WO2001095218A1

WO2001095218A1 - A method and apparatus for executing tasks remotely

Info

Publication number: WO2001095218A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/018135
Authority: WO
Inventors: Howard Gerson
Original assignee: Wirca, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-06-05
Filing date: 2001-06-05
Publication date: 2001-12-13
Also published as: AU2001265369A1

Abstract

The present invention (figure 1) is directed to an apparatus and method for conducting delegated tasks in response to a remote signal. The apparatus includes, such as coin-operated electronic apparatus or consumer electronic apparatus, that are equipped with a module, which is capable of transferring and receiving telephonic commands to activate a function of the terminal remotely. The module comprises a signal processing board connected to an electronic communication device, such as a mobile phone, infrared data transmitter, radio frequency device or land-line device. The signal processing board comprises processor responsive to a dual-tone multi-frequency signal, memory for storing multiple functions and switches responsive to the memory and processor for initiating a function of the terminal.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXECUTING TASKS REMOTELY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for conducting various delegated tasks in real time in response to a telephonic command. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling electronically activated task through a remote telephonic command.

2. Description of the Related Art Many individuals enjoy the convenience of owning and using wireless or mobile telephones, or cellular telephones as a means to facilitate communications and to make telephone calls when a conventional line or permanent telephone is not within reach or when the individual is "on the go." The sharp increase in demand over the years for wireless services highlights a growing trend of general acceptance for this mode of communication.

Various electronic apparatuses, such as lighting systems, alarm systems, dishwashing machines, washers and dryers, require the user to be near the apparatus to activate or operate the apparatus. Other convenient commercial machines are coin- operated or credit-card activated and usually require the user's presence to operate the device. It is often the case that these electronic apparatuses need to be initiated after the user has left the area, or that the user does not have the proper coinage to operate a commercial machine. It is impractical to use a credit card for these small transactions.

Thus, there is a need to enable a user with the ability to activate remotely various electronic apparatus, or to operate a coin-operated electronic apparatus, such as for selling foodstuffs; nonedible items such as cigarettes or postage stamps; and services, such as washing and drying in a commercial laundromat without having the appropriate amount of money on hand

In a particular example, the basic concept of vending machines is that they contain an inventory of the particular merchandise and dispense individual units of a particular merchandise in response to a selection by the user heretofore inputted at the vending machine after the deposition of money. A primary advantage of a vending machine that is actuated by telephonic commands is that it provides for the sale of merchandise in remote locations at all hours without requiring the presence of a sales person and without the need for the user to have money on hand. While widely accepted, the credit card payment system is not viable for such small purchases.

In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a method and apparatus that facilitate the use of electronic devices through a communication system that enables a user of the apparatus to activate the machine through the communication system either remotely or without the deposition of money and control the device through commands inputted on the telephonic device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, and in accordance with an embodiment thereof, the present invention discloses terminals, such as coin-operated electronic apparatus or consumer electronic apparatus, that are equipped with a module, which is capable of transferring and receiving telephonic commands to activate a function of the terminal remotely. The module comprises a signal processing board connected to an electronic communication device, such as a mobile phone, infra red data transmitter, radio frequency device or land- line device. The signal processing board comprises processing means responsive to a dual-tone multi-frequency signal (DTMF), memory means for storing multiple functions and means responsive to the memory means for initiating a function of the terminal. The processing means normally comprise a microprocessor running programs consisting of commands, which are stored in electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of remotely initiating a response from a terminal through a remote communication device. The method comprises the steps of accessing an electronic communication device of the terminal through a communication device of the user, a module transferring programmed command options from the terminal to the communication device of the user, executing the command inputted at the user's communication device of the user, and actuating a function of the terminal in response to the command. The module may be remote from the terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with

the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts is a diagram depicting the remote use of a vending terminal; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a telephonically operated vending machine operating in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a diagram depicting the remote use of an electronic apparatus terminal; and

