U.S. patent application number 10/804872 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-09 for loan repay enforcement system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Payment Protection Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mueller, Ron, Simon, Frank, Simon, Mike.
Application Number | 20040177034 10/804872 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23465046 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040177034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simon, Frank ; et
al. |
September 9, 2004 |
Loan repay enforcement system
Abstract
A system to encourage on time repayment of loans includes
electronic apparatus coupled to a critical system of certain
equipment; for example, the ignition system of an automobile.
Apparatus includes mechanism whereby a user-operator is able to
enter a code. Entry of a correct code serves as indication that a
payment has been made and enables further use of the equipment. On
failure to timely make payments, a user is prevented from using the
equipment as the apparatus is arranged to disable the equipment by
way of the critical system to which it is coupled. Both a
user-operator interface and critical system interruption circuit
are coupled to a logic processor which is easily mounted onto
equipment subject to the program.
Inventors: |
Simon, Frank; (Bonsall,
CA) ; Simon, Mike; (Fallbrook, CA) ; Mueller,
Ron; (Bonita, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BURNS DOANE SWECKER & MATHIS L L P
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
Payment Protection Systems,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23465046 |
Appl. No.: |
10/804872 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10804872 |
Mar 19, 2004 |
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09634916 |
Aug 9, 2000 |
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09634916 |
Aug 9, 2000 |
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09371697 |
Aug 10, 1999 |
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6195648 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 25/04 20130101;
G06Q 40/00 20130101; G07F 17/0014 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101;
G06Q 40/025 20130101; B60R 2325/105 20130101; G07F 15/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/038 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of disabling a vehicle comprising: initializing a
vehicle disablement apparatus by loading a payment interval;
receiving a code via a keypad; comparing the code received via the
keypad with a reference code; and disabling a system which supports
causing ignition in an engine of the vehicle if, prior to the
expiration of the payment interval, there is no agreement between
the code received via the keypad and the reference code, wherein
said system includes only components not dedicated to directly
causing a spark to initiate combustion.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the initializing step further
comprises: connecting a host computing apparatus to a client
computing apparatus.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the initializing step further
comprises: providing the client computing apparatus with a database
including a plurality of payment due deadline data elements.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: computing a plurality
of payment due deadlines based on the payment interval.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: receiving another
code via the keypad; comparing the another code with another
reference code; and disabling the system which supports causing
ignition if, prior to the expiration of one of the plurality of
payment due deadlines, there is no agreement between the code
received via the keypad and the reference code, wherein the
reference code is associated with the one of the plurality of
payment due deadlines.
6. A method of disabling a vehicle comprising: initializing a
vehicle disablement apparatus by storing a plurality of reference
codes; receiving a code via a keypad; comparing the code received
via the keypad with the one of the reference codes; and disabling a
system which supports causing ignition in an engine of the vehicle
if, prior to the expiration of a payment interval, there is no
agreement between the code received via the keypad and the
reference code, wherein said system includes only components not
dedicated to directly causing a spark to initiate combustion.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the initializing step further
comprises: connecting a host computing apparatus to a client
computing apparatus.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the payment interval is loaded
during the initializing step.
9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: computing a plurality
of payment due deadlines based on the payment interval.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving another
code via the keypad; comparing the another code with another
reference code; and disabling the system which supports causing
ignition if, prior to the expiration of one of the plurality of
payment due deadlines, there is no agreement between the code
received via the keypad and the reference code, wherein the
reference code is associated with the one of the plurality of
payment due deadlines.
11. An apparatus for disabling a vehicle comprising: a memory which
is loaded with a payment interval during initialization of the
apparatus; a keypad which a receives code; a processor which
compares the received code with a reference code; and an
interruption circuit which disables a system which supports causing
ignition in an engine of the vehicle if there is no agreement
between the received code and the reference code prior to the
expiration of the interval, wherein said system includes only
components not dedicated to directly causing a spark to initiate
combustion.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a connector
which connects a host computing apparatus to a client computing
apparatus for initialization.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the memory stores a database
including a plurality of payment due deadline data elements
provided by the host computing apparatus.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, the processor computes a plurality
of payment due deadlines based on the payment interval.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/634,916, entitled "Loan Repay Enforcement System", filed
Aug. 9, 2000, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/371,697, filed Aug. 10, 1999 entitled "Loan Repay Enforcement
System", each of which are incorporated by reference here in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The following invention disclosure is generally concerned
with electronic systems for disabling equipment in response to
failure to make timely payments on a corresponding loan.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Systems have been introduced to interrupt the ignition
system of an automobile on a regular, timed interval. To re-enable
the car, a user is required return to a payment center, make a
payment, and have an agent reset the interrupt mechanism for a
renewed timed interval. The system can only be reset by an
authorized agent as it requires a key held in escrow at the payment
center. While the system is effective in encouraging customers to
repay their auto loans in timely fashion, it has extreme overhead
considerations. The system requires a customer to travel to the
payment center each payment period of the loan. Of course, this
prevents the user from taking extended travel without first making
an advanced payment. In addition, a user must arrive at the payment
center during the hours in which it is open. Still further, a user
must wait to receive the attention of the agent. As these problems
pose considerable inconvenience, these systems suffer from limited
utility. It is desirable to automate the reset process so a user is
not required to travel to a payment center.
[0006] Monthly payments to utility companies are made with very
high reliability. This is partly due to the threat of service
cut-off. Failure to pay a phone bill, will result in loss of
telephone services. Thus, phone bills are paid regularly because
failure to do so has immediate and tangible results. Monthly
payments on an automobile loan are not likely to be as regular.
Although a car may be repossessed, the process is expensive and
complex and thus the threat of doing so is less immediate than
telephone service cut-off. To encourage reliable loan re-payments,
it is desirable to have a `service` cut-off for equipment related
to loans.
[0007] Techniques have been discovered which provide very novel
uses of automobile ignition interruption systems, particularly with
respect to those which may be reset with minimal intrusion and
burden upon a user's freedom. While systems and inventions of the
art are designed to achieve particular goals and objectives, some
of those being no less than remarkable, these inventions have
limitations which prevent their use in new ways now possible. These
inventions are not used and cannot be used to realize the
advantages and objectives of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Comes now, Frank Simon, Mike Simon, and Ron Mueller with an
invention of a loan repayment system including devices for and
methods of interrupting a critical system of equipment in response
to failure to make timely payments.
[0009] A critical system interruption circuit in communication with
a logic processing unit operates to disable and enable equipment in
response to loan payments being timely made. When a user makes a
payment on an outstanding loan, usually a loan related to the
equipment, a logic processor is notified of the action. The logic
processor drives a switch coupled to a critical system interruption
means to enable or disable the equipment in accordance with payment
receipt.
[0010] In some preferred versions, when a user makes a payment on
an outstanding car loan, a code is released to the user. The user
then operates a user-operator interface connected to a logic
processing unit to convey the code. Once the code is verified, the
logic processing unit manipulates the automobile ignition
interruption circuit to enable the car.
[0011] In example, an ignition interruption circuit is arranged to
disable and enable an automobile in response to loan payments being
timely made. When a user makes a loan payment, the code is released
to the user from a payment center. The user operates a user
interface to convey the code to a logic processing unit. Upon
verification, the logic processing unit operates an interruption
circuit to enable the automobile for further use. Thus it becomes
possible to interrupt service of equipment in response to failure
to timely receive payments on a loan associated with the
equipment.
[0012] In agreement, apparatus of the invention include: a critical
system interruption circuit operable for enabling and disabling a
critical system of certain equipment; a logic processing unit
having a reference code generation and storage facility and
comparator. And in some versions, a user interface operable for
receiving a numeric code from a user and conveying that numeric
code to the logic processing unit is included.
[0013] Methods of the invention may be summarized as those which
include the steps: computing a payment due deadline, generating a
reference code which corresponds to the deadline, receiving a code
at a logic processing unit, comparing the received code to the
reference code, disabling a critical system if a correct code is
not received before a present time exceeds a payment due deadline;
enabling a critical system on receipt of correct code; and
computing subsequent payment due deadline and generating a
reference code which corresponds to the subsequent deadline.
[0014] In some preferred uses of systems of the invention, a user
who purchases a car from a dealer agrees to have the system
installed on the purchased automobile to protect the lender from
late payments on an outstanding loan. On initiation, parameters
which relate to loan terms, for example total number of payments
and payment interval, are loaded into a system memory from a server
unit. The logic processing unit computes a deadline time which
corresponds to the due date and time for receipt of a payment. When
a user makes a payment on time in agreement with loan terms, the
payment agency releases a predetermined alpha-numeric code to the
user. The user then enters the code via a user interface so that
the logic processing unit can process the code for verification. If
the code matches a reference code stored or generated within the
device, then the logic processing unit puts the ignition
interruption circuit in a state which enables the car's ignition
system. A user who fails to make a payment will not receive the
code necessary to `unlock` the system. If the user fails to enter
the proper code by the time the deadline passes, the car is put
into a disabled state by way of interruption of the ignition until
payment is made. Thus the logic processing unit is provided an
indication that timely payment was made via receipt of a correct
code.
[0015] The invention thus stands in contrast to methods and devices
known. The invention includes a critical system interruption
mechanism which can be operated without being returned to the
payment center. Systems of the art require returning to a payment
center.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is a primary object of the invention to provide systems
to improve timely repayment of a loan.
[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide a system which
can be operated without having to bring equipment to a
predetermined location.
[0018] It is an object of the invention to provide systems to
enable and disable equipment in response to receipt of loan
payments.
[0019] It is a further object to provide systems which interrupt a
critical system of equipment in response to a failure to receive a
code in due time.
[0020] A better understanding can be had with reference to the
detailed description of preferred embodiments and with reference to
appended drawings. These embodiments represent particular ways to
realize the invention and are not inclusive of all ways possible.
Therefore, there may exist embodiments that do not deviate from the
spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth by the claims, but
do not appear here as specific examples. It will be appreciated
that a great plurality of alternative versions are possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0021] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims and drawings where:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram which describes arrangement of
elements in an apparatus of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram which describes arrangement of
steps in a method of the invention; and
[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram which relates methods and
apparatus together.
GLOSSARY
[0025] Throughout this disclosure, reference is made to some terms
which may or may not be exactly defined in popular dictionaries as
they are defined here. To provide more precise disclosure, the
following definition of terms are presented with a view to clarity
so that the true breadth and scope may be more readily appreciated.
Although every attempt is made to be precise and thorough, it is a
necessary condition that not all meanings associated with each term
can be completely set forth. Accordingly, each term is intended to
also include its common meaning which may be derived from general
usage within pertinent arts or by dictionary meaning. Where the
presented definition is in conflict with a dictionary or arts
definition, one must consider the context of use and liberal
discretion to arrive at an intended meaning. One will be well
advised to err on the side of attaching broader meanings to terms
used in order to fully appreciate the depth of the teaching and to
understand all intended variations.
[0026] Enable/Disable
[0027] Use of the word `enable` or `disable` means to cause a
system to become operable or to cause a system to become inoperable
in a temporary fashion whereby the state of operability may be
toggled therebetween operable and inoperable states.
[0028] Payment Center
[0029] A payment center is a facility for receiving payments and
dispensing codes in response to said receipt of payments. It may be
an automatic or a partially automatic system whereby use of a
database and dial-up access with electronic communication or radio
frequency transmission of codes is fully anticipated.
[0030] Code
[0031] `Code` refers to any combination of numbers or letters or
even symbols which may be represented in a digital domain such as
in ASCII format; the code being represented in binary facilitates
manipulation via computer processing means.
[0032] Critical System
[0033] `Critical system` refers to any system or sub-system which
is necessary for the proper function of some related piece of
equipment.
[0034] Ignition
[0035] `Ignition` refers to the entire electrical system of a car
and all systems which support causing ignition in an engine.
Although `ignition` generally refers to the portion of electronics
dedicated causing a spark to initiate combustion, for purposes of
this invention, `ignition` is to be taken quite broadly. For
example, if a car is disabled because a fuel pump is rendered
inoperative, or if a door or other security system is maintained in
a locked condition, it is meant that `ignition` is interrupted. One
will appreciate that ignition does not occur when fuel is cut-off
thus ignition is interrupted.
[0036] Logic Processing Unit
[0037] `Logic processing unit` refers to any logic processor,
microcontroller, microprocessor or other computer type device
operable for executing program code and performing logic operations
without limitation to any particular type or class of
processor.
[0038] Equipment
[0039] `Equipment` refers to machinery, instruments, and tools,
both mechanical and electronic, which have systems or sub-systems
which may be exposed to interruption. Equipment includes things
like automobiles; machinery used in factories, such as conveyors
and packaging tools; construction tools such as chain saws and
jackhammers; instruments used in research facilities such as
electron microscopes and spectrometers; and instruments used in
hospitals, such as radiometers and gamma knives.
[0040] Automobile
[0041] The term `automobile` is intended to include cars, trucks,
tractors, cranes, boats, jet-skis, snowmobiles, motorcycles,
recreational vehicles, airplanes et cetera. Each of these types of
vehicles is comprised of an ignition system. Although in various
parts of the invention reference is made to cars, it is to be
appreciated that the invention works equally as well with other
types of vehicles and thus automobile is to be interpreted without
limit to cars but rather to any vehicle having an ignition
system.
[0042] Nouns Which are Functional in Nature or Include the
Modifier: "Means"
[0043] In addition to the terms described above, for purposes of
this disclosure full meaning of certain nouns which are functional
in nature, a `functional noun`, may be more readily appreciated in
view of the following note.
[0044] A functional noun indicates that something is done, is
caused, or simply occurs. Many forms of alternates may be used to
accomplish the identical event. The particular choice of an object
may be selected in view of a particular task at hand, however, in
view of other tasks, one may choose a different object where both
objects are useful in producing the mentioned function. Thus, it is
not the object onto which importance be placed, but rather the
function.
[0045] The essence of the invention is not changed by any
particular choice of an object. Versions of the invention should
not be limited to one particular type of object when a functional
noun is used. The limitation described by functional noun is met
when the function occurs. Therefore, by use of a functional noun it
is meant that any conceivable means for causing the function is
part of the invention. Experts will recognize many thousands of
possible ways of accomplishing the identical function with
alternative objects and it will not serve a further understanding
of the invention to attempt to catalogue them. The reader will
appreciate that the broadest possible definition of a functional
noun is intended here. The following are examples of nouns used
herein which are functional in nature:
[0046] Reference Code Providing Means
[0047] A reference code providing means is an device which provides
a reference code to a logic control processor. It may be a simple
array of numbers stored in conventional memory or may be program
code which executes an algorithm to generate a reference code to be
provided.
[0048] Comparison Means (Comparator)
[0049] A comparison means, herein `comparator`, is a device for
comparing a first code to a second code and returning a binary
result in agreement with the comparison. The comparison may be one
which tests for coincidence between codes or one which tests for
cooperation between codes. For example, if the codes are identical
a binary `1` can be returned or if the codes are different but
merely cooperate under some rule, a binary `1` can be returned.
[0050] Interface Means
[0051] An `interface means`, herein `user interface`, is a device
which allows a user to transmit to a logic processor a code.
[0052] Interruption Means
[0053] An `interruption means`, herein `ignition interruption
circuit` or `ignition interruption mechanism`, is a device which
causes interruption of critical systems of equipment.
[0054] Terms which are functional in nature like those above may be
used throughout this disclosure including the claims. For example,
`means for` or `step for` followed by a phrase describing a
function. One should remain mindful that any particular object
provided as an example is not meant to limit the functional noun to
that example but rather the example is provided to further
illustrate certain preferred possibilities. Thus the `means for` or
`step for` should not be limited to any particular structure which
may be called out but rather to any conceivable means of causing
the function described to be effected. The reader will recognize it
is the function to be carried out which is the essence of the
invention and many alternative means for causing the function to
occur may exist without detracting from any combination or
combinations taught as part of the invention.
