Control system for pay-per-use applications
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
May 9, 2000
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Nov 10, 1997
filing date -
Nov 10, 1997
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
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 capabilities.
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