Apparatus and method for processing information from a telephone network
A data processing apparatus is coupled to receive call data records from a telephone network ( 4 ), for example an SS7 network. The apparatus ( 1 ) receives data records of different types having different formats. For each different type of data record, the apparatus ( 1 ) has a library ( 9, 10, 11 ) of type-specific functions associated with the particular type of data record. The apparatus ( 1 ) also has a set ( 8 ) of common functions available which contains functions that can be utilized for all types of data records, and for managing the system. Instructions are received by the apparatus ( 1 ), which indicate which type or types of data records are to be received and which functions are to be carried out on the data records. The apparatus ( 1 ) then creates a function list of the particular functions that are to be carried out before executing the particular functions on the received data records and then storing the processed records in a database ( 12, 13, 14 ).
1. An apparatus for processing data records, the apparatus comprising:
a receiver that receives data records of a plurality of different types, each type having a different predetermined format, the data records comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of Call Detail Records, Transaction Detail Records and Service Detail Records;
a plurality of type-specific function libraries, each library having functions that operate on each of the particular types of data record;
a receiver that receives instructions indicative of the particular type(s) of data records to be received and indicative of which particular functions are to be performed on the data records to be received;
a reader that reads contents of the type-specific library(ies) that operate on the particular type of data records to be received;
a module that selects which functions from the contents of the type-specific function library(ies) are to be utilized in processing the received data records;
a processor that processes received data records according to the particular functions to be performed; and
an output for rendering the processed data records.
2. An apparatus for processing data records according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one database coupled to the output for storing the processed data records.
3. An apparatus for processing data records according to claim 1 , further comprising a set of common functions, wherein the particular functions to be performed on the data records to be received can include one or more common functions from the set of common functions.
4. An apparatus for processing data records according to claim 3 , wherein the set of common functions includes one or more functions that provide system management functions operative on the apparatus.
5. An apparatus for processing data records according to claim 3 , further comprising a module that determines which functions from the set of common functions are to be utilized in processing the received data records.
6. An apparatus for processing data records according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the data records originates from a Signaling System No. 7 network.
7. An apparatus for processing data records according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the data records originates from a GSM network.
8. An apparatus for processing data records according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the data records originates from an Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP) network.
9. An apparatus for processing data records according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the data records originates from an Internet Protocol (IP) network.
10. A method of processing data records from a telephone network, the method comprising:
(a) receiving instructions indicative of which particular type(s) of a plurality of different types of data records are to be processed, the data records comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of Call Detail Records, Transaction Detail Records and Service Detail Records;
(b) receiving instructions indicative of which particular functions are to be performed on the data records to be processed;
(c) reading the contents of at least one particular type-specific library of functions that operate on the particular type(s) of data records to be processed;
(d) receiving data records of the particular type(s);
(e) selecting which functions from the contents of the type-specific function library(ies) are to be utilized in processing the received data records;
(f) processing the received data records according to the particular functions to be performed; and
(g) rendering the processed data records,
wherein (a) through (d) above can be carried out in any order.
11. A method of processing data records according to claim 10 , further comprising storing the processed data records in at least one database.
12. A method of processing data records according to claim 10 , wherein the particular functions to be performed on the data records to be received include one or more common functions from a set of common functions.
13. A method of processing data records according to claim 12 , wherein the set of common functions includes one or more functions that provide system management functions.
14. A method of processing data records according to claim 12 , further comprising determining which functions from the set of common functions are to be utilized in processing the received data records.
15. A method of processing data records according to claim 10 , wherein at least one of the data records originates from a Signaling System No. 7 network.
16. A method of processing data records according to claim 10 , wherein at least one of the data records originates from a GSM network.
17. A method of processing data records according to claim 10 , wherein at least one of the data records originates from an Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP) network.
18. A method of processing data records according to claim 10 , wherein at least one of the data records originates from an Internet Protocol (IP) network.
19. A computer readable medium, comprising a program tangibly embodied thereon, for controlling a processor to execute a procedure to implement the method of claim 10 .
20. A programmed computer, comprising:
a processor; and
a memory having a program for controlling the processor to execute a procedure to implement the method of claim 10 .