is implemented in a database of an intelligent network providing said prepaid calling service or in a prepaid service-related account of said user A pulse account implemented within a calling card.

17.一种符合任何权利要求14至16的配置，其中所述电话终端包括一个显示剩余的预付费业务时间信息和/或余额以及可能的其他与预付费业务费用有关的信息的显示器。17. An arrangement according to any ofclaims 14 to 16, wherein said telephone terminal includes a display showing remaining prepaid service time information and/or balance and possibly other information relating to prepaid service charges.

18.一种符合任何权利要求11至17的配置，其中所述帐户是一个脉冲帐户，在呼叫期间动态地从所述脉冲帐户中扣除脉冲，从而通过利用至少一些指示所述预付费业务的价格和在所述帐户内所剩的脉冲的参数进行计算确定剩余的预付费业务时间。18. An arrangement according to any ofclaims 11 to 17, wherein said account is a pulse account from which pulses are dynamically debited during a call, thereby indicating the price of said prepaid service by using at least some A calculation is performed with the parameters of pulses remaining in said account to determine the remaining prepaid service time.

19.一种符合任何权利要求14至18的配置，其中所述呼叫终端和一个在所述目的端号码端提供预付费业务的终端都是数据处理装置。19. An arrangement according to any ofclaims 14 to 18, wherein said calling terminal and a terminal providing prepaid service at said destination number are data processing means.

20.一种符合任何权利要求14至19的配置，其中所述预付费业务建立为一个使用调制解调器连接的无声连接。20. An arrangement according to any ofclaims 14 to 19, wherein said prepaid service is established as a silent connection using a modem connection.

21.一种符合任何权利要求14至20的配置，其中所述个人代码作为一个加密数据分组发送，然后在所述终端打开。21. An arrangement according to any ofclaims 14 to 20, wherein said personal code is sent as an encrypted data packet which is then opened at said terminal.

22.一种符合任何权利要求14至21的配置，其中所述代码包括可以由运行方和ISP实时改变的余额和限制的各个参数；而所述代码处理是通过通信系统在用户终端和业务之间的数据传输实时动态地实现的。22. An arrangement according to any ofclaims 14 to 21, wherein said code includes parameters of balance and limit which can be changed in real time by the operator and the ISP; Real-time and dynamic data transmission among them.

Claims (16)

1. one kind provides prepaid call or professional method by telephone terminal and prepaid call business for the user of a telephone set, and described method comprises the following steps:

For the user provides people's code one by one;

Between telephone terminal and prepaid call business, set up a calling;

Personal code is supplied with the prepaid call business;

Triggering is to the calling of a desirable destination;

Dynamically from a expense for deduction calling the account this personal code special use, that contain required advance payment data; And

Basis dynamically will remain call time and/or the balance notification user on this account in remaining sum on this account and calling charge during calling out.

2. meet and the process of claim 1 wherein that described call time and/or balance amount information and possible other information relevant with call charging show to the user by a display of described telephone terminal.

3. the method that meets claim 1 or 2, wherein said user pays for inserting certain business of predesignating in advance; And

The described personal code that provides for the user is one and only is the code of the described service-specific of predesignating.

4. the method that meets claim 3, wherein said personal code only provides the prepaid phone card to the access of the described business of predesignating to offer described user by one.

5. the method that meets above any claim, wherein said calling terminal and all be the data processing equipment that is connected on the communication system in the terminal of desirable destination, and the transfer of data of described personal code by communication system offers described user.

6. the method that meets above any claim, the telephone number of wherein said prepaid call business is the number of free call numbers, and described personal code transmits the calling to a price raising telephone number of predesignating of a desirable service provider.

7. the method that meets above any claim, described method also comprises from a data library searching and goes out the data relevant with described personal code, and the described data relevant with personal code comprise limiting parameter or other and take described prepaid call professional relevant parameter or information.

8. the method that meets above any claim, the wherein said dynamic real-time information that offers described user during calling out also are included in the used amount of money during the calling.

9. the method that meets above any claim, wherein said account is a pulse account, and described method also comprises the following steps:

During calling out, from described account, dynamically deduct pulse; And

By utilize at least some dynamically in indicating call price and the described account parameter of last umber of pulse calculate and determine remaining prepaid call time and/or remaining sum.

10. the method that meets above any claim, described method also is included in and changes the remaining sum in the described account during the described calling and/or revise the parameter of described calling or the step of restriction, wherein said change and/or revise and preferably realized by network operation side or service provider.

11. the user for telephone set provides prepaid call or professional configuration, described configuration comprises:

A kind of prepaid call business;

The telephone terminal that can insert described prepaid call business;

For described user provides the device of people's code one by one;

One is the account of described personal code special use;

Triggering is to the device of the calling of a desirable destination;

Dynamically from described account, detain the device that removes calling charge; And

During calling out according to remaining sum in described account and calling charge dynamically with remaining call time and/or the described user's of balance notification in described account device.

12. a configuration that meets claim 11, described configuration also comprises:

One can be by the database of prepaid call Operational Visit;

According to the device of the described personal code that receives from the described database retrieval data relevant with described personal code,

Wherein said configuration makes information and the parameter be included in the described database to change or to revise, is preferably changed by an operator of moving described configuration or revises.

13. a configuration that meets claim 11 or 12, wherein said account is a pulse account who realizes in the prepaid phone card that realize or described user in a database of an intelligent network that described prepaid call business is provided.

14. a configuration that meets any claim 11 to 13, wherein said telephone terminal comprise that shows remaining call time of an information and/or the display of remaining sum and possible other information relevant with call charging.

15. configuration that meets any claim 11 to 14, wherein said account is a pulse account, during calling out, dynamically from described pulse account, deduct pulse, thereby indicate the price of described calling and the parameter of last pulse in described account to calculate the remaining prepaid call time of determining at least by utilization.

16. a configuration that meets any claim 11 to 15, it all is data processing equipment that wherein said calling terminal and one provide the terminal of desirable business at described destination number end.

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