[0055] Although preferred embodiments discussed here in detail are
primarily directed to automobiles, one will appreciate that other
types of equipment may be equally subjected to similar programs
intended to protect a lender. For example, `equipment` may include
an air conditioner where a compressor is a critical system which
may be interrupted. Alternatively, equipment may be an elevator
having an control module as a critical system. Thus, operation of
the elevator can be controlled in response to on-time loan
payments. Any equipment which exposes a critical system to an
interrupt means may be coupled to systems of this invention whereby
operation of the equipment can be held as encouragement to repay
loan payments in accordance with loan terms. Thus the true breadth
of the invention should be limited only by the claims attached
hereto without regard for particular examples set forth here for
illustration.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0056] In accordance with each of the preferred embodiments of the
invention, there is provided apparatus for and methods of a loan
repayment system. It will be appreciated that each of the
embodiments described include both an apparatus and a method and
that the apparatus and method of one preferred embodiment may be
different than the apparatus and method of another embodiment.
Apparatus of the Invention
[0057] With reference to the drawing figures a full and complete
appreciation of best modes of the invention can be gained. FIG. 1
illustrates a block diagram of basic apparatus of the invention. An
automobile 1 having a standard ignition system 2 is in electrical
communication with a device of this invention. The device
comprising: an ignition interruption mechanism 3; in communication
with a logic processing unit 4; including a reference code
providing means 5, a comparator 6, and a memory 7; is further in
communication with a user interface 8. A payment center 9 which
provides codes to a user is also depicted. Although the automobile
and payment center are not considered elements of apparatus taught
here, they relate intimately therewith thus they are shown via
their relationship with elements of apparatus.
[0058] Critical System Interruption Circuit
[0059] An ignition interruption circuit may be coupled to ignition
wires leading from a standard ignition keyswitch. In simplest
terms, the ignition interruption mechanism may be described as a
circuit breaking switch. Arranged serially, either switch, the
keyswitch or the ignition interruption mechanism, will operate to
cause an open circuit in the ignition primary rendering the
ignition disabled. An ignition interruption circuit is further in
communication with a logic processing unit. The logic processing
unit operates the ignition interruption circuit in accordance with
events which occur there. The logic processing unit generates
commands to direct the ignition interruption circuit to take either
of two alternative states. A `disabled` state corresponds to an
`open` ignition circuit while an `enabled` state corresponds to a
`closed` ignition circuit. The logic processing unit causes the
ignition interruption circuit to switch between these two
states.
[0060] User Interface
[0061] A user interface is coupled to the logic processing unit in
order to convey to it a code. An alpha-numeric type code such as a
PIN number for example, may be transmitted from the user interface
to the logic processing unit for comparison to a reference code.
While preferred versions of the invention include a simple keypad
for tactile entry of a numeric code by a user, other versions are
possible. Tumbler combination locks, slider element devices, and
point-and-click user interfaces all are examples of alternative
forms of user interfaces. A user interface is provided to allow a
user to convey a code to a computer. Accordingly, use of an
alternative user interface will not lend novelty to any version of
an apparatus not explicitly presented here. A user interface allows
a user in communication with a payment center to receive codes
therefrom and cause those codes to be entered and transmitted to
the logic processing unit for comparison.
[0062] Logic Processing Unit
[0063] A logic processing unit may be a microcontroller of a
standard sort sometimes referred to as `off-the-shelf` devices or
alternatively may be a custom designed microcircuit having specific
application. Although strictly speaking a `logic processing unit`
may be distinct from support elements such as a memory, for
purposes of this disclosure `logic processing unit` is used to
refer to the entire computing facility which may include a memory,
a comparator and other support elements. FIG. 1 shows this
relationship where a reference code providing means 5 and a
comparator 6 are presented within the bounds of the microcontroller
4. The logic processing unit may include other support elements
such as power supply control, read-only memory, input-output
facility, and other elements typically used in conjunction with
microcontrollers or microprocessors. Logic processing units of the
invention are set to execute code which is predetermined at an
initialization step. As the preset code is not dynamic, the logic
processing unit is not considered a user-programmable device. Its
purpose is to execute coded instructions which enable the
functionality described herein this disclosure.
