Real-time charge calculation system

Abstract

The above objects can be attained by a system that creates system-created events at an optimal time independent of the billing process, and performs a continuous pricing process so that as events become available to the system they can be priced and summarized in real-time, allowing the billing process to be performed more efficiently. Usage and one-time events become available for pricing as soon as they are delivered to the system. System-created events, such as recurring, minimum charge summary, and maximum charge summary events, are created by the system based on a schedule defined by a subscription to which a customer has subscribed. Charges for events are re-calculated, if necessary, when information in the system, which impacts the charge of an event, changes. On demand pricing is performed when a charge for summary event, such as, a tiered discount plan summary, minimum charge summary, or maximum charge summary, is to be displayed or billed.

1 . A method of continuous bill calculation using a computer, comprising:
 determining whether a non-usage event independent of a user initiated event and a usage event initiated by a user are available for pricing; and   executing the pricing for the non-usage event and the usage event based on determination of availability for pricing, where the non-usage event is available for pricing at a first billing period and the usage event is available for pricing at a second billing period.