WO2008154687A1

WO2008154687A1 - Method and system for foreign network usage data collection

Info

Publication number: WO2008154687A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000886
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Patrick Mcmullan; David Hogan
Original assignee: Freshtel R & D Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Freshtel R & D Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-06-19
Filing date: 2008-06-19
Publication date: 2008-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2009-12-19

Abstract

A method of deriving network usage data of a user, wherein the user subscribes to a core network and accesses a wireless network through a wireless communications device. For each connection required to be established by the user, the method comprises selecting the wireless network from a number of wireless networks over which to establish the connection, monitoring usage data associated with the connection including the duration of the connection and transmitting the usage data and storing the usage data in the core network. The usage data on all connections established for the user is stored in an aggregated ledger.

Description

"Method and system for foreign network usage data collection"

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2007903291 filed on 19 June 2007, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method and system of deriving telecommunication network subscriber usage data. More particularly, it relates to a method and system for seamlessly integrating connection through one of a number of wireless and wired telecommunication networks and enabling billing from usage of the various networks to be stored and itemised in an aggregated record set.

Background of the Invention Generally, telecommunication networks allow connection to a mobile network and to the internet separately. For example, this will enable a mobile telecommunications user to connect to the internet, using WiFi, or otherwise make a service request (e.g. "phone call") over the internet. Separately this allows connection to a mobile telecommunications network such as GSM or CDMA. The telecommunications carrier will not necessarily be aware which is the cheapest option, that is, to deliver service via the internet or via a mobile network. The user can, on some specific handsets, override which connection alternative to use.

Other telecommunication carriers allow calls to be made through WiFi or through a mobile network and state that it is possible to obtain a cheaper amount of minutes or call time over one particular network compared to the other. This is generally where the telecommunications operator owns both networks.

Furthermore, particularly when" a user is away from their home country, they will use a multitude of foreign telecommunication networks. Generally, the user will not know what is the cheapest rate or what is the best alternative to use. When the user eventually receive invoices for call charges from the respective telecommunication networks, all such call charges are on separate bills. This is extremely cumbersome for the user to have to pay on each separate account. Furthermore, where the user has prepaid for a particular amount of call time with a network, this cannot be transferred to another telecommunications network as a credit on call usage. Thus, in order to maximise the user's usage on a particular network or otherwise minimise his or her call costs, the user has to predict or estimate how much time to spend using the particular network or retain all service costs to choose one network over other networks.

Furthermore, telecommunication networks generally do not provide readily accessible call charge rates or network usage rates which makes it difficult for a telecommunications user to be able to know how much he or she has spent on a particular call or access.

The present invention seeks to overcome one more of the above disadvantages by providing seamless connection between either a mobile network or access to the internet, for example through WiFi, have the usage time recorded and stored in one account for the user.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a method of deriving network usage data of a user, wherein the user subscribes to a core network and accesses a selected wireless network through a wireless communications device, the method comprising the steps of: for each connection required to be established by the user: selecting the wireless network from a number of wireless networks over which to establish the connection; monitoring usage data associated with the connection including the duration of the connection; transmitting the usage data and storing the usage data in the core network; wherein usage data on all connections established for the user are stored in an aggregated ledger.

Preferably an estimate of the cost of each connection is provided and displayed to the user on the wireless communications device. Preferably the selected wireless network has the least expensive connection charges. Actual connection charges or estimated connection charges may be transmitted from the core network to the wireless communications device for storage thereon. The approximate cost of a connection over the selected wireless network may be calculated and displayed to the user. The calculation may be based on the measured duration of the connection and the actual or estimated connection charges.

The invention further provides d a system for deriving network usage data of a user, wherein the user subscribes to a core network and accesses a wireless network, selected from a number of wireless networks, through a wireless communications device, the system comprising: means for monitoring the usage data of a connection, after establishment of the connection to the wireless network, including the duration of the connection; means for transmitting the usage data to the core network upon completion of the connection; and an aggregated ledger in the core network for storing the usage data associated with the user.

The invention further provides a computer program executable on a wireless communications device of a user to derive network usage data, the user subscribing to a core network that selects a wireless network whereupon establishment of a connection over the wireless network the computer program: monitors usage data associated with the connection including the duration of the connection; records the usage data on completion of the connection; transmits the usage data to the core network for storage in an aggregated ledger in the core network and associated with the user.

The program may perform the above steps for each connection established whereupon the usage data for all connections for the user is stored in an aggregated ledger. The program may calculate the actual or estimated cost of a connection based on a measured duration of the connection and actual or estimated charge rates over the selected wireless network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example only, with reference to the single drawing in which: Figures 1 and 2 are block diagrams of a system of deriving and storing network usage data in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a system 10 which is used to monitor and collect usage data when a user uses one or more telecommunication networks. The network 20, through which the user can be connected, may be a wireless network 22 or the internet 24. Examples of wireless networks that could be used from different telecommunication carriers includes GSM/GPRS, CDMA or IMS

(instant messaging service) or RAN (radio access network). Service connection over the internet can be enabled through internet protocol (IP) or WiFi (wireless fidelity) where a wireless communications device, such as a mobile phone, notebook or PDA connects to the internet through a wireless network. A user having a wireless telecommunications device 12, typically a mobile phone, will have access to either the wireless network 22 and/or the internet 24 through a secondary network, such as network 14, being a telecommunications carrier, typically in a country other than the user's home country, and have all service delivery (e.g. "phone calls") monitored and usage details transferred back to a core network 16, which forms part of a network of a carrier to which the user of the device 12 subscribes.

When the device 12 switched on, it is in constant communication with the core network 16. In order to set up a service delivery request (e.g. "phone call"), the device 12 is polled continuously to provide authentication, usually through a MAC address or the IMEI code which is unique to the device 12. Thus, when a user wishes to make a call, either over network 22 or network 24, after authentication has taken place, the user dials the required number. For example, this might be a call that requires the secondary network 14, which may be a mobile network, to engage the service delivery (e.g. "phone call"). The selection of which network 22 or 24 to use in establishing the call is decided by the core network 16. The selection is based on a list of available access points (e.g. WiFi, SIP, GSM, etc.) that the device 12 stores and is subsequently sent to the core network 16 over link 13. The list is sent to a Service Manager Unit 15 within the core network 16. The Service Manager Unit 15 runs through a series of network delivery options such as availability, current quality readings and then preferably hands off an "approved" list to a Least Cost Routing Engine (LCR) 17. The LCR engine 17 determines the route of least cost, if possible, for the subscriber using device 12 or the most suitable route possible at that time. This information is then transmitted to the device 12 over link 13 that is now able to enable the service delivery (e.g. "phone call") through that route. The user has no knowledge of which network 22 or 24 is being used. The network that will be used for the service delivery (e.g. "phone call") will be the cheaper option for the user of the device 12 as calculated by the core network 16. The core network may apply a rule that does not select a network resulting in the cheapest option for the subscriber. The network 16 either has the service usage (e.g. "phone call") charges of secondary network 14 available or estimates the call charges itself as the call is being made and displayed to the user on the device 12.

A software application is stored in the device 12 that monitors the service usage (e.g. "phone call") and then is able to forward the network usage details after the call has been completed back to the core network 16. Where the network 14 charge rates are available, a common messaging protocol is provided on link 18 between the secondary network 14 and the core network 16 in order to download or transmit those call charge rates. These rates are stored in memory 21 in the core network 16 and are transmitted to the device 12 for storage thereon by the software application so that it can automatically calculate the cost of the service usage (e.g. "phone call") or access made by the subscriber in real time. As mentioned previously, where the network 14 is unable to or does not wish to forward its call charge rates, in other words the integration is unimplemented at 19, then the core network 16 is able to provide an estimate of the service usage (e.g. "phone call") charge rates on that secondary network 14 to the subscriber who uses the device 12. When the subscriber has completed their service usage (e.g. "phone call") or access through the network 20, the software application in the device 12, which has been monitoring the just made call transmits an event, in this instance an event usage detail 23 through network 20 back to the core network 16. It is converted into a usage detail record (UDR) 25 in the core network 16 which is then stored in a ledger 26, associated with the subscriber to whom the service was delivered. The ledger 26 stores in one aggregated location some or all usage detail records that the subscriber has engaged over a number of telecommunication carriers and/or service providers. Thus, for example a usage detail record over respective secondary networks 27, 28 and 29 are stored in the ledger 26 under the subscriber identification. This extends to as many subscribers to the core network 16 as required.

As mentioned previously, the software application installed on the device 12 is a program stored in memory on the device 12 that is able to derive network usage data of the user by monitoring the usage of a number of delivered services (e.g. "phone calls") or accesses over either network 22 or 24 made by the subscriber of device 12. Also stored in the memory of device 12 is information on charge rates of the various telecommunication carriers which is accessed in order to calculate current usage cost. The rates can either be exact rates, as provided by the respective telecommunications carrier, or an estimate of the rates provided by the operators of the core network 16.

The program is able to instruct a processor on device 12 to calculate in real time an estimate for the service/access charges whereby it is linked to a timer that times the service/access and performs the calculation based on the particular rates for that time of day from the memory or a request to the core network 16. The call cost is then displayed to the user on device 12.

Once the service usage (e.g. "phone call") is completed the final charge is calculated and together with other information about the service usage (e.g. "phone call"), such as the destination telephone number, time and duration is temporarily stored in the memory of the device 12, under instruction from the program. These are subsequently transmitted, again under commands from the program, to the core network 16 over the mobile network 20, either through network 22 or over the internet

24, for storage in ledger 26.

The program is preferably written in C++ and is written on a specific platform suited to the particular manufacturer's device 12. For example, if the device 12 is a Nokia^® handset then the program is written on a Symbian platform. If the device is a

Motorola^® handset then it is also written on Symbian platform but using the language

UIQ. It can also be based on a Linux platform.

The signalling and transfer of data between the device 12 and the core network

16 is conducted using SOAP. Alternatively, WSDL contract can be used or XML RTP or XML via HTTP in order to transfer the usage details between the device 12 and the core network 16, for storage in the ledger 26.

The present invention advantageously provides seamless connection for a user of a wireless communications device through either a wireless telecommunications network or over the internet or even over a LAN. Connection through the selected network is based on a number of criteria or network delivery options. All of the usage data is monitored and recorded on the user wireless device and forwarded to a core network to which the user subscribes. An aggregated ledger at the core network stores the usage data for each user, for connections over a multitude of networks owned and operated by various telecommunication carriers and/or partners. The call charges payable by each user is advantageously provided to each user as a single aggregated list of charges, not separate lists or bills for each network used. The user is not aware of which network is being used for a particular connection. The invention does not require input or a set up process from each network and the network operators. The invention uses the combination of software executable on the wireless handset or device with business logic in the core network to monitor and store usage data without any of the multiple networks and their operators being required or even aware of this occurrence.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of deriving network usage data of a user, wherein the user subscribes to a core network and accesses a selected wireless network through a wireless communications device, the method comprising the steps of: for each connection required to be established by the user: selecting the wireless network from a number of wireless networks over which to establish the connection; monitoring usage data associated with the connection including the duration of the connection; transmitting the usage data and storing the usage data in the core network; wherein usage data on all connections established for the user are stored in an aggregated ledger.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the connection is established through a secondary network that is associated with the selected wireless network.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the wireless network is any one of a mobile telecommunications network or a network that is connected to the internet.

4. A method according to any one of the previous claims wherein the step of selecting is performed by the core network.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the selecting step is based on a list of available access points to the number of wireless networks which are stored in the wireless communications device, the list being forwarded to the core network.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the core network has a service manager unit that analyses a series of network delivery options and forwards an approved list of said options to a least cost routing engine.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the least cost routing engine determines the route of least cost or the optimum route available to establish the connection.

8. A method according to claim 7 further comprising forwarding information pertaining to the route of least cost or optimum route available to the wireless communications device to enable establishment of the connection through the route.

9. A method according to any one of the previous claims further comprising transmitting actual connection charges or estimated connection charges from the core network to the wireless communications device for storage on the wireless communications device.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein each connection established through the selected wireless network has the least expensive connection charges.

11. A method according to claim 10 further comprising calculating and displaying to the user the approximate cost of a connection or actual cost of a connection over the selected wireless network.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the calculation is based on the measured duration of the connection and the actual or estimated connection charge.

13. A method according to any one of the previous claims wherein the transmitted usage data is an event usage detail transmitted through the selected wireless network to the core network.

14. A method according to claim 13 further comprising converting the event usage detail into a usage detail record in the core network and subsequently storing the usage detail record in the aggregated ledger associated with the user that had the connection established.

15. A method according to claim 14 further comprising storing in the ledger usage detail records of the user in a single aggregated location representing connection records of the user over a number of wireless networks owned by respective secondary network providers.

16. A method according to claim 15 further comprising storing in the ledger usage detail records of multiple users in respective single aggregated locations, each representing connection records of the users over a number of wireless networks owned by respective secondary network providers.

17. A system for deriving network usage data of a user, wherein the user subscribes to a core network and accesses a wireless network, selected from a number of wireless networks, through a wireless communications device, the system comprising: means for monitoring the usage data of a connection, after establishment of the connection to the wireless network, including the duration of the connection; means for transmitting the usage data to the core network upon completion of the connection; and an aggregated ledger in the core network for storing the usage data associated with the user.

18. A system according to claim 17 wherein the connection is established through a secondary network that is associated with the selected wireless network.

19. A system according to claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the wireless network is any one of a mobile telecommunications network or a network that is connected to the internet.

20. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the core network selects the wireless network over which the connection is to be established.

21. A system according to claim 20 wherein the selection of the wireless network is based on a list of available access points to the number of wireless networks stored in a memory of the wireless communications device, the list being forwarded to the core network by the wireless communications device.

22. A system according to claim 21 wherein the core network has a service manager unit that analyses a series of network delivery options.

23. A system according to claim 22 wherein the service manager unit forwards an approved list of said options to a least cost routing engine located in the core network.

24. A system according to claim 23 wherein the least cost routing engine determines the route of least cost or the optimum route available to establish the connection.

25. A system according to claim 24 wherein information pertaining to the route of least cost or optimum route available is forwarded from the core network to the wireless communications device to enable establishment of the connection through the route.

26. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 25 wherein the core network transmits actual connection charges or estimated connection charges to the wireless communications device for storage in the memory of the wireless communications device.

27. A system according to claim 26 wherein each connection established through the selected wireless network has the least expensive connection charges.

28. A system according to claim 27 wherein the approximate cost of a connection or actual cost of a connection over the selected wireless network is calculated by the wireless communications device and displayed to the user on the wireless communications device.

29. A system according to claim 28 wherein the calculation is based on the measured duration of the connection and the actual or estimated connection charge.

30. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 29 wherein the transmitted usage data is an event usage detail transmitted through the selected wireless network to the core network.

31. A system according to claim 30 wherein the event usage detail is converted into a usage detail record in the core network and subsequently stored in the aggregated ledger associated with the user that had the connection established.

32. A system according to claim 31 wherein the ledger stores usage detail records of the user in a single aggregated location representing connection records of the user over a number of wireless networks owned by respective secondary network providers.

33. A system according to claim 32 wherein the ledger stores usage detail records of multiple users in respective single aggregated locations, each representing connection records of the users over a number of wireless networks owned by respective secondary network providers.

34. A computer program executable on a wireless communications device of a user to derive network usage data, the user subscribing to a core network that selects a wireless network whereupon establishment of a connection over the wireless network the computer program: monitors usage data associated with the connection including the duration of the connection; records the usage data on completion of the connection; transmits the usage data to the core network for storage in an aggregated ledger in the core network and associated with the user.

35. A computer program according to claim 34 that performs the steps of claim 34 for each connection established whereupon the usage data for all connections for the user is stored in the aggregated ledger.

36. A computer program according to claim 34 or claim 35 that calculates the actual cost or estimated cost of a connection based on a measured duration of the connection and actual or estimated charge rates over the selected wireless network.