Wireless communication device with replaceable battery and prepaid calling time
AssigneePolaroid Corporation
InventorWilliam E. Keating
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A wireless communication device is provided which is capable of interfacing with a base station of a service provider and intended for occasional use without requiring a subscription with the service provider. The device uses a non-rechargeable replaceable power source with memory means non-detachably secured to and integral with said power source comprising information code for uniquely identifying said power means and a prepaid calling time period. After the prepaid calling time period of the wireless communication device is exhausted, the power source can be exchanged for a different power source having a new prepaid calling time period.
Claims9
A wireless communication device capable of interfacing with a wireless telephone network of a service provider without requiring a subscription with the service provider, the wireless communication device comprising:
- communication means for transmitting information of intelligence to and receiving such information from the wireless telephone network;
- and
- removable power means adapted to be connected to said wireless communication device for providing electrical power to said communication means, said power means comprising:
- a battery;
- memory means non-detachably secured to and integral with said battery and comprising information code for uniquely identifying said power means and a prepaid calling time period;
- wherein the wireless communication device can interface with the wireless telephone network as long as the accumulated calling time is less than the prepaid calling time period, whereafter the wireless communication device can be reused after connecting new removable power means thereto.
A method for allowing a user to initiate a radio telephone call from a wireless communication device capable of interfacing with a wireless telephone network of a service provider without requiring a subscription with the service provider, said wireless communication device adapted to receive electrical power from removable power means which include a battery and memory means for storing a prepaid calling time period, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) establishing a call connection to the wireless network and allowing said call connection to continue until the accumulated calling time exceeds the prepaid calling time period;
- b) alerting the user when the accumulated calling time exceeds the prepaid calling time period;
- and
- c) prompting the user to insert new power means which includes a new prepaid calling time period, in order to continue said connected call or to establish a new call connection.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.