EP0817526A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Switched voice and data ATM network with billing system
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1997-06-27
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2017-06-27
Abstract
Abstract An ATM network which collects billing data from ATM switches in a switched voice network. A full, partial or summary report is produced. The ATM switches can be anywhere in the network. The ATM network includes the ATM switches, a data collection unit and billing systems. The data collection unit collects pertinent data and outputs the data to an AT&T billing system or any other desired billing system. Because ATM systems use cells for carrying information, the system is faster and more efficient than TDM systems. In addition, the output of the data collection system is table driven and can be defined to match the input needs of TDM billing systems without increased effort or expense. <IMAGE>
Inventors
- 👤 Richard J. Bruno
- 👤 Thomas S. Giuffrida
- 👤 Joseph M. Malloy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:41
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L49/00; H04L49/30; H04L49/3081; H04L49/20; H04M; H04M15/00; H04Q; H04Q11/00; H04Q11/04; H04Q11/0428; H04Q11/0478; H04L12/00; H04L12/54; H04L12/56; H04L12/5601; H04L2012/5638; H04L2012/5639; H04L49/25; H04L49/253
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A system for collecting billing data from an ATM switch, said system comprising: a terminal adapter; at least one ATM switch connected to receive an output from said terminal
adapter; a data collection unit connected to receive an output from said at least one
ATM switch; and a billing system connected to receive an output from said data collection
unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said data collection unit comprises: a call table for collecting call information; a recorded information collection interface unit (RICIFU) for collecting
copies of all cells that pass through said at least one ATM switch; a recorded information collection bus (RICB) for receiving data from said
RICIFU and directing said data; a payload remover coupled to said call table, said RICIFU and said RICB; a call register setup (CRS) connected to said payload remover and said
call table for updating said call table; and a billing interface unit (BIFU) connected to said CRS for receiving the
updated call table data and formatting said call information into a predetermined
billing format and outputting said call information to said billing system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 2, further comprising: a buffer, connected to said BIFU, for storing said call information data; and outputting said call information at a slower rate and at an appropriate time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
81 words
A system according to claim 3, wherein said call register setup comprises: means for receiving information from a Common Channel Signaling (CCS)
network; means for creating an initial call table entry based on in-band signaling and
CCS signaling information for the call; means for passing one of a call table entry and automatic accounting data to
said billing interface unit; and means for clearing said call table entry for the call after receiving a call
tear-down command from said in-band signaling.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 4, wherein said payload remover comprises: means for removing a payload of a cell; and means for incrementing the cell count in said call table entry for the call.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
62 words
A method for collecting billing information in an ATM system, said method
comprising the steps of: a) initializing a call; b) collecting data in ATM protocol in a call table; c) stripping a cell of its payload; d) determining that the call is completed; e) reformatting data for distribution to a billing system; and f) readying the ATM system for another call.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 6, wherein said step a) comprises the substeps of: i) dialing a number; ii) placing a call using a Common Channel Signaling (CCS) system; and iii) passing the information from the CCS system to switches in the system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 7, wherein said step b) comprises the substeps of: i) collecting all copies of all cells passing through the ATM system; and ii) isolating the in-band signals in the call table.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein said step c) includes the substep of
incrementing a cell count in the call table after the payload of the cell has been
stripped.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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