초록 ▼

A mobile phone system with a mobile phone having internal accounting capabilities for real time call debiting to account for the billing parameters of a mobile phone unit that is operated in a multi zone communication network with a complex rate structure, the mobile phone unit having an internal pr

A mobile phone system with a mobile phone having internal accounting capabilities for real time call debiting to account for the billing parameters of a mobile phone unit that is operated in a multi zone communication network with a complex rate structure, the mobile phone unit having an internal processor with accessible internal memory for storing the accounting program and call data for each call, a clock and circuit means for activating and deactivating the phone, the accounting program including an updatable rate table and a complex billing algorithm for calculating the account status on the fly including multiple rate structure factors such as long distance calls, international calls with country independent local charges, charges for roaming per day and/or roaming per minute, and call surcharges, where the account status of the mobile phone is calculated in real time for decrementing a debit account or calculating an account charge on demand, the mobile debit phone having a signal for alerting the user of account status which is preferably a display of real time account status, the mobile phone system including a communication system for activating and programming a new phone unit over the airways and upgrading the account status and rate table in the phone unit over the airways.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]communication means in the mobile phone unit for wireless communication in the phone network;internal processing means in the mobile phone unit including a processor, a clock and memory for processing calls and call charges;program means retained in the memory of the mobile

[What is claimed is:] [1.]communication means in the mobile phone unit for wireless communication in the phone network;internal processing means in the mobile phone unit including a processor, a clock and memory for processing calls and call charges;program means retained in the memory of the mobile phone unit including rate data and a complex billing algorithm with a multiple factor accounting protocol for classifying calls according to the basic categories of local calls, long distance calls, international calls and roaming calls, applying a call rate according to category, and calculating call charges as calls are made, the program means further including internal accounting means for generating an internal debit account in the phone unit, wherein the phone unit has means for communicating with the system provider and adding an authorized amount to the debit account;wherein the mobile phone unit internally calculates call charges and decrements the calculated call charges from the amount in the debit account in the mobile phone unit as calls are made and wherein, to add amounts to the debit account, the mobile phone unit further includes phone unit identification information to be transmitted for verification by the system provider using the host processor, which host processor also verifies that a phone use account amount addable to the debit account of the identified phone unit has been prepaid; andlocking means for preventing calls from the phone unit when the amount in the debit account is exhausted.