System for various services and functions including payments for the same

Abstract

System for admission control for services comprising a mounted box that has means for reading electronic data, for example via RF or Bluetooth, that it is arranged to a receiving payment for said services, including performing a function based on said readings, by comprising means for internet communication with a remote server and a function that can be programmed from the server.

Description

DescriptionTitle Of Invention: System for various services and functions including payments for the same.Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system for various services and functions including payments for the same.Background Art

[0002] It is known that various functions can be provided by electronic means. A typical example is the card reader that now normally is installed in shops. All these readers are usually programmed for a single function. In the case of the card reader, it is programmed to receive payment for goods or services, such as buying groceries or paying for a hairdresser.

[0003] It is also known to provide a vending machine with a reader in the form of a box located on or at the machine that upon receiving payment can be programmed to deliver goods, for example chocolates or soda.

[0004] However, all these types of boxes are programmed for a single function and cannot be used for other purposes. In the cases of changes the whole box will have to be replaced.

[0005] The invention concerns a box that acts as a Smart Relay (SR) box that can be programmed for a lot of functions.

[0006] The main advantage of the invention is that all SR boxes can be made identical, only differences between a handheld box or a box to be fixed to any sort of construction. This will save costs in that it can be manufactured in large numbers.

[0007] Examples of state of the art may be found in the following publications: Zhue et al. US patent no 10,043,151 B1 : Locker-based logistics management system. The patent describes a system for delivery of items utilizing electronic locker arrangements. The system may coordinate and management of delivery of items by many couriers.

[0008] Fisher, US patent no 10,692,063 B2: Remote transaction processing with authentication from a non-browser-based application. The patent describes payments through a point of sales device. The user selects items for purchase through the point of sales device including calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user.

[0009] Wentker et al. applicant Visa U.S.A. Inc, US patent no 10,387,868 B2: Mobile payment management. The patent describes payments by mobile phone, incl. data associated with a plurality of issuer specific payment services.

[0010] Boyle et al. applicant JPMorgan Chase Bank. US patent no 9,898,720 B2: Credit instrument and system providing multiple services including access to credit services and access to a service provider club.

[0011] Chan et al. applicant Visa International service association, US patent no 9,324,069 B2: Transit access apparatus and method including device authentication. The patent is directed to systems, apparatus, and methods for accessing and paying for use of a transit system, incl. use of a contactless payment device to access and provide payment for consumer's use of such a system.

[0012] None of the mentioned system have the flexibility to be programmed to use the same item to different task and payments.Summary of the Invention

[0013] The Smart relay (SR) can be used for several services and functions. The following list is an example, there may be many other functions:

[0014] The (SR) box may be fixed to a construction or as a hand held item.

[0015] In a caravan park: admission and check in, providing electricity, charging batteries and provide access to showers and toilets.

[0016] Public toilets: accept payment for use. Also monitor capacity of toilet paper and soap.

[0017] Parking: open barriers.

[0018] Places for fishing or hunting where the user must have admissions.

[0019] The system may create an account with relevant information about the user and access to specific services. The authentication may be by credit / debit card, fingerprint, photo of the user, i.e., Facial recognition, telephone number. Bank-id or similar international identification standards together with time of the day that the information is collected, and the day, month, year, and / or GPS. Info.

[0020] Handling of these personalized info according to national laws, to avoid misuse of the information.Brief Description of Drawings

[0021] The invention will now be described in more detail, while referring to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a box according to invention,

[0023] Fig. 2 shows the box as part of a network.Description of the Embodiments

[0024] In Fig. 1 there is shown an SR box 10. The box is equipped with a programmable processor 11 and a power source 12. The power source may be mains electricity or a battery. The SR box has an electrical output 15 for control of various functions. Further, the box includes a reader 13 that can read information from an external source, such as a card or smartphone 14.

[0025] The box will normally be mounted on a wall or similar near the function. Preferably the box is connected to mains electricity. The electricity is used to power the box but also to provide power for functions such as unlocking a door. There may be some cases where mains electricity is not available. Then it will be preferable to use a battery, for example when the SR box is used for a provisional (short time) service, or connection to solar power or vertical wind turbines. In an embodiment the battery may be inbuilt or external. This makes it possible for the SR box to function even if the power fails.

[0026] The reader 13 can read information from a card (RF), smartphone (4 / 5G) or Bluetooth. It may also have means for reading a QR code.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment the SR is programmed using internet. In this way the owner can program the SR for the various function from a PC, laptop, or a mobile phone.

[0028] Each SR can be programmed with a unique QR code. This makes it easier for the owner to locate and verify an SR.

[0029] When programming the SR, this can be done remotely via the internet. The system server has means for the control of the various functions remotely. If an owner controls several SR’s the invention can include a program that enables an owner complete overview and control of the function of the SR. The program may have an interface that can display the boxes on a map, showing the location of all the SR’s. This may also include identification of function that for example can be shown upon pointing to a box on the map. The owner can also click on an SR on the map and get all available data from this SR. The owner can then program the SR for a function. The owner can use a PC to program or reprogram the function for a device. It will also be possible to give a descriptive name to the SR, thus further identifying its location and / or use.

[0030] The SR may be programmed with GPS coordinates. Alternatively, a GPS receiver can be built into the box with means for sending the GPS data to the server.

[0031] The owner can now program the SR for the different functions. These can as an example be unlocking a door, measure electricity consumption, for example for a car charger or for example in a caravan park it can be used to provide electricity to tents, caravans or mobile homes. Other examples are vendor machines, access to showers (including a time meter).

[0032] For the user the SR includes means for receiving payments. These are typically a reader for cards (RF signals), but it also may be able to receive user instruction from a mobile phone with a code or a QR reader.

[0033] Preferably an app is developed for a user or consumer to download on a mobile phone. This allows a user to register and add a preferred method of payment, for example a card or VIPPS. This only needs to be done once. Afterwards the user need only to scan the code on the SR to verify a payment.

[0034] If an SR is programmed for different functions, the user, upon presenting a card or scanning a QR code, will be able to choose a service or function.

[0035] In an alternated system, the SR can be connected to means for accepting money.

[0036] In Fig. 2 there is shown a use of the system. In one embodiment the system is used for a hotel having several rooms, each with an SR box 21 - 24. Each SR box controls a function. In Fig. 2 a box 24 controls a door lock 31 for a room. The SR box can then be connected to a key system, in the example a hotel booking where upon receiving confirmation of the booking the user is sent a code to a mobile phone that can be used to unlock the door to the hotel room. Alternatively, the user app may include means such that the user receives a QR code that can be used to gain access to the room. It is of course also possible for the user to be given a door card upon arrival.

[0037] All the SR boxes are connected to the internet via a server 20.

[0038] In another embodiment the system is used in a caravan park or similar. In this embodiment, SR box 21 may be set up for receiving payment, SR box 22 can be used to supply electricity and SR box 23 can be used to gain access to showers. All SR boxes will have an output to control a function. As an example, SR box 24 may be located at the entrance barrier and send signals to the barrier control unit 31 for access to the park.

[0039] The SR can also be programmed for several other uses. In one embodiment it includes a motion sensor. This can be used to verify that, for example, a shower cubicle is occupied and stop others from using the same. In another embodiment the SR can include an alarm, resulting in an action such as turning on lights or a camera.

[0040] The SR can be equipped to send text messages. It is also contemplated that it can make a call, having several prerecorded messages.

[0041] In yet another embodiment, the SR can be used to monitor equipment or supplies. For example, it can be used to monitor the supply of paper in a toilet and send a text message when it detects that the supply has reached a (low) threshold.

[0042] While the invention has been described other features and uses may be obvious for a person of skill.

Claims

Claims

1. System for admission control for services comprising a mounted box that has means for reading electronic data, for example via RF or Bluetooth, and that it is arranged to receive a payment for said services, including performing a function based on said readings, characterized in that it comprises means for internet communication with a remote server and that the function can be programmed from the server.

2. System according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a GPS reader.

3. System according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a QR reader.

4. System according to claim 1 , characterized in that it is connected to system for authorization of users.

5. System according to claim 1 , characterized in by the box that is connected to a power supply such as mains electricity.

6. System according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a build in battery, or separately connected.

7. System according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a facial recognition.

8. System according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises logging of telephone number and the time of the day.

9. System according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a connection to a solar power or vertical wind turbine as a power source.

10. System according to claim 1 , characterized by the function that may give admission to a service, such as unlocking a gate.11 . System according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a processing unit.

12. System for admission control for access to specific products comprising a box or handheld units that has means for reading electronic data, and that is arranged to receive a payment for said product, including performing afunction based upon said readings, characterized in that it comprises means for internet communication with a remote server and that function can be programmed from a server.

Images