Dishwasher Wash-Cycle Authorization for Usage-Based Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for selling industrial goods, such as dishwashers, face challenges in implementing new technologies, tracing usage, and conducting recall campaigns due to lack of direct contact between buyers and sellers, leading to inefficiencies and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dishwasher with a memory unit for storing an identification number and key, a data input unit for entering a washing cycle ticket number, and an authorization unit that checks the ticket's validity to enable or block wash cycles, allowing for usage-based billing and secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dishwasher is sold to the customer, then the customer owns the dishwasher and can use it indefinitely, but the manufacturer cannot trace usage or implement recalls and new technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a licensing system as an intermediary between the manufacturer and customer. Instead of direct ownership transfer, the manufacturer licenses the dishwasher to the customer through a licensing server that manages activation codes and usage rights. This intermediary enables traceability and control while maintaining customer access to the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through the licensing server that communicates with the dishwasher's control unit. The server receives usage information from the dishwasher and provides licensing decisions back, enabling the manufacturer to track usage patterns, enforce licensing terms, and implement recalls or updates while the customer retains operational control during the licensed period.
2Reliability
If the dishwasher requires a password for operation, then unauthorized use is prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The licensing verification is performed preliminarily before the dishwasher becomes operational. The control unit checks the licensing status and activation code before allowing the washing cycle to start. This preliminary check prevents unauthorized use without requiring continuous password entry during operation, as the verification happens once at the beginning of each licensed period.
3Productivity
If the number of washing cycles is limited by licensing, then usage-based billing is enabled, but the productivity is reduced for the customer
Solution Approach 1:
The licensing system dynamically adjusts the number of permitted washing cycles based on the licensing agreement between the manufacturer and customer. The control unit reads the licensing information from the memory unit and automatically enforces the cycle limit. This dynamic control enables usage-based billing while providing flexibility for different licensing scenarios, such as unlimited cycles for a fixed period or limited cycles for a rental fee.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher (100) comprising a memory unit (110) for storing an identification number (ID) and a key (S), which permit unambiguous identification of the dishwasher (100). The dishwasher (100) further comprises a data entry unit (120) for the entry of a washing cycle voucher number (SBN), wherein it is possible for a number of permitted washing cycles to be derived from the washing cycle voucher number (SBN). The dishwasher (100) additionally comprises an authorization unit (130) which is designed to check whether the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) is valid for the dishwasher (100) that is identified by the identification number (ID) and the key (S), and which is further designed, in the event of a positive identification, to release the dishwasher (100) for the number of washing cycles by using the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) or, in the event of a negative identification, to block the dishwasher (100).