[0064] A grace period may be included as part of the deadline for
payment. Under terms of the loan, a payment becomes due at some
discrete time. However, because of inconsistencies in the mails or
other payment transmission difficulties, systems of the invention
may be arranged to provide a grace period. A grace period allows
equipment to operate normally after the time for payment has past
but where no payment has been received, recorded, and reported via
entry of a code. During the grace period, various indications and
warnings may be provided to a user at the equipment. For example, a
display may be arranged to deliver a message which indicates
impending interruption. Alternatively, an audio signal may be
provided to alert a user to the condition that payment is
overdue.
[0065] One will appreciate that in rare cases of emergency,
provision for override may be useful. For example, if a car is
disabled for lack of timely payment, then a special code to be used
only in case of emergency may temporarily re-enable the car. Thus a
person in dire need of medical help may be transported with an
otherwise disabled car when the emergency code is employed. By
agreement, one can be charged heavy fines for misuse of emergency
codes. In this way, non-emergency use is highly discouraged. The
system is made secure against use outside designed limits while
still accommodating occasional emergencies.
[0066] Fraudulent attempts to enable equipment may be accompanied
by surreptitious entry of random codes. This may easily be detected
at the logic processor and devices of the invention may be arranged
to respond. When a predetermined number of bad code entries is
detected, the system may be made to block further entry of codes.
For example, when three consecutive bad codes are attempted, the
system can be made to ignore further entry for a predetermined
amount of time.
[0067] Some alternative versions of the invention omit use of a
user interface. Where stationary equipment can easily be put into
automatic communication with a payment center, for example via a
simple telephone line connection, a user interface may be replaced
by a modem and telephone line. The logic processing unit can then
receive transmission of codes directly from the payment center
without user input whatever. One will appreciate that there is
nothing sacred about a telephone line hook-up and other
communication means may work in similar fashion. Paging technology
which transmits messages by radio frequency also works well.
Equipment having a pager in communication with a logic processor
unit could receive codes to activate the systems. Thus, any means
of conveying a code from a payment center to a piece of equipment
should be considered as part of the invention.
Methods of the Invention
[0068] With reference to drawing FIG. 2, preferred methods of the
invention include a step to compute a plurality of payment
deadlines 21. In agreement with repayment terms of an automobile
loan, a plurality of deadlines for receipt of payments is provided.
Information relating to date and time of loan initialization,
lifetime of the loan, total number of payments to be made, payment
frequency, grace period, emergency override code, and perhaps other
information (i.e. re-enable, reset procedures), is used for
computing payment deadlines. A payment deadline represents the time
by which a payment must be received at a payment center in order
that the terms of the loan be met. Payment deadlines may be
computed at initialization of the (loan) system or may be computed
at various times thereafter initialization. In either case,
deadlines computed may be used to generate reference codes.
[0069] In some versions of the invention, a host/client
relationship is established with regard to computing facility. A
host which may run software appropriate for systems administration
can be connected to a client computing apparatus for downloading of
important data like code schemes and particular deadlines. After
initialization operations, the host may be separated from the
client where the client has been programmed with important code
information.
[0070] A logic processing unit includes facility to provide
reference codes which correspond to computed deadlines. Algorithms
used to generate reference codes are well known to the payment
center which supplies corresponding codes to a user. A careful
observer will note that the reference code provider may be arranged
to merely store an array of reference codes generated in a set-up
procedure during initialization of the system. The reference codes
are then periodically recalled from the memory for a comparison
step. As an alternative, it is possible to generate reference codes
in real time in agreement with some algorithm. For example, a
useful reference code may simply be a number equal to the number of
days since a predetermined date set at initialization. In either
case, the reference code providing means of the logic processing
unit provides a reference code 22, whether it be from memory or one
generated in real time, to a comparison means or comparator.
[0071] In a parallel step 23, a code may be received from a user.
