The implementation of a billing data processing mechanism for open access to information services

The billing data processing mechanism in a communication processing system (CPS) provides an information provider (IP) access function and a billing data generating function. To perform this mechanism, the CPS uses an information billing protocol (IBP) which defines the communication procedure between the CPS and IPs and generates the billing information. Using this mechanism, information users can connect open IPs without a service account and the IPs reduce the billing management overload. This paper describes the concept of the IBP, the generation of billing data in the information service access point (ISAP) and management of billing data in mediation-operation, administration and management (M-OAM).