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a remotely activated electronic apparatus operating in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for controlling electronically activated tasks through a remote telephonic command. The apparatus of the present invention comprises terminals that are equipped with a module, which is capable of transferring and receiving telephonic commands to activate a function of the terminal. The module comprises a signal processing board connected to an electronic communication device, such as a mobile phone, infra red data transmitter, radio frequency device or land-line device. The signal processing board comprises processing means responsive to a dual-tone multi-frequency signal (DTMF), memory means for storing multiple functions and means responsive to the memory means for initiating a function of the terminal. The terminals are coin-operated electronic devices or consumer electronic devices that may have any range of voltages and amperages. For example, the terminals may be light systems, alarm systems, dishwashing machines, washer and dryers, or any electronic device that typically requires the user to be near the apparatus to initiate the apparatus and select the desired function for the device (e.g., initiate sprinkler system for the northwest quadrant of the lot). Preferably, the terminal is equipped with a module having a signal-processing board, an actuation board and an Electronic Communication Device (ECD). It should be understood that the module may be located remotely from the terminal and may control more than one terminal without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The signal-processing board comprises multiple EEPROM chips and a processing means. EEPROM chips are well known to those skilled in the art and are read-only memory devices that may be erased and reprogrammed. The processing means normally comprise a microprocessor running programs consisting of commands, which are stored in electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). It should be noted that the microprocessor function may be included in the stored programs of the EEPROM chips.

The actuation board comprises multiple relays, which are remotely controlled electrically activated switches that control a circuit of the electrical device to control a specific function of the terminal. The relays are activated by the microprocessor.

The signal-processing board is connected to the ECD through a serial port. The ECD may be a mobile phone, an infra-red serial data-link, radio frequency or land-line device. The signal-processing board responds to a dual-tone, multi-frequency signal received by the ECD through a DTMF register or circuit card, which converts the DTMF signal into signals that can be used by the EEPROM chips to activate a particular switch or combination of switches of the actuation board to effectuate a function of the terminal.

In use and as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a terminal 1 having a module and connected via a telecommunication link 3 with a management communication device 4. The management communication device 4 may be a mobile phone, an infra-red serial data-link, radio frequency or land- line device. The terminal 1 communicates with the management communication device through an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) that is stored in the EEPROM chips. The IVR prompts the consumer through recorded or synthesized voice snippets to make certain selections on their management communication device. The signal-processing board converts the consumer selection signals from the ECD and processes the signals to activate certain switches or combination of switches in response to the consumers selection. The switches are integrated with the terminal to effectuate the particular desired function of the electronic apparatus.

Payment Server for Coin Operated Machines:

For coin-operated machines, the module is linked to a payment server, such as the WIRCA network of Overland Park, Kansas, described in a co-pending patent application, owned by WIRCA Inc. and incorporated herein by reference. The Wirca network includes a central processing computer, which ties into the management communication device of the user for processing the transaction requests, data pertaining thereto, and the authorizations pertaining thereto. The central processing unit comprises a 600 Mghz, Windows NT server with a Rocket modem, manufactured by Rocket Inc. to enable multiple phone accessibility to the central processor. The central processing unit further comprises an Intel Dialogic board for computerized telephony. The processing unit recognizes tones, is menu-driven and password based.

The module of the terminal is linked to the central processing computer via a communications system or link, such as, for example, a communication network and/or a telephone network or line. The communications system may be any communications system and may include telecommunication systems, satellite communications systems, radio communication systems, digital satellite communications systems, personal communications services communication systems, cable television systems, broadband communication systems, as well as any other appropriate communications system. The module transmits signals and/or data to the central processing computer as well as receives signals and/or data from the central processing computer.

The management communication device receives signals from the central processing computer and likewise is equipped with a transmitter for transmitting signals data to the central processing computer. Preferably, the communication device is wireless so that it may be carried by the consumer at any time and at any location. A wireless telecommunications link is used in order to link the central processing computer with the communication device.

The central processing unit is further linked to a bank or other financial institution in which the system has one or more accounts. The central processing unit is linked via a - communications system, link and/or medium, such as, for example, a communication network and/or a telephone network or line such that the accounts for the mobile unit subscribers are accessible by the central processing computer.

Initially, an interested mobile phone user needs to set up an account for the Wirca Payment System. The account for a mobile-unit user is funded through cash prepayment, credit card or debit card funding, or transfer from some other financial account. Each account will be provided an authorization PIN code corresponding to the account. The mobile unit user may authorize the payment system of the present system to replenish automatically the account through a particular financial account or credit card upon the account reaching a certain minimum balance. Alternatively, once the account is funded and set up, the mobile phone user can replenish the account remotely by authorizing the system to access a previously identified financial account.

The terminal user initiates the transaction by dialing the number provided on the coin-operated machine and accessing the module of the terminal. The module accesses the central processing unit, which verifies whether the terminal user is an authorized user prompting the terminal user to enter their authorization PIN code or recognizing the user through existing caller ID technology (CID) or through voice-recognition technology for the mobile unit user. The selection prompts are given to the terminal user. Upon selection, the central processing computer verifies that the mobile unit account has a sufficient amount to cover the specific transaction, and if verified, the coin-operated electronic apparatus performs the function (e.g., provides a specific soft drink, initiates a wash cycle, etc.)

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following are several examples that illustrate various applications of the present invention. These examples do not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is applicable to many other embodiments. Further, although the present examples are briefly described for clarity, those skilled in the art will understand how to make any changes, if necessary, to the above-described apparatus and methods to accommodate these and other embodiments and applications. Coin-Operated Vending Machine:

The potential user of the vending machine dials a number provided on the machine. The module of the vending machine terminal located either on the machine or at a centralized location prompts the user to enter their authorization PIN code or recognizing the user through existing caller ID technology (CID) or through voice- recognition technology for the mobile unit user. The selection prompts are then provided to the terminal user. Upon selection, the central processing computer verifies that the mobile unit account has a sufficient amount to cover the specific transaction, and if verified, the module of the coin-operated electronic apparatus activates the actuation board to perform a specific function (e.g., provides a specific soft drink, initiates a wash cycle, etc.). Alarm System: The alarm system has a module with a predetermined dial-in number. The user accesses the module of the alarm system and receives prompts that inform the user of the status of the alarm system (e.g., on/off, motion detectors on, etc.) and provides the available options for the terminal user. The user enters the number corresponding to the desired result. The module actuates the switch or combination of switches corresponding to this result and the alarm system is controlled remotely. The module then informs the user of the new status of the alarm system.

While the invention has been described herein with reference to certain preferred embodiment, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and not to limit the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be defined only in accordance with claims that follow.

Claims

ClaimsWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for conducting delegated tasks in response to a remote signal, the apparatus comprising a terminal and a management communication device, the terminal having a module for transferring and receiving telephonic commands, the module comprising a signal-processing board connected to an electronic communication device, the signal processing board comprises processing means responsive to a signal received from the management communication device, memory means for storing multiple functions for the terminal; the means responsive to the memory means for initiating a function of the terminal; and the management communication device emitting and receiving signals to and from the module of the terminal that enable a user of the management communication device to remotely activate a function of the terminal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the terminal is a payment-activated electronic apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus further comprises a means for effectuating a payment for the payment-activated electronic apparatus comprising: a receiver for accessing a money account and having a stored authorization code corresponding to the money account; a payment processor for processing a payment transaction on the money account in conjunction with said receiver receiving said authorization code, said processor generating a first signal containing information for one of approving and disapproving the transaction, and a second signal for the module of the terminal for one of approving and disapproving the transaction; and a transmitter for transmitting a notification signal to the management communication device associated with the account holder and the second signal to the electronic communication device of the module, wherein the receiver of the payment means receives a reply signal from the management communication device approving and disapproving the transaction and the transmitter emits the second signal to the module of the terminal.

4. A method for remotely initiating a response from a terminal through a remote communication device, the method comprises the steps of: accessing an electronic communication device of the terminal through a management communication device; transmitting programmed options corresponding to the terminal through a interactive voice response system to the management communication device; receiving signals from the management communication device responsive to the options transmitted; executing commands corresponding to the signal received from the management communication; and actuating a function of the terminal in response to the command received from the management communication device.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the steps of: accessing a money account corresponding to a particular user and effectuating a payment from the money account from a remote location through the management communication device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the steps of accessing a money account further includes the steps of: creating a unique authorization code pertaining to the money account; storing said authorization code in a processor; processing a transaction on the account in response to processor being contacted by a remote user and supplying the authorization code for the money account; generating a first signal, wherein said first signal contains information for one of approving and disapproving the transaction; contacting the management communication device associated with the money account and supplying the signal for one of approving and disapproving the transaction; and receiving a signal for one of approving or disapproving the transaction from the communication device associated with the money account.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the steps of accessing a money account further includes the steps of: generating a second signal from the processor, wherein said second signal contains information for the terminal for one of approving and disapproving the transaction; and debiting the account for the payment transaction.