Systems and methods for collecting and processing satellite communications network usage information
First Claim
1. A method for billing according to actual use of a satellite communications network, comprising the steps of:
- initiating a billing log according to at least one of the group consisting of (i) a duration of the actual use, and (ii) an amount of data throughput transmitted during the actual use;
storing billing information from the billing log in a data structure on-board at least one satellite in the network;
applying a rate of billing to the billing information;
formulating a statement; and
transmitting the statement from the at least one satellite to at least one terrestrial terminal in communication with the satellite communications network via a downlink signal.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method provide the ability to collect, store and transmit information statements concerning satellite communication system use. The satellite system may collect billing information, such as roaming data, network use in terms of both total time and total bandwidth and functionality utilized on a user by user basis. Further, the satellite system may collect network usage information from the totality of users of a satellite system. The billing information and network usage information may be collected and stored on-board satellite(s) in a network in a data structure including a database. This information may then be collected, organized and transmitted to a variety of users in the earth segment of the system.
96 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for billing according to actual use of a satellite communications network, comprising the steps of:
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initiating a billing log according to at least one of the group consisting of (i) a duration of the actual use, and (ii) an amount of data throughput transmitted during the actual use;
storing billing information from the billing log in a data structure on-board at least one satellite in the network;
applying a rate of billing to the billing information;
formulating a statement; and
transmitting the statement from the at least one satellite to at least one terrestrial terminal in communication with the satellite communications network via a downlink signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification