WO2003056802A1

WO2003056802A1 - Pre-paid data services

Info

Publication number: WO2003056802A1
Application number: PCT/IL2002/000500
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ofer Bengal
Original assignee: Mobile Economy Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-12-27
Filing date: 2002-06-23
Publication date: 2003-07-10
Also published as: AU2002314501A1

Abstract

A method and system for accounting for data services provided using a telecommunications network (fig. 1) . The method includes maintaining data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services (database 104).

Description

PRE-PAID DATA SERVICES

REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS The present invention is at least partially based upon and claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/343,725, filed December 27, 2001 and entitled "Real-rime Content Billing".

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to telecommunications generally and more particularly to provision of data services using telecommunications facilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following U.S. Patents have been found by the inventor in computerized searching on the USPTO.GOV database: 6,314,171; 6,285,749;

6,263,316; 6,236,851; 6,183,017; 6,173,171; 6,157,823; 6,145,741; 6,137,872;

6,134,309; 6,122,354; 6,064,875; 6,050,493; 6,028,920; 5,995,822; 5,946,380;

5,914,471; 5,854,975; 5,721,768; 5,608,785; 5,577,109; 5,511,114.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide improved systems and methodologies for provision of pre-paid data services using a telecommunications network. The term "pre-paid" as used throughout, refers to data services which are provided free of charge or are paid for in advance. There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a methodology for accounting for data services provided using a telecommunications network. The methodology includes maintaining data services entitlement accounts, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services, crediting the data services entitlement accounts, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers and debiting the data services entitlement accounts, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with data services used by the data services consumers.

There is also provided .in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a system for providing and accounting for data services provided using a telecommunications network. The system includes a data services provision subsystem, a unit account maintenance subsystem, maintaining data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services, a unit account crediting subsystem, cooperative with the unit account maintenance subsystem and being operative to credit the data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers, a unit account debiting subsystem, cooperative with the unit account maintenance subsystem and being operative to debit the data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with data services used by the data services consumers and a data services request subsystem receiving data services requests and communicating with at least one of the data services provision subsystem, the account maintenance subsystem, the account crediting subsystem and the account debiting subsystem.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the entitlements are pre-paid entitlements. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pre-paid entitlements are provided free of charge.

Typically, the pre-paid entitlements are paid for in advance. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the methodology also includes maintaining at least one telecommunications services entitlement account, which is denominated in a fungible currency, crediting the telecommunications services entitlement account which is denominated in a fungible currency in accordance with entitlements received by telecommunications services consumers and debiting the telecommunications services entitlement account, which is denominated in a fungible currency, in accordance with telecommunications services used by the telecommunications services consumers.

Preferably, the entitlements employed in crediting the telecommunications services entitlement account, which is denominated in a fungible currency, are bundled together with the entitlements employed in crediting the data services entitlement accounts.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, crediting the data services entitlement accounts, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers, includes loading an entitlement bearing card into the entitlement accounts.

Typically, loading includes communicating via a web site. Additionally or alternatively, the loading includes communicating via a telephone call.

Preferably, the loading also includes utilizing a recharge system.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention crediting the data services entitlement accounts, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers, includes selection by a consumer of entitlements via a web site.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention crediting the data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers includes selection by a consumer of entitlements via a telephone call.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the crediting the data services entitlement accounts, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers, includes crediting at least some the entitlement accounts without charge in accordance with predetermined criteria.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the methodology also includes maintaining at least one data services entitlement pool account, which is denominated in units of multiple categories of data services, crediting the data services entitlement pool account with non-consumer specific entitlements and debiting the data services entitlement pool account in accordance with data services used by the data services consumers and in accordance with predetermined criteria.

Preferably, the data services entitlement accounts, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with data services used by the data services consumers, an attempt is made to debit one of the data services entitlement pool accounts in accordance with data services used by the data services consumer.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the methodology further includes providing a requested data service to a data services consumer, only if the requested data service belongs to one of the categories for which the data services consumer holds at least one entitlement in one of the data services entitlement accounts.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the methodology also includes providing a requested data service to a data services consumer, only if the requested data service belongs to one of the categories for which the data services consumer holds at least one entitlement in one of the data services entitlement accounts or if the data services consumer pays for such requested data services by employing conventional payment functionality.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the methodology includes, upon receipt of a request for a requested data service from a data services consumer, placing a hold on at least one entitlement in one of the data services entitlement accounts which covers a category of data services including the requested data service.

Typically, the methodology further includes, upon receipt of a request for a requested data service from a data services consumer, placing a hold on at least one entitlement in one of the data services entitlement pool accounts which covers a category of data services including the requested data service.

