Automated warranty registration
First Claim
1. A method for automatic warranty registration of a wireless communications device, comprising:
- a) setting a warranty registration status flag in said wireless communications device to a first value indicating that said wireless communications device has not been previously registered;
b) checking said warranty registration status flag in response to the wireless communications device being powered up;
c) sending a unique identifier from said wireless communications device to a warranty registration center if said warranty registration status flag is said first value;
d) storing said identifier with an associated registration date at said warranty registration center; and
e) changing said warranty registration status flag to a second value indicating that said wireless communications device has been registered.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for determining when a wireless communications device'"'"'s warranty period begins uses the wireless communications device'"'"'s first use date as a proxy for the start of the warranty period. After being powered-on, the wireless communications device checks a non-volatile warranty registration status-flag. If that flag indicates that the wireless communications device has not previously registered, the wireless communications device sends a unique identifier, such as a serial number, to a warranty registration center. The warranty registration center stores the identifier with an associated registration date stamp. The wireless communications device then changes the warranty registration status flag to indicate that the device has been registered for warranty purposes. Once this automated warranty registration is complete, the wireless communications device proceeds with normal operation. The recorded first use date may be used as the start of the warranty period.
49 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for automatic warranty registration of a wireless communications device, comprising:
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a) setting a warranty registration status flag in said wireless communications device to a first value indicating that said wireless communications device has not been previously registered; b) checking said warranty registration status flag in response to the wireless communications device being powered up; c) sending a unique identifier from said wireless communications device to a warranty registration center if said warranty registration status flag is said first value; d) storing said identifier with an associated registration date at said warranty registration center; and e) changing said warranty registration status flag to a second value indicating that said wireless communications device has been registered. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for automatic warranty registration of a wireless communications device, comprising:
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a) setting a warranty registration status flag in said wireless communications device to a first value indicating that said wireless communications device has not been previously registered; b) storing warranty registration information in said wireless communications device, said warranty registration information including a unique identifier for said wireless communications device and routing information; c) thereafter checking said warranty registration status flag in response to the wireless communications device being powered up; d) recalling said routing information; e) thereafter sending, based on said routing information, said identifier from said wireless communications device to said warranty registration center if said warranty registration status flag is said first value; f) receiving said identifier at said warranty registration center; g) storing said identifier with an associated registration date at said warranty registration center; h) thereafter changing said warranty registration status flag to a second value indicating that said wireless communications device has been registered. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification