Patent ID: 6049774
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
A computer-implemented method for allocating available communication system resources used within a communication system over a plurality of time periods t, comprising the steps of:(1) receiving at a computer, communication system resource requirements required for each of the plurality of time periods t;(2) receiving at said computer, communication system resource availability information indicating anticipated communication system resource availability during each of the plurality of time periods t;(3) configuring communication system resources at each time period t based upon said steps (1) and (2) so as to match communication system resources to communication system resource demands during each time period t, wherein the communication system resources used at each time period t are interdependent with the other plurality of time periods;(4) assigning to a plurality of communication system resources of said communication system, prices determined using a virtual pricing technique, to be charged to use said plurality of communication system resources during said plurality of time periods t, said prices being based upon availability of the communication system resources at each time period t; and(5) delivering to customers of said communication system resources, said communication system resources at said prices during said plurality of time periods t.