Method and system for purchasing and replenishing wireless network calling time

• US 20030162525A1
• Filed: 02/26/2002
• Published: 08/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: General Motors Corporation (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: General Motors Corporation (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: Oesterling, Christopher L., Stefan, Jeffrey M.
• Application Number:
  US10/082,912
• Publication Number:
  US 20030162525A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/405
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Abstract

The invention provides a method for purchasing and replenishing wireless network calling time. The calling time is purchased through a Web site, and a record of the transaction is maintained on the Web site. Data encoding the purchased calling time is saved from the Web site to a portable networking device. The saved data is then transmitted from the portable networking device to a system onboard a mobile vehicle. An updated record of remaining calling time is maintained within the onboard system, and notification is given when less than a specified amount of calling time remains.

Claims

1. A method for purchasing and replenishing wireless network calling time, comprising:

purchasing wireless network calling time through a Web site;

saving data encoding the purchased calling time from the Web site to a portable networking device;

transmitting the data encoding the purchased calling time from the portable networking device to an onboard system.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

saving an encrypted record of data associated with the purchase within the Web site record structure.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

maintaining an updated record of remaining calling time within the onboard system.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:

notifying the subscriber when less than a specified amount of calling time remains.

5. A computer-usable medium including a program for purchasing and replenishing wireless network calling time, comprising:

computer readable code for purchasing wireless network calling time through a Web site;

computer readable code for saving data encoding the purchased calling time from the Web site to a portable networking device;

computer readable code for transmitting the data encoding the purchased calling time from the portable networking device to an onboard system.

6. The computer-usable medium of claim 5 further comprising:

computer readable code for saving an encrypted record of data associated with the purchase within the Web site record structure.

7. The computer-usable medium of claim 5 further comprising:

computer readable code for maintaining an updated record of remaining calling time within the onboard system.

8. The computer-usable medium of claim 7 further comprising:

computer readable code for notifying the subscriber when less than a specified amount of calling time remains.

9. A system for purchasing and replenishing wireless network calling time, comprising:

means for purchasing wireless network calling time through a Web site;

means for saving data encoding the purchased calling time from the Web site to a portable networking device;

means for transmitting the data encoding the purchased calling time from the portable networking device to an onboard system.

10. The system of claim 9 further comprising:

means for saving an encrypted record of data associated with the purchase within the Web site record structure.

11. The system of claim 9 further comprising:

means for maintaining an updated record of remaining calling time within the onboard system.

12. The system of claim 11 further comprising:

means for notifying the subscriber when less than a specified amount of calling time remains.