GB2483932A

GB2483932A - System and method for controlling a device based upon usage and payments

Info

Publication number: GB2483932A
Application number: GB1016219.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Deeley
Original assignee: BUY AS YOU VIEW Ltd
Current assignee: BUY AS YOU VIEW Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-27
Filing date: 2010-09-27
Publication date: 2012-03-28
Also published as: GB201016219D0

Abstract

A system 20 for controlling a device 30 comprises a monitoring unit 50 which monitors use of a device 30 to which it is connected and produces usage data, a payment unit 40 that determines a level of payment made by a user and produces payment data, and a control unit 70 that receives the usage data and the payment data and produces and outputs control data in dependence of the usage data and payment data. An output unit may control the operational state of the device 30 based on the control data. The power supply 60 to the device 30 may be controlled or the provision of a service to the device 30 may be controlled. The monitoring unit 50 may have a recording unit to retain data. The control unit 70 may be used to adjust criteria used to control the operational state of the device 30. The payment unit 40 may receive coins, tokens or an electronic payment. The control unit 70 may control many devices 30 and may be a remote server and the device 30, payment unit 40 and control unit 70 may communicate using GPRS.

Description

SYSTEM FOR PROViSION AND CONTROL OF ELECTRONiC EQUiPMENT

AND ASSOCIATED SERVICE

The present invention relates to a system and associated method for provision and control of electronic equipment, in particular the invention relates to metered provision of a domestic appliance such as a television to control viewing according to at least one predetermined parameter such as pre-payment.

In households with a low income, weekly budgets are often tightly stretched giving little leeway for a large expense such as the purchase of electronic equipment such as a television or personal computer for example. Furthermore this demographic of the population are also likely to have difficultly obtaining credit to fund such a capital purchase. However, such equipment is considered now to be part of everyday life and so alternative solutions are necessary to make equipment ownership and use possible for these households.

A common option for such households is to access goods such as domestic appliances on a rental basis which allows the household to budget effectively for the cost involved. One such method of supply has historically been rental of the equipment, such as rental of a television set, whereby for a set amount per week a television set is provided to a user for unlimited use within their home, Such a rental system is typically operated by a company trading from a retail premises and payment must be made either to the shop, or by direct debit, on a fixed basis. lf payment is defaulted on, the company cannot immediately prevent the user from continuing to use the device and instead must take action to retrieve the goods. This is onerous and expensive for the company.

It has also become commonplace for products or services to be supplied on a "level of use" basis. For example, internet access; electricity supply; water supply, gas supply and satellite television are examples of services or goods which are commonly paid for on a "level of use" basis. In the case of electricity, water and gas supply the supply may be metered, either by a coin fed meter or some similar pre-pay credit system, for example a card which is loaded with credit purchased from an appropriate outlet.

Tn the case of provision of services to electronic equipment, different models typically operate. For example with internet access, the access may be prepaid, on an account.

allowing up to a certain amount of usage ranging from sufficient connection for browsing sites to sizeable connection requirements for downloading films or music. For satellite television. pre-payment may provide specific aspects of service i.e. access to films or sporting events. These services can be provided via equipment linked to the supplier via an internet or satellite connection. In these arrangements, it is often possible for the service user to also make impulse purchases. For example, if a specific sporting event is on, the user may in real time, make a one-off payment to their account for viewing of that event only. However, in each of these examples given, the provision of the service is on the basis that the supporting equipment to which the service can be provided is available to the user. In low income families, without access to sufficient credit, this is not always possible.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the aforementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for controlling a device, the system comprising a monitoring unit operable to monitor use of a device connected thereto and to produce usage data, a payment unit operable to determine a level of payment made by a user and to produce payment data, and a control unit operable to receive usage data and payment data, and to produce and output control data in dependence upon received usage and payment data.

The system may further comprise an output unit operable to control an operational state of a device in dependence upon such control data.

This system of controlling an operational state of a device in dependence upon control data received relating to the device enables effective management of the device.

Preferably, one aspect of the operational state of the device may relate to provision of supply of power to the device.

Alternatively, an operational state of the device may relate to provision of a specific service to the device.

Conveniently, the monitoring unit may include a recording unit which is operable to retain data relevant to the device and user.

The control unit may be operable to adjust criteria used to control an operational state of the device.

Further preferably, the output unit in dependence upon the received information from the control unit is selectively operable to control an operational state of the device.

Conveniently the payment unit is adaptable to receive payment for facilitating control of an operational state of the device.

In one embodiment of the system, the payment unit may be operable to receive coins.

In an alternative embodiment of the system, the payment unit may be operable to accept electronic payment means.

In yet another embodiment of the system the payment unit may be operable to receive tokens.

Preferably payment data generated by the payment unit indicates the level of credit associated with the device.

Preferably the control unit is a remote server.

Conveniently the device, payment unit and control unit are communicable via CPRS technology.

Further conveniently, the output unit is communicable via GPRS technology.

In one embodiment the output unit can cease supply of power to the device if payment data generated by the payment unit indicates insufficient credit associated with the device.

The system may be operable to manage an operational state of a plurality of devices.

A further aspect of the invention provides method for controlling a device, the method comprising a monitoring use of a device and producing usage data therefrom, determining a level of payment made by a user and producing payment data, receiving usage data and payment data, and producing and outputting control data in dependence upon received usage and payment data.

The method may further comprise controlling an operational state of a device in dependence upon the control data.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions when taken in combination with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a system according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows a flow diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a method of use of the system of Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a flow diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a method of use of the system Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows arrangement 10 comprising a control system 20 and control unit 70.

Control system 20 comprises an electrical device 30, in this case a television, provided in communication with a payment unit 40. Payment unit 40 is intended to receive payment from a user. In this case, payment unit 40 comprises a coin meter. However, it will be appreciated that payment unit 40 may be adapted to receive any desired payment type, such as but not limited to, coinage, notes, debit cards, credit cards, smart cards, and mobile phone initiated payments.

Control system 20 further comprises monitoring unit 50 arranged between, and in bi-directional communication with payment unit 40 and device 30 and operable to monitor usage of device 30 and payments received at payment unit 40.

A control unit 70, which is located remotely to control system 20, is also in bi-directional communication with monitoring unit 50 using, for example, GPRS technology. The control system 20 further comprises an output unit (not shown) which in this case is formed integrally with monitoring unit 50 and in dependence of appropriate control data from control unit 70 provided by way of monitoring unit 50, the output unit can cause the power being supplied to the device 30 from power supply 60 to cease or commence. It will be appreciated that whilst the output unit detailed as being integrally formed with monitoring unit 50, it can alternatively be a stand alone unit located within the control system 20. It will be further appreciated that the output unit can alternatively be incorporated within device 30 or payment unit 40.

Monitoring unit 50 and/or payment unit 40 and/or device 30 are provided integrally within control system 20, as is shown in Figure 1. However, it will be appreciated that monitoring unit 50 and/or payment unit 40 and/or output unit 80 may be provided separate to, but in communication with, device 30.

The control unit 70 will contain user specific information such as, but not limited to, account number, details of the contract type the user has with the device provider, details of weekly payment terms.

In one embodiment, the control system 20 will further comprise a display screen (not illustrated) which can be used to display data such as, but not limited to, remaining usage allowance, payment credit or messages provided by the control unit 70. in a further embodiment, a button (not illustrated) is further provided on the control system 20 to enable users to toggle the display mode between normal view and message view should they desire. When the control system 20 receives messages it automatically toggles the display mode to message view until the users reads the message and uses the button to toggle back to normal display view.

Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use of the arrangement 10 of Figure 1.

At step A of Figure 2, the user of the device 30 makes a payment to payment unit 40.

