Public on-line computer terminal with pliant currency acceptor

US5822215A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Kurt Hohmann · Ybbs an der Donau, AT
• Christopher M. Smolen · Rome, US
• David M. Lovy · Blossvale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 26, 1996
• Grant date: Oct 13, 1998
• Expiry date: Aug 26, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/06
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A public on-line computer terminal providing the general public a variety of on-line services over the global telecommunications network for a fee is controlled by a pliant currency acceptor that activates a timing function. The public user is provided through public telecommunications channels and interface equipment access to the global telecommunications network for a predetermined amount of time in accordance with the currency inserted in the pliant currency acceptor.