Control system for pay-per-use applications
US6061668A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/20
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An integrated electronic system consisting of a network of appliances and machines, such as clothes washers and dryers, vending machines, or other equipment, controlled from a central management computer. Each networked apparatus is uniquely identified, and is maintained in an inoperative standby state, until a prospective user has a valid account for payment, and authorizes stated charges to be billed to their account, or optionally has presented a charge card, thus paying for use of the respective appliance or machine. Account information is maintained and processed in the central management computer, which can be interactively linked to a separate billing system, property management system, or financial institution, thereby automating the verification and billing process. Message data can be sent to and displayed on any or all appliances and machines, a periodic polling of the network ensures security, and an audit trail is generated, with the operational history of each apparatus on the network. Operation of any or all appliances and machines on the network can be inhibited, on command from the central management computer, and the system has extensive maintenance and diagnostic…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.