The payment unit 40 detects the payment and monitors the input as can be seen in step B. At step C, the payment data relating to the payment which has been made is generated and this payment data is transmitted to control unit 70 (see step D). When the user chooses to use the device 30 (see step E), the usage is detected and monitored by monitoring unit 50 (see step F). Usage data generated by the monitoring unit 50 is then transmitted to control unit 70 at step H. At step I, the control unit 70 receives the payment data and the usage data. At step J, the control unit 70 then uses the received data to establish if a pre-determined usage limit has been reached with regards the level of payment which has been made. If the control unit 70 determines that the usage limit has not yet been reached the control unit 70 determines that no further action is required (see step K). If the control unit 70 determines that the usage limit has been reached a signal is transmitted to the output unit, by way of monitoring unit 50, at step L. When this signal is received by the output unit at step M, the power supply 60 being provided to the device 30 is ceased (see step N).

The monitoring unit 50 is able to distinguish when the device 30 is in standby mode and therefore will only transmit a signal to the control unit 70 which results in reducing credited usage when the device 30 is being used.

Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an alternative embodiment of the method of use of the arrangement 10 of Figure 1.

In this embodiment, the monitoring unit 50 and the payment unit 40 within the control system 20 are bi-directionally communicable. The monitoring unit 50 is provided with a recording unit (not illustrated) which is operable to retain collected management data relevant to the user and the control system 20 and receive payment data from the payment unit 40. The monitoring unit 50 can then control the system 20 on the basis of an operation mode data provided to the monitoring unit 50 by the control unit 70. This ensures that if contact with the control unit 70 is intermittent the system 20 still operates to provide use of the television until there is insufficient credit. Once the monitoring unit 50 determines that the usage limit has been reached a signal is sent to the output unit at which point the provision of power to the device 30 by power supply 60 is stopped. In this embodiment the monitoring unit 50 contacts control unit 70 at a pre-determined time on a daily basis and uploads details of all the present settings, recent credits and usage over the preceding 24 hours. Furthermore the control unit 70 can request an update from the monitoring unit 50 of any required details at any time to confirm current settings and recent credits prior to the prior to or after the daily update. In addition, the control unit can provide the monitoring unit 50 with any relevant operation data as and when any changes are required.

In accordance with Figure 3, in use at step A of Figure 3, the user of the device 30 makes a payment to payment unit 40. The payment unit 40 detects the payment and monitors the input as can be seen in step B. At step C, the payment data relating to the payment which has been made is generated and this payment data is transmitted to monitoring unit (see step 0).

The control unit 70, generates operation mode data based on user related attributes (see step P). This operation mode data is, during communication between the control unit 70 and monitoring unit 50, transmitted to monitoring unit 50 (see step Q).

When the user chooses to use the device 30 (see step E). the usage is detected and monitored by monitoring unit 50 (see step F). Usage data generated by the monitoring unit 50 retained within the recording unit of the monitoring unit 50.

At step R, the monitoring unit 50 receives the payment data and operational mode data.

At step S. the monitoring unit 50 then uses the received data along with the retained usage data to establish if a pre-determined usage limit has been reached with regards the level of payment which has been made. If the monitoring unit 50 determines that the usage limit has not yet been reached the monitoring unit 50 determines that no further action is required (see step K). If the monitoring unit 50 determines that the usage limit has been reached a signal is transmitted to the output unit at step L. When this signal is received by the output unit at step M, the power supply 60 being provided to the device 30 is ceased (see step N).

The operation mode data generated by the control unit 70 may vary as user attributes vary and thus the operation mode data transmitted to the monitoring unit 50 could be varied upon every communication with the control unit 70, or less often as required. In addition a status report provided by the monitoring unit 50 to the control unit 70 determining that the power to the device 30 was ceased or commenced can trigger a signal from the control unit 70 which supersedes the status determined by the monitoring unit 50 and thus commences or ceases the power supply accordingly.

In accordance with this embodiment, the arrangement 10 can operate in a variety of different modes determining usage limits with regards payment made.

In a first mode of operation, the control unit 70 determines that a simple number of hours x is allocated for y amount of payment made to payment unit 40. This is a non-intelligent default option that runs the system 20 on the basis of the applied settings until these are changed by an operative of the company or by a command from the control unit 70.

In a second mode of operation, the control unit 70 takes certain user attributes such as, but not limited to, allocation of hours per payment amount, weekly installment amounts and number of weeks in a payment cycle, to calculate how much payment needs to be received by the payment unit 40 in a defined period and automatically adjusts up and down the hours that the user will receive for any given payment input thus iteratively producing operation mode data (see step P). The monitoring unit 50 will implement the management of this usage limit accordingly (see step S). This auto-adjustment svill ensure that a minimum amount of payment is provided to the payment unit 40 on a regular basis.

This mode of operation is for use when a minimum payment is necessary.

In a third mode of operation, the meter payment unit 40 in a weekly collect mode that defines in attributes the day of the week the customer will provided payment to the payment unit 40 of the required amount necessary to allow the device 30 to freely operate until the payment day occurring the following week. This mode is designed for users who have higher weekly installments to pay, therefore reducing the number of times they have to provide the payment unit 40 with a payment. The monitoring unit 50 will monitor the payment provided to the payment unit 40. if the amount expected is not equivalent to the required amount, the monitoring unit 50 will default the control system to run in standard hours per coin mode whereby the customer is provided with x hours of viewing time for each coin entered. As soon as the customer provides payment sufficient to cover the installment for that week, the monitoring unit will allow the device to be operated freely for the remainder of the week, This mode of operation will be similar for fortnightly or monthly payment collection schedules.

In a fourth mode of operation, the control system 20 will operate in a free running mode wherein the device 30 operates without payment being made to the payment unit 40 In this embodiment, payment is made electronically directly to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 then provides a signal to monitoring unit 50 which indicates that payment unit 40 is to be updated to enable the monitoring unit 50 for power to be supplied to the device 30 on an ongoing basis, All of the above modes are attribute driven in that the repayment terms are dependent upon customer specific details and these modes and attributes can be selected and configured remotely via the control unit 70 to ensure management of the system 20 is maintained appropriately.

In one embodiment wherein the payment unit 40 is a coin fed meter, payment is made by the user to the payment unit 40 by insertion of coins. A collector from the device or service provider will, at regular intervals, visit the meter and empty any coins contained within it, In an embodiment wherein the meter is a "coin-less" meter, payment is made by electronic transfer using means such as a credit card or bank transfer. Communication with the control unit 70 is needed during the payment process to enable payments made via means such as PayPoint, or another electronic payment system, to be credited to the payment unit 40 in order for the customer to be able to use the device 30, It will be appreciated that in a system 20 which operates on a "cash-less" basis and relics solely on payment by electronic means, the payment unit 40 will be formed integrally with control unit 70 and any payment information required will be provided to the monitoring unit 50 by way of communication with control unit 70. It will further be appreciated that in embodiments which utilize a cash payment system, payment data will be retained by the payment unit 40 and provided to the monitoring unit 50 as required. However, upon emptying of the cash box which retains the input payment, the relevant payment data relating to the payments being emptied will be transferred to the control unit 70.

It will be appreciated that, in a yet further embodiment, bi-directional communication between the control unit 70 and control system 20 can be facilitated by provision of a dongle 18 connected to the control system 20.

The control system 20, in a further embodiment, is provided with an audible countdown to a power down. This would provide a user with sufficient time to input further funds into the payment unit 40 so as to allow the device 30 to continue operation. This countdown feature would be operable with any of the above detailed embodiments of the arrangement 10.

The two way communications between the control unit 70 and the control system 20 enables the control unit 70 to establish how much payment has been provided to the payment unit 40; the current mode of operation and change this if necessary; the number of hours usage available for the device 30 and adjust this if necessary; establish the status of all attributes used by the control unit 70; monitor and record usage patterns of the user; raise an alert if unauthorized access to the payment unit 40 occurs; identify if a device 30 is in use therefore giving an indication that the user is in so that, for coin fed meters, a collector can call to empty the meter, send messages to the LCD screen provided in the control system 20 for the customer to read and also to switch off the control system 20 remotely, preventing usage of the device.

Whilst the method of use detailed has been illustrated with reference to Figure 1 and relates to the provision and cessation of the power supplied to the device 30 by power supply 60, it will be appreciated that provision of any service could be controlled by system 20 such as, but not limited to, internet connection and satellite television.

Furthermore whilst device 30 has been detailed as being a television set, supply of any piece of electronic equipment could be controlled using system 20.

Various modifications may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the arrangement 10 has been described with reference to a television set and the supply of television services however, the arrangement could similarly operate with personal computer systems, laptops or similar IT equipment with or without internet access, Similarly games systems, digital radio systems and other electronic equipment could be supplied and controlled by the system hereinbefore described, The coin fed meter embodiment detailed has been described with reference to maintaining sufficient payment to ensure continued viewing, however it will be understood that the coin fed meter also provides the ability to budget for their television usage as well as save money by overfeeding the meter if they want to in which case the company hands the excess in the meter back to the user at regular intervals. The coin fed meter may alternatively be replaced by a meter operable by tokens or cards which are loaded with credit at appropriate payment points. Whilst the control unit 70 has been described as communicating bi-directionally with monitoring unit 50 using GPRS technology or a dongle, the device may alternatively be custom manufactured to include a broadband internet facility within the actual device itself Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any suitable communication link between control system 20 and control unit 70 may be used. The display of control system 20 has been described as showing a message, it will be understood that a plurality of messages can be displayed on a cyclical basis, these messages can consist of a reminder of the next date of collection for coin fed meters, dates for service calls or repair updates, the messages may also be tailored marketing messages bespoke to each customer. Whilst the embodiments have been detailed referring to GPRS communication, it will be understood that in internet connection could alternatively be used. Furthermore, appropriate wireless technology such as Bluetooth or zygby, for example, may be incorporated within the arrangement 10. This will enable wireless on/off switches on multiple devices meaning the arrangement 10 could act as a hub for provision and control services to the multiple devices. It will also be understood that remotely controlled on/off switches may be incorporated within the device which will respond directly to a command from the output unit 80.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for controlling a device, the system comprising a monitoring unit operable to monitor use of a device connected thereto and to produce usage data, a payment unit operable to determine a level of payment made by a user and to produce payment data, and a control unit operable to receive usage data and payment data, and to produce and output control data in dependence upon received usage and payment data.
2. A system as claimed in claim I wherein the system further comprises an output unit operable to control an operational state of a device in dependence upon such control data.
3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the operational state of the device relates to provision of supply of power to the device.
4. A system as claimed in claim I or 2 wherein the operational state of the device relates to provision of a specific service to the device.
5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the monitoring unit includes a recording unit which is operable to retain data relevant to the device and user,
6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control unit is operable to adjust criteria used to control an operational state of the device.
7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the output unit in dependence upon the received information from the control unit is selectively operable to control an operational state of the device.
8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the payment unit is adaptable to receive payment for facilitating control of an operational state of the device.
9. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the payment unit is operable to receive coins.A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the payment unit is operable to accept electronic payment means.11. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the payment unit is operable to receive tokens.12. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein payment data generated by the payment unit indicates credit associated with the device.13. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control unit is a remote server.14. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device, payment unit and control unit are communicable via GPRS technology.15. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the output unit is communicable via GPRS technology.16 A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the output unit is operable to cease supply of power to the device if payment data generated by the payment unit indicates insufficient credit associated with the device.17. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the system is operable to manage an operational state of a plurality of devices.18. A method for controlling a device, the method comprising a monitoring use of a device and producing usage data therefrom, determining a level of payment made by a user and producing payment data, receiving usage data and payment data, and producing and outputting control data in dependence upon received usage and payment data.19. A method as claimed in claim 18, the method further comprising controlling an operational state of a device in dependence upon the control data.