Method and system for negotiating telecommunication resources

• US 20020058532A1
• Filed: 03/13/2001
• Published: 05/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Quarterhill Inc. (f/k/a Wi-LAN Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Wi-LAN Inc.
• Inventors: Snelgrove, William Martin, De Simone, Mauricio, Stumm, Michael
• Application Number:
  US09/803,905
• Publication Number:
  US 20020058532A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/557
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/14 Charging , metering or billing arrangements for data wireline or wireless communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1485 Tariff-related aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1492 negotiation of tariff
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0896 Bandwidth or capacity management, i.e. automatically increasing or decreasing capacities flow or congestion control using dynamic resource allocation, e.g. in-call renegotiation, H04L47/76
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/24 Negotiation of communication capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/43 Billing software details
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/46 Real-time negotiation between users and providers or operators
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/49 Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/51 for resellers, retailers or service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/745 Customizing according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. friends or family
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8016 based on quality of service [QoS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8044 Least cost routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/805 Bidding
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/205 Broadcasting
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0108 Customization according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. customer preferences, friends and family, selecting services or billing options, Personal Communication Systems [PCS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0168 On line or real-time flexible customization or negotiation according to wishes of subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0176 Billing arrangements using internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/018 On-line real-time billing, able to see billing information while in communication, e.g. via the internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/22 : Bandwidth or usage-sensitve billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/42 : Least cost routing, i.e. provision for selecting the lowest cost tariff
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/46 : Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/54 : Resellers-retail or service providers billing, e.g. agreements with telephone service operator, activation, charging/recharging of accounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/56 : On line or real-time flexible agreements between service providers and telecoms operators
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/7414 : QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/745 : Least cost routing, e.g. Automatic or manual, call by call or by preselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/7457 : Biding
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/382 : using authorisation codes or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42153 : by subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42221 : Conversation recording systems at the subscriber's set H04M1/656
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4228 : in networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/493 : Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/533 : Voice mail systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/56 : Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities video conference systems H04N7/15
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/00 : Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/45 : using multi-frequency signalling H04Q1/46 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13003 : Constructional details of switching devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13031 : Pulse code modulation, PCM
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13034 : A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1305 : Software aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1307 : Call setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13093 : Personal computer, PC
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13097 : Numbering, addressing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13102 : Common translator
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13103 : Memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 : Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13138 : Least cost routing, LCR
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13166 : Fault prevention
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13175 : Graphical user interface [GUI], WWW interface, visual indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13176 : Common channel signaling, CCS7
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1319 : Amplifier, attenuation circuit, echo suppressor
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1324 : Conference call
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1325 : Priority service
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13282 : Call forward, follow-me, call diversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1329 : Asynchronous transfer mode, ATM
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1332 : Logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13345 : Intelligent networks, SCP
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13389 : LAN, internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13396 : Signaling in general, in-band signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0045 : involving hybrid, i.e. a mixture of public and private, or multi-vendor systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0054 : Service creation techniques
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/66 : Traffic distributors

Abstract

Current telecommunication Service Providers allow Users to choose from a small selection of telecommunication services with predetermined performance parameters and prices. The invention provides a system in which Service Providers and Users negotiate the parameters and prices of telecommunication services in real time, allowing the Service Providers and Users to establish communications that better optimise their available resources and current needs. This is done by having software agents that represent each concerned party, negotiate the terms of the communication in real time. Further, the invention allows third parties to create new agent or negotiating discipline software available over the Internet, which will allow the technology to mature quickly, and to respond to new services and/or requirements.

Claims

1. A telecommunications system comprising:

a First User Interface;

a Second User Interface;

a telecommunications network interconnecting said First User Interface with said Second User Interface and having at least one transmission means and protocol;

said First User Interface having a First User Agent, representing the interests of said First User Interface in negotiating communication between said First User Interface and said Second User Interface;

said telecommunications network being administered by a Network Agent, representing the interests of said telecommunications network in negotiating communication between said First User Interface and said Second User Interface; and

a Negotiation Manager being operable to;

identify agents participating in a negotiation;

implement a negotiation discipline which allows each said participating agent to consider a contract and either accept or revise said contract; and

respond to said negotiation being successful by executing said contract.

2. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said First User Agent is operable to:

receive a contract from a Negotiation Manager;

inspect said contract;

respond to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state; and

return said contract to said Negotiation Manager.

3. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said Network Agent is operable to:

receive a contract from a Negotiation Manager;

inspect said contract;

respond to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state; and

return said contract to said Manager.

4. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said First User Agent is further operable to:

respond to a request from said First User to initiate a communication by;

creating a contract; and

transmitting said contract to said Negotiation Manager.

5. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said Network Agent is further operable to respond to telecommunications network information being out of date by updating said telecommunications network information.

6. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 3, further comprising said Second User Interface having a Second User Agent, representing the interests of said Second User Interface in negotiating communication between said First User Interface and said Second User Interface.

7. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User, said First User and said Second User being interconnected by a telecommunications network having at least one transmission means and protocol, comprising the steps executed by a Negotiation Manager of:

identifying participants in a negotiation;

implementing a negotiation discipline which allows each said participating agent to consider a contract and either accept or revise said contract; and

responding to said negotiation being successful by executing said contract

8. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User as claimed in claim 7, wherein prior to said step of implementing said negotiation discipline, performing the step of informing said participating agents that said negotiation is to commence.

9. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User as claimed in claim 8, wherein said step of identifying participating agents comprises the steps of:

adding participating agents to said negotiation; and

authenticating said participating agents.

10. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User, said First User and said Second User being interconnected by a telecommunications network having at least one transmission means and protocol, comprising the steps executed by a Negotiation Manager of:

initializing a negotiation;

adding participating agents to said negotiation;

authenticating said participating agents;

setting up the environment for a negotiating discipline;

informing said participating agents that said negotiation is to commence;

implementing said negotiation discipline which allows each said participating agent to consider a contract and either accept or revise said contract;

informing said participants of the outcome of said negotiation;

responding to said negotiation being successful by executing said contract; and

responding to said negotiation being unsuccessful by abandoning said contract.

11. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User as claimed in claim 10, wherein said step of implementing said negotiation discipline comprises the steps of:

forwarding said contract package to the next of said negotiating participants;

receiving a modified contract package from said next participant;

responding to said modified contract package indicating acceptance of said contract by returning said accepted contract package to said Contract Manager;

responding to further participants in said round by returning to said step forwarding;

responding to further rounds to be performed by returning to said step of forwarding; and

responding to no further rounds and no further participants by setting an incomplete flag in said contract; and

returning said contract package to said Contract Manager.

14. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User as claimed in claim 13, wherein prior to said step of inspecting said contract, performing the step of responding to telecommunications network information being out of date by updating said telecommunications network information.

15. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User as claimed in claim 14, wherein prior to said step of returning said contract to said manager, performing the step of responding to said contract being acceptable by setting an acceptance flag in said contract.

17. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User as claimed in claim 16, wherein said telecommunications network includes two or more transmission means and protocols, administered by separate Network sub-Entities responsible to said Network Entity, said step of inspecting said contract further comprises the steps of:

transmitting said contract to said Network sub-Entity; and

said Network sub-Entity performing the steps of;

inspecting said contract;

responding to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state; and

returning said contract to said Network Entity.

19. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User as claimed in claim 18, wherein prior to said step of receiving a contract from a Negotiation Manager, performing the steps of:

responding to a request from said First User to initiate a communication by creating a contract; and

transmitting said contract to a Negotiation Manager.

12. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User, said First User and said Second User being interconnected by a telecommunications network having at least one transmission means and protocol, comprising the steps executed by a Negotiation Manager of:

receiving a contract package which contains a participant list, a number of rounds and a negotiating discipline;

forwarding said contract package to the next participant in said participant list;

receiving a modified contract package from said next participant;

responding to said modified contract package indicating acceptance of said contract by returning said accepted contract package to a Contract Manager;

responding to further participants in said round by returning to step b;

responding to further rounds to be performed by returning to step b;

setting an incomplete flag in said contract; and

returning said contract package to said Contract Manager.

13. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User, said First User and said Second User being interconnected by a telecommunications network having at least one transmission means and protocol, said at least one transmission means and protocol being administered by a Network Entity, said method comprising the steps executed by said Network Entity of:

receiving a contract from a Negotiation Manager;

inspecting said contract;

responding to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state; and

returning said contract to said Manager.

16. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User, said First User and said Second User being interconnected by a telecommunications network having at least one transmission means and protocol, comprising the steps executed by a Network Entity of:

receiving a contract from a Contract Manager;

responding to telecommunications network information being out of date by updating said telecommunications network information;

inspecting said contract;

responding to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state;

responding to said contract being acceptable by setting an acceptance flag in said contract; and

returning said contract to said Manager.

18. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User, said First User and said Second User being interconnected by a telecommunications network having at least one transmission means and protocol, comprising the steps executed by said First User of:

receiving a contract from a Negotiation Manager;

inspecting said contract;

responding to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state; and

returning said contract to said Negotiation Manager.

20. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User, said First User and said Second User being interconnected by a telecommunications network having at least one transmission means and protocol, comprising the steps executed by said First User of:

responding to a request from said First User to initiate a communication by creating a contract;

transmitting said contract to a Negotiation Manager;

receiving said contract from said Negotiation Manager;

inspecting said contract;

responding to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state;

responding to said contract being acceptable by indicating acceptance in said contract; and

returning said contract to said Negotiation Manager.

21. A method of establishing communication between a First User and a Second User as claimed in claim 20, wherein said telecommunications network includes two or more local transmission means and protocols, administered by separate Local Network sub-Entities responsible to said First User, said step of inspecting said contract further comprises the steps of:

transmitting said contract to said Local Network sub-Entity; and

said Local Network sub-Entity performing the steps of;

inspecting said contract;

responding to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state; and

returning said contract to said First User.

22. A Negotiation Manager for administering negotiation of communication between a First User and a Second User interconnected via a telecommunication network, said telecommunication network having a plurality of transmission means and protocols, said Negotiation Manager comprising:

means for identify participants in a negotiation;

means for implementing a negotiation discipline which allows each said participant to consider a contract and either accept or revise said contract; and

means for respond to said negotiation being successful by executing said contract.

24. A First User Agent as claimed in claim 23, further comprising:

means responsive to a request from said First User to initiate a communication by creating a contract; and

means for transmitting said contract to a Negotiation Manager.

26. A Network Entity as claimed in claim 25, further comprising means for responding to telecommunications network information being out of date by updating said telecommunications network information.

23. A First User Agent for administering negotiation of telecommunication on behalf of a First User in a telecommunications system including a Second User having a Second User Agent and a telecommunications network interconnecting said First User with said Second User, said telecommunications network having a plurality of transmission means and protocols administered by a Negotiation Manager, said First User Agent comprising:

means for receiving a contract from a Negotiation Manager;

means for inspecting said contract;

means responsive to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state; and

means for returning said contract to said Negotiation Manager.

25. A Network Entity for administering a plurality of transmission means and protocols in a telecommunications system, said telecommunications system including a First User having a First User Agent, a Second User having a Second User Agent and a telecommunications network interconnecting said First User with said Second User, said Network Entity comprising:

means for receiving a contract from a Negotiation Manager;

means for inspecting said contract;

means for responding to said contract not being acceptable by modifying said contract to an acceptable state; and

means for returning said contract to said Manager.