IP Library Granted Patent US 10,027,819
Granted Patent B2
US 10,027,819 · App. 14/746,505 · Granted Jul 17, 2018

Systems and methods for charging and billing

Inventors: Tingting Lu (Alpharetta, GA); Patrick Manno (Purcellville, VA)
Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
H04M15/07G06Q10/10G06Q10/1091G06Q20/102G06Q20/227G06Q30/04G06Q40/00G06Q40/02G06Q40/10G06Q40/123H04M15/28H04M15/56H04M15/61H04W4/24
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,027,819
App. No.
14/746,505
Granted
Jul 17, 2018
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method includes receiving input at a user interface displayed by a wireless device, the wireless device configured to access a communication service. The method also includes determining, at a processor of the wireless device, usage profile-related information based at least in part on the input. The method further includes generating a message associated with the usage profile-related information, the message indicating that usage of the communication service is to be billed to a first billing account of a plurality of billing accounts associated with the wireless device. The method also includes sending the message from the wireless device via a wireless network and directed to a network element.

Claims (37)

1. A computer-readable memory device storing instructions that, when executed, cause a wireless device to perform operations comprising:

receiving first user input at a user interface displayed by the wireless device, the wireless device configured to access a communication service and store data associated with a plurality of usage profiles, the first user input selecting a first usage profile of the plurality of usage profiles, wherein the first usage profile of the plurality of usage profiles corresponds to a first service related to accessing a wireless access network, and wherein a second usage profile of the plurality of usage profiles corresponds to a second service distinct from the first service and related to accessing a packet switching access network; and

after selection of the first usage profile and in response to receipt of second user input to initiate a particular communication service:

generating a message associated with usage profile-related information corresponding to the first usage profile, the message indicating that usage of the communication service is to be billed to a first billing account of a plurality of billing accounts associated with the wireless device; and

sending, from the wireless device, via a wireless network, the message directed to a network element to initiate a communication session at the wireless device, wherein the message includes an identifier that is associated with the usage profile-related information.

2. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the usage profile-related information indicates whether the usage of the communication service is work usage or personal usage.

3. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the usage profile-related information is independent of a subscriber identity module within the wireless device, the subscriber identity module corresponding to the communication service.

4. The computer-readable memory device of claim 3 , wherein the subscriber identity module is operable for use in a connection with each of the plurality of billing accounts.

5. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the first billing account comprises a work account.

6. The computer-readable memory device of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of billing accounts includes the work account and further includes a personal account.

7. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the wireless network comprises an internet protocol network and wherein the message comprises an internet protocol message.

8. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the message is associated with a voice call.

9. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the message comprises a voice over internet protocol message.

10. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the wireless device comprises a mobile phone.

11. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the wireless device comprises a computer.

12. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the wireless device comprises a hand-held device.

13. The computer-readable memory device of claim 1 , wherein the operations further comprise:

generating, at the wireless device, a second message associated with second usage profile-related information, the second message indicating that usage of the communication service is to be billed to a second billing account of the plurality of billing accounts; and

sending the second message from the wireless device via the wireless network.

14. A wireless device comprising:

a network interface configured to access a communication service via a wireless network;

a processor; and

a memory storing data associated with a plurality of usage profiles and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:

receiving, at a displayed user interface, a first selection of a first usage profile of the plurality of usage profiles, wherein the first usage profile corresponds to a first service related to accessing a wireless access network, and wherein a second usage profile of the plurality of usage profiles corresponds to a second service distinct from the first service and related to accessing a packet switching access network; and

after receiving the first selection and in response to receipt of user input to initiate a particular communication service:

generating a first message associated with usage profile-related information corresponding to the first usage profile, the first message indicating that usage of the communication service is to be billed to a first billing account; and

sending the first message via the network interface, the first message directed to a network element to initiate a communication session at the wireless device, wherein the first message includes an identifier that is associated with the first usage profile-related information.

15. The wireless device of claim 14 , wherein the wireless device comprises a mobile phone.

16. The wireless device of claim 14 , wherein the wireless device comprises a computer.

17. A method comprising:

receiving first user input at a user interface displayed by a wireless device, the wireless device configured to access a communication service and store data associated with a plurality of usage profiles, the first user input selecting a first usage profile of the plurality of usage profiles, wherein the first usage profile corresponds to a first service related to accessing a wireless access network, and wherein a second usage profile of the plurality of usage profiles corresponds to a second service distinct from the first service and related to accessing a packet switching access network; and

after selection of the first usage profile and in response to receipt of second user input to initiate a particular communication service:

generating a message associated with usage profile-related information corresponding to the first usage profile, the message indicating that usage of the communication service is to be billed to a first billing account of a plurality of billing accounts associated with the wireless device; and

sending, from the wireless device, via a wireless network, the message directed to a network element to initiate a communication session at the wireless device, wherein the message includes an identifier that is associated with the usage profile-related information.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of billing accounts includes a work account and a personal account.

19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the usage profile-related information indicates whether the usage of the communication service is work usage or personal usage.

20. The wireless device of claim 14 , wherein the usage profile-related information indicates whether the usage of the communication service is work usage or personal usage.

Assignments (4)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT ATTACHMENT A PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 043573 FRAME 0984. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Feb 21, 2018
From: AT&T LABS, INC.
To: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
Reel/Frame 045399/0544 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 13, 2017
From: LU, TINGTING; MANNO, PATRICK
To: AT&T LABS, INC.
Reel/Frame 043573/0851 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Sep 13, 2017
From: AT&T LABS, INC.
To: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
Reel/Frame 043573/0984 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 22, 2015
From: LU, TINGTING; MANNO, PATRICK
To: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
Reel/Frame 035878/0295 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 12179922 · Jul 25, 2008
Related Publication 20150288829A1 · Oct 8, 2015
Cited By (1)
US 12,200,786