Billing and payment method for networks incorporating long latency in their systems architectures
First Claim
1. A method for payment for usage of a long latency network by a customer, comprising:
- a. establishing an account for the customer;
b. accepting payment from the customer;
c. if the customer payment balance in an access device is sufficient, permitting the initiation of the requested service usage by the customer;
d. monitoring in the access device the quantity of service usage by the customer;
e. reducing the customer balance in the access device by the price charged for the service;
f. after the termination of the service usage, transmitting customer account and service usage information from the access device to a mobile access point;
g. transmitting the said customer account and service usage information from the mobile access point to a hub;
h. verifying the customer service usage and the cost thereof at the hub; and
i. transmitting customer account adjustments from the hub to the access device by means of a mobile access point.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A billing and payment method and system for networks incorporating long latency in their systems architectures is provided. As a result of this method and system, it is possible for customers and users to experience virtual real-time access to a network incorporating long latency in its systems architecture and for the network operator to incorporate operating procedures and controls and customer payment procedures and financial controls customarily available in real-time environments. In particular, the present invention is advantageous where reconciliation of accounts and verification of account balances cannot be done in short amounts of time due to high latency of the transmissions. Also, pre-paid and/or post-paid debit and/or credit cards can be used for purchases of goods and services in an environment whereby real-time verification of balances would not otherwise be possible. Examples of networks incorporating long latency in their systems architectures are those which rely on store-and-forward methods to physically deliver voicemail, email, internet access and other data.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for payment for usage of a long latency network by a customer, comprising:
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a. establishing an account for the customer;
b. accepting payment from the customer;
c. if the customer payment balance in an access device is sufficient, permitting the initiation of the requested service usage by the customer;
d. monitoring in the access device the quantity of service usage by the customer;
e. reducing the customer balance in the access device by the price charged for the service;
f. after the termination of the service usage, transmitting customer account and service usage information from the access device to a mobile access point;
g. transmitting the said customer account and service usage information from the mobile access point to a hub;
h. verifying the customer service usage and the cost thereof at the hub; and
i. transmitting customer account adjustments from the hub to the access device by means of a mobile access point. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 20)
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15. A system for payment for usage of a long latency network, comprising:
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a. an access device with a customer interface;
b. a revenue cycle accounting system resident thereon;
c. a mobile access point capable of communicating with the access device; and
d. a Hub server capable of communicating with the mobile access point and with external communications networks;
- View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 19, 21)
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Specification