System and method for computer-based local generic commerce and management of stored value
First Claim
1. A method for charging for use of a resource, the resource associated With a resource provider, the resource coupled to a computer, wherein the computer comprises a processor, a memory, and a usage metering circuit, the method comprising:
- transferring value to an account on the computer;
maintaining the value in the account on the computer;
modifying the value in the account corresponding to use of the resource; and
allocating value to the resource provider corresponding to use of the resource.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A computer is configured for pay-per-use or prepaid operation using internally stored value that may be directed to various aspects of the computer'"'"'s operation, for example, printing or use of a particular application program. The value used may be logged and that information may be transferred to a host where individual service providers may be compensated for purchases made on the computer according to usage. The user may be presented with payment options such as single use or subscription for a given local purchase decision. A method of operation is also disclosed.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for charging for use of a resource, the resource associated With a resource provider, the resource coupled to a computer, wherein the computer comprises a processor, a memory, and a usage metering circuit, the method comprising:
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transferring value to an account on the computer;
maintaining the value in the account on the computer;
modifying the value in the account corresponding to use of the resource; and
allocating value to the resource provider corresponding to use of the resource. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for payment for use of an end-user computer resource, the end-user computer resource associated with a resource provider, the method comprising:
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assigning a consumed value to the resource provider, the consumed value corresponding to use of the end-user computer resource; and
compensating the resource provider corresponding to the consumed value.
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20. The method of claim 20, further comprising adding value to a funding account;
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transferring value to a local account, the local account residing on an end-user computer;
- View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A computer configured for metering use of a resource thereon comprising:
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a non-volatile memory providing restricted access to data stored therein;
a value account stored in the non-volatile memory;
a usage metering circuit coupled to the value account; and
a resource responsive to usage metering circuit, wherein the usage metering circuit permits operation of the resource while the value account meets a requirement. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification