Device servicing system and method
US6546360B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/329
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for determining when portable devices require service. In one embodiment, the system is co-located with the portable device and includes a sensor, positioning system receiver and communication transmitter. The sensor senses when the portable device requires service. The positioning system receiver receives positioning signals, such as positioning signals issued by the Global Positioning System, (GPS), and uses the positioning system signals to determine the location of the portable device. The communications transmitter transmits a service signal to a service base station to indicate that the portable device requires service. The service signal includes the determined location of the portable device, thereby eliminating the need for service personnel to physically inspect every portable device in order to determine if any portable devices require service.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.