Method and apparatus utilizing a multifunction remote appliance sensor
First Claim
1. A selective call receiver and key device for remotely sensing a status of an electronic appliance and for locking and unlocking the electronic appliance, comprising:
- a selective call receiver for receiving status information from the electronic appliance;
a processor for electronically applying a credit or debit value to a memory coupled to the selective call receiver, wherein a debit value is applied to the memory when the electronic appliance is used; and
a key mechanism coupled to the selective call receiver for locking and unlocking the electronic appliance.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system (10) utilizing a multifunction remote appliance sensor that remotely senses a status of an appliance (20) and that locks and unlocks the appliance. The system includes a selective call receiver (50) for receiving status information from the appliance, and a processor (56 or 21) for electronically applying a credit or debit value to a memory (72 or 21) coupled to the system, wherein a debit value is applied to the memory when the appliance is used. The system further includes a key mechanism (69) coupled to the selective call receiver for locking and unlocking the appliance.
126 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A selective call receiver and key device for remotely sensing a status of an electronic appliance and for locking and unlocking the electronic appliance, comprising:
-
a selective call receiver for receiving status information from the electronic appliance; a processor for electronically applying a credit or debit value to a memory coupled to the selective call receiver, wherein a debit value is applied to the memory when the electronic appliance is used; and a key mechanism coupled to the selective call receiver for locking and unlocking the electronic appliance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A system utilizing a multifunction remote appliance sensor that remotely senses a status of an electronic appliance and that locks and unlocks the appliance, comprising:
-
a selective call receiver for receiving status information from the electronic appliance; a processor for electronically applying a credit or debit value to a memory coupled to the system, wherein a debit value is applied to the memory when the electronic appliance is used; and a key mechanism coupled to the selective call receiver for locking and unlocking the electronic appliance. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A method of remote sensing, locking and unlocking an electronic appliance utilizing a selective call receiver system, comprising the steps of:
-
permitting the unlocking and locking of the electronic appliance with a key mechanism coupled to a selective call receiver; debiting a value stored in a memory associated with the selective call receiver when the appliance performs at least one of a predetermined number of operations; and transmitting a message to the selective call receiver when a status of the electronic appliance changes to a predetermined state. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification