Patent ID: 6032038
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
In a mobile telephone handset operatively connected to a mobile telephone system, said handset constructed to be rented by the user and having a keypad for entering information; a memory for storing information and rental operation software; and a control unit for operating the telephone in response to said software; a method for limiting said period of rental use of the mobile telephone handset comprising the steps of:setting a time limit for said period of rental use of said mobile telephone in said memory;measuring the elapsed time of rental use of said mobile telephone;comparing said measured elapsed rental time with said set time limit;blocking the operation of said mobile telephone, at least in part, in response to the elapsed rental time having reached the set time limit;setting a predetermined security code in said memory;resetting said period of rental use by entering a security code through the use of said keypad; andallowing the resetting of the period of rental use to an extended period when said entered security code matches said predetermined security code.