FLEXIBLE RATING RULES AND CALENDAR RULES IMPLEMENTED IN A REAL-TIME CHARGING SYSTEM FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

摘要

By coupling a rating engine with call processing, rating rules are genera ted that enable a flexible interface between call process and call rating wi thout necessitating that fixed data be passed between them. The real time ch arging system (RCS) provides a process that creates a generic entity, called a bucket, and uses it to keep track of account information and/or to count types of usage. The bucket allows an operator to define accounts and usage c ounters and how they are used as part of the rating rules. Use of these buck ets is defined in rating rules, thus turning control over subscriber account and usage counters to the network operator. Further, the RCS provides a cal endar option for limiting times during which calls to general telephone numb ers can be made or received.