Metering in packet-based telephony networks
US7715537B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/7866
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention facilitates efficient metering in a packet network environment by providing a single metering message, which contains sufficient information to provide the complete call tariff model for a particular call. The media gateway receiving the message can analyze the information provided in the message to determine how to provide metering pulses for all phases of the call, as well as any one-time charges, such as setup and add-on charges. Another embodiment of the invention provides a way for handling fractional pulse counts in an efficient manner. Yet another embodiment facilitates the handling of situations where charge intervals do not divide evenly into the phase duration of the phase associated with the call. In still another embodiment, the amount of information necessary to deliver the parameters of the call tariff model is minimized to reduce the overhead necessary for facilitating the metering process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.