This may occur at any time prior to a present payment deadline
without causing interruption of the ignition. A user having made a
timely payment, that payment having been properly received and
logged in the payment center, is entitled disclosure of the code
which releases the mechanism from causing an interruption. In
preferred embodiments, a user mails a payment to the payment center
in advance of the deadline. When enough time has past for the
center to have received and processed the payment, the user can
call the payment center on a telephone and identify the loan. In
response, the payment center can check its database and verify
receipt of payment. After verification, the payment center will
disclose to the user the code which can be used to release the
timed interrupt-mechanism. Having the code, the user can then enter
it via the user interface of the device. Thus, in methods of the
invention, a code from a user is received at a user interface.
[0072] A comparison of codes 24 is made in the logic processing
unit. Upon receipt of a code entry from a user, the logic
processing unit is triggered to perform a comparison of codes. The
reference code which corresponds to an immediate payment deadline
is compared to the code entered by the user. Either of two results
drives the next step. If there is agreement between the codes, the
logic processing unit operates the interruption circuit to leave
the ignition enabled 25 without interruption. If there is no
agreement between the user entered code and the reference code,
then the logic processing unit operates the interruption circuit to
cause the ignition to be disabled 26.
[0073] It is important to note that, if agreement exists between
the entered and reference codes, the result of the comparison step
sets a positive indicator in the logic processing unit, which
indicator must be present at the occurrence of the payment deadline
to avoid causing the ignition to be interrupted
[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates one preferred version of the entire
system with more precision where steps of methods are shown in
their relationships with elements of devices. A user 31 causes a
payment to be transmitted 32 to a payment center 33 where it is
received and logged into records. In response to receipt of that
payment, the payment center dispenses 34 a predetermined code to
the user. The user then enters 35 the code via tactile entry upon a
user interface 36 such as a simple keypad device. The user
interface conveys 37 the code to the comparator portion of a logic
processing unit 38. A reference code provider 39 provides 310 a
reference code to the comparator 311. A comparison operation 312 is
made to arrive at either of two distinct results. Either agreement
is found with regard to the reference code and the code entered by
the user, or no agreement is found. In the case of agreement, a
reset operation 313 sends feedback 314 to the reference code
provider to determine a new reference code which corresponds to the
next payment deadline, while an enable 315 step causes the ignition
interruption circuit 316 to be operated such that the ignition is
enabled without regard to its prior state.
[0075] In the case where agreement is not found, an agreement
indicator is left in a negative state. On arrival of a payment due
deadline or end of a grace period a check of the state of the
indicator is made. If the indicator is in a negative state, the
ignition interruption circuit is operated to cause the ignition to
be disabled 319. Devices of the invention may be coupled to an
automobile 320 having a standard ignition 321.
[0076] In some preferred embodiments, when a payment deadline
passes, a grace period begins. During the grace period, the user is
notified via an indicator, for example a visual or an audio signal,
that the grace period has been activated. During the grace period,
the automobile remains operable and the ignition is not
interrupted. However, the indicator serves as a warning of the
impending interruption in service. If the grace period is exceeded
and proper code has still not been entered, then the automobile is
disabled. This embodiment is considered a mere subset of the above
described systems. The grace period being a limited extension of
time before interruption of the ignition occurs.
[0077] Alternative versions exist where the user interface is made
redundant and is omitted entirely. For example, in the case of
equipment which is an elevator or air conditioner a user interface
can be eliminated and the system made automatic. A standard phone
jack can be installed into the case of an air conditioner. Complete
installation of the air conditioner includes plugging an active
phone line into the jack. In this way, the logic processor of the
air conditioner is put into communication with the payment center
via a modem. The air conditioner can automatically be put into
communication with the payment center on a periodic basis to
receive codes which may be made available in response to receipt of
payments.
[0078] One will now fully appreciate how an electronic device is
arranged and operates to encourage timely loan payments by
disabling an automobile ignition. Further, that the device may be
reset remotely and does not require being physically present at a
loan center to be properly reset. Although the present invention
has been described in considerable detail with clear and concise
language and with reference to certain preferred versions thereof
including the best mode anticipated by the inventor, other versions
are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention
should not be limited by the description of the preferred versions
contained therein, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
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