Remote battery replacement notification system and method

• US 6,775,562 B1
• Filed: 04/17/2000
• Issued: 08/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: SBC Properties, L.P. (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: SBC Properties, L.P. (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Goering, Scott Christopher, Owens, Michael Kevin
• Primary Examiner(s): Gary, Erika
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HUY D
• Application Number:
  US09/550,991
• Time in Patent Office: 1,576 Days
• Field of Search: 455/423, 455/424, 455/425, 455/67.11, 455/67.7, 455/572, 455/573, 455/127.1, 455/404.1
• US Class Current: 455/572
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/08 with current supply sources at the substations generating ringing current H04M19/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0296 switching to a backup power supply
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A remote battery replacement notification system (10) for a communication system includes a subscriber unit (12) having a battery (14). An operational support system (16) is in communication with the subscriber unit (12). The operational support system (16) periodically polls the subscriber unit (12). A compact service node (18) is in communication with the subscriber unit (12). The compact service node (18) sends a replace battery notification to the subscriber unit (12) when a replace battery message is received from the operational support system (16).

Claims

1. A remote battery replacement notification system for a communication system, comprising:

a subscriber unit having a battery and attached to a structure;

an operational support system in communication with the subscriber unit, the operational support system periodically polling the subscriber unit;

a compact service node in communication with the subscriber unit and sending an audio replace battery notification to the subscriber unit when a replace battery message is received from the operational support system; and

a battery replacement service center in communication with the operation support system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the subscriber unit includes a wireless transceiver.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the subscriber unit includes an optical transceiver connected to a fiber optic cable.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the subscriber unit is connected to an electrical power line.

5. The system of claim 4, further including a switch connected to the battery and the electrical power line.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the subscriber unit is connected to a telephone.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the subscriber unit is connected to a computer.

8. A remote battery replacement notification method, comprising the steps of:

(a) polling a subscriber unit, attached to a residence, for a battery state by a communication system;

(b) receiving a response including the battery state;

(c) when the battery state indicates that a battery requires replacing, transmitting an audio battery replacement notification to the subscriber unit;

(d) receiving a reply from a subscriber;

(e) when the reply is to purchase a new battery at a designated store, generating a battery discount for inclusion in a subscriber bill.

9. The method of claim 8, further including the step of:

(f) notifying the subscriber of the address of the designated store.

10. The method of claim 8, further including the step of:

(f) when the reply is to send a new battery, transmitting the order to a battery supplier.

11. The method of claim 10, further including the step of:

(g) when the reply is to install a new battery, transmitting the order to a battery installation service organization.

12. The method of claim 11, further including the step of:

(h) when the reply is to speak with a service representative, establishing a phone connection with the service representative.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein step (c) includes the step of:

(c1) sending a replace battery message to a compact service node;

(c2) determining when a subscriber has finished dialing a called number;

(c3) when the subscriber has finished dialing the called number, providing the subscriber with a plurality of battery replacement options.

14. The method of claim 13, further including the step of:

(c4) receiving a response from the subscriber.

15. The method of claim 14, further including the step of:

(c5) transmitting a report to a billing system, the report reminding the subscriber to change a battery.

16. The method of claim 8, wherein step (c) includes the step of:

(c1) determining a subscriber email address;

(c1) sending a replace battery message to the subscriber email address.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein step (c1) further includes the step of:

i) inserting a plurality of hypertext links corresponding to a plurality of battery replacement options.

18. A remote battery replacement notification system for a communication system, comprising:

a subscriber unit having a transceiver, a battery connected to the transceiver and a line power input connected to the battery;

a wireless network access node having a wireless connection with the transceiver of the subscriber unit;

an optical network unit connected to the wireless network access node;

a switch connected to the optical network unit;

an operation support system connected to the switch, the operational support system periodically polling the subscriber unit through the wireless network access node;

a compact service node connected to the switch, the compact service node sending a replace battery notification to the subscriber unit when a replace battery message is received from the operational support system; and

a battery replacement service center connected to the operational support system.

19. The system of claim 18, further including a telephone connected to the subscriber unit.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the telephone receives power from the subscriber unit.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein a television is connected to the subscriber unit.

22. A remote battery replacement notification method, comprising the steps of:

(a) periodically polling a subscriber unit for a battery state by a communication system;

(b) receiving a response including the battery state;

(c) when the battery state does not indicate that a battery requires replacing, returning to step (a);

(d) when the battery state indicates that the battery requires replacing, sending a replace battery message to a compact service node;

(e) determining when a subscriber has finished dialing a called number;

(f) when the subscriber has finished dialing the called number, providing the subscriber with a plurality of battery replacement options;

(g) receiving a response from the subscriber;

(h) when the response is to purchase a new battery at a designated store, generating a battery discount for inclusion in a subscriber bill; and

(i) transmitting a report to a billing system, the report reminding a customer to change a battery.