Remote battery replacement notification system and method

• US 7,457,647 B2
• Filed: 05/12/2004
• Issued: 11/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sbc Holdings Properties, LP
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Goering, Scott Christopher, Owens, Michael Kevin
• Primary Examiner(s): Urban; Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hannon; Christian A
• Application Number:
  US10/844,222
• Publication Number:
  US 20040235534A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,658 Days
• Field of Search: 455/550.1, 455/572, 455/573, 455/574, 379/322
• US Class Current: 455/574
• 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. For use with a subscriber unit having a battery, a remote battery replacement notification system for a communication system, comprising:

an operational support system in communication with the subscriber unit, the operational support system to periodically poll the subscriber unit; and

a compact service node in communication with the subscriber unit to send a replace battery notification to the subscriber unit in response to a replace battery message received from the operational support system, the replace battery notification to prompt a subscriber associated with the subscriber unit to replace a back-up battery.

2. The system of claim 1, further including a battery replacement service center in communication with the operation support system.

3. A remote battery replacement notification method, comprising:

polling a subscriber unit for a battery state;

receiving a response including the battery state;

when the battery state indicates that a battery requires replacing, transmitting a battery replacement notification to the subscriber unit;

receiving a reply from a subscriber; and

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

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

notifying the subscriber of an address of the designated store.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein transmitting the battery replacement notification to the subscriber unit further comprises:

determining a subscriber email address; and

sending a replace battery message to the subscriber email address.

6. A remote battery replacement notification method, comprising:

polling a subscriber unit for a battery state;

receiving a response including the battery state; and

when the battery state indicates that a battery requires replacing, transmitting a battery replacement notification to the subscriber unit, wherein transmitting the battery replacement notification to the subscriber unit further comprises;

sending a replace battery message to a compact service node;

determining when a subscriber has finished dialing a called number;

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

7. A remote battery replacement notification method, comprising:

polling a subscriber unit for a battery state;

receiving a response including the battery state; and

when the battery state indicates that a battery requires replacing, transmitting a battery replacement notification to the subscriber unit, wherein transmitting the battery replacement notification to the subscriber unit further comprises;

determining a subscriber email address; and

sending a replace battery message to the subscriber email address, and wherein sending the replace battery message further comprises;

a plurality of hypertext links corresponding to a plurality of battery replacement options.

8. 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 operation support system coupled to the wireless network access node, the operational support system to periodically poll the subscriber unit through the wireless network access node;

a compact service node to receive a replace battery message from the operational support system and to send a replace battery notification to the subscriber unit; and

a battery replacement service center associated with the operational support system.

9. A remote battery replacement notification method, comprising:

polling a subscriber unit for a battery state from a remote location;

receiving a response including the battery state;

detecting an off-hook condition of a telephone associated with the subscriber unit; and

notifying a person associated with the off-hook condition of the battery state.