Operating method for a communication network and apparatus for implementing the operating method
First Claim
1. An operating method for a communication network for providing a chargeable service to a subscriber via a network connection assigned to the subscriber, wherein service costs are subsequently billed through use of a collective invoice produced for a specific period of service usage at the network connection, the invoice covering a number of individual services, the method comprising:
- receiving a record sent via a communication terminal connected to the network connection that specifies a selected service;
calculating an estimated cost value based on pre-stored tariff data in response to receiving the record;
comparing the estimated cost with a credit value;
issuing a verification signal that signifies a result of comparing the estimated cost with the credit value; and
at least one of blocking and triggering provision of the selected service in response to the verification signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An operating method for a communication network to provide a chargeable service, in which service costs are subsequently billed and an estimated cost value is calculated in a service control center of the communication network on the basis of prestored tariff data. The estimated cost value is compared with a credit value and provision of the service is triggered or blocked in response to a verification signal signifying the result of the comparison.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. An operating method for a communication network for providing a chargeable service to a subscriber via a network connection assigned to the subscriber, wherein service costs are subsequently billed through use of a collective invoice produced for a specific period of service usage at the network connection, the invoice covering a number of individual services, the method comprising:
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receiving a record sent via a communication terminal connected to the network connection that specifies a selected service;
calculating an estimated cost value based on pre-stored tariff data in response to receiving the record;
comparing the estimated cost with a credit value;
issuing a verification signal that signifies a result of comparing the estimated cost with the credit value; and
at least one of blocking and triggering provision of the selected service in response to the verification signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for providing a chargeable service to a subscriber of a communication network via a network connection assigned to the subscriber, the apparatus comprising:
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a calculation unit configured to calculate an estimated cost value, the calculation unit connected to a tariff database configured to store communication network tariff data;
a credit value storage unit configured to store a credit value assigned to the network connection;
a comparison unit connected to the calculation unit and the credit value storage unit, the comparison unit configured to compare the estimated cost value with the credit value and to emit a verification signal as a result of the comparison; and
a service control unit connected to an output of the comparison unit and configured to one of trigger or block the chargeable service based on a corresponding status of the verification signal, the chargeable service being assigned to a service control center. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification