| 摘要 |
Embodiments of the invention are concerned with for processing events in a communications network and rating usage of network resources associated with the event. In one arrangement embodiments of the invention comprise event processing apparatus (201) for use in processing service initiation request messages in an event processing system; the apparatus is connectable to a plurality of service nodes from which a subscriber is able to receive service during processing of a network event, and at least one service node (205) is arranged to rate the network event. The apparatus comprises a function arranged, on receiving a service initiation request message sent by a serving node (107) in a network currently involved in processing of a network event, to identify one or more service nodes involved in the network event and to retrieve service data in relation thereto. In response to said retrieved service data, the function is arranged to generate a service rating request message (M1) comprising data indicative of the or each identified service node and to transmit same to the rating node (205). Upon receipt of a rating response from said rating node (205), a service response message is generated and transmitted to the serving node (107) from which the service initiation request message is received. Advantageously, the apparatus can communicate with, and control, service nodes that are currently used for post-pay subscribers, and is arranged to process these messages and selectively include them in a rating request message. Thus embodiments of the invention can realize the goal of real time billing for all subscribers, removing the distinction between prepay and postpay customer subscriptions. More specifically, by providing a function that identifies service nodes involved in processing of the network event and forwarding full service details to the rating node, services that are currently in the exclusive realm of 30 postpay can be billed in real time. |