Preferably, following provision of the requested data service, the debiting in respect thereof debits the entitlement in respect of which a hold was placed.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the methodology further includes, providing a requested data service to a data services consumer and wherein if the data services consumer does not hold an entitlement covering the requested data service, obtaining payment for such requested data services by employing conventional payment functionality.

Typically, the data services consumer is not a subscriber of the telecommunications network.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the methodology also includes authenticating the data services consumer who is not a subscriber of the telecommunications network by using a predetermined account identifier provided by the data services consumer.

Preferably, the predetermined account identifier used for authenticating the data services consumer who is not a subscriber of the telecommunications network is selected in advance by the data services consumer.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the currency account crediting subsystem includes a recharge system and wherein the unit account crediting subsystem employs the recharge system for loading the entitlement bearing cards into the entitlement accounts. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the system also includes a data services consumer authentication subsystem.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the unit account maintenance subsystem is operative to maintain unit accounts for data services consumers who are not subscribers to the telecommunications network. There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a system for accounting for data services provided using a telecommunications network. The system includes a unit account maintenance subsystem, maintaining data services entitlement accounts, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services, a unit account crediting subsystem, cooperative with the unit account maintenance subsystem and operating to credit the data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers and a unit account debiting subsystem, cooperative with the unit account maintenance subsystem and being operative to debit the data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with data services used by the data services consumers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustration of a pre-paid data services system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a first aspect of the operation of the system of Fig. 1;

Figs. 3 A and 3B are simplified flow charts illustrating two alternative embodiments of a second aspect of the operation of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a simplified flow chart illustrating an alternative to the first and second aspects of the operation of the system; Fig. 5 A and 5B are together a simplified flow chart of a third aspect of the operation of the system of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 is a simplified flow chart of a fourth aspect of the operation of the system of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a pre-paid data services system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

A data services consumer may obtain pre-paid data services of various categories. The data services consumer may be a subscriber or user of one or more types of telecommunications network, such as for example, a fixed or mobile telephone network, a circuit switched or packet data network, the Internet or a conditional access television network. The data services consumer may employ various types of data communicators, such as a computer, a personal digital assistant, a fixed or wireless telephone or a television set. Payment for data services provided to the data services consumer may be made on a credit or pre-paid basis.

As seen in Fig. 1, a pre-paid data services module (PPDSM) 100, preferably embodied in one or more servers, includes a consumer account manager 102, which maintains consumer records - of pre-paid entitlements to predetermined data services in a database 104 . These data services may include any suitable data services or content items, such as, for example, ring tones, on-screen icons, video clips, audio clips, games, stock quotes, sports updates, jokes, horoscopes, traffic updates, movies, pictures and screen savers. An entitlement may be to a specific data service, such as to a specific ring tone or to a data service within a category of data services, such as to any ring tone within a predefined group of ring tones.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that the records maintained in database 104 are preferably maintained in units of each specific data service or data services category rather than being valued in a common currency. A typical record is designated by reference numeral 106 where it is seen that a certain data services consumer has pre-paid entitlements to two chess games, four ring tones, two songs and two video clips. The chess game entitlements are an example of a specific data service whereas the ring tone entitlements are an example of a category of data services.

The data services consumer may, for example, obtain the pre-paid data service entitlements by purchasing them or obtaining them without cost. One example is shown at reference numeral 108, wherein a data services consumer purchases a $30 airtime refill and receives "free", five Trivia games. In another example, shown at reference numeral 110, a data services consumer purchases 30 ring tones and 20 onscreen icons bundled together for a total of $10.00.

The pre-paid data service entitlements may be entered into database 104 associated with consumer account manager 102 in one or more possible ways. For example, the entitlements may be embodied in entitlement cards such as conventional "scratch cards", purchasable at retail. The entitlements embodied in the scratch cards may be loaded to the database 104 via consumer account manager 102 via the internet using a fixed or mobile communicator, via a telephone voice or data interaction or via a recharge system such as a conventional recharge system 112, wherein typically the number of the scratch card, the secret code of the scratch card and the consumer ID are supplied to the database 104. In certain situations, the scratch card may not include a number other than the secret code. Another example of entry of pre-paid data service entitlements into database 104 associated with consumer account manager 102 is direct communication with a web site wherein the consumer selects desired entitlements and provides conventional payment information. A further example of entry of pre-paid data services entitlements into database 104 associated with consumer account manager 102 is a direct voice communication with a sales agent wherein the consumer selects desired entitlements and provides conventional payment information.

In the example shown at reference numeral 108, wherein a data consumer purchases a $30 airtime refill and receives "free", five Trivia games, the consumer ID and the acquired entitlements are typically supplied by recharge system 112 in parallel to a conventional currency-based pre-paid system 114 which authenticates the refill and loads the consumer's currency-based account accordingly, and to the consumer account manager 102 in PPDSM 100, which authenticates the refill and loads the consumer's data services entitlement account accordingly, in a manner described hereinbelow in greater detail.

Alternatively or additionally entitlements may be provided to data services consumers by the operator of a PPDSM 100 based on any suitable criteria. These entitlements are entered into database 104 via the consumer account manager 102.

When a data services consumer requests a data service, this request passes through a data services gateway 120. Examples of data services gateways, which may be entirely conventional, are an SMS center (SMSC), which deals with SMS messaging; an MMS center (MMSC), which deals with multi-media messaging (MMS), an HTTP proxy, which deals with Internet communications and a mobile Internet gateway, such as a WAP gateway, which deals with mobile Internet communications.

The data services gateway 120 transmits the consumer request to a buffer 122, preferably forming part of the PPDSM 100, which holds the request pending an entitlement inquiry. The entitlement inquiry is preferably carried out at least initially by an inquiry engine 124, which preferably initially determines whether an entitlement to the requested data service or category including such data service is stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100. If an entitlement to the requested data service or such category is not stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100, inquiry engine 124 causes buffer 122 to forward the request to a conventional data services entitlement module 126, which determines whether to forward the request to an appropriate data service providing server 128. Alternativelly, typically in situations where a data services entitlement module 126 is not provided, buffer 122 may hold the request, preventing the data services consumer from obtaining the requested data service.

If an entitlement to the requested data service or such category is stored in a data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100, the inquiry engine 124 makes a specific determination as to whether the requesting data services consumer has a prepaid entitlement to either the requested data service or to a data services category including the requested data service.

If so, a respective entitlement is assigned an identifier, typically a limestamp and is reserved by placing it on hold in database 104 via consumer account manager 102. Additionally, inquiry engine 124 causes the buffer 122 to forward the request to an appropriate data service providing server 128, which provides the requested data service to the requesting data services consumer.

If not, the request is referred by the buffer to the data services entitlement module 126. Alternativelly, typically in situations where a data services entitlement module 126 is not provided, buffer 122 holds the request, preventing the data services consumer from obtaining the requested data service.

Alternatively, the data services gateway 120 may transmit the consumer request for a data service directly to the appropriate data service providing server 128, bypassing the PPDM 100. Following provision of the requested data service to the requesting consumer, a data services mediation module 130, which collects data services usage information and creates usage data records (UDRs) and may be entirely conventional, provides a UDR in respect of the consumed data service to buffer 122, which holds the UDR pending an entitlement inquiry. The entitlement inquiry is preferably carried out at least initially by inquiry engine 124, which preferably initially determines whether the data service represented by the UDR or a category including such data service is represented by an entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100. If the data service represented by the UDR or a category including such data service is not represented by an. entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100, the UDR is referred to a conventional data services rating engine 132, which assigns a charge to the data service represented by the UDR and supplies the rated UDR to a billing system 134, which may be entirely conventional.

If the data service represented by the UDR or a category including such data service is represented by an entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100, the inquiry engine 124 makes a specific determination as to whether the data services consumer receiving the data service represented by the UDR has a pre-paid entitlement to the requested data service or to a category including such data service. If so, the inquiry engine 124 causes the consumer account manager 102 to decrement the entitlement account of that data services consumer in database 104 by an entitlement to the provided data service or to a category including such data service. In case the account of the consumer includes a reserved entitlement which corresponds to the provided data service or to a category including such data service, a determination typically made by correlating the timestamp of the reserved entitlement with the transaction timestamp provided with the UDR, the appropriate reserved entitlement is decremented. If such a reserved entitlement is not available, an unreserved entitlement is decremented. If the data services consumer receiving the data service represented by the UDR does not have a pre-paid entitlement to the requested data service or to a category including such data service, the UDR is referred to a conventional, data services rating engine 132.

The foregoing description applies in a case where the data services consumer is a subscriber of one or more types of telecommunications network, such as for example, a fixed or mobile telephone network, a circuit switched or packet data network, the Internet or a conditional access television network.

The present invention is also applicable to situations wherein the data consumer is not a subscriber of the specific telecommunications network in which a data service request is being made by the consumer or via which the consumer obtains the requested data service. In such a case, as will be described hereinbelow in greater detail, the data services consumer may obtain pre-paid data services entitlements in a specific telecommunications network by purchasing them in any suitable manner. Upon entry of the pre-paid data services entitlements into a PPDSM 100 associated with a specific telecommunications network, an entitlement account is created for the data services consumer by consumer account manager 102 in database 104 and is assigned an account identifier, which may be selectable by the data services consumer.

For example, a data services consumer who is not a subscriber of a specific telecommunications network may purchase data service entitlements to that network embodied in conventional "scratch cards" at retail. The entitlements embodied in the scratch cards may be loaded to the database 104 of PPDSM 100 associated with the respective telecommunications network via the internet using a fixed or mobile communicator or via a telephone voice or data interaction, wherein typically the number of the scratch card, the secret code of the scratch card and an account identifier are supplied to the database 104. In certain cases, the scratch card does not contain a number other than the secret code. Another example of entry of pre-paid data services entitlements into

PPDSM 100 associated with a specific telecommunications network by a non-subscriber is direct communication with a web site associated with the telecommunications network wherein the consumer selects desired pre-paid entitlements, provides conventional payment information and selects or is assigned an account identifier. A further example of entry of pre-paid data services entitlements into

PPDSM 100 associated with a specific telecommunications network by a non-subscriber is direct voice communication with a sales agent associated with, the telecommunications network wherein the consumer selects a desired pre-paid entitlement, provides conventional payment information and selects or is assigned an account identifier.

When the data services consumer, who is not a subscriber of a specific telecommunications network, requests a data service via that telecommunications network, the PPDSM 100 associated with the specific telecommunications network senses that the data services consumer is not a subscriber of the data network to which it belongs. The PPDSM 100 determines whether a data services consumer is or is not a subscriber typically by the inquiry engine 124 checking whether the IP address associated with the data service request is one of IP addresses assigned to subscribers to its telecommunications network, such IP addresses being stored at database 102.

The inquiry engine 124 requests entry of the account identifier by the data services consumer requesting the data service and associates the account identifyer with the data service request. The entitlement inquiry is preferably carried out at least initially by inquiry engine 124, which preferably initially determines whether the requested data service or a category including such data service is represented by an entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100. If the requested data service or a category including such data service is represented by an entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100, the inquiry engine 124 makes a specific determination as to whether the requesting data services consumer has a pre-paid entitlement to the requested data service or to such category. The entitlement account of a non-subscriber consumer is identified by the account identifier provided with the request.

If the requesting data services consumer has a pre-paid entitlement to the requested data service or to a category including such data service, a corresponding entitlement is assigned an identifier, typically a timestamp, and is reserved by placing it on hold in database 104 via consumer account manager 102. Additionally, inquiry engine 124 causes the buffer 122 to forward the request to an appropriate data service providing server 128, which provides the requested data service to the requesting data services consumer.

If the requested data services or a category including such data service is not represented by an entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100 or if the requesting data services consumer does not have a pre-paid entitlement to the requested data service or such category, the request is not forwarded to the data service providing server 128 and the requested service is accordingly not provided.

Upon provision of the requested data service, data services mediation module 130 provides a UDR in respect of the consumed data service to buffer 122, which holds the UDR pending an entitlement search. The entitlement search is preferably carried out at least initially by inquiry engine 124, which searches for a reserved entitlement previously placed on hold and identified by a given time stamp. When the appropriate entitlement is found, the inquiry engine 124 causes the customer account manager 102 to decrement the entitlement account of that data consumer in database 104 by the reserved entitlement previously placed on hold.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, functionality may be provided to enable non-consumer specific data service entitlements to be given, such as free entitlements to the first one thousand requesters of a given data service or data services within a given category. In such a case, a pool account, containing non-consumer specific entitlements to a given data service or a given category of data services is created by consumer account manager 102 in database 104. A pool account may define certain criteria for eligibility to the entitlements, such as age or location of the data services consumer.

When a data services consumer requests a data service, if the requested data service or a category including such data service is represented by an entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100, the inquiry engine 124 initially makes a specific determination as to whether there exists a pool account with free entitlements for the requested data service or such category in database 104.

If such a pool account exists for the requested data service or such category and the requesting data services consumer fits any criteria applied thereto, a corresponding entitlement in the respective pool account is assigned an identifier, typically a combination of a timestamp and consumer ID, and is reserved by placing it on hold in database 104 via consumer account manager 102. Additionally, inquiry engine 124 causes the buffer 122 to forward the request to an appropriate data service providing server 128, which provides the requested data service to the requesting data services consumer.

Upon receiving a UDR from the data services mediation module 130, if the data service represented by the UDR or a category including such data service is represented by an entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100, the inquiry engine 124 initially makes a specific determination as to whether there exists a pool account with free entitlements for the requested data service or such category in database 104. If so, the inquiry engine 124 causes the consumer account manager 102 to decrement the corresponding pool account in database 104 by an entitlement to the provided data service or such category.

If the pool account includes a reserved entitlement which is associated with the consumer and the provided data service or such category, a determination typically made by correlating the .timestamp and consumer ID of the reserved entitlement with the transaction timestamp and consumer ID provided with the UDR, the reserved entitlement is decremented from the pool account. If such a reserved entitlement is not available, an unreserved entitlement is decremented.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a simplified flow chart illustrating a first aspect of the operation of the system of Fig. 1. As seen in Fig. 2, an operator of the PPDSM 100 causes the PPDSM to create multiple scratch card identifiers (IDs) and randomly assign to each scratch card identifier, a secret code. Data service entitlements, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services rather than in a common currency are assigned to each scratch card identifier.

Additionally or alternatively, an operator of another pre-paid system, such as the currency-based pre-paid system 114 (Fig. 1) causes that system to create multiple scratch card identifiers (IDs) and randomly assign a secret code to each such scratch card identifier. The scratch card IDs and secret codes are supplied by the other pre-paid system to the PPDSM 100 which assigns thereto data service entitlements, which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services rather than in a common currency.

Alternatively, the creation of scratch card IDs may be obviated entirely. In such a case only secret codes are employed.

A computer file, generated by the PPDSM 100 or by the currency-based pre-paid system 114 and containing the matched scratch card identifiers, if available, and secret codes may then be used for printing the scratch cards, each bearing a different visible scratch card identifier, if provided, and bearing a hidden secret code which can be accessed as by scratching an overprinted layer. The scratch cards may be distributed at retail and authenticated to the PPDSM 100 in any suitable manner.

Reference is now made to Figs. 3A and 3B, which are simplified flow charts illustrating two alternatives of a second aspect of the operation of the system of Fig. 1. Turning to Fig. 3 A, it is seen that a recharge system, such as conventional recharge system 1 12 (Fig. 1) may be used for loading data service entitlements to the PPDSM. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 3 A, the recharge system receives a consumer ID, scratch card ID (if available) and secret code. When the network used is a mobile telecommunications network, the consumer ID may be supplied automatically by the wireless communicator employed by the consumer in communicating with the recharge system, while the scratch card ID (if provided) and secret code may be conveniently inputted by the consumer using DTMF. The recharge system forwards the consumer ID, the scratch card ID (if available) and the secret code, preferably in parallel, to the PPDSM 100 (Fig. l)and to a conventional pre-paid system, such as the currency-based pre-paid system 114 (Fig. 1).

The PPDSM authenticates the scratch card, identifies the associated data service entitlements to be loaded by the scratch card and loads the appropriate entitlements to the consumer's entitlements account. Should the consumer not have an entitlement account at the PPDSM, an account is automatically opened. If the PPDSM is not successful in authenticating the scratch card, data service entitlements are not loaded to the consumer's entitlements account.

The conventional currency-based pre-paid system 114 authenticates the scratch card, identifies the associated currency-based amount and loads it to the consumer's currency-based account. If the currency-based pre-paid system is not successful in authenticating the scratch card, a currency-based amount is not loaded to the consumer's currency-based account.

Turning to Fig. 3B, it is seen that alternatively, data service entitlements embodied in a scratch card may be loaded to the PPDSM via the web using a fixed or mobile communicator, or via a telephone call speaking with a sales agent. The consumer provides a consumer ID, a scratch card ID (if available) and the secret code. The consumer ID may be a telephone number in the case of a subscriber and in the case of a non-subscriber may be a randomly assigned or selected account identifier. The PPDSM authenticates the card, identifies the associated data services entitlements to be loaded by the scratch card and loads the appropriate entitlements to the consumer's entitlement account. Should the consumer not have an entitlement account in the PPDSM, an account is automatically opened.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a simplified flow chart illustrating an alternative to the first and second aspects of the operation of the system. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the data services consumer, communicating via the web using a fixed or mobile communicator, or via a telephone call speaking with a sales agent, selects data service entitlements and provides a consumer ID. The consumer ID may be a telephone number in the. case of a subscriber and in the case of a non- subscriber may be a randomly assigned or selected account identifier. If the consumer is a subscriber, he may arrange for payment through his subscriber account or he may use a credit or debit card or any other acceptable means of payment. If the consumer is not a subscriber he may only use a credit or debit card or any other acceptable means of payment.

