Method and apparatus for performing automated fraud reporting
US6523013B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00338
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A meter and/or base (or computer), coupled to one or more modems, perform automated fraud reporting to a service center upon detection of particular ones of detectable faults. Diagnostic software and/or tamper detection devices test the meter to ensure that the meter operates in an expected manner. A detected fault can be classified into one or more categories or levels. For faults within certain levels, an alarm message is sent to the service center. Corrective action can be performed in accordance with a response from the service center. For major faults, the meter can be disabled until service is performed and the alarm message can be sent to the postal inspectors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.