Techniques for progressive purchasing

• US 8,930,266 B2
• Filed: 05/05/2011
• Issued: 01/06/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Simpa Energy India Private Limited (ENGIE SA)
• Original Assignee: Simpa Networks, Inc.
• Inventors: Needham, Paul, MacHarg, Michael, Winiecki, Jacob
• Primary Examiner(s): Niquette, Robert R
• Assistant Examiner(s): LIU, CHIA-YI
• Application Number:
  US13/101,722
• Publication Number:
  US 20110288992A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,342 Days
• Field of Search: 705 35- 45
• US Class Current: 705/39
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/00 Commerce

Abstract

Techniques for progressive purchasing of a device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for progressive purchasing of a device includes receiving information indicating a payment for a device from a customer, determining a payment pattern by the customer based on a recorded customer payment history and the received information, identifying a functionality to be enabled in the device based on the determined payment pattern, and enabling the identified functionality. The identified functionality is selected from a plurality of functionalities associated with the device.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for progressive purchasing of a device including a plurality of ports configured to provide a plurality of functionalities to a customer, the method comprising:

under the control of one or more computer systems having one or more computer processors executing executable instructions,

receiving information indicating a payment for a device from a customer;

determining, by the one or more computer systems having one or more computer processors, a payment pattern by the customer based on a recorded customer payment history and the received information, the payment pattern comprising at least a timing of payments by the customer and a sum total of payments received from the customer;

identifying, by the one or more computer systems having one or more computer processors, at least one power supply functionality of the device to be enabled in the device based on the determined payment pattern at least in part by determining that the sum total of payments received from the customer is less than an amount owned and the timing of payments by the customer meets a power supply functionality enabling criteria; and

enabling, by the one or more computer systems having one or more computer processors, the identified at least one power supply functionality of the device at least in part by selecting the at least one power supply functionality of the device from a plurality of power supply functionalities associated with the device such that less than all of the plurality of power supply functionalities associated with the device are selected and including providing maximum current draw at a first predetermined power level with a first port of the plurality of ports, providing maximum current draw at a second predetermined power level with a second port of the plurality of ports, and providing combined maximum current draw at a third predetermined power level with the plurality of ports, wherein the first predetermined power level, the second predetermine power level and the third predetermined power level are distinct and wherein each of the plurality of power supply functionalities correspond to a distinct provision of electric power to one or more output ports.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the payment history includes proofs of payment received from the customer over a period of time, and wherein the payment pattern comprises at least a frequency of payments by the customer and a sum total of payments received from the customer.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the payment pattern comprises a frequency of payments by the customer and identifying the at least one power supply functionality of the device to be enabled in the device based on the payment pattern comprises determining that the frequency of payments by the customer meets a power supply functionality enabling criteria.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising providing a promotional bonus based at least in part on the payment pattern.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the promotional bonus comprises identifying and enabling additional power supply functionality of the device.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the identified at least one power supply functionality of the device is enabled for a pre-determined time period and the promotional bonus comprises extending the time period.

3. A computer system for progressive purchasing of a device including a plurality of ports configured to provide a plurality of functionalities to a customer, comprising:

at least one processor; and

a memory having computer-executable instructions that, when executed on the at least one processor, cause the computer system to, at least;

receive information indicating a payment for a device from a customer;

determine a payment pattern by the customer based on a recorded customer payment history and the received information, the payment pattern comprising at least a timing of payments by the customer and a sum total of payments received from the customer;

identify at least one power supply functionality of the device to be enabled in the device based on the determined payment pattern at least in part by determining that the sum total of payments received from the customer is less than an amount owned and the timing of payments by the customer meets a power supply functionality enabling criteria; and

enable the identified at least one power supply functionality of the device at least in part by selecting the at least one power supply functionality of the device from a plurality of power supply functionalities associated with the device such that less than all of the plurality of power supply functionalities associated with the device are selected and including providing maximum current draw at a first predetermined power level with a first port of the plurality of ports, providing maximum current draw at a second predetermined power level with a second port of the plurality of ports, and providing combined maximum current draw at a third predetermined power level with the plurality of ports, wherein the first predetermined power level, the second predetermine power level and the third predetermined power level are distinct and wherein each of the plurality of power supply functionalities correspond to a distinct provision of electric power to one or more output ports.