The PPDSM loads the appropriate entitlements to the consumer's entitlements account. Should the consumer not have an entitlement account in the PPDSM, an account is automatically opened.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5A and 5B, which together illustrate a simplified flow chart of a third aspect of the operation of the system of Fig. 1. As seen in Figs. 5 A and 5B, when the PPDSM 100 receives a request for a specific data service from a data services consumer, via gateway 120 (Fig. 1), the inquiry engine 124 makes a determination as to whether the requested data service or a category including such data service is represented by an entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100, including pool accounts. If not, the request is forwarded to a conventional data services entitlement module 126 or, if such a module is not provided, the requested data service is denied by not forwarding the request to an appropriate data service providing server 128. If yes, and if the requesting data services consumer is a subscriber to the telecommunications network of PPDSM 100, a determination is made as to whether the requesting data services consumer fulfills the requirements of an existing pool account containing available entitlements to the data service requested or such category. If yes, an entitlement in the pool account is reserved for the requesting consumer and identified by a timestamp and the request is forwarded by buffer 122 to an appropriate data service providing server 128.

If, however, the requesting data services consumer is not a subscriber, the requesting data services consumer must provide an account identifier, which if authenticated by the consumer account manager 102, enables the requesting data services consumer to be handled similarly to a subscriber, as described hereinabove. Failure of the requesting data consumer to provide an authenticated account identifier results in the request being denied by not forwarding it to an appropriate data service providing server.

In the event that the requesting data services consumer does not fulfill the requirements of an existing pool account containing available entitlements to the data service requested or a category including such data service, inquiry engine 124 makes a determination as to whether the requesting data consumer has an appropriate entitlement for the requested data service or such category. If yes, the entitlement is reserved for the requesting consumer and identified by a timestamp and the request is forwarded by buffer 122 to the appropriate data service providing server 128. If not, the request is forwarded to a conventional data services entitlement module 126 or, if such a module is not provided, the requested data service is denied by not forwarding the request to an appropriate data service providing server 128.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a simplified flow chart of a fourth aspect of the operation of the system of Fig. 1, following provision of the requested data service. Upon receipt of a UDR by the PPDSM 100, the consumer account manager 102 identifies the data services consumer associated with the UDR, either by virtue of being a subscriber to the telecommunications network of PPDSM 100 or because he has provided an authorized account identifier. The inquiry engine 124 makes a determination as to whether the data service represented by the UDR or a category including such data service is represented by an entitlement stored in any data services entitlement account in the PPDSM 100, including pool accounts. If not, the UDR is forwarded by buffer 122 to a data services rating engine 132. If yes, the inquiry engine 124 searches for an appropriate entitlement in a pool account. If such an appropriate entitlement is found in a pool account, it is decremented in database 104 by consumer account manager 102. If the pool account includes an entitlement reserved for the consumer associated with the UDR, which corresponds to the provided data service or a category including such provided data service, the appropriate reserved entitlement is decremented. If such a reserved entitlement is not available, an unreserved entitlement is decremented.

If no such appropriate entitlement is found in a pool account, the inquiry engine 124 of the PPDSM searches for an appropriate entitlement in the pre-paid entitlement account of the data services consumer. If such an appropriate entitlement is found, it is decremented in the consumer's account residing in database 104 by consumer account manager 102. If the account of the consumer includes a reserved entitlement which corresponds to the .provided data service or a category including such provided data service, the appropriate reserved entitlement is decremented. If such a reserved entitlement is not available, an unreserved entitlement is decremented.

If no such appropriate entitlement is found in the pre-paid entitlement account of the data services consumer, the UDR is forwarded by buffer 122 to the data services rating engine 132.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described herein as well as modifications and variations therein which would occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A methodology for accounting for data services provided using a telecommunications network, the methodology comprising: maintaining data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services: crediting said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers; and debiting said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with data services used by said data services consumers.

2. A methodology according to claim 1 and wherein said entitlements are pre-paid entitlements.

3. A methodology according to claim 2 and wherein said pre-paid entitlements are provided free of charge.

4 A methodology according to claim 2 and wherein said pre-paid entitlements are paid for in advance.

5. A methodology according to any of the preceding claims and also comprising: maintaining at least one telecommunications services entitlement account which is denominated in a fungible currency; crediting said at least one telecommunications services entitlement account which is denominated in a fungible currency in accordance with entitiements received by telecommunications services consumers; and debiting said at least one telecommunications services entitlement account which is denominated in a fungible currency in accordance with telecommunications services used by said telecommunications services consumers.

6. . A methodology according to claim 5 and wherein said entitlements employed in crediting said at least one telecommunications services entitlement account which is denominated in a fungible currency are bundled together with said entitlements employed in crediting said data services entitlement accounts.

7. A methodology according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said crediting said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitiements received by data services consumers comprises loading an entitlement bearing card into said entitlement accounts.

8. A methodology according to claim 7 and wherein said loading comprises communicating via a web site.

9. A methodology according to claim 7 and wherein said loading comprises communicating via a telephone call.

10. A methodology according to claim 7 and wherein said loading comprises utilizing a recharge system.

1 1. A methodology according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said crediting said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers comprises selection by a consumer of entitiements via a web site.

12. A methodology according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said crediting said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitiements received by data services consumers comprises selection by a consumer of entitlements via a telephone call.

13 A methodology according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said crediting said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers comprises crediting at least some said entitlement accounts without charge in accordance with predetermined criteria

14 A methodology according to any of the preceding claims and wherern the methodology also comprises maintaining at least one data services entitlement pool account which is denominated in units of multiple categories of data services, crediting said at least one data services entitlement pool account with non-consumer specific entitlements, and debiting said at least one data services entitlement pool account in accordance with data services used by said data services consumers and in accordance with predetermined criteria

15 A methodology according to claim 14 and wherein pπor to debiting said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categoπes of data services in accordance with data services used by said data services consumers, an attempt is made to debit one of said at least one data services entitlement pool accounts in accordance with data services used by said data services consumer

16 A methodology according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 13 and also comprising providing a requested data service to a data services consumer only if said requested data service belongs to one of said categories for which said data services consumer holds at least one entitlement in one of said data services entitlement accounts

17 A methodology according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 13 and also comprising providing a requested data service to a data services consumer only if said requested data service belongs to- one of said categories for which said data services consumer holds at least one entitlement in one of said data services entitlement accounts or if said data services consumer pays for such requested data services by employing conventional payment functionality.

18. A methodology according to any of the preceding claims and also comprising: upon receipt of a request for a requested data service from a data services consumer, placing a hold on at least one entitlement in one of said data services entitlement accounts which covers a category of data services including said requested data service.

19. A methodology according to either of the preceding claims 14 and 15 and also comprising: upon receipt of a request for a requested data service from a data services consumer, placing a hold on at least one entitlement in one of said data services entitlement pool accounts which covers a category of data services including said requested data service.

20. A methodology according to claim 18 or claim 19 and wherein said following provision of said requested data service, said debiting in respect thereof debits said at least one entitlement in respect of which ahold was placed.

21 . A methodology according to any of the preceding claims and also comprising: providing a requested data service to a data services consumer and wherein: if said data services consumer does not hold an entitlement covering said requested data service, obtaining payment for such requested data services by employing conventional payment functionality.

22. A methodology according to any of the preceding claims and wherein at least one of said data services consumers is not a subscriber of said telecommunications network.

23. A methodology according to claim 22 and also comprising: authenticating said at least one of said data services consumers who is not a subscriber of said telecommunications network by using a predetermined account identifier provided by said data services consumer.

24. A methodology according to claim 23 and wherein said predetermined account identifier used for authenticating said at least one of said data services consumers who is not a subscriber of said telecommunications network is selected in advance by said data services consumer.

25. A system for accounting for data services provided using a telecommunications network, the system comprising: a unit account maintenance subsystem, maintaining data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services; a unit account crediting subsystem, cooperative with said unit account maintenance subsystem and being operative to credit said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers; and a unit account debiting subsystem, cooperative with said unit account maintenance subsystem and being operative to debit said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with data services used by said data services consumers.

26. A system for providing and accounting for data services provided using a telecommunications network, the system comprising: a data services provision subsystem; a unit account maintenance subsystem, maintaining data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services; a unit account crediting subsystem, cooperative with said unit account maintenance subsystem and being operative to credit said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers; a unit account debiting subsystem, cooperative with said unit account maintenance subsystem and being operative to debit said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with data services used by said data services consumers; and a data services request subsystem receiving data services requests and communicating with at least one of said data services provision subsystem, said account maintenance subsystem, said account crediting subsystem and said account debiting subsystem.

27. A system according to claim 25 or 26 and wherein said entitlements are pre-paid entitlements.

28. A system according to claim 27 and wherein said pre-paid entitlements are provided free of charge.

29 A system according to claim 27 and wherein said pre-paid entitlements are paid for in advance.

30. A system according to any of the preceding claims 25 - 29 and also comprising: a currency account maintenance subsystem, operative to maintain at least one telecommunications services entitlement account which is denominated in a fungible currency; a currency account crediting subsystem, cooperative with said currency account maintenance subsystem and operative to credit said at least one telecommunications services entitlement account which is denominated in a fungible currency in accordance with entitlements received by telecommunications services consumers; and a currency account debiting subsystem, cooperative with said currency account maintenance subsystem and operative to debit said at least one telecommunications services entitlement account which is denominated in a fungible currency in accordance with telecommunications services used by said telecommunications services consumers.

31. A system according to claim 30 and wherein said entitlements employed in crediting said at least one telecommunications services entitlement account which is denominated in a fungible currency are bundled together with said entitlements employed in crediting said data services entitlement accounts.

32. A system according to any of the preceding claims 25 - 31 and wherein said unit account crediting subsystem is operative to credit said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with entitlements received by data services consumers by loading entitlement bearing cards into said entitiement accounts.

33. A system according to claim 32 and wherein said unit account crediting subsystem is operative to load said entitlement bearing cards into said entitiement accounts by communicating via a web site.

34. A system according to claim 32 and wherein said unit account crediting subsystem is operative to load said entitlement bearing cards into said entitlement accounts by communicating via a telephone call.

35. A system according to claim 32 and wherein said currency account crediting subsystem comprises a recharge system and wherein said unit account crediting subsystem employs said recharge system for loading said entitlement bearing cards into said entitlement accounts.

36. A system according to any of the preceding claims 25 - 35 and wherein said unit account crediting subsystem, operates on the basis of selection by a consumer of entitlements via a web site.

37. A system according to any of the preceding claims 25 - 36 and wherein said unit account crediting subsystem operates on the basis of selection by a consumer of entitlements via a telephone call.

38. A system according to any of the preceding claims 25 - 36 and wherein said unit account crediting subsystem operates on the basis of crediting at least some said entitlement accounts without charge in accordance with predetermined criteria.

39. A system according to any of the preceding claims 25 - 38 and also comprising: a pool account maintenance subsystem, maintaining at least one data services entitlement pool account which is denominated in units of multiple categories of data services; a pool account crediting subsystem, cooperating with said pool account maintenance subsystem and being operative to credit said at least one data services entitlement pool account with non-consumer specific entitlements; and a pool account debiting subsystem, cooperating with said pool account maintenance subsystem and being operative to debit said at least one data services entitlement pool account in accordance with data services used by said data services consumers and in accordance with predetermined criteria.

40. A system according to claim 39 and wherein prior to operation of said unit account debiting subsystem to debit said data services entitlement accounts which are denominated in units of multiple categories of data services in accordance with data services used by said data services consumers, said pool account debiting subsystem is operative to attempt to debit one of said at least one data services entitlement pool accounts in accordance with data services used by said data services consumer.

41. A system according to any of the preceding claims 26 -38 and wherein said data services provision subsystem is operative to provide a requested data service to a data services consumer only if said requested data service belongs to one of said categories for which said data services consumer holds at least one entitlement in one of said data services entitlement accounts.

42. A system according to any of the preceding claims 26 - 38 and 41 and wherein said data services provision subsystem is operative to provide a requested data service to a data services consumer only if said requested data service belongs to one of said categories for which said data services consumer holds at least one entitlement in one of said data services entitlement accounts or if said data services consumer pays for such requested data services by employing conventional payment functionality.

43. A system according to any of the preceding claims 25 - 42 and wherein said unit account maintenance subsystem is operative upon receipt of a request for a requested data service from a data services consumer to place a hold on at least one entitlement in one of said data services entitlement accounts which covers a category of data services including said requested data service.

44. A system according to either of the preceding claims 39 and 40 and wherein said pool account maintenance subsystem is operative upon receipt of a request for a requested data service from a data services consumer to place a hold on at least one entitlement in one of said data services entitiement pool accounts which covers a category of data services including said requested data service.

45. A system according to claim 43 or claim 44 and wherein said unit account debiting subsystem is operative following provision of said requested data service to debit said at least one entitlement in respect of which a hold was placed.

46. A system according to claim 44 and wherein said pool account debiting subsystem is operative following provision of said requested data service to debit said at least one entitlement in respect of which ahold was placed.

47. A system according to any of the preceding claims 26 - 38, 41 and 42 and also comprising a conventional payment subsystem operative if said data services consumer does not hold an entitlement covering said requested data service to obtain payment for such requested data services by employing conventional payment functionality.

48. A system according to any of the preceding claims 26 - 47 and also comprising a data services consumer authentication subsystem.

49. A system according to claim 48 and wherein said data services consumer authentication subsystem is operative to automatically authenticate data services consumers who are subscribers to said telecommunications network and is operative to authenticate data services consumers who are not subscribers to said telecommunications network on the basis of an account identifier provided by the data consumer upon making a request for said data services.

50. A system according to claim 49 and wherein said account identifier is selectable in advance by said data services consumer.

51. A system according to any of the preceding claims 25 - 50 and wherein at least said unit account maintenance subsystem is operative to maintain unit accounts for data services consumers who are not subscribers to said telecommunications network.