Transaction processing and remote activation
First Claim
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1. A system, comprising:
- a device having components that require electrical power to operate;
a battery coupled in series with a processor connected switch and a user switch, wherein the battery delivers electrical power to the components in the device when both the processor connected switch and the user switch are activated and provide a circuit path for electrical power to flow from the battery to the components;
a transaction processing system remote from the device, the transaction processing system comprising a processing unit that is programmed to process payment transactions for usage of the device; and
a control unit with a processor configured to collect usage information pertaining to use of the device, wherein the processor is connected to the processor connected switch,wherein the device and the transaction processing system communicate wirelessly, and wherein the transaction processing system determines whether to cause the processor to activate the processor connected switch based on an outcome of a payment transaction with the transaction processing system initiated by a mobile communications apparatus that is separate from the device,wherein the processing unit of the transaction processing system is programmed to;
charge for a determined amount of use of the device, wherein an amount charged for use of the device includes a portion allocated to a capital cost of the device;
in response to successful processing of a payment for the amount charged;
store in a storage an indication of an amount of time that the device can operate in the form of a credit;
remotely cause the processor to activate the processor connected switch in the device so that, in response to user activation of the user switch in the device, the components in the device receive electrical power from the battery via the circuit path and operate for the determined amount of use; and
reduce the credit in the storage in accordance with the usage information collected by the processor, wherein the processor utilizes a timer in the control unit to track an amount of time the device is used; and
after successful processing of payments such that the capital cost of the device has been paid, remotely cause the processor to activate the processor connected switch in the device so that the components in the device remain operational in response to user activation of the user switch without further charges for the capital cost.
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Abstract
An embodiment of the invention extends to a device (which may be considered an asset that is purchased or which provides a service that may be purchased) that can be controlled through the use of a mobile communications apparatus such as a cellular phone. The cellular phone is connected to a transaction processing system that allows a user to pay for the use of the device. The transaction processing system communicates with the device to allow usage of the device only if the user has successfully paid for such use. A further embodiment of the invention relates to collecting usage information of the device and collating this information at a location remote from the device.
80 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system, comprising:
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a device having components that require electrical power to operate; a battery coupled in series with a processor connected switch and a user switch, wherein the battery delivers electrical power to the components in the device when both the processor connected switch and the user switch are activated and provide a circuit path for electrical power to flow from the battery to the components; a transaction processing system remote from the device, the transaction processing system comprising a processing unit that is programmed to process payment transactions for usage of the device; and a control unit with a processor configured to collect usage information pertaining to use of the device, wherein the processor is connected to the processor connected switch, wherein the device and the transaction processing system communicate wirelessly, and wherein the transaction processing system determines whether to cause the processor to activate the processor connected switch based on an outcome of a payment transaction with the transaction processing system initiated by a mobile communications apparatus that is separate from the device, wherein the processing unit of the transaction processing system is programmed to; charge for a determined amount of use of the device, wherein an amount charged for use of the device includes a portion allocated to a capital cost of the device; in response to successful processing of a payment for the amount charged; store in a storage an indication of an amount of time that the device can operate in the form of a credit; remotely cause the processor to activate the processor connected switch in the device so that, in response to user activation of the user switch in the device, the components in the device receive electrical power from the battery via the circuit path and operate for the determined amount of use; and reduce the credit in the storage in accordance with the usage information collected by the processor, wherein the processor utilizes a timer in the control unit to track an amount of time the device is used; and after successful processing of payments such that the capital cost of the device has been paid, remotely cause the processor to activate the processor connected switch in the device so that the components in the device remain operational in response to user activation of the user switch without further charges for the capital cost. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A solar-powered lamp comprising:
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a control unit having a processor; and a lamp portion having a user switch that is user activated, a processor connected switch that is connected to the processor, a bulb, and a battery that can supply electrical power to the bulb independent of a mains electrical supply depending on an operational state of the solar-powered lamp, wherein the operational state of the solar-powered lamp is controlled by a remote transaction processing system based on an outcome of a payment transaction processed by the remote transaction processing system via wireless communication with a separate mobile communications apparatus, wherein an amount charged by the remote transaction processing system for a determined amount of use of the solar-powered lamp includes a portion that is allocated to a capital cost of the solar-powered lamp; wherein, in response to successful processing of a payment for the amount charged, the control unit is configured to receive, by wireless communication, a command from the remote transaction processing system that causes the control unit to activate the processor connected switch in the lamp portion for the determined amount of use; wherein, while the processor connected switch is activated, user activation of the user switch allows electrical power to flow from the battery to the bulb; and wherein after successful processing of payments such that the capital cost of the device has been paid, the control unit is configured to receive, by wireless communication, a command from the remote transaction processing system that causes the control unit to maintain activation of the processor connected switch without further charges for the capital cost. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification